Cybereagles

No sir! Au contraire....its in full bloom!!!

1st Witness:

Chile, take Spain down a dark narrow alley and after an intense bout of bareknuckle fisticuffs, emerge 2-0.

2nd Witness:

Costa Rica flying the defence line high as a kite, almost man marking Pirlo, switching from a 4-4-2 to a 3-4-3, to a 4-3-3 and ending with a 5-4-1, flood the lines in-between, press Italy and challenge its slow midfielders, then kill off the thru balls with the offside tactics...

Money mayweather is well and truly alive!

The S. Americans are using their advantage of acclimatization to great effect.

They are playing at a tempo that few can match, and in the process mugging some uppity pale skins!

Loving it!!!

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Form is temporary; Class is Permanent!
Liverpool, European Champions 2005.

We watched this very boring video, 500 times, of Sacchi doing defensive drills, using sticks and without the ball, with Maldini, Baresi and Albertini. We used to think before then that if the other players are better, you have to lose. After that we learned anything is possible – you can beat better teams by using tactics." Jurgen Klopp

In parts perhaps, but with regard to the prominence of midfield, a shift in emphasis perhaps.

Or a greater diversity in the use of the midfield....

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Form is temporary; Class is Permanent!
Liverpool, European Champions 2005.

We watched this very boring video, 500 times, of Sacchi doing defensive drills, using sticks and without the ball, with Maldini, Baresi and Albertini. We used to think before then that if the other players are better, you have to lose. After that we learned anything is possible – you can beat better teams by using tactics." Jurgen Klopp

This is how I would set up Nigeria: 4-3-2-1. Moses out wide with license to come inside when needed. Musa as second striker playing tucked in, leaving space on the right for both Onazi and Efe to break forward as needed. Babatunde will man the left MF, Onazi on the right, and Mikel as anchor. With this formation, we will overload the MF but we may suffer on the right side if Onazi and Efe aren;'t dilligent on their coverage and spacing. This also allow us to break out fast when we have the ball as Musa is better running directly at the defence from inside than from outside. My 1 kobo.

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"Some see things as they are and say why. I dream of things that never were and say why not?"
-- Senator Edward Kennedy @ Robert F. Kennedy's Funeral on 6/6/68

^Given that 'left back' is given the left back role, the merit of the back four is called to question once more. Tactically, very little difference from the 4-3-3 in use.

Wont be surprised to see Uzoenyi...

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Form is temporary; Class is Permanent!
Liverpool, European Champions 2005.

We watched this very boring video, 500 times, of Sacchi doing defensive drills, using sticks and without the ball, with Maldini, Baresi and Albertini. We used to think before then that if the other players are better, you have to lose. After that we learned anything is possible – you can beat better teams by using tactics." Jurgen Klopp

Should be as far from the back four as England need be from the 4-2-3-1.

@ coach:

A pattern appears to be finally emerging...But no new tactical grounds are being broken; yet...

Although it has to be said, Louis Van Gaal is using his squad expertly and to maximum effect. Ditto for Klinsman especially given his limited resources.

If the Dutch beat Mexico, I think they will take some stopping. The defensive performance today vs Chile was something to behold, with the South Americans barely getting a sniff of the Dutch goal...And all with my man Dirk Kuyt as left wing back!!!
Hints of Mayweather, or is it Mayflower?

But I digress!

The dominant pattern that has emerged is South American tempo, based on acclimatization on home territory.

Vs Chile, the hapless Spaniards could not live with the pace. Mourinho described them aptly: slow, predictable, and sad...

vs Costa Rica, the Azzurri increasingly looked like the ding-a-ling of a eunuch!

Predictably, they went crying to Mama- read FIFA. Seven, I repeat, SEVEN Costa Ricans were drug tested!

Tonight, an even game between Mexico and Croatia stood goalless at half time, and ten minutes into the 2nd. Then the Mexicans up the tempo, and the Croats couldn't live with it...

A few exceptions though, notably the Asians. The Dutch are coping well. Cue expert management by LVG. And the French, but they have been lucky with the venues...

And some African teams, Ghana notably. With a little more discipline they might have beaten Germany; took the arians to places they had never been! Ozil could barely walk!!!

Then came the extra spicy tempo of the Algerians, with a 3-man backline and man-marking in MF, with high pressing. Will never forgive their coach if they don't qualify. Paid far too much respect to a young Belgian team...

