by JC_81 » Tue Jun 27, 2006 7:08 pm
Ghana were unlucky today, they played some excellent stuff in midfield. Seems to be a trend with all the African teams at this world cup - good approach play, nice to watch and good at retaining possession, but dodgy at the back and lacking a cutting edge up front. Ghana and Ivory Coast especially, the other teams (Angola, Togo and Tunisia) were a cut below these 2 in terms of quality.
What Ghana did at the back today (in holding a high line) was NOT as Jim Beglin described as suicide. I think it's the best way to defend against Brazil - squeeze the space between midfield and attack so Kaka and Ronaldinho can't hurt you. Also there's not outstanding pace in the Brazil side this year, especially up front, so if you play the offside trap well you should be fine. The trouble is that Ghana didn't have the quality or the organisation at the back to do this well. But the better sides do and this is the way they should play Brazil imo.
As for referees leaning towards the favoured teams, it's not new is it? Lets be honest it happens in the premiership too. I'm not saying it's acceptable, but I don't see why people are only pointing it out now.