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Post by danboisvert on Jul 14, 2014 16:52:45 GMT -7
Hahaha--I'll take that honor. That was a beautiful goal, and I was glad to see it!
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Post by livingproof on Jul 15, 2014 6:19:13 GMT -7
Some final thoughts on the World Cup.
Glad Germany was rewarded for their excellent play, and, for getting the only goal in the last match. I would have hated to see an ending decided by the 5 penalty kick process. Throughout the tourney, Germany put on a clinic about how to play and pass the ball. In terms of team play, it's so difficult to bring world class players to a common team, and, then have all buy into the coach's system, plus, putting individual ego's aside. Landon Donovan blasted the US coach for changing the system from an offensive,shot based system to defensive play, and, the defensive system did pay off. A defensive system sure worked for Argentina, who advanced in the quarter and semi finals without a goal. I can't say that I rooted for one team in the finals, but, I believe the champs have to score.
In basketball, it's ugly at times watching the USA pro's, who have the talent, revert to individual run and shoot play, then get pushed to the limits by international teams willing to play together. I wonder if the German sterotype of following orders without question results in great team play?
I had to feel for the fans of Brazil during the final two games. The national expectations and hopes had little realistic chance of producing the "Cup" on home turf. It's just great to watch events where the outcome has such an emotional ties. The faces of the loosing fans and players are just wracked with pain, reminds me of the NCAA basketball tourney.
The football World Cup is just special and worthy of watching. Truly a world sporting event without peer.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 15, 2014 7:47:57 GMT -7
Hey guys. I've been watching this thread with interest, but now can't resist adding my 2 cents on the recent WC games... Brazil deserved what they got. I watched their game against Columbia and saw a mediocre team trying to win by playing an ugly game. High drama fakery, dirty hits, poor sportsmanship, lack of discipline and coordinated teamwork. The poor officiating didn't help, and the game got out of control. It came back to bite Brazil with the hit on Neymar and the ousting of Silva for the next match. When I saw that game I knew there was no way they would be able to beat the Germans. As for Germany's tactics, I find it a good balance of strong defending, solid possession playing, pinpoint passing, combined with some killer attacking. Pretty hard to beat that kind of a well-rounded team. Add to that their unflappable calm and even tempered demeanor, discipline at sticking to the game plan, and taking crap from lesser teams without getting rattled, you can see why they prevailed. It's a different style for them than they played 10 or 15 years ago, when it seemed be all robotic possession passing, which was, quite frankly, utterly boring to watch. And not successful for them either, as they simply didn't score enough goals. This change to a more attacking style is great, and a welcome shift. I was impressed by the U.S. team. They too did not succumb to the drama and play acting, nor the dirty tactics of some other teams. Some may find the style overly defensive, but you can see where Klinsman is going with this in trying to create a team that is strong in all aspects of the game. They will be a threat in future Cups if they keep it up, which will be brilliant to have a North American (men's) team actually compete at a high level in world soccer. As for Sunday's final, it was a great game with some exciting moments. Messie was contained for the most part, didn't generate much offense, and did not seem to get much support from his teammates (or he is a reluctant passer). There were a lot of long balls from the Argentines to penetrate, but not the unified team effort needed to maintain possession and overcome. Defending was outstanding on their side, though. Nearly impenetrable. Lavezzi was impressive again, and seemed under-appreciated in this and past games. What a workhorse. My favourite guy on that team. Some outstanding performances from Die Mannschaft. Schweinsteiger is a warrior - so tenacious. Oezil is always a delight to watch - light-footed, calm, finesse, smart, head's-up player with no dramatics. A real play-maker. As an aside, for those not familiar with soccer tactics and strategy, the mid-fielders rule the game. They control the game's pace, create opportunities and set up the strikers, are first-line defenders, and attack the net as well. Schweinsteiger, Oezil, Kroos, Lahm, are all mid-fielders (although Lahm usually is a fullback). In the end, the deserving side won the day. Fantastic teamwork by the Germans. No bravado from any one player. Just a wonderful, tight, disciplined team to watch. Phenomenal ball control combined with an attacking style. Loved it! And I'm so glad it didn't go to penalties. I could not have watched that -- too stressful! Too bad the tournament is over. It was a great month with some exciting games. 2018 has something to look forward to.
