The Ali Dia Football/Soccer Thread

Aerospeed · Post by **Aerospeed** » 26 Jun 2014, 21:46

Aaaand Suarez is out... Does that put his position in Liverpool and/or Barcelona in jeopardy? We'll have to see...

Nessafox · Post by **Nessafox** » 26 Jun 2014, 22:46

Belgium's really been playing with fire. This luck can't last forever.
Altough it's also a bit of bluffing, to start with an experimental B-team like this. The fact that we got away with that so easily kind of proves that this group isn't particularly strong.

Aerospeed · Post by **Aerospeed** » 27 Jun 2014, 01:41

This wrote:Belgium's really been playing with fire. This luck can't last forever.
Altough it's also a bit of bluffing, to start with an experimental B-team like this. The fact that we got away with that so easily kind of proves that this group isn't particularly strong.

Being seeded against the US doesn't help their chances either. I've not been impressed with Belgium thus far in the World Cup, the US team has much more depth just by judging the opening games of the group stage.

takagi_for_the_win wrote:Lads, bear in mind that Messi's only had to play against a fairly average Bosnia side, a poor Iran side and a very average Nigeria side. For a player of his standing, you'd be hoping he'd hit the net. I'm still curious as to how he'd fare against a team with more than two good players; same goes for Neymar.

Add that Messi is up against Switzerland, and the winner of US/Belgium, and you'll bet Messi et co. is thanking their lucky stars of the draw, given their easy opponents up to the semi-finals. If anything, the US is an early candidate for an upset victory over Argentina, but I doubt that will happen. As for Brazil, they have very tough opponents in their block of the knockout stage, first facing against the resilient Chilean team, then either Uruguay which may or may not succeed without Suarez, and Colombia which have looked very strong so far. Also, France and Germany might meet in the quarterfinals, which is a very good matchup in my opinion. Looking forward to the knockout stage...

Post by **DemocalypseNow** » 27 Jun 2014, 09:59

Argentina surely can't win the WC. They have been very mediocre in thier performances so far, the second they actually come up against a world class team they'll be stunned into submission.

Well, that's the theory at least, that Messi alone can't drag them to success. Which was certainly true with Ronaldo, but in way, Brazil only managed 9 points in their group becuase of Neymar - they'd have had no chance otherwise.

It'll be interesting to contrast Brazil and Argentina to say, Costa Rica and the USA - teams that have immensely talented individuals, up against teams that are performing above the sum of their parts through excellent teamwork and team spirit. I like to think that the unified teams will find a way to break their more illustrious opponents, but maybe that's a little bit too optimistic.

I would really like to see Costa Rica or USA go far in this tournament. Maybe even Greece, even though quite a few of their group stage performances were quite cynical. They'll try to park the bus as usual, which while isn't particularly entertaining, could just work against some teams.

Post by **Miguel98** » 27 Jun 2014, 10:32

Biscione, Brazil didn't manage 9 points in their group. Don't forget, they drew against Mexico.

Post by **DemocalypseNow** » 27 Jun 2014, 13:50

Miguel98 wrote:Biscione, Brazil didn't manage 9 points in their group. Don't forget, they drew against Mexico.

Oh right, yeah.

Well that only goes to drive the point home - as soon as they came across a great defensive unit, the one man show came to a halt. Any team that has to rely on a talismanic player to get them the result is in trouble. Look at how long it took Messi to score against Iran, for example. 89 minutes! If that's what a rank outsider can manage, imagine how long a technically superior but still unified team could shut out a team like that. All it takes is a sinlge goal from the counter for the defensive team and the job's done. Greece proved in Euro 2004 the approach can win trophies. We could end up with similarly shocking result with Mexico or Costa Rica this time.

DOSBoot · Post by **DOSBoot** » 27 Jun 2014, 16:04

Biscione wrote:It'll be interesting to contrast Brazil and Argentina to say, Costa Rica and the USA - teams that have immensely talented individuals, up against teams that are performing above the sum of their parts through excellent teamwork and team spirit. I like to think that the unified teams will find a way to break their more illustrious opponents, but maybe that's a little bit too optimistic.

I would really like to see Costa Rica or USA go far in this tournament. Maybe even Greece, even though quite a few of their group stage performances were quite cynical. They'll try to park the bus as usual, which while isn't particularly entertaining, could just work against some teams.

