WC2010 Quarterfinal - Spain vs. Paraguay

Jaime wrote:

stinger wrote:Yeah, but it worked for 30 minutes, can it work full time? Formation with Llorente on was seriously loopsided, with all the pre-game preparations decent coach can look to exploit it - there was absolutely no one on the right side to help Ramos offensively, and he needs plenty of cover (from Pique and/or Xabi Alonso) defensively. There's also question about his conditioning, if he would be asked to do it for the whole game.

The formation is always lopsided because Spain don't play with out and out wide players. Llorente created more danger in 30 minutes than Torres has in the entire WC.

Bullshit. Torres's shot in the first few min was better then anything Llorente did.

Paraguay will be hard to beat. I can see them defending well and winning 1-0 or on penalties.

Edin Dzeko wrote:

Jaime wrote:

stinger wrote:Yeah, but it worked for 30 minutes, can it work full time? Formation with Llorente on was seriously loopsided, with all the pre-game preparations decent coach can look to exploit it - there was absolutely no one on the right side to help Ramos offensively, and he needs plenty of cover (from Pique and/or Xabi Alonso) defensively. There's also question about his conditioning, if he would be asked to do it for the whole game.

The formation is always lopsided because Spain don't play with out and out wide players. Llorente created more danger in 30 minutes than Torres has in the entire WC.

Bullshit. Torres's shot in the first few min was better then anything Llorente did.

Llorente just seamed better because CQ f**kd up when he took Almeida out.

Anyway, i think Spain will win this one.

Formerly known as sheva7 wrote:

Juligen wrote:I can see Spain getting in the semis, cant see them beating Germany or Argentina.

I can. Why not?

beacuse when it comes to end the play they fail. They need too many chances to score, their attack is not precise like Argentina and Germany. How many goals they score in the first round? 3? this coming from a team that was supposed to be the attacking force of this WC its pretty poor. And lets not forget they got Honduras and Chile in their group, not exaclty a defensive power.

I do like Villa, but Torres was awful last night. People may say that Portugal was too defensive, but they also had troubles against Chile, a very offensive team.


Edit- Spain actually socred 2 agaisnt Honduras, so that makes 4 goals in the first round. Oh and the Lorente guy that came in was much better than Torres, I couls see this this team playing better the first half with him at the field. I hope Del Bosques picks him.

Juligen wrote:

Formerly known as sheva7 wrote:

Juligen wrote:I can see Spain getting in the semis, cant see them beating Germany or Argentina.

I can. Why not?

beacuse when it comes to end the play they fail. They need too many chances to score, their attack is not precise like Argentina and Germany. How many goals they score in the first round? 3? this coming from a team that was supposed to be the attacking force of this WC its pretty poor. And lets not forget they got Honduras and Chile in their group, not exaclty a defensive power.

I do like Villa, but Torres was awful last night. People may say that Portugal was too defensive, but they also had troubles against Chile, a very offensive team.


Edit- Spain actually socred 2 agaisnt Honduras, so that makes 4 goals in the first round. Oh and the Lorente guy that came in was much better than Torres, I couls see this this team playing better the first half with him at the field. I hope Del Bosques picks him.

Well, they created a lot of chances while their opponents struggled to create one. The portuguese goalkeeper was the man of the match. Puyol and Pique were very solid.

They always dominate the midfield. That's vital. IMO the spanish midfield is by far the most talented of the WC. The only liability is Busquets. I don't know why Guardiola and Del Bosque play him with better players at their disposal.

Torres is out of form, but IMO he is playing too wide on the right side of the spanish attack. Llorente played in the centre, that's why he had more chances.

I may be wrong, but I would put my money on them against Germany and Argentina.

Formerly known as sheva7 wrote:

Juligen wrote:

Formerly known as sheva7 wrote:

Juligen wrote:I can see Spain getting in the semis, cant see them beating Germany or Argentina.

I can. Why not?

beacuse when it comes to end the play they fail. They need too many chances to score, their attack is not precise like Argentina and Germany. How many goals they score in the first round? 3? this coming from a team that was supposed to be the attacking force of this WC its pretty poor. And lets not forget they got Honduras and Chile in their group, not exaclty a defensive power.

