The Next England Squad

The pitch in Manaus apparently is in an awful condition (German article)

http://www.spox.com/de/sport/fussball/wm/wm2014/1406/News/rasen-arena-amazonia-schlechter-zustand-italien-gegen-england-auftaktspiel-ex-weltmeister.html

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Who is it going to help more, England or Italy? England shouldn't try fancy stuff, get in the mixer!

Difficult question. Italians have a more possession-based game, but are also more used to shitty pitches. The dodgy pitch will probably lead to more defensive errors/goalmouth scrambles etc, and with England's defence already being suspect I reckon it should favour the Italians.

blutgraetsche wrote:The pitch in Manaus apparently is in an awful condition (German article)

Who is it going to help more, England or Italy? England shouldn't try fancy stuff, get in the mixer!

It favors the team which is more defensive, relies less on skill and more interested in a draw. So England, England and England I guess.

Agree with Bluenine. If your style is based on passing in small spaces and technique then a bad pitch is not in your favour.

So they have spent hundreds of millions on a stadium for 4 games, with no plan for after the world cup, and the pitch is shit?  Biggest waste of moeny since Wembley.

Super Progress wrote:Agree with Bluenine. If your style is based on passing in small spaces and technique then a bad pitch is not in your favour.

Well Italy are not spain, Pirlo will be launching the ball long to cassano and baliotelli, the same as gerrard will do on the other side. If either team go a goal up, they will camp in their own half (i.e. they'll be more defensive). Both teams will settle for a draw. Italy has more skillz, but it's not a keepy-up competition.

That pitch looks dry and sandy, pretty much like the san siro   

Also it is pretty hot and humid in Milan in the summer.

Corinthians played a game there 2 months ago and the pitch was perfect.

Is it really bad now? Sometimes a pitch doesn't look so good but the ball runs smoothly anyway.

The Italy game looks set up for a disgracefully poor affair. Rubbish pitch, incredibly humid temperature, Hodgson tactics and the cunting Italians.

The England Italy game will be a very boring 0-0 draw

English press are right when they say that Manaus shouldn't be a host city and that the pitch doesn't look good. Hodson was right when he said that he didn't want to play there. But saying that things in public is not a good idea. They will face another adversity, as the crowd will likely cheer against them.

Formerly known as sheva7 wrote:English press are right when they say that Manaus shouldn't be a host city and that the pitch doesn't look good. Hodson was right when he said that he didn't want to play there. But saying that things in public is not a good idea. They will face another adversity, as the crowd will likely cheer against them.

I don't think they are right. It's a WC in Brazil, and the rain forest is part of our enviroment. Never saw a Brazilian crying things like that because of the snow-covered pitches in Russia. The English complain about everything. Every WC is the same shite.

The Germans will have a much worse path regarding the weather, and they are not complaining. That's why they are winners.

mongrel hawk wrote:

Formerly known as sheva7 wrote:English press are right when they say that Manaus shouldn't be a host city and that the pitch doesn't look good. Hodson was right when he said that he didn't want to play there. But saying that things in public is not a good idea. They will face another adversity, as the crowd will likely cheer against them.

I don't think they are right. It's a WC in Brazil, and the rain forest is part of our enviroment. Never saw a Brazilian crying things like that because of the snow-covered pitches in Russia. The English complain about everything. Every WC is the same shite.

The Germans will have a much worse path regarding the weather, and they are not complaining. That's why they are winners.

I'm pretty sure we've seen South Americans bitch about the weather in England. I still think we should have a mid-winter Northern European world cup, sort the men from the boys.  

Kimbo wrote:

mongrel hawk wrote:

Formerly known as sheva7 wrote:English press are right when they say that Manaus shouldn't be a host city and that the pitch doesn't look good. Hodson was right when he said that he didn't want to play there. But saying that things in public is not a good idea. They will face another adversity, as the crowd will likely cheer against them.