Considering that these teams were not expected to do well early on, and have made this far against much stronger opponents, has already been quite impressive from my point of view. Whether they can maintain this is yet to be seen. I'm staying patriotic, and hoping U.S.A. does get a high result. I don't expect them to win tournament of course. That's too much to ask for. But if they can get a good top 10 result, that would be a monumental achievement for the team.

Nessafox · Post by **Nessafox** » 27 Jun 2014, 16:10

Even if Argentina makes it trough, they will still likely have to face Holland. I can't see Messi being able to find a way trough the Orange wall. And for those who don't know, the Dutch are worlds best dam-builders, and Messi is not the North Sea.
I've often tipped Colombia as potential winner (after seing them destroying us in a friendly game), by the looks of it, they stand a real chance.

USA and Costa Rica might not win the tournament, but they have won peoples hearts. And Greece and Algeria can do the same.

FullMetalJack · Post by **FullMetalJack** » 27 Jun 2014, 16:35

This wrote:I've often tipped Colombia as potential winner (after seing them destroying us in a friendly game), by the looks of it, they stand a real chance.

I never thought of them as having a chance, but they've been arguably the most impressive team in the group stages. I wouldn't rule them out.

At the very least, I can't see Uruguay stopping them in the round of 16.

The Dutch Bear · Post by **The Dutch Bear** » 27 Jun 2014, 19:15

This wrote:Even if Argentina makes it trough, they will still likely have to face Holland. I can't see Messi being able to find a way trough the Orange wall. And for those who don't know, the Dutch are worlds best dam-builders, and Messi is not the North Sea.
I've often tipped Colombia as potential winner (after seing them destroying us in a friendly game), by the looks of it, they stand a real chance.

USA and Costa Rica might not win the tournament, but they have won peoples hearts. And Greece and Algeria can do the same.

If you want to battle against the sea and come out victorious, call the Dutch. Even if Messi is the North Sea, he will need perfect conditions to win. Coming from the part of the Netherlands where 'de Ramp' ('the Disaster') is still fresh in the mond of the elderly, (my grandparents come from Oude-Tonge where over 300 out of 3000 inhabitants died, the worst affected village in 1953), I can tell you we have our lessons from 1953.

In all seriousness though, we are going to have a really tough time against Mexico. I'm cautiously optimistic, but one step at a time.

Dj_bereta · Post by **Dj_bereta** » 28 Jun 2014, 18:02

What a dramatic match (and a polemic one).

takagi_for_the_win · Post by **takagi_for_the_win** » 28 Jun 2014, 19:10

Fack you Brazil

tristan1117 · Post by **tristan1117** » 28 Jun 2014, 20:54

James Rodriguez may have scored the goal of the tournament there.

Nessafox · Post by **Nessafox** » 28 Jun 2014, 23:03

Am i paranoid, or does it seem that every team in this world cup has a player named Rodriguez?

They're taking over the world!

And Uruguay keeps on doing weird things. A player on the bank getting a yellow card, seriously?

Post by **DemocalypseNow** » 29 Jun 2014, 00:43

This wrote:Am i paranoid, or does it seem that every team in this world cup has a player named Rodriguez? They're taking over the world!

And Uruguay keeps on doing weird things. A player on the bank getting a yellow card, seriously?

From start to finish, this Uruguay has been utterly classless. In the Costa Rica game, they completely ran out of ideas without Suarez on the field and resorted to throwing in careless tackles every minute. Then the same against Italy, culminating in that incident. And yet again today, cynical foul after cynical foul. They are the complete opposite of the team they faced today; negative, rash, trigger-happy and clueless. Absolutely did not deserve to win today, or to even advance from their group.

Overall, a shameful performance by Uruguay. Spain were terrible performance-wise only, but Uruguay's World Cup has been one of the ugliest I've ever seen. They most certainly deserve to be going home, more so than any of the other 31 teams.

Alextrax52 · Post by **Alextrax52** » 29 Jun 2014, 10:23

Biscione wrote:
This wrote:Am i paranoid, or does it seem that every team in this world cup has a player named Rodriguez? They're taking over the world!

And Uruguay keeps on doing weird things. A player on the bank getting a yellow card, seriously?

From start to finish, this Uruguay has been utterly classless. In the Costa Rica game, they completely ran out of ideas without Suarez on the field and resorted to throwing in careless tackles every minute. Then the same against Italy, culminating in that incident. And yet again today, cynical foul after cynical foul. They are the complete opposite of the team they faced today; negative, rash, trigger-happy and clueless. Absolutely did not deserve to win today, or to even advance from their group.

