Quarter Finals Discussion

[jodrell]

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[Eddie]

In praise of Maradona the Manager

Interesting how much of the best English language journalism on this World Cup has been written in America.

You mean like that crap NYTimes article you posted about a week ago?

[dave birch]

Just watching the pre intro show here (Santo, Sam and Ed's Cup fever) someone came up with a suggestion about extra time and penalties.

The idea was to have the penalties shootout after full time and before the extra time, Just to open up the game a little more.

The team that won the penalty shoot out would have an advantage, but if the team that lost the shootout won in extra time, they would win the game. if the result was still even after extra time, then the team that won the penalty shootout would be the winner.

Sounds a little convoluted, but at least it would stop all the angst at the end of extra time.

[BuckyRover]

I read that somewhere the other day. I thought it seemed like a good idea. It would be interesting to see how it worked in practice.

[cn174]

Excellent start from Germany, will be interesting to see how Argentina react from there.

[BuckyRover]

My guess would be no. They won't be able to come back.

[Doaksie]

The Germans have put in some really good performances in this tournament. I think that they play with such a solid style that they're always going to be in any game.

Just gone 3-0, and they're starting to embarass Argentina. Maybe England weren't that bad after all....................

[LeChuck]

This is some German team, they seem to have the perfect mix between youth and experience.

Who would have thought Brazil and Argentina would be going out at the semi-finals?

For all the talk about South American dominance, it's looking likely that we'll have an all European final.

[DP]

Fantastic movement, organisation and with all the right players in the right places. It's pretty simple stuff but hugely effective.

They seem to have benefited from not having any media "Superstars" in their team.

[Amo]

4-0.

What was that about these German lads not being good enough for England? Of course not. They can actually play football.

[BuckyRover]

It really puts last week into context.

[Doaksie]

They seem to have benefited from not having any media "Superstars" in their team.

As they hinted at in commentary, Michael Ballack's injury could prove to be a real blessing in disguise for them.

If Sam really was offered Miroslav Klose a few weeks back by his agent, there is now absolutely ZERO chance of that deal happening.

VERY impressive counter-attacking football in the last 20 minutes. Gonna be hard to beat the Germans.

[LeChuck]

It really puts last week into context.

If anything, it shows that we're not bad at attacking, we caused far more problems to the defence than Argentina did.

We scored two good goals (but for a @#/? linesman), Defoe hit the bar, Lampard hit the bar, Milner had a good chance, Gerrard should have scored.

I mean, we were still poor, but that's something at least.

[MarkBRFC71]

Germany playing counter-attacking football of the very highest order.

Mueller player of the tournament for me so far, especially when you consider his age and the fact today is only his 7th cap.

I hope the FA are watching and wondering what's been done in Germany in terms of player development - because we look light years behind them at present.

If Sam really was offered Miroslav Klose a few weeks back by his agent, there is now absolutely ZERO chance of that deal happening.

Another dropped bo**ock by Rovers?

Add it to Annan, and weren't we also in for Kevin Prince-Boateng? I sometimes wonder WTF our scouts are looking at ....

[DP]

Maybe Mark but you can't doubt the individual talent of the Argentine players like you can with England. This has far more to do with a blend of skill and tactical awareness that the Germans have. The sum of the parts being greater than the individuals etc.

[Anti-Dingle-Brigade]

Everyone knew Klose was awesome (and expensive) before this World Cup. He's already won the Golden Boot before.

[Rovermatt]

Brilliant performance from a very impressive young German side. Muller in particular is some talent. Nah, none of these guys are suitable for the England team...

[ultrablue]

Ah yes, I'm sure 20 random Nigerians really embodies an entire continent.

Better than zero. And the ethno-centric idea that African nations have the same relationship with eachother as England does with Switzerland is concerning. (I know that was Billy wotsit not you)

[tony gale's mic]

Spain are playing like England.

[Doaksie]

Torres off -

This change has to come soon surely.

Much like Rooney, Torres is like a shadow of his normal self this tournament. Injuries/burn out?? It's a shame to see. They seem incapable of simple things like controlling the ball.

[DeadlyDirk]

Drama of the highest order!

[Amo]

This game needs more penalties.

[Doaksie]

Just like last night, 2 minutes of pure and unadulterated drama (focused on penalty decisions). Now, that's the glory of a latter stage World Cup match - brilliant!!

[tony gale's mic]

Cracking set of quarter finals I think. If Uruguay can put up a fight against the Dutch could be a good pair of semis too.

[Commondore]

It will be interesting to finally see Argentina against top drawer opposition. My guess is that they will be punished quite severely.

*Tooting my own horn*