The Euro Draft - QF - The Red Viper vs The Stain

[Balu]

All players shall be judged only on their performances at the tournaments (From 1927 to 1960 the CEICs, from 1960 to 2012 the Euros). Please take this into account before voting. You can read up on the theme by clicking here.
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Team The Red Viper​

THE TEAM​

Walter ZEMAN:- The Panther was one of the best goalkeepers in the world during the fifties. In an era, when Austria had Ernst Ocwirk and Gerhard Hanappi, two of Austria's finest footballers, Walter Zeman won the Austrian footballer of the year, three times in a row in 1951, 1952 and 1953. He was also selected by FIFA as the greatest goalkeeper in the world in 1953.

Darijo SRNA:- The current Croatian captain has been one of the most consistent and versatile full-backs in the last ten odd years. Capable of playing anywhere on the right flank, Srna's crossing and overlapping would be a vital component in the team's set-up as he would look to provide the width down the right flank.

Fabio CANNAVARO:- One of the best defenders in modern-era, Fabio Cannavaro was a rock for Italy in the 2000 UEFA Euro. Not quite as great as his Ballon D'or winning performance for Italy in 2006 FIFA World Cup, but he was still brilliant. His performance against Netherlands in 2000 UEFA Euro Semi Final, was arguably the best performance by a defender in that tournament. This is what Guardian had to say about his performance:-



UEFA Euro Best XI:- 2000.

Matthias SAMMER:- The Prince Of East Germany is only one of three defenders in history of the game to win the Ballon D'or award. A Sweeper extraordinaire, Matthias Sammer's performances with Germany in 1996 UEFA Euro played a major part in him winning the Ballon D'or as he was awarded with The Player Of The Tournament in 1996 UEFA Euro. He won the 1996 UEFA Euro and finished as the runner-up in 1992 UEFA Euro.

UEFA Euro Best XI:- 1996.
UEFA Euro Player Of The Tournament:- 1996.

Albert SHESTERNYOV:- Ivan The Terrible, Albert Shesternev is the greatest Soviet Union defender ever and was one of the greatest central defenders of the world during the sixties. In 1964 European Nations' Cup, Shesternev finished as the runner-up with USSR.

European Nations' Cup Best XI:- 1968.

Jordi ALBA:- “Jordi Alba doesn't run, he flies!”. Jordi Alba was a major revelation of the 2012 UEFA Euro as Spain lifted their third UEFA Euro trophy. He offered Spain a complete new dimension with his pace and overlapping runs down the left flank. And, who could forget his brilliant goal against Italy in the final, where he singlehandedly pierced through Italy's right flank and slotted past Gigi Buffon?

Spoiler: Jordi Alba's Goal v/s Italy - 2012 UEFA Euro - Final

UEFA Euro Best XI:- 2012.

József BOZSIK:- A vital pillar of The Magical Magyars, József Bozsik is one of the greatest midfield generals to have graced the game of football. Known for his flawless technique, flair, tactical nous, passing accuracy and creativity, Bozsik along with Nándor Hidegkuti was the architect of the The Magical Magyars, who won the 1948-1953 Central European International Cup.

Patrick VIEIRA:- One of the best central midfielders of modern era, Patrick Vieira was immense for France in their dominance in the late nineties and early noughties, when they won the 1998 FIFA World Cup as well as 2000 UEFA Euro. A fantastic box-box midfielder with great energy and engine, he would complement very well with József Bozsik in the midfield.

UEFA Euro Best XI:- 2000.

Manuel RUI COSTA:- A fine fine playmaker, Rui Costa was the flag-bearer of Portugal's Golden Generation Team along with Luís Figo. Renowned for his fine technique, great vision and excellent passing, Rui Costa often drew comparisons with Zinedine Zidane when both were in Serie-A in late nineties. He lit up two UEFA Euros in 1996 and 2000, and scored an absolute beauty in the third in 2004!

Spoiler: Rui Costa v/s England

UEFA Euro Team Of The Tournament:- 1996, 2000.