Overall, a shameful performance by Uruguay. Spain were terrible performance-wise only, but Uruguay's World Cup has been one of the ugliest I've ever seen. They most certainly deserve to be going home, more so than any of the other 31 teams.

Worse than France's mutinous campaign in South Africa 2010?

Dj_bereta · Post by **Dj_bereta** » 29 Jun 2014, 17:29

I can't believe. Mexico, a team that was almost out of world cup, one of the rejects of qualifies to world cup, alongside with Paraguay, are close to win Holland.

Now, I see costa rica in the semi finals for sure.

Post by **DemocalypseNow** » 29 Jun 2014, 17:45

Freeze-O-Kimi wrote:
Biscione wrote:
This wrote:Am i paranoid, or does it seem that every team in this world cup has a player named Rodriguez? They're taking over the world!

And Uruguay keeps on doing weird things. A player on the bank getting a yellow card, seriously?

From start to finish, this Uruguay has been utterly classless. In the Costa Rica game, they completely ran out of ideas without Suarez on the field and resorted to throwing in careless tackles every minute. Then the same against Italy, culminating in that incident. And yet again today, cynical foul after cynical foul. They are the complete opposite of the team they faced today; negative, rash, trigger-happy and clueless. Absolutely did not deserve to win today, or to even advance from their group.

Overall, a shameful performance by Uruguay. Spain were terrible performance-wise only, but Uruguay's World Cup has been one of the ugliest I've ever seen. They most certainly deserve to be going home, more so than any of the other 31 teams.

Worse than France's mutinous campaign in South Africa 2010?

It's not comparable. France commited self-destruction. Uruguay were trying to destroy everyone else.

tristan1117 · Post by **tristan1117** » 29 Jun 2014, 17:58

Dj_bereta wrote:I can't believe. Mexico, a team that was almost out of world cup, one of the rejects of qualifies to world cup, alongside with Paraguay, are close to win Holland.

Now, I see costa rica in the semi finals for sure.

You may have spoken a bit too soon.

takagi_for_the_win · Post by **takagi_for_the_win** » 29 Jun 2014, 18:23

Dj_bereta wrote:I can't believe. Mexico, a team that was almost out of world cup, one of the rejects of qualifies to world cup, alongside with Paraguay, are close to win Holland.

Now, I see costa rica in the semi finals for sure.

The Curse of the Commentator strikes again!

Nessafox · Post by **Nessafox** » 29 Jun 2014, 23:49

At least the possible borefest that Netherlands-Greece would be is not going to happen. Good job from Costa Rica, but i think their road will end now. And what a game it was, totally unwatchable from a technical point of view, but it was exciting. With everyone cheering for Costa Rica, including the commentators and analysts. That's because we're all still pissed for Greece's stunt victory in Euro2004 with their defensive style (though at the moment i was cheering for them, i rather don't like to see a repeat of that)

Aerospeed · Post by **Aerospeed** » 30 Jun 2014, 01:04

This wrote:At least the possible borefest that Netherlands-Greece would be is not going to happen. Good job from Costa Rica, but i think their road will end now. And what a game it was, totally unwatchable from a technical point of view, but it was exciting. With everyone cheering for Costa Rica, including the commentators and analysts. That's because we're all still pissed for Greece's stunt victory in Euro2004 with their defensive style (though at the moment i was cheering for them, i rather don't like to see a repeat of that)

Really, I couldn't complain about either team winning that, but to me the game was a bit of a disappointment, as it wasn't as rejectful as I predicted it being a game of two teams who never made the quarterfinals before. Shame about Mexico too, they had a golden opportunity to beat the Dutch today and lost it in the final minutes. Here's hoping Ochoa gets a club - with Julio Cesar off to QPR, I wonder if Toronto FC is willing to spend more cash on transfers this year...

