gillsminnow Posted May 29, 2014 Share Posted May 29, 2014 Group C Arguably the most open and difficult to predict of the eight sections, Group C involves four teams with no shared FIFA World Cup™ history whatsoever. What can be guaranteed is an intriguing inter-continental clash of styles, with Colombia’s South American flair going up against teams - Japan, Côte d’Ivoire and Greece - which typify their own regions’ traditional strengths. The teams Colombia are the group’s seeds and will be favourites to advance, while Japan come into the tournament as Asian champions. But such is the nature of this group, it would hardly be a sensation if Côte d’Ivoire, Greece - or both - ended up making it through. Players to watch Radamel Falcao (COL), James Rodriguez (COL), Georgios Samaras (GRE), Konstantinos Mitroglou (GRE), Yaya Toure (CIV), Didier Drogba (CIV), Keisuke Honda (JPN), Shinji Kagawa (JPN) The crunch match Japan-Côte d’Ivoire: The battle between Asia and Africa, the intricacy of the Samurai Blue pitted against the pace and power of Les Elephants, looks sure to provide a real footballing feast when these teams meet in Recife in their opening fixture. A win for either side would also represent a massive step towards the Round of 16. A look back Japan 0-1 Colombia, 22 June 2003, Saint-Etienne With hosts France already safely through from their 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup section, Colombia and Japan knew that only the winners of their final group match would advance to the tournament’s knockout stage. The Asian champions had their chances, most notably when Naohiro Takahara’s header came back off the post, but Los Cafeteros ultimately sealed a deserved win thanks to Giovanni Hernandez’s decisive 68th-minute header. "Japan were top-notch opponents and that makes this win even sweeter," said then Colombia coach Francisco Maturana, whose side then crashed out to Cameroon in the infamous semi-final in which Marc-Vivien Foe tragically lost his life. Did you know? None of these four teams have ever been beyond the Round of 16 at a World Cup, and only Colombia and Japan have successfully negotiated the group phase. Records, though, are made to be broken and all four will be out to prove they have what it takes to go the distance in Brazil. The stat 0 - The number of previous World Cup encounters between the teams involved in Group C. With no prior history in the game’s biggest tournament, the highest-profile meeting within the quartet came in the aforementioned Confederations Cup duel between Colombia and Japan. Fixtures 14 June 2014 Colombia v Greece, Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte, 17:00 (BBC) 15 June 2014 Ivory Coast v Japan, Arena Pernambuco, Recife, 02:00 (ITV) 19 June 2014 Colombia v Ivory Coast, Estadio Nacional, Brasilia, 17:00 (BBC) 19 June 2014 Japan v Greece, Arena das Dunas, Natal, 23:00 (BBC) 24 June 2014 Japan v Colombia, Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba, 21:00 (BBC) 24 June 2014 Greece v Ivory Coast, Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza, 21:00 (BBC) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gillsminnow Posted May 29, 2014 Author Share Posted May 29, 2014 Colombia Location: South America Status: UN Member Country Capital City: Bogotá Main Cities: Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla, Bucaramanga Population: 34,545,000 Area: 1,138,910 km2 Currency: 1 Colombian peso = 100 centavos Languages: Spanish, over 100 Indian dialects Religions: Roman Catholic National Anthem [video=youtube_share;yPSL78YDyZY] Kit Style & formation Coach Jose Pekerman is a tactical chameleon who favours attack-minded variations on 4-4-2, 4-2-2-2 and 4-2-3-1 formations. Napoli pair Juan Zuniga and Pablo Armero, who ended the season on loan at West Ham, provide width as adventurous full-backs, with Fiorentina's Juan Cuadrado and Monaco's James Rodriguez the key creative influences. Rodriguez plays his club football alongside striker Radamel Falcao, and the duo have a deadly understanding. Strengths The squad is top-heavy with attacking talent playing for leading European clubs - so much so that Porto's Jackson Martinez and Inter Milan's Fredy Guarin struggle to get a game. Conditions in Brazil may also suit them. They played qualifiers in the sweltering Caribbean port of Barranquilla, opting for mid-afternoon kick-offs in the belief rivals would wilt in the heat. Weaknesses The potential absence through injury of Radamel Falcao would be a huge blow - he scored a third of their qualifying goals. Falcao's usual partner, River Plate's Teofilo Gutierrez, has questionable pedigree, so Jackson Martinez is the best alternative to lead the line. And while Colombia conceded fewer goals than anyone else in South American qualifying, there is