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OT: Association Football Thread II (All Soccer Talk Here!)

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That's what I didn't understand about Columbia's approach to the game, though--it definitely wasn't meaningless. The difference between having to face Peru and having to face Brazil is huge.
 
Peru eliminating those trash bags in Brazil is the only good thing about today.

even though it was on an obvious handball
 
Surprisingly fun game between Ireland and Sweden.

JanErixon20 said:
I have no idea what those officials where looking at.
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Well look at it this way, if the officials got the call vs. Ecuador right Brazil would've already been eliminated.
 
Raspewtin said:
Surprisingly fun game between Ireland and Sweden.



Well look at it this way, if the officials got the call vs. Ecuador right Brazil would've already been eliminated.
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Honestly, I didn't see that one. I'm no fan of Brazil, so them being out is no big deal to me. But that was an absurd missed call.
 
There's no legitimate reason why replay couldn't/shouldn't be used in major/televised games. And I'm not a big replay guy! That Peru goal was an absolute embarrassment.
 
Raspewtin said:
De Bruyne and Lukaku looked atrocious.

Huge disappointment considering I really can't remember a worse Italian squad in recent years.
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It's true that this Azzurri squad isn't particularly strong (and a joke that Pirlo and Giovinco are being penalized for playing in MLS), but Italy always seems to manage to find their way into the semis regardless of the relative strength of the team. They're rarely out in the group stage. Belgium were ****, but I'm not totally surprised the boys pulled it out.
 
nyr2k2 said:
There's no legitimate reason why replay couldn't/shouldn't be used in major/televised games. And I'm not a big replay guy! That Peru goal was an absolute embarrassment.
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yeah but **** Brazil lol

nyr2k2 said:
It's true that this Azzurri squad isn't particularly strong (and a joke that Pirlo and Giovinco are being penalized for playing in MLS), but Italy always seems to manage to find their way into the semis regardless of the relative strength of the team. They're rarely out in the group stage. Belgium were ****, but I'm not totally surprised the boys pulled it out.
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I mean as long as they have the Juve 4 in back they'll always be competitive, but Belgium are rightfully ranked as a top squad in the world. Could've at least mustered a goal. Half the squad tried to score with witchcraft.
 
nyr2k2 said:
It's true that this Azzurri squad isn't particularly strong (and a joke that Pirlo and Giovinco are being penalized for playing in MLS), but Italy always seems to manage to find their way into the semis regardless of the relative strength of the team. They're rarely out in the group stage. Belgium were ****, but I'm not totally surprised the boys pulled it out.
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pirlo is no where near good enough anymore to play for italy. hes a ghost in the midfield in mls. belgium need a manager with tactical ability. they always look like **** despite having more talent then just about any team in the world.
 
ecemleafs said:
pirlo is no where near good enough anymore to play for italy. hes a ghost in the midfield in mls. belgium need a manager with tactical ability. they always look like **** despite having more talent then just about any team in the world.
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Pirlo was still a very good player for Juve last year. He absolutely still has it. He's clearly just cashing a check in the MLS, which is a shame, but he's still has the talent. His vision and his creativity and accuracy with the long ball is as good as the world has ever seen. Italy don't exactly play an up-tempo style, so the pace shouldn't have been an issue.

However, it is a valid point that he's been dogging it with NYCFC. That's the biggest reason Conte passed him over, I'd imagine. Still, I'd have rather brought him along than nothings like Eder and Parolo.
 
Italy Belgium was down to coaching/tactics. Conte destroyed Wilmots.

Belgium played 4 CBs across the D. Conte played wingbacks way out wide (they were basically positioned on the sidelines) and attacked the flanks. DeBruyne and Hazard were too busy tracking back to do much.

Disappointed in the Irish result. They deserved better - should have won that. Have to beat either Belgium or Italy now, which is going to be difficult.
 
nyr2k2 said:
Pirlo was still a very good player for Juve last year. He absolutely still has it. He's clearly just cashing a check in the MLS, which is a shame, but he's still has the talent. His vision and his creativity and accuracy with the long ball is as good as the world has ever seen. Italy don't exactly play an up-tempo style, so the pace shouldn't have been an issue.

However, it is a valid point that he's been dogging it with NYCFC. That's the biggest reason Conte passed him over, I'd imagine. Still, I'd have rather brought him along than nothings like Eder and Parolo.
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I think they should've picked Pirlo - but if Verratti was healthy I think the omission is fine.

If Verratti and Marchisio were actually healthy I would put them among the favorites.

I would probably run a 3-5-2.

Pelle-Insigne

Marchisio-Candreva
Verratti
Darmian Florenzi

Chiellini-Bonucci-Barzagli
 
Belgium sans Kompany is a defensive tactics wreck. Doesn't help that they either can't develop a proper fullback, or refuse to select one for their NT.

Really think they need a coaching switchup to get some new energy on that team. I know Feliani usually plays well for Belgium as opposed to club, but if you're promising attacking football and start him and Witsel I'm not sure what you're expecting.
 
some excellent defense by Slovakia.

This opening round just keeps getting better.
 
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