football test

World cup South Africa 2010: Spain, the new champions

3:35 PM Reporter: Ramzi 1 Response

It’s that same man who lived in poverty for years, a good man. He always had the dream of fame and wealth, but it never crossed his way. Then one day he desperately decided to seek money anyway possible, whether practicing illegal business, rubbing a bank, or anything he can find. It doesn’t matter which path he took, the last chapter was the same, he lost his pride, sold his soul and is serving his period in that narrow prison where life is worse than what he was complaining from.

It’s the same duck that was charmed by the way the swan walk and tried to imitate. The duck failed to walk as a swan, and forgot how she instinctively walks.

Ladies and gentlemen, That’s Holland V.2010

It was painful to watch this team. They wanted this cup so badly that they undressed their football from its respected identity. They wanted this cup so badly that they didn’t hesitate to tackle the opponent on the chest, knee, elbow… shoot from the hip.

They gambled everything lost everything and won nothing.

It would have been disastrous if Holland would have won this one. The team of attractive football wins the cup when they gave up their style to play as everyone else. They win against a team that refused to play like everyone else and stayed loyal to their attractive style. That was too much for football god to allow.

Congratulations Spain. Hard luck for Holland. May be next time they can bring back their passionate football that represents them better and makes us appreciate them more.

Holland, Ramzi, South Africa 2010, Spain, World Cup |

World cup South Africa 2010 Final: Holland Vs Spain

5:40 AM Reporter: Ramzi 2 Responses

Its THE DAY! A new nation will celebrate the world cup for the first time. How fitting considering that its the first time Africa hosts the tournament. The best two football nations that have never won it will meet to decide who will end up being the greatest nation that never won it. It will be a historical day for one side and a heart breaking for another after finally being that close.

Who will you pray for? I am all for Spain, though I always dreamed of the day Holland-not Spain- will win the tournament. Why? Because I was raised to worship the oranges football style. I consider Rinus Michels as my coaching icon. I mourn the 1974 team before and after every world cup for being the team that deserved the title more than any other team that lost it -beside Brazil 1982 may be. Their fans have that cheerful flavor in the stadium. All that being a relatively small country with -also relatively- limited resources. But those who were capable of beating the wild oceans still suffer to beat their bad luck and bring that dear title home.

But not this team. I can go as far as saying this is the worst team to win this title for Holland. Not that they are bad or anything, but there is a concern that this team may cause Holland football the same ruining infection the 1966 world cup winners caused for England. That team became the uncompromisable standard for English football and players were reshaped and evaluated per se. Coaches were struggling to imitate Alf Ramsey to an extreme that any innovative idea faced automatic rejection. And here we are 44 years later, Holland bring a different football approach to the world cup than they used to do, the common one or the so called "realistic". For the first time this team neither tastes orange nor carrot. There is no refreshing juice within. Healthy? May be. But its as good to health as a tablet. You need it, but you never seek it with joy. Its scary to think that if this team wins, Holland from bottom to top, from amateurs to first division, from youth to superstars will seek more of the same. Current coach already pointed out that "you cant count anymore on luck...Attractive football is a destructive ideology in Holland's football.". Its not that attractive football is the right way while the rest is wrong. Its just the only different style facing the rest. We need that. Holland 1974 were as close to the title as this team- or even closer. I hope it keep being the same next sunrise.

Spain deserve this one, regardless of laughable stuff you read in the past few days. Its the only team that all the opponents (Aside of Chile may be) were more concerned to stop than to beat. The unique style of play. Being a team with all what the word can express. Not group of individuals with a level of understanding. A team. And with the huge impact total football had on Spanish football -and Barcelona methodology in specific- its just fitting for this Spanish team to defeat this Holland.

I will not get into tactics and systems, nothing to say more than what previously said about the two teams. I will invite you to enjoy this final as it will be a great pleasure for the eye.

World cup South Africa 2010 Semifinal: Germany Vs Spain

3:18 AM Reporter: Ramzi 8 Responses

Holland reaches the final depending on their least inspiring performances in a competition since I can remember. Today, we will know who will follow them to the final. If Germany does so, it will be one of the most interesting games as it will serve as a rematch to that 1974 final where Germany broke the orange hearts and shadowed the quality of that total football team, led by their Johan. If Spain survived another day, that means we will experience one of the most heartbreaking finals. Imagine, the best two football nations that never won the title meet to play for the cup. One of them will end up: Failing again after being that close. Can’t they just have the cup two years each? But let’s calm down, Spain still have a mountain to climb till they start getting concerned about that.

