Just witnessed a total managerial outclassing. Italian system very interesting- when they are set they are a back five in the box against two or three - but when they attack, they get more bodies forward than Italian teams of the past. Their only weakness is when they get caught out attacking, but they understand the risks and take a booking. I told my son, that you can't write Italy off as they always find a way to win. If we end up playing them we need as much pace in the team as possible. I hope we don't, might be a bit too much for poor old Woy!
Belgium look like a team of individuals as opposed to the team unit of Italy.
This is it really isn't it. They have some hugely talented individuals who would walk into pretty much any other team in the competition but none of them looked like they'd played with each other before and none of their star players looks like they have the cajones to step up and take responsibility. De Bruin in particular was massively disappointing given the finish he had to the season.
Just like in the World Cup it turns out they might be chokers.
Belgium look like a team of individuals as opposed to the team unit of Italy.
This is it really isn't it. They have some hugely talented individuals who would walk into pretty much any other team in the competition but none of them looked like they'd played with each other before and none of their star players looks like they have the cajoned to step up and take responsibility. De Bruin in particular was massively disappointing given the finish he had to the season.
Just like in the World Cup it turns out they might be chokers.
What disapointed me was they didn't change things significantly. The should have experimented with Hazards positions a bit - no point him being wide - he'd get the ball in and Italy would eat it up! i think the Germans would be effective against the Italian system if anybody is though!
Belgium look like a team of good or great players shoehorned into a system to get them all to play, whereas the Italians have a system the whole team understand and buy into.
Belgium look like a team of individuals as opposed to the team unit of Italy.
This is it really isn't it. They have some hugely talented individuals who would walk into pretty much any other team in the competition but none of them looked like they'd played with each other before and none of their star players looks like they have the cajoned to step up and take responsibility. De Bruin in particular was massively disappointing given the finish he had to the season.
Just like in the World Cup it turns out they might be chokers.
What disapointed me was they didn't change things significantly. The should have experimented with Hazards positions a bit - no point him being wide - he'd get the ball in and Italy would eat it up!
I think we saw tonight in particular why some of our Belgian visitors to CL describe Wilmots as conservative, shall we say.
Belgium look like a team of good or great players shoehorned into a system to get them all to play, whereas the Italians have a system the whole team understand and buy into.
yes, they all know their role and don't deviate from it.
I didn't know who I wanted to win when I turned the telly on. I'm never too keen on Italian football and their catenaccio style of putting the opposition team to sleep, along with half the spectators. That said, I'd begrudge Roly and Mare anything that might give them the slightest pleasure (not that I suppose they care either way). What swung it for me was the BBC's total hype-machine about Belgium. I knew within 5 minutes that I wanted the Azzuri to win, the fact that they played very entertaining football was a real bonus.
Special mentions to the two managers. Conte did a magnificent job of organising that team, though I think needs to stay away from the Hilary Briss Specials. Meanwhile Wilmots, not only didn't get any discipline into the Belgian team, but in no time at all he's started to look a right mess. All that Brylcream has started to have a bad affect on his thinning hair and the once well-built Belgian has the start of a hunchback coming on. Yes Marc, it's a terrible night for you; not only did your team lose, but you're turning into Mr Rigsby.
Of the Italians who haven't been mentioned I was really impressed with Marco Paralo. Got forward well at every opportunity and I don't recall seeing him give the ball away. Involved in the second goal as well.
The Belgians produce some talented players, but tactically they are clueless - we knew that much already lol. laughing stock!
Agreed.
The Belgians looked technically good, and had some really decent options at their disposal - even their passing seemed quite impressive.
Unfortunately this didn't really amount to much. Crosses that were directed to no one and easily dealt with, and a lack of urgency that allowed the Italian defence to really soak the pressure up without looking challenged.
I know I've kept banging on about it, but I can't believe that the team that the commentary team were making sound like world beaters couldn't seem to muster anything more than speculative shots from distance. I don't remember the Belgians penetrating the box more than once or twice, and for all their corners they seemed unable to deliver anything really dangerous.
Pretty passing and talented individuals don't mean a great deal over 90 minutes, not when they don't pose a danger up front. Pretty disappointed with the Belgians.
Everyone saying Italy play boring football, did you not see euro 2012? They were the most exciting team in the tournament, although went onto get stuffed in the final with 10 men v Spain but who wouldn't. They're playing the same system as that tournament when balo played a blinder against the Deutsches. Don't think they'll win it, but can see them making quarters if not semis. Great to see football played in a completely different style to what we watch week in week out in the premier league. Don't forget they're without Verratti and Marchisio too.
Just caught up on today's games. Hard luck on the Czechs.
Ireland Sweden was like a Championship game, can't we either side getting enough points to progress from a tough group.