Marco VAN BASTEN:- The Swan of Utrecht, Marco Van Basten is one of the greatest strikers of all time and arguably the most complete striker of all time. He spearheaded the Oranje attack to their first major trophy at International stage in 1988 UEFA Euro. The top scorer and the best player of the 1988 UEFA Euro, Marco Van Basten was capable of scoring all kinds of goals with both feet from anywhere in the attacking third. Like this scorcher:-

Spoiler: Van Basten v/s USSR - THAT Goal!

UEFA Euro Best XI:- 1988, 1992.
UEFA Euro Top Scorer:- 1988.

Gerd MÜLLER:- Der Bomber is the greatest goalscorer in history of the game. David Winner in his book, Brilliant Orange - The Neurotic Genius of Dutch Football had this to say about about the great Der Bomber:- "Gerd Müller was short, squat, awkward-looking and not notably fast; he never fit the conventional idea of a great footballer, but he had lethal acceleration over short distances, a remarkable aerial game, and uncanny goalscoring instincts. His short legs gave him a strangely low center of gravity, so he could turn quickly and with perfect balance in spaces and at speeds that would cause other players to fall over. He also had a knack of scoring in unlikely situations."

UEFA Euro Best XI:- 1972.
UEFA Euro Top Scorer:- 1972.

THE TACTICS​

We will play the 3-5-2 formation. Walter Zeman is the goalkeeper. The central defense comprises of Fabio Cannavaro, Matthias Sammer and Albert Shesternev. Matthias Sammer would play as the sweeper, with Fabio Cannavaro as the stopper and Albert Shesternev as the centre-back. Matthias Sammer would have the license to march forward the ball. Darijo Srna and Jordi Alba are the wing-backs. Both possess a great engine and are very good crossers of the ball. They would look to overlap regularly and provide width down the flanks.

In midfield, we would have a double-pivot of József Bozsik and Patrick Vieira. József Bozsik would play in his natural role as a holding midfielder/deep-lying playmaker while Patrick Vieira would play as a box-box midfielder, with the freedom to make plenty of late attacking runs into the box. Ahead of them is, the genius, Manuel Rui Costa. Rui Costa would play as the number ten in this team. He would look to not only link-up the midfield with the attack but also provide constant service and support to the attack, with his through-balls and fantastic link-up play.

Upfront, we have Marco Van Basten and Gerd Müller leading the line. Marco Van Basten would be the target-man with Gerd Müller playing the role of the ultimate poacher that he is. However, since Marco Van Basten was such a complete striker, he won't be restricted to just the target-man role. He can always drop deep and link-up with Rui Costa or look to bring the likes of Gerd Müller, Rui Costa and Patrick Vieira into the game with his hold-up play.

Against The Stain, we would play slightly higher backline. That way we would restrict Shearer's aerial prowess to a good extent and also, Zizou's through-balls. In Fabio Cannavaro and Albert Shesternev, we have two extremely fast defenders who can keep up with Zoltán Czibor and especially, Amancio Amaro when they make darting runs inside. Whenever, either wing-backs make an overlapping run, Patrick Vieira would cover for them so that we don't get out-numbered on counters.

Attackingwise, we have a variety of options. We can use our wing-play with Darijo Srna and Jordi Alba providing the crosses for Marco Van Basten and Gerd Müller. We can attack centrally as well with Matthias Sammer, József Bozsik and Rui Costa pulling the strings. As a Plan-B, Matthias Sammer and József Bozsik can also go long, if needed. In Marco Van Basten, they have a great target-man to aim for. And, with Gerd Müller, the ultimate poacher looking to get at the end of those knock-downs, The Stain's defense would find it a nightmare to defend against!