I do like Villa, but Torres was awful last night. People may say that Portugal was too defensive, but they also had troubles against Chile, a very offensive team.


Edit- Spain actually socred 2 agaisnt Honduras, so that makes 4 goals in the first round. Oh and the Lorente guy that came in was much better than Torres, I couls see this this team playing better the first half with him at the field. I hope Del Bosques picks him.

Well, they created a lot of chances while their opponents struggled to create one. The portuguese goalkeeper was the man of the match. Puyol and Pique were very solid.

They always dominate the midfield. That's vital. IMO the spanish midfield is by far the most talented of the WC. The only liability is Busquets. I don't know why Guardiola and Del Bosque play him with better players at their disposal.

Torres is out of form, but IMO he is playing too wide on the right side of the spanish attack. Llorente played in the centre, that's why he had more chances.

I may be wrong, but I would put my money on them against Germany and Argentina.

they didn't against Chile.

mongrel hawk wrote:

Formerly known as sheva7 wrote:

Juligen wrote:

Formerly known as sheva7 wrote:

Juligen wrote:I can see Spain getting in the semis, cant see them beating Germany or Argentina.

I can. Why not?

beacuse when it comes to end the play they fail. They need too many chances to score, their attack is not precise like Argentina and Germany. How many goals they score in the first round? 3? this coming from a team that was supposed to be the attacking force of this WC its pretty poor. And lets not forget they got Honduras and Chile in their group, not exaclty a defensive power.

I do like Villa, but Torres was awful last night. People may say that Portugal was too defensive, but they also had troubles against Chile, a very offensive team.


Edit- Spain actually socred 2 agaisnt Honduras, so that makes 4 goals in the first round. Oh and the Lorente guy that came in was much better than Torres, I couls see this this team playing better the first half with him at the field. I hope Del Bosques picks him.

Well, they created a lot of chances while their opponents struggled to create one. The portuguese goalkeeper was the man of the match. Puyol and Pique were very solid.

They always dominate the midfield. That's vital. IMO the spanish midfield is by far the most talented of the WC. The only liability is Busquets. I don't know why Guardiola and Del Bosque play him with better players at their disposal.

Torres is out of form, but IMO he is playing too wide on the right side of the spanish attack. Llorente played in the centre, that's why he had more chances.

I may be wrong, but I would put my money on them against Germany and Argentina.

they didn't against Chile.

I guess it depends on how you define 'dominate the midfield'. Spain did have 58% of possession against Chile. Of course prior to the red card it was more even.

Jaime wrote:

mongrel hawk wrote:

Formerly known as sheva7 wrote:

Juligen wrote:

Formerly known as sheva7 wrote:

Juligen wrote:I can see Spain getting in the semis, cant see them beating Germany or Argentina.

I can. Why not?

beacuse when it comes to end the play they fail. They need too many chances to score, their attack is not precise like Argentina and Germany. How many goals they score in the first round? 3? this coming from a team that was supposed to be the attacking force of this WC its pretty poor. And lets not forget they got Honduras and Chile in their group, not exaclty a defensive power.

I do like Villa, but Torres was awful last night. People may say that Portugal was too defensive, but they also had troubles against Chile, a very offensive team.


Edit- Spain actually socred 2 agaisnt Honduras, so that makes 4 goals in the first round. Oh and the Lorente guy that came in was much better than Torres, I couls see this this team playing better the first half with him at the field. I hope Del Bosques picks him.

Well, they created a lot of chances while their opponents struggled to create one. The portuguese goalkeeper was the man of the match. Puyol and Pique were very solid.

They always dominate the midfield. That's vital. IMO the spanish midfield is by far the most talented of the WC. The only liability is Busquets. I don't know why Guardiola and Del Bosque play him with better players at their disposal.

Torres is out of form, but IMO he is playing too wide on the right side of the spanish attack. Llorente played in the centre, that's why he had more chances.

I may be wrong, but I would put my money on them against Germany and Argentina.

they didn't against Chile.

I guess it depends on how you define 'dominate the midfield'. Spain did have 58% of possession against Chile. Of course prior to the red card it was more even.