Germany proved so far being the most consistent and balanced team. An extremely organized lineup mixing youth and experience all dedicated to the case. You barely find such level of commitment in world football these days, especially when it comes to national teams. But we are talking about the Germans here.

The selection clicked perfectly so far. There is no need to think about modifying it. Yet, there is no choice now with Müller being suspended. It’s not easy to figure out who will take his place. Trochowski –another polish serving Die Mannschaft- is a sound option. He is the most experienced compared to Kroos and Marin. But since when lack of experience was a problem for this national team? Both are extremely talented and even if it’s still early to be certain, you can expect them to become starters in euro2012. Kroos is a good choice for midfield battle while Marin is a player who can expose Spanish defensive fragility on the flanks. My vote goes for Trochowski though. It’s the semifinals and reliability should be ahead of promising.

Germany will give a special attention to Spain’s left flank where Capdevilla, Villa, and Iniesta (regardless of where his natural position is) operate. Spain is a left sided team offense wise. Leaving Lahm without sufficient support is like shooting yourself in the foot. That’s another factor Joachim Löw will take in consideration while picking Müller’s replacement.

I can’t expect that Löw will try to disturb Spain’s buildup by putting pressure on the backline, mainly Pique, Busquets and Xabi Alonso using Özil, Trochowski, Podolski, and Klose. Xavi will be forced to move deep shadowed by Khedira. That will limit Spain’s threat on a defense line led by Schweinsteiger as a holding midfielder. Then the lines retreat to create a block in front of the area, not only to protect defense but also to invite the Spaniards to move forward leaving spaces in their backlines. That’s where Germans’ counterattacks will be lethal.

Spain looked a bit disappointing if you judge based on expectations. They are more or less doing a Holland in this tournament: Winning without inspiring. But make no mistake, the team is gradually improving game after another. After the game against Switzerland, Vicente del Bosque modified the selection slightly to solve problem number one: Lack of offense presence inside the box. He counted on Torres as a striker with Villa exposing the spaces. Ramos is becoming more and more daring to open the right flank while setting offense (even though his decision making was a bit poor sometimes). Then with time the Duet Xabi-Busquets started to synchronize their functionality better. Against Paraguay, Xabi was less tempted to do a holding midfielder role than before, he was more a center midfielder. But there is still some Xabi-related tailoring needed as there is still some conflicts between his role and that’s of Xavi. Squeezed between Xabi directness and Iniesta’s impact, Xavi is still struggling to dictate his command in the midfield as he usually does.

The most notable concern for Spain is Torres form. He is yet to prove his worth as a starter in this tournament. And the question is: Will he start against Germany?

My guess is that he will. I commented about this on Barcelona football blog, so I think I will just paste it here:

“I will pick him in a heartbeat. I am against any suggestion to bring him instead of Ibra, but that doesn’t mean I have to deny he is a great striker. Yet, the reasoning behind starting him goes beyond his individual qualities as a striker.

Spain needs to do everything possible to make Villa’s life easier for being their winning horse in this competition.

1) As I’ve been saying it since two seasons and thankfully its confirmed now, Villa plays better with a striker in front of him to create spaces than he does as a lone/main striker. Add the fact that Spain barely has any scoring midfielders who is proven with the national team, that add more responsibilities on the offense to score. Spain needs to use Villa the way he scores most and help him to be less containable. That’s not as a lone striker which will put lot of limitations on his qualities as a versatile forward who-for the record- contributed defensively on the left flank almost as much as Capdevila. When he moves to channels you will barely pick an alternative that can run into the box and cause damage. Keep Torres in, even if he doesn’t score. He creates the spaces for Villa to do so.

