135 replies to this topic

[MentalDisabldLst]

Well, Spain has made Germany look mortal and on equal footing. They're matching the speed of Ozil and Muller, which none of the Germans' previous opponents had done.

Looks like both teams have had two real chances... Villa on that through ball blocked by Nauer, and on that curving cross that someone (Alonso?) headed into the 5th row. Trochowski with a shot from 25 yards... Ozil at the end... nothing that was really a golden opportunity except maybe that header.

[Nick Kaufman]

Well, Spain has made Germany look mortal and on equal footing. They're matching the speed of Ozil and Muller, which none of the Germans' previous opponents had done.

That does tend to happen when Muller is out of the game.

[teddykgb]

Wtf? Did you notice Capdevililla and Ramos playing so high they re hanging the corner flag?

Que? If you're saying that Spain largely does this too, I'd agree. I'm not trying to be so definitive on it all, it's just a random thought that that position is really becoming a key spot and a major area in roster construction if you were building a team from scratch. Not saying Germany are exemplary, although I think they're more exemplary than Spain in the sense that you can hope to re-construct this German roster....Spend on capable fullbacks/wingbacks who can join the play, then focus on the midfield to enable the counter attack. Not to make it sound simple, but it's just different from an emphasis on strikers and pure wingers. Essentially, many of the best (including Spain) are getting their outside pressure from the fullbacks joining the play as opposed to employing outright wingers who are taking the ball wide. It does require a lot of fluidity of movement and tons of fitness, but it seems to be more plausible to do that in the modern game. I won't really push this anymore though, as it's not particularly relevant to this game thread. Just a random thought I was having watching these two teams play that i was inspired to post after watching Boateng fly down the left late in the 1st half

[Tony the Pony]

....was wondering about Muller's speed

in the stands

beerrun!

[Nick Kaufman]

Que? If you're saying that Spain largely does this too, I'd agree. I'm not trying to be so definitive on it all, it's just a random thought that that position is really becoming a key spot and a major area in roster construction if you were building a team from scratch. Not saying Germany are exemplary, although I think they're more exemplary than Spain in the sense that you can hope to re-construct this German roster....Spend on capable fullbacks/wingbacks who can join the play, then focus on the midfield to enable the counter attack. Not to make it sound simple, but it's just different from an emphasis on strikers and pure wingers. Essentially, many of the best (including Spain) are getting their outside pressure from the fullbacks joining the play as opposed to employing outright wingers who are taking the ball wide. It does require a lot of fluidity of movement and tons of fitness, but it seems to be more plausible to do that in the modern game. I won't really push this anymore though, as it's not particularly relevant to this game thread. Just a random thought I was having watching these two teams play that i was inspired to post after watching Boateng fly down the left late in the 1st half

Fullbacks being integral in the attack is a commonplace attitude for many years. I was just pointing out that Spain's fullbacks were a far better example of what you were trying to say, in this game.

[URI]

Usually, looking for that extra pass is great, but Spain is the first team which makes me wish to pass the ball one time less. They just seem to look just for the perfect cross or shot opportunity and they just end up jungling the ball. It really does end up being boring.

I agree it's not exciting, but that's not what I was arguing against. Lose said that Spain was playing for penalty kicks. They aren't.

[EastCoasterOutWest]

What a missed opportunity on that cross. Iniesta might have gotten one in on the near post too.

[johnmd20]

I agree it's not exciting, but that's not what I was arguing against. Lose said that Spain was playing for penalty kicks. They aren't.

Very good chance there, and Spain is still pushing.

[Nick Kaufman]

Spain far better so far. This only means Germany scores.

[MentalDisabldLst]

That does tend to happen when Muller is out of the game.

*facepalm* sorry, I meant Klose. Who basically clowned England several times by running rings around them. Haven't seen anyone on Spain get beaten, basically at all. Have you?

[johnmd20]

Spain far better so far. This only means Germany scores.

This whole half has been on Germany's side. Spain is everywhere.

