Black Satellites overwhelm U.S. U-20s
- by Mike Woitalla @MikeWoitalla, Jun 27, 2013
[USA-GHANA REPORT CARD] A game both teams needed to win for any chance of reaching the knockout stage provided end-to-end action but Ghana proved far more
lethal and downed the USA, 4-1. Soccer America's Mike Woitalla grades the U.S. players in their final game of the 2013 U-20 World Cup.
Goalkeeper
Cody Cropper made a couple of excellent saves -- on Lawrence Lartey in the first half and Frank Acheampong in the second -- but he misjudged the
corner kick that Ebenezer Assifuah headed home for Ghana’s third goal and was nutmegged on the fourth goal by Kennedy Ashia.
Defenders DeAndre
Yedlin, Shane O’Neill and Juan Pablo Ocegueda each cleared goal-bound shots before Ghana, which outshot the USA 25-10, hit the net in the 38th minute
after a penalty-area scramble.
Caleb Stanko, back in the lineup in central defense after sitting out the 1-1 tie with France, let Assifuah beat him to the ball on the
corner-kick goal.
The Americans did produce some offense against the Black Stars. Mario Rodriguez headed poorly after a precisely delivered cross from Yedlin in the 13th
minute and shot too weakly after a swift move to elude a Ghanaian defender in the 27th minute.
Jose Villarreal, who spearheaded the 4-2-3-1 formation was
more active than in the first two games. His long-distance shot forced a diving save from Eric Antwi in the 28th minute and Villarreal delivered the cross for O’Neill’s headed goal in the
69th minute. Villarreal's scissors kick in the 88th minute off a Daniel Cuevas pass flew a foot wide.
A minute before his goal, O’Neill shot straight to Antwi
on a golden chance.
The Americans actually had 52 percent of the possession over the 90 minutes and a 9-6 edge in corner kicks. But the Black Satellites much more frequently penetrated
the U.S. penalty area.
USA PLAYER RATINGS
Starters:
GRADE/PLAYER (CLUB)
4 Cody Cropper
(Southampton/ENG)
6 DeAndre Yedlin (Seattle Sounders)
4 Caleb Stanko (Freiburg/GER)
6 Shane O’Neill (Colorado Rapids)
5 Juan Pablo Ocegueda (Guadalajara/MEX)
5
Mikey Lopez (Sporting KC)
4 Wil Trapp (Columbus Crew)
4 Oscar Sorto (LA Galaxy)
4 Luis Gil (Real Salt Lake)
5 Mario Rodriguez (Kaiserslautern/GER)
6 Jose Villarreal
(LA Galaxy)
Substitutes:
5 Danny Garcia (FC Dallas)
6 Daniel Cuevas (Santos/MEX)
nr Victor Pineda (Chicago Fire)
(1=low; 5=average;
10=high.)
June 27 in Kayseri, Turkey
Ghana 4 USA 1.
Goals: Acheampong 38, Assifuah 58, Assifuah 78,
Ashia 83; O’Neill 69.
USA -- Cropper; Yedlin (Cuevas, 54), Stanko, O’Neill, Ocegueda; Lopez (Garcia, 46), Trapp; Sorto, Gil, Rodriguez (Pineda, 79); Villarreal.
Ghana -- Antwi; Attamah, Rahman Baba, Acheampong (Ofori, 89), Salifu, Aboagye, Nketiah, Lartey, Assifuah, Odjer (Ashia, 74), Boakye (Narh, 74).
Yellow cards:
USA -- Yedlin 30; Ghana -- Moses Odjer 40, Ashia 84, Lartey 85.
Referee: Nawaf Shukralla (Bahrain).
Att.: 4,873.
I am a bit lost on the ratings, the US gets its backside kicked and there are nine rankings at 5 or more. Is there something I am missing? I guess US Soccer's next move is to stop kids from playing any youth soccer since it took away high school for our "Academy" stars. Look out for the next step....
