[WC] QF : Brasil vs France -> France through

Saturday 9PM local time

Brasil 0-1 France

I like France in this one to be honest. I still think that Brazil are playing a really stupid system. They're playing Ronaldinho as a midfielder when he's really a forward and they have Kaka shoved off to the right instead of playing right behind the strikers in the center where he is most effective. I also think that the old guard will be very motivated for this game and I believe that they will give Brazil a very hard time and probably win it.

I expect a close game if France can play like they have vs Spain.

Brazil will have 12 players if you count that ronaldo takes up the space of two players :biglaugh:

In seriousness, Ronaldo is confident again. IMO he is the most lethal player in the game when he plays with confidence. I think this one might be a shootout, and my money is on Brasil.

I have a feeling that France might outplay Brazil, but Brazil will better capitalize on their opportunities and win the match.

I think Brazil finally pays for there stagnant performances defending and lose with Henry unleashing a deuce

Vive la France.

Brazil are fine and all, but it's aboot ******* time someone else wins that trinket.

I think France wins this one. They have what it takes to slow down the Brazillian offence, and they have the finishing to do what Ghana couldn't (score on their many chances). Brazil's defence just won't be able to handle a worldclass offence, and their offence won't be able to make up for their defence.

France Wins. Brazil can't contain Henry, Zidane, Ribery etc.

Should be a fantastic game. France played very well against Spain and if they do that against Brazil they should do very well. All the matchups should be very interesting to watch. I think Zidane will be a huge factor and I think he'll get Henry some good chances. I can honestly see France winning this one something like 2-1. Brazil has been good, but considering the hype they haven't shown me enough not to mention there are injury concerns. France, for an "old" team, has only gotten better as the tournament progressed. I think this will be the best game of the quaters.

Btw- Great to have a soccer/football board. :bow: :clap: I didn't post much in the other threads before because they were too convaluted. Great to see this now.

France has Zidane, France will win! Zidane has been good but not great in the tournament so far. Now, it is probably THE game of the tournament for them and Zidane will win it for the French! Well, I hope!

ALLEZ LES BLEUS!

France have no chance.

Brazil aren't the best team in the world for no reason. I can't believe so many are backing the French. It just aint gonna happen.

Come on Brazil!

as ugly as he is, Ribery is a wizard with the ball. I hope France takes this as my dream of France vs. England could be realized.

France Wins. Brazil can't contain Henry, Zidane, Ribery etc.


Those three haven't lit up anybody in the tournament so far.

The real key is Ronaldo. If he's truly back to his old self, than look out. But Brazil has so much depth that i can't see France hold up.

4-1 Brazil... you better believe fat Ronnie hasn't forgotten the 1998 debacle. and in fairness I'm expecting terrific games from Kaka and Ronaldinho.

4-1 Brazil... you better believe fat Ronnie hasn't forgotten the 1998 debacle. and in fairness I'm expecting terrific games from Kaka and Ronaldinho.

With Ronaldinho playing so out of position, I think we will look back and view him as the disappointment of this WC.

And considering that Brazil have scored 3 against Ghana, 2 against Australia, 3 against Japan (with their 2nd team), and 1 against Croatia, what makes you think they'll score 4 against a defense that is vastly superior to the defense of the other teams on that list.

I think that if any team can take on Brazil, it's France. I'm really pulling for the French in this one. On the other hand, I don't think we've seen the real Brazil yet, simply because they didn't have to play like the real Brazil against previous opponents. That's a scary thought.

Well... I hope that whoever wins this game will win the World Cup !!! Brazil and France are among my favorites teams for sure... it's unfortunate they are playing each other now... I would have like to have another final between the two teams...

Kaka' should play in the middle like FlyHigh pointed out... but anyway he might not even play as of now... he's questionnable for the game against France.

All I want is beautiful football ! ! !

*I like both teams but I think Brazil is the one who has the better chance to beat a German team as strong as they are right now. (I think German will make it to the final)... Therefore, I kind of hope that Brazil will beat France !

Joga Bonito !

France is in trouble, Parreira has finally grown a brain and he's gonna use his best lineup :

Brazil dropped striker Adriano and brought in midfielder Juninho for Saturday's World Cup quarter-final against France.

Ronaldinho moves into the attack to partner Ronaldo, giving him a similar role to the one he performs with his club Barcelona.

Juninho will play alongside Ze Roberto, Kaka and Gilberto Silva, who replaces Emerson from the team which started the second round tie against Ghana.

Junhino... Ouch!

