I can't see how van Gaals 3 man defense can work against a fluid 4231 system which basically has 3 strikers. But he will dominate the middle and with 2 strikers and teams playing just 2 central defenders he might do some damage there.
For me the big favourites are Spain, I can't see why so many people are saying it's Brazil or Germany.
Also seeing yesterdays test against Cameroon.. When they played that false nine (with Götze in front and Özil behind) it absolutely hasn't worked out, a lot of ball possession, some chances but not a goal.
When Schürrle and Podolski came in these 2 had made direct impact playing then the 4-2-3-1 when Müller was then in front. 1st goal a Müller header (what a great player he is) and the 2nd (offside) goal with Podolski passing to Schürrle.
Also I hope Löw doesn't use Boateng on the right, the 2 goals against came from his side when he never attacked the ball leading player. I hope Lahm doesn't get wasted in the midfield (even though he can play it), a world class defender needs to play in a defense that isn't that great. But if the starters are Durm, Hummels, Mertesacker and Lahm I don't see that it is that weak.
My groups:
Group A: Brazil has to advance then it's hard to choose between Croatia and Mexico but I guess Mexico will make it. Interesting that the last groups match is Croatia vs. Mexico.
Group B: Well Spain is clear but then Netherlands or Chile. If van Gaal plays a 3 men defense against Chiles 3-3-4 (or 3-3-1-3 or 3-4-3 depending on how they press) thats not going to end good. I think Chile will advance, and also here the last match is between the Netherlands and Chile.
Group C: A weird group but I think Colombia and Japan will advance.
Group D: Well Italy as a tournament team should definately advance but England or Uruguay.. I think Uruguay makes it.
Group E: I think France (even if they are bad) and Swi
tzerland advance. But if there isn't a good mood in France' team I think they make again the early exit.
Group F: Well Argentina is clear but behind.. Nigeria isn't that good so I guess Bosnia will make it.
Group G: Germany and Portugal. But I wouldn't underestimate the US.
Group H: Well even though they are for me too overhyped Belgium advances.. Then I think South Korea will advance as the 2nd team.
Now going correctly though the KO stages I have:
Final Germany - Spain, 3rd place Brazil - Argentina.
1st Spain
2nd Germany
3rd Brazil
4th Argentina
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Jesleyh wrote:
'We' don't play a 3-men defence, but 5-3-2. Backs are offensive, but not offensive enough to be part of the forwards
It might be good against a false nine system but 5-3-2 looks weird
Meanwhile Löw has decided it might be good to just go into the tournament having 1 left full back, 1 striker and 500 midfield players.
He really sent Mustafi (ok one of the defenders had to go), Volland (striker) and Schmelzer (left full back) home.
I hope Löw makes place for someone else after the tournament as there has to be a new wind going through the team.
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I agree that many people overrate Belgium and put a lot of pressure on them. They're a young, inexperienced team, but very promising for the future. They can do something at the Euro 2016 but not this world cup.
Netherlands will miss Strootman a lot IMO. Not sure on the 5 at the back system LVG wants to play I'd play a 4-3-3 with Depay-RvP-Robben as front 3 and Sneijder right behind as playmaker and 2 CDM's Blind and N.de Jong. I think that would be a nice balance and a very strong team.
I want Brazil to do well because that means a happy home crowd, so it will give the tournament a buzz!
Kirchen_75 wrote:
I agree that many people overrate Belgium and put a lot of pressure on them. They're a young, inexperienced team, but very promising for the future. They can do something at the Euro 2016 but not this world cup.
Netherlands will miss Strootman a lot IMO. Not sure on the 5 at the back system LVG wants to play I'd play a 4-3-3 with Depay-RvP-Robben as front 3 and Sneijder right behind as playmaker and 2 CDM's Blind and N.de Jong. I think that would be a nice balance and a very strong team.
I want Brazil to do well because that means a happy home crowd, so it will give the tournament a buzz!
I agree about the 4-3-3 but i think he should keep the fluent 3 he's been playing now with Robben-RVP-Sneijder to keep the balance rather defensive. They seem to create alot of space for eachother.
Disclaimer- Most of my posts are me thinking aloud. And most of what I think is rubbish.
Winner of a FIFA Prediction Fair Play Award (a phrase becoming increasingly ironic) "... Because he (me) has a sound tactical mind in general..." jandal7, at 9:30 am GMT on 12th May 2016
And about Belgium, it's a decent team, but we miss a key player with Benteke. Lukaku is a different type and he just doesn't fit well in the team. I would've said semifinal before, but now I think we're eliminated in the quarterfinals.
Rin wrote:
For me the big favorites are Spain, I can't see why so many people are saying it's Brazil or Germany.
Because Spain's boring tici-taca style has been brutally week this year: Bayern probably the club with the best players in the world (after Real Madrid) didn't do anything. Neither has Barcelona (same dull style). Both teams have good team chemistry and it was tactics, where they really sucked. Spain won't be any different.
Well I would rate Del Bosque higher than Guardiola.
Also Guardiola never has a plan B but just plan A and if it doesn't work see the match against Madrid.
Barcelona has a problem nowadays with their coach so I don't think they are worse but had a wrong coach for the team, maybe Enrique changes it as he was a long time Barca player.
So thats why I think Spain will be again very good - because they have Del Bosque and great players.
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Argentina - Brazil final for me. Europeans side will struggle.
It will be the end of Spain domination in international football too.
Colombians as dark horses for me, but it truly depends on their form on the day. They could beat almost any side, but loose to any side too.
Edited by Alakagom on 03-06-2014 09:37
Rin wrote:
Well I would rate Del Bosque higher than Guardiola.
Also Guardiola never has a plan B but just plan A and if it doesn't work see the match against Madrid.
Barcelona has a problem nowadays with their coach so I don't think they are worse but had a wrong coach for the team, maybe Enrique changes it as he was a long time Barca player.
So thats why I think Spain will be again very good - because they have Del Bosque and great players.
Spain is going without both Llorente and Navas, thats basically their plan b right there.
Really, really looking forward to this. Germany could do really well, I hope. Against Cameroon the first few minutes were great, after that it was so-so. Wasn't a full squad though. Semis should definitely be achievable anyway.
Been listening to this pretty much all day, gets me even more excited.
And yes, I know it's an English song, and I'm Irish, and I wouldn't mind England going out in the group stages, but it's a fucking great song!
Rin wrote:
Well I would rate Del Bosque higher than Guardiola.
Also Guardiola never has a plan B but just plan A and if it doesn't work see the match against Madrid.
Barcelona has a problem nowadays with their coach so I don't think they are worse but had a wrong coach for the team, maybe Enrique changes it as he was a long time Barca player.
So thats why I think Spain will be again very good - because they have Del Bosque and great players.
Spain does not have a striker and their style of football is dead, i think they will maybe have problems going to semis. Also what i spotted is, you should play FM less Rin, football is not only about formations.