a dilemma at centre-back. Mario Yepes, 38, lacks any pace, but is the captain. AC Milan's Cristian Zapata, 27, deputised in the 2-0 win in Belgium and 0-0 draw with the Netherlands in November. He may be a better bet in Brazil. One to watch While Radamel Falcao invariably grabs the headlines, it is James Rodriguez, 22, who makes Colombia tick. He has seamlessly adapted to international football since making his debut in 2011. The gifted attacking midfielder cost Monaco £37.5m but was ordered to work harder defensively by boss Claudio Ranieri, before the Italian left the club at the end of the season. The boss Carlos Valderrama says Jose Pekerman, the Cafeteros' first foreign coach for over 30 years, has given Colombian football its identity back - a sense of adventure, fun and source of national pride. The Argentine replaced Leonel Alvarez after Colombia made a stuttering start to qualifying for Brazil. He led his native country to the last eight of the 2006 World Cup. How they qualified Fairly comfortably, finishing a close second to Argentina. Their haul of 30 points from 16 games represents their best ever return. Outstanding performances included a 4-0 win at home to Uruguay and a 3-1 win in Chile, plus a gritty goalless draw in Argentina. World Cup record In four campaigns they've reached the last 16 only once, losing to Cameroon in 1990. Painful memories still linger from USA 94; defender Andres Escobar was murdered in his hometown of Medellin after scoring a crucial own goal at the tournament. Fifa ranking: 5 (correct to 6 June) Squad Goalkeepers: David Ospina (Nice), Faryd Mondragon (Deportivo Cali), Camilo Vargas (Independiente Santa Fe). Defenders: Mario Yepes (Atalanta), Cristian Zapata (AC Milan), Pablo Armero (West Ham, on loan from Napoli), Camilo Zuniga (Napoli), Santiago Arias (PSV Eindhoven), Eder Alvarez Balanta (River Plate), Carlos Valdes (San Lorenzo). Midfielders: Fredy Guarin (Inter Milan), Juan Cuadrado (Fiorentina), James Rodriguez (Monaco), Abel Aguilar (Toulouse), Juan Fernando Quintero (Porto), Carlos Sanchez (Elche), Aldo Leao Ramirez (Morelia), Alexander Mejia (Atletico Nacional). Forwards: Victor Ibarbo (Cagliari), Jackson Martinez (Porto), Carlos Bacca (Sevilla), Adrian Ramos (Hertha Berlin), Teofilo Gutierrez (River Plate). Possible Starting 11 and Formation tbc Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gillsminnow Posted May 29, 2014 Author Share Posted May 29, 2014 Greece Location: Europe Status: UN Member Country Capital City: Athens (Athínai) Main Cities: Thessaloniki, Piraeus, Patrai Population: 10,232,000 Area: 131,990 km2 Currency: 1 euro = 100 cents Languages: Greek Religions: Greek Orthodox National Anthem [video=youtube_share;Y7Zgp-EzfOU] Kit Prospects Greece conceded four times in their qualifying group, a record bettered only by Spain. They are not the most thrilling team, but they do get the most out of limited resources. The bookies rate them as Europe's weakest side in Brazil but it is worth recalling they upset Russia to reach the quarter-finals at Euro 2012. Key player Target man Konstantinos Mitroglou has endured a miserable second half to the season at Fulham after a stunning run prior to Christmas. A persistent knee injury has limited the striker to only one Premier League start since joining the Cottagers in January. Before that, he scored three goals in two play-off matches against Romania and a hat-trick for Olympiakos at Anderlecht, making him the first Greek to score a Champions League treble. The boss Portuguese coach Fernando Santos took over in 2010, but admits the legacy of predecessor Otto Rehhagel, under whom Greece won Euro 2004, remains "an identity that is not easy to change. We've tried to play a different way [but] then we slipped back into our comfort zone, our defensive strength". How they qualified Greece finished as runners-up to Bosnia-Hercegovina in Group G but were seeded for the play-offs, and beat Romania 4-2 on aggregate, thanks largely to Mitroglou. World Cup record Their two previous campaigns (1994 and 2010) ended at the group stage. They did at least claim their first victory in South Africa, beating Nigeria, but bowed out following defeat by Argentina in Rehhagel's final game in charge. Fifa ranking: 10 (correct to 6 June) Squad Goalkeepers: Orestis Karnezis (Granada), Panagiotis Glykos (PAOK), Stefanos Kapino (Panathinaikos). Defenders: Kostas Manolas, Giannis Maniatis, Jose Holebas (all Olympiakos), Sokratis Papastathopoulos (Borussia Dortmund), Giorgios Tzavellas (PAOK), Loukas Vyntra (Levante), Vasilis Torosidis (Roma), Vangelis Moras (Verona). Midfielders: Alexandros Tziolis (Kayserispor), Andreas Samaris (Olympiakos), Kostas Katsouranis (PAOK), Giorgos Karagounis (Fulham), Panagiotis Tachtsidis (Torino), Ioannis Fetfatzidis (Genoa), Lazaros Christodoulopoulos (Bologna), Panagiotis Kone (Bologna). Forwards: Dimitris Salpingidis (PAOK), Giorgios Samaras (Celtic), Konstantinos Mitroglou (Fulham), Theofanis Gekas (Konyaspor). Possible Starting 11 and Formation tbc Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gillsminnow Posted May 29, 2014 Author Share Posted May 29, 2014 Ivory Coast Location: Africa Status: UN Member Country Capital City: Yamoussoukro (Political), Abidjan (Economic) Main Cities: Bouaké, Man-Danané Population: 13,895,000 Area: 322,460 km2 Currency: 1 CFA franc = 100 centimes (no longer used) Languages: French, tribal languages Religions: Muslim, Christian, Indigenous National Anthem [video=youtube_share;6TlquHyVk4c] Kit Prospects The Ivorians' golden generation now has a distinctly greyish tinge, and this tournament is set to be the last of Didier Drogba's international career. Their talented squad has flattered to deceive, with their failure to win at least one Africa Cup of Nations particularly mystifying. Key player Manchester City powerhouse Yaya Toure scored four times in six qualifiers, a tally bettered only by Lille forward Salomon Kalou. The boss The appointment of Sabri Lamouchi in May 2012 was hugely controversial. A France international who played at Euro 1996, he had no previous coaching experience. He dropped Didier Drogba after a disappointing 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, but recalled the veteran striker last August. How they qualified Along with Nigeria, they were the only African side to end unbeaten. They easily topped their preliminary group ahead of Morocco before winning a play-off against Senegal 4-2 on aggregate. There were some nervy moments when they trailed 1-0 in the second leg in Casablanca, but Salomon Kalou's injury-time equaliser booked their place in Brazil. World Cup record They were drawn in the "Group of Death" in their two previous tournaments. On both occasions they ended third, trailing Argentina and the Netherlands in 2006 and Brazil and Portugal in 2010. Fifa ranking: 21 (correct to 6 June) Squad Goalkeepers: Boubacar Barry (Lokeren), Sylvain Gbohouo (Sewe Sport), Sayouba Sande (Stabaek). Defenders: Kolo Toure (Liverpool), Sol Bamba (Trabzonspor), Didier Zokora (Trabzonspor), Serge Aurier (Toulouse), Arthur Boka (Stuttgart), Ousmane Viera Diarrassouba (Caykur Rizespor), Constant Djakpa (Frankfurt), Jean-Daniel Akpa-Akpro (Toulouse). Midfielders: Yaya Toure (Manchester City), Cheick Tiote (Newcastle), Serey Die (Basel), Max Gradel (Saint Etienne), Diomande Ismael (Saint Etienne), Didier Ya Konan (Hannover), Mathis Bolly (Dusseldorf). Forwards: Gervinho (Roma), Didier Drogba (Galatasaray), Salomon Kalou (Lille), Wilfried Bony (Swansea), Giovanni Sio (Basel). Possible Starting 11 and Formation tbc Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gillsminnow Posted May 29, 2014 Author Share Posted May 29, 2014 Japan Location: Asia Status: UN Member Country Capital City: Tokyo (Tõkyõ) Main Cities: Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, Sapporo, Kyoto Population: 125,422,000 Area: 377,800 km2 Currency: 1 yen = 100 sen Languages: Japanese, Korean, Chinese Religions: Shinto, Buddhist, Christian National Anthem [video=youtube_share;cMBbkjMM8p8] Kit Prospects Expect the unexpected from the technically gifted yet defensively susceptible Asian champions. They breezed through qualifying but exited the Confederations Cup with three defeats. Losses to Serbia and Belarus then led to calls to sack coach Alberto Zaccheroni. November's draw in the Netherlands and a win in Belgium have revived hopes that Japan could yet be a surprise package. Key player Keisuke Honda, 27, is Japan's talisman, with Shinji Kagawa and Shinji Okazaki the rising stars. Attacking midfielder Honda, who joined AC Milan from CSKA Moscow in January, can drag his team-mates to another level if in the mood. The boss Alberto Zaccheroni is Japan's sixth foreign head coach. The Italian, appointed in August 2010, has set about garnering a closer relationship between the Japanese national team and European football to further the Blue Samurai's footballing education. He led AC Milan to the Serie A title in 1999. How they qualified Japan were the first country to qualify for the 2014 finals, doing so in early June 2013. They achieved the most points (17) and top scored (16 goals) in Asia's final qualifying group stage. World Cup record Japan made their debut in 1998 and will be appearing at their fifth straight World Cup finals. They have twice reached the last 16, first doing so on home soil in 2002 when beaten by eventual third-placed team Turkey. Fifa ranking: 47 (correct to 6 June) Squad Goalkeepers: Eiji Kawashima (Standard Liege), Shusaku Nishikawa (Urawa Reds), Shuichi Gonda (FC