Maybe Domenech will get himself a brain as well and put Trezeguet.

Junhino... Ouch!

Maybe Domenech will get himself a brain as well and put Trezeguet.

I think that Domenech and Perreira have half a brain between them and it looks like Perreira has use of it, so I wouldn't hold my breath.

So, let's see if Ronaldinho wakes up..

Bad news for Brazil: Emerson out with a knee injury. Kaka not 100% with a knee problem as well.

Good news for Brazil: Adriano out, Ronaldo as lone striker.

France wins!

Zizou gave an amazing performance. :bow:

One of the best games of the World Cup, imo. Or maybe I've been watching too many England games.

Zinedine Zidane.... :speechles

Almost flawless performance by France. They have no weakness and know how to win.

My favourites to win it all. I actually even bet on them winning this game!

Thanks France for the money!

Vive L'Europe! Vive la France!

Zidane was amazing today and Viera/Makalele keeps chewing up the opponents midfield.

Would anyone (particularly Evilo) agree with me when I say I think Ribery thrives in the pressure situations? He turned it on big second half of last season when he was OM's go-to guy, and after a quiet start to the WC he's turning in stud performances in the knockouts. Impressive.

I'm very happy for France and Evilo. I hope Zidane gets to another final, and decides to come back for one year, back in Ligue 1.

What can I say?
:bow: to Domenech
I was wrong, he was right, and that's why he's the coach and I'm just a fan.
He was right when he said all the team preparation was targeted for the knockout stage.

Zizou was amazing, and Vieira was once again HUGE.
The D was great, Gallas dominated Ronaldo.

Malouda was once again invisible offensively, but boy did he and Ribery work defensively.

Ribery was good, once again not as his top level, but good enough to be one of the best players on the pitch.

The ref was good I thought. He made a few mistakes, but nothing major.

I'm just amazed by France's performance. They completely dominated the midfield and were perfect defensively as usual.

So much for the all star team. Ronaldinho was awful all tournament.

Now onto Portugal. I think we're favourites now though, so we have to be very careful. We're usually not that great when we're favourites.

50/50 right now.

Great job by France, congrats to them. Now PLEASE kick Portugal's arse. France vs. Germany/Italy is definitely a final I can live with.

What can I say?
:bow: to Domenech
I was wrong, he was right, and that's why he's the coach and I'm just a fan.
He was right when he said all the team preparation was targeted for the knockout stage.



I partially agree with you. Domenech is definitely better than I gave him credit for so I'll eat humble pie on that one, but I think the major difference in this team has been Vieira. He started out really slowly, but he's been exceptional for the last 3 games and he and Makalele have just taken over the midfield.

It might be a bit early for comparisons, but this defense and midfield almost reminds of 1998. I think the team has only allowed 2 goals. The weird one to South Korea and the Villa penalty which was a pretty harsh call. If Zizou keeps playing well and Henry plays a bit better, (he was good today, but he has more in him) France have a decent shot at the tournament. I think Vieira and Makalele will be able to handle Deco in the midfield and Abidal and Sagnol are very good at the fullback positions.

Brazil were just about the biggest disappointment in international football ever.

And the reason is obvious: no Denílson, no World Cup final. :D

France's Defense is scary good. Brazil didn't get a sniff of the net before the 90th minute.

Why was Robinho put in so late? Injury?

Ronaldo was crap, Ronaldinho was crappier and Kaka was the worst. Brazil's not a team, it's a bunch of really talented individuals who can win games by a simple piece of great skill. Didn't work today.

France-Portugal? Hard to say. Portugal looked piss poor today but their maestro wasn't on the pitch. I still think that this game is 50/50.

I don't see anybody beating Germany in this tournament though.

Great to see the arrogant Brazilians get handed their lunch and England sent home once again.

I'm just amazed by France's performance. They completely dominated the midfield and were perfect defensively as usual.
I never thought I would've said this, but France is my favourite team of this tournament.

Zidane > Ronaldinho

I'm rooting for France and Germany.