 

[Balu]

vs
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substitution & tactical change a few minutes into the game

Team The Stain
​

Revised write-up:

All selections have been based entirely on their performances at the EURO's. I have 3 players that have won Player of the tournament and one that has finished 3rd. My team have 9 EURO wins between them & 9 Team of the tournament selections between them (not sure about pre 66 players apart from Amancio). I feel tactically my team is well balanced, i'll keep it short an simple as i've written a lot about the players:

Lining up in a 4-2-3-1. Our defense is made up of athletes that will run all day. Not only are they fit, they are also tactically aware. Puyol and Förster will make sure the defense keeps it's line. Förster will do the man marking with Puyol covering. Thuram and Zambrotta will cover so much ground that the opposition will be exhausted after the game. Davids will cover for Zambrotta but also do all the running and ballwinning for Zidane. This will leave Zidane with nothing else to do but what he did best, attack.

Amancio and Czibor are lethal on the flanks, both excellent crossers but they can also cut inside and take shots. Especially Czibor had a power shot on him. Shearer will lurk around, dragging defenders out of position, mostly inside the box. With the crossing ability in this team (Czi, Ama, Zam, Jao, Zag) he will have a lot of supply. Zidane will surely set him up at times too..

Defensively, we'll act in the same manner as the current Atletico side, more of a 4-4-1-1. When counterattacking opportunities arise we'll utilize the wings. I suspect the middle will be congested so Davids/Zagorakis have a lot of responsability to sit in front of central defense. Thuram will not surge forward so much but will leave his position and help the central defense when Alba is not around.

Our focus is to attack his weakness, his fullbacks. All out attacking will come down the wings, especially the left side. When possession is won, we'll quickly aim to counterattack. When there isn't an opportunity too, Zidane will keep possession for us until we regroup.

Spoiler: original tactics and formation

All selections have been based entirely on their performances at the EURO's. I have 2 players that have won Player of the tournament and one that has finished 3rd. My team have 8 EURO wins between them & 9 Team of the tournament selections between them (not sure about pre 66 players apart from Amancio). I feel tactically my team is well balanced, i'll keep it short an simple as i've written a lot about the players:

Lining up in a 4-2-3-1. Our defense is made up of athletes that will run all day. Not only are they fit, they are also tactically aware. Puyol and Förster will make sure the defense keeps it's line. Förster will do the man marking with Puyol covering. Thuram and Zambrotta will cover so much ground that the opposition will be exhausted after the game. Davids will cover for Zambrotta but also do all the running and ballwinning for Zidane. This will leave Zidane with nothing else to do but what he did best, attack.

Amancio and Czibor are lethal on the flanks, both excellent crossers but they can also cut inside and take shots. Especially Czibor had a power shot on him. Shearer will lurk around, dragging defenders out of position, mostly inside the box. With the crossing ability in this team (Czi, Ama, Zam, Jao, Zag) he will have a lot of supply. Zidane will surely set him up at times too..

Defensively, we'll act in the same manner as the current Atletico side, more of a 4-4-1-1. When counterattacking opportunities arise we'll utilize the wings. I suspect the middle will be congested so Davids/Wimmer have a lot of responsability to sit in front of central defense. Thuram will not surge forward so much but will leave his position and help the central defense when Alba is not around.

Our focus is to attack his weakness, his fullbacks. All out attacking will come down the wings, especially the left side. When possession is won, we'll quickly aim to counterattack. When there isn't an opportunity too, Zidane will keep possession for us until we regroup.

For further information, have a look at the player profiles further down this pager or just click here

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Good luck @The Red Viper @The Stain

 

[Balu]

@Rado_N @Damien , could one of you please add the poll to the thread? Thanks a lot.

Question:
Judged on the Euro performances, who will win the match?

- Team The Red Viper
- Team The Stain

Poll for 24hrs. Public Poll. View results without voting. Can change votes.

 

[The Stain]

Spoiler: Gk + Def

Gianpiero Combi:

One of the best keepers of the 1930's. Known for his agility which earned him the nickname "rubberman". Successful at the EURO's (CEIC/Dr. Gero Cup), appearing regularly in 2 of them which Italy won (27'-30' & 33'-35'). In the final match on 11 May 1930 Italy had to beat Hungary to finish as champions. Combi kept a clean sheet in the match, and Italy's prolific forward line secured a comfortable 5-0 victory. Regarded as the best keeper in the world 1931 & 1933.

