World Cup 2010

[Cardboard Box City]

Thing with Maradona is he did it in 82, 86, still managed to help his team while injured in 90, and did well at 94 until the drugs issue finally ended it all...

[oafc0000]

Equally not everyone should be compared to Maradona. Pretty high benchmark otherwise.

Everyone has different parameters as to how they'd define someone as world class. I do sometimes subscribe to the would they get in your top 22 theory. ie. 2 players per position. Bit loose though, as arguably more than 2 World Class keepers about etc.

[oafc0000]

In 1982 Argentina went out in the second group stage and he was sent off in their last match. In 1990 he didn't score and missed a penalty in the shootout in the Quarters, and in 1994 he only played two games.

Edited July 5, 2010 by oafc0000

[oafc0000]

Still possibly one of the best goals scored at World Cup finals...

The build up, passing and finish where fantastic

[Cardboard Box City]

Get real fella... You are attacking possibly the greatest player of all time while defending show ponies with so much to prove

[oafc0000]

Found this...

The difference...

One is at a World Cup and the other is for his club....

Can Messi do it on the world stage ? Not yet...

[ralph250]

I agreed... I didn't make Maradona central to the debate. Just an example of a true world class player...

[oafc0000]

I'm not attacking anyone, just pointing out that to say that Maradona rarely or never had a bad game could well be rose-tinted (and totally negates his club career as well).

If you want to call Messi a show pony it says more about your knowledge than him.

(And the title of that video is the drug he was on at the time).

[oafc0000]

Yeah completely but different times.

There's always the argument that footballs always evolving; like Brazil when they implemented 4 at the back to counter Hungary, the current games generally more defense/possession based rather than you have an attack, we'll have an attack style in years past. More emphasis on Makelele style destroyers, 3 man mids, 1 up front, evolution of fullbacks to provide more width etc.

Teams nowadays aim to strangle possession more and play on the basis that if they can stay solid at the back they'd hope they can create enough opportunities over the course of the game to win it.

Tactical preparation to nullify players is made easier by modern tech aswell. Average player fitness and professionalism will be higher. It's different times so hard to compare modern footballers to the old greats like for like.

[ralph250]

Messi... Two world cups and done f**k all...

He is only young though... He has time to improve...

[Cardboard Box City]

Messi... Two world cups and done f**k all...

[oafc0000]

He was only 19 in 2006, and wasn't really a starter.

[ralph250]

I'm not entirely convinced that World Cups are that big a yard stick to measure players by. There's a well subscribed to feeling amongst some professionals that one of the good European club sides would be able to win the World Cup without much bother.

[oafc0000]

I'm not entirely convinced that World Cups are that big a yard stick to measure players by. There's a well subscribed to feeling amongst some professionals that one of the good European club sides would be able to win the World Cup without much bother.

Edited July 5, 2010 by oafc0000

[oafc0000]

Champions League's a higher level than World Cup imo.

And as I said before, the likes of Klose, Podolski etc have incredible records at International level, but only decent/good at domestic. Still very good players, but don't hear the calls for Klose to be considered World Class; equivalent of Ronaldo Lima, Muller etc.

[Cardboard Box City]

The reason the WC is the greatest test is because you are exposed. You don't have hand pick players in every position... You have what you are given... and its down to the "greatest" players to still perform despite not having the best setup or players in the world around you...

[ralph250]

2010, what happened ? Where was this greatest player in the world ?

[oafc0000]

So its the best of a mixed group, instead of being up against the best of the best? How is this a greater test than playing in the latter stages of the Champions League?

Edited July 5, 2010 by oafc0000

[ralph250]

Look at Spain... Villa is surrounded by under performing players yet he keeps sticking it in the net... I am actually surprised by this if I am honest... I didn't think he was THAT good but he has totally turned my head...

[pink_triangle]

Champions League's a higher level than World Cup imo.

And as I said before, the likes of Klose, Podolski etc have incredible records at International level, but only decent/good at domestic. Still very good players, but don't hear the calls for Klose to be considered World Class; equivalent of Ronaldo Lima, Muller etc.

[ralph250]

Everyone has different parameters as to how they'd define someone as world class. I do sometimes subscribe to the would they get in your top 22 theory. ie. 2 players per position. Bit loose though, as arguably more than 2 World Class keepers about etc.

Edited July 5, 2010 by ralph250

[Steve P]

Really looking forward to the semis - Come on Holland!

[Cardboard Box City]

Really looking forward to the semis - Come on Holland!

[oafc0000]

http://news.bbc.co.u...utd/8790868.stm

Surely this confirms Rooney is not World Class ? Not mentally strong enough...

Edited July 6, 2010 by oafc0000

[eFestivals]

f**k the Dutch.

Oh c'mon ... while a week ago I wouldn't have much cared, it just wouldn't be right for Uruguay to make the final seeing as they only made the semi via blatant cheating. If cheats are seen to prosper, then cheating will become even more the norm than it is already.