I have tremendous respect for Tab Ramos as a player but what track record does he have as a coach at this level?
Agreed. Meaningless ratings. After such a poor performance, almost everyone is at least average. Cropper was huge all game except for the meaningless 4th goal and he gets only a 4. Rodriguez and Villareal were very poor, yet they get relatively high grades.
This sums it up...I copied and pasted as it is absolutely accurate: Wow. Maybe an off day for the US team but they were second best from the start and it was never a contest. The African team was stronger and more physical, more skilled, with a higher soccer IQ, and hungrier. For the Ghana headed goal we were 10 statues and a keeper--is this supposed to be zonal marking? Poor display, sorry they couldn't make it out of the group stage. Lots of work to be done, America!
Now...you all understand that we're "blogging" as $$$ is generated, thus, as a journalist (or so called soccer journalist) one needs to be pretty thick skinned to read "all the stick" that comes your way...yes, Mr. Woitalla! Now, the Ratings: Again, if the Rater was in attendance (live) in Turkey we need to give some credibility for at least being at the match. But if not...YOUR INEXPERIENCE is obvious...your readers confirm this, the football world confirms this and I certainly confirm this! Additionally, the so called "football" journalism in the above article is attempting to "PROFESSIONALIZE" Youth Soccer in the United States bu replicating the rest of the worlds football periodicals. WE ARE AMATEURS!!! GLORIFIED ONES AND SO IS THE JOURNALISM! The kids are not to blame fully for this "debacle!" IT IS THE SYSTEM IN THIS COUNTRY ran by AMATEURS...! I can't believe I'm writing all of this and I'm sorry, however, there are so many of us from the North American Soccer League days and US National Teams programs that have been alienated and disrespected it is only natural to have a resentment. I know these Soccer America journalists...let me tell you guys...NO CLASS! NONE! Regarding Football or Soccer, the same old stuff, USSDA Youth Academies, NCAA BS, 3 LEAGUES with everyone doing what they want...our SOCCER IS A JOKE!!! Mr. Mike Woitalla, and I address you as "Mr." because I have respect; do you know what the 4 elements of the game are? Let me tell you...PHYSICAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL, TECHNICAL AND TACTICAL...now, the United States today and throughout the U-20 World Cup in Turkey lacked tremendously...ok, v France we showed a bit, but let's be fair...the French were a bunch of "Hollywood Drag Queens" who didn't take the United States seriously! My 1980 U-20 National Team with may he RIP Coach Chyzowych would have "buried" today's U-20's. Yes, today's players have a bit more technical, but in terms of "BATTLING" we would have kicked them off the park!!! Remember Mr. Mike Woitalla how we qualified v El Salvador the #2 National Team at the time at Princeton in 1980? I don't even think you were born...anyway...it was WAR!!! It was the BIGGEST DAY IN US SOCCER HISTORY! All this possession BS, camps, clinics, and whatever else is fine...and keep publishing Soccer America because to be fair, I grew up with Soccer America...loved it when I was a Youth and Professional player!!! But today? There is no "integrity or authenticity" in what you're publishing!!! Don't laugh...because there are many Soccer people who are pissed off! You won't even provide ME WITH AN ARTICLE THAT I HAVE ASKED FOR NUMEROUS TIMES!
Some of us have given our "heart and soul" to the American game and have been disrespected...and this ATTITUDE SHOWS IN OUR GAME!!! NO LOVE, NO SACRIFICE...! I am greatly disappointed with the 2013 U-20 World Cup team, and I am disappointed with US Soccer...time to grow up Mr. Woitalla and realize that many of us are "Soccer Purists" and "genuine" human beings who won't put up with your BS "Ratings" to say the least...THERE IS A SOLUTION THOUGH...ABSOLUTELY!
