Xpert 11 World Cup

[dan-likes-trees]

England 1 - 3 Russia

 

 

 

At least they didn’t lose to Capello. This inexperienced England team will board the plane home rueing missed oppurunities, as the squad have failed to match the performance in their opening game against Croatia.

 

For Haden’s chaps, ultimately it was the same old story as it was under Roy and Capello. For all their possioson there was no invention going forward, the team mustering only two chances. Tempers flared, and unltimately youth showed it’s inexperience as Barkley was sent off in the 71st minute, effectively killing any chances that England might have had at making it through.

 

By contrast, Russia hassled in the middle, pressured and won the midfield battle, playing a high presssing game which saw three goals created from the wings. Credit must be given to team captain Kozlov, unbeatable at the heart of defence - this pundit suggests that there is no better position to have your star player, in the World Cup, than in defence, given his impact cannot be diminished by man-marking. He is always quick to move the ball forward and set started two of the counter attacks that led to goals.

 

Given the middling performance of Grantspinks’s club team Russian Revolution throughout his managerial career, many have underestimated this Russian squad’s potential. In recent weeks many have claimed that with the Russian national team Grantspinks has found his true passion - his tactics against England were pragmatic and well thought through, picking the right moves on almost every area. The squad enters the semis unscathed, and could well make it to the final.

 

Netherlands vs Brazil

 

 

 

Note: Tried writing this one up whilst watching live - had to go back and rewrite bits because it was so bluddy barmy!!)

 

A face off between two of the game’s most dedicated and admired managers has left its mark as one of the cup classics of the N-Europe brand. It was a game that had everything - two penalties, three injuries, five goals, as Brazil somehow defied all logic to claw back a win in the dieing moments, irregardless of the loss of their two best players.

 

Netherlands had set out to emulate the Total Football of the late 60’s Michels team, with a 352 that set out to dominate proceedings and a ruthless attacking edge. It was Hag who broke the deadlock after a pass from 17 year old YA revelation Danser across the middle of the park. They were the better team in the first half, and when Oscar Jnr went off injured the complete lack of cover left Brazil hopelessly exposed as Hernandes Cvl, a young 18-2 allowed Peeps to dominate even further in the center. Neymar’s injury only added to the pain early in the second half - yet as if to restore the karmic balance, sublime center back van Otter limped off shortly after. Zell perhaps sensed weakness in the backline and the game began to heat up.

 

Thereafter the volume in the stadium went through the roof, and the game took on a manic quality. Thiago Silva’s missed penalty kick in the 77th minute looked to be decisive, a moment of potential salvation for a wounded Brazilian squad, particularly so when, only 5 minutes later down the other end, Erwin van der Baan slotted home a spot kick to put the Dutch ahead. Yet Zell’s Brazil were not done - the fans rallied behind the players, and Brazil, dominating the wings, hit two in quick succession against weary opponents. Acd, supurb in the air once more, smashed in a second to put Brazil through to the semis in the final moments of the game. There will be a party in Rio tonight.

[Zell]

Devastated to have lost to Russia after my epic victory against The Netherlands, but the Russians were ultimately too good for us. Looking forward to the Final on Tuesday, I personally will be rooting for Mexico who have been absolutely amazing so far and would love them to go all the way.

 

Going to quickly post my (late) Quarter Final reports, Semi Final reports coming soon!

 

 

Mexico 3-1 Germany

 

 

The shock result of the tournament so far. Having already beaten Mexico 5-2 in the group, what could Aqui1a’s side possibly have to fear? We were all perhaps expecting a routine encounter with the Germans looking ahead to semis.

 

Dedede’s men had other ideas. The Mexicans had a hunger, a certain desire, and a will to win that the Germans could not match. To use a footballing cliché, they wanted it more.

 

The Germans set themselves up to play to their strengths and dominate possession like they have done on many previous occasions during the tournament. And whilst they certainly had the lion’s share of the ball, creating chances proved to be much more difficult. Mexico took the game to the opposition and went out all guns blazing. Their first goal came after only 11 minutes Rodolfo slotted in from close range. Despite this early setback, Germany kept their composure and were level 12 minutes later thanks to a spectacular long range effort from Zacharewicz.

 

That shot proved to be Germany’s only shot during the entire match. Bereft of any sort of creativity, the German midfield struggled to find a way through a determined Mexican defence. Meanwhile, Diaz and Rodolfo were giving the German defence all sorts of problems. Diaz gave the Mexicans the lead for the second time five minutes before half time after getting round the back of the German line. Mexico kept on attacking and creating problems for the German defence before Rodolfo finally sealed victory in the 84th minute with his second goal of the match.

 

Germany will be left scratching their heads at how this one evaded them. Tactically they were sound, if a little predictable. Too many of their big name stars just simply did not perform at their best on the day. All credit to Dedede’s Mexican side however who played an absolute blinder and will go into their semi final clash with Nigeria full of confidence.

 

Greece 0-1 Nigeria

 

 

A cagey encounter, this one looked set to go to penalties until Epitie snatched a late chance to send Nigeria to the semi finals.

 

This was the third encounter between the two sides at this world cup, but the first to be played at a neutral venue. They went into this match at one victory each with Greece being slight favourites thanks to their more impressive goal scoring record. Nevertheless both teams were very familiar with each other at this point and tactically the match would be a case of bluffs and double bluffs by both managers.

 

Greece went with the same 3-5-2 formation that saw them thrash Nigeria 3-0 in the group stage, whereas Nigeria went with their trusty 4-4-2 formation that has served them well so far. Playing two lines of four, Nigeria’s mighty defence would prove extremely difficult for the Greeks to break down. Greece dominated possession, but could not find a way through. Star player Samaras was also being targeted by the Nigerian defence and struggled to play at his best.

 

Nigeria also struggled to create chances. Greece manager Nikos had set up his tactics well and his three centre backs blocking out many through ball attempts from the Nigerian midfield.

 

The match pressed on and was seemingly heading for extra time when almost out of nowhere Epitie snatched a chance in the Greek penalty area to put Nigeria ahead with 12 minutes of regular time remaining. The Greeks were deflated and ultimately could not stage a comeback.

 

Greece will be frustrated by this result, having set his side up so well for this match. Nigeria manager Milagi said in his post-match press conference that the game could have gone either way and most pundits would agree with this analysis. Nigeria will have to up their game though if they are to overcome an impressive Mexico side in the semi finals.

[Dedede]

It's the eve of the big game and nerves are setting in while I'm mulling over tactics.

 

I thought for sure we'd get turned over by Germany again but the boys must have figured them out

 

After a shakey group stage we've grew into the tournament.

 

The Mexican Wave rolls on!

[Haden]

Good luck Dedede! Will be great to see you guys go at it in the final.

[dan-likes-trees]

Shocking season thus far for myself and Inter!

 

EDIT: WRONG THREAD WHAT A TWAT I AM

Edited July 29, 2014 by dan-likes-trees

[Haden]

Congrats Mexico!!!!!!!!!!!

[bob]

Was that the final? Well done!

[Dedede]

It was a great game!

 

Managed to stop the soviet war machine and held on for the last few minutes.

 

Let The Fiesta begin!

[Zell]

Massive congratulations to Mexico! Seriously well done man, I had written you guys off when you got drawn with Germany. Thoroughly deserved win!

 

A big thank you for everyone who participated in the World Cup. I hope you all enjoyed it.

[The Peeps]

Thanks for running it Zell, it was a good idea and a fun side game

[Haden]

Thanks Zell was great fun we should do this again when euros come around.

 

I think the most important thing we learnt from this World Cup is when we are all given an equal team Tales is by far the worst manager on the forum.