10 - Lionel Messi - v5

[FinBarcelonafan]

This is exactly what I mean, how did Ronaldo score 4 goals? because he has a solid, functioning TEAM behind him, doesn't have to worry so much and less is expected of him.

Yes. Portugal plays much better team game. Their team seems functional.

 

[Joan]

This is exactly what I mean, how did Ronaldo score 4 goals? because he has a solid, functioning TEAM behind him, doesn't have to worry so much and less is expected of him.

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What help?

 

[MagIX]

They were one of the most defensively sound teams at last WC and had Messi, Di Maria, Higuain scoring important goals.

One of the most horrible and lucky team I have ever seen reach a final.

 

[te amo barca]

This is exactly what I mean, how did Ronaldo score 4 goals? because he has a solid, functioning TEAM behind him, doesn't have to worry so much and less is expected of him.

Portugal are performing far worse now than in 2016 EURO. Ronaldo was average in the second game but ultimately his goal brought the points. Rui Patricio was the MOTM though.

 

[Joan]

One of the most horrible and lucky team I have seen reach a final.

Ronaldo does have luck, indeed. No denying that, sometimes it's unbelievable.

 

[JamDav1982]

One of the most horrible and lucky team I have ever seen reach a final.

What games were they lucky?

 

[FinBarcelonafan]

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What help?

DeGeas help. Haha.

 

[MagIX]

Ronaldo does have luck, indeed. No denying that, sometimes it's unbelievable.

Exactley

 

[Joan]

DeGeas help. Haha.

They were meant to be teammates.

 

[MagIX]

What games were they lucky?

Are you serious ?

 

[Gaunter O Dimm]

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What help?

No he did it all by himself, the rest of the Portuguese team didn't need to be there. Jesus Christ.

 

[jairzinho]

They were one of the most defensively sound teams at last WC and had Messi, Di Maria, Higuain scoring important goals.

There was a semblance of organization under Sabella. With Sampaoli it's chaos.

 

[Gaunter O Dimm]

His team were shite in both games and were not offering much support.

Who's? Ronaldo's? Rubbish how often does Ronaldo have to drop back to the centre circle to start moves because the midfield and defence are useless at getting the ball forward?

 

[eaman]

I saw on a few occasions when Messi did find a tiny bit of space and was calling for the ball the midfield were just too slow to see it and he was immediately surrounded. It'd rubbish saying he didn't try. Croatia just did a good job covering the space. I'm fairly sure if banega played Messi would have seen a bit more of the ball as they usually link up well

 

[DonAndres]

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What help?

Patricio was great in the 2nd game, the cross for the header was good.

But more than that, Portugal have a proper approach. They can actually attack on the break and in enough space to not face down 8 or 9 defenders every play. They can construct real passing moves, and create open shot opportunities for Ronaldo. The ball progresses into good areas and open spaces in the opponent half, entirely regardless of Ronaldo. It's not the best football but it's functional at forming attacks.

Argentina on the other hand are completely incapable of counterattacking because they shoot for hopeless long balls and can't connect ground passes fluidly or quickly enough to do it. Mascherano is the biggest culprit, I've rarely ever seen a single player slow down a game so much. Maybe never. He's so slow in the head and shut down by pressure that he alone allows the opponent defense to settle into strong lines where they can effectively contain Messi and co.