France moves on, the Portugese face Deutschland

So I have had 24 hours to digest the France victory over Portugal, sending Les Bleus to a sunday finals show down with the Azurri.

I will provide some thoughts on the finals later but for now I need to express some thoughts on yesterday's game.

The Good:

• France won
• Maniche, Deco and Figo really showed me something for Portugal, although I think that Maniche would be better served shooting less from 35 yards out. Figo was solid running up both flanks. Deco demonstrated that he is a great maestro, really controlling the tempo
  
• Thuram was rock solid, just like the World Cup semi finals 8 years ago he really dominated this semi final. While he did not score he was the rock that controlled the back, and thwarted numerous attacks from Portugal
• The referee, while I was fearful that we might see a match marred in Yellow and Red Cards, the Uruguayan ref was excellent, allowing the teams to play and more importantly did not fall for all the Portugese dives.
• Barthez, he had very little to do much of the tournament, but was called upon to step it up this game. He was solid with all the crosses the Portugese sent in, made some solid saves, and overall demonstated a calmness you need in a world cup level keeper.
• Zidane's penalty shot: the Master once again showed why he is such a world class player. Facing Ricardo, who can obviously stop PKs, Zidane cooly slotted home the shot. Ricardo seemed to know which side Zidane would go but was powerless against a powerful, well placed strike. Maybe Lampard and Gerrard should take some lessons.
  

The Bad:

• Pauleta, while he had 1 or 2 good turns, he was a complete non factor in this game. Granted he was going against Gallas and Thuram, but he really did not show anything.
• Abidal, he has been solid on the left flank. But he had two huge concentration lapses which the French were lucky not to get penalized for. One time on a goal kick played to him he just watched it go out of bounds for a Portugese throw in, the second time on a simple square pass he seemed absent minded allowing for another dangerous Portugese throw in. He still had some solid defensive work as well as good runs on the flank, but I expect more from a player of his talent.
• Carvalho, never been a fan of the Chelsea player. This game showed me again why, he is not good. He was beaten like a drum by Henry, before Carvalho brought him down. He then had a ridiculous foul on Wiltord. When I see how other central defenders play, then watch him, I wonder what Mourinho ever saw in him other than the portugese connection.

The Ugly:

• Portugese diving - Gallas was a genius in calling out the portugese "tactics" to the press, the refs, the Portugese, the ball boys and girls, etc. I think that the refs were well aware of the "style" of play of Portugal and did not allow it to taint the game. But it was a little ridiculous...there was the "tumble by Postiga" when he ran into Gallas but decided that it was clear that Gallas had "fouled" him. Ronaldo was flopping everywhere like a fish out of water. He "dove" in the penalty box when in reality he dove to try and head a cross, but when he could not reach it decided to make it resemble a french foul...drawing the loud complaints of Scolari and his bench. Portugal has too much talent to need to revert to similar tactics to get calls.
• Ronaldo, see the above, but he needs to be pointed out. He was boat loads of talent. He can run at defenses alone, can distribute, can shoot, can cross, can out pace most defenders...yet he is best known for whining and diving. He is better than that. I fear that this reputation will stay with him through out the remainder of his career. After his antics, or apparent antics during the England game, he better watch his back, especially at practice assuming he remains at Manchester United.
• Barthez's "save" on the Ronaldo shot....uh what was he doing? I realize the ball was knuckling. Having spent some time between the sticks myself, I understand that those shots are extremely difficult to handle, but usually can at least box the ball straight out...
• The portugese bench, what was that water bottle tossing, as well as Scolari supposedly ranting and raving against the French after the game. Maybe Scolari were doing their best Argentina imitation, post game ranting and raving.

Overall the game was not a masterpiece. The first 15 minutes were frantic, both sides looked like they were going for an early goal. After France scored they began to start playing more defensively. The French were picking up the Portugese deeper, not as high as they did against Spain and Brazil. Also, the midfielders did not play the second ball on offense, rather staying anchored at midfield. This was a risky strategy, rather than going for the knock out blow they allowed the Portugese to dictate the pace. Granted, had Henry's powerful shot at the start of the second half all this would have been moot.