The basic flaw in the US ODP system where these players came from is that it (ODP system) is mostly selection and light on development. I have always told players going to ODP trials that it is not about team but about individual performance. It works. "Show-off" individual performers are selected. Now how do you get these "divas" to play as a team with proper support of each other. Must be hard because that is what killed this U20 team. If you saved the game look at it again and notice the lack of team support going forward and coming back. See the 11 individuals but not a team.
@Bruce - you are spot on, at least when it comes to USYS. In US Club, scouts look at players who are playing in their own clubs under strong competition. They have determined that the USYS model is not conducive to finding the best players on a consistent basis. Having taken teams to dozens of USYS ODP events, I agree. It's impossible to find the best players consistently when you cram a few hundred players into a camp. I've been with the selection coaches in what is often the decision room - the pub - and know that this part of the selection process is contaminated. Take a look at US Club's id2 program and you will see what is a far more sane approach. Now if we could just get that going on at USSF...
Tom and David, I think you will find a bit more realistic scoring over at Top Soccer. J.R. Eskilson with ESNN tells it like it is. http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/club-soccer-articles/u20_mnt_eliminated_from_world_cup_aid28949
Boy, tough crowd. To summarize, Tab Ramos can't coach, the players can't play, the USSF can't run anything and SA doesn't know how to write about soccer. I didn't see the first half, but I'd have a hard time coming to those conclusions from the part of the game that I saw. I saw two defensive errors lead to two of the goals (the embarrassing shot through the legs of the keeper, and the almost equally bad flatfooted defense at the back post). I also saw both teams give the ball away unnecessarily, but I also saw a lot of good combination play, and some very good attacks in the final third (mostly by the Ghanains, but we had a few). And while our defense was sometimes exposed, we were also pressing forward (at least when I watched), so that goes with the territory. Sure, we didn't play as well as we should have, but the Ghana team was also very quick, aggressive and quite skilled. So I think we should credit our opponents. I think we should keep in mind that winning at this level is never easy, and failing to do so does not necessarily make the team a failure.
Bruce, are you sure that these players came from ODP?? I think most came from Academy. Anyway, I completely agree with you about ODP flaws but the biggest flaw in either system is pay to play for these opportunities.
Randy, is ID2 not political in its selections as well? Agreed itsa beter approach but I did notice some inconsistencies.
Fellas, fellas...it's a mess!!! Our Youth Leagues are not "competitive" enough! Period. Please hear my Youth Developmental Experience...I "captained" the US-U-15's in the Montaigue Tourney in France with Coach Osiander and was identified by Brighton & Hove Albion in the English 1st Division. At 15 1/2-16 I left Los Angeles, signed an Apprentice contract and went to work...in the boot room, full time training with the Youth and Reserve Teams. Now, the Youth League Brighton was in was about Wins and Losses while of course "playing well!" Promotion/Relegation was not even an issue...it's part of the system. The reserves the same...and both Youth and Reserves are on a "Bonus" structure. Week in week out "battling" away, a player will improve. Also, incentive to "make it" to the reserve and first teams are provided by the managerial staff! By the time your 17-18 it's either "yes or no!" All the clubs all over Britain operate in such a manner. Now in Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal, etc., etc. it's a bit different however, the U-20's, U-18's are all competing in their perspective youth leagues to achieve a full time contract. HERE, the Top League theoretically is the Academy. I've seen the Western Conference of numerous occasions, Chivas, Galaxy Salt Lake...there's no FIRE! Mainly because there's nothing to lose...a player doesn't make it...off to college (which actually is the best thing that can happen)AND, RELEGATION! NONE! The rest of it, ODP, US Club, USYSA and who knows what serves what purpose? Do all these other leagues top sides get promoted to the USSDA? Do the bottom of the USSDA get demoted? This area is an element that must be implemented! It would also help if the MLS, NASL and USL did the same...and please don't tell me it's not economically feasible. US Soccer has done a disservice to our youngsters. If it does not change only one way to go...College and a possible stint abroad!