Zidane and Viera absolutely sublime today. What class.

wow..

germans should be careful who to call arrogant. Actually, Europeans, especially from the big 3 (Germany, England and France) should never be allowed to utter the word arrogant if they are not talking about themself

Im not sure how good France really is. Its way too early to make them favorites. Barely made it out of arguably the easiest group in the tournament, did well against Spain, but today they didnt impress me. Zidane and the defense played well..but they are obviously extremely impotent up front. Henry scored a fluke of a goal where the brazilian marking is below juniorlevel. It was also clearly offside and should have been disallowed. Brazil played a terrible game and France beat them the only way they could hope to do so. By keeping 10 players behind the ball and scoring on a fluky set pieces. Id be extremely surprised if they went on to win the tournament. Portugal managed to beat England which plays just like France. They have a good chance to beat Germany if they reach the finals, but Italy is even better at playing defense than France

All in all i have to say that the way football is developing at the moment, i would not be surprised to see a huge portion of the fanbase leave for others sports. Watching golf is way more exciting than one and a half hour of 10 men behind the ball playing for 0-0 draws. This tournament has been a huge disapointment. Theres no way around that

No fan of France, but I was very glad to see them pull this off. THe media gushed over Brazil all tournament (even when they didn't play great) and declared them champions even before the teams took the pitch in game 1.

Brazil played a terrible game, but the goal never should have counted. It was offisde on Makelele who interfered with the play and it should have been disallowed.

Maybe this will make JOGA **** about brazil already.

France alllll the way!

Why was Robinho put in so late? Injury?He was coming off an injury, but actually was the only Brazilian (together with Kaka) showing good running in this tournament.
Parreira was stupid leaving him out from the start and even moronic waiting so much before using him.

Ronaldo was crap, Ronaldinho was crappier and Kaka was the worst. Kaka was playing on an injury.

it's a bunch of really talented individuals who can win games by a simple piece of great skill. Didn't work today.Aside from coaching mistakes and difficulties to form a real team, the main problems fro Brazilians all tournament long was: not good enough legs.
In soccer if you don't run you are not going anywhere...

Haha, I am so glad that Brazil was eliminated, and this french team looks like it is a possible worldchamp but let us not get ahead of ourselves. This game was great though, France played almost perfect, Zidane was magical to watch tonight... wow! Haha I really thought before the tournament that France had a big chance winning it but changed my mind during their games in the groupstage, I appreciate that they have changed my mind again (well they did that in the game against Spain but reinforced it in this one).

Glad to see that Ribery is doing so well, didn't know so much about him before since I don't watch french football very much but I saw him on some friendly before the tournament and really liked what I saw, glad the rest of the world gets to see it aswell. He is a freaking fighter, when he goes down he doesn't fake an injury like the rest of the footballworld (read mostly Portugal...), he runs like h*ll and doesn't back away, I really like the way he plays the game.

I never thought I would've said this, but France is my favourite team of this tournament.

Zidane > Ronaldinho

I'm rooting for France and Germany.

Let's not go nuts here, I was one of the big Zizou backers even when everyone was calling for his head in the first two games of the tourney but saying that he is better then Ronaldinho when Ronaldinho is playing out of position is a tad much

wow..

germans should be careful who to call arrogant. Actually, Europeans, especially from the big 3 (Germany, England and France) should never be allowed to utter the word arrogant if they are not talking about themself

Im not sure how good France really is. Its way too early to make them favorites. Barely made it out of arguably the easiest group in the tournament, did well against Spain, but today they didnt impress me. Zidane and the defense played well..but they are obviously extremely impotent up front. Henry scored a fluke of a goal where the brazilian marking is below juniorlevel. It was also clearly offside and should have been disallowed. Brazil played a terrible game and France beat them the only way they could hope to do so. By keeping 10 players behind the ball and scoring on a fluky set pieces. Id be extremely surprised if they went on to win the tournament. Portugal managed to beat England which plays just like France. They have a good chance to beat Germany if they reach the finals, but Italy is even better at playing defense than France

All in all i have to say that the way football is developing at the moment, i would not be surprised to see a huge portion of the fanbase leave for others sports. Watching golf is way more exciting than one and a half hour of 10 men behind the ball playing for 0-0 draws. This tournament has been a huge disapointment. Theres no way around thatAre you just bitter that France won? Cause youre sure making a good job at downgrading their game. France has the personnel to score a lot of goals. Earlier in the tournament Domenech had the team on a leash but as the tournament went on we saw a team with more chemistry and great creativity in their play. Stop hating. ;)

Most Portuguse people after Portugal won here in Tornto wanted to face Brazil in the semi's. I told everyone I knew that Brazil would not win this year and Roberto Carlos remarks at the beginning of the round of 16 stating that Brazil was a given for the finals were insulting and cocky and im glad the little **** lost. Will see the French on Wednesday, hope for a great match.