I think two major aspects played into this French strategy. First, I think they were tired. France played two highly charged games against Spain and Brazil. They had a lot of football in the legs. But more importantly I think they were under a genuine fear of the yellow card suspension. With key players under the yellow card threat: Franck Ribery, Patrick Vieira, Zinedine Zidane, Louis Saha, Willy Sagnol and Lilian Thuram, I think France were a little more gaurded in their efforts. It was evident watching Vieira that the yellow card issue weighed heavily on his mind. In a late second half tackle, one that earlier in the tournament might have drawn a yellow card, Vieira sprang up with a look of fear that he was about to receive that feared yellow card. Fortunately the yellow card did not come out of the ref's pocket. Thuram, still played with unabandoned effort, but he is usually not in a position to receive yellow card.

What do I mean by that, players like Vieira are more at risk for a card since he is running all over the field, running at players who are turning, dribbling, changing directions. This makes a player of his style more prone to catching a player's ankles from behind, or having to chase down a player from behind. Others like Ribery are in similar situations due to their position in the midfield, but as a more offensive players they are also at risk of clumsy mistakes leading to cards. While central defenders such as Thuram, tend to have the ball and players in front of them.

The combination of some tired legs and fear of yellow card punishment, made the French game plan more timid than in previous games. I do not think this will be the same for Sunday. There is no more Yellow Card fear, and being tired is trumped by the enormity of the game. More on that topic later.

In the end I think the French deserved the victory, while they did not control the match as well as the previous two, they showed the signs of a champion, winning when you are not 100%.

Thank you Zidane....

Les Bleus in the finals...wow. Too exhausted to comment...plus I have my own futball match to go to.

For now all I will say is Merci les vieux, Merci Zidane.

One more victory! It will not be easy but it can be done.

Allez les BLEUS!!!!!!

One more for Berlin

We are within the 24 hours for the final team to be determined for the World Cup finals next Sunday. And of course one of those teams are my Les Bleus. I have tried not to think about this game too much, I cannot really handle the tension...then again this is a much better feeling than 4 years ago.

I think this game will be very tight (which game at this stage of the tournament is not?). I think that both teams have very strong midfields. The other day when I was watching the beginning of the Holland-Portugal game I realized, "wow the portugese midfield is stacked." Figo, Maniche, Ronaldo, Deco, and Costinha. Scolari has the perfect system set up. Maniche and Costinha are the midfield "destroyers." But with a twisted: Maniche can also push up and prove deadly in front of goal (just ask Holland). They then have Figo on a wing, while he is not the player he once was, he still had the touch and intelligence to create tremendous danger for the opposing defense. Ronaldo does the same from anywhere on the pitch. He is the young dribbler, he can break down any team with his pace and dribbling. Finally there is Deco, who really is the field manager. He slots in nicely in the middle of this midfield, distributing the ball, shooting, dribbling etc. When need be he can also drift further back and allow Maniche to push up more into an offensive role. This is the heart of the Portugese team. Pauleta is the perfect striker, he is not the fastest or deadliest striker of the ball, but he has great postioning and is a fabulous poacher. While he has not scored this tournament he played a vital role in Portugal's victory against Holland, laying off a great ball to Maniche. Portugal's back 4 can be suspect (although Miguel, the right back, has been tremendous for Portugal) but Ricardo is a big time goalkeeper.

Also, let us not forget that Portugal are not the pedigreelight team some might have you believe. Granted they have not always shone in the world cup, this is only their second semi final since 1966. But they have reached the semi-finals of the European cup in 1984, 2000 and to the finals in 2004. They have had great success in the youth tournaments, as well as on the club level. Unlike South Korea and Turkey from 2002, they are not in awe of being in the semi finals of the World Cup. And they still have Big Phil.

