The TT Football Club

[crosscourt]

Originally Posted by Ross K

I'm seriously wondering if my view on matches is completely altered from being in noisy pubs?!... I seem to have watched a different match to others - LOL!

I agree with you. I thought they were terrible last night. That is because, i think, they arent very good. At the same time they have succeeded ahead of each of France, Sweden and Ukraine. They must be doing something right. So who are we measuring them against? Teams that may win the tournament - something that could never be said of Ukraine or Sweden - or the also rans.

If you measure them against Spain, England are technically less adept and don't defend as well I.e they don't keep control of the ball. But we seem to score at least as many goals and our goals look as if they will come from clearly established approaches whereas with Spain it all seems a bit hopeful - although of course they seem to get there in the end. Mentally I think both teams are strong. Spain becaus of their confidence in their technique. England for different reasons.

What happens if Spain play England? My guess is Spain win 3-1 or so. A little like Germany's win in the World Cup. So which is the really important factor. Winning your group in qualifying or not getting close to winning the tournament? I honestly don't know.

[Ross K]

Originally Posted by crosscourt

I agree with you. I thought they were terrible last night. That is because, i think, they arent very good. At the same time they have succeeded ahead of each of France, Sweden and Ukraine. They must be doing something right. So who are we measuring them against? Teams that may win the tournament - something that could never be said of Ukraine or Sweden - or the also rans.

If you measure them against Spain, England are technically less adept and don't defend as well I.e they don't keep control of the ball. But we seem to score at least as many goals and our goals look as if they will come from clearly established approaches whereas with Spain it all seems a bit hopeful - although of course they seem to get there in the end. Mentally I think both teams are strong. Spain becaus of their confidence in their technique. England for different reasons.

What happens if Spain play England? My guess is Spain win 3-1 or so. A little like Germany's win in the World Cup. So which is the really important factor. Winning your group in qualifying or not getting close to winning the tournament? I honestly don't know.

Interesting observations CC. I'd also add that thus far, England, for once, seem to have benefited a bit from that great intangible that every team needs to win a trophy - luck. I wonder if this can even extend further?

With the proviso that he may still improve radically on Sunday, it's frustrating about Rooney though because he is world class; he is our Ronaldo, our Iniesta, our acknowledged main man; the player the others all look to for inspiration. And though I'm not wanting to directly compare him to them, I would suggest that an in form Rooney is capable of having a similarly galvanizing effect on his team just like Cristiano R did the other night in maybe the most impressive performance of anyone I've seen in this whole tournament. Unfortunately Rooney's showing last night reminded me his off-key performances during the World Cup in South Africa.

[Ross K]

This made me smile. It's off one of my Spurs fan sites and it's about the drawn out new managerial appointment saga...

I just need closure at this point. Even if we were to bring in Mick McCarthy I'm ready to move on.

[Feña14]

Originally Posted by Meaghan

On a plus note (sorry Fena) Stevie G was immense, controlled the game and anything that was good for England generally came thro him. We do however need him to let loose now and again and really make things happen in the last third. Thats why I initially plumped for Jones alongside as he's quite adept at picking the ball off the back four, a very talented player imo, it just means Gerrard cant be in two places at the same time, picking the ball off the defenders and recieving it from the player picking the ball off the defenders
On the plus side of that tho, Parker played really well.

It's interesting how everyone seems to see the game differently!

Ross and crosscourt seem to see it through the same eyes. Personally I disagree that Gerrard controlled the game. His crosses for goals have been outstanding, balls into the box is one of the few ways we have the ability to score from and he's been great in that regard.

His all round play and the bread and butter you expect from a central midfielder hasn't been good enough though unfortunately. He hasn't been able to get hold of the ball, disrupt the opposition or protect the defence. Terry, Lescott and Hart were really exposed to it all yesterday and the midfield for Ukraine had a free run at things.

People are saying we are ugly to watch and are soaking up too much pressure, but if the midfield can't get the ball and retain it, that's always going to happen. Chelsea had to do that when they played Barcelona and Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets, Fabregas.. and then again with Schweinsteiger and Kroos in the final. You can understand that, but to not be able to do it against Kallstrom and Svensson.. and then again against the best Ukraine had to offer? That's not so good.

[Feña14]

Originally Posted by Ross K

This made me smile. It's off one of my Spurs fan sites and it's about the drawn out new managerial appointment saga...

I just need closure at this point. Even if we were to bring in Mick McCarthy I'm ready to move on.

I'm sure things aren't that bad!

I'm liking how things are going with the management at Chelsea. Di Matteo getting the job permanently is fantastic, Eddie Newton has done a great job assisting, now World Cup winner and Chelsea Legend Marcel Desailly is being lined up to coach the defence. If only we could get Zola in to coach the forwards, we'd be sorted

[Dave M]

Originally Posted by Feña14

I'm sure things aren't that bad!

I'm If only we could get Zola in to coach the forwards, we'd be sorted

Mcarthy, yes, it's not Roeder but i think i could get behind an appointment like that for Spurs!

