en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/1179387 Comments by Matt Dalton http://www.worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/07/07/match-day-specialworld-cup-semi-final-germany-v-spain/#IDComment85794169 I didn't mean you, Martin! In general though, pundits seem to focus so much on the pretty passing and automatically assume that they must be weak defensively, much like Arsenal. The truth is that Spain are like a well oiled machine. They work tirelessly, much like Barcelona, to win the ball back at the first opportunity and strangle the life out of teams. As for the Weinmarkt, I didn't expect to see you there. Maybe one day, if I ever make it across the pond, we might meet up at a bar though! Fri, 9 Jul 2010 13:58:31 +0000 http://www.worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/07/07/match-day-specialworld-cup-semi-final-germany-v-spain/#IDComment85794169 http://www.worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/07/07/match-day-specialworld-cup-semi-final-germany-v-spain/#IDComment85508869 That is a side of the Spanish game that tends to get overlooked really. Maybe it is lazy journalism that causes people to believe that Spain is simply all about intricate passing and lack substance defensively. I think there are much better defences in world football, but the intensity of their pressing means that the defenders are rarely troubled. I think I was at the Weinmarkt the night before you, as well as some other nights of course! Thu, 8 Jul 2010 12:46:58 +0000 http://www.worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/07/07/match-day-specialworld-cup-semi-final-germany-v-spain/#IDComment85508869 http://www.worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/07/07/match-day-specialworld-cup-semi-final-germany-v-spain/#IDComment85491953 I actually thought it was a very entertaining game. The football was not quite what people had hoped for, but the cat and mouse game going on constantly made for fascinating watching for me. Most of the Germans I know were really hoping to play Holland in the final. They have something of a dislike for each other and I know either side would have been delighted to have the chance to embarass the other. Thu, 8 Jul 2010 10:02:36 +0000 http://www.worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/07/07/match-day-specialworld-cup-semi-final-germany-v-spain/#IDComment85491953 http://www.worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/07/06/who-is-to-blame-for-englands-failures/#IDComment85146412 I think you may have a point in the second paragraph but, although the style of play is definitely more intense, German clubs played more games this season. I think the winter break probably helps them a lot, but the presence of two domestic cups and the FA's apparent reluctance to stack up a few fixtures before Christmas looks to put pay to that. In England, it has always been a tradition to have a busy calendar over Christmas and the FA Cup 3rd Round is always scheduled some time around 3rd - 5th January. December and January are actually the busiest months here, but it may be prudent to introduce a few midweek fixtures into the calendar earlier into the season to alleviate this. I can understand why Capello selected the squad he did and I am sure most other managers would have done the same. It must be so frustrating for the likes of Darren Bent and Michael Dawson to know that no matter how well they perform they will be overlooked. I hope Capello does learn from his experience - I am not one of the crowd calling for his head; I believe he is as good as anyone so to get rid of him would be foolish. I do think that he made mistakes though. Tue, 6 Jul 2010 15:52:37 +0000 http://www.worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/07/06/who-is-to-blame-for-englands-failures/#IDComment85146412 http://www.worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/06/30/why-do-england-always-lose/#IDComment85117156 I read that one and found it interesting too. I would love to see an approach like that, where people are involved at all levels to not only add an identity to the national team, but to the national league aswell. As you say though, I can't see Sam Allardyce agreeing to get his players to pass and move... Tue, 6 Jul 2010 11:35:03 +0000 http://www.worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/06/30/why-do-england-always-lose/#IDComment85117156 http://www.worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/07/05/founding-fathers-american-soccer/#IDComment84870073 I think I might just have to take a look at that video, sounds fascinating! Mon, 5 Jul 2010 10:56:38 +0000 http://www.worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/07/05/founding-fathers-american-soccer/#IDComment84870073 http://www.worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/07/04/matchday-special-germany-vs-argentina/#IDComment84638541 It was an absolutely stunning performance from the Germans and, like you say, there was a real party atmosphere in the streets. I was at one of the local pubs with all my German friends expecting a pretty tight affair, but hoping that Germany could nick it. I think Spain will be worried about their next game, considering the last 2 performances of the Deutsch mannschaft! Sun, 4 Jul 2010 00:30:48 +0000 http://www.worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/07/04/matchday-special-germany-vs-argentina/#IDComment84638541 http://www.worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/07/03/matchday-special-spain-v-paraguay-wc-quarterfinals/#IDComment84620335 Cardozo looked like he was going to cry when he was waiting to take his penalty and I had a feeling he was going to fluff it. It was a pretty poor penalty really, but full credit to Casillas. Sat, 3 Jul 2010 21:59:28 +0000 http://www.worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/07/03/matchday-special-spain-v-paraguay-wc-quarterfinals/#IDComment84620335 http://www.worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/07/02/matchday-special-%e2%80%93-uruguay-vs-ghana/#IDComment84598473 