Who is stopping Brazil?

[Karayilan9]

Is Fabiano going to step up on the big stage? Fukk no. When I say young guns I'm not talkign about age. I'm talking about experience and clutchness.

Young guns is to do with age we all know that.

Luis Fabiano is one of the best strikers in the world, he has more experience at the highest level than most strikers of top teams in the competition. He has won the Copa America, Uefa cup, Confederations cup, Super cup, Copa del Ray.

Is Elano going to do anything in a Brazil semi-final game?

Elano has proven himself for Brazil time and time again, like when they won the last Copa America. He has a tactical role on the team which he performs to a high standard and can be interchanged with Ramirez, both have an important role for the team in midfield and cover alot of ground.

Brazil's defenders are offensive oriented except Lucio and Juan. Alves and Micion are both offensive oriented defenders. Don't tell me I don't know what I'm talking about Turkz, I've been watching soccer for over a decade.

Lucio is one of the best defenders in the world! what are you talking about, Lucio and Maicon's defensive game was improved vastly at Inter under Mourinho. These are two defenders cohesive with each other, who are the best defenders for the best defensive side in the world Inter Milan and Brazil.

Brazil have one of the best defensive records in WC history, people think they are all attack, skills and tricks, its just a stereotype. Don't underestimate the Brazil defense, they can sit back and counter better than any international team.

Alves is a sub for Bastos, he doesn't start these days.

[TurkzZ]

just to add to kara's point, Dunga has set the team up to counter attack, so it will be a slightly more conservative approach from Brazil then what we are general used to seeing.

A good point to make on brazils weakness would be its left back bastos, like Spain s capdivilia , hes not the strongest defender and plays higher up the pitch for his club Lyon.

[Guru de Futbol]

Paraguay, Chile, Uruguay, and especially Argentina. I like the looks of all Latin American teams so far. Maybe even Mexico

[The General]

on any given day

[Goat Milk]

TurkzZ why do you and K keep saying Brazil won the copa and confederates? You know the confederations cup is a joke right?

Spain won the Euro-- that doesn't mean anything.

Did I say Lucio isn't a good defender? Did I say Juan is offensive oriented? I said Alves- who i Know comes off the bench- and Maicon are both offensive oriented defenders I don't understand why you are putting words in my mouth

I agree about Dunga have these guys play more defense and conservative, less flashy, etc, but Brazil is not Inter, and Dunga is not Mourinho. If Brazil plays this style against Spain they won't win because Brazil needs multiple opportunities to score against Casillas.

Brazil is not a team that is efficient in their scoring chances. Fabiano will fold on the big stage without question.

Lets keep this discussion going

[suckerforparlays]

I think Netherlands can stop them Argentina has the tools and the team but I question Argentinas defense its pretty shaky. Would like to think Mexico could play with Brazil though. Im pretty confident that Brazil would work England really bad. And maybe a Chile team I liked watching them play in the first game even though it was only against Honduras. Spain can play with them it just depends what Spain shows up

[MJFtheGenius]

The Azzurri or maybe the Dutch

[gohabsgo]

If England draw in there next game they will not qualify. Woudn't be suprised to see that

[suckerforparlays]

nothing like a good forum brainstorming!

[Wilforth]

If England draw in there next game they will not qualify. Woudn't be suprised to see that

At this rate, I won't be surprised either.

[cala56]

Hey friend , im from south america, i live whit soccer, brazil right now is the worst south american team in the world cup, even i dont know if they will qualify.

2010 SOUTH AFRICA WORLD CUP CHAMPION

1- ARGENTINA OR URUGUAY OR MEXICO
EUROPEANS TEAM HAVE NO CHANCE

[xxxvince]

i am sure brazil will qualify they already got 3 points

[Capybara]

You can't go just by what we've seen so far... certain teams need a couple of games to start to develop a feel and a chemistry and a confidence... I think the best European teams can play with Brazil even though they have disappointed so far in the tournament.

[jjgold]

The top 15 teams are all basically the same. It depends who gets the bounces.

