=France 2002
Yeah, suppose it all makes sense when you think about it. God knows how long they've been pulling this crap for.
That was hilarious.Can't believe my Mourinho pic got deleted! can we not have a laugh?
Akinfeev.
This season, the second leg when Casillas kept you in it.
Bit far.
The 2006 winners went out in first round too
But not after a team has pretty much been the dominating side in world football for six years. France's win was heavily supported by the Brazil - Ronaldo affair, who were the best team at that time and Italy went out against Spain in the Euros, could hardly be considered favourites in 2010.
Hard to drop a name like Casillas. After that bollock he dropped in the European Cup final, Del Bosque should have been asking questions but there you go. It will make it harder for Spain's defenders if they have to look over their shoulders every time the Chileans press high up.
Total football
. Playing deep is not a sign of respect it is more of a counter play, like Mourinho against the scousers, it is about countering the other teams play and if playing defensive with counters does that, that's what must be done. Paraguay had as many chances as Spain back then and could of won the match despite the possession stat. At euro 12 I saw some teams mainly France play with fear however, sit back but not counter and I think this help extend Spain's rein of terror. Now that fear is done, combined with Xavi being finished means no more tika taka.What are you on about? He was one of Madrid's best players this season. They looked a completely different team without him in the Final.
Isn't Spain also La Roja?
It just means 'the red ones'. Chile are such a good team, they're going to be tough to beat.
In a way it's a shame both Chile and Holland will already have qualified by the time they meet. It would have been interesting to see them both go at it. Now it's likely both will rest players and prepare for the next round.
I know it's the defeated Spanish in you talking but seriously
.I'm sure the record books will record Xavi as a Chilean. He's a fecking plastic Spaniard.
Too true. Be interesting if he ever released an autobiography whether he'd speak of growing up in Chile.You're not wrong. The commentary is still shite
.Yes, but they weren't that dominant.
Who would you start instead?
.Not sure about that, whoever finishes 2nd is likely to play Brazil. They may not have been brilliant in the tournament so far but I don't think you'd want to face the hosts of the World Cup in the 1st knock out round.
France in 2002 as well after winning the World Cup and Euro's. It's really not that shocking. Football goes in cycles and Xavi's decline is essential. Casillas was obviously key as well.
remember France?
