FIFA World Cup group stages

[shankycricket]

The charge against Spain has always been that they under perform on the big stage and they were saying that in the run up to last WC. It would appear they've returned to old ways.

2 European Championships and a World Cup. Runners up in the Confed Cup. Are you serious? This was just a shocker of a tournament largely due to carrying passengers well past their sell by date. A bit like the Indian cricket team in 2011.

[shankycricket]

Even in the Euros, they were so dominant. I'd argue they played better than they did at the WC. Absolutely annihilated Italy in the final. The decline has been far too drastic and shocking. Similar to France, I guess who also won the Euros in 2000 apart from the 1998 World Cup.

[GGAS]

Spain's rise and decline goes hand in hand with that of Barca. Not a coincidence.

[shankycricket]

Anyways, England tomorrow. Will Suarez be fit? Any changes for us? (Another) last chance for Rooney?

[dan08]

The charge against Spain has always been that they under perform on the big stage and they were saying that in the run up to last WC. It would appear they've returned to old ways.

2 European Championships and a World Cup. Runners up in the Confed Cup. Are you serious? This was just a shocker of a tournament largely due to carrying passengers well past their sell by date. A bit like the Indian cricket team in 2011.

Bit harsh saying well past their sell by date. Only Torres i would say fits in that category. Xavi and Villa not great but still have some use. Players like Casillas and possibly Alonso probably entering that category now. That's it though.

[shankycricket]

The charge against Spain has always been that they under perform on the big stage and they were saying that in the run up to last WC. It would appear they've returned to old ways.

2 European Championships and a World Cup. Runners up in the Confed Cup. Are you serious? This was just a shocker of a tournament largely due to carrying passengers well past their sell by date. A bit like the Indian cricket team in 2011.

Bit harsh saying well past their sell by date. Only Torres i would say fits in that category. Xavi and Villa not great but still have some use. Players like Casillas and possibly Alonso probably entering that category now. That's it though.

Basically half their team then.

[dan08]

Spain's rise and decline goes hand in hand with that of Barca. Not a coincidence.

Reasons for their failure are very similar.

[hopeforthebest]

The charge against Spain has always been that they under perform on the big stage and they were saying that in the run up to last WC. It would appear they've returned to old ways.

2 European Championships and a World Cup. Runners up in the Confed Cup. Are you serious? This was just a shocker of a tournament largely due to carrying passengers well past their sell by date. A bit like the Indian cricket team in 2011.

I don't know how old you are shanky but that is exactly what all the pundits used to say year after year. Most of those successes are very recent.

[dan08]

The charge against Spain has always been that they under perform on the big stage and they were saying that in the run up to last WC. It would appear they've returned to old ways.

2 European Championships and a World Cup. Runners up in the Confed Cup. Are you serious? This was just a shocker of a tournament largely due to carrying passengers well past their sell by date. A bit like the Indian cricket team in 2011.

Bit harsh saying well past their sell by date. Only Torres i would say fits in that category. Xavi and Villa not great but still have some use. Players like Casillas and possibly Alonso probably entering that category now. That's it though.

Basically half their team then.

Only 2 of those started today though.

[SaintPowelly]

Spain's rise and decline goes hand in hand with that of Barca. Not a coincidence.

Interesting theory

[Durhamfootman]

England will be joining Spain tomorrow

[shankycricket]

I guess the likes of Pique could well recover his form. He is only 27 after all. May not be past his sell by date but still doesn't justify his selection for the Netherlands game in his current form. Ramos is too hit and miss. They still haven't fully replaced Puyol though they did win the Euros without him, it must be pointed out.

Iniesta still going strong though. Would he be there in 2018? He is 30 now. Would be 34 at the next World Cup. Not the best age in footballing terms but we have seen quality players doing well in their mid 30s. Zidane took France to the final in 2006 at the age of 34, Pirlo is still going pretty well and even Cahill has had a good tournament here at the age of 34.

[dan08]

I guess the likes of Pique could well recover his form. He is only 27 after all. May not be past his sell by date but still doesn't justify his selection for the Netherlands game in his current form.

His last 2 months of the season was as good as anyone. Usually a bit shaky but can't say he came into the tournament in poor form.

[shankycricket]

The charge against Spain has always been that they under perform on the big stage and they were saying that in the run up to last WC. It would appear they've returned to old ways.

2 European Championships and a World Cup. Runners up in the Confed Cup. Are you serious? This was just a shocker of a tournament largely due to carrying passengers well past their sell by date. A bit like the Indian cricket team in 2011.

Bit harsh saying well past their sell by date. Only Torres i would say fits in that category. Xavi and Villa not great but still have some use. Players like Casillas and possibly Alonso probably entering that category now. That's it though.

Basically half their team then.

Only 2 of those started today though.

True. Quite a few out of form players too (i.e. young enough to recover such as Pique).

[shankycricket]

I guess the likes of Pique could well recover his form. He is only 27 after all. May not be past his sell by date but still doesn't justify his selection for the Netherlands game in his current form.

His last 2 months of the season was as good as anyone. Usually a bit shaky but can't say he came into the tournament in poor form.

My word, he looked ordinary. Also heard him and Ramos don't get along/work well together?