Croatia were losing finalists in 2018 and finished 3rd in 2022. They were 2nd in the 2023 Nations League. But they went out in the Group Stage of Euro 2024 and then this. That’s a hard, fast fall.
World Cup 2026 Thread
- Thread starter jeffbear
- Start date
VinatieriDefinesClutch
Well-known member
National teams go through cycles. Often, a golden generation leads to a lull afterward with a nation leaning on older players a little too long or the issue the Netherlands had a bit ago and Brazil is having now where every young player that shows early success will get bought up by bigger clubs instead of being given time to develop. Hell, Germany has had early exits in every World Cup since 2014 when they won it.
That core got old, quick. They’re basically down to whatever’s left of Perisic and Modric from what amounted to a golden generation. But I was surprised how much they were still playing through those two guys. That might be OK to just qualify out of a diluted European pool but it’s nowhere near what it takes to do much once you get there.
VinatieriDefinesClutch
Well-known member
Well I did joke before the tournament that it would be nice to see Lucas Digne screwing over a team I hate, so I guess I called/willed this to happen.
First half was unwatchable … all posturing and arguments … and then England actually hit the play that roster is set up for (a mid channel run from Rogers) to break down Argentina early in the 2nd. NOW we have a game as Argentina knock off the BS and push for a goal to level.
VinatieriDefinesClutch
Well-known member
Messi has still been incredible to watch, he still has the potential to break open the game any time he touches the ball and he has occasionally created some real chances including that incredible cross that was only stopped by a very good Pickford save.
VinatieriDefinesClutch
Well-known member
Also, I was so very clearly wrong about Pickford being an issue for England. I got too caught up on how he was a real issue for them early in the tournament where England had more of the ball, but he is the correct England keeper for this team of giant athletes who want to just be really hard to break through.
VinatieriDefinesClutch
Well-known member
And another performance to add to the legend that is Messi. 39!!!!! I feel like this one might be one of the first performances people sight when describing how good he was/is. The belief that all his teammates have in him and themself too. Magical.
Yeah. Pickford can be a problem sometimes but he’s such a good shot stopper and so pugnacious. They’d be worse without him I think
BTW … absolute master class on how to throw the kitchen sink at the box from Argentina. They don’t just get suckered into getting it wide and crossing over and over (like say, Mexico did) ... they stretch you, cross from a variety of angles, re-set the play, flood the zone in a variety of ways, mix in shots from distance and force you to think and not just react. Big lamp posts like Burn and Stones are kind of wasted in that kind of churn.
VinatieriDefinesClutch
Well-known member
Jeff, exactly what I was thinking as well. I found myself watching Messi even off the ball as it's just so crazy to watch him just be constantly scanning the entire field as he walks around and even does things like make little runs where he knows he won't be getting the ball just to quickly turn around and look to see if anyone reacted and remember for later. Mexico didn't have Messi directing everyone on what they should be doing and staying calm.
Ed H in Pasadena
Well-known member
My friend's comment on that match seemed most appropriate: England went to a prevent defense too soon, and Argentina has the skill to unlock that. Frustrating decision by Tuchel, and it cost them. 
But please: anyone who claims England would've been better off with Maguire, Palmer, Foden and TAA needs to be told off.
But please: anyone who claims England would've been better off with Maguire, Palmer, Foden and TAA needs to be told off.
VinatieriDefinesClutch
Well-known member
But please: anyone who claims England would've been better off with Maguire, Palmer, Foden and TAA needs to be told off.
Maybe TAA. Bet they wish they had a better attacking RB option late in that match other than Konsa. He had a look on his face that said he's never taken a long throw in his life before. Reese James is really good and should be the starter, but his entire career has been one big fitness issue. Konsa for Gordon was a monumental mistake as England immediately lost any ability to threaten or get the ball up the field.
I'm kind of glad we haven't seen the Arsenal strategy of just have all the biggest guys and play for free kicks hasn't worked in the world cup and both Netherlands and England went out in embarrassing fashion trying to do that.
VinatieriDefinesClutch
Well-known member
I cannot stop thinking about that entire Messi performance. He can at any point just randomly turn into Vitinha. He had 96 touches. Kane had 26. Bellingham had 42. Gordon 25. Rogers 25. He had more touches than any three English attackers added together. That entire team is just built around him and it just makes sense, because he sees the game better than anyone ever has. He "retired" off to Inter Miami after finally winning the world cup and jokes on everyone else, that just means he doesn't have to put the wear and tear on his body that everyone else does. As far as I'm concerned, he took the crown of best player of all time years ago, but if he wins a second world cup it's not even an argument anymore.
THIS. Tuchel made a fair number of mistakes, but committing all his subs to defending was maybe the biggest. I’m curious how he thought they were going to survive the extra time even if they had limped to a draw.