A few tasty games lie ahead. The Dutch-Mexico game na helele....

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Form is temporary; Class is Permanent!
Liverpool, European Champions 2005.

We watched this very boring video, 500 times, of Sacchi doing defensive drills, using sticks and without the ball, with Maldini, Baresi and Albertini. We used to think before then that if the other players are better, you have to lose. After that we learned anything is possible – you can beat better teams by using tactics." Jurgen Klopp

Indeed, many of Europe's elite are appearing short of twelve rounders and lacking the condition to go the full twelve swinging from both fists. Germany, well-oiled machine and all, were far from the absolute automaton, just as easily as they picked off Ghana, the Ghanaians dueky replied with a succession of jabs than tenderised their guard and opened them up for the haymaker. It never came. One will not apportion all the blame to the elements, tactically, theres been too much emphasis on the ball. Holland's use of the deep defensive system springing into life to recover possession and launch glorious counters, shows the type of possession needed and when. Are Germany doing too much with the ball perhaps?

The Holland vs Chile affair threw a fabulous tactical battle that no only showcased the transformeresque abilities of Chile, effortlessly assuming 4 different shapes over the course of the game, but placed yet another feather from a, soon to appear alopecia'd peacock in Van Gaal's hat. Another tactical masterpiece. Mexico will be a mouthwatering proposition. Illustrations...in time.

The most impressive thing for me is the number of MLS players included in this squad. They don't seem to out of their depth or overwhelmed by the occasion at all.

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Blue is the color.

%$#@^& moron.

Brazil - Chile, throws a fascinating tactical battle in the ring. Scolari's 4-2-3-1 and Sampaoli's 5-2-3/3-4-1-2. Surely, Gene Hackman will usurp a poor Paulinho will the faultless Fernandinho. Midfield will certainly be the setting for the battle royal and be where Chile succumb, sadly. Against Holland, despite having great possession, they looked susceptible on the counter and ironically weak, in their aggressive press, centrally, at times. Sampaoli has one occasions, inverted the runs of his wingbacks to add extra bodies in the midfield, does he do so once more, or use Vidal in an advanced role, dropping back into midfield to even up the numbers? Would a more Bielsa-esque 3-3-1-3, with a narrower midfield serve them better? Certainly their pressing game.




Brazil have yet to truly arrive and seem far too reliant on Neymar on the evidence at hand. Givanildo has been more poindexter David Banner than Hulk, his inclusion is more a statement of how foolish Scolari was leaving Lucas Moura in gay Paris. That said, one feels there would be greater fluidity and certainly, potency to Brazil's attack, were the aptly named, as far unBrazilianness be concerned, Fred, find his way back to Bedrock or an East London Greasy Spoon. With Givanildo moved up top, the space out wide offers opportunity for more anglicisations, Bernard perhaps.

Fred may well bundle himself a brace tonight, but irrespective of whatever he hauls, his name's Fred FFS, get rid!

Interesting tactical battle, but the Dutch left a trail of clues...

For me its all about Brazil- the spacing, the movement and the tempo.

While the Dutch did not answer all the questions- they started with the advantage that the opponent needed to win, but by primarily shutting the window on the wingbacks, preventing the overloads on the flanks, they forced Chile central, and used 2 destroyers in CM to bottle them up.

Brazil instead have two wingbacks, and leave spaces behind them. That's why I wont be surprised to see Hulk start. BTW its Bernard that took Moura's place in the squad, deservedly I might add...

The player to watch in this game for Brazil is Oscar...the positions he takes behind the line of Chilean pressing.

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Form is temporary; Class is Permanent!
Liverpool, European Champions 2005.

We watched this very boring video, 500 times, of Sacchi doing defensive drills, using sticks and without the ball, with Maldini, Baresi and Albertini. We used to think before then that if the other players are better, you have to lose. After that we learned anything is possible – you can beat better teams by using tactics." Jurgen Klopp

Both Bernard and Moura could've made the squad.

Chile should invert the wingbacks in possession, overload the midfield, exploiting an area where Brazil certainly are get-at-able. Its going to be a classic.

Chile's uses of the back three and anchoring midfielders is art in its purest form. Brilliant.

Great performance by Chile...Its those three anchoring MFs

Then the positions they allow Sanchez and his flexibility, means he is an extra MF and a support striker...

