Thursday, June 19, 2008

I know that defense...

I mean come on Portugal, did you really expect to beat ze Germans playing like that. And without using one of Europe's highest price tags? (Quaresma) You'd think they might have known better, but their inexplicable dreadful defense of set pieces killed them and allowed a very beatable German team into the semis. The first German goal was on par with that peach of a goal from the Dutch against France. Ballack's to a somehow fully-fit Podolski to the man of the match Swiensteiger, harrowing in to beat a helpless Ricardo.

I know I don't need to say it, but Paulo Ferreira was poor. "He's playing out of position." Well get a left back then, what's the problem. We've seen playing defenders outside of their natural role backfire already in this tournament. (Abidal anyone?) I kind of like Scolari, but his decision to stick with Simao cost him. He didn't do a damn thing in this game/tournament.

If you get a chance watch a replay of some of this game, and check out Deco's defense. I mean, this is an international quarterfinal here, and the guy is on a Sunday saunter through the park when he doesn't have the ball. Whoever inherits him, (please be Newcastle) better be able to make up for his lack of effort off the ball.

Bosingwa is a very solid right back, but his crosses could have been better. But even still, who is in the box for Portugal, their team make-up really let them down, and Germany proved that good defense still beats the smoothest of midfields. At least Germany's coach picked the right team, he looks better up in those stands where we don't have to look at that haircut.

Man of the Match: Sweinsteiger - how did he not start their first match? Ridiculous

Gaffe of the Match: Ricardo - Wouldn't have made a difference, but at least he gave us a laugh when he didn't even get close to the free kick.

Lady Luck of the Match - Klose - that was some good fortune off the shoulder, but he's always scoring in big games, isn't he?

Next up Croatia/Turkey, there should be some goals in that one, but I guess we reached our quota today.

3 comments:

Sam said...

In other news, He's back baby!

ted hawes said...

I hope he rooms with Igawa.

Anonymous said...

don`t u mix a Yankee talk w/ euro 2008