[MentalDisabldLst]

wow, that was pretty. and almost spectacular. very impressed Casillas did what he did with that.

[cheekydave]

Cheevers with the save.

[Fiskian Pole Shot]

Best German chance so far. Kroos was wide open. I think the one-timer was the correct choice, but you always risk being off target when you do that.

[Nick Kaufman]

*facepalm* sorry, I meant Klose. Who basically clowned England several times by running rings around them. Haven't seen anyone on Spain get beaten, basically at all. Have you?

I think Pujol fucked up twice, the second time leading to the Ozil seeking a penalty call in the 45th. But it's also Spain keeping possession.

[shawnrbu]

Goodnight.

[EastCoasterOutWest]

f34r the octopus!

[johnmd20]

Matter of time before Spain broke thru. What a header.

[Fiskian Pole Shot]

Absolutely no chance for Neuer. Puyol in the perfect place.

[ifmanis5]

Goal by

[Tony C]

Yes!!!!

[Nick Kaufman]

GOOOOOOAAAL!

[Rossox]

What a beautiful header that was - wow!! Spain definitely deserving of a 1 goal lead here.

[hunter05]

So, about that octopus.

[Ahriman]

Keep away time.

[Nick Kaufman]

[URI]

Puyol got up there pretty well considering he was being marked by Pique.

Germany had no answer at all for the corner kick...it's like they forgot that Pique and Puyol were even on the field.

[phrenile]

.

Edited by phrenile, 08 July 2010 - 02:44 PM.

[Tony C]

Usually, looking for that extra pass is great, but Spain is the first team which makes me wish to pass the ball one time less. They just seem to look just for the perfect cross or shot opportunity and they just end up jungling the ball. It really does end up being boring.

you really think Spain is boring? I'm never going to claim soccer expertise, but I find Spain to be the most fun team to watch in the tournament (perhaps along with Argentina).

[MentalDisabldLst]

(replay of foul on Spain)
Announcer 1: "Now, what's wrong with that?"
*Silence*
Announcer 1: "You're supposed to say, 'nothing'."
Announcer 2: "I AM saying nothing."

[MentalDisabldLst]

Torres? They're bringing Torres on?

[Zomp]

Torres to stretch the field? Interesting.

[Fiskian Pole Shot]

Torres for Villa??? Color me stunned.

[ifmanis5]

Torres for Villa???

[EastCoasterOutWest]

Torres has been non-existent so far this tournament. I think his playing time is over. In limited play, Cesc has looked more dangerous.

Del Bosque disagrees with me. (and the announcers)

[EastCoasterOutWest]

Pedro is a dick.

[Ahriman]

Disgrace to the name Pedro.

[Zomp]

I REALLY hope Germany score now.

Pedro you stupid son of a bitch.

[Tony C]

what was Pedro doing?

[SoxFanInCali]

I'm pretty sure Torres could have put that away, if Pedro would have just passed the ball.

[Rossox]

Jesus, Pedro is the Craig Janney of Spain. Shoot the ball!

[cjdmadcow]

Pedro bottled it, that should have been over.

[ifmanis5]

Jesus, Pedro is the Craig Janney of Spain. Shoot the ball!

At least Janney would have passed it to Joyce Torres for a good chance.

[EastCoasterOutWest]

Jesus, Pedro is the Craig Janney of Spain. Shoot the ball!

Instead of, say, passing it 15 feet to the guy with the wide open, point blank shot on goal?

[Zomp]

How is that not a foul at the edge of the box?

[MentalDisabldLst]

Announcers calling the german goalie "Para-Nauer" for his haste in kicking that ball away just now.

[Ahriman]

How is that not a foul at the edge of the box?

The ref asked Spain if they committed a foul. Spain said no.

[Vinho Tinto]

How is that not a foul at the edge of the box?

Why do you hate UNICEF?

[Ahriman]

Speed has defeated the Germans.

[ifmanis5]

Four Corners Offense.