They are out, but left a solid impression

_________________

Form is temporary; Class is Permanent!
Liverpool, European Champions 2005.

We watched this very boring video, 500 times, of Sacchi doing defensive drills, using sticks and without the ball, with Maldini, Baresi and Albertini. We used to think before then that if the other players are better, you have to lose. After that we learned anything is possible – you can beat better teams by using tactics." Jurgen Klopp

Beating Bavaria...Churchillism, whatever else.

As if by magic, one of the contest's most uninspiring and underwhelming stewards has navigated those treacherous seas, steering his boat towards the final. Sabella sits on the cusps of greatness, immortality, ironically. 90 minutes, possibly 120 and the lottery of the shootout, barely a fraction of a lifetime and yet, arguably one of the most significant moments in Sabella's life time. One that requires great thought, immaculate attention to detail and reactivity. In order to advance to the stars and constellations, Sabella must forfeit the clown and quite simply become, Churchill, Winston Churchill, for who has clobbered the Krauts better than ol' Winny? Big C-Gutter?

Brazil have given Argentina the most advantageous of heads ups, by endorsing absolute naivety, Scolari afforded the globe spectacle of Bavarianism at its best. The machine functioning faultlessly, each cog spinning exact, this was Die Mannschaft of dream and mirage, Nirvana. Fate, serendipitous as ever, has shown the Albiceleste the hand cupped in the palms of the Germans. This World Cup has yet to see what Argentina could be. Sabella should set his team up to stifle the cog's spin and reduce the machine to a dysfunction monstrosity. Possible? Yes, very. Ghana and Algeria have shown how uncomfortable the niche becomes for the Germans when the feathers are rustled. Brazil flew out of the corner, errant disregard for their guard, despite a Trebor soft chin. The jab, nonexistant, the toes, lead-laden, they approached a boxing match like backstreet brawler and were put to sleep in an instant. Argentina must box clever, with two good fists, both capable of a knockout, tis important they work the jab, soften up the guard, force the German's into uncomfortable positions, use the ring and the ropes and time the haymakers and hooks.


Tis highly likely Klose will start, Ozil and Muller flanking, in an otherwise unchanged shape. Sabella must prevent the overload on the left and occupy both Kroos and Khedira. Schematically, the lopsided 4-3-3 favoured in the early stages of the tournament, leaves Rojo vulnerable, whilst offering a wide running Di Maria to engage Lahm. The lack of defensive orientation about the front three raises obvious concerns.

A Royal Navy to sink the Bismarck. Argentina should swell the midfield, assuming Di Maria's fit, use him high up on the left, forcing Lahm to stay put. Messi right-centre should command the attention of the right-back and atleast one midfielder. Enzo Perez shuttler, with two destroyers sitting deep. Zabaleta will manage the right with adventure than Rojo on the left. Lop-side the whole affair, a glorious Mexican standoff between wingers and fullbacks.

Of course, one would rather a Chilean approach, ravenous and rabid, Argentina have the players, but such bravery is beyond them and certainly their manager. A 3-6-1 of some sort would throw the Germans in the same sleeperhold Winny Churchill did back in '45.

Bravery is not a word one can associate with Sabella and the perpetually nervous screw of his brow...

Interesting that small Costa Rica could play the Dutch with a high line where the Argies cowered into a funnel...

But overall, I think the thrashing of Brazil has most of us glossing over some of the weaknesses of this German team, as good as they are...

Depending on fitness and how he chooses to use Di Maria, they have the capacity to unbalance Germany in the wide areas. Perhaps neutralize Lahm with Perez while running Di Maria at the space between Boateng and Howedes...

_________________

Form is temporary; Class is Permanent!
Liverpool, European Champions 2005.

We watched this very boring video, 500 times, of Sacchi doing defensive drills, using sticks and without the ball, with Maldini, Baresi and Albertini. We used to think before then that if the other players are better, you have to lose. After that we learned anything is possible – you can beat better teams by using tactics." Jurgen Klopp

Interesting choice, can Perez neutralise Lahm? Boateng is incredibly get-at-able, however will Messi peeling, that should be more than enough to disable Derek Jerome. Aguero could perhaps provide the overload?

I think Pipita will provide the overload, Aguero coming on later...

But more importantly, the way Germany play, I suspect they will be less focused on man marking Messi than the Dutch and he will have more room to play.

