We could do with that boy Pavard.
International Friendlies May/June
- Thread starter Samid
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In the latest episode of the United Hour Podcast, Nik (@Rood) is joined by CEO Duncan Drasdo and Financial Director Andy Green from the Manchester United Supporters Trust for a special episode on all things behind the scenes at Old Trafford including a brief history of MUST and their aims today, views on INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe so far, and the Old Trafford regeneration.
I’ve always thought friendlys whatever that means, are a waste of time especially in this day and age. Growing up in the 50s and 60s, when there weren’t as many games and tournaments around they were a bit welcome.
Unless there are 3 points at stake, or a passage into the next round of a cup, I’m not really interested.
Not seen a United “friendly” since around 1965 and when we have one, couldn’t care less whether we win or lose.
England “friendlys” are unwatchable to me.
Unless there are 3 points at stake, or a passage into the next round of a cup, I’m not really interested.
Not seen a United “friendly” since around 1965 and when we have one, couldn’t care less whether we win or lose.
England “friendlys” are unwatchable to me.
No clue, I don't follow the women. Just not a fan of female sports, no offense ladies.
Nice gif!They are not a waste of time. How else would national teams get their match fitness levels up before tournaments and try new formations and give a broad range of players players a chance to prove themselves? They are not about the results but are important.
CTPM marcello
I can see all CONMEBOL teams qualifying for the last 16.
How did Spain and France play?
Spain: I heard Tunisia did resist very well, had some chances and offered them the goal in the last minutes but Spain weren't really at 100%.
France Well: poor. Boring. Uninspiring.
- The team had something like 80% of the possession, they only played in USA's side but it was such a poor attack: players playing in turn, everyone doing his little thing on his side, trying to dribble and everything. Unable to create, develop any fluent attack (not surprising when your n10 is Griezmann and your midfield: Matuidi/Pogba). It was like there was no offensive system: only spontaneous and individuality. Allegri's Juve..
Luckily, Pavard (assist), Hernandez, and Fekir brought some speed, a game less stereotypical. They were more collective, released the ball in 1/2 touches...
- Pogba was good. The best player for L'équipe. He showed some good stuffs.
- Giroud had some head injury. It should be ok. Hope so, he is the only 9 so...
- In defense: well they actually succeeded to concede a goal and could have conceded 2 so... that's an achievement. Mendy and Sidibe are a little bit in danger. Umtiti- Varane partnership would probably work some day.
I think that's it. But tbh it's not alarming. They should make it through.
Not really. It’s not a great German side and there aren’t any stars. Of course Germany has never been about stars, I cannot see this German team winning as they have weaknesses all over the pitch.
They'll probably still make it to the semi-final at least though. I'm not concerned about France, maybe I'm overly optimistic but they rarely impress on their way to a competition, they struggle in the group stages but if/when they make it out, they build up their momentum and become a very dangerous team. I don't see them winning it though, it's either Brazil, Spain, or Germany IMO.
Cheers mate. France has got so many talents, but Deschamps can't use them well.
Might be better for England to finish second in the group and potentially face Germany in the quarter's rather than Brazil. We'd be huge underdogs in both but I'd fancy our chances more against the Germans. Having said that, we'll now probably go out in the second round.
Why would you think so? We always struggle against Germany, even when we were good. I actually think we have more of a chance against Brazil than Germany but we will probably lose to either.
You're english and you support Germany??
How do you determine stars? Instagram followers?
Sounds strangely familiar.
Germany won the world cup 2014 with almost the same players as now. Only few changes like
-fit Marco Reus
-Werner replacing a 36 year old Klose
-Having a proper left back with Hector (2014 Höwedes Player left back)
-And Kimmich who is doing a great Job replacing lahm.
Dont see any weaknesses in this Team in my opinion.
Questions about defensive stability have to be asked, especially because Schweinsteiger (who you have conveniently forgotten) has not been replaced at all.
Isnt Muller half the player he used to be? Isnt Gotze even more anonymous that he was then? Schweinsteigher used to be their talisman and isnt there. Is Boateng and their defence as strong was back then? Klose at any age was supreme for the national team. Werner has to prove himself. I have them as joint favorites due to their cohesion and balance. However it's not this ridiculous 11 that is alarmingly good in every area.
Müller has been doing well (again) this season, Götze didn't play a lot in 2014 and stayed at home this time, if anything a fit Reus should be an upgrade on him. I will forever respect Klose for his NT career, but in 2014 he was hardly a dominant factor, only scored two goals against teams like Ghana and Brazil. Defensive stability is definitely the big question mark that has to be taken very seriously and thus I see Germany as a favourite, but not really as the favourite.
