Quote:
Originally Posted by Senator Clay Davis
Credit to Croatia showing heart and all, but....how is this any better than Spain? It's pretty much the same thing, nice control of midfield, but absolutely no incision to try and score.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Matty81
That's exactly the problem with the current penalty/handball landscape. Trying to judge intent, all kinds of ifs and buts.
Man this game needs a goal so bad. 0-0 games and teams bunkering like this are exactly why my hockey only friends rip on the sport.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nfotiu
Playing this way is the only way Croatia has a chance. Not a bad bet to try to take it to penalties with their goalkeeper.
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There's so much pressure on these games. I don't think Spain has an excuse, they have the talent but just choose a possession game. In this case of Croatia against Brazil, Croatia are just holding the ball to survive. I'm not sure they have any other choice because of skill level. They're not as good so going forward would just be suicide, especially early. You don't want the game to get out of hand like the Koreans did, although they weren't even skilled enough to hold the ball and survive.
Using an NFL analogy, you want to score with no time left. Goal #1 is to not let the game get blown out and Goal #2 is to sneak a later winner if possible. Otherwise it goes to penalties. Because there is a defined ending, teams can play for it. I wish soccer would go to indefinite overtime, then teams like Croatia would have to gamble at some point or else they'll just tire out.