2) The other alternative (instead of starting a midfielder instead of Torres) is having Llorente as a starter. This is a striker I like, but how far can we consider him as a tested reliable option as a starter to worth the gamble of changing your main striker so far in a semifinal game? Starting from semifinals, changes in the selection are not recommended in general. You use the selection that picked the world cup momentum already as a group regardless of individual evaluations. You can expect the games to be close and tight which means that the last 30 minutes will decide the game. Install your additional options then. Add the fact that Torres knows Villa. He can predict what’s going to happen next and what to do to serve that. Referring to the first point, this factor gives Torres the edge as a starter.

3) If you start Torres and sub him for another player who is not a key starter, the sub will be very motivated to serve as a game changer. If you bench Torres then your plan failed he will be too desperate as a sub to prove his worth so he may not be as helpful.

4) Even when Torres disappoint as a forward, he still put an extremely appreciated pressure on opponents’ defense while retaining possession. That’s a huge plus for a team that plays possession based style.

5) If Torres scored in the semifinals he will turn to a beast in the final. That’s tempting enough to give it a try.”

Another reason is that I don’t think it is smart for Spain to mirror Germans system. Germany employ five midfielders when they lose possession. If Spain gave up on Torres for a midfielder they may have better quality in that department than Germany but the Germans will have the edge offense wise with more players capable to score than the Spaniards. Spain needs to move the game to the Germans third and need a target man like Torres in the box to pull the two center backs together toward him for Villa to slice through the space. It has to be either Torres or Llorente, and between the two I pick the more experienced.

Spain needs to count on the versatility of the players. To break through pressure it’s not enough to demand support but also to focus on continuous movement demanding the ball in the space as forward as possible. A mix of Xabi directness and Xavi command can do the trick if performed accurately. If the game turned to be another Holland-Uruguay, then Xabi long shots will help the team to create threat.

It’s extremely important that Villa attack from Lahms flank to keep him at the back, or else Capdevilla will be in trouble. Iniesta will be a key player to shuffle the team’s lines forward for being the most skillful in the midfield. His responsibilities will range from contributing in the buildup, stretching Germans defense from the flank, and keep on trying to add that piece of offense threat to his magic box while through demanding the ball in the box or launching long shots.

This game promises to enhance the level of football of this world cup, which was disappointing so far. Spain was one of the favorites for this world cup before it started. Germany deserved the favorite stamp for this match after their performance in the competition. It’s a very close battle, and hopefully it will bring the best out of the two teams.

World cup South Africa 2010: Argentina Vs Germany

2:04 AM Reporter: Ramzi 8 Responses

World cup 1986, I remember the final between Germany and Argentina. A German team carrying high expectations on their shoulders against an ordinary Argentina carried on the shoulders of one freakily skillful midget. I remember Maradona in that game being the destabilizer who helped his teammates to be the neutralizers. Well, Maradona will be there today trying to provide more of the same linking Messi to a joystick he controls from the bench.

But make no mistake; defense will win this game, not offense. Both teams have the magic box required to win the battle. The homework is to find the right recipe to nullify the opponent’s offense.

The German team is not subject to intense analysis. They were the most convincing side in the tournament so far, ticking all the boxes for a title contender. Not a favorite when the tournament kicked off. Decent defense. Youth and Experience perfectly mixed. Width. Aggression. Offense Presence in the box. No dependency on a specific player but more a group of quality players feeding a system of play. All seems to be well planned by Joachim Loew. The rest is for the football gods to plan. But can Maradona hunt them down today?

Maradona demanded apologies for all those who doubted his team quality. I think it’s still too early to brag. Put me on the record, I am one of the doubters. And so far I didn’t see anything interesting enough to apologies. He can win me over if he won this one. But how?

Not sure what he is planning as he has been the most unpredictable coach so far in this tournament (a good thing may be). I will consider it a good start to pick the following selection:

Romero, Gutierrez, Burdisso, Demishelis, Heinze, Mascherano, Bolatti, Di Maria, Messi, Tevez, Higuain.