Peter is absolutely correct. Look at El Salvador U20's. This tiny country, the size of 1/2 of new york, is playing in it's first World Cup U20 and is the only concacaf team to get a win so far. Its actually the first win in a world cup for them ever. Has anyone even inquired as to where these players are coming from or what they are now doing differently?? SA?? I can tell you. At least 1/2 of these players come from a newer club in El Salvador called Turin. Their only focus is developing Salvadorian talent. They have 2 teams winning their respective divisions in Salvadorian league Division 2 and 3. Relegation. They earned their way to the next level in a structured pro league and turned some heads in doing so to also deserve a spot on the national team. This team also has about 6 USA born players that we somehow passed up. So I see 2 problems here. Development structure and scouting.
Everything is political and biased - this reporter has criticized the US and he is clearly biased against the US. I am tired of these SA reporters being so critical of the US - why not pick on Mexico or another country, we get plenty of criticism from all over the country - SA - no more bias against the US!!!! And SA don't you dare say Rodriguez headed poorly - what about Trapp? If you are going to pick on one ethnic group, pick on the other. Everything is biased! Everything!
Well i thought the rankings were generous. Poor skills all around from the US. Mr luis likes to talk on and on about needing more hispanics in the line up and they were awful. Simple touches away from pressure couldnt be performed properly. Until the USA focuses on technical development and letting the ball be the teams' speed we will always be 2nd rate. Winning is more important than player development here.
Thank you Kent James for adding a plaintive cry for a little sanity. I have never been a fan of ODP, the college game, or US Soccer and its coaching bureaucracy but I truly believe that we have entered a real transition period. From a reliance on almost pure athleticism, we are at last looking to incorporate technical skill into our player pool at both the senior level and at the U-20's. Have we been successful yet, obviously not, but not to see that we have made great strides in playing a possession game and in finding more technically gifted players displays an almost willfull ignorance. As for the "good old days", I seem to recollect that we missed 40 years of World Cups despite our "battling" motivation. What I feel we should learn from these games is that our technical skills are still a "step and a half" off; our speed of play is still too slow; and our ability to match up with stronger players needs to be improved. Finally, all of the screaming about professionalism does have a point (once the hysteria is removed). The majority of our players have lived a cloistered life, sheltered from the cut-throat environment of many of the European players and all of the African players. I believe that Klinsmann has recognized and I hope that his attitude will filter down. Thought for the day --the sky is not falling!!!!
Pete, I don't know you, but you are da man. Keep up the good work, I don't want to believe it will be this way forever even though today feels like forever.
The system has never been perfect, I think we could agree on that, but today, it is the worst that I can recall. I have no issue really with the concept of ID of talent, but 80 teams, really? We are trying to maintain the arterial bleeding with a band aid. Here is the problem in a nutshell, if you ask me, do we get the say Lebron James to play soccer? Let's stop with all this professional training because what we are really saying predominately is professionals making money with a lack of accountability. You are dead one with results from the 70s to today. Kids are bigger, stronger and faster but on the pitch, I would say my 70s squad would win 9 out of 10 times.
One big problem we see in the midwest is lack of quality coaches. Clubs with "coaches" that aren't teaching development but teaching winning via athleticism. Big fast kids win games at u11 and then the skill factor hits and the athlete cant compete any more.....the ball will always be faster than the player. Parents are fooled into believing that winning develops players and players dont develop skills.
Jon, I havent said anything about more Hispanics on USA team. I just notice how many more Hispanic players from USA are playing for other countries. 3 for mexico who won 4-1 today and 6 for El Salvador who is the other Concacaf team to win at this event. But to counter your point, as awful as they were (in your opinion), they actually "qualified" to play in this event as the other heavily Hispanic U17 team did in 2011. We didnt qualify in 2011 for U20's and U17's for 2013 as well as U23 Olympics. Fun Facts.
