IntenseDebate - Matt Dalton

15 years ago @ World Football Columns - Match Day Special/Worl... · 0 replies · +1 points

I didn't mean you, Martin! In general though, pundits seem to focus so much on the pretty passing and automatically assume that they must be weak defensively, much like Arsenal. The truth is that Spain are like a well oiled machine. They work tirelessly, much like Barcelona, to win the ball back at the first opportunity and strangle the life out of teams.

As for the Weinmarkt, I didn't expect to see you there. Maybe one day, if I ever make it across the pond, we might meet up at a bar though!

15 years ago @ World Football Columns - Match Day Special/Worl... · 2 replies · +1 points

That is a side of the Spanish game that tends to get overlooked really. Maybe it is lazy journalism that causes people to believe that Spain is simply all about intricate passing and lack substance defensively. I think there are much better defences in world football, but the intensity of their pressing means that the defenders are rarely troubled.

I think I was at the Weinmarkt the night before you, as well as some other nights of course!

15 years ago @ World Football Columns - Match Day Special/Worl... · 4 replies · +1 points

I actually thought it was a very entertaining game. The football was not quite what people had hoped for, but the cat and mouse game going on constantly made for fascinating watching for me.

Most of the Germans I know were really hoping to play Holland in the final. They have something of a dislike for each other and I know either side would have been delighted to have the chance to embarass the other.

15 years ago @ World Football Columns - Who Is To Blame For En... · 0 replies · +1 points

I think you may have a point in the second paragraph but, although the style of play is definitely more intense, German clubs played more games this season. I think the winter break probably helps them a lot, but the presence of two domestic cups and the FA's apparent reluctance to stack up a few fixtures before Christmas looks to put pay to that.

In England, it has always been a tradition to have a busy calendar over Christmas and the FA Cup 3rd Round is always scheduled some time around 3rd - 5th January. December and January are actually the busiest months here, but it may be prudent to introduce a few midweek fixtures into the calendar earlier into the season to alleviate this.

I can understand why Capello selected the squad he did and I am sure most other managers would have done the same. It must be so frustrating for the likes of Darren Bent and Michael Dawson to know that no matter how well they perform they will be overlooked. I hope Capello does learn from his experience - I am not one of the crowd calling for his head; I believe he is as good as anyone so to get rid of him would be foolish. I do think that he made mistakes though.

15 years ago @ World Football Columns - Why Do England Always ... · 0 replies · +1 points

I read that one and found it interesting too. I would love to see an approach like that, where people are involved at all levels to not only add an identity to the national team, but to the national league aswell. As you say though, I can't see Sam Allardyce agreeing to get his players to pass and move...

15 years ago @ World Football Columns - The Founding Fathers o... · 0 replies · +1 points

I think I might just have to take a look at that video, sounds fascinating!

15 years ago @ World Football Columns - Matchday Special - Ger... · 0 replies · +1 points

It was an absolutely stunning performance from the Germans and, like you say, there was a real party atmosphere in the streets. I was at one of the local pubs with all my German friends expecting a pretty tight affair, but hoping that Germany could nick it. I think Spain will be worried about their next game, considering the last 2 performances of the Deutsch mannschaft!

15 years ago @ World Football Columns - Matchday Special: Spa... · 0 replies · +1 points

Cardozo looked like he was going to cry when he was waiting to take his penalty and I had a feeling he was going to fluff it. It was a pretty poor penalty really, but full credit to Casillas.

15 years ago @ World Football Columns - Matchday Special – U... · 0 replies · +1 points

Ha ha! Maybe so, but his presence was still a threat on goal, regardless of whether there were others around...

15 years ago @ World Football Columns - Matchday Special - Bra... · 0 replies · +1 points

One of my bosses is from Madrid and he tells me that he can't understand why Real sold him. He reckons he was as good for Madrid as he has been for Bayern. On current form, he has to be up there with the best of them.

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