I'm sure Germany will play better in the knock out stages but a disorganised unbalanced defence isn't down to performance and it can't just be fixed overnight. The lack of pace and leadership back there is alarming. Realistically Portugal beat themselves against Germany. They couldn't get the ball out to Ronaldo who was gliding past Boateng and Mertasacker into great positions as though the two of them had never heard of him and once Pepe got back regular service the game was over. Last night showed where they are over all and it was not great.
Argentina do seem to be playing in second gear, I'd even call for Demicheles to come in at the back. Yeah. I know.
Di Maria has been in and out an looks like he needs a few days off, I'd say he'll get it now that they're already through. Messi looks like a guy coming back after a long lay off and so does Aguerro. The madest thing about them though has been the fact that a few times their lack of a real deep sitting play maker in midfield has meant that Mascherano has had to pass the ball forward. Yeah i know right ? he did okay against Bosnia and Gago made a difference in there but they could do with a real like for like replacement for Requelme.
When i was talking earlier about national identity in football it was really great to get the real versions of African nations back. Nigeria did get lucky but their goal was just all about raw power and the Ivory Coast looked solid and right now Algeria are going for the African motherload by trowing away a three goal lead.
As far as the similarities between Bosnia and Ireland go, they played actual football and were desperately unlucky in both games. We can't say that about our last trip to a finals and it's sad but true that we'd be delighted to say it about the next euros. We're at our best when we're bemoaning our rotten luck or weather.
I wonder will Thierry Henry manage another embarassed quip about his handball skills before the end of the tournament.
The cunt.