Hummels is a good defender, but he sometimes gets a little too overconfident in his abilities...

_________________

Form is temporary; Class is Permanent!
Liverpool, European Champions 2005.

We watched this very boring video, 500 times, of Sacchi doing defensive drills, using sticks and without the ball, with Maldini, Baresi and Albertini. We used to think before then that if the other players are better, you have to lose. After that we learned anything is possible – you can beat better teams by using tactics." Jurgen Klopp

I see Di Maria being used in a defensive/offensive way; a heat seeking missile shifted in the direction of greatest wide area threat, depending of course on his fitness levels...

The key to the German game is the pre-structured nature of the attacking game, with positional discipline in attack, aided greatly by the arrivals.

If Argentina is to succeed in this game, the front trio would have to push back Germany to disrupt the timing of the late runners, especially from MF

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Form is temporary; Class is Permanent!
Liverpool, European Champions 2005.

We watched this very boring video, 500 times, of Sacchi doing defensive drills, using sticks and without the ball, with Maldini, Baresi and Albertini. We used to think before then that if the other players are better, you have to lose. After that we learned anything is possible – you can beat better teams by using tactics." Jurgen Klopp

Pace is not least a virtue, but an absolute essential if the Albiceleste are to overcome the Teutonic Ivan Drago. Playing bommy knockers with the Bavarian will have them bludgeoned. Assuming Germany employ their high defensive line, the pressure needs to be calculated and the counters, at breathtaking speed. Herein lies the problem. Is Sabella's 4-3-3 best suited for the counterattack? Di Maria is the solitary runner from midfield, Higuain is slow motion, Messi, mercurial without doubt, has moved at a fraction of his blistering pace and Aguero is apprehended by the uselessness of Gonzalo. The lack of width allows the backline to constrict itself and weakens the potency of a counter. Argentina need width on both sides, left and right, causing the fullbacks to stay wide. Germany will certainly look to swarm Messi, hence the importance of the runner from deep. If not man-marked, Lionel's every touch will be attended by Schweinsteger and Khedira, in turn or tandem, a shuttler could well advance undetected.

An Aguero, if fit, would offer runs off the shoulder of the centrebacks, causing all manner of disarray. If not Rojo high up on the left, then perhaps Di Maria, to keep Lahm in check. Enzo Perez could possibly perform the task, but lacks the speed of the former and skill/speed of the latter. The shuttler will be most important to the Albiceleste's intentions. One would consider playing Aguero a little deeper and Messi as the centre-forward, false nine...an absolute mind f*ck for Die Mannschaft.

I dont think Di Maria will start tomorrow. I expect Argentina to come out with the same traditional 4-4-2 against Germany:

---------------Romero---------------
-------Demichelis----Garay-----------
Zabaleta----------------------Rojo---
-----------Biglia---Masch------------
--Perez--------------------Lavezzi--
-------------Messi----------------
------------Higuain---------------

Defensively it's worked well and defending with 8 will likely make life challenging for the Germans but I am not sure where the offense will come from. Sabella will be hoping for Argentina to strike first before Argentina reverts to bus-parking and time-wasting mode but what happens if Germany scores first? Does Sabella have a plan B? After 6 matches the answer appears to be "no". I expect the above line-up to start tomorrow with choreographed subs in the 2nd half (Di Maria and Aguero to come on replacing 2 of Perez/Lavezzi/Higuain). While I give Sabella credit for getting us this far, he has not been the most imaginative or impressive of coaches in this tournament.

Argentina has the personnel to tactically outwit Germany but at this stage of the tournament that appears highly unlikely as Argentina has neither the manager nor enough in-form players to trouble the Germans in a tactical battle. For Argentina to win they'll need to score first and then defend the lead. Anyone that expects Argentina to outshine the Germans is destined to be disappointed.

Correct. It will be an arduous task for the Albiceleste and should Messi make matters all the more difficult by walking around the pitch, they too will be clobbered. A straight up 4-4-2, as Ghana fell into in attack, may pose its problems and assuming this were the chosen motif, one would smoke aces and deploy Messi wide right. Boom. Think about it, Ozil wont track back, Howedes, or whatever he calls himself is suspect and for fear of being savaged, one of the base midfielders will peel wide for the tag-team. Space opens up for runners from wide left or centre-mid.