Maradona will find it more tempting to use Otamendi over Gutierrez for being more committed defensively. But that will not actually add a lot defensively. Having Burdisso (notice that I put him as a RCB not a LCB as he played so far), Demishelis, and Heinze as three center backs are more than enough. Add to that the fact that Germany’s left fullback is not as offense oriented as Lahm on the right. That means the two threats on Argentina right flank will come either from Podolski who cuts inside more than he hug the lines, and Klose moving to channels. Both cases are containable by the defense trio assisted by the tracking back of Tevez and co. Especially with Di Maria checking Muller on the opposite flank. Ozil is a case on his own. He can cause threat on the left, right, and center. He attacks spaces. That’s why having Bolatti in the selection will be crucial to man mark him so he doesn’t distract others from doing their original defensive roles. Mascherano will be the man supporting any weak department creating cover and depth. If the two players Ozil and Bolatti cancel each other, Maradona will be the one smiling at the end of the day.

Maradona also need to avoid using a containable offense setup. So far, Messi was the player serving behind Tevez and especially Higuain. If that will be the case against Germany, Messi may have a tough day against Khedira and Schweinsteiger. I say flip the triangle. Play Messi as a “9” on Friedrich and Mertesacker and Let Tevez and Higuain get advantage of the chaos produced by this twist.

Tevez work rate will be a bless if used behind Messi. Opening to the left he can help Di Maria keeping Lahm where he hates: Playing defense. Moving to the other flank he can assist Gutierrez to stretch the Germans defense. From the center he can put huge pressure on Khedira and Schweinsteiger especially while retaining possession. All that will serve as an advantage for Messi and Higuain who will be completely dedicated to abuse spaces created to generate scoring opportunities. I won’t complain if Milito plays the Higuain role though. In that case he can play the destructive role between the two center backs. But it’s more unlikely than the whole scenario mentioned already.

Or maybe, Maradona will have more magic than we think…

World cup, South Africa 2010. Group E: Brazil

5:33 AM Reporter: Ramzi 3 Responses

There will be neither a Samba nor a Rumba. There will be no Ronaldo dribbling for fun or a Ronaldinho dancing under the sun. There will be a German football style dressed in Yellow. That’s what you can expect from Brazil 2010 national team in South Africa.

Dunga proved a point again. First, as a player, he was one of the most unpopular players for Brazil fans. His football profile was too odd being magic free playing for a national team that promises football exhibitions. He was crucial in his team cruise to the world cup crown. When he started his new adventure as a coach, the beginnings were a bit shaky. The selections, the performance, the system, and the subs were dubious to say the least. But he was able to track and fix the errors with time. He knew that he will not be as lucky as previous coaches because his team lack the player who can decide the games via a single moment of magic. He decided to count on team based system rather than individuals quality. The result is one of the most systematically team oriented national teams in Brazil since 1994.

Yesterday I mentioned that Italy need to change their game approach a bit taking in consideration that they can’t count on their traditional quality defense anymore. Brazil since a while, are approaching their games with more defensive awareness (again since 1994), yet this 2010 team counts basically on solid defense with two holding midfielders in front to guide them to the title.

They can feel secured for having one of the best goalkeepers in the world at the moment. Enjoying his best form since many seasons, Lucio will be the leader of the defense accompanied by Juan and two attacking fullbacks, With Maicon being the reliable one and Bastos being the main gap defensively. That’s where the need of having Gilberto and Melo together in the midfield become a given. So far, so good. But this four player’s defense is just on paper. Brazil effectively play a 3-3-3-1/flexible while set offense with Bastros and Maicon moving forward to contribute in buildup and offense and Gilberto serving as a third Center back leaving Melo as a holding midfielder.

Defects:

Brazil is no doubt one of the most solid systems in this world cup. It’s not easy to raise concerns about this team. If there is anything that may cause them troubles it’s the lack of pace in the back (Assuming that Lucio-Juan-Gilberto will be the key players defensively). They will play against teams counting on counters and pace will be vital. If Lucio succeeded to deliver the same performance he showed with Inter this season, that may help their case. Another defensive bug is on the left. If I may put my money on a goal Brazil will concede it will be a long ball(cross or diagonal) played to a player running toward the far post on the left getting advantage of Bastos positioning (or lack of it) while the left center back is busy checking the opponent striker.

Offense wise, Kaka’s form will be vital to link midfield with offense and guarantee change of play which will be important against parked buses Brazil will face. Yet, the most notable concern is the lack of players who can create threat inside the box. Something they may need if the opponent left no spaces for the Brazilian forwards to demand the ball in the space or shoot from outside the box. Only Fabiano can get advantage of Maicon and Bastos crosses. That’s why I think it was better to use a player like Baptista can serve better than Elano the system Brazil is using.

