Spain v Portugal
- Thread starter Niall K
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[quote author=Niall K link=topic=40787.msg1128405#msg1128405 date=1277838732]
Dull as fuck so far.
Spain haven't really got going at all in this tournament.
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Did you watch Japan Paraguay earlier? This is like watching the globetrotters compared to that!
Dull as fuck so far.
Spain haven't really got going at all in this tournament.
[/quote]
Did you watch Japan Paraguay earlier? This is like watching the globetrotters compared to that!
Iniesta & Torres look to be at about 50% ... I think switch Iniesta for Fabregas to start the 2nd half. Otherwise, Portugal (despite little possession) have looked far more dangerous.
Oh, and we should offer 10 million for Coentrao ... Let's settle our LB problem for the next decade. He's class.
Oh, and we should offer 10 million for Coentrao ... Let's settle our LB problem for the next decade. He's class.
I don't think brazil or the argies have too much to worry about
We must be watching different games, Wizzy. Spain were more threatening initially IMO and, though Portugal have come into it more as the half's gone on, I don't think much to Almeida. As for Iniesta, granted he's not on top form but he's shown more class even in little cameo moments than most of his teammates. Alonso would be off before him if I were Del Bosque.
I know what neil means, but Spain's form early in this game suggests to me that they can and will trouble that Argie defence. I'm feeling fairly confident in my pre-tournament tip that Brazil would win though.
I know what neil means, but Spain's form early in this game suggests to me that they can and will trouble that Argie defence. I'm feeling fairly confident in my pre-tournament tip that Brazil would win though.
Torres off.....rubbish WC for him if Spain go out tonight!
[quote author=Fox link=topic=40787.msg1128423#msg1128423 date=1277842415]
Spain struggling, must be that shit 4-4-2 that everyone says is the reason why england are out. Hmmm Spain play two up front as well, new excuse needed twats.
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Any game Torres has played Villa's spent on the left!
Spain struggling, must be that shit 4-4-2 that everyone says is the reason why england are out. Hmmm Spain play two up front as well, new excuse needed twats.
[/quote]
Any game Torres has played Villa's spent on the left!
While it wasn't the most inspiring of performances by Spain, I still love watching the way they pass it around in little triangles between each other, always with the ball completly under control, and seemingly having that extra half second to do exactly what they want to do.
Did the cunt cry?
[quote author=SaintGeorge67 link=topic=40787.msg1128436#msg1128436 date=1277843832]
Did the cunt cry?
[/quote]
Not that I could see, and that breaks an 8 year run, gutted.
He was given nothing by the refs too, even obvious fouls, it was fantastic.
Did the cunt cry?
[/quote]
Not that I could see, and that breaks an 8 year run, gutted.
He was given nothing by the refs too, even obvious fouls, it was fantastic.
[quote author=Farkmaster link=topic=40787.msg1128437#msg1128437 date=1277843960]
[quote author=SaintGeorge67 link=topic=40787.msg1128436#msg1128436 date=1277843832]
Did the cunt cry?
[/quote]
Not that I could see, and that breaks an 8 year run, gutted.
He was given nothing by the refs too, even obvious fouls, it was fantastic.
[/quote]
No new avatar for you then! 😉
[quote author=SaintGeorge67 link=topic=40787.msg1128436#msg1128436 date=1277843832]
Did the cunt cry?
[/quote]
Not that I could see, and that breaks an 8 year run, gutted.
He was given nothing by the refs too, even obvious fouls, it was fantastic.
[/quote]
No new avatar for you then! 😉
A victory for football, I reckon. Shocking lack of ambition from Portugal after they went a goal down.
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=40787.msg1128441#msg1128441 date=1277844358]
He spat at the cameraman as he walked off. It hasn't been mentioned.
[/quote]
That's true.
I wonder whether Torres will start next game. It isn't working out for him, for spain, and in truth it never really has looked great for them, even at the Euros.
He spat at the cameraman as he walked off. It hasn't been mentioned.
[/quote]
That's true.
I wonder whether Torres will start next game. It isn't working out for him, for spain, and in truth it never really has looked great for them, even at the Euros.
