he targets pockets of space and makes things happen by running with pace and close control. i'm on the edge of my seat every time he gets the ball. there aren't many players in world football capable of that and that makes him a special player. what's not to like?
Is it just me or is the standard overall lower than four years ago? Four years ago we had Spain looking incredible, the Dutch in their prime, Italy much stronger and the Germans as an exciting fresh young team. This time round, yes the Dutch were made to look good because they have a strong front three, but it's really only the Germans who have improved markedly.
I think it probably is a little lower, My feeling this is one is going to be like 2002 which to be fair wasn't great in standard but very good to watch.
well i personally thought the world cup in south africa was by a considerable distance the worst world cup i'd seen (i can remember 1990 onwards). the football has perhaps been a little more direct during this tournament which has helped, as we've seen more play in the attacking third and plenty more goals. and despite protestations during the opening two or three games, i think the refereeing has been much better too. games have been allowed to flow and despite some 'hefty' challenges, referees haven't resorted to sending players off left right and centre, which has made for a better, more even spectacle. this year it is wide open and that again, makes it more exciting. i'm genuinely struggling to pick a winner yet last time out it was spain who were clear favourites throughout. is the standard lower? impossible to say until the final ball has been kicked. i'd say its fractionally higher with many of the deemed lesser nations such as bosnia, mexico and belgium all becoming bigger threats to the better sides and even england have been improving their style.
Yeah, fair point - which is essentially what Guru was saying with it being more exciting. I suppose what I mean is that the standard at the top, IMO, has come down. The best teams look a shadow of the best teams in 2010, whereas it may well be far to say the average is the same if not better. It is early days, I suppose, so I'll need to reassess come the semi-finals or so.
I was most disappointed with Belgium, in a way, though they came back well (Fellaini!) Perhaps though they've just been hyped a bit too much - they could comfortably settle from now and start to look really class.
group of talented individuals who aren't moulded into a team. can't see them getting any further than the second phase. they actually remind me a little of england circa 2006. some cracking players on paper but there is no chemistry
Spain is a huge upset but they never looked like getting started. Australia out now too but in fairness have played to a decent standard. Cahill gets the headlines here but Mathew Leckie up front for Aus was immense. Plays for Frankfurt and will surely generate a bit of interest with other clubs. Lugarno injured and out for Uruguay and their coach not sounding 100% about Suarez either... Is that just mind games though?
I guess the Aussies might fancy their chances in the final game, and why not. Good luck to them if they can leave Spain bottom of the table.
Yep you'd have to imagine that Australia will be up for that game but suspect Spanish pride will be looking for some revenge. No Tim Cahill in that game either.
Tim Cahill's Volley! Simply Gorgeous! If Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar, Muller et al had scored a goal like that we wouldn't have heard the end of it! What great technique to keep the shot down with such power, timing and precision. He hit it with his 'weaker' Left Foot as well! Goal of the Tournament? It will sure take some beating! [video=youtube;qGncJbBOWDk]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGncJbBOWDk&feature=kp[/video]
Van Persie's header for me, Cahill's volley was excellent but 9 times out of 10 it would have landed in row Z
I can't believe anyone is suggesting that the standard of this World Cup is lower than previous ones, particularly the last one in South Africa which I personally thought we pretty dire to watch from start to finish. So far this one has been brilliant and perhaps as good a one at this stage as I can remember! Far, far too early to make any real comparisons with any previous tournaments on the whole however - most countries have only played one game for goodness sake! usually at this early stage teams are looking nervous and more interested in not losing the game, however we have seen so much more attacking, fast-paced football this time around it's been fabulous to watch. Spain going out last night didn't surprise me in the slightest, I have been saying to people since before the tournament starts that I genuinely thought Spain would go out early (had them coming third in the group my predictor) however I should caveat this with saying that I also predicted the Germans would go out early as well - and I can't see that happening now! I'm really looking forward to seeing how far Chile could go, I think they'll beat the Dutch to set up a 2nd round game against the equally easy on the eye Croatians - and that would be a hell of a game! I'm nervous about tonight, very nervous. but I think we'll (somehow) manage to get the result we need.