Maybe Pauleta will wake up as he seems to dominate the French league, we could use a goal or two by him against the French ;)

Brazil are deservedly out of the tournament. Despite scoring some goals, they have not impressed me all tournament (and the 3-0 scoreline against Ghana was incredibly flattering to Brazil). Besides Barthez (who was quite shacky IMHO), France looked terrific against Brazil. The fact that Brazil couldn't score against a shaky goaltender says everything you need to know about Brazil at this world cup.

wow..

germans should be careful who to call arrogant. Actually, Europeans, especially from the big 3 (Germany, England and France) should never be allowed to utter the word arrogant if they are not talking about themself

Im not sure how good France really is. Its way too early to make them favorites. Barely made it out of arguably the easiest group in the tournament, did well against Spain, but today they didnt impress me. Zidane and the defense played well..but they are obviously extremely impotent up front. Henry scored a fluke of a goal where the brazilian marking is below juniorlevel. It was also clearly offside and should have been disallowed. Brazil played a terrible game and France beat them the only way they could hope to do so. By keeping 10 players behind the ball and scoring on a fluky set pieces. Id be extremely surprised if they went on to win the tournament.

I'm not sure why we are arrogant for beating Brazil...:help:

They didn't just "do well" against Spain. They beat them fair and square.
Today they were impressive defensively and in midfield.
The goal was good and valid.
And you might notice that France had more scoring opportunities than Brazil, so your argument doesn't hold water.

the arrogant comment was refering to PepNCheese stating how glad he was that the arrogant brazilians were "handed their lunch" with a german flag in his avatar

im by no means bitter. sure, i always like the best team to advance and therefor i was hoping for brazil but as i said, they were below normal so im not heartbroken or anything. France created 1 chance (the goal) and brazil created 0 if you take away Ronaldos dive to set up the last minute free kick in good position, so its true that France had more scoring opportunities. The goal still should have been disallowed, but im not expecting a french guy to realize it so dont worry. Clearly offside. France has the players up front to score a lot of goals, but they never do. Im a big Henry fan but on the national team he just cant get it done (much like Ronaldinho).

As i said earlier, im more angry about the overall play this tournament than anything else. How can both quarterfinals yesterday in a World Cup be sleeping medicine (Portugal-England more so than France-Brazil but still)? Its all about 10 men behind the ball waiting for that fluky chance off a set pieces or a good bounce. You might as well just skip the first 120 minutes and go straight to penalties. Its no more bingo than the real game these days.

Zizou was magnificent .He is the reason why France are playing so well.Its a joy to watch him play .Ribery looked impressive as well for a kid hardly giving the ball away.

As for the Brazilians the squad only woke up in the last 10 minutes to run with the ball at last.They have played a European style for too long.Time like Argentina have to go back to their traditional neat passing game dribbling & flair.

Les Bleus sucess is not due to Domenech.He didnt even choose this squad.Its the older players who are pulling the strings. Its their effort & growing belief which is rubbing on the younger players that is the reason.

France created 1 chance (the goal) and brazil created 0 if you take away Ronaldos dive to set up the last minute free kick in good position, so its true that France had more scoring opportunities.
Vieira's head went just wide with Dida beaten.
Dida made a very nice save on Ribery sprinting.
Ribery put Lucio in his pocket and crossed, Juan almost scored in his own net.

I guess they just don't count the same way in Norway... :dunno:


The goal still should have been disallowed, but im not expecting a french guy to realize it so dont worry. Clearly offside.
Henry was onside, easily, and Makele was not interfering.
Blame the brazilian D, but certainly not the ref.
The german TV threw plenty of replays to show the awful defending, but they didn't call any offside, and there was Meier on the broadcast.


Im a big Henry fan but on the national team he just cant get it done (much like Ronaldinho).

Yeah, he didn't get it done in 98 and 00.
Nor did Ronnie in 02...

Erh... wait....

Let's not go nuts here, I was one of the big Zizou backers even when everyone was calling for his head in the first two games of the tourney but saying that he is better then Ronaldinho when Ronaldinho is playing out of position is a tad much
I know. I was talking about today more than anything else.

by chances i mean big scoring chances. I compare Vieras header to Ronaldos in the first half. Yeah, it could have been a goal if the finisher made a very very good play. You can also argue that every time a player on your team is within 35 yards of the opponents goal, you have a chance. All you have to do is copy Frings in the opening game. Those french attempts in the end are more a result of Brazil playing with one defender than great french offensive play. So yes, France had something like one major scoring chance in the game which should have been a goal and it was. Brazil had zero

Both the french players offside were interfering, but ofcourse Makelele more so of the two. Clearly jumping for the ball, creating a duel thus forcing Dida to stay on the goal line. That being said, Brazil defended themself like a second tier junior team.

