Group-D - WC 2014

[ElMago99]

I'm not sure why Balotelli is the way he is, but he's too unpredictable. I actually thought for Italy he was a different person. He worked hard for the shirt, often played up top by himself, gave his body up, didn't do too many stupid things, and didn't act out.

This tournament I just felt like whatever brains he had, he lost. He looked lost up top, frustrated, and that any moment he court hurt someone or get a red. He did nothing on the field, and the yellow he got forced Prandelli's hand. His actions of sitting on the bus by himself, if true, are silly. Like a child.

I cannot help but keep reminiscing over Italy 2006. Balanced squad, stronger at the back and in midfield... I mean, yes, there were many legends on the team (Nesta, Cannavaro, Gattuso, Pirlo, Totti, Del Piero, Inzaghi), but also great role players in Perrotta, Camoranesi, Grosso, and Materazzi. Luca Toni, & Gilardino did their part too. Luca Toni was in his prime at the time, which was good for 32 goals per season.

The thing I remember most about those players are the defensive/tactical ingenious, as well as the tremendous .. Italy simply needs to go back to that, and a more old fashioned coach like Capello. As for grass roots, yes, more emphasis on defense + younger development, giving them a chance in Serie A, etc.

I'm still very disappointed from yesterday. For me, the World Cup is over.

[xudong]

This is unfortunate. This was the first WC that I actually don't have a real team to follow/support (after BiH was eliminated, of course - this one is for you, Stitch. ). I was in the process of shopping around, and Suarez and his Uruguay was actually on my short list after their heroics against England.

I m the same bro. Both BiH and Italy are gone, no real reason to watch WC anymore

Except to root against the Germans. I have an annoying friend who supports them, so I want them to lose

I think I may support Greece the rest of the way. You can read my reasoning in their group's thread.

Oh damn, Stitch. I was actually thinking that I should start supporting Germany.

I don't think Greece will go far at all. They don't even deserve to be in the final 16.

[Stitch]

Well they do play costarica in the 16s

[xudong]

exactly. :d costa rica is so good this year. :d

You know what, I think I will support costa rica. thanks for reminding me and helping me find my new team.

[Aficio]

Like ElMago99, I also think of Capello for Italy's new coach, but he is only available after a bad WC

And the candidate now is Mancini

[xudong]

Capello once said that he is too old and wanted to retire. I doubt that he is getting younger now.

[Aficio]

Capello still have 4 years in his contract with Russia:
http://www.espnfc.com/russia/story/16913...a-contract

So if the Russian don't need him, maybe he wants to use those 4 years to prove them wrong

[xudong]

After their captain, coach, now it is the Uruguay FA, who came out and declared that the bite mark was PS'ed.



What next? Uruguay president will announce that it all was a scam, that Chiellini didn't even play that day, and what Suarez bit on the pitch was just a snack bar? :d

[Stitch]

are they retarded or what? what about videos of him biting chiellini?

[reza]