World Cup Qualifiers + Friendlies | November 2017

[Ralaks]

You just know Arter will turn to his greatest asset: diving/rolling around from a little touch to create their biggest chances.. Sweet jesus, he was annoying last match.. and he even has a very sympathic background.. Deserves a Gravesen/Tøfting treatment

Thought it was obvious that Martin O'Neill's only tactic was getting within freekick distance and falling down easy. Effective and predictable, but almost impossible to counter, which is what makes it so effective. If Tony Pulis made national teams. At least we try to play ball.

Starting to become nervous now, can't get the match out of my mind

 

[James Peril]

Well done Sweden. That being said an awful game to watch. Sweden defended heroically. If they had shown more ambition on the ball they could have killed the tie off. Really hope they can play better with the ball at the W.C. Italy are a shambles. Their class players Buffon, Barzagli, Bonucci and Chiellini are all ageing. Huge rebuild job if the players are there.

What? As a semi-neutral viewer, it was the most exciting 0-0 in years. Sweden did produce something in the first half and could/should have had a penalty for it, which could have sealed the tie. They also had counters in the second half, which is what happens when the other team gets desperate.

It’s incredible how people try to talk lesser teams down, when the differences are so big. Sweden didn’t have to show more ambition, they had the lead and opening up/charging with more men would only increase the chance of losing their defensive balance.

Italy are not particularly good at attacking, but they are always good at defending. So what tactic so you use against then when leading 1-0 from the first tie? Simples.

 

[SCP]

Maybe Belgium or Portugal make the semi's, but I have a hard time seeing them beating Brazil or Germany in knockout game.

Can't speak for Belgium, regarding Portugal, at best we will reach the last 8, most probably the last 16, but if the manager doesn't select the players in best shape for the competition instead of choosing players based in loyalty, not surprised if again we don't even get out of the group stage.

 

[Loke]

'Bunch of fecking cnuts' I think he says

Is that lustig? Clearly picked it up over here. Quite common to hear that actually.

 

[poleglass red]

Thought it was obvious that Martin O'Neill's only tactic was getting within freekick distance and falling down easy. Effective and predictable, but almost impossible to counter, which is what makes it so effective. If Tony Pulis made national teams. At least we try to play ball.

Starting to become nervous now, can't get the match out of my mind

Denmark try and play ball, really?. Did you watch the first leg. All Denmark did was play the long diagonal every time. Played right into Ireland's strength with Duffy so strong in the air. Denmark were the home team in the 1st leg, the onus was on them to attack. We aren't a great team, we know that, but I was very surprised by how poor Denmark were. I haven't seen a lot of them, in fact nothing at all, they surely don't play that long diagonal play every game, do they? .
To be honest, you keep the ball on the deck and pass it, our 2 lads at the back could struggle, but sending long balls into them, they'll be happy enough with that

 

[Zebs]

Denmark try and play ball, really?. Did you watch the first leg. All Denmark did was play the long diagonal every time. Played right into Ireland's strength with Duffy so strong in the air. Denmark were the home team in the 1st leg, the onus was on them to attack. We aren't a great team, we know that, but I was very surprised by how poor Denmark were. I haven't seen a lot of them, in fact nothing at all, they surely don't play that long diagonal play every game, do they? .
To be honest, you keep the ball on the deck and pass it, our 2 lads at the back could struggle, but sending long balls into them, they'll be happy enough with that

Indeed, the only difference was that they played it to a midfielder or full back who then played the long ball. We just got Randolph to do it

 

[Ralaks]

Denmark try and play ball, really?. Did you watch the first leg. All Denmark did was play the long diagonal every time. Played right into Ireland's strength with Duffy so strong in the air. Denmark were the home team in the 1st leg, the onus was on them to attack. We aren't a great team, we know that, but I was very surprised by how poor Denmark were. I haven't seen a lot of them, in fact nothing at all, they surely don't play that long diagonal play every game, do they? .
To be honest, you keep the ball on the deck and pass it, our 2 lads at the back could struggle, but sending long balls into them, they'll be happy enough with that

We do (usually). We just really struggle against teams who play like you guys did Saturday I think. I tend to prefer us against more open attacking outfits than tight defensive ones. Delaney and Kvist are not good passers and tend to take a million touches before passing it sideways or back (LvG syndrome) if they are not pressed, but ultimately I still believe our aim is to take the game to the opponent rather than the other way around, see the game against Poland for example.