Fun irrelevant facts to this draft:

First keeper to lift the World Cup trophy as a keeper. Kept a clean sheet in the Serie for 934 minutes, still a record to this day. Remarkable if you consider that the goal scoring ratio was higher back then, than it is today.

If interested to learn more; here's an article about him:
http://www.world-football-legends.co.uk/index.php/ita/24-combi-gianpiero, and some footage from the 1934 WC final:

João Domingos da Silva Pinto:

An extreme athlete, known for his superb stamina, mentality and team work. Sir Bobby
Robson once remarked: "He has two hearts & 4 legs, It's extremely difficult to find a player like him". His performances at the EURO 84' earned him a place in that editions team of the tournament. Capped six times prior to the tournament, he was as adventurous going forward as resilient in defence. Portugal only conceded one goal in the group, only to go out in the semi's to Platini's France in a 3-2 extra time defeat.

Fun fact: The one club man captained his Porto side that won the European Cup in 1987.

Carles Puyol:

This monster needs no introduction. Appeared in 2 EURO's and the one where he really shone was in 2008. He was a rock and organized Spain's defense. In the 5 games he played, his team only conceded 2 goals. His excellent performances earned him a place in the team of the tournament.

Karlheinz Förster:

Probably Germany's best defender during the 1980's. An outstanding man-marker who has
marked Platini, Hugo Sanchez and many other top players out of games. Raees suggested
Kohler as the best man marker, i'll counter with Förster . As far as EURO performances goes, Förster is right up there with Beckenbauer and Blanc as the top central defense performers. His performances during the winning campaign in 80' and later in 84' earned him 2 team of the tournament selections.

Gianluca Zambrotta:

Attacking fullback which defensive attributes are often overlooked. He had very good marking ability, tackling, strength, tenacity and stamina. Running up and down either wing all day long. Played 2 EURO's; 2004 & 2008. Although Italy went to the semi's in 2008, his best performances came in 2004 where Italy were eliminated already at the group stage.Considered the best left back at the tournament which earned him a starting spot in the team of the tournament. Zambrotta is considered the best fullback in the world 2004 & 2006.

 

[The Stain]

Spoiler: Mid + Striker

Theodoros Zagorakis:

The most underwhelming player in the draft, but one of the stars of it. This is his time to be included in a draft. The captain with the ridiculous mullet carried Greece on his shoulders in
the EURO 04', steering them to glory as Greece shockingly surprising won the tournament. He showed excellent reading of the game and excelled both in keeping and gathering possesion of the ball. He was selected player of the tournament.

Not convinced?

Here is a 2 min summary of his performance:


http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/season=2004/history-maker/
http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/4.../euro-2004-legends-theodoros-zagorakis-greece

Herbert Wimmer:

The german side of 72' is one of the best international sides the world has ever seen.
Wimmer was one of the star performers of the EURO-winning side and selected for team of the tournament. An energetic player who never ran out of steam, Wimmer did all the running and ballwinning that played a major role in Netzer's brilliant tournament. Stole some of Netzer's thunder when he scored in the final. Part of the very exclusive few that have featured in 2 EURO finals.

Amaro Amancio:

Real Madrid legend Amancio Amaro is the greatest Spanish attacker during the late 1960s and considered as the best Spanish right winger ever. He was noted for his great scoring and considerably skillful dribbling. He scored a goal in the semi of the EURO 64 vs Hungary and played a major role in the final against the Soviet Union as the Spanish team won the EURO 64'. He was involved in all Spain's goals at the tournament. He was part of team of the tournament. He scored 4 goals in the 7 qualification games he played. He scored 11 goals in 42 games for his country, for Real, he was far more prolific. He finished 3rd in the Balon d'Or 1964. Only Figo is the better right winger in this draft (Amancio was more of a winger/attacker hybrid or an inside forward if you will)

I get mixed signals regarding who was the player of the tournament. Some say Amancio, some say Suarez. Surely being directly involved in 3/4 of the tournament must count for something?

