Roar Guru
Joined May 2010
35.3k
Views
40
Published
191
Comments
Published
Comments
Approaching a history making World Cup final, either Spain or the Netherlands will win a first ever title. Spain produced its best performance last…
American golfer Walter Hagen once proclaimed, "No one remembers who came in second." For the most part, he is right, yet Germany and Uruguay…
A 73rd minute header from Carlos Puyol propelled Spain to its first ever World Cup final, as it held off a young German side…
[caption id="attachment_30933" width="300" caption="The forwards of the German nationa soccer team nominated for the World Cup. AP Photos"][/caption] Germany has played the most exciting…
With each World Cup come some thrilling performances – from teams and individuals. Often, a player will catch the eye of one of the…
As we digest and recover after some amazing World Cup quarter finals, the issue of whether Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez is a hero or…
Germany handed Diego Maradona’s Argentina an absolute 4-0 football lesson, on the back of comical defending, clinical build-up play and finishing, and some tactical…
The highlight of the World Cup to this point has arrived – a quarterfinal clash between Argentina and Germany. Trash talk has been the…
Errors. They have been at the forefront of this World Cup - whether it is from officials or players. And two cost a mentally…
Brazil has firmed into World Cup favouritism through some outstanding performances at this tournament. Now it faces its toughest challenge thus far against the…
With a couple of days off from the World Cup, it is the perfect time to reflect, and more importantly, look forward to the…
Drama, action and endless nerves for players and fans alike, the World Cup got its first penalty shootout of 2010 as Paraguay overcame Japan.…
The World Cup football, the Jabulani, combined with the South African altitude has robbed fans of goals and the much-loved dead ball special, although…
Football fans around the globe should be demanding an answer. England, denied a clear Frank Lampard goal, in turn goes crashing out of the…
As we begin to get used to the knockout stages of the World Cup, we face a mouth-watering encounter between rivals England and Germany…
As Australia underwent a leadership change on Thursday, there was much debate if Kevin Rudd’s leadership style was the reason behind his demise. In…
What an effort. It was a victory and an extremely good one. The Socceroos may be out of the World Cup and we all…
A lack of goals can always be made up for with high drama and it did as Group C, which was quickly becoming the…
Refereeing has been a major talking point at the World Cup this week, but its the players who need to take responsibility when it…
The lack of goals at the World Cup has been the biggest complaint from viewers, and they are right – not much is finding…
I made the decision to write that line in context of the tournament. His best game was against Brazil, and he was stupidly fouled (before the equalizer as well) on numerous occasions.
I don’t forget that in the first half he continually turned over possession of that game – he has lots more to offer.
Yet, he is still of immense importance.
Looking forward to seeing the way van Bommel is handled.
Star-studded midfield battle to prove vital
The first event I think of when I think about 1st 2nd 3rd is the Olympics. $2 million difference in prize money between finishing third and fourth at the Cup.
Do we really care who comes third?
Nice work Anthony.
Do you think Skoko and Srhoj will add what sounds like a much-needed creativity into the centre of the Heart midfield?
Also, could you gauge whether supporters from the region would be happy to travel to the city to catch Heart home games?
Melbourne Heart bring A-League to Gippsland
I think competitive instinct will take charge once they get on the ground, so they will play – and the explosion of goals in these games means they probably play with a bit more freedom.
I don’t think there is as much worry over the result though.
Do we really care who comes third?
That’s a fine prediction sheek – regardless of how you made it. I went for a Brazil-Spain final, so my hopes are gone. I also said Argentina would beat Germany, so don’t blame me for sitting on the fence for this one.
It is worthy of a final this one – I’ve found that as we get deeper into the tournament, the tactics become important because the difference in skill between each team lessens.
It’s a good question you pose on the psychology of the occasion as I think we’ve already seen the European nations expose some of the South Americans in the knockout stages.
As a couple of others have pointed out, Paul picked Germany to beat Spain in the Euro 08 final – and it was wrong!
I don’t think many questioned the Socceroos’ loss to Germany – there’s a massive class difference. But I know I questioned the effort, passion and desire of the team. Irrelevant now, you make a good point. Not to mention the Socceroos were the last team to beat the Dutch also!
Germany or Spain? One tough tactical battle
Nice call on the Germans – if they beat Spain it’s win/win for the Socceroos.
