First time England has ever failed to get out of group play, and the first time they haven't had any Spurs (well, of the last few WCs, anyway.) Not like England desperately needed Defoe to score to get them through. Not like his goal got them through last time. You see the pattern as well. Spurs=glory. No Spurs=ignominious defeat. Surely Torres was a wise choice instead of Soldado for Spain as well. That's why they're doing so well.
True. But to me at least, it seems like Messi does not track back that much. Thats allowable for someone of his talent and nobody holds it against him when he doesn't. Ronaldo is just a physical freak. Bale is similar. I could imagine both of them playing 60games season in season out, injury permitting, without too much of a noticable drop in quality.
There is an issue with the constant travelling for these Brazilian players (in the premier league) as Chelsea have been saying Oscar was burnt out, yet he suddenly appeared to be burnt out once Mata left! Although Remember Juninho who always looked fit. I accept it could be an issue (even though I view it as an excuse) as Paulinho may well be mentally tired (aswell as physical) but how many excuses are we going to make for him? First it was AVB was playing him too much, then Sherwood never used him correctly. You can argue they are valid points but I'm getting tired of having players that always need excuses made for them. Thats why I appear to be harsh. Now we have Fans making excuses for Soldado, then Lamela. We may have to soon accept that we made three big mistakes and soon the excuses won't be valid.
Because we are hoping that we have not made 3 big mistakes. Why should I accept crap until I have to? Accepting it earlier just means it lasts longer.
I'm hoping too, as I've defended all three players last season at various points but after a while you realise you're making excuses and its wishful thinking. Soldado was missing chances all season, complete sitters and that was when AVB was manager (and Sherwood). Sherwood helped Soldado get some confidence back but then after that brief period of form, Soldado went back to missing sitters and having games where he looked lost. Easy excuse was blame Sherwood but in reality it was because Soldado couldn't settle. But Spurf, you're right to cling onto hope he may surprise us but if we go into next season with 3-4 players and a manager saying "they may surprise us" then I won't hold much hope.
i'm still sticking to the belief that there is a quality player inside Soldado. When he first joined he looked good and it was clear he knew how to make runs and find space, but his confidence got shot. Lamela too, yet other than the decent EL game (which he was then dropped after!) i haven't seen enough of him.
At last! An argument I can support in this debate. Completely well-reasoned and without a hint of bias. One simply cannot argue with irrefutable logic. Er... That's why it's irrefutable.
Lameiras is obviously world class and the next CR7. Portugal effed up big time by not selecting him as a squad token Spurs player.
Instead they thought that token former Spurs player Helder Postiga would suffice. It was the hamstring injury he picked up against the US that did for Portugal!
How is the current vs former token Spurs player league doing in Brasil 2014 ?? I have current as : Brasil, Belgium, France. Algeria pending. Former as : Mexico, USA.
Super Nabil! He puts the fee kick out of bounds to end the game. Very assured performances from Bentaleb in a good looking team. Algeria attacked very well against South Korea and in the second half against Russia. "He's been good today," the commentator said of Bentaleb at the end of the South Korea game. Every team should kill games like Algeria did against Russia. They kept the pressure up in midfield and remained a threat on the counter till the end. None of this sitting in the box and praying the other team can't put a good ball in.
And Portugal. The legend that is Helder Postiga. Cameroon are on the current list since Beni's loan expired. On balance, having a Spur of any kind, present or former, seems to be the key to success. Only Portugal of the former, and Cameroon of the current, managed to carry a present or ex Spur out of the group phase. 1 out, 6 in of current Spurs. 1 out, 4 in of former Spurs (counting Klinsmann).
