National Squad Problems

[Garrincha]

I've been thinking about the next Cup, and the squads gettin' ready to rumble and all, and I've been thinking about the different problems different squads are facing.
I'll explain: Brazil, for instance, is having problems choosing a couple of starters (changing coaches when there's only one year before the Cup is NOT wise) but our main problems are with positions where there hasn't been enough renovation. The right-back, for instance; Cafu is the only world-class player we have in that position. No strikers beside Romario have earned a starter position in the team either, and both positions (particularly the right-back) are seen as problematic, as we're used to picking & choosing from huge selections for all positions.
What I want to know is: What are the similar problems in other squads? Italy spent the '90s struggling with a shortage of offensive midfielders (in the last two Cups, the Squadra Azzurra has been fielding LOTS of defensive mids), for instance, and Totti seems to be the spearhead of a generation that will solve that. What about the others? Does England have a similar "problem" position? Or Holland? Germany? I'd like to hear from you guys.

[FORZaINTER]

I believe that you are absolutely correct. Your observations ar eiteresting and acurate. I like what you say. TO add on to what you said about Brazil, i've also noticed that in recent years Brazil hasn't been on top of the game. Could their "failure" be due to this. On to Italy, i am an avid Italy supproter, because i am Italian. They also haven't been as strong as they have been in years passed, and as they should be. Could their toying with positions be a byproduct of this?( I'm not really asking i'm just stating a general question) One more thing. Although i love soccer and i follow it when i have the time, recently, i havne't been able to get as much info as i want on certain teams. What are your sources?( if you don't mind me asking, you don't have to tell me though if you wish not to, but i thought i'd try anyway.Thanks)

[gb1520]

I think that this is a great topic. I can say that i am an England supporter, and their major and really only weakness is the left side. England have not found a player who can perform on the left as well as Scholes and Gerrard have played in the center, and Beckham has played on the right. We have been playing with Heskey on the left but he is a striker and doens't provide for other players very well. Macmanaman is probubly one of the best midfielders in Europe when he playes for Real Madrid, but he has not done anything for England since Euro 96. There is also Joe Cole. But he is only 19 years old and hasn't played against major competition yet. It will be interesting to see what England does with that left side for the next World Cup.

[mirkwood]

gb: too bad Giggs is Welsh!!!:rolling:

[gb1520]

I was thinking the same thing, the shame is that at one time he was the captain of the England School Boys. But he decided to play for Wales instead.

[mirkwood]

I did not know that. Too bad, with his services, England would be one of the dominant (top 3-5) teams. Ah well. What about Chadwick? Is he English? I know he is young, but I hear high praise for him.

[gb1520]

Yes he is, but like every other englishmen he is a right sided player.

[FANTA]

Originally posted by Garrincha
Or Holland? Germany? I'd like to hear from you guys.

holland will have problems. de boer and davids both being suspended, and bergkamp and his 'no flying' policy will leave some gaps in the team. bergkamp maybe not so missed as they have many other quality strikers, but davids and de boer (who is captain ??) certainly will be.

GK is a weakness. van der sar has made many clangers while playing for juve this season.

they'll still be a force and a formiddable opponent for any team, but i don't think they'll be getting any further than the quarter-finals this time.

[gb1520]

I don't expect the Dutch to be in the next world cup. Ireland is in control of their group, and portugal are in second. Holland not only must beat the Irish on their own ground but they also need some help.

[rosealeygh]

I haven't been keeping up w/ the soccer gab, lately. So, Why shouldn't the Dutch team win the WC? I recently heard that Ajax Amsterdam has been doing real well w/ their games. But, since I've been out of the loop for a while, help me out w/ recent events. Remember, I told some of U B4 that I don't have cable TV, and am missing out on a lot. Thanks !!!!