"Some" very good comments. I only take issue with those that somehow blame the players. I think most of the players played their heart out and performed to the best of their ability. To that extent I have no problem with the ratings. I am however disappointed that the US is not able to field a more competitive team in 2013. Reasons; there's a whole list above. Some even make sense.
Jon - Luis has said "When in fact we do get a majority of Hispanics on the usa natipnal teams we will then be a top soccer country" - don't let him fool you....when the U17's got crushed by Germany with a heavily hispanic team he said "the U17 would had played much better if it had more 9 Hispanics as starters at the least."..............And never doubt he distorts his facts to satisfy his bias - the best the US ever did in these events was 4th place at the 1999 U20's with Donavan and Beckerman, maybe 1-2 hispanics and in 1989 4th place with the U17's - maybe 1 hispanic.......fun, but truthful, facts. I have nothing against hispanics by the way, just Luis, so when cries about racism just ignore him.
Ric, surprising you came to Luis' defense - you are no better than him - you are blinded by race and are a racially divisive individual. Calling someone a racist who despises one person not because of his ethnicity is classic race-baiting and you are a fool for suggesting that.....And you don't deserve an explanation but I tried to post my thoughts and was attacked by your hispanic friend....don't make everything about race when a hispanic gets criticized like you are doing with me and you do with SA writers - blind ignorance.
Ric, este guey esta loco. A lo mejor tiene muchos problemas personales aparte de que odia a los Mexicanos. Ignoralo. Ay que no hacerle caso. No hay qien lo pele mas que nosotros. Es cómico pero a la vez triste.
Hilarious, Luis keeps telling everyone to ignore it and then he can't keep his big mouth shut even when I write a simple post. Can't he even tell the truth about his own actions? Guess not.
Que que??
Here we go again. SA should pay Ric and LA for all the bloggers they garnish w/ the ugly race card rearing it's ugly head time and again. What a wonderful blogging site it would be if the bias were left out and simply the talent was scrutinized for what it is an American team regardless race.
Thanks for the hilarious secret Spanish, code sent to your compadre. Im sure that split a few side w/ laughter.
Thanks for the amusement.
de nada
I don't know what the personnal issue is between Luis and Gordon and I don't want to know. However, I am really tired of hearing how the desire for more Hispanic players somehow constitutes racism. If some of you haven't noticed, the majority ( not all) of the most technically skilled players in the world are Hispanic/Latin. There is no great mystery to this, it's because in Mexico, Central America, South America, Spain, and Portugal, futbol, football, soccer is a national passion, a way of life, "much more important than life or death". Given that, why would it be a surprise that the playersfrom these countries reflect that passion?? Passion generates creativity and creativity translates into skill. (Yes! There are non-Latin skillful players but I would hope there are none so stubborn as to grant the point that in general, Latin or Hispanic players are raised to prefer and perform skillfully). If you can agree even somewhat with that logic then it should be easy to agree that if a team or teams wishes to increase their level of skill that they should probably look to the Hispanic/Latin community to fill that void, ESPECIALLY since that community has been ignored by the US Soccer community for years and years due to its financial basis for participation and ultimately, player selection. How could US Soccer have ignored a community of this size and a community with such rich cultural ties to the game for so long?? Fortunately, IMO that is changing, and from the standpoint of national team coaching has been changing for the past 5+ years. For me, the current U-20 squad, heavily Hispanic, has been a long awaited dream. For me it has broken the barrier and hopefully reflects the fact that in the future we will find ways to continue to tap the Hispanic community. That doesn't mean an all-Hispanic team but it does mean that we will no longer ignore the benfits and skills that these players can bring to the US national teams.