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Post by JimRatliff on Jul 15, 2014 8:22:01 GMT -7
In basketball, it's ugly at times watching the USA pro's, who have the talent, revert to individual run and shoot play, then get pushed to the limits by international teams willing to play together. One of the things I most appreciated about Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski was his imposing a team first attitude on the Olympic team selection and their play. It's ok to be a show-off in the (no defense wanted) NBA All-Star game, but it's the wrong image and a good way to get upset by "teams" with a few skilled players. Anybody remember this year's NBA finals? The best "team" won, not the best player. The Klinsman thread with both Germany and USA can't be overlooked.
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Post by superbman on Jul 15, 2014 14:18:54 GMT -7
I enjoyed the world cup, but I am going to respond to the 'American Pro basketballers don't play a team game.'
USA international record: Olympics Since 1950 (first year with basketball) 130 wins 5 losses. Broken down: College Only Players (1950-1988) 95wins-2 losses. Since 1992 (All Pro Players) 45-3. ALL three losses coming under Larry Brown in 2004 at Athens. Since 2004 (2008/2012) 16-0. The redeem team MVP-Kobe Bryant. Before we lapse too rhapsodic about Coach K, remember, he drew on nothing but top-tier, highly marketable, all-stars (Lebron, Kobe, Durant, Carmelo, Paul,Westbrook, Love) and let them play an NBA game, often against other NBA all stars . His results are no different than those of Rudy Tomjanovich or Lenny Wilkins or Chuck Daly (in fact, he, unlike Larry Brown in 2004, followed their blueprint exactly rather than deviate from it).
FIBA Record: 115-27 since 1950
Keeping in mind, international squads are loaded with NBA players now and professional Basketball rivals soccer in some nations (and based on body-size it is as likely to draw top drawer athletic talent), American dominance at Basketball is staggering. There are a lot of skilled players in international Basketball (European leagues are no joke). Nothing is a gimme for NBA teams. The NBA plays a team game, You can't win without it. The incredible talent, speed and size of the NBA game hides this from the casual viewer (especially anyone conditioned to prefer the slower, smaller, far less talented college game).
Soccer is great, but I tire of the exulted 'team' culture of the Europeans and the 'weak, self-indulgent, individualistic' sports culture of Americans as an explanation for why Europeans best us at soccer. Which, I heard again and again from every know-it all editorialist throughout the whole world cup.
Americans are great at some team sports and not others, for a host of reasons. Remember, our international women's soccer teams come through the same youth clubs, high schools, ODP clubs and colleges as the Men (same coaches and dad's ), and they've dominated international play. Mostly because, after basketball, women's soccer draws top tier American athletic talent.
American Women's Soccer Absolute international Dominance since 1991: Olympics (since 1996, first year): 24 wins, 3 draws 2 losses. 4 time Gold Medal, One Silver (absolute dominance here!). World Cups (since 1991):27 wins, 5 draws, 4 losses. 2 time champions,One Runner-Up, never finishing worse than third overall (again, unrivaled). CONCAF Championship/ GOLD CUP (Since 1991) 27 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss. 6 time champions, and 1 third place.
Holy shit, right?
Somehow, America does produce tremendous international soccer players, just not the Men's teams. But the same sports culture produced the women's team. The difference is the level of domestic talent attracted to women's soccer, but not a flawed culture.
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Post by JimRatliff on Jul 15, 2014 15:49:37 GMT -7
I maintain that very few NBA teams play a team game. The vast majority play a pick and roll offense aimed at getting shots for their 1 or 2 "scorers". Or they play "drive and dump" trying to get an outside shot for their two "scorers". Contrast that with the Spurs this year who, in my humble opinion, play team offense AND team defense. You CAN win without playing a team game, up to a point.
I don't havethe numbers, but I wonder how many teams had more than three players average 15 points per game this year? How many had 4 or more average 15?
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