mate wrote:
Aniks, I'll always believe France could and should have won 1982. As good as Italy was, I believe France was even better. Platini was at his peak, just as good as Zidane, whom later ironically led France to glory playing the same role.
In those days, you were allowed to basically kill a player. Schumacher literally attempted to do it. No card. No penalty. Changed the game utterly.
That French team had Six, Rocheteau, Platini, Tigana, Amoros, Genghini, Giresse, and Tresor. Absolutely world class. I think they've would have even taken out Zico and co.
Today France won't have a midfield talisman. But I think Valbuena and Pogba will combine to provide enough leadership and creativity. Their is enough talent to respond and produce goals. This seems like a fine French team. They're every bit as fit and strong as the Germans.
Germany? Once again, they're a whole greater than the sum of the parts. But I don't see a part that can generate lightening. I've been saying all WC that once they meet a really strong team, this might prove their undoing. They struggled against a decent but not spectacular Algeria, with nobody able to break the game until very late...which came as a result of collectively wearing down Algeria...which I don't believe can be done against France.
Don't get me wrong. I'd say this is 50:50...but I bet France will prevail.
2 great teams. 2 great rivals. This one should be a battle. Whoever meets them in the semifinals is going to have a real task.
Cheers, Mate
France was my dark horse pick to win it all, but they are definitely flawed. I watched the Nigerian game in the company of a French family and they were trembling with fear as the game wore on and until the injury to Onazi they were mediocre at best.
Fortunately for them, they do have Pogba who is a game changer and with Valbuena pulling the strings they are more than capable of magic at any moment.
Germany is a total head scratcher. They are primarily using four center backs as fullbacks and Muller and Lahm in the middle. And without Reus, they lack a definite striker despite the exploits and effort of Muller. They just havent been cohesive and ruthless as the Germany we are used to. Who knows, maybe today might be that day