I don't think they are right. It's a WC in Brazil, and the rain forest is part of our enviroment. Never saw a Brazilian crying things like that because of the snow-covered pitches in Russia. The English complain about everything. Every WC is the same shite.

The Germans will have a much worse path regarding the weather, and they are not complaining. That's why they are winners.

I'm pretty sure we've seen South Americans bitch about the weather in England. I still think we should have a mid-winter Northern European world cup, sort the men from the boys.  

South Americans bitch about the weather because it's shit for everyday life, not as an excuse for losing. We'd love to have a mid-winter WC. Brazil have won WCs in North America, South America, Europe and Asia. When Brazil lose, Brazilians blame only the team.  

On the other hand, I admire the English supporters and chants in the stadium. They really get behind the team no matter what and have wonderful songs, while Brazilian supporters often boo the players mercilessly, which is ridiculous. Last Friday Brazilians booed the team in their last friendly before the WC (Brazil 1 - 0 Servia). Can you believe that? If Brazil lose this WC, you may see the biggest booing of a host team ever in the history of football. I stopped going to Brazil matches because of this. I hate it.

mongrel hawk wrote:

Formerly known as sheva7 wrote:English press are right when they say that Manaus shouldn't be a host city and that the pitch doesn't look good. Hodson was right when he said that he didn't want to play there. But saying that things in public is not a good idea. They will face another adversity, as the crowd will likely cheer against them.

I don't think they are right. It's a WC in Brazil, and the rain forest is part of our enviroment. Never saw a Brazilian crying things like that because of the snow-covered pitches in Russia. The English complain about everything. Every WC is the same shite.

The Germans will have a much worse path regarding the weather, and they are not complaining. That's why they are winners.

I don't know which russian cities will host the WC in 2018, but I'm sure Brazil would rather play in Moscow or St. Petesburgh than in a remote area with extreme conditions. It's normal to want to avoid long travels, high temperatures and humidity.

Formerly known as sheva7 wrote:

mongrel hawk wrote:

Formerly known as sheva7 wrote:English press are right when they say that Manaus shouldn't be a host city and that the pitch doesn't look good. Hodson was right when he said that he didn't want to play there. But saying that things in public is not a good idea. They will face another adversity, as the crowd will likely cheer against them.

I don't think they are right. It's a WC in Brazil, and the rain forest is part of our enviroment. Never saw a Brazilian crying things like that because of the snow-covered pitches in Russia. The English complain about everything. Every WC is the same shite.

The Germans will have a much worse path regarding the weather, and they are not complaining. That's why they are winners.

I don't know which russian cities will host the WC in 2018, but I'm sure Brazil would rather play in Moscow or St. Petesburgh than in a remote area with extreme conditions. It's normal to want to avoid long travels, high temperatures and humidity.

Of course it would be better to play in Moscow or st Petersburg than in Siberia, for instance,, but it would never become an issue and we would NEVER talk about this after a defeat. We'd talk about the team.

The same goes for refereeing. The ref fucked Brazil up against Holland in 2010 and I never saw a Brazilian blaming him for the defeat.

mongrel hawk wrote:

Formerly known as sheva7 wrote:

mongrel hawk wrote:

Formerly known as sheva7 wrote:English press are right when they say that Manaus shouldn't be a host city and that the pitch doesn't look good. Hodson was right when he said that he didn't want to play there. But saying that things in public is not a good idea. They will face another adversity, as the crowd will likely cheer against them.

I don't think they are right. It's a WC in Brazil, and the rain forest is part of our enviroment. Never saw a Brazilian crying things like that because of the snow-covered pitches in Russia. The English complain about everything. Every WC is the same shite.

The Germans will have a much worse path regarding the weather, and they are not complaining. That's why they are winners.

I don't know which russian cities will host the WC in 2018, but I'm sure Brazil would rather play in Moscow or St. Petesburgh than in a remote area with extreme conditions. It's normal to want to avoid long travels, high temperatures and humidity.

