Semi finals

Two average teams in the semi tonight, but only one of them has a game-changer in their side.

Argies to edge it against the Netherlands, then get humped by the Fatherland in the final.
 
I think there were definite signs in the q final that some of the other Argies could play a bit. At least until half time anyway then they retreated into their shells for me. I think they'll miss di Maria for all that he's put in a shocker or two. Hard to see them defending as shockingly as Brazil and Holland also have several weak links in defence. Wide open IMO


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Taking away Messi and Robben, the 2 players who can be said to make their teams one-man teams, do you think Holland are a better all round team?
 
On what basis? Sneidjer has been average, RVP has been poor apart from the Spain game and the rest are terrible. Dirk Kuyt might be one of the worst players at the Tournament.
 
just on the basis of nearly falling asleep when the Argies play..not scientific or stats based or player based..just a general feeling that Holland have played better..overall

just my view..i'll back Holland to win it..no big deal to me..i only have interest bets on this stuff...if you guys are putting big wonga on then just ignore me..go with your instincts
 
I think the Dutch back 3 are 3 of the worst footballers in the tournament, and whilst the Argies are poor enough themselves, I reckon the Dutch could get taken apart by 3/4. De Vrij (sp) is okay, Martins Indy and Vlaar play like Sunday league players. It's funny to watch how when they receive a pass, they have to stop it and pass it on only after it's under control - it's like it's their first ever game of football!
 
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We know that Brazil were shocking last night, but is the massive improvement shown by the Germans down to just this or to Lahm being moved to his best position or a combination of both?
Prior to last night Germany had looked very mediocre, (lucky to avoid defeat against both Algeria and Ghana, and hardly impressive against France).

Maybe they are just going through the gears and are peaking at the right moment?
I have a feeling the Argies may do similar
 
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The Lahm move hugely significant, imo.

Reverting to a flat back-four and putting five across the middle (with Klose as lone striker) has allowed the Germans to not only dominate posession, but has given licence to Kedira (less so), Schweinstieger, Kroos and Muller to roam all over the pitch, making them next to impossible to mark - and generating attacks from both flanks and up the middle. With Lahm controlling a very high-line, Germany are effectively able to switch from defence to attack very quickly, without resorting to the kind of Route-One tactics that Brazil were guilty of.

He might have been pressured into it, but regardless, Loew has pulled-off a tatical master-stroke, and I don't see either the Argies or the Dutch being ablw to contain the German's swarming attacks.

Hansen and Lawrenson can kiss my hoop. :D
 
I can hardly believe that one switch of position between midfield and full back explains such a capitulation

They found their way into the game quickly (good to see boateng front up the diver ...sent a message) and sensed blood from a nerve wracked shapeless side. They had done their homework too. They ended up playing a nervous breakdown
 
Grass. A half decent coach would have quickly adapted to it or at least foreseen. Its not exactly an unusual tactic is it.

Big Tosser is clueless and couldnt change his underpants let alone a formation. im no big fan of ramires but clearly at the very least they needed his pest qualities as well as his endless drive and energy

Stevie wonder could have seen what was wrong
 
It's not just one switch of position, Hamm - it's an entirely different approach to the game tactically.

Lahm was playing so deep in midfield in the first two games, the Jerries were playing an effective 5-3-2.....they're now playing a 4-5-1, allowing them to dominate possession, and break forward much more quickly, due to Labm marshalling the line so high.

In terms of their set-up, there's night-and-day between their first two games and their last two. :cool:
 
Brazil underperformed though Grass..even from what we have seen previously..there is no way they could have been as bad as last night..and got to the semis in the other games

its made Gemany look better than they are..yes they are probably pretty good...but its over egged them a bit
 
bit too "playstation" Grass. State of mind was the key. Nerve went after first goal. Managers and players

its not hard to counter a 4-5-1 with top experienced players with discipline.
 
Agree Ec. There was no tactical genius at play (and i respect and like the coach a lot)

And its not difficult to score if the tackles are being made by Larry Grayson
 
clivex said:
bit too "playstation" Grass. State of mind was the key. Nerve went after first goal. Managers and players

its not hard to counter a 4-5-1 with top experienced players with discipline.
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It is if you go three at the back, and your midfielders can't hang onto the ball.

Clearly, Brazil were worse than useless - I'm not dispuing that. The question was asked about whether the Lahm position-change was significant. I think it was, for the reasons previously articulated.

As for 'Playstation', I haven't played FIFA in as long as ai haven't been to a football match - about 15 years. I don't even watch football outside the World Cup or the Euros. I just happen to be a tactical genius, when it comes to the Peasant's Game. :p

:D
 
viking said:
I think there were definite signs in the q final that some of the other Argies could play a bit.
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They were getting criticism before the qtr's for players always looking for Messi rather than taking responsibility, some reports going as far as saying Messi was in control of the team not the manager.

I agree they played more like of a team v Belgium but I was not impressed enough to be confident they are clicking into gear like the Germans did.

Struggling to find a bet, BTTS is a bit skinny but maybe a couple of anytime scorers but only really like Sneijder 4/1 or Higuain 13/5...

I could do with a Messi bagging a brace or more to help my pre-tourn bets but expecting the worst.
 
Yes, I've no idea how this game will go after last night. I also need Messi to hit a couple as the 8/1 I have about him being top scorer is the only bet I have still going. I'm tempted to take the profit to recoup the Brazil-Argentina final bet which went t1ts up last night.
 
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