As for France. They will be playing their 5th world cup semi final, and this is the second semi final for many of these players. So they will not be intimidated. I also think that Germany losing today will play a role on the French psyche. The one team France fears remains Germany. After 1982 and 1986, France must feel snake bitten against their Eastern neighbor (I will refrain from diving into the
"other" small issues we have had over the centuries with Germany/Prussia). While I am sure no one would have discussed it, I am sure that if Germany had won today that somewhere in the back of all the French player's minds would have been a possible date in Berlin against Deutschland, distracting them from the monumental task they have in the semi finals. I think that Les Bleus will go into this game completely focused on Portugal, they know they can play them well. The defense (Sagnol, Thuram, Gallas, Abidal) and holding midfielders (Makelele and Vieira) are playing extremely well together, defending, covering, starting counter attacks, even flowing up into the attack (especially Vieira who has been a monster the past three games, and Sagnol who has demonstrated a desire to push up, ball at feet more than in the first round games). Zidane, is well the Master Zidane. Ribery and Malouda have been the spark plugs with their tireless work on the wings. Henry has scored, but he has yet to really put together a spurt like we are accustom to seeing him do for Arsenal...could this be the time?

Predictions: I think that the game will be very tight. I hope that our card happy referee imitates the game today and lets the players dictate the outcome, if so I think we could be in for a nerve racking game (Especially for me). I think Big Phil is a tactical genius, but his team was lucky to escape the penalty kick averse English, even down 10 players England was dangerous and Portugal had no real solution for the British defense. Additionally, Portugal have logged some hard minutes in those legs: asked to play down 2 men against Holland and the full extra time against England. I think France are clicking and will not take this opponent lightly. In a drawn out match we have a remake of the 2000 European Cup semi finals - France 2 Portugal 1.

My heart and mind tell me that France will win....but if they lose it will make my depression that much worse!

Oh yes, it is also transfer season

The latest rumor is that Chelsea will battle Real Madrid for the services of Arsenal full back Ashley Cole. This is great news for Arsenal...why you might ask?

Cole was not coming back to Arsenal, with Real and Chelsea rumored the past seasons for his services it was only a matter of time before he got his way. His past season injury gave Arsenal the need to find a replacement left back (Clichy was also hurt). Wenger was able to convert midfielder Flamini to left back, and the picked up Eboue during the transfer window. With Clichy back to full form, Flamini's versatilty, and Eboue, I would gladly see Arsenal sell Cole. I hope that both super clubs drive up his price, and that he ends up at Real Madrid....still don't want to have to face him at Chelsea.

Forza Italia

Italy avoids the dreaded penalties and beat host Germany 2-0. A deserved victory for the team that was the more offensive and dangerous all night. Italy had a 3-1 advantage on corner kicks, hit 2 posts, and overall looked the more aggressive team. The German run is over, but they had been playing with house money since they snuck past Argentina. I think the home crowd really played a factor in this run because, irregardless of what Marcela Balboa says, Germany remains an average team. I think their last two world cup runs have been fraudulent and not a true indication of where German football really is. They have some young players to build around, Odonkor is amazing, he is like Lennon for England or Ribery for France, wing players with loads of pace and skill. Podolski will only get better, but the German defense is very suspect.

As for Italy, they are the odds on favorites to lift the trophy next Sunday (it would be their fourth title, but first major title since 1982). I think the main reason is simply Buffon. He is the best keeper in the world right now, and with that defense in front of him rarely gets tested. When he does, he stops the shots. Lippi also has a solid rotation of forwards he can run at you, constantly testing your defense with fresh legs.

Italy has done a masterful job of putting the match fixing investigation behind them and pulled together as a team. Forza Italia.

Knot in my stomach

The 1/2 finals rapidly approach and I have a nasty knot in my stomach. And it just got worse reading the referee for the France-Portugal match, none other than Jorge Larrionda. For those of you not steeped in refereeing stats, and why should you be. This is the same person that refereed the Italy-USA game where he dispensed red cards like they were hot cakes. He is also the ref that gave Zidane a yellow card in the Korea game when he "nudged" the Korean defender. Why this makes me nervous is that there are many crucial players on both sides that are under threat of missing the next game if they get a yellow.