Here he is with a man of the match performance vs Hungary in the semi. 1 assist, 1 goal.


Footage from the final in which he had a hand in the first goal with a cross from the right.


Zinedine Zidane:

The elegant maestro. One of the absolute best players, but more importantly, performers in this draft. The 98' Balon d'Or winner finished 2nd in the Balon d'Or 00', the year Zidane was voted player of the tournament for his performances at the EURO in which France won.There are 9 players that have won 9 EURO games, Zidane is one of them. He scored 5 goals in 14 EURO matches. Here are most of them:

vs Spain, 2004: (In a spoiler)

vs England, 2004:



If you haave 8 mins, watch his highlights from the semi vs Portugal; he was sublime (including "that moment"):

Him and Shearer have scored the most penalties at the EURO's excluding exra time (2) so if we get a penalty, we probably won't miss it. Including extra time; Zidane has scored more than anyone (4). He has also scored in penalty shootouts.

Zoltan Czibor:

He was the greatest left-winger in the World in the mid-1950s. Rated as Hungary’s best winger ever, the Barcelona legend was notable for having a powerful shot and world class finishing which resulted in him having a 1 goal per game ratio in 1955 and 1956. Known for his crossing and unpredictability when dribbling. He was also known for his ability to score goals in major finals Together with Puskás, Kocsis, Bozsik and Hidegkuti, he formed the nucleus of the Golden Team that went unbeaten in 32 consecutive games. He scored 17 goals in 43 games for Hungary. In this draft, only Dzajic and Nedved are better left wingers. Won the CEIC (EURO) 1948-1953.

(This story in a spoiler, thought i'd share it)
From a Barcelona documentary about Czibor and Kocsis (stories from their sons, who both
were named after their fathers, and some Barca know-it-alls):

Czibors son, Zoltan Czibor, on modern tactics:

"The basis for the current Barca side is not dutch football, it comes from there as well.. Modern football is based on the hungarian side from the 1950's, and it was brought here by the hungarians who played for Barca. Kubala, Kocsis and Czibor".

The hungarians were the first team to deploy left-footed wingers/inside forwards on the
right, and vice versa. Like right-footed Czibor on the left.

Him and Kocsis didn't like preseason because of the heat, so they would usually
not be at their best at the start of the season.

In preseason friendlies with Barcelona, Czibor (described as a extrovert and a bit
excentric character) would wait for a injurybreak and whilst players
would recieve treatment, he would lay down on the pitch and fall asleep.

Czibor was very outgoing in contrast to the more introvert Kocsis. He owned a bar where
his fellow Barca team mates would start the night out. When Kocsis would join them though, you couldn't tell who was the worst (drunk/rowdy/loud).

Czibors son:

"Him, Kubala and other Barca players would get drunk and talk shit about Di Stefano and Gento, saying that they were always running offside and there weren't any linesmen that would raise their flags for them. Spoken behind closed doors of course, they would have
been thrown in jail had their thoughts reached the public".

Alan Shearer:

Only Platini has scored more goals than Shearer at the EURO's. He managed 7 goals in 9 matches. 5 of them came in 96' when England lost to Germany in the final. This made him top scorer of the tournament and he was selected for the team of the tournament.He was voted 3rd best player in 96' - Also finished 3rd in the Balon d'Or.

Here's a crap 30 sec video of his goals from 96':

Missing videos here:
https://www.redcafe.net/threads/the-euro-draft-round-1-Šjor-bepo-vs-the-stain.403807/#post-17404675

 

[Edgar Allan Pillow]

Finally, we get to see TRV's team. It's just fabulous. The only criticism I have is Bozsik in that role. I think he lacks the pace to do a box-to-box role effectively and his best position of DLP kinda overlaps with Sammer. Incredible team still.

On first look, Stain's team is just well put and easy to imagine how they'll go about things.

Even match.