[Krtica]

Netherlands , so far looks like the most serious team despite narrow wins.
Like robots... They could be capable stopping Brasil,
===

There is a chance after 1/8 finals , that Brasil and Netherland meet at 1/4 finals

[Guru de Futbol]

Netherlands , so far looks like the most serious team despite narrow wins.
Like robots... They could be capable stopping Brasil,
===

There is a chance after 1/8 finals , that Brasil and Netherland meet at 1/4 finals

[Karayilan9]

TurkzZ why do you and K keep saying Brazil won the copa and confederates? You know the confederations cup is a joke right?

Its in response to this statement

Goat Milk Brazil's young guns will fold under the pressure when the real time comes and Dunga has tried to change the complexity of that team too rapidly.


Confederations cup is taken more seriously in Brazil and the Copa America is no joke, Brazil had a similar team and the same system in both these competitions. They have years of experience playing how they do and over this time have become a cohesive unit, everybody what is required from them, every position has a great player to fulfill the tactical role as needed.

Did I say Lucio isn't a good defender? Did I say Juan is offensive oriented? I said Alves- who i Know comes off the bench- and Maicon are both offensive oriented defenders I don't understand why you are putting words in my mouth

A defender with offensive qualities is an advantage not a disadvantage, Maicon and Lucio are not just good defenders they are some of the best defenders in the world and they can score and contribute to attack when needed.

I agree about Dunga have these guys play more defense and conservative, less flashy, etc, but Brazil is not Inter, and Dunga is not Mourinho. If Brazil plays this style against Spain they won't win because Brazil needs multiple opportunities to score against Casillas.

Brazil arn't a linear, one minded team, they are comfortable playing different styles, they are the best sit back and counter team. Also they can pass and move with the best of them and have creative players who can think outside the box against teams that sit back.

Switzerland didn't need multiple chances did they
Spain team morale isn't very good right now, no European team has been convincing, Spain still has a great chance though, Brazil v Spain would be a great match.

Brazil is not a team that is efficient in their scoring chances. Fabiano will fold on the big stage without question.

Do you just come out with these statements to cause controversy

Brazil in qualifiers scored the most goals and conceded the least, (33:11), Fabiano has proven himself in important cup and competition games time after time. Don't underestimate Fabiano.

[Chuck74]

I think Côte d'Ivoire got the team to do it today , It ll be a tight game.

[TurkzZ]

TurkzZ why do you and K keep saying Brazil won the copa and confederates? You know the confederations cup is a joke right?

Spain won the Euro-- that doesn't mean anything.

Did I say Lucio isn't a good defender? Did I say Juan is offensive oriented? I said Alves- who i Know comes off the bench- and Maicon are both offensive oriented defenders I don't understand why you are putting words in my mouth

I agree about Dunga have these guys play more defense and conservative, less flashy, etc, but Brazil is not Inter, and Dunga is not Mourinho. If Brazil plays this style against Spain they won't win because Brazil needs multiple opportunities to score against Casillas.

Brazil is not a team that is efficient in their scoring chances. Fabiano will fold on the big stage without question.

Lets keep this discussion going

i just cant understand where you get ideas such as, Fabiano will need multiple opportunities to score from ? what makes you think that? or that he will fold under the pressure of the final. As Kara said in football sometimes only 1 chance is needed, as was show with Switzerland.

Also pointing out that Brazil's wing backs are offensive is like pointing out they wear a Yellow kit, they have played with offensive wingers for many world cups and were one of the first nations to use wing backs in attack. Brazil have won many world cups using a similar or same system of play.

If anything, Spain are showing worrying signs, they have an inability to break down well organized defensive units, this was highlighted with last years confederation cup games, the champion league games with Barce who play a similar style to Spain (but with messi ) and vs Switzerland. The lack of a good defensive midfielder is the main concern, without Senna they are not as strong defensively, same goes for Barcelona without the under rated Yaya Toure.

