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Zlatan 7....................................................................................................................Joga Bonito & Theon
..........VS...........
Team Zlatan 7 (D. Ginola dropped for M. Materazzi)
I’m going with a 5-3-2 similar to what England played in the 90 WC but I’d say with a stronger midfield having Albertini in there instead of Gazza.
Vogts is Joga-ons strongest player so not going to waste my time putting a winger up against him and be told he’ll never get past or struggle there, it’s their left side which is a clear weakness so I’ll be attacking that side, over loading with Mancini, donadoni and Reiziger targeting van Bronckhorst and forcing midfielders to be dragged back to help there. This would leave klinsmann up against a four foot central defence where he’d have the time of his life
Seedorf would have to have some energy gels in this match as both he and klinsmann could fill the gap left by vogts if he ventures forward just to keep vogts on his toes.
Albertini will hold the middle, great stamina and amazing ability, he’s the perfect link between defence and attack, he’ll also be on set plays as he’s probably got the best delivery of any player in the match. Look out in that box with this crossing maestro.
I’m happy with my defence and I’d like to see an header won by the opposition in my box, barzagli shone on the right side of the juve defence, Aldair a natural leader with a great passing range that could move forward into midfield when attacking and Matterazzi being the absolute dirty covering beast that he is. This would also cover for barthez height, but as a shot stopping World Cup winning keeper, I’m happy with him doing that and the the central defenders just winning everything that’s thrown into Spencer.
All the best Joga-on!
Team Joga Bonito & Theon (B Wright dropped for P. Montero)
DEFENSE
Dino Zoff, the WC winning captain will prove to be a formidable last line of defense with his calming presence, organisational abilities and stupendous shot stopping expertise. The organisational and defensive prowess of Armando Picchi is pivotal to this defensive set up and as one of the finest exponents ever in the art of 'sweeping', Picchi's reading of the game and ability to sniff and put out danger, before it manifests, will be critical. Uruguayan legend and Serie A veteran Paolo Montero, slots in seamlessly and adds some class and grit to the backline. Branded by Giggs as one of his toughest opponents, Montero was a mainstay in Juventus's defense when it was the meanest defense in Serie A and probably in world football. Dutch dynamo Van Bronckhorst was a force to be reckoned with on the left as Gio could man the left flank single handedly and was a potent threat to the opposition's goal (as his goal against Uruguay in the '10 WC will testify). The terrier Berti Vogts needs no introduction and the German will fortify the rearguard and will form a great right flank with Haßler.
Picchi, Montero and Vogts will work in unison to shut out the opposition's attack and also provide a great outlet from the back with Picchi's class on the ball in particular.
MIDFIELD
Dave Mackay, the man branded by Best to be "his toughest and bravest opponent", was the cornerstone of Nicholson's historic double winning Spurs vintage. In many ways similar to Keano, Jimmy Greaves once remarked that Mackay was "the most complete professional footballer I have ever known". Juan Sebastian Veron was one of the foremost midfield playmakers in the late nineties as he squared up and shined against some of the toughest opposition that football had to offer in the 90s Serie A. The Witch was a sublime playmaker whose tenacious and industrious playing style made him a complete package.
The little magician Alain Giresse was one of France's best players as he dovetailed beautifully with Platini in the carré magique, but he was a legendary figure for Bordeaux and the record goalscorer for the Les Girondins, was a talismanic playmaker in his own right.
Thomas Haßler, a pivotal figure in the 80s and 90s German vintage, was a top notch playmaker with his versatility and industry always coming to the fore. Blessed with a lovely touch and a low centre of gravity, the German along with Littbarski provided the flair to the German machine of the 80s & 90s. It is only testament to his quality that his performances in the 92 Euros, invited comparisons with Maradona's 86 WC displays.
OFFENSE
The spearhead Alberto Spencer was THE complete centre forward with searing pace, devastating aerial prowess, jinxing dribbling, dynamism and unerring finishing. Be it dropping deep and going on a may run, drifting out to the flanks before cutting in with his devastating pace or his explosive finishing in the box, Spencer was a fearsome forward with quite the array of weapons in his arsenal. Quite simply put, Spencer is one of the greatest centre forwards ever. With Bebeto in tandem and the creative cast behind him, he'll be in his element and raring to hit the back of the net again..
Bebeto knows a thing or two about playing in strike duo, having formed magical partnerships with two of the greatest forwards ever in El Fenomeno and Romario. Chorao was very much magnificent player in his own right, possessing the lethal finishing of an apex forward but also the flair and creativity of a Brazilian #10. All in all, a dream package for any player to play with and for any side to have up front.
Key Points
- The midfield could prove to be crucial and Giresse is the key here to unlocking Zlatan's side. The elusive Frenchman was brilliant at moving in between the lines and will prove to be too much to handle for Zlatan's midfield. And Giresse has the deadly duo of Spencer & Bebeto ahead of him
- The side is bolstered by several inspirational leaders, esp at the back - 82 WC winning captain D.Zoff, La Grande Inter's captain Picchi and skipper of the great 70s Gladbach side Vogts and Dutch icon Van Bronchorst. The side will offer sturdy resistance at the back with the resolute and the inspirational rearguard .
- Zlatan has a fine side but is heavily dependent on Klinsmann and Mancini for his goals, and they are are facing a formidable defense shielded by one Dave Mackay. Montero in particular has the gritty physicality, aerial prowess (not a midget) and the mobility to go toe to toe with the German and not give him an inch.
Good luck @Zlatan 7 @Joga Bonito @Theon