They don't tend to play the early pass and end up playing around the front man rather than through him. I don't think it's a coincidence that Torres looked better in the Euro2008 final after they elected to change their approach following Villas suspension.
Still, he normally contributes a lot more and scores some goals, although nowhere near as many as Villa obviously. He's just lacking match fitness and practice and trying to regain your top form in the world cup finals (particularly when your failings are being highlighted by the red hot form of your fellow striker) isn't ideal.
Still, he normally contributes a lot more and scores some goals, although nowhere near as many as Villa obviously. He's just lacking match fitness and practice and trying to regain your top form in the world cup finals (particularly when your failings are being highlighted by the red hot form of your fellow striker) isn't ideal.
[quote author=keniget link=topic=40787.msg1128448#msg1128448 date=1277845129]
They don't tend to play the early pass and end up playing around the front man rather than through him. I don't think it's a coincidence that Torres looked better in the Euro2008 final after they elected to change their approach following Villas suspension.
Still, he normally contributes a lot more and scores some goals, although nowhere near as many as Villa obviously. He's just lacking match fitness and practice and trying to regain your top form in the world cup finals (particularly when your failings are being highlighted by the red hot form of your fellow striker) isn't ideal.
[/quote]
He's looked lazy to me though, strangely lazy. He isn't making his runs.
Meanwhile Villa is scoring goals, defending down the left, well into his own half. I expect way lower energy levels, but Torres isn't really putting the effort in. It's all passing him by. Paraguay is the last real opportunity where he can be carried a bit, after that, if I were that melted candle Del Bosque, I'd try something else, and use him as a supersub.
They don't tend to play the early pass and end up playing around the front man rather than through him. I don't think it's a coincidence that Torres looked better in the Euro2008 final after they elected to change their approach following Villas suspension.
Still, he normally contributes a lot more and scores some goals, although nowhere near as many as Villa obviously. He's just lacking match fitness and practice and trying to regain your top form in the world cup finals (particularly when your failings are being highlighted by the red hot form of your fellow striker) isn't ideal.
[/quote]
He's looked lazy to me though, strangely lazy. He isn't making his runs.
Meanwhile Villa is scoring goals, defending down the left, well into his own half. I expect way lower energy levels, but Torres isn't really putting the effort in. It's all passing him by. Paraguay is the last real opportunity where he can be carried a bit, after that, if I were that melted candle Del Bosque, I'd try something else, and use him as a supersub.
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=40787.msg1128441#msg1128441 date=1277844358]
He spat at the cameraman as he walked off. It hasn't been mentioned.
[/quote]
It has been now. Wonder if anything will come of it?
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/story/_/id/804256/ce/uk/?cc=3888&ver=global
Mad Ronaldo spits at TV camera
June 30, 2010
Cristiano Ronaldo's disappointing World Cup ended on a sour note as he was caught spitting towards a cameraman following Portugal's 1-0 loss to Spain in the second round.
Portugal captain Ronaldo reacted angrily to the cameraman's attempts to follow him off the pitch in close proximity immediately after the final whistle, waving him away before spitting in his direction while looking down the barrel of the camera, an act that was broadcast around the world.
While he was taking his frustration out on the man behind the lens, Ronaldo's spit appeared to the global audience to be directed towards them in an ugly act that could upset many of the fans of one of football's most marketable men.
Ronaldo failed to fire in the tournament, scoring just once in Portugal's 7-0 thrashing of DPR Korea and otherwise lacking involvement as his side went scoreless in their other three matches.
After the match, he told reporters to "talk to Carlos Queiroz" about Portugal's elimination from the World Cup. During the second half of the second round match, in which David Villa scored the only goal not long after the break, Ronaldo appeared frustrated as Queiroz issued a string of tactical instructions from the sideline that ultimately failed to bring Ronaldo, or Portugal, into the game.
He spat at the cameraman as he walked off. It hasn't been mentioned.
[/quote]
It has been now. Wonder if anything will come of it?
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/story/_/id/804256/ce/uk/?cc=3888&ver=global
Mad Ronaldo spits at TV camera
June 30, 2010
Cristiano Ronaldo's disappointing World Cup ended on a sour note as he was caught spitting towards a cameraman following Portugal's 1-0 loss to Spain in the second round.
