The 2012 UEFA European Championship - Poland/Ukraine - The Thread!

[d_phaneuf]

Originally Posted by troutman

I disagree - the quality of teams around the world is higher now than it was in the 1950s to 1970s.

Surely, the fitness of players today is at a much higher level too.

I think the quality all around is better, but select teams were better then

the fitness is obvious, it's the same as putting Crosby today back in the 80's

have to judge versus norms of the time

[NBC]

Originally Posted by troutman

I disagree - the quality of teams around the world is higher now than it was in the 1950s to 1970s.

Surely, the fitness of players today is at a much higher level too.

I'd definitely agree with the fitness statement, but not the first part.

[joe_mullen]

Originally Posted by diane_phaneuf

Don't think the Spanish would get all the possession, and the one thing they have always lacked is an elite striker (unless you count Torres from 08 even though the rest of the side is better now)

I think in 10 years this is going to be looked back on as a time when they were first among mediocre, the Germans are too young, Brazil was too old at the last WC, England/France/Dutch had huge issues

there was no great team they had to go against and prove their worth

With regards to the lack of elite striker, you are surely forgetting David Villa, no? Torres, IMO, has always been overrated. But Villa was pure class. He's Spain's all time leading goal scorer for a reason.