Just has been the NZ player of the tournament. Deserves a move to a big Premier League or European club.
I was expecting a 3 or 4 goal margin. Despite his late mistake I think Surman along with Just have put themselves in the shop window for moves to bigger clubs.
@MajorPom said in FIFA World Cup:
I’ve seen people contradict themselves from post to post, but rarely so clearly in the same post…
They shut the game down in a different ways.
One does it without the ball (Ghana), by setting up an effective defensive screen
The other does it with the ball (Spain); denying the other team possession.
Completely different strategies with the same end result, making it very difficult for the opponent to score.
Both could be considered boring, depending on your POV
Neither Ghana or Spain have conceded a goal in tournament yet.
Both going about it in totally different ways
And both still in the tournament.
NZ conceded 10 goals and are going home.
Their game plan didn't work.
They should probably take a look at what Ghana did.
If the All Whites were parking the bus yesterday and hoping to snatch a goal, they were really bad at parking. It isn't just about putting men behind the ball, you have to work really hard to pressure the player on the ball and cut out their passing options. We gave Belgium so much time, they passed through us like we were traffic cones.
Ultimately we just need to get more players following the Eli Just path and playing at a higher level. Just is the only one who has enhanced their reputation I reckon - not sure he will make it to the biggest leagues but might be snapped up by Celtic or Rangers
@KiwiPie said in FIFA World Cup:
If the All Whites were parking the bus yesterday and hoping to snatch a goal, they were really bad at parking. It isn't just about putting men behind the ball, you have to work really hard to pressure the player on the ball and cut out their passing options. We gave Belgium so much time, they passed through us like we were traffic cones.
Ultimately we just need to get more players following the Eli Just path and playing at a higher level. Just is the only one who has enhanced their reputation I reckon - not sure he will make it to the biggest leagues but might be snapped up by Celtic or Rangers
Our defence of crosses and corners was so poor. I agree about Just, if he could get a move to one of the old firm teams that would be considered a great result
The Group Stage has lacked jeopardy this time.
Only Italy (14, who didn't qualify for the tournament) and Uruguay (18) of the world's top 20 ranked teams failed to make the round of 32 and the start of the knockouts.
Cape Verde are the only big surprise to be still in there.