People also overestimate the 2014 team a bit in hindsight, especially the defensive quality, Neuer had to put in a lot of work to win the WC
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Is Neuer fit?
If not, how big a dropoff is the next keeper?
If not, how big a dropoff is the next keeper?
He started in their last game against Saudi Arabia.
Physically he's fit. Mentally/match fitness is another question though. He didn't play at all for Bayern the past couple of months. Ter Stegen is a good replacement if it doesn't work out and Löw reacts fast enough, not just in terms of individual quality but also style. He's Barca's goal keeper, you might have seen him in the CL.
Can understand your thoughts about the defense but i think Kroos stepped up a lot since 2014 in Terms of defense and is kinda replacing BFS in that leader role. Probably not as good as peak Bastian but our defense is still more than fine. Imo Hector is more like the Point where other Teams could have an advantage against us.
Götze isnt even in the Squad.
Müller had a class season after ancelotti left for Bayern and Scored 8 Goals and got 13 asissts playing as a winger. I read a lot of people saying that Müller isnt on form but thats actually wrong. He also Likes to Score at the world Cup .(10 Goals in 2 world Cups) Lets See what is he doing this year.
Werner has played two really good seasons for Leipzig and is also doing well for germany so i dont get that Point He needs to prove himself.
Neuer,Boateng,Hummels are still top class players, dont get that point tho.
Its not like i am saying we are going to win again but we dont need to hide ourselfes against other top sides Like spain or France.
And they struggled at the Euro with that same team too...
- the offensive problem seems not resolved: they still have a lot of difficulties to be dangerous, kill the game.
- The few Bayern games I've watched this season, Muller was poor and it was the hardest ones: Final against Francfort, 2 games against RM or 1st against Sevilla. The PSG games weren't his best neither. So not sure how ready he is.
- Werner is not a proven 9. He could do a Milik.
For The defense:
- Khedira is also a weakness. He is not at the level of Kroos and Ozil.
- The Boateng - Hummels is not that solid, impressive anymore. Even in the passing, I saw them being uncomfortable. Hector is "fine".
- Neuer is a questionable...
While I agree with the sentiment that Germany has lost a bit compared to 2014, I think you criticism is a bit too harsh. Besides LB and Khedira there is no weak part in the starting XI.
We lost Schweinsteiger, Lahm and Klose. Three of the most important player Germany has ever had. Also Mertesacker left. We "won" a decent LB, a very talented Werner and Kimmich. While it's impossible to replace Lahm, Kimmich is doing a great job especially in the offense. Our midfield is still world class, no matter who starts. Kroos, Gündogan, Khedira and even Goretzka. With Reus now being able to play we have another "weapon" we didn't have before. Overall I think we are weaker in the defense (Lahm being superior to Kimmich) but gained strength in the offense (Kimmich being superior to Lahm, Werner is potentially better than Klose). We are not better than 2014, nor are we weaker. It's just a different German squad. Could win it again, could drop out early. Who knows.
What offensive problem? Germany scored 4.3 goals on average during WCQ.
Austria v Brazil on atm.
Austria look well organised.
Austria look well organised.
Not sure i would have Brazil as favourites for this World Cup. Just don't see it personally.
That is a bit inflated by the Fifteen goals they scored against San Marino over two games.
Jesus looked about 4 yards off there
Obviously, but the qualifiers are a joke for every big nation.
Lloris costing France again yesterday I see. Big problem for them and Spurs, he’s a big name but just very, very average. A bit nonchalant with mistakes in him, not a good combo.
That's a conversation for another day but I do think that they should be pre-qualifiers.
The likes of San Marino and Gibraltar have no business facing the likes of Germany and Spain.
Why not?
Yeah, I'm really impressed by Pavard and Lucas, they both show character and composure. I wouldn't mind seeing them start over Sidibé and Mendy.
I just think they really, really struggle against a disciplined defence. And i know you could say that about most, but i really think you can frustrate this Brazil team. That and the pressure and expectations on them could be their undoing imo. Despite what the say, i still think they're going to be haunted by the last World Cup and i think that could have a big impact on them if they come up against a team that parks the bus. Not sure if they'd be able to keep their heads and have the patience to unlock it.
Could be TOTALLY wrong here of course. I hope i am 'cause i like Brazil. There's a certain magic and aura about them.
I think they will pull through rather easily. All inferior teams to Brazil will play defensive against them.
Brazil leading 1-0 against Austria. Scored by Gabriel Jesus. Feck me! Who is going to stop Brazil in the World Cup?! They are unstoppable.