Regardless of such tiny issues, there is no doubt that Brazil is a favorite for a world cup where –historically- favorites not always win. Their group is one of the strongest groups in the world cup with Portugal aiming to proceed and Ivory coast, a team I put lot of hopes that it will represent Africa like no team did before (though I am addicted to get disappointed when it come to African teams in the world cup). A complicated group but a perfect one for the Brazilians to stay focused from day one.

Group E, Ramzi, South Africa 2010, World Cup |

World cup, South Africa 2010. Group D: Italy

5:57 AM Reporter: Ramzi 0 Responses

Can Italy become less Italian? Can Lippi become less lippian? Because that’s the only hope I see for Italy to make an impact in this world cup.

How can Italy be less Italian?

Italy historically meant solid defense. There is no surprise that they used this fact to their favor to the extreme, structuring a defensive block in the back and counting on counterattacks. Was it a passive approach? They are the second in the list of the nations that won the world cup most. How passive is that? They knew their strength and invested in it. Smart.

This time, it’s not the case. They still have a decent defense, no doubt. But it’s not Giuseppe Bergomi,Franco Baresi,Ciro Ferrara, and Paolo Maldini era. Not even close. Some slight modifications are needed, and I believe Lippi is aware of that.

Can Lippi become less lippi?

A great coach with self confidence that touch stubbornness. He believe in what he does and barely hesitate when he makes up his mind on a specific system or selection. One thing I believe may not help him: He is too loyal to the secured options he tried before. He gets too settled to a selection to gamble where the gamble is needed. The squad he called for the confederation cup reflects that fact as there are some decent options left at home while the Camoranesis , Grossos, Canavaros, Tonis, and Gattusos where there to struggle. The good news for the world cup is that some more younger players may get their chance. The doubt is how far Lippi may go on that path. Will he build his team around them or just use them to fill the holes? Being a worshiped coach who won a world cup for Italy make him more daring to risk. Knowing that he might not continue with the national team after the world cup is not a good indication for long term planning.

In fact the most luxurious tactical options for Lippi come from the fresh blood he injected to his squad. Criscito and Maggio can play fullbacks (not together though as that may weaken the defense stability), wingbacks or wings. Bocchetti or even Bonucci are good center backs as well and may get a chance (even by hacking Canavaro’s spot beside Chiellini). Montolivo must finally get his chance, while my big bet is on Marchisio to become one of the great discoveries of the world cup. He can play almost everywhere in the midfield.

My favorite selection for Italy in this world cup (even though Lippi is not loyal to a specific system) is a 3-5-2:

                                Gianluigi Buffon
Salvatore Bocchetti, Fabio Cannavaro, Giorgio Chiellini
Domenico Criscito, Daniele De Rossi, Christian Maggio
           Riccardo Montolivo, Claudio Marchisio
            Vincenzo Iaquinta, Giampaolo Pazzini
     (or) Antonio Di Natale, Alberto Gilardino

Knowing that Pirlo may not be available for the first two games.

Italy must count on quality midfield in this tournament as its their best bet. Five players with high work rate in the midfield can make the defense life easier and generate enough scoring chances from the flanks and the middle. Thats the only road map I see for Italy to compete in this tournament.

Italy is not as weak as rumored; they still can create one shock or two. Only if Italy become less Italian and Lippi become less Lippian.

World cup, South Africa 2010. Group B: Argentina

3:20 AM Reporter: Ramzi 4 Responses

The most complicated challenge for any coach is to help an average team to shine on a world class level. Maradona achieved the most unattainable task: leading a world class team to perform as an average bunch of amateurs. Argentina will be one of the most interesting teams to watch. At least they have the most interesting coach.

I will not dive deep in his selection choices. I believe the coaches should be judged based on their tactical systems first before evaluating the cards selected to serve such systems. But first let’s point out three major challenges Maradona had to deal with:

1) Lack of quality fullbacks to count on.

2) Creating a Juan Román Riquelme free selection.

3) Lack of natural target men/Poacher s to compliment the skillful forwards and attacking midfielders in the team.

