Re: Euro 2012 Group C Thread (Spain; Italy; Ireland; Croatia)
Trap didn't know Italy weren't gong to play a 3-5-2 and it would have been a crime not to start Mclean, Italy looked vulnerable when you got behind them down the flanks.
Mclean and long should still start, its beyond a joke now. Trap scarred they might do something that proves he was wrong all tournament.
Re: Euro 2012 Group C Thread (Spain; Italy; Ireland; Croatia)
Don't think so. Barzagli was though. I think if it was against a better or less expected to be defensive opponent (and going back to 4 defenders) that Prandelli would just move Chiellini to left-back and play with Bonucci/Barzagli who interestingly enough arguably has been better than Bonucci and Chiellini ever was, but for some attacking play he is going with Balzaretti (Italian Baines but with more inconsistent deliveries).
Re: Euro 2012 Group C Thread (Spain; Italy; Ireland; Croatia)
I'm very interested in Croatia's lineup. Will they still go with the beastly duo up front or put in one more midfielder to try and deal with all the Spain possession a little better.
And who are the more defensive Croat midfielders anyway (we know about all the all-rounders) and how good are they?
Re: Euro 2012 Group C Thread (Spain; Italy; Ireland; Croatia)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bjørn
I'm very interested in Croatia's lineup. Will they still go with the beastly duo up front or put in one more midfielder to try and deal with all the Spain possession a little better.
And who are the more defensive Croat midfielders anyway (we know about all the all-rounders) and how good are they?
Vukojevic and Dujmovic. Former is ok, playing well in Dinamo Kiev, latter is below Euro level imo.
Hopefully Jelavic and Mandzukic are both playing tonight.
Quote:
Really impressive player for me so far has been Strinic, quietly fantastic for us.
Are we watching the same games? Strinic has been awful. And Srna is only good when he has a strong defender behind him.
Re: Euro 2012 Group C Thread (Spain; Italy; Ireland; Croatia)
Assuming 4-3-1-2 which is still narrow but with possession and midfielders used to defending shouldn't be as exposed wide, playing to Irish strengths, as the 3-5-2 was.
In that system, against this opponent, I wouldn't mind seeing Giovinco start as the trequartista or at least be brought on early if they don't create an acceptable amount of chances. He also brings some wide movement and is just the kind of player who can give the Irish plenty of fits.
On the other hand, if the Irish had to pick a trequartista candidate to face I'm pretty sure someone like Motta would be high on their list. He can make some pretty good runs into the box, can actually finish, but is obviously much better further behind where we usually see him (well always see him except bizarrely for Prandelli's Italy). It's not strength and slowness that really hurt this Irish team rather quickness in mind and feet.
Marchisio is another candidate, he can make good runs and finish also but against a defensive team he sees passing openings a little bit too slow to be played where space is most tight. Actually I wouldn't mind seeing some Nocerino in one of the midfield spots flanking Pirlo. He defends well in the 4-3-1-2, should be very fresh and provide good runs into the box.
Overall though, this is simply a game for Cassano, so now would not be the time to have the ugly game we haven't seen so far.
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