 

[K2K]

Belgium, an African nation?

Would be great but very unlikely though.

 

[Denis79]

Always easy to have a go at us smaller nations when just watching us two times/year at most. It's arrogance at it's best.

That is true, I watched Sweden against the Dutch and the two games against Italy. I'm not arrogant when I say my opinion that Sweden type of football reminds me of the anti-football Greece can play at times. I'm not Italian so I'm not biased, I don't even like the Italian national team tbh.

Sweden deserved to go through because Italy were poor not because Sweden were good. In all honesty the football Sweden showed in both games and against the Dutch isn't football that will make them a favorite underdog among the neutrals. I'm starting to understand the people on here that say they rather see United play "beautiful" football over winning at any cost.

Hopefully Sweden will play some nice football in the WC like they did in 1994 but if this is the gameplan against "tougher" opposition I really hope they get hammered badly for footballs sake.

Either way, congratulations and good luck in the WC Sweden.

 

[izec]

Another vote for Denmark. Sorry guys, nothing personal

 

[Gusjaros]

That is true, I watched Sweden against the Dutch and the two games against Italy. I'm not arrogant when I say my opinion that Sweden type of football reminds me of the anti-football Greece can play at times. I'm not Italian so I'm not biased, I don't even like the Italian national team tbh.

Sweden deserved to go through because Italy were poor not because Sweden were good. In all honesty the football Sweden showed in both games and against the Dutch isn't football that will make them a favorite underdog among the neutrals. I'm starting to understand the people on here that say they rather see United play "beautiful" football over winning at any cost.

Hopefully Sweden will play some nice football in the WC like they did in 1994 but if this is the gameplan against "tougher" opposition I really hope they get hammered badly for footballs sake.

Either way, congratulations and good luck in the WC Sweden.

Take a look at goals scored in the UEFA WC Qualifiers. Sweden ended up at a shared fifth spot with England. Meanwhile Greece scored just 17 goals. How you can compare Sweden with Greece is beyond me.

Goals produced
1. Germany: 43
1. Belgium: 43
2. Spain: 36
3. Portugal: 32
4. Poland: 28
5. England: 26
5. Sweden: 26

 

[::sonny::]

The most loser player ever

 

[MemphisDepay]

Take a look at goals scored in the UEFA WC Qualifiers. Sweden ended up at a shared fifth spot with England. Meanwhile Greece scored just 17 goals. How you can compare Sweden with Greece is beyond me.

Goals produced
1. Germany: 43
1. Belgium: 43
2. Spain: 36
3. Portugal: 32
4. Poland: 28
5. England: 26
5. Sweden: 26

This is misleading though as obviously Ireland are the most exciting team even though I haven’t watched all their games.

 

[el3mel]

The most loser player ever

Man what an idiotic tweet.

 

[Zebs]

This is misleading though as obviously Ireland are the most exciting team even though I haven’t watched all their games.

 

[James Peril]

A game between two countries nobody cares about in the big scheme of things, but I guess I would like to see Eriksen in the WC.

 

[diarm]

Denmark played horrendous football at the weekend. At least we tend to save that shite for our away games and (normally) will look to actually play some ball at home.

The Danes had the 1st, 2nd and 3rd best player on the pitch in Eriksen but they hoofed more ball than we did!

3-0 tonight in a glorious display of attacking football from the boys in green!