Maradona tackled these challenges selecting this lineup:

Romero, Heinza, Samuel, Demichelis, Otamendi, Mascherano, Veron, Di Maria, Gutierrez, Messi, Higuain

To cover for lack of quality fullbacks coaches usually go for one of the following:

1) In the presence of one quality wingback (and sometimes even by customizing a wing) who lack defensive quality, Coaches may use him as a fullback and slot a center back on the opposite flank to serve as a fullback who serves as a third center back when the wingback push forward.

2) In the presence of two quality wingbacks, coaches either use them both with two holding midfielders with one of them moving deep to play as a third center back or they reshape the tactics to something similar to 3-5-2 with the wingbacks playing in front of three center backs with a holding midfielder I between.

3) Some more daring coaches (especially if the squad lack quality wings), may structure a 3-4-3/3-3-3-1, etc… with the wingbacks serving as wings.

Regardless of any critical evaluation for each option, Maradona decided to take a different approach selecting two center backs to serve as fullbacks (Though Heinze played as a fullback before, but he serves more as a left flanked Center back for Argentina). It may sound like a reasonable idea. It secures the team defensively and offers the offense the chance to focus on what they can do best. Yet, the defects of this option are more than the advantages:

1) During the qualification games –Maradona era- one of the main problems of the team was the crack between the offense and the defense units. There was a huge space between the lines. The current option will only make things worse during offense buildup.

2) This structure fits more the underdogs, not the favorites or the competitive teams. The lack of overlapping runs from the fullbacks will terminate the offense options on the flanks. Most of the teams –especially in the group stages- will play two holding midfielders in front of four defenders. A fullback with a holding midfielder can terminate any threat Argentina can generate on any flank as long as none of the fullbacks contribute offense wise.

3) Unlike the common observation, this option will not serve the team defensively. Having only Mascherano in front of static four will create enough space in the midfield for the opponents to generate fast counters to the Argentineans’ defensive third. Keeping in mind the lack of pace and positioning sense of the defense it is always better to put more pressure on the opponents higher on the field rather than tracking them back. A fullback who contributes in offense can also serve a better defensive task for being closer to the lost ball and capable of either putting early pressure on the ball holder as an initial attempt to win back the ball or he can close spaces in the midfield while retreating to his position. We can expect Demichelis to move forward to assist Mascherano while the team in possession, but neither him nor the two center backs he leaves behind has enough qualities to perfect this option without causing more chaos.

Creating a Juan Román Riquelme free selection: I like the player, but I also support the idea of keeping him outside the squad. His poor work rate and lack of defense contribution and attitude is infectious. You can’t create a group that fight and work as a unit with Riquelme being involved in the selection. But there is a need to create the right offense dynamics to cover the absence of such a quality player. The first wrong decision was selecting Veron, especially for the current system applied. He performs well, but while his defensive contribution is not much better than that’s of Riquelme, he plays much deeper in a selection that lacks fullback offense contribution and a poacher who can benefit from the offense setup generated from the flanks. From the current squad (and I will not comment on the players who are not selected for the World cup), Javier Pastore is a better option there.

Lack of natural target men/Poacher: Higuain is not the answer. Period. Milito, may be. Or even Tevez, the bull. Not Higuain. He is a quality player but he can’t offer any significant addition to the mix around him. See it this way: the main quality of Higuain is 1) creating space when he opens to the flanks. 2) Slicing through the opponent defense demanding the ball in the space. Yet, 1) with the lack of immense offense on the flanks where the opponent fullbacks have only one player to deal with (the wing), why will the opponents center backs move to support? Especially with the presence of holding midfielders and flanked midfielders. 2) Where will the spaces come from with the lack of positional interchanges? No fullbacks involved, wings dealing with their own issues and if they cut inside the selection gets too narrow unless if Messi open to the flank(which may not serve them). A deep laying playmaker that can barely catch any defense with surprise… The outcome will be inevitable: Messi isolation.

In fact the team counts completely on Messi’s skills for the offense to click. That’s the only hope they can bet on regardless of the great individuals they have. Something you can build castles of hopes it will happen if we were in the 1986 football era. Nowadays, it’s not as easy as Messi’s talent may inspire.

