World Cup 2018 Russia

[nefremo]

Some teams are simply obsessed with possession. They think they are the better team just because they have the ball yet create nothing with it anyway. Montella probably fits into this philosophy and we know how that ended. 

I do think Spain, Brazil, France and Germany have the most talented squads in this WC but the 2 that are obsessed with keeping the ball are already out...yet the other 2 that haven't been great by any means are still in. Goes on to show somethong when it comes to possessing the ball just for the sake of possessing but no end vision as to what happens at the end of the possession. 

Gotta say, can't even imagine one of the teams on Russia's side of the draw being in a World Cup final. But I guess that's the beauty of this game sometimes. 
I was disappointed by Croatia today. I expected more from all that talent they have, but they somehow got through. Even so, right now I would say Croatia has to be the favorite to make it to the final from that side of the draw. We'll see what happens with England/Colombia tomorrow, but regardless, there is not a single team on that side that Croatia shouldn't be able to beat.

[ACMILAN1983]

Hard not to feel for Denmark as I think they gave a decent game, but Croatia managed to do just enough. I agree nefremo, I think if Colombia can step up they can give Croatia difficulties, but realistically Croatia should be aiming for the final.

I totally agree on your point about possession, I've never been the biggest fan of tiki taka even if there are elements to respect. Personally I've grown up loving direct attacking play, moving vertically quickly. It's one of the elements I've appreciated of gattuso's game, hopefully we'll see him refine it next season (this past season I felt the team were a little too dependent on the counter or would revert to Montella's style of play).

I also think we'll start seeing more traditional playmakers making a return in the next few years. It seems evident to me that too many teams lack creativity in the final third in this world cup and it's lacking generally in the modern game.

[SkyEdge]

Four minutes in, already two goals for Denmark vs. Croatia. Both caused by defensive mistakes, but I am not complaining.

Imagine if Italy was in the WC...

Certainly wont be out of place.. i dun see any team being that head and shoulders above the rest..

[SkyEdge]

Hard not to feel for Denmark as I think they gave a decent game, but Croatia managed to do just enough. I agree nefremo, I think if Colombia can step up they can give Croatia difficulties, but realistically Croatia should be aiming for the final.

I totally agree on your point about possession, I've never been the biggest fan of tiki taka even if there are elements to respect. Personally I've grown up loving direct attacking play, moving vertically quickly. It's one of the elements I've appreciated of gattuso's game, hopefully we'll see him refine it next season (this past season I felt the team were a little too dependent on the counter or would revert to Montella's style of play).

I also think we'll start seeing more traditional playmakers making a return in the next few years. It seems evident to me that too many teams lack creativity in the final third in this world cup and it's lacking generally in the modern game.

Tiki-taka at its prime did have end results with proper strikers like Samuel Eto.. and midfielders who were not afraid to shoot or try to produce  moment of magic like during the Ronaldinho days.. tiki-taka died the day the xavi-iniesta duo were broken up.. xavi always tried a magnificent defence splitting pass when chance came.. now all the possesion seems to be just passing the ball around hoping for miracle..

[sylrus]

tiki taka and possession based football is different imo, when you just switching the ball left right for the sake the opponent not getting the ball is not tiki taka, what i remember of tiki taka is, a fast paced ball going through the opposition defense like slicing butter.

[am I Milan enough?]

No more Xavi & Iniesta together on the field means no more tiki taka stuff, watching Spain last night reminded me of the team before the tiki taka, beatable anyday.

[ACMILAN1983]

Tiki-taka at its prime did have end results with proper strikers like Samuel Eto.. and midfielders who were not afraid to shoot or try to produce  moment of magic like during the Ronaldinho days.. tiki-taka died the day the xavi-iniesta duo were broken up.. xavi always tried a magnificent defence splitting pass when chance came.. now all the possesion seems to be just passing the ball around hoping for miracle..

Oh yeah don't get me wrong, when done well there's simply no denying the efficacy of tiki taka. I'm just not a fan of really watching it, though I respect elements of it.

[reza]

Belgium 0-2 Japan with 35 minutes to go. Tow great goals against run of play.

What a world cup.

[reza]

And Belgium scored 3, including one at very last kick of game from super fast counter to win it. Martinez made two iffy subs, Fellaini and Chadli, but both scored! One of the World Cup classic games.

[ACMILAN1983]

What an exceptional game, this competition has had a lot of memorable games and this was great. Very sorry for Japan but they couldn't cope with the physicality of lukaku and fellaini, they lacked a little luck, and ultimately lost to pretty much a perfect counter. That final goal was just superb by Belgium.

Also saw Brazil and Mexico and Brazil won in relative comfort in the end. However, I don't understand why people still expect more style from Brazil, this side is built on very different principles to sides of the past. It's not joga bonito anymore, but their strength is evident from their defensive stats (1 goal conceded in 4 games). They also seem to be finding better balance and rhythm with each game. However, the biggest deal to me is with the exception of neymar's histrionics, the other players look focused and disciplined. This is completely different to the over emotional and mentally fragile side we saw 4 years ago.