What Ronaldinho and Henry did 4, 6 and 8 years ago wont help them today. With that being said, neither of them were very impressive in those tournaments you mention either. Defense, Zidane and Thuram won 98 and Ronaldo won 02. I lost the semis and the final in 00 because of a vacation to Malaysia so i cant really jugde Henrys effort then.

My tip of France winning the WC's before the WC's started looks good.

Ronaldo, Adriano were totally invisible. The team just lacked ANY spark.

by chances i mean big scoring chances. I compare Vieras header to Ronaldos in the first half. Yeah, it could have been a goal if the finisher made a very very good play. You can also argue that every time a player on your team is within 35 yards of the opponents goal, you have a chance. All you have to do is copy Frings in the opening game. Those french attempts in the end are more a result of Brazil playing with one defender than great french offensive play. So yes, France had something like one major scoring chance in the game which should have been a goal and it was. Brazil had zero


Vieira's header went just a few inches wide. I don't know you don't consider it a chance.
Ribery's chance was stopped on DIva's dive, otherwise, it was a goal.
Again, that was a chance.
Juan's deflection was like 20 centimeters out of the net. :dunno:

As for Ronnie and Henry, you're the one that stated they don't do muwh with their NT.
That's not true. Ronnie played like crap this tournament and Henry is under average, but that dosn't erase their past.
Henry was the reason France qualified BTW with that goal in Ireland.

Well, im talking about today. Not 1 year ago, not 4 years ago and definatly not 8 years ago. This is the World Cup, the biggest stage of all. You would expect that the 2 best players in the world actually came to play. Henry and Ronaldinho on their national team is in this tournament far below the average you see for Arsenal and Barcelona. Nothing more or less. Get it?

Well, im talking about today. Not 1 year ago, not 4 years ago and definatly not 8 years ago. This is the World Cup, the biggest stage of all. You would expect that the 2 best players in the world actually came to play. Henry and Ronaldinho on their national team is in this tournament far below the average you see for Arsenal and Barcelona. Nothing more or less. Get it?

This is what you wrote :

Im a big Henry fan but on the national team he just cant get it done (much like Ronaldinho).

Get it?

I'm glad Brasil is out.

Just like in 2002 they almost got to the finals without any effort and it's just incredible, everything seems to go their way. In 2002 they lost from Belgium but the ref decided otherwise.

This year they have played some poor football and they almost got to the semi's again, no it's good they are out. Besides the Brasilians got a little arrogant too.

As for France, everything seems to be well organized. It's still not really good but they are through and that's what counts. It will be a 50/50 game against Portugal who again showed how annoying they are, yesterday. Players are rolling on the ground without even being touched. That goalie has a head to dislike as well. The Ducth have Van Bommel and Robben but they have too many to mention. I hope France wins.

My statement was ambiguous. Henry has never impressed on the national team. The same goes for Ronaldinho. Now im not talking about friendlies against San Marino or Bangladesh but games that matter. You obviously feel otherwise. Fine. Henry can score just as many goals in one game for Arsenal as in 7 games in a tournament. And all premiership teams are better than Togo and Saudi Arabia.

Henry on Arsenal is 3 times the Henry on a normal day for France. This tournament, Arsenal Henry is 4 times the Henry on France. Im still right anyway

Henry has never impressed on the national team. The same goes for Ronaldinho. Now im not talking about friendlies against San Marino or Bangladesh but games that matter. You obviously feel otherwise. Fine. Henry can score just as many goals in one game for Arsenal as in 7 games in a tournament. And all premiership teams are better than Togo and Saudi Arabia.

Henry on Arsenal is 3 times the Henry on a normal day for France. This tournament, Arsenal Henry is 4 times the Henry on France. Im still right anyway
Great you feel you're right.
So I guess him in Euro 00 and WC 98 was just a guy facing San Marino.
Same for that decisive goal in Ireland.

You're indeed very right.

Ronaldinho was very, very good in 2002. Not as good as he's been for Barcelona, but still. One of the best players in the tournament along with Kahn, Rivaldo and Ronaldo.

Very happy for France to win, Zidane was magic again, i'm cheering for him to bow out as a world champion, he sure deserves it.

France played a very good team game, Vieira and Makelele were awesome in the middle and Ribery was dangerous all night. I am however somewhat worried about Henry. At times (admitedly, later in the game) he looked like Ronaldo, slow and stationary. Maybe he was tired or it was my perception, but he can and should play better. Also, can't say i understand why Trezeguet doesn't get a chance, he was pretty good for Juve this season.