Portugal captain Ronaldo reacted angrily to the cameraman's attempts to follow him off the pitch in close proximity immediately after the final whistle, waving him away before spitting in his direction while looking down the barrel of the camera, an act that was broadcast around the world.
While he was taking his frustration out on the man behind the lens, Ronaldo's spit appeared to the global audience to be directed towards them in an ugly act that could upset many of the fans of one of football's most marketable men.
Ronaldo failed to fire in the tournament, scoring just once in Portugal's 7-0 thrashing of DPR Korea and otherwise lacking involvement as his side went scoreless in their other three matches.
After the match, he told reporters to "talk to Carlos Queiroz" about Portugal's elimination from the World Cup. During the second half of the second round match, in which David Villa scored the only goal not long after the break, Ronaldo appeared frustrated as Queiroz issued a string of tactical instructions from the sideline that ultimately failed to bring Ronaldo, or Portugal, into the game.
Christiano Ronaldo's cup has been so lovely for me to watch.
1) Narrowly misses scoring a couple contenders for goal of the tournament, off the woodwork.
2) Is caught quite obviously staring at himself in the big screen before the run up to a useless free kick from a billion miles out.
3) Plays on an incredibly defensive side where he sees very little of the ball.
4) Doesn't get two or three obvious fouls called for him, because he's got a reputation as a cheater.
5) Crashes out of the tournament having barely touched the ball, and spits at a tv camera.
1) Narrowly misses scoring a couple contenders for goal of the tournament, off the woodwork.
2) Is caught quite obviously staring at himself in the big screen before the run up to a useless free kick from a billion miles out.
3) Plays on an incredibly defensive side where he sees very little of the ball.
4) Doesn't get two or three obvious fouls called for him, because he's got a reputation as a cheater.
5) Crashes out of the tournament having barely touched the ball, and spits at a tv camera.
[quote author=Farkmaster link=topic=40787.msg1128527#msg1128527 date=1277877791]
Christiano Ronaldo's cup has been so lovely for me to watch.
1) Narrowly misses scoring a couple contenders for goal of the tournament, off the woodwork.
2) Is caught quite obviously staring at himself in the big screen before the run up to a useless free kick from a billion miles out.
3) Plays on an incredibly defensive side where he sees very little of the ball.
4) Doesn't get two or three obvious fouls called for him, because he's got a reputation as a cheater.
5) Crashes out of the tournament having barely touched the ball, and spits at a tv camera.
[/quote]
Yup, 'twas great.
Christiano Ronaldo's cup has been so lovely for me to watch.
1) Narrowly misses scoring a couple contenders for goal of the tournament, off the woodwork.
2) Is caught quite obviously staring at himself in the big screen before the run up to a useless free kick from a billion miles out.
3) Plays on an incredibly defensive side where he sees very little of the ball.
4) Doesn't get two or three obvious fouls called for him, because he's got a reputation as a cheater.
5) Crashes out of the tournament having barely touched the ball, and spits at a tv camera.
[/quote]
Yup, 'twas great.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2010/jun/28/world-cup-2010-fernando-torres-spain
World Cup 2010: Fernando Torres turning into the Spanish Emile Heskey
The Spain forward is happy to create space and chances for his country's main striker rather than lead the attack
This might sound like just about the stupidest thing you've ever heard but bear with it for a moment. It's not quite as absurd as you might think. Ok, here goes ... Fernando Torres is Spain's Emile Heskey. On the face of it there is no comparison. Last season the Spaniard scored 18 Premier League goals despite missing much of the season through injury. Heskey got three. In his three years in England, Torres has scored 56 times; Heskey would have to go back nine campaigns to rack up as many. Meanwhile, the Englishman has scored seven at international level, while his counterpart has 24.
It is at international level, though, where there is a curious parallel developing between the two. Neither has scored at the World Cup. In fact, Torres has not scored for Spain since last summer, and Heskey has not scored for England since June last year. But he did at least score during qualification, which is more than can be said for Torres.
It should not have been so long. Torres wasted two wonderful opportunities against Honduras; Heskey failed to take his chance against the USA.