Zola, i wasn't convinced by his manegerial skills but he got Carlton Cole playing well and he scored soem for us the 2 years he was at WHU. However his ability to spot a player and tactics seem a bit short. According to one of our owners, the only transfer he specifically requested from the board (we had one of those director of football types) was Benni Mcarthy. a year, 7 appearances, no goals and a stone overweight was the best fitness he could manage over £7 million in fees and wages for that and they wonder why the club looses money....

[Feña14]

Originally Posted by Dave M

Mcarthy, yes, it's not Roeder but i think i could get behind an appointment like that for Spurs!

Zola, i wasn't convinced by his manegerial skills but he got Carlton Cole playing well and he scored soem for us the 2 years he was at WHU. However his ability to spot a player and tactics seem a bit short. According to one of our owners, the only transfer he specifically requested from the board (we had one of those director of football types) was Benni Mcarthy. a year, 7 appearances, no goals and a stone overweight was the best fitness he could manage over £7 million in fees and wages for that and they wonder why the club looses money....

You're right about Zola, he didn't really do too well at West Ham. He played some nice football though, he also commands alot of respect from his playing days so he has something to offer. Maybe a number 2 position would be good for him, where he isn't relied upon tactically or in signings, but he's someone I can imagine would inspire the players.

Di Matteo has actually been very sound tactically, his tactics against Benfica away and the team he selected (he picked Ferreira who had hardly played all season and Kalou who hadn't since he gave away the penalty against Valencia away) were perfect. The team were sent out knowing what Benfica would do before even they did, it was a bit of a masterclass. I'm delighted to of got him, it's great to have a manager who has the club in his heart and it's more than just a job to him.

[Azzurri]

Originally Posted by PED

Glad to see the boys get Italy in the next round!

Looked very shaky in the first half but Wazza came good fairly quickly and should look even better at the weekend.

I understand the importance of keeping your shape and whatnot but England are boring as hell to watch now.

I realize Roy's job is to not provide entertainment for me but by the 2nd half I decided to go back to working on my Excel spreadsheet and relegated the game to the background.

Either way, I like the results he's getting.

England won't score.

[Feña14]

Originally Posted by Azzurri

England won't score.

I wish the pundits with their longwinded previews could put it that simply!

You could be right, my Dad is certainly hoping that's the case. I think it will be 0-0 at the end of the 90 minutes.

Whatever happens I think it will be close, I wouldn't rule out penalties.

[crosscourt]

Originally Posted by Feña14

It's interesting how everyone seems to see the game differently!

Ross and crosscourt seem to see it through the same eyes. Personally I disagree that Gerrard controlled the game. His crosses for goals have been outstanding, balls into the box is one of the few ways we have the ability to score from and he's been great in that regard.

His all round play and the bread and butter you expect from a central midfielder hasn't been good enough though unfortunately. He hasn't been able to get hold of the ball, disrupt the opposition or protect the defence. Terry, Lescott and Hart were really exposed to it all yesterday and the midfield for Ukraine had a free run at things.

People are saying we are ugly to watch and are soaking up too much pressure, but if the midfield can't get the ball and retain it, that's always going to happen. Chelsea had to do that when they played Barcelona and Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets, Fabregas.. and then again with Schweinsteiger and Kroos in the final. You can understand that, but to not be able to do it against Kallstrom and Svensson.. and then again against the best Ukraine had to offer? That's not so good.

One of the reasons why the midfield can't retain the ball is because we aren't particuarly compact. That is for the same reason that we have to absorb too much pressure - we defend too deep. We have to defend too deep because our defenders can't play higher up the pitch without a real risk of being exposed. How big a problem this is depends on the quality of the opposition. Much the same could be said of Sweden in their match with France. They defended very deep but France couldn't capitalise. Nasri faffed around to no effect and Benzema looked lost. They both took far too many touches. Riberry fizzed about but there were always Swedish defenders to get in his way. Sweden encouraged France to play in front of them, which is what they did. Then they hit them on the break, benefiting from having an outstanding player in Ibrahimovic to hold the ball up and then play it intelligently when his support came up. We don't have a player like Ibrahimovic which is a shame.

I tend to agree that Gerrard doesn't control a game. But he does provide drive and purpose. We are a little porous in midfield but probably better than in South Africa. We haven't had a midfielder who could really control a game since Beckham in his prime.

Big test for Portugal tonight. They have the ability and balance to come through well against the Czechs. Whether they have the mind for it, or whether they think they have done what they set out to achieve in making the quarter finals is another matter.

[Feña14]

Originally Posted by crosscourt

One of the reasons why the midfield can't retain the ball is because we aren't particuarly compact. That is for the same reason that we have to absorb too much pressure - we defend too deep. We have to defend too deep because our defenders can't play higher up the pitch without a real risk of being exposed. How big a problem this is depends on the quality of the opposition. Much the same could be said of Sweden in their match with France. They defended very deep but France couldn't capitalise. Nasri faffed around to no effect and Benzema looked lost. They both took far too many touches. Riberry fizzed about but there were always Swedish defenders to get in his way. Sweden encouraged France to play in front of them, which is what they did. Then they hit them on the break, benefiting from having an outstanding player in Ibrahimovic to hold the ball up and then play it intelligently when his support came up. We don't have a player like Ibrahimovic which is a shame.

