So Portugal had the best chance but it was a speculative shot by Ronaldo that ended up hitting the post from 30 yards out. Ivory Coast has absolutely dominated possession but not looked like breaking through. Do either of these teams want to win more than they want to avoid losing their opener?
That's not necessarily unusual, but in this group a lot of people see this as the deciding game or a must-win for these two teams (otherwise they need to rely on beating Brazil which, while possible, is going to be seen as harder).
That was a decent half but surprise, surprise: no goals. Portugal are very negative with Ronaldo looking like their only attacking threat. I'd love to see what Drogba might add to this one, he might provide the difference if he is able to play.
More long skirt and tights weather for you, eh? I've been pretty pleased with the officiating and lack of diving in this WC so far. This game...not so much. I think the Univision announcer just called CRonaldo "quisquilloso". HA!
For 45 minutes they have been passing, literally, to no one or to a CIV player. What a ghastly first half. Embarrassing really.
I don't know why neither team is trying to win this game, if they do then they just have to beat North Korea to get into the next round providing the other team doesn't beat Brasil which judging from this is highly unlikely.
I doubt we'll see Didier Drogba on the pitch today. But if we do, I hope it's only for 10 or 15 minutes. Sven needs to rest Drogba, not increase his chances of injury.
I don't think it's a fair assessment to call both teams defensive. In fact, Portugal has been nervous but Ivory Coast has been playing with 10 man behind the ball aka counter-attack. Their physique and some lack of creativity is making Portugal struggle.
The grass was not laid down early enough. The roots haven't settled in. Amateur preparation by the stadium to say the least.
I enjoyed this first half very much. Really good football. Passing is good, intesity, aggresiveness. The final link with attack is impossible because Portugal is defending so well and CIV is doing the same. This is a nice tactical battle. The only possible danger is trough 20 meter shots. Ronaldo hit the post. I hope they can continue to display this high football level.
The problem of Portugal is Deco, and Danny, that weren't capable of distributing the play. Portugal failed many passes and Ivry Coast have done atacks by taking this chances. What i most feared is realizing, that is or midfield is very poor. And with that, it's impossible to launch balls to our wingers. Meireles and Pedro Mendes arre both, somewhat, defensive players, so, lets see if Tiago enters the game and give more capability to hold the ball in the midfield. As for Simão, i hope that he gives more consistency than Danny.
Gotta love your constructive post. I assume you take a few rotten apples like gerrard or robben and call the rest of their teams divers?
It only reaches high level football if they can actually break through, otherwise it's just excellent players executing poorly.