Of course it would be better to play in Moscow or st Petersburg than in Siberia, for instance,, but it would never become an issue and we would NEVER talk about this after a defeat. We'd talk about the team.

The same goes for refereeing. The ref fucked Brazil up against Holland in 2010 and I never saw a Brazilian blaming him for the defeat.

Before the draw Hodgson was honest and said that Manaus was the place to be avoided. I don't think that he is creating excuses for a loss.

Goal.com


The Three Lions' boss does not feel his side will need to conserve energy during their match in the rainforest and he refuted claims the team weren't happy with the host country

England coach Roy Hodgson has downplayed the impact the Manaus heat will have on his team against Italy on Saturday.

The Three Lions open their World Cup campaign deep in the world's largest tropical rain forest - the Amazon.

Steamy and humid conditions are expected and how both sides fare in the Group D clash could be crucial in their hopes of reaching the last 16.

"I don't think at this World Cup you will see a big difference in the way teams play due to conservation of energy," Hodgson told reporters.

"I'm not really expecting enormous changes.

"What we have to do is play our football and with the 14 players at our disposition, play the football we want to play."

Hodgson also rejected suggestions from England midfielder Jack Wilshere that his side could play a different brand of football due to the heat.

"It's always unfair to ask young players those questions [about different styles of play] because I'm sure he doesn't understand what answer he should be giving," he said.

"We are expecting our players to run around a lot and if I select Jack, I'll expect him to run around a lot.

"A lot has been spoken about Manaus and conservation of energy and heat. I think we just need to wait and see what Manaus brings.

"We'll concern ourselves then about how much conservation of energy will be necessary."

Hodgson also angrily rejected suggestions that England had complained about having to play in Manaus.

"It's not true that we complained about Manaus or Brazil. Quite the opposite really," he added.

"I think that nonsense should be put to bed right away. We would have been happy to play in any city we were drawn in.

"We are very much looking forward to play[ing] in the World Cup."



Too little to late to try to make amends with people from Manaus.

What if by some miracle England win or draw, and Hodgson still says it was freaking hot and humid and doesn't suit playing football? Isn't he just pointing out a fact rather than making an excuse?

South americans are always complaining (or pointing out a fact) about the height that they have to play at when going to Bolivia. Pretty much the same thing. Everyone gets on with it, but it's clear those that are used to it have an advantage. Are the Bolivians upset or they couldn't care less? The people from Manaus should stop being so sensitive. They have a shit climate for football, it's a fact.

The Russian world cup will be played in the summer, when the climate is moderate, and I am pretty sure everyone is complaining about playing in 40+C in Qatar, as they are talking about moving it to the winter. The Qatari's have accepted the climate is an issue and were planning air-conditioned stadiums, not bitching like a bunch of little girls/manausians.

Seems to me that Bolivia is a special case though. It does seem the English complain more about these sorts and sometimes I think it is fair enough but then I don't really notice other teams from similar climates complaining. Unless the English(or British) have a particularly hard time with certain climates I think this one holds up.

However I think it is more than fair to whine about poor stadiums and preparations. The hosts should try to make it the best possible conditions for the visitors and if certain areas in Brazil don't live up to those standards than tough break.

mongrel hawk wrote:

Kimbo wrote:

mongrel hawk wrote:

Formerly known as sheva7 wrote:English press are right when they say that Manaus shouldn't be a host city and that the pitch doesn't look good. Hodson was right when he said that he didn't want to play there. But saying that things in public is not a good idea. They will face another adversity, as the crowd will likely cheer against them.

I don't think they are right. It's a WC in Brazil, and the rain forest is part of our enviroment. Never saw a Brazilian crying things like that because of the snow-covered pitches in Russia. The English complain about everything. Every WC is the same shite.

The Germans will have a much worse path regarding the weather, and they are not complaining. That's why they are winners.

I'm pretty sure we've seen South Americans bitch about the weather in England. I still think we should have a mid-winter Northern European world cup, sort the men from the boys.  