Germany – only loss, three times in three World Cup’s
Netherlands – last team to beat them
Germany or Spain? One tough tactical battle
Very valid Zac.
I think most of us are concluding Torres will start now, but that’s a nice point – something to look out for no doubt!
Germany or Spain? One tough tactical battle
Undoubtedly – someone ring del Bosque and tell him to start Torres!
He’s lucky though, the manager, because although he is doing “better” centrally, he is doing superbly on the left too!
If he wasn’t, Spain would probably be out of the tournament!
Germany or Spain? One tough tactical battle
mintox – nice take on Total Football
Here’s a clip from the 1974 World Cup – don’t have to watch all six minutes, but you get the idea. Would have a better idea if you knew the players and where they played.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FF_kvs6tkpk
I think the Dutch used to be more expansive, more attacking and more exciting – now it’s more results driven and it’s working – very compact team.
I was a big fan of the South American style during the tournament – exciting – but it won’t win this World Cup.
The Oranje finally take the initiative
So you want Torres out, Fabregas in and Villa to the top?
Germany or Spain? One tough tactical battle
There should be no question they are allowed to look into the expenditure of public money.
But if what they have written is incorrect and proves to be defamatory, the FFA has every right to sue and clear its name.
Sure it has been cleared by FIFA and the Government, but the apparent mud sticks, if that’s what it is – the case could well fall through and nothing come of it.
The Age has said it will fight.
But it’s allowed to take it to court if it feels it has been defamed.
FFA take legal action over bid claims
You’re right, they haven’t been good at scoring – but they have always found a goal (except against Switzerland – off the top of my head).
They did defend very compact against Argentina, but the Argies were so predictable they could have done it with their eyes closed. The ball went (or tried to) straight through the middle almost every time – I’d like to see Spain try and put in some flat, fast crosses from the flanks as well – see if it can bring an error. Just continue to be different because otherwise the Germans will pick them off – over and over again!
Nice prediction. You could be right.
Germany or Spain? One tough tactical battle
I’ve said stick with Torres, stick with Torres – but in the last couple of games, Villa has scored after Torres was substituted.
Germany or Spain? One tough tactical battle
Not sure about you st penguin, but I’d be worried about van Bommel if it was van Marwijk.
He puts in some rash challenges and shows the potential to explode. You mentioned the high studs up tackle earlier, but he also kicked out at an opponent (and missed) late on.
The Oranje finally take the initiative
AR, I thought there were many pointing to their arms complaining to the ref?
A volley in the final seconds was blocked (there was no replay) but it appeared they were suggesting it hit an arm.
The Oranje finally take the initiative
Thanks RR. Do you think del Bosque should persist with Torres up front? I always felt he played a nice foil for Villa, but the goals have been coming with Torres off the pitch recently.
“Good enough” – that’s what it has been for the Netherlands and Spain thus far and it’s the reason Germany deserves the title in my opinion.
Germany or Spain? One tough tactical battle
Cousins has just been released from hospital. The club will release a statement in the next hour.
There has been reports another player has been in hospital since Friday night, who would’ve known?
Calm needed after latest Cousins ‘controversy’
Quite a good debate on Fox Sports between Simon Hill and Martin Smith on this issue.
Can read here: http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,27363849-5019291,00.html
Is 'Hand of God' Suarez a hero or villain?
The guy who does the Bundesliga voice overs is brilliant. Great voice.
Do you remember what time it was on?
Who's ready for the big time post World Cup?
Fair call Fivehole.
Bayern are a super club, but WE (in Australia) barely get to see them other than in Europe – drew me into a comment like that. No doubt big – good pick up.
Who's ready for the big time post World Cup?
Hope so re: Oar!
Honda played some quality football up front. He was super – one of the best at the tournament until Japan got knocked out.
Who's ready for the big time post World Cup?
It is a credit to the Bundesliga – I think it gives players more of a chance technically because it isn’t so physical. But more people would still watch the EPL.
Who's ready for the big time post World Cup?
I’m not one bit surprised Dave.
Thanks for tracking that down.
It’s funny he says the footage of him celebrating will live in the memory – probably one bit most people would really despise.
Is 'Hand of God' Suarez a hero or villain?
Good on you Axel.
I, like the SBS ‘analysts’, have underestimated the Dutch because they have been results-driven – and it has worked.
Only good teams get to World Cup finals so no more underestimation from me.
It’ll be a ripper.
Star-studded midfield battle to prove vital