The lead story in today's L'Equipe? It's not the Tour

TheDarkLord

BTW Lim, the news of Lippi replacing Donadoni is somewhat old now. I'm a bit surprised that it didn't reach you earlier (don't know much about Irish media).

slovakguy

like watching germany in the 70's/80's. garbage football.

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Powerful Pete

OK, I will bite. The crappy defensive game came from not having a midfield or attack of note. That simplifies things.

And as a matter of fact, we did not have much of a defense either... Truly a disastrous European Championship for us (not that we ever do well in our European competitions).

Now let us stop discussing football. Or we will slide into the 'Italians play crappy defensive football' diatribe. For the record, I do not agree - we won the last WC with quite a high number of goals. If that is defensive football, so be it.

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TheDarkLord

I know you called for a stop, but I can't resist.

There is no harm in playing defensively AS LONG AS you have a good attack that can blitz through the opposition suddenly. Netherlands vs France is a good example. France was pushing Netherlands, but the Dutch still steam rolled them thanks to the sudden attacks. For whatever reason, Luca Toni sucked big time during the Euro cup (in spite of his having a great season in Bundesliga). I commented in FID that Toni couldn't hit a goal even if there was nobody between him and the goal. In the absence of a decent attack, defensive play sucks big time. Ok, now you can pick holes in my argument.

limerickman

I was really impressed by the Dutch team - I thought that they played really well.
But championship football requires grit and determination and while the beautiful football is pleasing, it is not always the right type of play for tournament competitions.
(only have to look at how Germany - with a very ordinary team - managed to get through to the finals IMHO)

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.."But finally the last thing I’ll say to the people who don’t believe in cycling, the cynics and the sceptics. I'm sorry for you. I’m sorry that you can’t dream big. [I]I'm sorry you don't believe in miracles. You should believe in these athletes, and you should believe in these people. I'll be a fan of the Tour de France for as long as I live. And there are no secrets" - this is a hard sporting event and hard work wins it - Armstrong 2005 TDF
morelike hypocrisy.

limerickman

Had to bite.

Italian teams do have a reputation for being defensive.
That said, one of the best international matches that I ever saw - was Germany Italy semi final at 2006 World Cup :
Two different mindsets and playing systems trying to outwit each other.
Superb match and Italy deserved winners.

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.."But finally the last thing I’ll say to the people who don’t believe in cycling, the cynics and the sceptics. I'm sorry for you. I’m sorry that you can’t dream big. [I]I'm sorry you don't believe in miracles. You should believe in these athletes, and you should believe in these people. I'll be a fan of the Tour de France for as long as I live. And there are no secrets" - this is a hard sporting event and hard work wins it - Armstrong 2005 TDF
morelike hypocrisy.