South Americans bitch about the weather because it's shit for everyday life, not as an excuse for losing. We'd love to have a mid-winter WC. Brazil have won WCs in North America, South America, Europe and Asia. When Brazil lose, Brazilians blame only the team.  

On the other hand, I admire the English supporters and chants in the stadium. They really get behind the team no matter what and have wonderful songs, while Brazilian supporters often boo the players mercilessly, which is ridiculous. Last Friday Brazilians booed the team in their last friendly before the WC (Brazil 1 - 0 Servia). Can you believe that? If Brazil lose this WC, you may see the biggest booing of a host team ever in the history of football. I stopped going to Brazil matches because of this. I hate it.

When has there been a cold weather world cup?

Super Progress wrote:Seems to me that Bolivia is a special case though. It does seem the English complain more about these sorts and sometimes I think it is fair enough but then I don't really notice other teams from similar climates complaining. Unless the English(or British) have a particularly hard time with certain climates I think this one holds up.

However I think it is more than fair to whine about poor stadiums and preparations. The hosts should try to make it the best possible conditions for the visitors and if certain areas in Brazil don't live up to those standards than tough break.

Why is Bolivia any different? Both teams have to play under the same conditions, but one is more used to them than the other, hence there is an advantage.

How about playing against some Russian team on their plastic pitch in winter? Barcelona and Bayern Munich could still go there and win, but it is obviously more difficult than playing in conditions they are used to, and an advantage for the home team as they are more used to the conditions.

Also I remember plenty of complaints during the confederations cup, and the English were not there.

Here are some Spanish "excuses":
http://www.futaa.com/football/article/brazil-2014-spanish-star-wants-late-matches
http://www.totalbarca.com/2014/interviews/busquets-adapting-to-weather-is-crucial/
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/worldcup2014/article-2642537/Andres-Iniesta-warns-World-Cup-teams-intense-heat-humidity-Brazil.html

and Italian "excuses":
http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/263433.html
http://www.conmebol.com/en/content/italy-comes-battered-match-against-uruguay-third-place

Kimbo wrote:

mongrel hawk wrote:

Kimbo wrote:

mongrel hawk wrote:

Formerly known as sheva7 wrote:English press are right when they say that Manaus shouldn't be a host city and that the pitch doesn't look good. Hodson was right when he said that he didn't want to play there. But saying that things in public is not a good idea. They will face another adversity, as the crowd will likely cheer against them.

I don't think they are right. It's a WC in Brazil, and the rain forest is part of our enviroment. Never saw a Brazilian crying things like that because of the snow-covered pitches in Russia. The English complain about everything. Every WC is the same shite.

The Germans will have a much worse path regarding the weather, and they are not complaining. That's why they are winners.

I'm pretty sure we've seen South Americans bitch about the weather in England. I still think we should have a mid-winter Northern European world cup, sort the men from the boys.  

South Americans bitch about the weather because it's shit for everyday life, not as an excuse for losing. We'd love to have a mid-winter WC. Brazil have won WCs in North America, South America, Europe and Asia. When Brazil lose, Brazilians blame only the team.  

On the other hand, I admire the English supporters and chants in the stadium. They really get behind the team no matter what and have wonderful songs, while Brazilian supporters often boo the players mercilessly, which is ridiculous. Last Friday Brazilians booed the team in their last friendly before the WC (Brazil 1 - 0 Servia). Can you believe that? If Brazil lose this WC, you may see the biggest booing of a host team ever in the history of football. I stopped going to Brazil matches because of this. I hate it.

When has there been a cold weather world cup?

South Africa in 2010 was cold, so was Argentina in 78

Murray wrote:

Kimbo wrote:

mongrel hawk wrote:

Kimbo wrote:

mongrel hawk wrote:

Formerly known as sheva7 wrote:English press are right when they say that Manaus shouldn't be a host city and that the pitch doesn't look good. Hodson was right when he said that he didn't want to play there. But saying that things in public is not a good idea. They will face another adversity, as the crowd will likely cheer against them.