Brazil again played the same as all the other games this tournament where they snuck through againts weak opposition. No team game, solo attempts and general lack of movement and play of their "magic quartet".

Cheering for Zizou, go France!!

Also, can't say i understand why Trezeguet doesn't get a chance, he was pretty good for Juve this season.

Same here. Any word on that, Evilo?

in the knockout stages of WC98 and Euro2000, Henry managed to score once combined. In the semi of Euro2000 vs Portugal

Thuram had more goals than Henry in the same games. I bet Henry would manage more than 1 goal had he played San Marino 7 times. The story goes beyond the stats obviously, but what Henry does best for France when it matters is standing offside. Both in the past and the present

Same here. Any word on that, Evilo?

My main problem with Domenech.
But France playing counter attack, I guess Trezeguet is expandable.
Not my reasonning though.

in the knockout stages of WC98 and Euro2000, Henry managed to score once combined. In the semi of Euro2000 vs Portugal

Thuram had more goals than Henry in the same games. I bet Henry would manage more than 1 goal had he played San Marino 7 times. The story goes beyond the stats obviously, but what Henry does best for France when it matters is standing offside. Both in the past and the present

Henry scored 3 goals in WC98 as a teenager, and he was the best striker of Euro 00.
Add to this the fact he qualified France with his big goal against Ireland AND the fact he has 36 goals with the NT, 5 shy of record setter Michel Platini, you should get the picture.

Henry scored 3 goals in WC98 as a teenager, and he was the best striker of Euro 00.
Add to this the fact he qualified France with his big goal against Ireland AND the fact he has 36 goals with the NT, 5 shy of record setter Michel Platini, you should get the picture.

That should silence the haters. People are forgetting that this is the world cup and not the regular season where Ronaldhino and Henry can do whatever they want against some crappy teams. They are playing against the best in the world from each countries. Some people here are just discrediting the other players too much for me here.

The reason for not playing Trezeguet with Henry is probably that it changes the balance of the team too much. It is hard playing with two balance players in a four player midfield.

But it is a bold move, especially since the only group stage game France looked good in had both forwards playing. But the last two games have shown that when the midfield bothers to work hard (unlike the first two games) this team is excellently balanced even with one forward.

I'm glad Brasil is out.

Just like in 2002 they almost got to the finals without any effort and it's just incredible, everything seems to go their way. In 2002 they lost from Belgium but the ref decided otherwise.

This year they have played some poor football and they almost got to the semi's again, no it's good they are out. Besides the Brasilians got a little arrogant too.


Poor old Wilmots.There was absolutely nothing wrong with the goal.Not to mention the dubious penatly v Turkey. FIFA ......

Ali Daei has 102 goals on the international level

i guess that means that Daei >>> Henry

Ali Daei has 102 goals on the international level

i guess that means that Daei >>> Henry

No need to point you that Daei doesn't face the same teams as Henry?
Platini was facing european teams.

Maybe you're doubting Platini's talent?

No need to point you that Daei doesn't face the same teams as Henry?
Platini was facing european teams.

Maybe you're doubting Platini's talent?

To play Devil's advocate here and use Portugal as my example. Pedro Pauleta holds the record for most goals for the Portuguese national team. As many of you can see he disappers in the big tournaments though, scores a plethora against weak competition in qualifying. Would I take Pauleta over Eusebio because he has scored more goals? Hell no. Sometimes goals can be deciving on an individuals real talent level. To say that Ali Daei is better then Henry because he has scored more goals is the most ludicrous statement I have heard on these boards in a while

Where were you criticizing Pauleta when he scored against Brazil and co?

The reason for not playing Trezeguet with Henry is probably that it changes the balance of the team too much. It is hard playing with two balance players in a four player midfield.

I agree. The way the midfield is set up, it would be hard to keep that same balance with two forwards. They looked okay against South Korea with Wiltord in, but they didn't have the same organization or overall play that we've seen in the past two games. I think France could play well with a two forward system, but that might take away from Zidane and Ribery's effectiveness and right now those two are playing exceptionally well. There's no need to change the balance the team has found right now.


But it is a bold move, especially since the only group stage game France looked good in had both forwards playing. But the last two games have shown that when the midfield bothers to work hard (unlike the first two games) this team is excellently balanced even with one forward.