[jayroy25]

Nobody from what i can see

[zafzaf]

Argentina

[gesiii]

ivory coast

outright over brasil 2-1

[phenomenon]

think about this, Last macth NK defenders were as fast as they could do, and it worked, It is my opinion,I don t know what are u thinking but IC defenders are not as fast as NK defenders, that will play major role in the pitch tonight,Against this Brazil forwarders are really fast players, they can move really fast,it will cause big problem to slow IC defenders,we may see lots of goals from Brazilian side IMO

[Goat Milk]

Karayilan9,

You honestly think Fabiano is one of the best strikers in the world? Come on now, that is just silly. Fabiano will fold when the pressure is on, you will see.

I love how everyone is judging teams from the group stage. When I came out and said Germany isn't as good as people think you all laughed at me after they spanked Aus. Then I said Germany will lose to Serbia.

We cannot judge these teams from what we are seeing right now. These are just warm up games for the elite teams like Brazil Argentina and Spain. Brazil's offensive players are not suited for patience and efficiency. Their natural instincts are too attack and create multiple opportunities but Dunga is trying to hard to change that and its not gonna work against a keeper like Casillas IMO.

You are just being bias right now because you have Brazil winning it all. Brazil has nothing good happening in the midfield except Kaka. If you take Kaka out of the game, Brazil has no real weapon to create except Robinho. Don't even say Fabiano or Elano can create for others because they cannot and never will be able to.

Is everyone going to hop back on the Spain bandwagon after they beat Honduras 5-0?

[MJFtheGenius]

France looks good

[wtf]

yup, france is a lock



France continues infighting, refuse to train, director quits

By Brooks Peck

A training ground argument between French captain Patrice Evra and fitness coach Robert Duverne had to be broken up by manager Raymond Domenech. This was followed by the team's refusal to train and the resignation of team director Jean-Louis Valentin on Sunday. This comes a day after the revelation that striker Nicolas Anelka was being sent home early because of his profane words for Domenech and Evra's public assertion that they have a traitor in the team that must be eliminated. The French are in a full-blown meltdown now. Mayhem is upon them.

Valentin's resignation quickly followed the astonishing training ground scene. From the AP:

“It’s a scandal for the French, for the young people here. It’s a scandal for the federation and the French team,” Valentin said. “They don’t want to train. It’s unacceptable.

“As for me, it’s over. I’m leaving the federation. I’m sickened and disgusted,” said Valentin, who walked away from the training field, got into a car and drove off.

After the argument between Evra and Duverne that ended with Duverne throwing his badges to the ground and walking off (UPDATE: France Football reports that the spat began with Evra accusing Duverne of being the traitor), the team boarded their bus (pictured above). Domenech then read a letter from Evra and the players to the press saying that they were boycotting training in support of Anelka, who reportedly announced his international retirement after his dismissal on Saturday.

[Photos: See images of disgraced player Nicolas Anelka]

Simply put, this is madness. And there's surely more to come from this French squad as they still have one more group match (will they even play it?!). Wow.

Here's video of the argument between Evra and Duverne:

[lakerboy]

[quote=Goat Milk;5158921]Karayilan9,

You honestly think Fabiano is one of the best strikers in the world? Come on now, that is just silly. Fabiano will fold when the pressure is on, you will see.

I love how everyone is judging teams from the group stage. When I came out and said Germany isn't as good as people think you all laughed at me after they spanked Aus. Then I said Germany will lose to Serbia.

We cannot judge these teams from what we are seeing right now. These are just warm up games for the elite teams like Brazil Argentina and Spain. Brazil's offensive players are not suited for patience and efficiency. Their natural instincts are too attack and create multiple opportunities but Dunga is trying to hard to change that and its not gonna work against a keeper like Casillas IMO.

You are just being bias right now because you have Brazil winning it all. Brazil has nothing good happening in the midfield except Kaka. If you take Kaka out of the game, Brazil has no real weapon to create except Robinho. Don't even say Fabiano or Elano can create for others because they cannot and never will be able to.