I don't think they are right. It's a WC in Brazil, and the rain forest is part of our enviroment. Never saw a Brazilian crying things like that because of the snow-covered pitches in Russia. The English complain about everything. Every WC is the same shite.

The Germans will have a much worse path regarding the weather, and they are not complaining. That's why they are winners.

I'm pretty sure we've seen South Americans bitch about the weather in England. I still think we should have a mid-winter Northern European world cup, sort the men from the boys.  

South Americans bitch about the weather because it's shit for everyday life, not as an excuse for losing. We'd love to have a mid-winter WC. Brazil have won WCs in North America, South America, Europe and Asia. When Brazil lose, Brazilians blame only the team.  

On the other hand, I admire the English supporters and chants in the stadium. They really get behind the team no matter what and have wonderful songs, while Brazilian supporters often boo the players mercilessly, which is ridiculous. Last Friday Brazilians booed the team in their last friendly before the WC (Brazil 1 - 0 Servia). Can you believe that? If Brazil lose this WC, you may see the biggest booing of a host team ever in the history of football. I stopped going to Brazil matches because of this. I hate it.

When has there been a cold weather world cup?

South Africa in 2010 was cold, so was Argentina in 78

I mean cold cold, not lukewarm.   

I don't understand how pointing out that a country which has had seven years to prepare for the biggest tournament in the world should have their shit together is making excuses. That pitch should be like a bowling green, flat and lush. The stadiums fair enough, perhaps a few licks of paint to complete before KO is acceptable given the logistics. How on earth do you fail to grow and tender the pitch in an area where huge swathes of forest have managed it. Mental.

Kimbo wrote:

mongrel hawk wrote:

Kimbo wrote:

mongrel hawk wrote:

Formerly known as sheva7 wrote:English press are right when they say that Manaus shouldn't be a host city and that the pitch doesn't look good. Hodson was right when he said that he didn't want to play there. But saying that things in public is not a good idea. They will face another adversity, as the crowd will likely cheer against them.

I don't think they are right. It's a WC in Brazil, and the rain forest is part of our enviroment. Never saw a Brazilian crying things like that because of the snow-covered pitches in Russia. The English complain about everything. Every WC is the same shite.

The Germans will have a much worse path regarding the weather, and they are not complaining. That's why they are winners.

I'm pretty sure we've seen South Americans bitch about the weather in England. I still think we should have a mid-winter Northern European world cup, sort the men from the boys.  

South Americans bitch about the weather because it's shit for everyday life, not as an excuse for losing. We'd love to have a mid-winter WC. Brazil have won WCs in North America, South America, Europe and Asia. When Brazil lose, Brazilians blame only the team.  

On the other hand, I admire the English supporters and chants in the stadium. They really get behind the team no matter what and have wonderful songs, while Brazilian supporters often boo the players mercilessly, which is ridiculous. Last Friday Brazilians booed the team in their last friendly before the WC (Brazil 1 - 0 Servia). Can you believe that? If Brazil lose this WC, you may see the biggest booing of a host team ever in the history of football. I stopped going to Brazil matches because of this. I hate it.

When has there been a cold weather world cup?

Argentina, Uruguay, Chile.

Isco Benny wrote:I don't  understand  how pointing out that a country which has had seven  years to prepare for the biggest tournament in the world should have their shit together is making excuses.  That pitch should be like a bowling  green,  flat and lush.  The stadiums fair enough,  perhaps a few licks of paint to complete before KO is acceptable given the logistics.  How on earth do you fail to grow and tender the pitch in an area where huge swathes of forest have managed it.  Mental.

Here you're right. The organisation of this WC is a joke.

But I'm not talking about this specifically. As far as I know, the English complain about the weather in WCs since they began to play in 1950. It seems to me they wish the world should have the London weather to suit them. Very imperialistic. Every WC is the same bitching. It's boring.