 

[McGrathsipan]

Denmark played horrendous football at the weekend. At least we tend to save that shite for our away games and (normally) will look to actually play some ball at home.

The Danes had the 1st, 2nd and 3rd best player on the pitch in Eriksen but they hoofed more ball than we did!

3-0 tonight in a glorious display of attacking football from the boys in green!

You must have been on the sauce since 11am!!

 

[Zebs]

 

[Santi_Mesut_Alexis_87]

No i like them, they're good people(except Berg, who should be punted into the Sun), it's just that the Irish fans are a delight. Now more than ever, i want them in Russia

Sweden were heroic yesterday, i wish them well in Russia(except Berg, who should be punted into the Sun)

I was kidding because our last games against Denmark and Sweden have been a nightmare

 

[limerickcitykid]

Sorry Johnny Ireland. They’re dire as feck to watch.

Yea long balls to Mr. Dogshite Cornelius is the pinnacle of football.

 

[MemphisDepay]

Yea long balls to Mr. Dogshite Cornelius is the pinnacle of football.

Still more exciting than Ireland though.

 

[Lyricist]

The most loser player ever

Why so wound up? It's the same joke that everyone else in Germany has made and is not meant to rub it in or meant offensively in the slightest. It's less like "haha", but more like "phew".
It's practically a hidden sign of respect because we are scared shitless to meet you in a big competition. You're kidding yourself if you think he'd do this for any other nation.

 

[Hansa]

Nothing against the Irish, but I'd rather watch Christian Eriksen at the World Cup instead of James McClean.

 

[Treble]

Take a look at goals scored in the UEFA WC Qualifiers. Sweden ended up at a shared fifth spot with England. Meanwhile Greece scored just 17 goals. How you can compare Sweden with Greece is beyond me.

Goals produced
1. Germany: 43
1. Belgium: 43
2. Spain: 36
3. Portugal: 32
4. Poland: 28
5. England: 26
5. Sweden: 26

Didn't Sweden score 7-8 goals in one game?

 

[Denis79]

Take a look at goals scored in the UEFA WC Qualifiers. Sweden ended up at a shared fifth spot with England. Meanwhile Greece scored just 17 goals. How you can compare Sweden with Greece is beyond me.

Goals produced
1. Germany: 43
1. Belgium: 43
2. Spain: 36
3. Portugal: 32
4. Poland: 28
5. England: 26
5. Sweden: 26

Scoring 8 vs Luxembourgh in a game (30% of their goals) etc doesnt give a fair view of the football played. My point was if they play a "technical" side they play anti-football and well in the WC 90% of the teams that are qualified are "technical". The gameplan is to destroy the game completely with physical play and 10 men in the box, hoofing balls to a lone striker, reminds me of Greece. Last night game was a great result for Sweden but their football was terrible to watch, same as in Stockholm or their game vs Holland, sad part is it works. Greece even won the euros with anti-football. As a football fan I want teams like that to fail, not because I dislike Sweden or Greece but because I want that kind of football to be punished.

 

[Moonred]

Man what an idiotic tweet.

Not the worst. If anything, it shows the respect Germany has for Italy when it comes to World Cups history.

 

[Catt]

We're not very easy on the eye, are we.

 

[poleglass red]

Nothing against the Irish, but I'd rather watch Christian Eriksen at the World Cup instead of James McClean.

well if they continue to play long diagonal balls into the box, then you won't see much of him even if they do reach Russia.

 

[Hansa]

We're not very easy on the eye, are we.

Watch the U-21s instead. Mostly one-way traffic against Ireland.

 

[NieThePiet]

Nigeria winning 4:2 against Argentinia after losing 2:0 after 36 minutes.

Iheanacho with 1 goal and 2 assists, Iwobi with 2 goals.

Argentinias starting eleven was quite good.

 

[Rory 7]

I have to be honest, I've never been so nervous before an Ireland game as I am right now. Feck me. Its the hope that kills you.