Hey everyone...regarding Professor Fonseca, he is a "Professor of "European and World!" Yes a Hispanic, however, totally open minded when it comes to different cultures such as "Football/Soccer...and he knows his stuff...Professor has been places regarding the "Beautiful Game" none of us have been...I bet he's even going to Brazil for the WQ. Let's take it easy with the Professor...Please! Yup, you're correct about Soccer America Writers...they write a bunch of "BOLOGNA" AND ARE NOT "HONEST GENTLEMEN!" WE'LL GET TO THEM THOUGH...BELIEVE ME...WEL...ENGLAND V EGYPT NEXT GENTLEMEN! LET'S GO BOB BRADLEY:)
Professor Fonseca..."Professor of European and World History!" My younger brother Costa who was Steve Sampson's Scout Coordinator at the CYSA-S took the Professor's class. Brilliant! Now, back to Egypt v England! Oh, someone mentioned I "tried out" for UCLA? Nope! Steve Gaye proposed a scholarship opportunity at 14 but was signed by Brighton & Hove Albion at 16. Just clarifying!
PLEASE SOCCER AMERICA WRITERS...PLEASE DO NOT WRITE OR ANNOUNCE THAT "ENGLAND" WERE "SHOCKED" OR "SURPRISED" BY LOSING TO IRAQ AND EGYPT!!!! A TITLE MORE ON THE LINES OF, "ENGLAND TAUGHT A FOOTBALLING LESSON" FROM ARAB FOOTBALL" IS ABSOLUTELY APPROPRIATE! ANYTHING OTHER YOU SHOULD "HANG UP YOUR PEN!" THE DIFFERENCE IN LEVEL OF TALENT BETWEEN THE ENGLISH AND THE REST OF THE WORLD IS OBVIOUS...AND I LOVE ENGLISH FOOTBALL...BUT WE CAN SEE WHAT THE BOSMAM RULING HAS CREATED! UNFORTUNATELY EGYPT ARE OUT! WHAT WONDERFUL FOOTBALLERS...ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT! ENGLAND? O DEAR!
HERE IS A CLIP FROM THE GREEK NATIONAL U-20 WORLD CUP TEAM ON ITS WAY TO THE ROUND OF 16 VS Uzbekistan!
IT'S ALL ABOUT COUNTRY, PRIDE, SPIRIT!!!SOMEHOW REMINDS US OF THE 2004 EUROPEAN CHAMPION!
http://www.epo.gr/News.aspx?a_id=43960&NewsType=22&Competition=4385&Season=2000000030&Country=1
HEY LUIS...NOW YOU'VE GOT YOUR WORK CUT OUT!!!
Some of you need to take a Zanex and face the reality. As long as you have incompetent coaches like Tab Ramos in charge US Soccer will never accomplish anything. The guy can't coach himself out of a paper bag but is in charge of leading the U20s in a World Cup? Please!
He had 2 years to find a group of players that could compete and then he picks that roster? How does a Javen Torre make the team? He might be a nice kid but he for sure can't play soccer at least not at that level. Then you have the interchangeable hispanic midfielders/attackers who all play a very similar brand of soccer, mostly convoluted and ineffective. Bottom line is this: as long as incompetent coaches are in charge of picking and coaching the youth teams the results will be more of the same.
I guess the U20s garnered the wrong group
Of Hispanics to push the future of US soccer
To the next level. We need skillful players, Hispanic , German. .., Portuguese. .... Whatever
With physical prowess to beat opponents off the ball and maintain. Possession. Our U20s were boys among. Men that were out muscled by Ghana and France. Along a lesson in tech footballing. By Spain. Hard group but still. Definitely lacking skill. No matter what race
They come by.
It all depends on what result was expected. U17's didnt have many hispanics and didnt even qualify from what many think is a weak region. U20's didnt make it 2011 as well. less Hispanics as well. U23's ?? Same thing for olympics. U17's 2011?? Many Hispanics. Qualified. Maybe a coincidence.
James, dont you find it amazingly weird that your comments are very similar to mine but somehow I am seen as bias and you are not?? Go figure. Wink.