World cup, South Africa 2010. Group A, Game Two: France Vs Uruguay

9:44 AM Reporter: Ramzi 2 Responses

World cup 2010, South Africa. Group A, match Two Preview

France –General view:

In football, there is nothing worse than picking the wrong system for a team and then picking the wrong players to serve that wrong selection. Well, maybe there is something worse. Something like changing the system applied for many years just before landing your plane to compete for a world cup. That’s exactly what happened for France who were forced (or so their coach says) to change their system from 4-2-2-2 (or so), to a 4-3-3 after Lass Diarra injury. But to tell you the truth, I can’t see France playing worse than they did in the past few years. Any change has to be a good change unless if Raymond Domenech surprised us once again.

Everything surrounding this team is controversial. The federation, the coach, the qualification, the selection… One thing stands as a clear fact is that a change will happen after the world cup. After the golden Era of Zidane and co, the team failed to make the transition. A new coach needed. New selection, tactics, and spirit.

Predicted selection (4-3-3):

Lloris, Evra, Abidal, Gallas, Sagna, Toulalan, Malouda, Gourcuff, Ribery, Anelka, Govou.

I am not a fan for many reasons. Tom Williams explained almost everything about this tactical change, so I will not repeat. The cannibalization of roles between Evra, Malouda, and Ribery. The immense defense responsibilities hooked around the neck of one midfielder (Toulalan), the lack of natural goal scoring striker, and the presence of one dimensional Gouvou makes this selection too hard to chant for.

Uruguay–General view:

One of the black horses for this tournament. They apply one of my favorite systems (3-5-2). They have a very intelligent coach in Oscar Tabarez. And they have one of the best offense duets at the moment: Luis Suarez and Diego Forlan.

Counting on experienced trio at the back, a midfield of high work rate and aggression, behind lethal forwards, this 3-5-2 system fits Uruguay like a glove. How daring the team will be to push forward and dictate their style by moving the opponents to defend will decide how far Uruguay can go in this tournament.

Predicted selection (3-5-2). In fact Oscar Tabarez announced that he will employ this selection against France:

Fernando Muslera, Diego Godin, Diego Lugano, Mauricio Victorino, Maximiliano Pereira, Alvaro Pereira, Arevalo Rios, Diego Perez, Ignacio Gonzalez, Luis Suarez and Diego Forlan.

Regardless of some little surprises, the selection is understandable.

The game:

This game will be tricky for France. They no doubt have the quality players to cause damage, but they might get beaten by the South American’s work rate in the midfield. To have a chance to defeat Uruguay they need to keep them in the bay defending. Keeping possession will be a must. Something that might not be as easy as they enjoyed in their friendly games against before the tournament. Uruguay uses five midfielders with Forlan supporting them when they lose possession. If Ribery and co failed to track back the midfield will be too overloaded by the Uruguayan fighters for the French to have a chance.

Yet, Uruguay will have its own concerns as well. The weakness of the 3-5-2 is lateral cover in defense. And when you play against a team that has Evra, Malouda, and Ribery all serving on one flank. There is obviously a difficult task for Tabarez to resolve. Add Govou on the right with Anelka being well known as a player who likes to open to channels to Sagna’s runs on the right flank makes this game a great tactical battle to watch.

There is no surprise that the French are the favorites. But I will dare to bet on Uruguay to create the first shock in the tournament.

World cup, South Africa 2010. Group A, Game one: South Africa Vs Mexico

5:51 AM Reporter: Ramzi 0 Responses

World cup 2010, South Africa. Group A, match one Preview

This group is an interesting one for many reasons. Obviously it’s the group of the hosting country. But moreover, it’s the group where football styles will create some of the most exciting battles in the group stages. That’s the magic of the world cup. First match is always the most important one as it sets the momentum for the teams and decides how likely they will qualify to the knockout stages. It will serve as an exhibition for each national team to show the quality it brings to this tournament.

Group Level: B

Competition level: A

Certain qualifier: None

Game One: South Africa – Mexico

South Africa –General view:

The hosts made a U-turn since they hired Carlos Alberto Parreira to coach the Bafana Bafana. Since then they tasted no defeats in their last 12 friendly games. One of the big surprises was the omission of Benni McCarthy from the selection. But with Katlego Mphela setting their world alight, that decision is understandable. The main threat though will be the lack of experience on big stages, added to the dilemmas they may have to structure their defense properly. I still believe Benni could have helped as a sub when a game changer is needed. I also think Parreira should have tested some more Mokoena-free defense lines during the friendly games (Ex: using Nasief Morris). But the Brazilian coach knows his squad most.