They whine just about anything, not just the weather. Can't help it.

mongrel hawk wrote:

Kimbo wrote:

mongrel hawk wrote:

Kimbo wrote:

mongrel hawk wrote:

Formerly known as sheva7 wrote:English press are right when they say that Manaus shouldn't be a host city and that the pitch doesn't look good. Hodson was right when he said that he didn't want to play there. But saying that things in public is not a good idea. They will face another adversity, as the crowd will likely cheer against them.

I don't think they are right. It's a WC in Brazil, and the rain forest is part of our enviroment. Never saw a Brazilian crying things like that because of the snow-covered pitches in Russia. The English complain about everything. Every WC is the same shite.

The Germans will have a much worse path regarding the weather, and they are not complaining. That's why they are winners.

I'm pretty sure we've seen South Americans bitch about the weather in England. I still think we should have a mid-winter Northern European world cup, sort the men from the boys.  

South Americans bitch about the weather because it's shit for everyday life, not as an excuse for losing. We'd love to have a mid-winter WC. Brazil have won WCs in North America, South America, Europe and Asia. When Brazil lose, Brazilians blame only the team.  

On the other hand, I admire the English supporters and chants in the stadium. They really get behind the team no matter what and have wonderful songs, while Brazilian supporters often boo the players mercilessly, which is ridiculous. Last Friday Brazilians booed the team in their last friendly before the WC (Brazil 1 - 0 Servia). Can you believe that? If Brazil lose this WC, you may see the biggest booing of a host team ever in the history of football. I stopped going to Brazil matches because of this. I hate it.

When has there been a cold weather world cup?

Argentina, Uruguay, Chile.

I don't think those meet my criteria, plus they were fucking ages ago.

Kimbo wrote:

mongrel hawk wrote:

Kimbo wrote:

mongrel hawk wrote:

Kimbo wrote:

mongrel hawk wrote:

Formerly known as sheva7 wrote:English press are right when they say that Manaus shouldn't be a host city and that the pitch doesn't look good. Hodson was right when he said that he didn't want to play there. But saying that things in public is not a good idea. They will face another adversity, as the crowd will likely cheer against them.

I don't think they are right. It's a WC in Brazil, and the rain forest is part of our enviroment. Never saw a Brazilian crying things like that because of the snow-covered pitches in Russia. The English complain about everything. Every WC is the same shite.

The Germans will have a much worse path regarding the weather, and they are not complaining. That's why they are winners.

I'm pretty sure we've seen South Americans bitch about the weather in England. I still think we should have a mid-winter Northern European world cup, sort the men from the boys.  

South Americans bitch about the weather because it's shit for everyday life, not as an excuse for losing. We'd love to have a mid-winter WC. Brazil have won WCs in North America, South America, Europe and Asia. When Brazil lose, Brazilians blame only the team.  

On the other hand, I admire the English supporters and chants in the stadium. They really get behind the team no matter what and have wonderful songs, while Brazilian supporters often boo the players mercilessly, which is ridiculous. Last Friday Brazilians booed the team in their last friendly before the WC (Brazil 1 - 0 Servia). Can you believe that? If Brazil lose this WC, you may see the biggest booing of a host team ever in the history of football. I stopped going to Brazil matches because of this. I hate it.

When has there been a cold weather world cup?

Argentina, Uruguay, Chile.

I don't think those meet my criteria, plus they were fucking ages ago.

Those World cups are as cold as it will ever be. There's no way they would ever play it in America or Canada in the middle of winter

We need one with snow, rain, muddy pitches, and wind!!!! This weather creates the best football.

I don't think it's that crazy to suggest that it's a daft area to play a football match. A few hundred million dollars spent to get the stadium built.. So it can be used for 4 games and then never again, because no Brazilian clubs will want it.. Which would suggest it's not the best place to put a stadium.. Which would suggest it was silly to build one.. Which would suggest the area was a poorly selected one.