Recent content by Stocar

That level of precision at high pace and intensity requires a tremendous amount of coordination and skill. It doesn't look smooth and elegant by design.

The argument about all around ability is overstated and misleading. Besides, it is impossible to be that great of a goalscorer without extremely high level of skill and football intelligence. Especially with having in mind the physicality and quickness that is present in his game.

While City did finish 3rd, underlying stats already had them as the best team in the league by far. Some even dared to say they played the best football and would possibly dominate in the following seasons, but these remarks were usually laughed at. See how that turned out. Klopp's Liverpool...

France are Real Madrid of international football. Playing rather underwhelming football relative to their individual quality, but with plot armor in knockout competitions.

Argentina are always looking better when they have Messi surrounded by hard workers. Their all-stars selections never seem to work.

Who ever plays the uglier football will win.

Argentina have usually played better in this nominally defensive formation.

If Croatia had 20% possession and parked the bus they would probably get more praise here.

How? Same counter attacking, reactive football, with deep sitting defence. Great motivation and team spirit too.

I don't think these teams are good match up for them. But then again, the football they play works well in knockout competition.

It's really going to be Brazil vs France final, which will be decided by who makes the first mistake. Other teams really aren't impressive.

There's a difference between teams trying to play football but not having enough quality to make it count, and those being reactive and cynical from the outset. Sadly, most people prefer the latter, and football also seems to reward opportunism. Oh well.

If I remember correctly, they played better than super attacking and exciting European champions Italy and went out on penalties in semi final.

OK, so teams are turtling up because they're afraid. Yet Spain are to blame for game being one sided and cagey. It makes no sense. It would be difficult for any team to break this kind of bus, and Spain simply don't have enough quality.

How can a team turtle up in midfield? Only explanation is that other team is 100% defensive from the get go and not even trying to win the ball until their final third.