Spain vs Portugal match thread

[dww]

Most of the criticism is fear of the unknown though - its so uncultured. The reaction is "Funny foreigners getting it wrong" when they're actually being innovative in accommodating their best players in a system that works for them.

They haven't looked better putting up with a striker who doesn't have the ability of their attacking midfielders. This formation could be revolutionary. Its being dismissed because its challenging the traditional notions of whats proper, according to traditionalists who like their strikers sticking the ball in the net.

It might not be the finished version yet, but its getting results. They're in another final.

As for the midfield conundrum, we all know what Alonso provides. It was more the dismissive attitude of "two defensive midfielders" - which they clearly aren't - that irked me.

I think that is very true. There was a lot of dismissive talk in studio and in commentary - almost as if they though Spain had won the last two major tournaments despite fundamentally misunderstanding tactics.

I'm not sure that the formation is all that revolutionary any more. Both Roma and Manchester United used 4-6-0 type formations in recent years and a lot of teams have used two nominal DMs in 4-2-3-1 formations for years. It's just that in England both those changes have been viewed with obvious suspicion and frequently hostility.

[Daniel 7]

Yeah I remember Utd and Roma using it, but Roma still were using Totti in it, and Utd had Rooney and Ronaldo - so its an evolution of that (IMO) - and even then, wasn't it a reaction to injury rather than a specific choice?

Anyway.... Craig Levein. Thats all I'm saying

[Neil Young]

I think that is very true. There was a lot of dismissive talk in studio and in commentary - almost as if they though Spain had won the last two major tournaments despite fundamentally misunderstanding tactics.

I'm not sure that the formation is all that revolutionary any more. Both Roma and Manchester United used 4-6-0 type formations in recent years and a lot of teams have used two nominal DMs in 4-2-3-1 formations for years. It's just that in England both those changes have been viewed with obvious suspicion and frequently hostility.

...and a near-total lack of understanding.

[danperkins]

Spain's only problem is that Messi is Argentinian.

[danperkins]

IMO i thought for the 90 mins Portugal were excellent, they had the tactics spot on and their work rate was phenomenal. They like Spain were just lacking a spearhead in attack. Portugal though inevitably ran out of steam in extra time and were very much outplayed in the half hour by Spain. Pedro caused alot of problems with his movement and pace when he came on, as did Navas who is usually bit of headless chicken. IMo playing Negredo was a mistake, surprised Llorente has been over looked in this tournament, as he is a very mobile target man.

Personally i want Germany to win as i enjoy watching them play. The way Spain play much like Barca is almost hypnotic, the ball is passed to death and just when the opposition lapse in concentration for one second, bang! killer ball goes through. Portugal more than matched them in midfield for the 90 mins though IMO, and it's the first time in a long time i've seen Spain not being able to get any sort of passing game in going.

Johnny Giles & Liam Brady on RTE got it spot on IMO when they said that Portugal were going man for man with the Spanish midfield and leaving Pique free as he is not the greatest in possession, and he couldn't seem to pick out any options and the ball was given away more often than not. Portugal look a very strong side all over the pitch, but they have been lacking a top striker for such a long time now & Almeida was shocking going forward.

Ronaldo and Nani didn't perform last night, although Ronaldo did get a bit a harsh treatment he's still a me feiner and wants the glory all to himself and although he has been outstanding in the tournament and is world class, he shouldn't be a captain of any side and it showed why last night. Wouldn't be a fan of Ramos i think he's rash and a liability, but to be fair he was fantastic last night best game i've ever seen him play. But for me Coentrao was the man of the match, the guys engine is nothing short of ridiculous and defensively was superb. Thought Pepe was excellent aswell, dirty scumbag but he is some player.

I'd like to see a Germany v Spain final, been saying that all along think most would like to see the same, but you just never know with the Italians so well organised and drilled.

[Shaggy]

Pique not the best in possession?

Thought Portugal did okay but their attacking "plan" is lame. "Stay solid, then give it to Ronaldo and hope he does something boss".

That seemed to be it to me.

[danperkins]

Pique not the best in possession?

Thought Portugal did okay but their attacking "plan" is lame. "Stay solid, then give it to Ronaldo and hope he does something boss".

