Sorry, not been on recently. Professional and great job by Wales. I was frustrated at first when they kept trying to keep the ball in play, rather than allowing themselves to win corners. Some of this may be because I had a bet on Williams to score () but mainly it was logical. 3 CBs v an inexperienced defence. They finally worked this out and kept creating shooting opportunities from it. Belgium died a death and Wales controlled. But Belgium will probably still be the dark horses at the next tournament anyway...
You were so close to being right. It's Wales vs Portugal. Clearly the "pundits" that know nothing have conditioned you well.
Wales has been great and I'll make no predictions for this game. However, the only Welsh players that would make the Portugal squad are Bale and Ramsey, maybe Williams. So when that guy said it's Wales vs Ronaldo, I hope he means because they are playing as a team with a lot of heart, and Portugal has still looked in second gear. Because individual quality wise, it's really not even close.
Of course it is, it's still Wales vs Portugal. I just think Wales play like a team. Ronaldo has been acting up all tournement, throwing his arms up in petulance when a ball doesn't come his way. I just get the sense the team around him are too scared to tell him to shut up and get on with it. Where as Bale was kept rather quiet against Belgium and Wales still put on a great performance. It's not about Bale in the Wales team, but it is about Ronaldo in Portugal. Sent from my SM-N910F using Tapatalk
I can kinda agree with this. I will say though, despite the tantrums, he does seem to be growing up a bit and playing a bit more for others now. In the end be does demand the spot light and the media love giving it to him. I just hope Sanches can now detract some of that and he and the team can just play the game with cooler heads.
Too much talent to have heard the end of it. Massive letdown today though, they started so well and just faded badly in this game. Stretching across from 1996 to 2006 (with Figo as the leader), a Euro QF, missed WC, Euro Semi, WC Group Stage, Euro Final, WC Semi.... That hardly represents a failed Golden Generation - from 1998 to 2006 in particular Europe had great teams from France and Italy to contend with as well. The final defeat to Greece at home I am sure would sting, but otherwise from a neutral's point of view, that Figo generation had a solid run. I'd also throw Ben Davies and Neil Taylor as players who would walk onto the Portuguese team, their wide defenders have not impressed thus far - Guerriero did in the odd game but Vieirinha had a few shockers.
Bale obviously gets a lot of media attention as well, but I think the difference is that he can use it to deflect away from the rest of the team, almost to protect them, and not have them deal with the media. That way the team can just get on with things.
Have you watched all our games? Ronaldo has probably been at his calmest in terms of when his teammates make a mistake. Despite not playing that well, he still has 2 goals and 2 assists.
This is a good point. In the past I have seen interviews with players or even the current Manager, and you get the sense they get sick and tired of talking about Ronaldo. Having him on the team, has in the past created what feels almost like a burden. Now though, he does seem to be behaving a bit more like a leader, except he still can't control his emotions on the pitch. With Bale you get the sense it's all about Wales. I can't imagine him throwing any of his teammates under the bus.
I think Ronaldo gets a slightly worse rep than some players, when he doesn't always deserve it. But that strop against Iceland makes me realise I don't caare, and he should get all the abuse that goes his way!
Taylor would have zero chance. If Coentrao was healthy he would be first choice, than Raphael, very good reason Dortmund signed him, than Eliseu. Taylor is inferior to all those guys, I can say that completely objectively with no bias.
Offensively sure, but I think Taylor is far better than Eliseu defensively. Coentrao is injured so doesn't enter the equation. Guerreiro probably remains first choice even in that fantasy world of PorWales.
During the group stage yes, so far since the Hungary game through the knockout he has been class and an actual team leader. But again, you would have to watch the games and not just soak up what you are supposed to know by the media.