Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperMatt18
Honestly people have not been giving the smaller teams in this tournament enough credit.
The tournament is not like it was 20 years ago, all the teams here have world class players and coaches which makes for a much closer playing field.
Honestly I think Spain had a weakness exposed when Inter beat Barcelona in the Champions League.
Barca and Spain are very similar in team make up (many of the same players) and formation and Inter exposed how to beat the Spanish.
Drop 8 men back, let them pass the ball around in the middle 3rd but protect your box and the final 3rd of the field. When you get the chance pound long balls and counter attack with speed.
Not the "beautiful" football that all the pundits enjoy to watch but you play the style that gives you the best chance to win the game.
|
I don't think that it is a matter of not giving smaller teams enough credit - it is merely emphasizing that the stronger teams should win.
I am also not sure I would classify the Swiss as "small". They did not allow a single in WC 2006 holding France 0-0 and beating Togo and S. Korea 2-0 before falling in penalties to Ukraine (0-0, 3-0). Their youth teams have had recent success as well. I really don't think anybody would overlook them as it was always in their sights to qualify for the round of 16 at least.
Compare that to the Norks or Kiwis - both have surpassed all expectations so far. The Norks by scoring a goal - against Brazil no less and the Kiwis for scoring a goal and getting a point. Neither of these teams were given enough credit.