WorldCup2010

If you love soccer I have some (lengthy-ish) thoughts that might interest you. First let me say that Ive been a fan of ARG for ᡌyrs and I always root for them after GRE,soooo.. :((( yup.
...Second, I certainly have total antipathy for a GER side since third, from the first moment I saw them Germany clearly seemed to be one of most the most dangerous teams Ive seen in a while, and a primary threat to my Argentina. Fourth, keep in mind I acknowledge theyre doing all this without one of the best players in the world, Ballack (one of my favorites).
ARG, you cant give up a cheap goal at this level, especially so early (and get discombobulated), because if the opponent earns a second goal (as Germany did), the game is over. Argentina already had a slightly weak defense and goalie, so when they had to push to score, down 2-0, they just fell apart.
..However, what I think is important and notable here, is tactics and strategy, specifically the 4-4-1-1. This will now be the second team, to my knowledge, after ITA in the 90s-2000s to employ this ultra-defensive formation so successfully and (possibly-likely) win the WorldCup. Other teams have tried this formation last 10-15yrs, ENG, GRE also with some success but not always, and that is precisely the point, that teams are moving to it.
.Were seeing here an evolution of soccer, before our eyes, as we saw the shift in the 80s from the 4-3-3 and 3-4-3 to the 4-4-2. The Germans are now showing and proving the #Italian model works, how it can be replicated, and how it can be improved. Its a confirmation.
..The problem teams have had at the international level, the WorldCup the last 20yrs, is finding a formation/strategy/tactical setup that allows you to be equally effective against both super defensive 4-4-2s like ITA, FRA, ENG, and the super offensive SouthAmerican 3-5-2s of BRA and ARG, in other words to be able to field an even more defensive formation than a 4-4-2 (the Germans often had 9 players plus goalie right around their own box 15mins into first half in every game) while not only maintaining a lethal counter-attack capacity, but an outright offensive capability (often managing 6-7 players into opponents box on counter attacks by pushing the edges).
..This 4-4-1-1 the Germans are playing is exactly like the Italian version..it changes into a 4-5-1, a 4-4-2, a 4-3-3, and a 3-4-3. It is strongest right down the middle, where teams attacks have been coming from the last 20yrs, and most lethal on the edges, where most teams are weakest these days.
..To be sure, this German side is stacked with players all over the place. But the key is, skill at the edges of both the back and center lines, and the physical fitness and willingness and ability of those players to move up (push forward) a line (Total Football) and play that lines position. The Italians did it with great success, and now the Germans too with Podolski, Schweinsteiger, and Mller, effectively forwards, playing midfielder positions and pushing forward from that role.
...The other key of course is an elite *finisher,* not striker, theres a difference, who commands 2 defenders in his cherry-picking role by sliding slightly left-forward or right-forward, rather than straight forward, and thus pushing/drawing the defensive line off balance with every counter-attack/push he makes as the only forward player, opening wide-open lanes on the other side for the second forward and that sides midfielder pushing ahead, his position in turn being filled by that sides rear back in classic Dutch TotalFootball style. Just imagine if they were fielding yet one more rock on the defensive midfield in Ballack. Scary.
..Thats the best I can do. I think this is a big deal. I think a lot of teams will be trying to copy this style very soon and there could be a similar wholesale shift into this formation as there was into the 4-4-2 in the 90s when noone could score on ITA and manage to stop their counter-attacks. Teams will use their best athletes on the wings of their back/mid lines to compensate for their lack of talent, and try to emulate this style, imo.
...Rooting for URU now. ☺

Extraordinary performance, one of the all-time blowouts at this stage, aided by a pathetic Argentinian defense. I preferred watching it on the Mexican station for added drama and passion! Congrats to the Germans on this forum, you have an exciting and very skilled team, with an infusion of youth. My favorite goal was Podolski to Klose, great unselfish teamwork.

wow 4 to 0 i just came back from a sunbath at a lake... 20 women for one man ( not:on) that is the positive side of it.

I was VERY sorry to see Ghana lose, my condolences. Got as close as you can get, was hoping for some encouragment for a continent that has had alot of setbacks. Hang in there Africa, you are getting better and better, and were so close to the semi-finals.

Ashraf,
I know intermarket analysis is your specialty but the way you combine football with currency markets is great. I hope you bring more of these football-markets intermarket analysis before the world cup ends.
I made my bet that as the brazilian real has outperformed the euro, brazil would win. I'm still wondering what went wrong with my analysis!
So far your bet tha Holland will win the cup still holds.

Best Regards