Ha ha! Maybe so, but his presence was still a threat on goal, regardless of whether there were others around... Sat, 3 Jul 2010 18:31:39 +0000 http://www.worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/07/02/matchday-special-%e2%80%93-uruguay-vs-ghana/#IDComment84598473 http://www.worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/07/02/matchday-special-brazil-vs-the-netherlands/#IDComment84597083 One of my bosses is from Madrid and he tells me that he can't understand why Real sold him. He reckons he was as good for Madrid as he has been for Bayern. On current form, he has to be up there with the best of them. Sat, 3 Jul 2010 18:26:16 +0000 http://www.worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/07/02/matchday-special-brazil-vs-the-netherlands/#IDComment84597083 http://www.worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/07/02/matchday-special-brazil-vs-the-netherlands/#IDComment84587008 I was referring more to the performances he has put in for Bayern this season with that comment. As I say, I was unfortunate enough to have to work whilst the game was on so didn't get a chance to see his impact, although I believe it was quite large, if not quite single handed! Sat, 3 Jul 2010 17:45:59 +0000 http://www.worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/07/02/matchday-special-brazil-vs-the-netherlands/#IDComment84587008 http://www.worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/07/02/matchday-special-%e2%80%93-uruguay-vs-ghana/#IDComment84586539 It is a contentious issue since they decided to change the rule to "interfering with play". In my mind, he is interfering with play, as Suarez had to run towards the line to block any effort that may have come from him, but the rules as they are now make things so grey it is unbelievable! Sat, 3 Jul 2010 17:43:55 +0000 http://www.worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/07/02/matchday-special-%e2%80%93-uruguay-vs-ghana/#IDComment84586539 http://www.worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/07/02/matchday-special-%e2%80%93-uruguay-vs-ghana/#IDComment84579335 Sorry, my mistake. It is Appiah, the Ghanaian number 10. I am convinced, from the replays, that he is a yard offside. With Suarez, of course it was cheating. I totally agree with that and the things you have said about his behaviour afterwards. Sat, 3 Jul 2010 17:03:04 +0000 http://www.worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/07/02/matchday-special-%e2%80%93-uruguay-vs-ghana/#IDComment84579335 http://www.worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/07/02/matchday-special-%e2%80%93-uruguay-vs-ghana/#IDComment84575683 I have just watched the video a few more times and I am convinced that Adiyiah was offside when the Ghanaian headed the ball on. Not to condone what Suarez did, but maybe he shouldn't have been in the position in the first place...? Sat, 3 Jul 2010 16:20:57 +0000 http://www.worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/07/02/matchday-special-%e2%80%93-uruguay-vs-ghana/#IDComment84575683 http://www.worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/07/02/matchday-special-%e2%80%93-uruguay-vs-ghana/#IDComment84575156 I thought Adiyiah was offside, the guy who had the shot. On the issue of what Suarez did, yes he cheated. I would have done the same. I think many, maybe not all, would have done the same... Sat, 3 Jul 2010 16:14:37 +0000 http://www.worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/07/02/matchday-special-%e2%80%93-uruguay-vs-ghana/#IDComment84575156 http://www.worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/07/02/matchday-special-%e2%80%93-uruguay-vs-ghana/#IDComment84555320 I would certainly applaud the attempt! Sat, 3 Jul 2010 12:10:14 +0000 http://www.worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/07/02/matchday-special-%e2%80%93-uruguay-vs-ghana/#IDComment84555320 http://www.worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/06/30/why-do-england-always-lose/#IDComment84548866 I thought that when I read it, but I think your intent came across correctly. Sat, 3 Jul 2010 10:46:12 +0000 http://www.worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/06/30/why-do-england-always-lose/#IDComment84548866 http://www.worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/07/02/matchday-special-brazil-vs-the-netherlands/#IDComment84379210 I didn't get to watch the match today as I was stuck in work (grrrr....), but I was very shocked to see the result. I really expected, as most others did, that the Brazilian "machine" would be simply too strong. Still, two players appeared to live up to the hype today in the form of Filipe Melo and Arjen Robben. What is clear right now to me is that Robben has to be in the bracket of elite footballers in the world. His performances for Bayern have been absolutely sensational and he can simply destroy teams single handedly. Fri, 2 Jul 2010 23:46:39 +0000 http://www.worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/07/02/matchday-special-brazil-vs-the-netherlands/#IDComment84379210 http://www.worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/07/01/the-other-shoe/#IDComment83995258 I think Fulham could do a lot worse than Mark Hughes. Thinking back to his time at Blackburn, he proved himself to be very capable and Blackburn were always a tough team to play. Fri, 2 Jul 2010 00:14:08 +0000 http://www.worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/07/01/the-other-shoe/#IDComment83995258 http://www.worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/07/01/hodgson-named-new-liverpool-boss/#IDComment83845402 I was a little surprised, but can fully understand the logic behind the decision. A lot of fans wanted King Kenny back, but this was never realistically going to happen. After being in a situation where Benitez had so much power, the board would never appoint a man who would hold even more as a result of the love from the Anfield faithful... Thu, 1 Jul 2010 16:15:35 +0000 http://www.worldfootballcolumns.com/2010/07/01/hodgson-named-new-liverpool-boss/#IDComment83845402