Since we are approaching the day of the draw, I decided to open this thread (and close the older thread, which was getting big) for any general NT discussion prior to the Cup. Once we approach the Cup, a new thread will be opened along with the match threads. I'm going to also add a poll to this thread. I was thinking about opening up a couple of polls about some of the topics we've discussed lately. Let me know if anyone thinks it's a good idea and I'll go ahead with it. I'll just start with this poll for now.
I actually forgot that there is a different ball for the CC and the WC. I thought the ball was going to be the Cafusa. Oh the wonders of marketing ... Surprised to see Seedorf at the presentation. But I guess he is sponsored by Adidas. He was there with Hernane and Cafu. Fred cancelled in the last minute. Apparently Adidas kept Nike sponsored player names from being mentioned during the event. Hernane who was at the presentation was asked which players he would like to see up close at the WC, and he answered Messi, Lucas, and Oscar ignoring obvious names such as Neymar and Ronaldo who are Nike sponsored players. A bit ridiculous but not surprising.
OK lets get down to business on this new thread: a while ago I suggested that Hulk should play CF or on the left and the other day Felipao tried it out and it worked, another option in times of difficulty. Now let`s try Lucas Moura at right back. Can he tackle I dont know but anyone who can eliminate dependence on Dani Alves has to be worth a try! What do you think?
Germany is clearly the biggest thread. They have enough pace, and ability to counter most teams. Their defense isnt the best, but its better than usual imo. Basically, they have the better players at the moment. I think Spain is always a threat, but maybe their time is up. I dont expect much from France, England. I do expect both Argentina and Uruguay to do well, but one of them will be in a tough group.
And as long as United struggles, people are going to associate that with the players on the team like Rafael (unless they are clearly standing out). In any event, I think right back is basically set unless Alves or Maicon get hurt or if Maicon plays poorly at Roma.
Damn right we would. Rafael is not NT quality, in England I like Man U but I wouldnt consider him good enough. Yesterday Man U took off a player (Rafael) and made Valencia drop to right back, and it was fine, thats why I wonder if Moura could do the same. All he has to do is hold his own in defence then he can wreak havok in attack like a young Maicon did. In fact, Maicon could be his mentor -just a thought?
That was Rafael's first game in over a month out. Thats why it was okay he got subbed. Yup, thats all he has to do. Just hold his own in defense. Cant be that hard right?
Even Benny from Crossroads could have worked out youre totally avoiding the question. Oh and by the way sarcasm is the lowest form of wit and wit is associated with intelligence. So Benny from Crossroads it is eh? Right miss Diane!
Lucas has never played RB in his career and Valencia has already demonstrated a certain level of versatility.
Germany losing Khedira is a huge blow. Race to fitness for him. But yeah, I think they're clearly our biggest threat. Phenomenal depth on the offensive end.
As far as the poll question is concerned, I've mentioned this before and I'll mention it again -- I think Argentina will be our biggest threat. I'm well aware of their defensive frailties, but I think Messi's form (and their fire power) along with the fact that the Cup is being played on South America soil (a bigger advantage than playing on African soil IMO), Argentina will be extremely hard to beat. The one thing I am concerned about heading into the tournament is Messi's health. Messi will need to be healthy and in form. If that's not the case, I would choose someone else.
Messi will also be relatively fresh. This is his first extended break in how long? I think he will be motivated more than ever to succeed with Argentina.
That's great news that Robben is out. And let's hope Messi continues getting hurt. I also see Los Hermanos as our biggest threat, providing and only providing Messi is healthy. Then I will put the Krauts as our second biggest threat - they have a tremendous team this year, just look at Bayern - Size, strength, coupled with speed and habilidade which is very rare for huge players, not to mention their exceptional defense. But........... we are Brasilian soil.
Yeh, you're right, SHUX: http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/...ben-out-for-six-weeks-with-knee-injury-120513 Well at least that's great news for Galo.