That seemed to be it to me.

Pique not great in possession in comparison to the rest they meant, IMO was a very astute analysis and they went through several occasions where this was proven to be spot on. Was very interesting, he's was me thinking all they did was drink Whiskey underneath the counter but turns out they actually watching the game

Well Ronaldo or Nani i suppose, who both faded after the first 45 mins, and with no strikers it was difficult, Spain looked toothless in the first 90 mins up top too. I don't think anybody would be begruded Portugal a victory if they had won. Was a very good performance against the best international side on the planet and they were unlucky not to go through IMO.

[badpiggy]

IMO i thought for the 90 mins Portugal were excellent, they had the tactics spot on and their work rate was phenomenal. They like Spain were just lacking a spearhead in attack. Portugal though inevitably ran out of steam in extra time and were very much outplayed in the half hour by Spain. Pedro caused alot of problems with his movement and pace when he came on, as did Navas who is usually bit of headless chicken. IMo playing Negredo was a mistake, surprised Llorente has been over looked in this tournament, as he is a very mobile target man.

Personally i want Germany to win as i enjoy watching them play. The way Spain play much like Barca is almost hypnotic, the ball is passed to death and just when the opposition lapse in concentration for one second, bang! killer ball goes through. Portugal more than matched them in midfield for the 90 mins though IMO, and it's the first time in a long time i've seen Spain not being able to get any sort of passing game in going.

Johnny Giles & Liam Brady on RTE got it spot on IMO when they said that Portugal were going man for man with the Spanish midfield and leaving Pique free as he is not the greatest in possession, and he couldn't seem to pick out any options and the ball was given away more often than not. Portugal look a very strong side all over the pitch, but they have been lacking a top striker for such a long time now & Almeida was shocking going forward.

Ronaldo and Nani didn't perform last night, although Ronaldo did get a bit a harsh treatment he's still a me feiner and wants the glory all to himself and although he has been outstanding in the tournament and is world class, he shouldn't be a captain of any side and it showed why last night. Wouldn't be a fan of Ramos i think he's rash and a liability, but to be fair he was fantastic last night best game i've ever seen him play. But for me Coentrao was the man of the match, the guys engine is nothing short of ridiculous and defensively was superb. Thought Pepe was excellent aswell, dirty scumbag but he is some player.

I'd like to see a Germany v Spain final, been saying that all along think most would like to see the same, but you just never know with the Italians so well organised and drilled.

The lads on RTE were really looking to hang him for the penalties and how he ultimately didn't take one. They didn't have the time to cobble together a cohesive attack on him but I suppose they didn't have to because the ****in sour selfish puss on him at the end when it was obvious all that was on his mind was how the spotlight wasn't going to be on him... Contrast that with the blubbering Coentrao.

And how come every time during the shootout the camera showed Ronaldo standing apart from the rest of the team?

And also, I thought it was total bollox how he ran up to the Portuguese goalkeeper just before the penalties started and seemed to be whispering some potentially important advice to him - obviously the cunt knew that the cameras would follow him Surely this guy wakes up from time to time in the middle of the night, bewildered and crushed by the realisation of what a cunt he really is. I like to think so anyway. The silver lining.

[Shaggy]

Pique not great in possession in comparison to the rest they meant, IMO was a very astute analysis and they went through several occasions where this was proven to be spot on. Was very interesting, he's was me thinking all they did was drink Whiskey underneath the counter but turns out they actually watching the game

Well Ronaldo or Nani i suppose, who both faded after the first 45 mins, and with no strikers it was difficult, Spain looked toothless in the first 90 mins up top too. I don't think anybody would be begruded Portugal a victory if they had won. Was a very good performance against the best international side on the planet and they were unlucky not to go through IMO.

Ah okay, yeah compared to the other Spain players but next to most CBs he's a Rolls Royce. He can stride out with it, pick a pass, beat a man etc.

I liked that Portugal weren't massively defensive like everybody else who faces Spain - they were solid but didn't change their side to try and nullify them.

However I would've begrudged them a win because I can't stand the cunts.

