World Cup: Breakdown of the contenders!
The semis are almost here, so here is my breakdown of the teams still in it.
GERMANY
Best player: Philip Lahm
Before this World Cup, how many of you have even heard of Philip Lahm? No one? Count me in that list. Lahm has given Germany an unexpected attacking option (from leftback), and his performace has been such that even money-bags Chelsea are now interested in him. He has been nothing short of sensational.
Worst player: Micheal Ballack
After the last World Cup in Asia, Ballack became a mega-star. After this World Cup, his star will be greatly dimmed. Yes I know he is carrying an injury, but he is the man that was supposed to make Germany click. Thus far, he hasn't done that. Disappointing!
Weakness: That defence
Without doubt, Germany greatest weakness is that defence. For that, I blame the coach. They are such a attacking team that the defence are usually without cover from midfield. I think they should remember that since 1986, only teams with a strong defence has managed to win the World Cup.
ITALY
Best player: Defence
Actually, its' Players because that defence has been rock solid. Italy has let in one goal in the whole competition and that was an own goal! It might not be that exciting but it works. Even if you managed to past the defence, Buffon is there in goal to greet you. You can't beat them if you can't score them and it's very hard to score againest them!
Worst player: Totti
This is the World Cup where Totti finally make good on his early promise as a footballer. Has he done that? NO! Totti has been so bad that Lippi actually dropped the golden boy in the game againest Australia. Yes, he says that Totti was dropped because he was tired. Now how many of you believe that?
Weakness: Attack
I am not convice about the attack of Italy. The highest scorer for Italy is Toni with a grand total of 2 goals. And with Totti's poor form, that is just not good enough!
PORTUGAL
Best player: Deco
The Barc play-maker has been great. While all the early attention has been on Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo, Deco has quietly played himself into the books as Portugal most important player thus far. Just see how they missed him againest England!
Worst player: Pauleta
Yes, he give Portugal good movement upfront but condisering that midfield of theirs, Pauleta should be scoring goals by the hatful. Basically, Pauleta is not in the same class as Figo and co. With a better striker, Portugal would be in a much better position to win the whole thing.
Weakness: Attack
They played againest 10 men England for an hour and could not score. One wonders how they will cope againest say a 11 men Italy or France. Not well I think.
FRANCE
Best player: Patrick Vieira
Henry may be scoring, Zidane may have found a second wind but Vieira winning the ball for them to work their magic. It's no surprise that the last 2 games are France's best because Vieira has been great in them.
Worst player: Sylvain Wiltord
I'm sorry but I expected better from Wiltord. He has been dropped (and rightfully so) due to poor performances but he is a much better player than he has shown thus far. Like Totti, a player in poor form!
Weakness: Age
France is the oldest team left in the World Cup and I wonder if that will work againest them. Zidane, Vieira and Thuram are all 30 and above, and France do not have anyone on the bench to replace them. In extra-time, old legs are tired legs and that will work againest them.
GERMANY
Best player: Philip Lahm
Before this World Cup, how many of you have even heard of Philip Lahm? No one? Count me in that list. Lahm has given Germany an unexpected attacking option (from leftback), and his performace has been such that even money-bags Chelsea are now interested in him. He has been nothing short of sensational.
Worst player: Micheal Ballack
After the last World Cup in Asia, Ballack became a mega-star. After this World Cup, his star will be greatly dimmed. Yes I know he is carrying an injury, but he is the man that was supposed to make Germany click. Thus far, he hasn't done that. Disappointing!
Weakness: That defence
Without doubt, Germany greatest weakness is that defence. For that, I blame the coach. They are such a attacking team that the defence are usually without cover from midfield. I think they should remember that since 1986, only teams with a strong defence has managed to win the World Cup.
ITALY
Best player: Defence
Actually, its' Players because that defence has been rock solid. Italy has let in one goal in the whole competition and that was an own goal! It might not be that exciting but it works. Even if you managed to past the defence, Buffon is there in goal to greet you. You can't beat them if you can't score them and it's very hard to score againest them!
Worst player: Totti
This is the World Cup where Totti finally make good on his early promise as a footballer. Has he done that? NO! Totti has been so bad that Lippi actually dropped the golden boy in the game againest Australia. Yes, he says that Totti was dropped because he was tired. Now how many of you believe that?
Weakness: Attack
I am not convice about the attack of Italy. The highest scorer for Italy is Toni with a grand total of 2 goals. And with Totti's poor form, that is just not good enough!
PORTUGAL
Best player: Deco
The Barc play-maker has been great. While all the early attention has been on Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo, Deco has quietly played himself into the books as Portugal most important player thus far. Just see how they missed him againest England!
Worst player: Pauleta
Yes, he give Portugal good movement upfront but condisering that midfield of theirs, Pauleta should be scoring goals by the hatful. Basically, Pauleta is not in the same class as Figo and co. With a better striker, Portugal would be in a much better position to win the whole thing.
Weakness: Attack
They played againest 10 men England for an hour and could not score. One wonders how they will cope againest say a 11 men Italy or France. Not well I think.
FRANCE
Best player: Patrick Vieira
Henry may be scoring, Zidane may have found a second wind but Vieira winning the ball for them to work their magic. It's no surprise that the last 2 games are France's best because Vieira has been great in them.
Worst player: Sylvain Wiltord
I'm sorry but I expected better from Wiltord. He has been dropped (and rightfully so) due to poor performances but he is a much better player than he has shown thus far. Like Totti, a player in poor form!
Weakness: Age
France is the oldest team left in the World Cup and I wonder if that will work againest them. Zidane, Vieira and Thuram are all 30 and above, and France do not have anyone on the bench to replace them. In extra-time, old legs are tired legs and that will work againest them.
posted by Ghost @ 8:00 AM
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