For Portugal: Maniche, Nuno Valente, Ricardo Carvalho, Ricardo and Luis Figo
For France: Franck Ribery, Patrick Vieira, Zinedine Zidane, Louis Saha, Willy Sagnol and Lilian Thuram

A frightening list of possible absentees. What really scares me is with Vieira's manner of playing he is at great risk during this game against a ref that has shown to be card happy (granted no where as bad as the ref that officiated the Portugal-Holland match) And with Portugal's propensity to dive, the cards might go flying....that knot gets tighter.....

The soap opera that is English football

I have started to recover from my emotions of yesterday and have started to refocus my attentions to the upcoming semi finals (I think both games will be beyond tense, all four teams know each other very well). But that is for another rant. This one is reserved for the soap opera that is English football. Today we received the news that David Beckham was stepping down as England captain, but still wanted to play for the three lions. Thus marks the end of a turbulent time for England.

When Alan Shearer retired from international football many wondered who would inherite the arm band, in stepped Becks. Much to the surprise of many an observer. Beckham was always seen as a bit of an impetuous player. World's of talent but not the best head on his shoulders, see his silly red card in the 1998 world cup. While many would critize Becks, I think that overall he was a good skipper for England. He never shyed away from the difficult questions. He demonstrated an ability to pull his team up, see the remarkable direct free kick goal against Greece in qualifiers. He stepped up in Euro 2004, providing service for the England goal against France. He missed a vital PK that game but never gave excuses, and still took (and missed) the first PK against Portugal in the 1/4 finals...did Lampard ever look like he even wanted to shoot during Saturday's PK round? Far from his best in this world cup he still had a hand in 3 key goals for England, much more than can be said for Lampard, Gerrard or Rooney. We might have seen the last of David Beckham at a World Cup, he will be 35 for the South African version, we might have seen the last of Becks in an England kit. But we cannot blame him or slam him for this tenure as England skipper. As a frenchman, it pains me, but I must tip my cap to his run. He did not bring glory to England, but that was not for lack of effort.

Now to who I think should be blamed for another sub par run in a major tournament - Sven. Mr Erickson rode into the England job with quite a reputation...not sure deserved: one great year at Lazio. He was suppose to bring another start to the 3 lions kit, or at least a European Championship. Instead he brought 3 straight 1/4 games - WC 2002, EC 2004 and WC 2006. This last run was the most perplexing. He picked a curious squad, one which would rely on many fortunate turns inorder to be effective. I know that Ledley King was injured, but he never really had a system in place for his midfield. Rather he put together the 4 "best" english midfielders without regard for thier individual strengths. Our good friends from ESPN stated that the English midfield might be the best in the world during their opening round game against Paraguay....maybe by name but not by system. With Lampard, Gerrard, Cole and Beckham starting who would be tasked with doing the dirty work or defending, tackling, and destroying the opposing team's midfield creativity? Supposed Gerrard was tasked with this....hmmmm curious. Just because he is a world class midfield for Liverpool, but he is that because of his vision and offensive talents, does not mean he can all of a sudden become a defensive genius. Not sure, but if Domenech asked Makelele to be the maestro and run the offensive not sure he could do it...but ask him to defend and he is world class. Last time I checked, I think the only midfielder that can play multiple roles at a world class level might be Essein from Ghana...Erickson allowed a disjointed midfield play together where there was not linkage between the backs and the attack.

Then there is the question of strikers - Owen, Rooney, Walcott, and Crouch. The first two, while both world class, were coming off major injuries. The fact that Rooney even played was a minor miracle. Walcott could not even get time with his club Arsenal, and Crouch...well Crouch to me is useless (although he did an admirable job as the solo striker against Portugal, much to my amazement). Not sure you should enter a tournament with your scoring hopes pinned on two players coming off major injuries, a teenager who has not even played agains Birmingham City let alone Portugal, and stork of a striker that has yet to prove he can be the next Alan Shearer. Once Owen left with another injury, Genius Sven was left with three...when Rooney was sent off he was down to two able bodied strikers. Not sure what England would have done had they gotten past Portugal. Started Crouch with Walcott to make his first potential cap in the World Cup semifinals????? I think Sven would have looked slighty more intelligent had he selected Emile Heskey for this team!