[danperkins]

The lads on RTE were really looking to hang him for the penalties and how he ultimately didn't take one. They didn't have the time to cobble together a cohesive attack on him but I suppose they didn't have to because the ****in sour selfish puss on him at the end when it was obvious all that was on his mind was how the spotlight wasn't going to be on him... Contrast that with the blubbering Coentrao.

And how come every time during the shootout the camera showed Ronaldo standing apart from the rest of the team?

And also, I thought it was total bollox how he ran up to the Portuguese goalkeeper just before the penalties started and seemed to be whispering some potentially important advice to him - obviously the cunt knew that the cameras would follow him Surely this guy wakes up from time to time in the middle of the night, bewildered and crushed by the realisation of what a cunt he really is. I like to think so anyway. The silver lining.

Yeah Dunphy hates Ronaldo with a passion but i suppose Dunphy is only there for entertainment value. Ronaldo is arrogant at the best of ties but giving him the captaincy just because he is their best player was a mistake IMO.

Personally i didn't have a probelm with him taking the last penalty, sure 'if' it comes down to it, it's crushing pressure to take that particular peno. But he is a feiner and billy big bollocks. He got some harsh treatment with tackles but he faded dramatically and his work rate in extra time was appalling.

[Neil Young]

Pique not the best in possession?

Thought Portugal did okay but their attacking "plan" is lame. "Stay solid, then give it to Ronaldo and hope he does something boss".

That seemed to be it to me.

http://www.est1892.co.uk/forums/showpost.php?p=2347898&postcount=11

[danperkins]

Ah okay, yeah compared to the other Spain players but next to most CBs he's a Rolls Royce. He can stride out with it, pick a pass, beat a man etc.

I liked that Portugal weren't massively defensive like everybody else who faces Spain - they were solid but didn't change their side to try and nullify them.

However I would've begrudged them a win because I can't stand the cunts.

they have a few fairly dislikable characters on their side alright. I like Pique, i know he hasn't had that great of a season but good player. Was very smart tactics by Bento though IMO when you see it analysed, hopefully someone else on here saw RTE's break down of it and can back me up.

Yeah fair play to Portugal, great counter attacking side & fairly strong all round the park. Thought Perriera was a weak link. Anyone know why on earth Bruno Alves was allowed to take a peno?? Don't get me wrong he is a beast and he scares the living piss out of me but the guy can't kick the ball properly and was a banker to miss.

Actually maybe i just answered my own question.

Alves: I'm taking a peno (grunt!!)
Everyone else: Whatever makes you happy Bruno just don't hurt me!

[BobTheCharmer]

The most boring thing about the Euros is people saying Spain are boring.

Boring penalty shoot out, boring penalty from Fabregas. Boring.

or the people who insist on telling those that find spain boring, that they are wrong. it's like if anyone actually finds spain boring to watch they must surely be dinosaurs and not deemed worthy to all those that hail Spain the masters of the universe and inventors of the blueprint for the future of football for all else to follow.

Football is such a subjective sport, to some a great tackle is better than an overhead kick. a Nil Nil better than a 5 Nil. Some think Spain are great but others find them tediously dull. There is nothing wrong with either views. People should except this without claiming the high ground.

[SimonNo7]

Alan Brazil labelled Spain a disgrace this morning for their tactics. Some other guy (journo) slagged them off for their cynical challenges when they lost the ball. Someone phoned in and called them boring (in general - not just in relation to last night's game).

Okay admittedly last night's game wasn't the greatest - Spain didn't seem to click although a lot of credit for that has to go to Portugal, but **** me there are some morons out there. Are they really sitting there slagging off one of the greatest international teams? Yet they were all no doubt really proud of the England boys and their great lion-heart displays. ARGH!

I have to agree with whoever that was to be honest. I thought Ramos should of gone for his challenges on first Nani and then the one he got booked for on Ronaldo (it was Ronaldo wasn't it?).

Personally I think challenges like this are worse than a full blooded, mistimed two footer because the player doing it has pre-meditated it, thought about it just because he knows he's going to get skinned. It is, too put it bluntly, cheating. At least a two-footer is generally down to mis-timing (I do realise there is malice in some). Players get away with cynical because generally they are harmless, physically, but they can be the most harmful when it comes to stopping a team from playing or having a clear cut chance.

[SimonNo7]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england...shire-18614483

Poor Gerry