Tokyo). Defenders: Masato Morishige (FC Tokyo), Yasuyuki Konno (Gamba Osaka), Yuto Nagatomo (Inter Milan), Maya Yoshida (Southampton), Masahiko Inoha (Jubilo Iwata), Atsuto Uchida (Schalke 04), Hiroki Sakai (Hannover 96), Gotoku Sakai (VfB Stuttgart). Midfielders: Yasuhito Endo (Gamba Osaka), Keisuke Honda (AC Milan), Shinji Kagawa (Manchester United), Makoto Hasebe (FC Nuremberg), Hiroshi Kiyotake (FC Nuremberg), Hotaru Yamaguchi (Cerezo Osaka), Toshihiro Aoyama (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), Manabu Saito (Yokohama F Marinos). Forwards: Shinji Okazaki (Mainz), Yoichiro Kakitani (Cerezo Osaka), Yuya Osako (TSV Munich 1860), Yoshito Okubo (Kawasaki Frontale). Possible Starting 11 and Formation tbc Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
football_master_94 Posted May 29, 2014 Share Posted May 29, 2014 Colombia are bloody strong (even without Falcao) and the other 3 sides are probably there or there abouts in terms of strength but Kalou will fire the Ivory Coast to the knockout stages Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gillsminnow Posted May 29, 2014 Author Share Posted May 29, 2014 Again if people can use the tactics website to add possible starting 11 and formation I'd appreciate it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astafjevs Posted May 29, 2014 Share Posted May 29, 2014 Yeh what is Colombia's usual XI? They're my 'dark horse' pick. When I say that, I don't mean they'll win it, but they have the potential to go deep. They can easily beat any one from England/Italy/Uruguay. And I wouldn't put it past them to beat Brazil in a potential QF either. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Razzler Posted May 29, 2014 Share Posted May 29, 2014 Easily? Not sure about easily Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TM Posted May 29, 2014 Share Posted May 29, 2014 can't believe that Mario Yepes is still playing and at international level, he was a beast in the days of the CM games Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chr1s Lawson Posted May 29, 2014 Share Posted May 29, 2014 Yeh what is Colombia's usual XI? They're my 'dark horse' pick. When I say that, I don't mean they'll win it, but they have the potential to go deep. They can easily beat any one from England/Italy/Uruguay. And I wouldn't put it past them to beat Brazil in a potential QF either. They're my Dark Horse too, even before the groups were announced, their only real weakness is over attacking as the 2 full backs aren't particularly strong defensively! I think Colombia and Japan will get through! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TalkSport Posted May 31, 2014 Share Posted May 31, 2014 Are Armero and Martinez certain starters for Colombia? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
UTT Posted May 31, 2014 Share Posted May 31, 2014 Yeh what is Colombia's usual XI? They're my 'dark horse' pick. When I say that, I don't mean they'll win it, but they have the potential to go deep. They can easily beat any one from England/Italy/Uruguay. And I wouldn't put it past them to beat Brazil in a potential QF either. #Ospina, Zuniga, Yepes, Perea, Armero Cuadrado, Aguilar, Sanchez, James Falcao, Teo If no Falcao then possibly: 1. Martinez/Bacca to replace Falcao like for like 2. MacNelly Torres as the AM playmaker behind a lone striker EDIT Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
UTT Posted May 31, 2014 Share Posted May 31, 2014 They're my Dark Horse too, even before the groups were announced, their only real weakness is over attacking as the 2 full backs aren't particularly strong defensively!I think Colombia and Japan will get through! Colombia's full backs being the weakest part of the squad? Really. You haven't paid them much attention in that case. The issue is the centre backs. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
daylight Posted May 31, 2014 Share Posted May 31, 2014 Some excellent work with these threads gills. Going to have a small bet, as most people do, on the group winners and for some reason I just fancy the Ivory Coast to just about steal this group. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Razzler Posted June 1, 2014 Share Posted June 1, 2014 Unimpressive defeat to Bosnia the other day. Not that friendlies mean that much but still ... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astafjevs Posted June 1, 2014 Share Posted June 1, 2014 #Ospina,Zuniga, Yepes, Perea, ArmeroCuadrado, Aguilar, Sanchez, JamesFalcao, TeoIf no Falcao then possibly:1. Martinez/Bacca to replace Falcao like for like2. MacNelly Torres as the AM playmaker behind a lone strikerEDITNice one,thanks for that. I'm surprised Pekerman doesn't use one of the younger central defenders he has. Zapata isn't great, but he has great pace over the two 30+ year olds they will use. Is the rest of the team pretty certain? Cuadrado in midfield, for example, and not at right-back? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
