Simone's telling it like it is about Argentina. Especially this gem: Yowza; Diego's not mincing words is he?
Depends on what the team had. All else equal, probably Messi. We don’t have this conversation if Higuaín finishes that chance in Rio
That's a bit strong from Simone. I feel like Argentina has performed pretty well in the last 10 years considering they don't have any real midfielders.
Exactly - classic Schweini syndrome Schweinsteiger goes off for a heroic blood bin, Goetze scores - Schweini shakes off his generation of losers tag (even though he goes on to cost germany the euros) cf Argentina bags one of it's many chances, Germany are a tarnished generation, and Messi is no longer a flawed genius
Belgium pumping Tunisia Eden is surely off to real or Barca this summer. He’s a player that I would love here
Ya. Personally I’d have Ronaldo on my team, but that’s me. I agree that the Messi international criticism is over hyped though. Argentina have a good squad, but no midfield to service Messi. His style requires a level of understanding with teammates that you aren’t going to get in a few weeks every year either. In addition, the managerial appointments have been questionable as well. Despite this he’s been runner up at 3 Copa America finals and a WC final. So as you say, if the winds had been slightly different, he’d likely won a coupe of those and we wouldn’t have this conversation. Also Portugal won the euros after barely getting out of the group with three draws.
Exactly - they played some very weak teams and Ronaldo missed almost the whole final vs France which was actually the key performance
Belgium are impressing me. I never felt they had what it takes to get to the next level of greatness, but now, not only do they have it, they have the talent where it might not even matter. Lukaku will challenge CR for the golden boot.
I will say this about Messi Criticism is overblown but his teams always play better when he is out wide.
Argentina straight up sucks. They aren't good by any means. I barely knew 5 of the 11 starting vs Croatia. Argentina looks good on paper because of their forwards but they actually stink. Portugal has a much better TEAM. Would pick their defense and midfield over Argentina 10/10 times.
Too easy for england Panama too concerned with fouling and diving etc Shame sterling didn’t score though