Post by **DemocalypseNow** » 30 Jun 2014, 09:07

Aerospeed wrote:
This wrote:At least the possible borefest that Netherlands-Greece would be is not going to happen. Good job from Costa Rica, but i think their road will end now. And what a game it was, totally unwatchable from a technical point of view, but it was exciting. With everyone cheering for Costa Rica, including the commentators and analysts. That's because we're all still pissed for Greece's stunt victory in Euro2004 with their defensive style (though at the moment i was cheering for them, i rather don't like to see a repeat of that)

Really, I couldn't complain about either team winning that, but to me the game was a bit of a disappointment, as it wasn't as rejectful as I predicted it being a game of two teams who never made the quarterfinals before. Shame about Mexico too, they had a golden opportunity to beat the Dutch today and lost it in the final minutes. Here's hoping Ochoa gets a club - with Julio Cesar off to QPR, I wonder if Toronto FC is willing to spend more cash on transfers this year...

A bit too much optimism there I think! I don't really see Ochoa leaving Europe, after his WC performances I think half of Ligue Un will be interested in signing him. Might also be interest elsewhere. Heck, he could even end up at Inter if the rumours of us trading Handanovic + Icardi to Atletico Madrid for 30M are true.

DanielPT · Post by **DanielPT** » 30 Jun 2014, 10:11

Well, that is a bummer... I had a bet on X for Holland-Mexico, on Colombia for their match and X in Greece against Costa Rica, all at full time. That penalty also ruined my dreams...

I had tipped Brazil to win against Chile only at full-time although I had considered extra-time. As for their match against Colombia, I am concerned by that late Uruguayan onslaught that showed some weakness in the Colombian defense although they had the most clean sheets in the South American qualifying phase. Still, I think Colombia will play with Brazil nerves while having some space for their creative players. If they successfully prevent Neymar from having a good game, not even the Saint Scolari likes to grab will save Brazil from a shock defeat. As for the rest of the last-16, it looks difficult for the favorites not to win there.

Post by **DemocalypseNow** » 30 Jun 2014, 10:28

DanielPT wrote:Well, that is a bummer... I had a bet on X for Holland-Mexico, on Colombia for their match and X in Greece against Costa Rica, all at full time. That penalty also ruined my dreams...

I had tipped Brazil to win against Chile only at full-time although I had considered extra-time. As for their match against Colombia, I am concerned by that late Uruguayan onslaught that showed some weakness in the Colombian defense although they had the most clean sheets in the South American qualifying phase. Still, I think Colombia will play with Brazil nerves while having some space for their creative players. If they successfully prevent Neymar from having a good game, not even the Saint Scolari likes to grab will save Brazil from a shock defeat. As for the rest of the last-16, it looks difficult for the favorites not to win there.

Defense is indeed Colombia's weak link - it's not a great sign when a 38 year old Mario Yepes (who at his prime wasn't particularly a world beater anyway) is the centre of the defensive unit.

But Brazil are weak offensively without Neymar - Fred is having an absolute shocker of a tournament, and they have no other natural forwards in their team. My backup choice would have been installing Neymar as a false nine, but with him a serious doubt for the Colombia game, Filipao may be left with no choice but to play Hulk as a number nine and Bernard + Oscar on the wings.

Holland are the only European team really looking like they can win this tournament. They have that strange quality where they can win when playing badly, which almost can be considered the sign of a champion team. Costa Rica might still push them, but I don't see the Dutch failing to progress to the semis.

FullMetalJack · Post by **FullMetalJack** » 30 Jun 2014, 11:41

Biscione wrote:Holland are the only European team really looking like they can win this tournament. They have that strange quality where they can win when playing badly, which almost can be considered the sign of a champion team.

I'd say it is a sign. That strange quality sums up Manchester United's 2012/13 title win perfectly.

DanielPT · Post by **DanielPT** » 30 Jun 2014, 12:07

FullMetalJack wrote:
Biscione wrote:Holland are the only European team really looking like they can win this tournament. They have that strange quality where they can win when playing badly, which almost can be considered the sign of a champion team.

I'd say it is a sign. That strange quality sums up Manchester United's 2012/13 title win perfectly.

Well, Holland are not the only one at this tournament. Belgium are also grinding results. As for Argentina, they have been saved by Messi...

wsrgo · Post by **wsrgo** » 30 Jun 2014, 12:41

DanielPT wrote:
FullMetalJack wrote:
Biscione wrote:Holland are the only European team really looking like they can win this tournament. They have that strange quality where they can win when playing badly, which almost can be considered the sign of a champion team.

I'd say it is a sign. That strange quality sums up Manchester United's 2012/13 title win perfectly.

Well, Holland are not the only one at this tournament. Belgium are also grinding results. As for Argentina, they have been saved by Messi...