 

[Paul_Scholes18]

Scoring 8 vs Luxembourgh in a game (30% of their goals) etc doesnt give a fair view of the football played. My point was if they play a "technical" side they play anti-football and well in the WC 90% of the teams that are qualified are "technical". The gameplan is to destroy the game completely with physical play and 10 men in the box, hoofing balls to a lone striker, reminds me of Greece. Last night game was a great result for Sweden but their football was terrible to watch, same as in Stockholm or their game vs Holland, sad part is it works. Greece even won the euros with anti-football. As a football fan I want teams like that to fail, not because I dislike Sweden or Greece but because I want that kind of football to be punished.

Totally disagree. Take away goals against the weakest teams and most teams get less goals. Didn't England score a lot against Malta? We play quite good football in my view. The main defensive game was now against Italy and second game against Holland. We did get the 0-0 against Italy so hard to say it was a poor way. Against Holland we got a bit too negative not even trying to get pasted France even if Holland would unlikely score 7. Before that we have played good football. More attacking than teams like Switzerland, Croatia, Greeece, Iceland and Ireland no doubt. Similar to England. Also teams like Portugal are hardly more attcking and mostly score more due to having better players.

 

[lsd]

Same starting line up as first leg shocking to be honest .still Dunphy and Brady are going to be fun to watch now

 

[Zebs]

Same starting line up as first leg shocking to be honest .still Dunphy and Brady are going to be fun to watch now

Meylers in

 

[Cal?]

Nothing against Ireland, but Denmark is one of my favourite countries, so go Denmark!

 

[Denis79]

Totally disagree. Take away goals against the weakest teams and most teams get less goals. Didn't England score a lot against Malta? We play quite good football in my view. The main defensive game was now against Italy and second game against Holland. We did get the 0-0 against Italy so hard to say it was a poor way. Against Holland we got a bit too negative not even trying to get pasted France even if Holland would unlikely score 7. Before that we have played good football. More attacking than teams like Switzerland, Croatia, Greeece, Iceland and Ireland no doubt. Similar to England. Also teams like Portugal are hardly more attcking and mostly score more due to having better players.

Sweden destroyed the football in both games vs Italy and the one against the Dutch, which are their last 3 games? Horrible football to watch but it does the job. Feck me against Holland the swedish players started stalling in the 30th minute? It even resulted in a yellow card, 30th minute!

If you think that's good entertaining football for the neutral we have to agree to disagree.

 

[poleglass red]

very disappointed with that team Ireland announced, I wanted to see us have a go form the start. Don't see it with that team. Murphy won't stretch them. I see what he's doing, he wants to keep it tight early doors. I personally wanted to see Wes and Long both start. No doubt they will make an appearance later on in game, I just hope by that point we haven't left it too late.

 

[Denis79]

very disappointed with that team Ireland announced, I wanted to see us have a go form the start. Don't see it with that team. Murphy won't stretch them. I see what he's doing, he wants to keep it tight early doors. I personally wanted to see Wes and Long both start. No doubt they will make an appearance later on in game, I just hope by that point we haven't left it too late.

Important not to concede.

 

[Paul_Scholes18]

Sweden destroyed the football in both games vs Italy and the one against the Dutch, which are their last 3 games? Horrible football to watch but it does the job.

If you think that's good entertaining football for the neutral we have to agree to disagree.

Italy was the main reason the game turned so defensive. Even a goal down they played very defensive football.
Against the dutch we just played on the result yes.

Nope the games against Italy was no great games for the neutral. In world cup qualifiers most teams play on the result. We are no difference and it would be stupid to attack like crazy against Italy particular when they played risk minimizing football even being a goal down.

In my view few crazy attacking national teams exist. I guess you would maybe want a Klopp team or something to get that. Think Germany is the most attacking you will get when it comes to national teams and even them often play on the results.