England must now rebuild and look to the Euros. Owen's career might be done with another injury. Beckham's england career might be over. Rooney, while incredibly talented, is also incredibly stupid. I know he is still young, but he is not young when it comes to professional football, he needs to show a little more intelligence before he will become the force that his destiny appears to allow him. Can England play with Gerrard and Lampard together in the midfield. They never looked comfortable together. Maybe because each is used to having midfield cover in the forms of Hamann and Riise for Gerrard and Makelele and Essien for Lampard, which allows them to create and play without too much care about back tracking to defend...something they cannot afford not to do for England. The one player whose stock rose, much to my surprise, was Owen Hargreaves. He was all over the place against Portugal, even in the extra time he was the only one, on either side, that appeared to want to play and run.

The saga that is English football remains. Once again the memories of 1966 grow in folklore. 40 years and counting is a difficult pill to swallow for the country that invented the game.

WOW WOW WOW

Once again Les Bleus come out with a masterful performance and move on to the semi finals. What can you say about this game....

The first 10 minutes looked like a Brazilian team that was motivated by all the pundits claiming they had not put it all together yet but they remained the favorites. Ronaldinho looked full of energy and seemed to want to prove that he was the greatest individual player in the world. Even the old gaurd: Ronaldo, Cafu, Carlos looked energized. But as the game progressed France began to assert their will on the game. Zidane appeared to have rolled the years back and showed a touch on the ball otherwise not seen for a few years. Makelele and Vieira once again destroyed any real creativity in the Brazilian midfield. As the first half worn on, it was apparent that Les Bleus were controlling the flow. All they needed was a goal to reward their efforts.

As the second half started I was nervous that France might get frustrated and allow Brazil more space, but I was rewarded by watching the French continue to press, continue to work the midfield, continue to control play. The 57th minute strike by Henry was masterful. It was also clear that Ribery, Zidane and Henry were giving the aged backs Cafu and Carlos all they could handle.

France was the logical team to advance, as Brazil never got it into gear this tournament. Ronaldo scored 3 goals but against inferiour opponentes, Ronaldinho looked nothing like the Barca star, Adriano was invisible, and the defense looked old and suspect. The best Brazilian might have been their keeper Dida, who made an amazing save against Ghana to preserve a 1-0 lead and then a great intervention against Ribery to preserve the slight hope for the world champions.

Overall thoughts:

• Henry and Ribery are clicking, this is scarey for France's future opponents. They both have worlds of pace and can beat any defense individually. The turn Ribery had against Cafu on the end line was clinical, he made Cafu look like an amateur (or an old man).
  
• I need to apologize to the master - Zidane. The last two games he has been masterful, seeming to get stronger as the competition continues. He is even beating defenses off the dribble, masterfully distributing, even back tracking for big tackles. The farewell tour continues. I will admit to having doubt his value to this team, but he is proving me wrong, shame on me.
  
• Brazil got caught up in their own hype. They insisted on playing the old guard - Roberto Carlos, Cafu, Ronaldo etc. They brought in the dangerous Cicinho late in the game for Cafu, I think that Cicinho should have been playing more, teams fear his pace and crossing ability much more than Cafu's veteran experience. I never got the sense that Brazil had a sense of urgencey in any of their games this tournament. I blame that on the coaches. While many of the talking heads kept saying "Brazil will turn it up a notch, they have too many gears, too much talent" The team on the field never did. Maybe it is a case of reaching the 3 last finals, winning 2 of them, that gave this team a sense of entitlement. Shame on them.
  

Now we need into an all European 1/2 finals....I am too emotionally spent right now for any further thoughts! ALLEZ LES BLEUS!!!!