Don't think Falcoa is overrated in any way, Ribery, yes


The problem is that it's your own media that will feast on the leftovers the most gleefully, which I find relatively hilarious.

Like I said above, I expect England to qualify, some of the things I read and listened to were even trying to downplay that possibility.

Every time I read something about England they're making a point of mentioning how the team is going into their first tournament in a while without all the hype. Imo they're hyping the young players the most, and if they fail to show up I'd hate to think the reception they'll get

Only one will. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif) England lose against Italy, they are out, they draw they are out, they win, Italy is out. I am fairly confident that beating Uruguay in their continent is going to be tough for both teams. They have the most world titles for a reason. All relatively safe guesses, of course, but I feel that only one of Italy or England will move ahead.

Yeah Uruguay are essentially at home, that's why I think they'll go through.

Reus hurt tonight, his World Cup in doubt.

A draw wouldn't be the end of the world for either team imo, and I have a sneaking suspicion that that's what they'll aim for.

But if either team wins that opener... Yeah, whoever loses is most likely out of this before its even started

Still, my prediction is England and Italy to qualify. Simply cannot stand Uruguay, even more than England, and that's saying something

Must say I feel you just totally ignored everything I just said (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

Agreed - I think Simeone will move. If they'd won CL I think he'd have stayed but now with the team being decimated I think he will be attracted by a big-money move to some rich team. Probably in Russia.

I'd love him at Milan but that's not happening.

I personally wouldn't

No, I honestly don't think I did.

Your rebuttal was very weak then and filled with conjecture. And I think we can leave it there.

He's arguably the best tactician around right now. Indeed, the only mistakes I saw him make were in the final. And I knew what he was trying to do, it just wasn't good enough.

Nah, that's just you not wanting to be proved wrong. Conjecture? What conjecture? C'mon now, Danny... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Got no issue being proven wrong, but you didn't do so. To humour you though...I will reply.

Yup. That was the kind of shoddy result they had under Zacherroni, Mancini, Benitez...
That often happens when a great team loses its marquee manager.



Because Jose left and was replaced by infamously poor Benitez who couldn't handle domestic football outwith Spain.



No, I was referring to the season before this one where they made the CL final but were MILLLLLLLLLLLLES off Bayern in the league - 30 - points behind.

This season, without Goetze especially, they really struggled - nowhere near the same force in CL albeit still about the same in the league.

But the point is about Atleti - how have they overachieved? You say Dortmund 'have' a fantastic team. Does this mean Atleti don't?

This post has been edited by Danny: Jun 7 2014, 01:27 AM

Why are you even mentioning Zaccheroni? We're obviously talking about post-Calciopoli Inter here, when they grounded themselves as a local powerhouse. Before Mourinho took over they had two excellent seasons under Mancini. Granted, they failed in Europe, but so did Mourinho in his first season with them.

I'm not saying Mourinho's departure didn't have any effects on the team, but the players couldn't handle another season at extreme levels after giving their 110% in the prior one. In fact, that's why I think Mourinho left in the first place. He sniffed the inevitable deterioration and decided to leave as a winner.



Or maybe because the players didn't want Benitez? Yeah, remember those phone calls between Mourinho and the senators? Another aspect to take into consideration.



Klopp made it pretty clear that that season they were going to focus on the CL after coming from two consecutive league titles. So, that 30-point gap isn't such a shock.

And yes, this season they did struggle, but you yet fail to take into account the many, many injuries that plagued the team. Anyone who watches the Bundesliga can confirm this.



No, I don't think they do. Atletico's primary and only strength is the collective and discipline. They have very average players and play some boring and unattractive football, unlike Dortmund who have great players in every role and are a feast to watch. Plus Dortmund have been much more consistent than Atletico overall.

England don't have group from hell , Italy are on a dire run, Uruguay are shaky and Costa Rica should be beaten... but here are my predictions !

England vs Italy 1-1 or 2-1 to either side.

England vs Uruguay 2-2

England vs Costa rica 3-0

With englands defence we will concede goals we're just going to have to outscore them.

We could make it past the group stage anything more is a bonus , its all well and good the players have the mentality we are in it to win it , its good for the morale of the England camp. But as an england supporter i'm tired of putting so much pressure on them going there to win it , its just better to have lower expectations...

or we could just put on this track http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJqimlFcJsM