So how long have I been watching football?literally before you were even born!
The Colombian ref was horrible. Too soft on the harsh tackles by Peru. Watch a replay to see what I am talking about.
With all due respect to the Colombians but football refs, placing bets and drugs mix well in that country. In 1994 Escobar was shot after a mistake in WC, reason some drug lord lost tons of money after the US won. in 2000 I remember a ref was killed.. and many other examples. Anyway I felt he was biased nothing more. figure of speach. anyway good night!
Well said. He was beyond the pale. The Peruvians had two clear red cards not given. One for a studs up challenge on Masche , the other on Rojo. There was no intention from the Peruvian player to play the ball but instead to aim a kick to the head.
However Sabella deserves criticism. He has unbalanced the side in order to accomodate the near useless Lavezzi. Only two players in midfield is not going to help and when one is Gago who was off colour last night it exacerbates the problem.
Neither fullback aside from Rojo once or twice even ventured forward. It made the Peruvians job of defending that much easier. There was no easy outball into midfield and when it was received Gago elected to go back or Masche had his back to play. Sosa would have been a welcome addition believe it or not.
The side can pass as shown against Germany and in phases against Paraguay but last night was a return to Batista/Maradonesque midfields. The Peruvians played a tight press and did it well forcing long ball after long ball due to the absence of a midfield and outball. Consequently Higuain and Messi and di Maria became spectators. Sabella was not pleased and I am sure he will realize the folly of playing Lavezzi. Far better would have been a collective player like Maxi.
Romero did quite well and Campagnaro too was solid and reliable and vocal too in organizing the defence. Garay needs to be removed. Very weak . Fernandez is great on the ball as in setting up the goal and reading the play but he needs to attack the ball aerially as he does in the opposition box at corners. He just remains stuck on the ground. He needs coaching from El Raton and first team football.
Messi will get the blame ? Where does this nonsense come from ? It's an exaggerated claim. That said he needed to demand the ball and try and make things happen and urge his team on. Aside from Masche there are no natural leaders on the team.
In response to the Peruvians fouls someone like Sensini from a previous era would have made his mark on their players for instance. The team needs to match that aggression.
Next match play some genuine fullbacks and balance that midfield. Higgy, Leo and di Maria don't need an idiot like Lavezzi ruining things. Besides that he hardly ever works back and wasted a glorious pass from di Maria.
--------------------------------Romero---------------------------------------
--Zabaleta--------------Colocinni----------Fernandez---------------Mino------
----------------------Mascherano-------------Banega------------------------
----Gaitan/Sosa-------------------------------------------------------------
------------------Messi----------------------------------------di Maria------
--------------------------------Higuain-------------------------------------
Uruguay and Chile ? The former will need to come out and play and Chile under Borghi are not going to take a step backwards which will suit the side.
