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World Cup Match Thread DAY 3

Syn_13

Fly On, Little Wing
Jul 17, 2008
14,851
20,659
Talk in the Italian press is that Prandelli may go for a 4-5-1 tonight to combat England's attack. He's looking to compact the middle and have Balotelli as the front man. It's not a formation he really uses with Italy and I'm concerned that it'll leave Balotelli a bit isolated. They're saying that the midfield is going to be a bank of 3 consisting of De Rossi, Pirlo and Verratti, with Marchisio and Candreva as the attacking mids supporting Balo. He's using Verratti as a foil for Pirlo in case he gets crowded out. Personally, I'd have loved to see Insigne and Immobile start, but they'll make good impact subs.

Really don't know how to call this one tonight, I think it could go either way. Italy always start off slowly and lack pace, particularly the centre backs. There's no real width in the team apart from the full backs who may leave the centre backs exposed when bombing forward, and Cerci, who doesn't start and isn't good for Italy, IMO. England have pace up front and players that aren't afraid to run at you, which could cause Italy problems. Not the strongest defensively though, and not known for keeping the ball well.

Edit: I think England should start Sterling to get the best results against Italy. Barkley could also prove to be an ace in the hole.
 

TH1239

Well-Known Member
Jan 28, 2011
3,691
8,964
I've read a lot of posts on this website discussing how the pace and power of the English Premier League is vastly superior to other leagues around the world. I've also read that Serie A is a full of slow ponderous football, and major success there (Lamela) doesn't mean you can come close to hacking it in the almighty Prem.

Given all of that, shouldn't the English team assert that supposed elite power and pace on Italy and absolutely dominate this match? I mean, if the EPL is so superior, and this English team is littered with lads that people here rated highly during the club season (Lallana, Sterling, Sturridge, Barkley, Henderson, Baines, Milner), then I would expect them to get results.

Of course, the reality is quite different. In fact, I believe this World Cup will show that the strength of the EPL is primarily based on it's foreign imports, and I suspect England will crash out quickly in the group stages.
 

tobi

Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose
Jun 10, 2003
17,446
11,567
That's a big blow especially with the chemistry (Juventus defence) but Sirigu is a very good goalkeeper.

I don't think Colombia will miss Falcao on the pitch, maybe his leadership.
 

yankspurs

Enic Out
Aug 22, 2013
41,883
71,188
Colombia XI: Ospina, Zapata, Yepes, Sanchez, Armero, Aguilar, Gutiérrez, Rodríguez, Cuadrado, Zúñiga, Ibarbo.
Greece XI: Karnezis; Maniatis, Manolas, Samaras, Kone; Salpingidis, Torosidis, Gekas, Sokratis; Cholevas, Katsouranis

Surprised Martinez, Guarin, Mitroglou and Karagounis(yes I had to google those 2 names for spelling:whistle:) arent in the lineups today. Some mistakes in both XI's, I think.
 

felmani26

SC Supporter
Jan 1, 2008
24,362
43,015
That's a big blow especially with the chemistry (Juventus defence) but Sirigu is a very good goalkeeper.

I don't think Colombia will miss Falcao on the pitch, maybe his leadership.
They still have a talented forward line with Jackson Martinez who we were linked to on the bench but to not have a world class striker in Falcao is still a huge void for someone to fill.

Colombia are my dark horses and think this will be the tournament that puts James Rodriguez firmly on the map (if he wasn't already) - huge talent.
 

DuDe

Well-Known Member
Jun 23, 2007
7,049
3,950
Someone's been a bit heavy handed with Neil Lennon's make up.

Either, he went out on a bender with the boys last night and the makeup is to hide how rough he'd look or it could be mixed with suntan lotion as he's fair skinned. Or both. :) :p
 

DuDe

Well-Known Member
Jun 23, 2007
7,049
3,950
I just hope Greece don't do this again:

Barcelona-v-AC-Milan-bus-5.jpg


If they do, I hope they get "Spain-ed".

:D
 
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