I mean, they had moments of domination and moments of being dominated against chile, that is, they did not always dominate the midfield.

mongrel hawk wrote:

Jaime wrote:

mongrel hawk wrote:

Formerly known as sheva7 wrote:

Juligen wrote:

Formerly known as sheva7 wrote:

Juligen wrote:I can see Spain getting in the semis, cant see them beating Germany or Argentina.

I can. Why not?

beacuse when it comes to end the play they fail. They need too many chances to score, their attack is not precise like Argentina and Germany. How many goals they score in the first round? 3? this coming from a team that was supposed to be the attacking force of this WC its pretty poor. And lets not forget they got Honduras and Chile in their group, not exaclty a defensive power.

I do like Villa, but Torres was awful last night. People may say that Portugal was too defensive, but they also had troubles against Chile, a very offensive team.


Edit- Spain actually socred 2 agaisnt Honduras, so that makes 4 goals in the first round. Oh and the Lorente guy that came in was much better than Torres, I couls see this this team playing better the first half with him at the field. I hope Del Bosques picks him.

Well, they created a lot of chances while their opponents struggled to create one. The portuguese goalkeeper was the man of the match. Puyol and Pique were very solid.

They always dominate the midfield. That's vital. IMO the spanish midfield is by far the most talented of the WC. The only liability is Busquets. I don't know why Guardiola and Del Bosque play him with better players at their disposal.

Torres is out of form, but IMO he is playing too wide on the right side of the spanish attack. Llorente played in the centre, that's why he had more chances.

I may be wrong, but I would put my money on them against Germany and Argentina.

they didn't against Chile.

I guess it depends on how you define 'dominate the midfield'. Spain did have 58% of possession against Chile. Of course prior to the red card it was more even.

I mean, they had moments of domination and moments of being dominated against chile, that is, they did not always dominate the midfield.

True.

I think that Busquets is not that big a liability in this tournament. At the moment I would say the weak links are: Capdevilla (except yesterday), Iker (he is much too nervous) and Torres.. Also Xavi seems to be a bit of form and Iniesta was not too impressive yesterday

Hem fet un.. wrote:I think that Busquets is not that big a liability in this tournament. At the moment I would say the weak links are: Capdevilla (except yesterday), Iker (he is much too nervous) and Torres.. Also Xavi seems to be a bit of form and Iniesta was not too impressive yesterday

Agreed on all of those. Busquets playing quite well, but Xavi/Iniesta/Casillas are not at their best.

kas wrote:

Hem fet un.. wrote:I think that Busquets is not that big a liability in this tournament. At the moment I would say the weak links are: Capdevilla (except yesterday), Iker (he is much too nervous) and Torres.. Also Xavi seems to be a bit of form and Iniesta was not too impressive yesterday

Agreed on all of those. Busquets playing quite well, but Xavi/Iniesta/Casillas are not at their best.

Last match he was ok. IMO he was bad against Switzerland and Chile.

mongrel hawk wrote:

Jaime wrote:

mongrel hawk wrote:

Formerly known as sheva7 wrote:

Juligen wrote:

Formerly known as sheva7 wrote:

Juligen wrote:I can see Spain getting in the semis, cant see them beating Germany or Argentina.

I can. Why not?

beacuse when it comes to end the play they fail. They need too many chances to score, their attack is not precise like Argentina and Germany. How many goals they score in the first round? 3? this coming from a team that was supposed to be the attacking force of this WC its pretty poor. And lets not forget they got Honduras and Chile in their group, not exaclty a defensive power.

I do like Villa, but Torres was awful last night. People may say that Portugal was too defensive, but they also had troubles against Chile, a very offensive team.


Edit- Spain actually socred 2 agaisnt Honduras, so that makes 4 goals in the first round. Oh and the Lorente guy that came in was much better than Torres, I couls see this this team playing better the first half with him at the field. I hope Del Bosques picks him.

Well, they created a lot of chances while their opponents struggled to create one. The portuguese goalkeeper was the man of the match. Puyol and Pique were very solid.

They always dominate the midfield. That's vital. IMO the spanish midfield is by far the most talented of the WC. The only liability is Busquets. I don't know why Guardiola and Del Bosque play him with better players at their disposal.