I somewhat disagree. Against South Korea and the Swiss, with Wiltord and Henry both playing up front France looked did look decent, but the midfield was not nearly as organized as it has been against Spain and Brazil. Although this might have to do with Zidane and Ribery (and the midfield as a whole) playing better. But your second point adresses this and I agree. That is, that in the past two games the midfield has looked at lot better and thus not put as much pressure on Henry. Basically France have looked very good with only one forward and have been able to create enough offence playing with this strategy. In the end it might not be that bold of a strategy if the midfield can keep playing hard and creating chances.

Where were you criticizing Pauleta when he scored against Brazil and co?

:dunno: huh? Last time we faced Brazil was like 2 years ago in a friendly and Deco scored and we won 1-0. Don't know what your talking about, if your talking about the Angola goal :biglaugh: I could have scored that one, if I was on the pitch. Figo did all the work all he had to do was push it into the open net

Wiltord never played forward in this WC.
He was at Malouda's spot in the first game and Ribery's in the second game.
France played with one striker all tournament except against Togo, where Trezeguet started.

:dunno: huh? Last time we faced Brazil was like 2 years ago in a friendly and Deco scored and we won 1-0. Don't know what your talking about, if your talking about the Angola goal :biglaugh: I could have scored that one, if I was on the pitch. Figo did all the work all he had to do was push it into the open net

Pauleta has never played 5 straight games with Portugal without scoring except for the Euro 04 (that he played injured).
In 2002, he qualified his team by scoring in Holland for a 2-0 victory in the first leg, and again in the second leg (2-2).
He also scored 3 against Poland in that WC.
He scored 11 goals in the qualifyers.
He has scored against Brazil, England, Sweden, Croatia and Poland in his portugese career.
Has he missed his injured Euro 04? Absolutely.
Has he missed his 06 WC? Yes and no. Yes because he hasn't scored many goals. No because he still has one goal (winning goal) and one assist (game winning assist).

His reputation for scoring against weaker teams is in part true (because he has scored most of his goals against weak teams), but also false because he has scored in key games, just not many in final competitions (Euro and WC).

:dunno: huh? Last time we faced Brazil was like 2 years ago in a friendly and Deco scored and we won 1-0.

I guess I follow Portugal more than you do... :sarcasm:
http://www.sambafoot.com/fr/selecao/2003_Matches_amicaux/224_Bresil_Portugal.html

Pauleta has never played 5 straight games with Portugal without scoring except for the Euro 04 (that he played injured).
In 2002, he qualified his team by scoring in Holland for a 2-0 victory in the first leg, and again in the second leg (2-2).
He also scored 3 against Poland in that WC.
He scored 11 goals in the qualifyers.
He has scored against Brazil, England, Sweden, Croatia and Poland in his portugese career.
Has he missed his injured Euro 04? Absolutely.
Has he missed his 06 WC? Yes and no. Yes because he hasn't scored many goals. No because he still has one goal (winning goal) and one assist (game winning assist).

His reputation for scoring against weaker teams is in part true (because he has scored most of his goals against weak teams), but also false because he has scored in key games, just not many in final competitions (Euro and WC).

Well I can see your a big fan, Hey it's been 4 games since he scored against Angola ;)

I guess I follow Portugal more than you do... :sarcasm:
http://www.sambafoot.com/fr/selecao/2003_Matches_amicaux/224_Bresil_Portugal.html

:biglaugh: Ok I got the score wrong, I thought I recalled that it was 1-0 as that was the first game after Deco got internationalized but he did score the winner. Well see what he does on Wednesday ;)

Has he missed his injured Euro 04? Absolutely.
Has he missed his 06 WC? So far yes, because he has sucked.

Poor old Wilmots.There was absolutely nothing wrong with the goal.Not to mention the dubious penatly v Turkey. FIFA ......


Don't get me started....


The reffing was clearly in favor of Brasil earlier this tournament, especially the match against Australia was bad.

Anyway I didn't see the match yesterday in full so I can't comment. I'm pretty happy Brasil is out due to their 'we're better anyway so why bother to run' approch to the first games. I'm glad it bit them in the $$s.

Anyone else thinking Ronaldinho is the most disappointing player at the W.C.? Lampard close second maybe.

Anyone else thinking Ronaldinho is the most disappointing player at the W.C.? Lampard close second maybe.

Agreed.

Don't get me started....


The reffing was clearly in favor of Brasil earlier this tournament, especially the match against Australia was bad.

