The College Dropout

Germany-Portugal, Naija kicking off on the green grass, and the quadrennial Yankee-Ghana war. I really do think 2nd spot in the US-Ghana group is very available if Ronaldo is anything less than totally fit. They are no better than the other "average" European sides without him. Why do you associate yourself with Ghanamen? because I am Ghanaian.

Indeed.

My gut was dive and bottle job / fix. Before a single replay. He falls like it's a dive ffs.

Already decided i'm just going to watch the football and ignore all the coverage because of him Anyone who voluntarily watches ITV before kick-off, at half time or at full time deserves everything they get and more. I don't tend to watch ITV for football very often and this World Cup aside i'm going to try not to make a habit of it. I was looking forward to this because of that, what happened instead they sat back and let Brazil have possession which to me seemed pointless considering the strengths of the team. In no way shape or form, should Gustavo and Paulinho see more of the ball than Modric and Rakitic. While I agree they've for the measure of the two in central midfield. Trying to win the possession battle would've made Hulk, Oscar and Neymar extremely dangerous and the rest of the team wouldn't be able to cope although early in the second half they had a better midfield 'block' and controlled the tempo more without being gung-ho. But I see the logic behind - sit deep and counter. Gustavo and Paulinho can't hurt us if they play in front of us. Let's bring them on then Luca and Ivan can spring fast counters - move the ball quickly, maybe even beat a CM and get on your bikes in support. In the first half for 20 minutes that worked a treat. Once settled (in hindsight) they should've tried to get more control like thy did early in the second. Also both lads have been firmer in the tackle in many games this season and that unlocked the plan. Even then Pletikosa should've saved (all) the first goal.

Would've liked to have seen Rakitic express himself more.

Football is a contact sport. He's allows to touch Fred. He doesn't infringe on Fred. Doesn't have a firm hold of the shirt, didn't pull him back. Just a horrible decision.

Fred didn't sell anything - it wasn't close to being a penalty. Nowhere near a foul. He barely touched.

Never looked a penalty at any stage mate

Team Ghana here. Think we'll make it 3-0 against the Yanks. I think Klinnsman prefers a counterattacking team (does he?) and we are better at it than you. Think Portugal are there for the taking for both sides although US have an advantage of Cronaldo won't be fit for their game (iirc?)

I can do delay but not non-HD. This isn't 1933

When did Madrid do that? Negredo 2009 interesting. Think the lanky lad upfront will be off this summer.

In terms of international competitions, it's still eclipsed by the Euros in that regard. IMO. But yeah, it doesn't get any better than this. I'm not sure the Euro eclipses it tbh. I think the World Cup has shown recently that teams all over the world are much closer to the UEFA now than they used too in terms of quality. I mean sure group stages the Euros is stronger but that's also because it's only 16 teams, but compare the quarter-finals in the WC to the quarter-finals in the Euros and I think the standard in the WC is much better. Agreed. Naturally, there's more diversity in styles of play.

When did Madrid do that?

Tbh it makes sense. If your 4th choice CB (rightly or wrongly) is on first XI wages, you should get rid. Especially when you only plan on playing 40 games a season in total.

Think Rooney will score around 3 goals and play well mind. He's too good not too.

It's definitely his fault. In life if i'm blaming 4 or 5 different people for something i'm doing - I know it's something within me that's the root cause. Rooney's rarely been the star player for Man Utd either. And when he has iirc they've won nowt. What does it matter if he's been the 'star player' or not? He's had a very good career there regardless of wether or not he's been outshone in patches by others. Leading into the last Euros, where he was 's***', he scored 27 goals. World Cup 2010? 26. His 2 best seasons in terms of goalscoring form and then, along with most others, his form wasn't replicated in the summer. Different kettle of fish going from being a team player to being the main man.

If Colback ever spends 5 seasons in a top 6 team playing regularly i'll be amazed.

It's definitely his fault. In life if i'm blaming 4 or 5 different people for something i'm doing - I know it's something within me that's the root cause. Rooney's rarely been the star player for Man Utd either. And when he has iirc they've won nowt.

Also with Jenas - he was one of those players that looked better (not physically) in a game than their contribution merited. Blessed with a good first touch, crisp style of passing, good technique, great engine, quick over short distances and long, surprisingly strong at times, carried the ball well. But he rarely put it all together and towards the end just looked timid as hell. Certainly began regressing. Injuries have meant his career finished at 28. Disappointing lad.

Him and Dyer had great potential, just never worked out for either of them due to differing circumstances. Jenas just couldn't handle any kind of pressure. I'd say it worked out pretty well for both of them. Under Robson we played CL football with both of them pretty instrumental in those 3rd and 4th place finishes. Jenas' value increased here, and Dyer's did too despite being a crock. Neither of them was top, top level but for what we paid we got our money's worth. At the top of their games they would look like they where worth £20m which I guess is the case for any £7m player on their day.

Lampard is lucky to be playing at the WC this year. Shouldn't get a kick unless we are heading to pens and aren't interested in winning in ET

If we went into the season with Cisse and Welbeck as our main strikers - we'll get relegated i'm sure of it. And i'm a massive Danny Welbeck fan. On another note: By exciting, attacking young players all you actually mean is - they are unproven. 4 years ago people said Ashley Young was an exciting player because he played well against PL defences. As soon as he started playing regular CL football and international football his card got pulled. Half the players mentioned - cards will get pulled over the next couple of seasons.

Think Nigeria have the best chance out of the African sides to make it out the group stage. So I hope they qualify.

When we where in steep trouble Ashley bought a number of players with good reputations. Lerner doesn't seem to be doing the Same.