World Cup: Group F discussion

You disappeared after Messi Scored

but Argentina defense looked so solid when their midfield was shitting in the first half. They got a bit relaxed after that second Goal otherwise the CB played really well, of course their full backs are also good. Is their defense in top 3 in this WC

5 man defense looked solid - can see sabella switching to that when 2 goals up.

Argentina got the job done, but weren't that convincing, imo. Didn't create too many chances (just 2 shots on target according to BBC stats). Mascherano (who was shit, btw) and three CBs was a defensive overkill. But that's the toughest game of their group stage over and they got the points, so the job's been done.

They were much better in the second half when they brought on Gago and Higuain *shock and horror*

Messi was far too deep in the first half trying to do all the build up shit and it isolated Aguero because no one was next to him.

It's not a coincidence that once Messi had two forwards in front of him and a playmaker plus driver from midfield behind him that they looked a lot better.

Its also not a coincidence that since Sabella came in and changed it to that line up Messi hasn't stopped scoring for Argentina, all this talk about Maradona is nice but Messi isn't Maradona or Riquelme he's Messi he can pass forward nicely but he's not a playmaker leave that stuff to the other guys who know it.

He's a forward and one of the best we have ever seen, let him be that and he'll have a great WC and so will Higuain and Aguero because of it.

But then in lies the problem without Gago, Messi has to do far too much in terms of build up and without Gago they won't win this tournament or even get close.

He has to play every game, just simply because he's the only playmaker they have and without him in turns into Messi dribbling from the half way line all game.

@RG people showed up at my apartment and I was forced to socialize

Mole I don't think the problem was the lack of Gago but the fact that maxi was the one chosen to replace him. He is an old winger, he doesn't distribute the ball, his defensive on tributos is limited, has less vision than Masche. He was basically invisible all first half. Both Enzo Pérez and Billie would have done a better job than him as a CM.

Fair enough BC, that's gonna be important going forward anyway.

Can't have Messi thinking he's Riquelme all tournament, it won't end well.

Iran already GL jinxed imo

Iran    dat hoofing   

lol first 0-0

Nigeria   

Queiroz the park the bus master   

dat Iran  
dat Ashkan   

I dont remember seeing a team play for a draw in the first group game, I am sure it has happened but its hard to remember.

Nigeria really, desperately, need some creativity in the final third. Someone who has an idea out there for crying out loud.

Seriously, push Mikel into the 10 position, im sure if anything he can pick out a pass to someones feet, instead of behind them, in front of them or over their head.

They been using Odemwingie as their 10 for most of the qualification lol

I dont remember seeing a team play for a draw in the first group game, I am sure it has happened but its hard to remember.

We have to play Argentina next. that we will lose 99%. so having 1 point means in 3rd game we still have a chance to progress and Iran-Bosnia will be like a final.

The Franchise wrote:I dont remember seeing a team play for a draw in the first group game, I am sure it has happened but its hard to remember.

Nigeria really, desperately, need some creativity in the final third. Someone who has an idea out there for crying out loud.

Seriously, push Mikel into the 10 position, im sure if anything he can pick out a pass to someones feet, instead of behind them, in front of them or over their head.

That's a problem with some non elite teams. After taking the ball towards goal they know nothing except taking long shots. It's frustrating to watch and it doesn't do their chances any good in spite of all the hard work and sometimes good play on the rest of the pitch.

BarrileteCosmico wrote:Both Enzo Pérez and Billie would have done a better job than him as a CM.

Yes since Sabella did not take Banega he's got to trust Enzo Perez any time Gago is not available.

I fancy Iran's chances for a 0:0 against Argentina

AFter forcing myself to watch the first half and then getting bored, I hope and would think that it's easily Argentina, Bosnia.

I can't see Bosnia losing to either of those two teams.

omg argentina vs. Iran/Nigeria is going to be a good one hahahah (although Enyeama may be the anti-Messi again )

did not watch the game: Iran- Nigeria...
So Iran parked the bus....??? Enyema would be upset not to have some practice before facing Messi   

Iran parking the plane.

Play the most talented player in the world out of position so you can accomodate less talented players

Wow Iran robbed.

Argentina doesn't look impressive. struggling to create chances and overall too reliant on Messi.

BusterLfc wrote:I fancy Iran's chances for a 0:0 against Argentina