Torres is out of form, but IMO he is playing too wide on the right side of the spanish attack. Llorente played in the centre, that's why he had more chances.

I may be wrong, but I would put my money on them against Germany and Argentina.

they didn't against Chile.

I guess it depends on how you define 'dominate the midfield'. Spain did have 58% of possession against Chile. Of course prior to the red card it was more even.

I mean, they had moments of domination and moments of being dominated against chile, that is, they did not always dominate the midfield.

I meant that they dominate the midfield for the majority of the match against any opposition.

WOW! España have only reached the elite 8 in a World Cup. They've never been in a WC semifinal.

Alberto wrote:WOW! España have only reached the elite 8 in a World Cup. They've never been in a WC semifinal.

They reached the last 4 in 1950

debaser wrote:

Alberto wrote:WOW! España have only reached the elite 8 in a World Cup. They've never been in a WC semifinal.

They reached the last 4 in 1950

Like I said, they've never reached a WC semifinal. Maybe today it's their first time.

Alberto wrote:

debaser wrote:

Alberto wrote:WOW! España have only reached the elite 8 in a World Cup. They've never been in a WC semifinal.

They reached the last 4 in 1950

Like I said, they've never reached a WC semifinal. Maybe today it's their first time.

They reached the elite 4 in 1950

debaser wrote:

Alberto wrote:

debaser wrote:

Alberto wrote:WOW! España have only reached the elite 8 in a World Cup. They've never been in a WC semifinal.

They reached the last 4 in 1950

Like I said, they've never reached a WC semifinal. Maybe today it's their first time.

They reached the elite 4 in 1950

OK Deb you win.

Alberto wrote:

debaser wrote:

Alberto wrote:

debaser wrote:

Alberto wrote:WOW! España have only reached the elite 8 in a World Cup. They've never been in a WC semifinal.

They reached the last 4 in 1950

Like I said, they've never reached a WC semifinal. Maybe today it's their first time.

They reached the elite 4 in 1950

OK Deb you win.

Spanish fans!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I want you to play Germany they need to play a real team at the WC...Ale:

I think Paraguay are capable of an upset here, rate them and not too impressed with Del Bosque's choices so far.

yep, same feeling here

Word on 5live is that Paraguay are going with 1 striker. Santa Cruz and Barrios dropped.

debaser wrote:

Alberto wrote:WOW! España have only reached the elite 8 in a World Cup. They've never been in a WC semifinal.

They reached the last 4 in 1950

Technically what Puro said is true though. They've never been in a WC semi final.

Khadrim wrote:Word on 5live is that Paraguay are going with 1 striker. Santa Cruz and Barrios dropped.

Really going for it then

Dirk es más duro wrote:I think Paraguay are capable of an upset here, rate them and not too impressed with Del Bosque's choices so far.

I agree... people here are only talking about Germany.. Completely forgetting that Paraguay has to be beaten first and that they are a very strong team with great tactical sense. The type of team that Spain always struggle with..

If Del Bosque insists with Torres, that he most likely will, we will be playing with ten men until he is subbed off.

If you have time later please come and enjoy the thread:

http://europeanboard.ephpbb.com/the-international-board-f6/the-messi-fail-thread-t22429.htm

Paraguay: 1-Justo Villar; 2-Dario Veron, 14-Paulo Da Silva, 21-Antolin Alcaraz, 3-Claudio Morel, 8-Edgar Barreto, 11-Jonathan Santana, 15-Victor Caceres, 16-Cristian Riveros, 18-Nelson Valdez, 7-Oscar Cardozo.

Spain: 1-Iker Casillas; 15-Sergio Ramos, 3-Gerard Pique, 5-Carles Puyol, 11-Joan Capdevila; 14-Xabi Alonso, 8-Xavi, 6-Andres Iniesta, 16-Sergio Busquets; 9-Fernando Torres, 7-David Villa.

Referee: Carlos Batres (Guatemala).

Starting with Cardozo would have been a better idea if they gave him a partner that can occupy Pique, so that Cardozo can bully Puyol.

But you can already see Paraguay's tactics: park the bus then boot it long, so Cardozo can lay it off to midfield runners.