Round of 16

Flagship uberalles said:
They are so vulnerable to balls played in behind. France should absolutely muller them.
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Do you think that's a general weakness or just one that was evident on the night, Flagship?

I thought it was overall a disappointing performance from Germany. Never really had their normal fluency. I suspect they had half an eye on the next round. I think, though, that even last night's performance would be good enough to beat France, who look very ordinary to me.
 
Desert Orchid said:
Do you think that's a general weakness or just one that was evident on the night, Flagship?

I thought it was overall a disappointing performance from Germany. Never really had their normal fluency. I suspect they had half an eye on the next round. I think, though, that even last night's performance would be good enough to beat France, who look very ordinary to me.
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In general. Their defenders are very slow. Lahm isn't exactly blessed with pace either as a holding midfielder. You could see this during the group match vs Ghana there were problems.

It just amazes me that he won't play Lahm where he should be playing (either full back position) - there are enough midfielders already. If Algeria had a bit more composure and a better final ball, they would be out.
 
Fair enough.

I'm just not sure they are normally as vulnerable. They certainly gave away possession much more readily than normal and gave Algeria every opportunity to capitalise upon it but the bottom line is that Algeria weren't good/composed/confident/whatever enough to do so.

It's a phenomenon we we see often enough in the league or cup. On paper an easy game. A top six team taking on a lesser side. The big team isn't as focused as they would be against a top six side, the diddy team is right up for it and take the big team to the wire. Sometimes they get the win, sometimes they giant-kill but in the big scheme of things the big team will take more from the game going forward.

I think Germany will analyse last night to death and come out all guns blazing against France, who might see things differently.
 
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Germany missed Hummels quite badly. I'd go with Lahm at left back, Boateng on the right and Khedira midfield. I also think that, to get the best out of Muller, Schurrle works better than Gotze.
 
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Spot on Archie with all those (though Schurrle needs someone to explain when to shoot and when not to). Low needs to grow a pair...
 
harry said:
France won't muller anyone.

They have to rely on midfield goals because their strikers are donkeys. Benzema is regressing to the mean :D and Giroud.....nothing really needs to be said:lol:

I hope the South Americans destroy Germany or France
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If Germany line up with the same team and formation as last night, they should be beaten by half time against France. Only possible question is if France have enough confidence to go for it full throttle.
 
Any thoughts on this evening's first game? I could see Argentina running away with it IF they scored early, but their defence will offer the swiss a chance should they swiss keep it tight. I am thinking Argentina minus 1 on the Asian at 2.1 the best bet.

I think Aguero missing out will help the balance of the team and Higuain should be sharper with 3 games under his belt.
 
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Flagship uberalles said:
If Germany line up with the same team and formation as last night, they should be beaten by half time against France. Only possible question is if France have enough confidence to go for it full throttle.
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IF they change their team as we all hope, do you think playing a better team who won't be as defensive will help Germany?
 
Hamm said:
Any thoughts on this evening's first game? I could see Argentina running away with it IF they scored early, but their defence will offer the swiss a chance should they swiss keep it tight. I am thinking Argentina minus 1 on the Asian at 2.1 the best bet.

I think Aguero missing out will help the balance of the team and Higuain should be sharper with 3 games under his belt.
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I believe it could be a cagey affair, and hence have bet accordingly ,

correct score 0-0
draw h/t
Argentina to win in extra time
Argentina to win in penalties
 
The Argies are over 3/1 to win both halves tonight, which is good enough for me. Switzerland are journeymen, and I can see them getting toasted this evening.
 
I think the Argies will win well too, I have just added Messi to score 2 or more @ 3/1 plus my bets from earlier:

Double today Belgium (-1) & the overs in the Argentina/Swiss game it pays just under 6/1, also backed Hazard to score anytime at 12/5
 
Jakers said:
I hope the bookies think along the same lines regarding the USA and lengthen Belgium, I would like like the US to win but I think their style will suit Belgium, bit of a grinder of a game but Belgium with to much savvy and Hazard the danger man 1-0 or 2-0, probably back Hazard to score anytime.

I fancy France strongly and the Dutch superior fire power to see them through also think Algeria will cause Germany problems they have plenty of runners in their team and dangerous at set pieces, it will be close but I expect the Germans will prevail in the end.
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This is my post from page one Hamm, saves writing it again.
 
Hamm said:
IF they change their team as we all hope, do you think playing a better team who won't be as defensive will help Germany?
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Given that their defence looked very weak last night, I think they need to be very wary of being too attacking - if they push up too much with either full back, France will be very keen to exploit any space in behind (as they did so well against Switzerland). Lahm could end up being dragged all over the show to try and cover if he is the holding midfielder.

I think it will be really difficult for Low to get his tactics right against France. France seem equally happy with the ball or can switch to play a very effective counter attacking game - at this stage they are my idea of the winners. Also lots of bench options - Remy is bound to offer something as well if given a chance.
 
This game is just confirming to me that the supposed big teams all look vulnerable and the more I think about it the more Colombia look hugely overvalued.
 
That creature playing for Argentina with a rats tail hanging from his bald patch is hilarious
 
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