Internationals LIVE (67 Viewers)

pitbull

Senior Member
Jul 26, 2007
11,045
Players are fitter now, but infinitely less talented as well. This generation isn't close to even the one there was 10-12 years ago. Everybody with a set of functioning eyes can see that.
Dunno if it's the nostalgia in me talking, but I tend to agree, the WC 2002 was the first one I watched and that Brazil team with Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho starting or that Italy with Del Piero, Vieri and Totti, the current teams are a bit of a bore fest compared to those 15 years ago. Current players might be fitter and healthier, but Neymar, Coutinho and Jesus or Insigne, Belotti and Immobile aren't half as genius as those guys were imo
 

Dino_mk

Senior Member
Sep 5, 2007
2,048
Having worse technique and skills. It's not only tricks.
Don't forget toughness. Today's players are protected like endangered species.
Would be fun to watch Messi or CR against someone like Gentile and what kind of challenges referees where allowing at that time.
(for younger viewers searc Gentile vs Maradona on YouTube)
 

Ocelot

Midnight Marauder
Jul 13, 2013
18,943
Doesn't have to mean they're older though, but when the exact date isn't known (not born at hospital), many registration offices just put the year and first of January.

Many cultures don't really care about birthdates the way western do.

Btw crass age fraud shouldn't be able to happen really anymore wih MRI scans (https://www.thenational.ae/sport/use-of-mri-technology-is-helping-fifa-in-age-battle-1.479733). Not 100% accurate for many situations, but it prevents extreme cases.
 

ALC

Ohaulick
Oct 28, 2010
46,540
Doesn't have to mean they're older though, but when the exact date isn't known (not born at hospital), many registration offices just put the year and first of January.

Many cultures don't really care about birthdates the way western do.

Btw crass age fraud shouldn't be able to happen really anymore wih MRI scans (https://www.thenational.ae/sport/use-of-mri-technology-is-helping-fifa-in-age-battle-1.479733). Not 100% accurate for many situations, but it prevents extreme cases.
The should do that scan to that African teenager who plays for Lazio
 

Bianconero_Aus

Beppe Marotta Is My God
May 26, 2009
81,126
Brazil look like your best bet; Uruguay are a sleeper. Argentina and no chance, and Peru might not even make it past the group stages. Colombia will entertain and exit unceremoniously in the round of 16.

The European threat comes from France, Spain, and possibly Germany. I don't see anyone winning the WC outside of 3-4 teams.

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He's such a loser. I mean he is, or should have been, fully aware of the conditions. CONCACAF as a federation has 41 teams, and 35 of them are irrelevant. AFC has about 5-6 good teams. I don't understand why any other federation should take spots from Europe; their teams simply aren't good enough. I'd argue that Africa probably deserves more teams, at the expense of either North America or Asia.
Possibly Germany? They are clearly the best NT in the world at the moment. Ridiculous depth and quality throughout their ranks.

Hold your horses there champ.

Peru have to get past the mighty All-Whites first.

Chris Wood to fire NZ to the WC in Russia
 

Bianconero81

Ageing Veteran
Jan 26, 2009
40,177
Possibly Germany? They are clearly the best NT in the world at the moment. Ridiculous depth and quality throughout their ranks.

Hold your horses there champ.

Peru have to get past the mighty All-Whites first.

Chris Wood to fire NZ to the WC in Russia
Germany don't have reliable quality fullbacks, and they lack a recognizable striker. Their depth and talent is insane, especially in midfield and the wide attacking positions.

Peru will probably take care of NZ over two legs, and I think Australia should be able to see off the challenge of Honduras. I'm concerned about Italy though, especially if they get Ireland or Greece. Those two countries play a disgusting brand of negative football that will probably frustrate an uninventive Italy.
 

Hydde

Minimiliano Tristelli
Mar 6, 2003
38,988
@Hydde We are facing your country tonite. I hope they are better at football than you are at posting.
They would wish to be as crack in fotball, as i am at posting.

Just because i give allegri tips to be a better coach doesnt mean im a bad poster!

you. are. taking. it. personal.:nico:
 

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