A good friends two sons where both pretty good at football. His eldest went through the UK system and his youngest through the German one whilst they lived there for 4 years. He said it was chalk and cheese, the Germans where so far ahead in their youth football in all aspects, coaching, facilities, attitude and they played a mini tournament every 4-6 weeks so the kids had it ingrained into them how to play a series of matches with the goal being winning the final.
England have a problem in that we think we are better than we are, this leads us to try and play in a way we are not capable of. More limited teams recognise their weaknesses and adjust accordingly. We also pay far too much attention to the press, they are simply irrelevant.
One area on the pitch we always struggle with is keeping the ball. Our players just don't "show for it". Poor off-the-ball movement = poor options. Hence we constantly lose possession, put our back line under pressure and end up hoofing it.
Ill-motivated players IMO.
JY, the Netherlands has a population of just under 17 million. As for ROI, football is AFAIK, the fourth sport, having been overtaken by rugby a few years back. We, like Scotland have to depend on the chances of a "golden generation" happening every so often. Mind you, Germany has around 80 million, so perhaps population is not the main issue...I was just choosing somewhere with a similar demographic, climate, an FA that is "separate" from the top flight league, and many other similarities. England could be where France, Netherlands, Germany are if the will to change was there
The basic issue is that their players are better than Englands
I wonder why this is? Who makes a youngster with a talent for sport a good footballer, rugby player, tennis player, etc?
he Netherlands has a population of just under 17 million
Its tiny **** me that has really surprised me 😯 and 😳
I am genuinely really surprised by that.
Can I try Belgium* then 😉
the only pro I know [ Paul Grayson- rugbyist] was the captain of the cricket and football team and never played rugby till he was about 17 - he was midget back then.
IMHO he could have made it in a number of sports if he wanted to.
He chose rugby for the "social aspect" of the sport
IIRC the neville brothers played cricket for Lancashire as well
Perhaps there is a percentage of talent spread across a number of sports making them all a bit average rather than excelling at one
* nope 11 million there as well - see netherlands point above
It's also worth researching how Belgium have got to where they are from a decade or more of mediocrity.
Talking of which, I predict Belgium to win the tournament this time round 😀
One area on the pitch we always struggle with is keeping the ball. Our players just don't "show for it". Poor off-the-ball movement = poor options. Hence we constantly lose possession, put our back line under pressure and end up hoofing it.
It is nearly always depressing watching England, as you are constantly frustrated with basic skill levels compared with just about everyone they face. First touch control and passing just seems to be woeful, and there is very little movement and sharpness.
It's been good to get them out of the way quickly so I can actually relax and enjoy what has been a great tournament for skilful, fast-paced attacking football.
[url= http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_spot/2014/07/03/world_cup_player_introductions_a_deep_analysis_of_how_soccer_players_fold.html ]Who Won the World Cup of Arm-Folding?[/url] 😀
It's also worth researching how Belgium have got to where they are from a decade or more of mediocrity.
or Spain !
or Spain !
Your point? (Genuine question.)
Spain where pretty ordinary for the longest time before their European and World Cup wins, so that transformation is worth studying.
Oh right, I haven't read up on that. Their downfall in this World Cup is probably a good case against continuing to rely on a squad that has brought so much success - rather than developing young talent into the team. Although, it's forgivable I suppose, they'd swept all before them for a decade previously. IMO, the heavy defeat to the Netherlands is what did it for Spain. I don't think they were able to recover psychologically from it for the next few games. Yes, other teams had begun to figure out tick-tock, but they can't have been that bad so quickly.
France v Germany in 1hr
Who's d'ya want to get thru?
I would like Germany to go through, but have been banging on about France winning the thing from before the tournament started.
So...erm....France, with apologies to my teutonic ancestors.
I'd like to see both teams play full strength sides with players in their best position so Ozil in the middle, Benzema up top and not on left flank etc etc.
I hope today's games deliver the goods as they are potentially brilliant ties
really hope France smash them.
That ref has a lovely comb-over.
Achtung! Deutschland!
😆
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Gooooooooaaal! Deutschland! 
Deutschland!!!!!!
I've not seen a German dive like that since Das Boot.
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Dull
Cummon Deutschland! 😆
To think I blew off 5-a-side tonight to watch this...
Meh.
*tears up penultimate betting slip*
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😀
Deutschland! Deutschland! Deutschland!
I think Darcy just came 😀
I think Darcy just came
I was holding out in the hope that Terry 'Enry was doing the Beeb coverage. I guess he's doing a bit for French TV as well?
I hate to say it, but that was quite the capitulation from France.
Yeah, was hoping for a much better game given the quality of the sides. I think it was a triumph of tactics by a more experienced coach this evening. Germany had to try and stifle what has been a very dangerous French attack which they did very well. If anything the early goal killed it a bit. Really surprised France didn't rustle up an equaliser in all that time though. They looked very flat. Hopefully they'll revert to type and all have a big punch up on the flight home - can't be doing with this unity they've been displaying. No enough ennui for my liking.
Oh, I didn't realise, Terry's gone back to USAUSAUSA as the MLS is starting back up...bit bizarre during the World Cup. 😕
The MLS fixture structure, with the playoffs biznizz, is a bit odd.
'mon Columbia!
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Interesting Brazilian journo on 5Live. Basically saying all the Brazil 'fans' at the games will never have been to a league game in their life. Just full of the well to do who can actually afford and get a ticket. This is the reason there is no singing from the Brazilian fans, as they don't know the songs.
Bollocks.
Bloody hell. Hardly even five mins intae the game. It's been coming.
Dammit! I missed the goal ... 😡
Cummon Colombiana! Cummon!
It's the 'ol dominate group stages then get boffed in the knockout rounds scenario.
For example: France.
Ooooooo!
Well this is a much more exciting game.
*dons ITV cliche/borderline racist hat*
It's their latin passion!
Superb game so far! Can't see Brazil losing this, the way they are playing.
Good to see the ref constantly bottling it. 😡