I tend to agree that Gerrard doesn't control a game. But he does provide drive and purpose. We are a little porous in midfield but probably better than in South Africa. We haven't had a midfielder who could really control a game since Beckham in his prime.

Big test for Portugal tonight. They have the ability and balance to come through well against the Czechs. Whether they have the mind for it, or whether they think they have done what they set out to achieve in making the quarter finals is another matter.

I agree about having to defend deep, Terry and Lescott are playing very well so it's playing to one of our strengths. I think we could push up more if there was more cover in midfield and players who can drop back and fill in. Parker can do it to an extent, but Gerrard as you say is more of a driver who looks to attack. The centre backs can't really afford to come up when they know Parker is the only thing standing between the midfield and defence, with a big gap in behind them.

It is a shame we don't have anyone who can control the game, Pirlo has been amazing this year for Juventus and I fear he will have the middle of the pitch to himself. Give him time and he will destroy you, that's a worry.

I'm hoping for a Portugal win, it would be nice to see the second tier of teams have a good run in the tournament. Germany and Spain are clearly the best (Holland were up there too before their breakdown). Hopefully France, England, Italy and Portugal can bridge the gap a bit and give the big 2 a test of sorts.

[PED]

I think Italy is a winnable match.

They're good but certainly not great and def not in the category of Germany or Spain.

[Dave M]

Originally Posted by PED

I think Italy is a winnable match. .

Certainly is, in fact having watched some this year i havn't been scared by anyone except our own players!

[crosscourt]

The French commentators have decided that the Portugese defender formerly known as Pepe should henceforward be called Pep. It makes me think that their two best players might be the prosaically named Ronald and Nan.

[Ross K]

Fena, others,

Anyone know the situation on Moutinho?

Would be into the idea of replacing Modric with him. Okay, unlikley, but perhaps a thought not so entirely fantastical if AVB becomes Spurs boss.

[Feña14]

Originally Posted by Ross K

Fena, others,

Anyone know the situation on Moutinho?

Would be into the idea of replacing Modric with him. Okay, unlikley, but perhaps a thought not so entirely fantastical if AVB becomes Spurs boss.

The problem you face there is that his price is the same as that of Modric. So you're losing a player who is proven in the League and at the club, and gaining one that has no experience of the Premier League. Maybe that would be easier to take if he was half the price, but Porto drive a hard bargain. He's also getting to that age where he really does need to be playing Champions League football if he's to kick on to the next level.

Is AVB still on then? Last I heard he was about to pull out because of Levy's preference towards Blanc, that and the players coming out and saying how they're not too keen on the idea of his management style.

[PED]

Originally Posted by Feña14

Is AVB still on then? Last I heard he was about to pull out because of Levy's preference towards Blanc, that and the players coming out and saying how they're not too keen on the idea of his management style.

Who has the bigger ego, AVB or Eden Hazard

I thought maybe AVB might have toned it down after his epic fail at Chelsea but apparently not, maybe he should go back to coaching in a small pond with the biggest fish (Porto) and winning on Thursday nights on ITV (Europa)

He's going to need to take a few more beatings until the lesson sinks in methinks.

[Ross K]

Fena,

No-one seems to know really. Certainly not the "ITK" sources I check out. An educated guess is we're waiting on France being knocked out before any announcement on Blanc can be made. Could be a wrong though, and AVB has definitely been interviewed and very seriously considered.


PED,

Agree. AVB needs to acquire some class and try and change that reputation for petulance... could be a long wait though.

[crosscourt]

Originally Posted by Feña14

The problem you face there is that his price is the same as that of Modric. So you're losing a player who is proven in the League and at the club, and gaining one that has no experience of the Premier League. Maybe that would be easier to take if he was half the price, but Porto drive a hard bargain. He's also getting to that age where he really does need to be playing Champions League football if he's to kick on to the next level.

Is AVB still on then? Last I heard he was about to pull out because of Levy's preference towards Blanc, that and the players coming out and saying how they're not too keen on the idea of his management style.

Blanc is quite impressive. For obvious reasons he is on TV here in France all the time at the moment. He has a measured and realistic approach to things that makes sense to the third party observer such as me. Whether it appeals to the diehard is another thing. I don't think he is popular here. His team doesn't seem to have much unity but that may just be a problem for an international manager with only a temporary command of the players. If it was me I wouldn't want M'Vila, Mexes, or several others in my team at any cost.

CC

[crosscourt]

Originally Posted by Ross K

Fena, others,

Anyone know the situation on Moutinho?

Would be into the idea of replacing Modric with him. Okay, unlikley, but perhaps a thought not so entirely fantastical if AVB becomes Spurs boss.

Who does he play for at the moment? And who does Veloso, the defender, play for? If they are not already in Italy I guess they will be before too long. They look like Serie A players to me.