Can we give the "we need more/fewer Hispanics" on the national team debate a rest? Race or ethnicity do not guarantee soccer prowess. I think most would agree that the Hispanic culture encourages ball skills; I think most would agree that being technically good is important. British culture encourages mental and physical toughness, a never say die attitude, and the importance of a team. Personally, I think all of these attributes are important. I don't care what ethnicity a player is, as long as he can play. Hispanics have certainly suffered discrimination, but I think that's getting better. I would hope that everyone would agree that US Soccer needs to search the entire country, from lilly white wealthy suburbs, to inner city African American communities, to the barrios, to find the best players, regardless of race or ethnicity. There are certainly culturally derived disagreements on how to play soccer, with the primary divide being between the British "it's a man's game, get stuck in, diving is for sissies, etc." vs. the Hispanic focus on ball skills, trickery, deception, creativity, etc. There are also tactical and strategic disagreements (not necessarily based on culture) about when players should dribble, shoot, pass, how much focus should be on defense v. offense, etc. And certainly, let's have a debate about who the best players are, which skills are more important, etc. But not all technically gifted players are Hispanic, nor are all Hispanic technically gifted. So we shouldn't take the lazy way out and say we need more Hispanics, if we really mean we need more skilled players who like the ball at their feet. Bringing in the issues of race/ethnicity makes things more difficult than they need to be.
Peter, I disagree with you about Egypt vs England game. The game that I was watching should of been put away by england, they were wasteful in front of goal the whole game. Never did It seem they where getting outplayed, england dominated most of that game. You seem to be a little harsh on certain national teams and praise others beyond merit. They did not lose to Iraq they tied them, and also chile. I still have not seen a clear cut favorite to win this competition, but if I had to put my money on one team, it would be colombia.
Iraq tied england in extra time 2-2, england slightly won possession and had more shots on goal. Chile slightly won possession, but england had more shots at goal, final 1-1. Versus turkey, they slightly lost in possession, but had more shots on goal. I'm not england fan, but don't think you are being fair on your assessment on how they played in this tournament.
Arsenal Fan...did I state Iraq beat England? If I did I was mistaken...2-2. regardless...ENGLAND WERE AWFUL THAT MATCH! And against EGYPT? Like I said...the English were "taken to school!" All the "stats" people keep writing about really mean nothing to me! At this level it's all about "W's" and "L's" If I need to sit back for 89 1/2 minutes against a superior opponent and get the "winner" in the 90th + who is the winner? If we have 90/10 possession and lose what good is it especially at the level we're talking about Arsenal Fan. Also, (speaking of money) when you put 200.00 on Egypt...understand? Big day v England...! Columbia you say? Haven't see them at all...I do not doubt at all they are playing good football. Need to start focusing on the Colombian's because...:) $$$ Tomorrow is "huge!" Anyway, thank you for the input!
Peter, you have a very good point but I think it comes down to preference of style. Bunkering and countering is obviously the style you prefer but doesnt mean it is the most effective. Spain is King and Brazil is back up there. Where was that style displayed effectively as much in Confederations ?? Spain plays possession. I have seem nobody in Europe be able to bring them down with your style. Brazil pressured with physicality, did not bunker and creamed them 3-0. Bunkering gives tecnically inferior teams a chance to win, of course.
Peter, you are right, at the end of the day all it matters is the "W". But that is not what you were talking about, you were saying that england was shown a soccer lesson, if losing is a soccer lesson, then yes. But to me it means that they got outplayed and dominated throughout the game, which never happened. I have been watching alot of games and all games are very unpredictable, France who you say are c**p just creamed host turkey 4-1, no surprise with spain beating mexico, but spain again looked very beatable, and can't see them winning tourney, Uzbekistan, who got destroyed by Uruguay just handily beat greece by 2 goals. my money still in colombia
South america has dominated this competition for years, with europe a distant second, don't see that changing anytime soon, regardless of strides the rest of the world make