 

[MJJ]

Can the respective managers please elaborate a bit more on amancio and srna euro performances.

Cheers.

 

[Rado_N]

Poll added.

 

[MJJ]

Finally, we get to see TRV's team. It's just fabulous. The only criticism I have is Bozsik in that role. I think he lacks the pace to do a box-to-box role effectively and his best position of DLP kinda overlaps with Sammer. Incredible team still.

On first look, Stain's team is just well put and easy to imagine how they'll go about things.

Even match.

I don't actually like the 3-4-3 setup that much, specially against a side containing wingers. His attack feels a bit disjointed with veira being a defensive box to Box and bosczik being more of a deep lying playmaker.

A lot of responsibility is being placed on rui Costa imo when there are far better players on the pitch.

 

[The Stain]

Can the respective managers please elaborate a bit more on amancio and srna euro performances.

Cheers.

Amancio put in a man of the match performance in the semi with an assist and the decisive goal in extra time. Had a hand in the first goal in the final where Suarez was MoTM. Finished 3rd in Balon d'Or this year.

 

[Balu]

@The Stain
I added the link to the post for your player profiles in the op like you asked me to, I hope it's okay that way. If not, let me know.

 

[crappycraperson]

What are people's thoughts on Muller and Van Basten in the same team? Are both even needed here?

 

[MJJ]

Amancio put in a man of the match performance in the semi with an assist and the decisive goal in extra time. Had a hand in the first goal in the final where Suarez was MoTM. Finished 3rd in Balon d'Or this year.

Sorry, I wasnt really clear enough. I meant if you had a player profile or a link to how what kind of a player he was. Since your wingers are crucial to this match up and amancio is one of those players I don't k ow anything about.

 

[MJJ]

What are people's thoughts on Muller and Van Basten in the same team? Are both even needed here?

Van Basten was a pretty complete player so I can see it working although not ideally in this setup. And from what I have read muller wasn't just a poacher either so think it will work. Although I suppose the question is if both will be at their absolute best in this setup or not.

 

[Balu]

What are people's thoughts on Muller and Van Basten in the same team? Are both even needed here?

As long as you have both of them in your team, they can't score for your opponent. That's really my first thought when looking at the formation.

I don't think it's a perfect combination, but I do believe they're both intelligent enough and slightly different enough to make it work. And they'll give you goals, no way around that.

 

[The Stain]

@The Stain
I added the link to the post for your player profiles in the op like you asked me to, I hope it's okay that way. If not, let me know.

Good, thanks.

 

[The Stain]

Sorry, I wasnt really clear enough. I meant if you had a player profile or a link to how what kind of a player he was. Since your wingers are crucial to this match up and amancio is one of those players I don't k ow anything about.

The Euro Draft - QF - The Red Viper vs The Stain

 

[Edgar Allan Pillow]

I don't actually like the 3-4-3 setup that much, specially against a side containing wingers. His attack feels a bit disjointed with veira being a defensive box to Box and bosczik being more of a deep lying playmaker.

A lot of responsibility is being placed on rui Costa imo when there are far better players on the pitch.

I don't mind the first. A solid back 3, good wingbacks, lethal strikers. Rui Costa and his ability to play deeper than a normal #10 will link up perfectly...leaving the second part of your sentence. I would have preferred someone link Monti or even Modric to be a better fit than Bozsik.

 

[Moby]

Is Wimmer a better option than Zagorakis? I was thinking the latter would start.

 

[Balu]

Everytime I read the name "Amancio" I remember that annoying picture anto posted in the decades draft . It scarred me.

Don't look, I warn you:

Spoiler

Fergus picks Amancio

 

[The Stain]

Is Wimmer a better option than Zagorakis? I was thinking the latter would start.

Really wanted to start him but the majority i've asked thought it better with Wimmer. This is more of a defensive setup so your right, Zago is possibly the better fit, might change.

 

[The Stain]

Everytime I read the name "Amancio" I remember that annoying picture anto posted in the decades draft . It scarred me.