Di Maria has been getting better and better of late, though their black sheep is clearly, still Pablo Zabaleta. Argentina's defence is so bad that Mascherano cannot even venture five metres ahead of them into the midfield.

takagi_for_the_win · Post by **takagi_for_the_win** » 30 Jun 2014, 15:49

I still reckon it's Germany's to lose.

Now Biscotti, or anyone else that watches Serie A regularly, what do you make of Jorginho? Nothing to do with real life, he's just an animal in my Championship Manager career and I want to know if he's all that irl

Nessafox · Post by **Nessafox** » 01 Jul 2014, 23:58

Tim Howard is worthy of a statue the size of the statue of Liberty! Damn, how much have i cursed this man today :shock:

Altough i was not impressed by Belgium today. I know they can do a lot better. Especially the defense worries me. With a bit of luck we survive Argentina, but sure as hell we won't survive Holland.

UncreativeUsername37 · Post by **UncreativeUsername37** » 02 Jul 2014, 00:40

This wrote:Tim Howard is worthy of a statue the size of the statue of Liberty! Damn, how much have i cursed this man today

Altough i was not impressed by Belgium today. I know they can do a lot better. Especially the defense worries me. With a bit of luck we survive Argentina, but sure as hell we won't survive Costa Rica.

Fixed

DOSBoot · Post by **DOSBoot** » 02 Jul 2014, 03:55

Well, my country's team is out. But overall I'm pretty satisfied with what they were able to achieve with against much stronger opponents. Especially since we were heavily favored not to make it past the "group of death", and was able to do it. Plus getting payback on Ghana for 2006, and 2010, was great to see as well. The fan base took my by surprise, even down here the deep south people were gathering all over the TVs to see how the U.S. would do. Something that was unheard of in these parts about a decade ago. Shows how much the interest in soccer has grown over here in recent years. If we make it in 2018, then I hope we do even better. Now I''ll be rooting for my second choice for this cup. Those crazy Dutch.

takagi_for_the_win · Post by **takagi_for_the_win** » 02 Jul 2014, 10:05

Have to say, that Yedlin fella that played right back for the Americans must've been at the steroids

that's the hardest I've seen anyone work in a football match for a very long time. Kudos to Howard as well, the big man still has it.

The Dutch Bear · Post by **The Dutch Bear** » 02 Jul 2014, 10:17

This wrote:Tim Howard is worthy of a statue the size of the statue of Liberty! Damn, how much have i cursed this man today

Altough i was not impressed by Belgium today. I know they can do a lot better. Especially the defense worries me. With a bit of luck we survive Argentina, but sure as hell we won't survive Holland.

A great game from Howard, but if Belgium was more effective with their chances extra time would not have been needed. You won't get away with missing so many chances against Messi or Robben.
One question though having watched the game on Flemish TV. Why do you keep inviting Jan Mulder and Jan Boskamp for analysis of the matches? Aren't there good Belgians around for that?
Don't get me wrong. I do like Jan Boskamp, who as a Rotterdammer has probably the hardest G in the Low Countries, but surely you guys can manage that on your own?

tristan1117 · Post by **tristan1117** » 02 Jul 2014, 11:41

Well, we fought bravely. I was really impressed with the United States' World Cup run, and for the first time it seemed like the whole country was getting behind the team, which was a great sight to see. I've never seen the group games of the World Cup treated like a legitimate sporting event, with huge viewing parties everywhere and this much passion from American supporters, an unthinkable phenomenon 8 years ago, where I was one of about ten people I knew who watched the USA-Italy draw in 2006. I would say that the World Cup surpassed most of the major sporting events' playoff games, and may be one step down from the Super Bowl in terms of ubiquity, and the TV ratings bear that out. The difficulty now is to take this newfound energy and run with it, hopefully building an appreciation for domestic club soccer and international clubs, as well as developing a player base for an even better national team in 2018.

That being said, I will be switching my allegiances to Belgium, as I really wanted an out-of-the-usual contender win the tournament this year. At least I'll be able to be a bit contrarian with everyone hopping on the Brazil/Argentina bandwagon. I can't tell if Belgium's apparent strategy of waiting until the last possible moments to strike is going to work against Argentina, but I thought that the Belgian attack was at least better against the US then in any of the other group matches. They were held by that anemic Russian team for 80+ minutes with far less movement and pace. De Bruyne and Lukaku were brilliant, De Bruyne in particular, but I still think that Fellaini and Hazard have been off-form. If they play up to potential against Argentina, they can win, but I have no idea if that 's is going to happen.

