Look at how France won.... the decisive last 2 goals were power shots from outside the penalty box! Outside of a free kick (as you astutely pointed out) or penalty, I've never seen England score goals like that. Why? Maybe it's a lack of talent (although those two near misses were epic fails, especially the set up by sterling and then the other bloke blows it wide of the goal) but I don't think it's all that, it's because that's just not how they are trained... If I was Southgate, I would get every academy in the country to start training kids on how to shoot. Cancel all the training on cross and headers and replace with the basics: kids, you've got to learn how to shoot the ball with power from a distance. I'm convinced this is a style issue.
I think France did pretty well considering they played Giraud and Lloris as starters. Croatia had to play three overtime games to reach the Final. Great team, but not worthy of the title, imo. Brazil should have won this WC, they got complacent with France and paid ultimate the price.
Giroud was just a place holder...not sure he did much but France is light on strikers since Benzema was not invited. With a MF France has, Giroud was just getting in the way haha
Brazil IMO didn’t show much at all, except for the second half shooting gallery against Belgium which came up short. Neymar spent more time on the ground flailing about than trying to finish. They did have one player who showed well, his name escapes me, but for the most part a disappointing showing from Brazil and pretty much all the South American teams barring Uruguay.
Coutinho.... played well over all. Neymar plays like a bitch. I know he gets fouled a lot but the vag crying/complaining gets old...just play the game and stay on your feet.
France did not play Brazil. I think Brazil was complacent with Belgium actually. By the time Brazil realized they were in a game it was too late to start playing. Had the game been another 30 minutes longer, Brazil would have won of course. The best teams were France and Brazil, in that order. Followed by Belgium, Japan, and Croatia (all equal) , and then all they other great teams.
I never ever thought I would write this, but yes, you are correct, I was referring to the BRA-BEL game. Thanks.
I am not sure Brazil was the 2nd best team in this tournament. First off it is easy to say, if the game was longer they would have won. Then they were not good enough because Brazil is transitioning to the younger players like England is. This is a Brazil team in flux being built around a star. Remember 4 years ago when they got destroyed by Germany 7-1? This team has a lot of different players and maybe 1 or 2 holdovers from then. Thee team looked good but I think the depth of talent and they way they were playing, Belgium and Croatia were ahead of Brazil. I don't see Japan ahead of Croatia. Croatia has 5-6 players in the top leagues in Europe and starring there. Getitng to the final was a surprise but look at that team and where those guys play (Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG, Monaco, InterMilan). Brazil needs a better striker to match their midfield of Neymar, Coutinho, and the other inho's. They should be pretty good at next Copa America taking over for Chile (who did not qualify).
Ochenta y cinco, I don't know much about the Copa America. Is it next year, and why is Chile out? Thanks!