Italy Belgium, well Italy showed why they so often do better than expected at tournaments - they just love to defend. Belgium looked poorly coached but you can see the individual talent. However overrated you may think they are, Lukaku and De Bruyne are significantly better than they played tonight - they were worse than Kane and Sterling the other night. Lukaku in particular was like a poor man's Akpo Sodje. Even then, they did have some decent chances, on another night with better decision making they could have had 2 or 3 of their own.
Italy earned their win but I wouldn't get too carried away with them just yet and likewise I wouldn't write Belgium off yet either.
Jens Lehmann said before the Germany game that the Germans love playing under pressure and can handle that pressure at tournaments. Its the same with the Italians. They love the pressure. Awesome performance. Thought Eder looked dangerous. Chiellini and Bonnuci looked different gravy all schuefured about by the evergreen De Rossi and Buffon. Best game I've watched so far.
The Belgians produce some talented players, but tactically they are clueless - we knew that much already lol. laughing stock!
Agreed.
The Belgians looked technically good, and had some really decent options at their disposal - even their passing seemed quite impressive.
Unfortunately this didn't really amount to much. Crosses that were directed to no one and easily dealt with, and a lack of urgency that allowed the Italian defence to really soak the pressure up without looking challenged.
I know I've kept banging on about it, but I can't believe that the team that the commentary team were making sound like world beaters couldn't seem to muster anything more than speculative shots from distance. I don't remember the Belgians penetrating the box more than once or twice, and for all their corners they seemed unable to deliver anything really dangerous.
Pretty passing and talented individuals don't mean a great deal over 90 minutes, not when they don't pose a danger up front. Pretty disappointed with the Belgians.
It is about managerial guts too. Italy put Belgium in a position where they had to take risks, but they were not willing to get the numbers up in support. Also Hazard can beat players, you would have thought Wilmots would have tried him more centrally so when he beat a player or two a shot on goal was on rather than a cross into an area crowded by white shirts.
Belgium look like a team of individuals as opposed to the team unit of Italy.
This is it really isn't it. They have some hugely talented individuals who would walk into pretty much any other team in the competition but none of them looked like they'd played with each other before and none of their star players looks like they have the cajoned to step up and take responsibility. De Bruin in particular was massively disappointing given the finish he had to the season.
Just like in the World Cup it turns out they might be chokers.
What disapointed me was they didn't change things significantly. The should have experimented with Hazards positions a bit - no point him being wide - he'd get the ball in and Italy would eat it up!
I think we saw tonight in particular why some of our Belgian visitors to CL describe Wilmots as conservative, shall we say.
Conservative ? As I am saying for years now ... Wilmots is an incompetent fool with an attitude. As I love seeing a good football team, I actually enjoyed watching the Italians play.
Belgium game me a reminder about their WC performances. Thought they were pretty poor last tournament, and it was the same last night. They've got some great players but pretty average as a team. Slow build up, long range short desperation and no plan B.
Problem for Italy will be bookings collected after so many cynical fouls which will see some of their 'experienced' players miss games. But if they win the next one and collect a few more yellows then they are home and hosed to the second round, the banned players can rest in the 3rd game and then come back in refreshed.
Comments
Boring Italians!
Just like in the World Cup it turns out they might be chokers.
Special mentions to the two managers. Conte did a magnificent job of organising that team, though I think needs to stay away from the Hilary Briss Specials. Meanwhile Wilmots, not only didn't get any discipline into the Belgian team, but in no time at all he's started to look a right mess. All that Brylcream has started to have a bad affect on his thinning hair and the once well-built Belgian has the start of a hunchback coming on. Yes Marc, it's a terrible night for you; not only did your team lose, but you're turning into Mr Rigsby.
The Belgians looked technically good, and had some really decent options at their disposal - even their passing seemed quite impressive.
Unfortunately this didn't really amount to much. Crosses that were directed to no one and easily dealt with, and a lack of urgency that allowed the Italian defence to really soak the pressure up without looking challenged.
I know I've kept banging on about it, but I can't believe that the team that the commentary team were making sound like world beaters couldn't seem to muster anything more than speculative shots from distance. I don't remember the Belgians penetrating the box more than once or twice, and for all their corners they seemed unable to deliver anything really dangerous.
Pretty passing and talented individuals don't mean a great deal over 90 minutes, not when they don't pose a danger up front. Pretty disappointed with the Belgians.
Ireland Sweden was like a Championship game, can't we either side getting enough points to progress from a tough group.
Italy Belgium, well Italy showed why they so often do better than expected at tournaments - they just love to defend. Belgium looked poorly coached but you can see the individual talent. However overrated you may think they are, Lukaku and De Bruyne are significantly better than they played tonight - they were worse than Kane and Sterling the other night. Lukaku in particular was like a poor man's Akpo Sodje. Even then, they did have some decent chances, on another night with better decision making they could have had 2 or 3 of their own.
Italy earned their win but I wouldn't get too carried away with them just yet and likewise I wouldn't write Belgium off yet either.
They've got some great players but pretty average as a team. Slow build up, long range short desperation and no plan B.