Predicted selection (4-2-3-1):

Khune, Gaxa, Mokoena, Khumalo, Masilela, Letsholonyane, Dikgacoi, Pienaar, Modise, Tshabalala , Mphela

South Africa is a team that can hold on possession, but they usually fail to generate enough scoring opportunities out of it. One of the main reasons is their inability to stretch their opponent defense with an extremely narrow offense dynamics they have. Masilela is a good left fullback to push forward, yet that may create some defense headache, especially when Mokoena is in a bad day and the holding midfielder duets lacking the tactical discipline required making the trick tick. South Africa will count on a decent keeper, shaky defense, compact midfield and a Mphela –Killer- to score their goals.

There are lots of bets that the Bafana Bafana will be the first host to be knocked out from the group stage in a world cup. Yet, they have the resources to prove their doubters wrong.

Mexico –General view:

I remember the national team of the early nineties. They were the masters of exhibition style of short passes and triangles. A joy to watch, no doubt. Since then, I always expect more of the same from the Mexicans but I can’t claim my expectations were met since then.

Aguirre brought back the team to the basics after Eriksson’s Era. They play a 3-4-3 system that goes along with lot of the tactics applied domestically. The key player for this system to click is Marquez who actually serve more as a holding midfielder than a libero for the national team, setting in front of Rodríguez and Osorio and covering Salcido and Aguilar movement forward. Giovani dos Santos will most likely continue being a better asset for his national team than he is for his –any other team. Vela is that other crack complementing Franco, while Hernández may end up being one of the tournament great surprises.

Predicted selection (3-4-3):

Oscar Pérez, Carlos Salcido, ‘Maza’ Rodríguez, Paul Aguilar, Ricardo Osorio, Gerardo Torrado, Rafa Márquez, Efraín Juárez, Carlos Vela, Giovani dos Santos, Franco.

The quality of the system depends on how you see it. They collapsed against Netherlands. They outshined England, especially in the first half, and then defeated Italy. I believe they will enjoy the normal advantages of the 3-4-3 and suffer from its predicted defects depending on the team they face. Usually the 3-4-3 is defensively fragile on the flanks, but –if applied with excellence- the team can cover that by applying a systematic shuffling for the defense trio and the far wingback to create lateral cover. I can talk forever about it being a fan of systems based on 3 defenders (3-4-3, 3-5-2).

I believe in this team chances to qualify. I predict their game against Uruguay to be the most tricky one for them, tactically. But first thing first: The opening game against South Africa.

The game:

Before the game kickoff, I have to say that Mexico have the edge over South Africa, especially tactically. In fact the typical system applied by South Africa serves Mexico most. South Africa counts on a lone striker- Mphela. If Rodríguez and Osorio succeeded to contain him, Marquez will end up serving as a fifth player operating in the midfield third which will cancel South Africa numerical superiority in that department (five midfielders in 4-2-3-1). With Salcido, Aguilar, Dos Santos and Vela operating on the flanks and cutting inside simultaneously depending on the change of play they may force the flanked midfielders of South Africa to retreat and cover their fullbacks with Letsholonyane and Dikgacoi being checked and kept busy by Torrado and Juárez. That will put the African team in a reaction position rather than dictating his game. No doubt South Africa can counter that by applying a similar dynamic asking Dikgacoi to cover the center backs and the fullbacks to push forward. Yet, I doubt that the Bafana Bafana players will have the tactical discipline and awareness to apply such a complicated system that they are not used to, unlike Mexico. And If Aguirre ended up starting Hernández upfront for this game to get advantage of South Africa’s slow defense, that may prove being too mobile for Mokoena and Khumalo to contain.

South Africa’s friendly games record boosted the team moral, but it may play a negative role against them in this game. They can win this one if they felt they are underdogs. If they closed defense and generated counters on the flanks. But if I will have to make a bet, I will put my money on the visitors.

Yet 90,000 vuvuzelas supporting the Bafana Bafana at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg may prove too much for the Mexicans to defeat.