Nessafox · Post by **Nessafox** » 02 Jul 2014, 22:01

The Dutch Bear wrote:
This wrote:Tim Howard is worthy of a statue the size of the statue of Liberty! Damn, how much have i cursed this man today

Altough i was not impressed by Belgium today. I know they can do a lot better. Especially the defense worries me. With a bit of luck we survive Argentina, but sure as hell we won't survive Holland.

A great game from Howard, but if Belgium was more effective with their chances extra time would not have been needed. You won't get away with missing so many chances against Messi or Robben.
One question though having watched the game on Flemish TV. Why do you keep inviting Jan Mulder and Jan Boskamp for analysis of the matches? Aren't there good Belgians around for that?
Don't get me wrong. I do like Jan Boskamp, who as a Rotterdammer has probably the hardest G in the Low Countries, but surely you guys can manage that on your own?

Because Mulder and Boskamp way of talking is considered 'funny' and 'controversial' by the boring, grey and conservative Flemish standards, and thus it creates 'good television' However, i'm experiencing a Jan Mulder-oversaturation at the moment. It's a given fact that Belgian analists are rather serious and never really have the guts to say anything different. Except maybe for Wesley Sonck, who is an idiot, and Gert Verheyen, who is in my opinion the best of the serious commentators. There's also the Lukaku-curse, whenever Jordan Lukaku is in the studio, his brother plays a really horrible game.

Reasons why exactly Boskamp and Mulder is probably because Boskamp has been analist on Flemish television for ages (very often appearing in extra-time, the football magazine on monday) ,and most of his recent teams he trained were Belgian teams too. Truth be told, he's not a bad analyst, altough his style does make him appear less serious. And Mulder has a football column in Humo for ages, in his traditional style, meaning that he just says things to seek controversy, but are absolutely not coherent. It's obvious Sporza chooses for the format of 'two funny people + two boring people'

Personally i don't mind some humour in coverage, but these two guys are overdoing it. It's not helped by the presentor who obviously has no authority over his guests.

watka · Post by **watka** » 04 Jul 2014, 00:08

Out of the 8 remaining teams, I honestly think that Colombia have played the best. People keep saying they are weak at the back but they really haven't done to badly in letting in only 2 goals so far. I can't see Brazil causing them many problems going forward and I imagine their gameplan will involve locking down James Rodriguez and trying to grid out a result.

Nessafox · Post by **Nessafox** » 04 Jul 2014, 01:49

With all the world cup fever, we forgot the most important game of the year: Gibraltar booked its first ever official victory against Malta! And in the champions league Lincoln Red Imps drew against Faroer Champions HB. Their Europa League team College Europa however lost against Liechtenstein champions FC Vaduz. (Liechtenstein only has one team playing european, because all their teams actually play in the Swiss league) On the bright side, Andorran champions La Coloma won against Armenian champions Banants. Will these teams qualify for round 2 of the CL? Will San Marinese champion La Fiorita overcome a slight defeat against Estionan champion Levadia? This, ladies and gentlemen, is what F1 rejects should really care about!These are the teams we cheer the hardest for!

Dj_bereta · Post by **Dj_bereta** » 04 Jul 2014, 02:54

watka wrote:Out of the 8 remaining teams, I honestly think that Colombia have played the best. People keep saying they are weak at the back but they really haven't done to badly in letting in only 2 goals so far. I can't see Brazil causing them many problems going forward and I imagine their gameplan will involve locking down James Rodriguez and trying to grid out a result.

As a Brazilian, its hard, but I have to agree. Also, I won't be surprised if Colombia reaches to the finals (or even win the world cup).

The biggest problem is that the Brazilian players aren't handling well with the pressure.

Post by **DemocalypseNow** » 04 Jul 2014, 09:11

Dj_bereta wrote:The biggest problem is that the Brazilian players aren't handling well with the pressure.

Indeed. Fred is having an absolute shocker, I struggle to see what else could be causing him to play this badly but bottling under pressure. He did so well at the Confed Cup last year, it feels like he has suffered a very sharp dip in form in the last month.

This wrote:Will San Marinese champion La Fiorita overcome a slight defeat against Estionan champion Levadia?

I don't think so. With their star player Piccioni moving to Juve Stabia, they might struggle defensively again.