We'll see how much of a difference Boschilia really made since he won't be playing. Some people think it'll make a difference smh.
Coutinho will be back very soon vs Arsenal. Thats good news. If he can show some form before the wc, i am sure scolari will include him in the final roster. Robinho's inclusion is also not bad . He will inject some experience in the team.
What happened to Boschilia? Injury or just card accumulation. All in all however I think Nathan is more key to the Brasil squad.
Card accumulation. I agree, Nathan will make any of Boschilia's replacement just as good as him. It also helps that there's no drop off in talent between Boschilia and the next player in line.. you're basically getting another player just as talented if not, more.
Sorry if its a bit off topic, but the U17 forum was hijacked by MRI deniers I know a lot can happen on the way as both teams face stern opposition, but Brasil and Nigeria would be a dream final. And a potential epic encounter at this age level. Wouldn't at all be surprised if it ends with a 7:6 type of scoreline. Nonetheless all of the remaining teams seem good enough to pose a serious threat of an upset (Argentina, Mexico, Cote d'Ivoire, Sweden, Uruguay). The only outlier seems to be your country. How do you hold Honduras's chances against Sweden? Honestly have yet to see a single game of Honduras and have no idea if they are any good. Would also be interesting to see Cote d'Ivoire take on Brasil. The ultimate destructive force vs the most finesse team at the tournament. They stopped Nigeria twice in the CAF Championship, can they do the same against Brasil?
I don't think it will. There are a few on the bench waiting to come in who are just as talented. Although this might be a bigger test than other games, so if the team don't do as well there might be the temptation to say that it was because Boschilia wasn't playing, when really it's just because the opposition are a bit stronger.
Honduras thinks they have a chance to spur the upset over Sweden.. and who am I to say they can't. I also feel they can if they play to their game and keep Sweden honest on the field. Cote d'ivoire is sucha defensive team.. a team that doesn't generate much attack and is content with sitting back there and letting the games reach Extratime with PK. Problem for other teams is that Les Elephanes are really good and organized in the back, and are clinical when they have to be in the few times they go forward with a real threat to the opposition's goal. Nigeria vs Brazil will be a final of different styles.. Nigeria is a very direct team.. one way and they also like to attack on the counter very swiftly, but Brazil is a team that if you give them time and space to attack you with they will build up an elaborate play with Nathan or Caio Rangel and make you suffer with it. Ofcourse Brazil is also very susceptible to the counter and it will depend on how fast and swiftly the Nigerians can take advantage of the numbers once they cross their line against some physical and athletic Brazilian defenders who understand space and zonal marking in such situations. Should be a good set of Quarters.
You have to question how these players managed to accumulate 2 yellows each when they dominated the group phase. Inexperience showed I guess.
Damn there are a lot of Mexicans in the stands. Where the hell did they come from ? I don't remember seeing a single Mexican in Dubai !
You've been to Dubai? They've had good success at the youth level, so I'm assuming that's why they have good support. Not to mention, their senior team isn't doing so hot, so..
Yeah I've been there once a couple of years ago. Interesting place. Still ... UAE is a long way from Mexico for a U-17 team.
My research project in Grad School allowed me to go there a few times. Interesting place to say the least. I also worked in Abu Dhabi for a few months. And had the pleasure to witness Maradona's fat ass killing a buffet at a fancy hotel.
From afar, I would be interested but there are certain things that tell me to stay away.... Anyways, we are controlling possession so far, but not doing very much with it. Probably our "worst" game in the tourney so far...
Stay away ? Why ? I wouldn't say it's the most "genuine" place to visit...but otherwise there is no reason not to visit.
I wouldn't recommend a travel visit there to anybody. Just my opinion, and wont get into specifics in this thread.