Anyway I didn't see the match yesterday in full so I can't comment. I'm pretty happy Brasil is out due to their 'we're better anyway so why bother to run' approch to the first games. I'm glad it bit them in the $$s.

Anyone else thinking Ronaldinho is the most disappointing player at the W.C.? Lampard close second maybe.

They used him incorrectly, as for Lampard it just seems that he isn't comfortable playing with Gerrard and the rest of the midfield the way it's shaped. He was much better at Euro 2004 in the games I watched.

Poor old Wilmots.There was absolutely nothing wrong with the goal.Not to mention the dubious penatly v Turkey. FIFA ......

Havelange...bunch of criminals.

Anyone else thinking Ronaldinho is the most disappointing player at the W.C.? Lampard close second maybe.

Agreed about Lampard. Ronaldo has always been dissapointing, so no surprise here.

Anyone else thinking Ronaldinho is the most disappointing player at the W.C.? Lampard close second maybe.

Agreed, I think I said something in another thread. However, I'm beginning to wonder if Ronaldinho will only reach the height of his effectiveness when he's employed on the left side of an attacking trio like he is at Barca. I don't think he's a natural striker like Brazil were trying to make him in the last game, but he's certainly not a midfielder either.

Lampard was pathetic. He must have had about 25 shots in the tourney, including that fantastic opportunity from the Gerrard corner against Portugal, and he didn't score once.

Agreed, I think I said something in another thread. However, I'm beginning to wonder if Ronaldinho will only reach the height of his effectiveness when he's employed on the left side of an attacking trio like he is at Barca. I don't think he's a natural striker like Brazil were trying to make him in the last game, but he's certainly not a midfielder either.

Lampard was pathetic. He must have had about 25 shots in the tourney, including that fantastic opportunity from the Gerrard corner against Portugal, and he didn't score once.

I wonder if the toll of playing so many games is starting to effect him? He's probably played more games in the last 2-3 years than any other player in Europe. In any case, he's always been a player who takes a lot of low percentage shots to score his goals. Most of the time, those shots don't go in, but since he hits enough of them, he scores plenty. It's possible that he just strung together a lot of misses in a row (kind of like a dice not rolling a six 25 times in a row) just like he strung together a lot of hits in Euro 2004.

Agreed, I think I said something in another thread. However, I'm beginning to wonder if Ronaldinho will only reach the height of his effectiveness when he's employed on the left side of an attacking trio like he is at Barca. I don't think he's a natural striker like Brazil were trying to make him in the last game, but he's certainly not a midfielder either.

Lampard was pathetic. He must have had about 25 shots in the tourney, including that fantastic opportunity from the Gerrard corner against Portugal, and he didn't score once.


I think you're right about Ronaldiho--he just wasn't played in the right position. He also might be another who was affected by a long season with an extended run in the Champions League.

I wonder if the toll of playing so many games is starting to effect him? He's probably played more games in the last 2-3 years than any other player in Europe. In any case, he's always been a player who takes a lot of low percentage shots to score his goals. Most of the time, those shots don't go in, but since he hits enough of them, he scores plenty. It's possible that he just strung together a lot of misses in a row (kind of like a dice not rolling a six 25 times in a row) just like he strung together a lot of hits in Euro 2004.

I might agree with you here, a lot of those shots were going high, a sign of a tired player and the way he just completely scuffed that corner just looked like he was fatigued.

Still though, if I were an England fan, I'd probably be pretty upset with him.

Ronaldinho was tired, he had a long season. He was closely marked all tournament, and he's been covered by 2 or 3 defenders every time he touched the ball. He also lacked a true ball winner on his team, someone who can get the ball to him from midfield, like a Deco or Xavi.

Lampard was just unlucky...he's going to finish with the most shots in the WC and yet he couldn't score.

Ronaldinho was tired, he had a long season. He was closely marked all tournament, and he's been covered by 2 or 3 defenders every time he touched the ball. He also lacked a true ball winner on his team, someone who can get the ball to him from midfield, like a Deco or Xavi.

Lampard was just unlucky...he's going to finish with the most shots in the WC and yet he couldn't score.

Barcelona's team seems designed to take advatage of Ronnie's talents. Part of that is personel, and part of that is chemistry grown from familiarity. Brazil, meanwhile, was a collection of individuals (many past their prime, and many not as good as some of the Brazillians that didn't make the starting XI) and not a well functioning team.

He also lacked a true ball winner on his team, someone who can get the ball to him from midfield, like a Deco or Xavi.Not to disagree with your whole argument, but Emerson is twice the ball winner Deco and Xavi are.