Not that anyone was surprised, or even especially angry. Most imagined Heskey would miss, and scoring goals was officially not his job. When Torres missed, the surprise was greater. But here's the thing: scoring is not his job either.
"David [Villa] is the goalscorer," Torres said. "He's the one whose responsibility it is to score [for Spain]. When I was 17 I would get annoyed if I didn't score but not any more."
For a man with more than 150 goals to his name, it was a startling remark, and Torres does care about getting goals himself. It could also be dismissed as an attempt to ease the pressure – and questions certainly have been asked about the Madrileño's form and finishing.
Yet the sentiment was not entirely misplaced. Both Torres and Heskey have found themselves in a situation in which they are, rarely for a forward, judged not so much on their own performances as that of the man alongside them.
Though the doubts lingered, and are ever greater now, England fans long learnt to value Heskey for something other than goals, Gérard Houllier once brandishing the figures to underline his importance, even if those figures did not include goals scored. Now Spanish fans are having similar discussions about Torres.
He has twice undergone operations this year. This might be a World Cup but he is undergoing a kind of pre-season; against Honduras he started a match for the first time in three months. "The most important thing," he said, "is that I'm progressing." The most important thing is that Spain are. And although superficial judgments suggest otherwise, Torres is a central reason why.
It is the performance of the men alongside them that means Heskey and Torres have such different horizons; and that, in turn, says something about their displays. Wayne Rooney failed to score; Villa has scored three times. Or to put it another way: Heskey failed to help Rooney score; Torres helped Villa score – an interpretation that comes as a comfort to Torres, something to which he can cling in his drought.
Heskey was dropped from and ultimately had to head for home with the defeated squad; Torres will be included as Spain face Portugal tonight believing that they can reach the final on 11 July. The reason is simple: even without getting goals, Torres has proven fundamental.
The Liverpool striker was absent from the starting line-up in Spain's 1–0 defeat in the opening game against Switzerland. When he has been included, Villa has scored three times, mostly coming in from the left. Against Chile, it was Torres's power and pace that presented Villa with the chance – if it can even be called a "chance" – to score.
The move was reminiscent of Villa's first at Euro 2008, a goal he greeted by pointedly celebrating with Torres, the provider.
The roles remain. "Torres generates a lot of space for me – anyone can see that," Villa says.
"Torres hasn't scored goals yet; he lacks pace and his finishing needs to improve, but he is very valuable," says Vicente del Bosque, Spain's coach. "He ties up the defenders, is a constant threat and opens spaces. He always offers himself, especially at the hardest moments, and causes problems with his power and pace."
Javi Venta, the Villarreal defender, adds: "When Torres plays, Villa plays better. He has more freedom, greater mobility."
The former Spain midfielder Victor Muñoz defines it in a phrase: "Torres makes the pitch longer."
Torres adds: "Look at Villa's figures, they're incredible. He's the Seleccion's goalscorer and always has been." Well, not always. The last time questions were raised about Torres's goalscoring ability, during Euro 2008, he silenced them in style. By scoring the most important goal in the country's history.
World Cup 2010: Fernando Torres turning into the Spanish Emile Heskey
The Spain forward is happy to create space and chances for his country's main striker rather than lead the attack
This might sound like just about the stupidest thing you've ever heard but bear with it for a moment. It's not quite as absurd as you might think. Ok, here goes ... Fernando Torres is Spain's Emile Heskey. On the face of it there is no comparison. Last season the Spaniard scored 18 Premier League goals despite missing much of the season through injury. Heskey got three. In his three years in England, Torres has scored 56 times; Heskey would have to go back nine campaigns to rack up as many. Meanwhile, the Englishman has scored seven at international level, while his counterpart has 24.
It is at international level, though, where there is a curious parallel developing between the two. Neither has scored at the World Cup. In fact, Torres has not scored for Spain since last summer, and Heskey has not scored for England since June last year. But he did at least score during qualification, which is more than can be said for Torres.
It should not have been so long. Torres wasted two wonderful opportunities against Honduras; Heskey failed to take his chance against the USA.
Not that anyone was surprised, or even especially angry. Most imagined Heskey would miss, and scoring goals was officially not his job. When Torres missed, the surprise was greater. But here's the thing: scoring is not his job either.