football_master_94 Posted June 1, 2014 Share Posted June 1, 2014 Is Guarín unlikely to start then? I know Pekerman likes more 'pure' defensive midfielders but he's a better player than Sanchez/Aguilar etc. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
UTT Posted June 1, 2014 Share Posted June 1, 2014 Nice one,thanks for that. I'm surprised Pekerman doesn't use one of the younger central defenders he has. Zapata isn't great, but he has great pace over the two 30+ year olds they will use. Is the rest of the team pretty certain? Cuadrado in midfield, for example, and not at right-back? Yeah pretty set AFAIK. When Zuniga was out they were using Santiago Arias at right back Last night they played Senegal with Quintero on the left flank, Ibarbo right wing and Bacca up front. Just heard that MacNelly Torres has been cut - think thats an error. They still have to cut 3 more players - all depends on Falcao. Can see Mejia and Ramos being cut. The defence is old but Peckerman hasn't really tested Álvarez Balanta that much in friendlies. Zapata hasn't really impressed much either. He is 27 and only has 21 caps to his name. Who would have thought that when he first came to Udinese? Career hasn't worked out so well Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
UTT Posted June 1, 2014 Share Posted June 1, 2014 Is Guarín unlikely to start then? I know Pekerman likes more 'pure' defensive midfielders but he's a better player than Sanchez/Aguilar etc. He lacks discipline. Pekerman likes the "double 6" set up with more holding midfielders - especially with aggressive full backs and a slow defence they need the extra protection. He could come into the midfield if they dropped a striker (more likely now without Torres) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chr1s Lawson Posted June 2, 2014 Share Posted June 2, 2014 Colombia's full backs being the weakest part of the squad? Really. You haven't paid them much attention in that case. The issue is the centre backs. I didn't say the were the weakest at all, over attacking Full backs who are not the strongest defensively leaves the cb's exposed! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
el sid Posted June 2, 2014 Share Posted June 2, 2014 Should just start with Falcao & Martinez upfront and bully everyone to submission Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Razzler Posted June 2, 2014 Share Posted June 2, 2014 Is this one of those Falcao gonna be rushed and he'll be rubbish deals or has he properly recovered? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
UTT Posted June 2, 2014 Share Posted June 2, 2014 I didn't say the were the weakest at all, over attacking Full backs who are not the strongest defensively leaves the cb's exposed! "heir only real weakness is over attacking as the 2 full backs aren't particularly strong defensively!" The weakness isn't over attacking at all. The weakness is that they are too caught out by pace. You could play a flat back 6 and still be caught out by pace Being attacking isn't necessarily a bad thing. They'll pin Greece in their own half and attacking full backs will be beneficial Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
UTT Posted June 2, 2014 Share Posted June 2, 2014 Should just start with Falcao & Martinez upfront and bully everyone to submission And have who create the goals exactly? Teo Gutierrez is a key men up front Is this one of those Falcao gonna be rushed and he'll be rubbish deals or has he properly recovered? Yeah, I doubt he will play in the group if they can avoid it Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
UTT Posted June 2, 2014 Share Posted June 2, 2014 Well, Luis Perea and Falcao have been cut due to injury. Luis Muriel is the other to drop out. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astafjevs Posted June 2, 2014 Share Posted June 2, 2014 Does that mean Zapata is playing? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gillsminnow Posted June 2, 2014 Author Share Posted June 2, 2014 UTT - I'll get around to updating stuff when I've got all the threads up Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chr1s Lawson Posted June 3, 2014 Share Posted June 3, 2014 "heir only real weakness is over attacking as the 2 full backs aren't particularly strong defensively!"The weakness isn't over attacking at all. The weakness is that they are too caught out by pace. You could play a flat back 6 and still be caught out by pace Being attacking isn't necessarily a bad thing. They'll pin Greece in their own half and attacking full backs will be beneficial It can be their strength as well as their weakness. A flat back 6 playing deep and more defensive are far less likely to be caught out by pace. Pinning Greece in their own half in a very attacking fashion will leave slow centre backs like Yepes exposed. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
