News: Other National Teams (os outros)

That is exactly how I felt when that happened!

 

Heated game as well with tempers getting in the way.

 

We'd better take notes from this Spain v Argentina match

 

I took two notes from this game:

1. Stop Isco.
2. Argentina is not superior without Messi.

Bring on game 1 v Spain.

 

Spain with the Barca-like full press will cause us (and everyone) trouble. They gobbled up a ton of Argentian balls in MF to spring those goals. I wonder what MF Santos is thinking against that. Bernardo and William are a given. Perhaps Moutinho and Joao Mario? I think Belgium also tends to press high - that might be a good test of whatever Santos has in mind.

 

Also: do not fall asleep when de Gea in lining up to kick the ball. I am glad he showed off his 80-yard assist today so we're alert to that come June...

 

I would have suggested a 5-man midfield, leaving Ronaldo upfront by himself, but, at this age and the familiarity the Spanish team has with Ronaldo, he would be of no use in this formation.

Sticking with the 4 man midfield.. i would have to agree with you.

--Mario/Guedes------Moutinho---William------Bernardo

This leaves out Guedes, but, at this point i have more trust in Moutinho then Mario in the middle... and both Moutinho/William have better ball security and calmness when the ball is at their feet then Mario. I must admit... Marios physical strength and work ethic would be important, but playing out wide it may not be as much of a factor.

 

I think Guedes is the ideal super sub off the bench. It's a pity that he's been playing in Spain because we lose a bit of the surprise element but I think he'll be a great X factor in any games that he subs into.
My inclination is to continue to use Quaresma as super sub as well. He has played well in that role (and only in that role practically) over the years.
So I'm convinced we will feature that MF lineup against Spain but a lot depends on just how much has Joao Mario regressed? Santos could also decide to play super defensive Mario/Moutinho - Danillo - William - Bernardo - which I think would lead would probably be a mistake - will invite even more pressure and more turnovers.
I also agree that a 5 MF with Ronaldo isolated would be a mistake. Ronaldo plays much better with another CF and he has great chemistry with Andre Silva. With 5 MFs we'll be much much less likely to score but about as likely to concede - so might as well play the formation that has been working the best over the last couple of years - the 4-4-2.
Whatever we choose, the Spain game is going to be a nightmare. I honestly wish we were playing them last. I still remember our terrible start to WC 2014 where our WC was basically over after 20 minutes of Germany game. (Pepe red card and Coentrao injury).

 

Also have to remember, Spain hasn't started well in recent tournaments too. Very similar to Portugal in that fasion.

 

Does Spain have a roster yet?

 

They are stacked