Don't look, I warn you:

 

[Edgar Allan Pillow]

What are people's thoughts on Muller and Van Basten in the same team? Are both even needed here?

I see it similar to the AC Milan team.

..Crespo..Shevchenko
.........Kaka..............

There is no major flaw in it and it will get goals.

 

[MJJ]

The Euro Draft - QF - The Red Viper vs The Stain

sorry missed that as am on from my mobile. My apologies.

@eap given the quality of Czibor and amancio am not sure how adventurous can trv wingbacks be. If the stain can successfully nullify trv wingbacks I think he will win it as the center backs will drift a bit wider, allowing Zidane space to do his thing. Will wait to here from trv, although if he was playing a 4-3-3 or one of its varieties would have already voted for him.

 

[crappycraperson]

As long as you have both of them in your team, they can't score for your opponent. That's really my first thought when looking at the formation.

I don't think it's a perfect combination, but I do believe they're both intelligent enough and slightly different enough to make it work. And they'll give you goals, no way around that.

Fair enough.

 

[crappycraperson]

I see it similar to the AC Milan team.

..Crespo..Shevchenko
.........Kaka..............

There is no major flaw in it and it will get goals.

I would say it is more similar to Crespo and Inzaghi playing together.

 

[The Stain]

Forgot to do profiles on Davids and Thuram. Oh, well.

 

[The Stain]

@Aldo Change coming up. I do feel it makes the team even more balanced as Wimmer will surge forward more than Zago (also, player of the tournament etc).

 

[Edgar Allan Pillow]

I would say it is more similar to Crespo and Inzaghi playing together.

Why? I rate Sheva as a complete striker and the closest to MvB.

 

[Moby]

@Aldo Change coming up. I do feel it makes the team even more balanced as Wimmer will surge forward more than Zago (also, player of the tournament etc).

Yeah that's what I thought, Zagorakis should compliment Davids, plus he has strong Euro credentials himself.

 

[Joga Bonito]

If there is a forward who loves to be left alone it's Gerd Müller. Simply put you just do not put another forward anywhere near his zone, let alone a goalscoring one. It just doesn't add up to more than the sum of its parts and it could potentially screw with the dynamic of the forward line. A Baggio/Raul like player wouldn't be too bad and actually nice but MVB? Not for me.

One Euro match report summed it up best.

The Soviet Union must have feared the worst. Gerd Müller had scored all the goals in a 4-1 win against them the previous month, and now three quarters of the crowd were German. That is how the pitch must have looked to the Soviet team: at one stage their opponents strung 30 consecutive passes together. It was the match of the tournament because it was so one-sided, the destruction of an outdated packed defence by the first stirrings of Total Football: a masterclass.

West Germany's three most influential players were all involved in the first goal, Franz Beckenbauer bringing the ball out from the back and Günter Netzer volleying almost nonchalantly against the bar. Evgeni Rudakov produced a brilliant save to keep out the rebound but there was Müller to control before pushing it in. More than one English newspaper had wondered if Müller would have enough support against such a tight defence, but they missed the point.

He preferred to be left alone, with no partner to invade his space. With other players taking defenders away (two wingers and Uli Hoeness running from midfield), he was left free to roam the penalty area alone. His tally of 68 goals in 62 internationals is an astounding total in such a defensive era.

Müller isn't as limited as he is generally portrayed to be but for me he is someone who you basically leave alone and build the forward line around, with most routes to goals leading through him, and with a particular focus on speedy players who can help create space for him in a dynamic set-up. I simply do not recall him playing with another goalscoring forward in close proximity throughout his entire career (would love to be corrected if I'm wrong here). In fact the great partnerships he established were with a playmaking #10 who loved dropping deep in Netzer and a pacy wing-forward in Hoeneß who complemented him brilliantly.

Now I'm not saying Mvb-Müller partership will tank but I just don't see it being an optimal partnership here. van basten was complete and had good link-up play but at the end of the day he was the dog's bollocks in the box for his side as too was Müller. I just don't see them complementing each other as well as some here are making them out to.