UTT Posted June 3, 2014 Share Posted June 3, 2014 Does that mean Zapata is playing? Probably, depends if Pekerman is brave. If he is then Éder should play It can be their strength as well as their weakness. A flat back 6 playing deep and more defensive are far less likely to be caught out by pace. Pinning Greece in their own half in a very attacking fashion will leave slow centre backs like Yepes exposed. It isn't a personal attack on you btw, I just think you've misjudged the situation with Colombia Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoarau Posted June 11, 2014 Share Posted June 11, 2014 Colombia are my adopted team this tournament, I think they're gonna suprise a few people and I'm hoping James Rodriguez is the star of the tournament. Is Quintaro from Porto in the squad? Is he likely to see much playing time? Same with Balanta? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chr1s Lawson Posted June 11, 2014 Share Posted June 11, 2014 Probably, depends if Pekerman is brave. If he is then Éder should playIt isn't a personal attack on you btw, I just think you've misjudged the situation with Colombia fair enough. I feel though we are sharing similar points but from different perspectives! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
FaceCrusher Posted June 11, 2014 Share Posted June 11, 2014 James Rodriguez and Quintero are 2 of the dying breed of classic #10s. Those lovely to watch players that are great in tight spaces and make the others run. They don't defend or press, tough. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReggaeBwoy Posted June 11, 2014 Share Posted June 11, 2014 Colombia are my adopted team this tournament, I think they're gonna suprise a few people and I'm hoping James Rodriguez is the star of the tournament. Is Quintaro from Porto in the squad? Is he likely to see much playing time? Same with Balanta? Yes, both in the squad. Quintero will most likely be an impact player but can see Balanta starting definitely. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoarau Posted June 11, 2014 Share Posted June 11, 2014 Has he contributed much when he's appeared for Colombia? Quintero that is.. I'm very interested in seeing Balanta play, hoping for big things. Been reading a lot of things about who might start in place of Falcao.. Some are saying Matinez, some Bacca, Some Ramos and lastly Guitierrez? I'm hoping Martinez gets the nod as I've picked him in my dream team! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
UTT Posted June 11, 2014 Share Posted June 11, 2014 Has he contributed much when he's appeared for Colombia? Quintero that is..I'm very interested in seeing Balanta play, hoping for big things. Been reading a lot of things about who might start in place of Falcao.. Some are saying Matinez, some Bacca, Some Ramos and lastly Guitierrez? I'm hoping Martinez gets the nod as I've picked him in my dream team! Quintero was great in the friendly vs Egypt when he played on the left hand side. But he will be behind James. Regarding his general performance - not sure he's lived up to the hype expected of him yet. But he is young and has time. Regarding strikers it will be Teo Gutierrez + 1. You have to understand that Falcao, Bacca and Martinez offer little in the build up play. With James on the left and 2 defensive central midfielders you need a link man. That is Teo - he drops deep and is the man that does that. A key cog in the colombian wheel. I don't know if Balanta will start, I think Pekerman will opt for the experience of Zapata especially when you also consider that Yepes and Zapata played together at Milan. Balanta is a little raw and impetuous. He still lacks discipline and can be a little rash. This may a tournament to early for him. I think the Copa America 2015 will be his time to shine (I see the possibility of some parallels with Coates in that he was a reserve at the WC but got more chance at the CA) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoarau Posted June 11, 2014 Share Posted June 11, 2014 Thanks for taking the time UTT to reply with some insight, it's good to see someone with the inside track. It's really interesting to hear how important Gutierrez is to Colombia as an outsider when you consider those attacking players around him but that's generally what happens that there's always a unsung hero.. And Teo is it then? I know Ramos has had a good season with Hertha resulting in his move to Dortmund and Bacca was very successful with Sevilla so it's quite up in the air. That's unfortunate to hear about Balanta's probable limited appareances, I read that River had a successful season and he impressed. Still hard to believe Yepes is still going! And I remember when Zapata was an FM god! Ooft both played together this season at Milan? That's not a good omen.. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReggaeBwoy Posted June 11, 2014 Share Posted June 11, 2014 Here is more insight into how Colombia might shape up: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25192077 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