"David [Villa] is the goalscorer," Torres said. "He's the one whose responsibility it is to score [for Spain]. When I was 17 I would get annoyed if I didn't score but not any more."
For a man with more than 150 goals to his name, it was a startling remark, and Torres does care about getting goals himself. It could also be dismissed as an attempt to ease the pressure – and questions certainly have been asked about the Madrileño's form and finishing.
Yet the sentiment was not entirely misplaced. Both Torres and Heskey have found themselves in a situation in which they are, rarely for a forward, judged not so much on their own performances as that of the man alongside them.
Though the doubts lingered, and are ever greater now, England fans long learnt to value Heskey for something other than goals, Gérard Houllier once brandishing the figures to underline his importance, even if those figures did not include goals scored. Now Spanish fans are having similar discussions about Torres.
He has twice undergone operations this year. This might be a World Cup but he is undergoing a kind of pre-season; against Honduras he started a match for the first time in three months. "The most important thing," he said, "is that I'm progressing." The most important thing is that Spain are. And although superficial judgments suggest otherwise, Torres is a central reason why.
It is the performance of the men alongside them that means Heskey and Torres have such different horizons; and that, in turn, says something about their displays. Wayne Rooney failed to score; Villa has scored three times. Or to put it another way: Heskey failed to help Rooney score; Torres helped Villa score – an interpretation that comes as a comfort to Torres, something to which he can cling in his drought.
Heskey was dropped from and ultimately had to head for home with the defeated squad; Torres will be included as Spain face Portugal tonight believing that they can reach the final on 11 July. The reason is simple: even without getting goals, Torres has proven fundamental.
The Liverpool striker was absent from the starting line-up in Spain's 1–0 defeat in the opening game against Switzerland. When he has been included, Villa has scored three times, mostly coming in from the left. Against Chile, it was Torres's power and pace that presented Villa with the chance – if it can even be called a "chance" – to score.
The move was reminiscent of Villa's first at Euro 2008, a goal he greeted by pointedly celebrating with Torres, the provider.
The roles remain. "Torres generates a lot of space for me – anyone can see that," Villa says.
"Torres hasn't scored goals yet; he lacks pace and his finishing needs to improve, but he is very valuable," says Vicente del Bosque, Spain's coach. "He ties up the defenders, is a constant threat and opens spaces. He always offers himself, especially at the hardest moments, and causes problems with his power and pace."
Javi Venta, the Villarreal defender, adds: "When Torres plays, Villa plays better. He has more freedom, greater mobility."
The former Spain midfielder Victor Muñoz defines it in a phrase: "Torres makes the pitch longer."
Torres adds: "Look at Villa's figures, they're incredible. He's the Seleccion's goalscorer and always has been." Well, not always. The last time questions were raised about Torres's goalscoring ability, during Euro 2008, he silenced them in style. By scoring the most important goal in the country's history.
[quote author=Farkmaster link=topic=40787.msg1128527#msg1128527 date=1277877791]
Christiano Ronaldo's cup has been so lovely for me to watch.
1) Narrowly misses scoring a couple contenders for goal of the tournament, off the woodwork.
2) Is caught quite obviously staring at himself in the big screen before the run up to a useless free kick from a billion miles out.
3) Plays on an incredibly defensive side where he sees very little of the ball.
4) Doesn't get two or three obvious fouls called for him, because he's got a reputation as a cheater.
5) Crashes out of the tournament having barely touched the ball, and spits at a tv camera.
[/quote]
He even did it before he made his little prayer (with both hands raised) yesterday........ TWAT.
Christiano Ronaldo's cup has been so lovely for me to watch.
1) Narrowly misses scoring a couple contenders for goal of the tournament, off the woodwork.
2) Is caught quite obviously staring at himself in the big screen before the run up to a useless free kick from a billion miles out.
3) Plays on an incredibly defensive side where he sees very little of the ball.
4) Doesn't get two or three obvious fouls called for him, because he's got a reputation as a cheater.
5) Crashes out of the tournament having barely touched the ball, and spits at a tv camera.
[/quote]
He even did it before he made his little prayer (with both hands raised) yesterday........ TWAT.
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