Brazil world cup

[ajones]

This report from the BBC made me chuckle.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-27343057

Apparently, some scientists reckon England won't do well in Brazil since we historically don't perform when the matches are played in hot climates...

What are they smoking?

[Andy3536]

On the bright side we're leaving nothing to chance. We're making sure the England team have everything they need for the world cup in Brazil. Good excuses

[F2K8]

The England team gets announced tomorrow, Ashley Cole has retired from international duty, and rumors of Kyle Walker not making the squad (wonder who his replacement would be). As an Arsenal fan, I hope to see Oxlade and Wilshere on the plane, it would be disappointing if at least one of them don't make it to Brazil. I do think Brazil will win it though, which I don't mind in the slightest, Spain have been on the pedestal far too long.

[Spreadie]

Apparently, some scientists reckon England won't do well in Brazil since we historically don't perform when the matches are played against decent teams...

Edited for accuracy

[Top_gun]

I think this squad is a far better attacking side than the Euro one. Whether they progress to the next round remains to be seen but the experience would be good for some of the younger promising players like Barkley and Sterling.

However, I am concerned by the lack of quality of the central defenders and goal keeping cover if anything was to happen to Hart. Jagielka has just returned after a few months from injury. Chris Small and Phil Jones both had a poor season. Cahill had an excellent season though and should form a solid partnership with Jagielka. Such a shame John Stones hasn't been picked. He has all the attributes of a top class defender, experience aside.

[F2K8]

I think this squad is a far better attacking side than the Euro one. Whether they progress to the next round remains to be seen but the experience would be good for some of the younger promising players like Barkley and Sterling.

However, I am concerned by the lack of quality of the central defenders and goal keeping cover if anything was to happen to Hart. Jagielka has just returned after a few months from injury. Chris Small and Phil Jones both had a poor season. Cahill had an excellent season though and should form a solid partnership with Jagielka. Such a shame John Stones hasn't been picked. He has all the attributes of a top class defender, experience aside.

Forster is a great keeper, I reckon he'd be a great replacement for hart to be honest. Cahill had an awesome season, but I honestly think the lack of Walcott will show quite soon, his pace meant that the opposition had to keep a deeper line, allowing the midfield to move more freely, it's something Arsenal have missed this season, and Sterling has the opportunity to offer the same but I just can't see him doing the same job, I honestly think Oxlade Chamberlain provides more options than Sterling, but we'll just have to wait and see.

[Top_gun]

Forster is a great keeper, I reckon he'd be a great replacement for hart to be honest. Cahill had an awesome season, but I honestly think the lack of Walcott will show quite soon, his pace meant that the opposition had to keep a deeper line, allowing the midfield to move more freely, it's something Arsenal have missed this season, and Sterling has the opportunity to offer the same but I just can't see him doing the same job, I honestly think Oxlade Chamberlain provides more options than Sterling, but we'll just have to wait and see.

It's easy for Forster to be great in the SPL considering it's a one horse race there. Walcott is a good player but sometimes his final ball or decision making is not the greatest in the world. Sterling has lots of movement, have the ability to dribble through tight defences and play the right final ball. Furthermore, he'll link up well with Johnson. I like Oxlade-Chamberlain but has struggled with fitness.

I also think this England can a string a few passes and surprise a few people too.

[Macman]

England to get buggered in world cup and Brazil to win.

[Top_gun]

Brazil has a weak squad compared to their former legendary teams. Can't believe Jo has been selected. He's utter crap. They have a weaker defence compared to England's and a toothless midfield. I think Brazil will progress in the tournament due to home advantage and if they play as a unit. They won't win it though.

[opel80uk]

It's easy for Forster to be great in the SPL considering it's a one horse race there.

Just watch his performances in the CL over the past few seasons then. IMO, he is better than Hart. He'll prove it when he gets a big move. I remember people saying the same about Henrik Larsson, and look how well he done when he left. People who follow Scottish football know the players that are good SPL players, and those who can step it up. I'm certain Forster is one of them.

[Top_gun]

I was impressed with some of the passing by England. They didn't tried to treat the ball as a hot potato. Lots of triangles and give and go balls. Defensively, England was very suspect. Fortunately, Jones & Small are not first choice on the selection sheet.

Ben Foster did little to reconsider my opinion on goalkeeper back up options though I wouldn't blame for Foster for goals conceded.

Positives - Barkley and Oxade-Chamberlain.

Negatives - John Stones not going to the world cup. Poor defensively.

[Top_gun]

Oh my, who would have predicted the scoreline for the game between Holland and Spain last night. Spain is the better side on paper. I was really surprised by Spain's performance. Their passing was sloppy and lacked incisiveness. Tika-taka suddenly became Chicken Tikka. Pique and Ramos, both world class defenders, looked incredibly poor. I'd expect De Gea to make his appearance in the next match.

Hats off to Dutch, they worked hard, wanted it more and sublime finishing. Unlucky not to score more goals.

[Dareos]

Just watch his performances in the CL over the past few seasons then. IMO, he is better than Hart. He'll prove it when he gets a big move. I remember people saying the same about Henrik Larsson, and look how well he done when he left. People who follow Scottish football know the players that are good SPL players, and those who can step it up. I'm certain Forster is one of them.

Larsson was so good RVP paid tribute by copying his diving header, almost exactly

[OilSheikh]

Rooney is a over-hyped player. Couldn't shoot 3 easy goals yesterday!

[deejayburnout]

Since I don't like football I will not be watching it at all.

I might watch the final.

[TooNice]

I only watch football every 4 years. Is it my imagination or are more matches than usual won after the eventual winner started off one goal behind?