 

[The Stain]

So, since the majority of my attacks will come down the left (Zambrotta/Czibor -Zidane/Davids), how will Srna fair? Who will help out?

 

[Balu]

The Stain's op got update with the substitution and a revised write-up.

 

[The Red Viper]

Finally, we get to see TRV's team. It's just fabulous. The only criticism I have is Bozsik in that role. I think he lacks the pace to do a box-to-box role effectively and his best position of DLP kinda overlaps with Sammer. Incredible team still.

On first look, Stain's team is just well put and easy to imagine how they'll go about things.

Even match.

Don't have Bozsik in the box-box role. He is the role that Xabi plays as a combo of holding midfielder/deep-lying playmaker. I don't think it would really overlap with Sammer either. Bozsik wasn't really a Pirlo, where it was necessary for every attack to go through him. He was quite good at linking-up, which would help Sammer more as he would play 1-2s with Bozsik and add more chaos for the opposition.

 

[Balu]

If there is a forward who loves to be left alone it's Gerd Müller. Simply put you just do not put another forward anywhere near his zone, let alone a goalscoring one. It just doesn't add up to more than the sum of its parts and it could potentially screw with the dynamic of the forward line. A Baggio/Raul like player wouldn't be too bad and actually nice but MVB? Not for me.

To be fair to Müller, he didn't have a problem playing with Seeler, not at all. I agree that it's not perfect. It's a bit shoehorning big names into the team. They won't hate each other and cause each other problems though.

 

[The Stain]

Before people disregard Shearer. His EURO 96 was great. Top scorer (5) and 3rd in Balon d'Or so this is pretty much peak Shearer. This happened after Blackburn won the PL and he was top scorer with 34 goals.

 

[The Red Viper]

Can the respective managers please elaborate a bit more on amancio and srna euro performances.

Cheers.

Srna along with Luka were the two Croatian players, I though who did realy well in 2008 Euros. Srna starred in Croatia's win against Germany who were the runner-up that tournament. He scored a goal against them and put in a couple of crosses for Olic. Even against Turkey in that mental match they lost, he created well from that right flank.

 

[The Red Viper]

To be fair to Müller, he didn't have a problem playing with Seeler, not at all. I agree that it's not perfect. It's a bit shoehorning big names into the team. They won't hate each other and cause each other problems though.

In fact he himself said, the 1970 World Cup where both Seeler and him played together was his best world cup.

 

[The Red Viper]

So, since the majority of my attacks will come down the left (Zambrotta/Czibor -Zidane/Davids), how will Srna fair? Who will help out?

There's Cannavaro on that flank to help Srna out and if you really include Zidane there, he has Bozsik there. Bozsik was a master at intercepting those passes and he can cut that service to Zidane and make him drop deeper.

 

[harms]

If there is a forward who loves to be left alone it's Gerd Müller. Simply put you just do not put another forward anywhere near his zone, let alone a goalscoring one. It just doesn't add up to more than the sum of its parts and it could potentially screw with the dynamic of the forward line. A Baggio/Raul like player wouldn't be too bad and actually nice but MVB? Not for me.

One Euro match report summed it up best.



Müller isn't as limited as he is generally portrayed to be but for me he is someone who you basically leave alone and build the forward line around, with most routes to goals leading through him, and with a particular focus on speedy players who can help create space for him in a dynamic set-up. I simply do not recall him playing with another goalscoring forward in close proximity throughout his entire career (would love to be corrected if I'm wrong here). In fact the great partnerships he established were with a playmaking #10 who loved dropping deep in Netzer and a pacy wing-forward in Hoeneß who complemented him brilliantly.

Now I'm not saying Mvb-Müller partership will tank but I just don't see it being an optimal partnership here. van basten was complete and had good link-up play but at the end of the day he was the dog's bollocks in the box for his side as too was Müller. I just don't see them complementing each other as well as some here are making them out to.

He really was scary that day. But hell, what a team that was...