UTT Posted June 11, 2014 Share Posted June 11, 2014 Thanks for taking the time UTT to reply with some insight, it's good to see someone with the inside track.It's really interesting to hear how important Gutierrez is to Colombia as an outsider when you consider those attacking players around him but that's generally what happens that there's always a unsung hero.. And Teo is it then? I know Ramos has had a good season with Hertha resulting in his move to Dortmund and Bacca was very successful with Sevilla so it's quite up in the air. That's unfortunate to hear about Balanta's probable limited appareances, I read that River had a successful season and he impressed. Still hard to believe Yepes is still going! And I remember when Zapata was an FM god! Ooft both played together this season at Milan? That's not a good omen.. I'm not on the inside track but I've been paying a little attention to the South American Qualifiers Yepes and Zapata didn't play together this season (13-14) but they did in 12-13. Adrian Ramos is the last choice striker. Can't believe he is there - I don't rate him. Has never impressed for Colombia. I'd have taken Muriel instead Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReggaeBwoy Posted June 11, 2014 Share Posted June 11, 2014 I'm not on the inside track but I've been paying a little attention to the South American QualifiersYepes and Zapata didn't play together this season (13-14) but they did in 12-13. Adrian Ramos is the last choice striker. Can't believe he is there - I don't rate him. Has never impressed for Colombia. I'd have taken Muriel instead Well he has had an excellent season tbh and with Muriel underperforming that is very understandable. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
UTT Posted June 11, 2014 Share Posted June 11, 2014 He has, that isn't in question (Muriel also very injury prone a carrying a bit of extra "baggage"). He still hasn't impressed for the national team (2 goals in 25 games isn't enough). I wasn't massively impressed at the 2011 Copa America hence my scepticism Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReggaeBwoy Posted June 11, 2014 Share Posted June 11, 2014 But then you can also say now he is a much improved player. 2-3 years ago Dortmunf would have laughed if you asked would they have wanted him. Now he might just be a very improved player who is capable of impressing for the NT. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sebsy Posted June 12, 2014 Share Posted June 12, 2014 Why is Ivory Coast vs Japan a 2:00am kick off when all the others are 5, 8 & 11 (for the first two rounds of group games)? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
UTT Posted June 17, 2014 Share Posted June 17, 2014 But then you can also say now he is a much improved player. 2-3 years ago Dortmunf would have laughed if you asked would they have wanted him. Now he might just be a very improved player who is capable of impressing for the NT. He is the weakest striker in the squad Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReggaeBwoy Posted June 17, 2014 Share Posted June 17, 2014 He is the weakest striker in the squad Not denying that but just defending his inclusion in the squad. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eleanor_Rigby Posted June 18, 2014 Share Posted June 18, 2014 I just noticed I completley missed the Ivory v Jap game and I thought i had watched all 3 games per day thus far. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
adhikapp Posted June 24, 2014 Share Posted June 24, 2014 Eder Alvarez Balanta!!! edit: Wait, where is the Matchday 3 thread? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bradz FM Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 I just noticed I completley missed the Ivory v Jap game and I thought i had watched all 3 games per day thus far. You did, this was a 2am (GMT) kick off on the first Sunday on the tournament Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Readingfanman Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 Can't believe Greece managed to qualify from this group Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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