Is everyone going to hop back on the Spain bandwagon after they beat Honduras 5-0?[/quote]


Fukk no. They should beat honduras. Its not the year of the spanish. They have a good team but they are missing Marcos Senna and he was huge for them at Euro 2006. His replacement Sergi Basquets isnt reliable. What is happening to Spain is the same thing that happened to Barca this year in the matches with Inter. That is essentially the Spanish national team and this time they have no messi and they have a problem with Torres cause he isnt fit 100% after the knee operation. Spain was out of ideas after halftime against the swiss. They should get thru but you dont think all the other tacticians saw what it takes to beat Spain. All the other teams are gonna park the bus in front of the net and wait for there opportunity. Spain has too many things going against them this year least of which is the huge scheduling disadvantage and the hardest route to the final. Not sure if you have any money riding on Spain but if you do good luck.

[qsilver335]

Brazil has to be the odds on favorite after their performance today. I would like to see this Brazil team vs a quicker opponent that can make runs in space.

[shebone99]

Brazil will bring home the trophy again

[Goat Milk]

LB Spain is not a one-dimensional taem that can just make quick passes inside the box, they will make adjustments, and have the weapons to do so.

I only have .5x on Spain winning the cup to win about $230. I know you have Argentina winning. Who will Argentina turn too when Messi is drawing multiple defenders besides Tevez or Mascherano? Their defense, midfield, and lack of playmakers might be a problem against deeper teams. Who knows though, you can't underestimate the best playe rin the world.

It's gonna be a great cup. Everyone who is ditching watching the cup now is gonna miss out big time once the group stage is over.

[CoZalon]

Hey friend , im from south america, i live whit soccer, brazil right now is the worst south american team in the world cup, even i dont know if they will qualify.

2010 SOUTH AFRICA WORLD CUP CHAMPION

1- ARGENTINA OR URUGUAY OR MEXICO
EUROPEANS TEAM HAVE NO CHANCE

Wow, you haven't seen any of the games that have been played? You made your own piece of shit plastic ball to stand a chance because everyone gets confused when it jumps around like hell, besides you won't even qualify from the group.

I would like to see everyone who brought a Vuvuzela to a game to die in a painful cancer/AIDS-related death.

[JogoBonito]

I think Brasil has the most effective offense so far this tourney. Almost every chance on goal from brasil has ended in score. All goals has been great plays or some kind of incredible striking demonstration like Maicons goal or luis fabiano first goal.

Spain is kinda like Barcelona, if you play their game, ull get crushed with their incredible passing skills and vision but when you play like switzerland (OR INTER), you drive them nuts and they start to play a horizontal threatless game while they try to open spaces. Meanwhile they began to get frustrated and defensive erros ends costing spain the game.
IF Brasil has to play against spain in the next round, i think Brasil can win easily. They have the defensive power to stop Spain, have the best goalkeeper in the world if they try to score from long distance (something spain usually does alot) and their counter attacks are just deadly and they wont be able to stop them judging by what ive seen from the defensive lines of spain and busquest pittyfull preformance.

Also remember that Brasil offensive power is not only just kaka, robinho and luis fabiano... the threat maicon creates is just amazing and sometimes bastos also creates some trouble with his speed and amazing shots. And to back up those defenders when they go offensive, you have Felipe Melo which demonstrate with perfection that role against Ivory Coast. Only thing im worrying bout Brasil is the last minutes lack of focus that has cost them 2 goals because b4 that, the defense has been just impecable, but theyll fix that.
I see a humble Brasil and thats their best weapon IMO, not like in 2006 where it was just a circus.

Also you cannot say that ARGENTINA is the most complete squad this worldcup, by far is the most unbalanced squad. They have THE BEST offensive power in this cup but a mediocre midfielding and a weak defense and that can cost them in the later stages. Example against Germany, the speed and strenght of the germans can be lethal for the argies. Argies can score goals all right but what happens when the other team scores more!...

[JC2008]

JOGOBONITO ---> That was one hell of an analysis and great read. Thanks.

[oObLiNk182Oo]

Brazil will win it all make you bets people

[charley1]

whom cares!!