Post by bob0627 on Jun 20, 2013 9:37:16 GMT -5
Some early observations about the various teams:
Group A
Brazil: Samba Pa Ti! Neymar is the real deal, an amazing player with an amazing team. The only side that has a chance against the hosts is Spain, the current world champion.
Mexico: They are currently in the toilet, 2 games and already eliminated. They do have skills though, just for whatever reason, have not done well recently and are struggling in the World Cup qualifiers as well.
Italy: Always lucky SOBs in major competitions. They should have lost to Japan and could have faced elimination vs Brazil (next match). What happened to the famous Italian defense (catenaccio)? They gave up 3 goals to Japan but still won 4-3. There's no question they have skilled players but just not enough these days to take them all the way.
Japan: Eliminated by losing to Brazil and Italy but this team has a lot of heart and skill. I wouldn't be shocked if they advanced out their group in the World Cup which they recently qualified for.
Group B
Spain: This team does not allow their opponents to hold on to the ball for more than 2 passes. The skill level collectively is some of the best I've ever seen. These players could put only midfielders on the pitch and beat any side on the planet. In fact, they did not start any forwards vs Italy in the Eurocup final and still embarrassed them.
Uruguay: A decent side that unfortunately had to face Spain in the first game. They will probably advance out of the group depending on their match vs Nigeria.
Nigeria: No real comment yet as they only faced Tahiti so far, a side that does not belong in this competition except that FIFA had to pick the winner of the Oceana Confederation.
Tahiti: A surprisingly semi-decent offense with a horrific defense and a goalie who can't hold on to the ball. They should give up a record number of goals in this competition. They have only one professional player on the team. They take on Spain today and the only question is whether they will give up double digit goals or not.
Group A
Brazil: Samba Pa Ti! Neymar is the real deal, an amazing player with an amazing team. The only side that has a chance against the hosts is Spain, the current world champion.
Mexico: They are currently in the toilet, 2 games and already eliminated. They do have skills though, just for whatever reason, have not done well recently and are struggling in the World Cup qualifiers as well.
Italy: Always lucky SOBs in major competitions. They should have lost to Japan and could have faced elimination vs Brazil (next match). What happened to the famous Italian defense (catenaccio)? They gave up 3 goals to Japan but still won 4-3. There's no question they have skilled players but just not enough these days to take them all the way.
Japan: Eliminated by losing to Brazil and Italy but this team has a lot of heart and skill. I wouldn't be shocked if they advanced out their group in the World Cup which they recently qualified for.
Group B
Spain: This team does not allow their opponents to hold on to the ball for more than 2 passes. The skill level collectively is some of the best I've ever seen. These players could put only midfielders on the pitch and beat any side on the planet. In fact, they did not start any forwards vs Italy in the Eurocup final and still embarrassed them.
Uruguay: A decent side that unfortunately had to face Spain in the first game. They will probably advance out of the group depending on their match vs Nigeria.
Nigeria: No real comment yet as they only faced Tahiti so far, a side that does not belong in this competition except that FIFA had to pick the winner of the Oceana Confederation.
Tahiti: A surprisingly semi-decent offense with a horrific defense and a goalie who can't hold on to the ball. They should give up a record number of goals in this competition. They have only one professional player on the team. They take on Spain today and the only question is whether they will give up double digit goals or not.