I've seen comments about the Western Europe brand of soccer vs the South American brand rearing it's ugly head in this game.

I have too much skin re: this topic because 1) I lived in Argentina and 2) the idea of a Netherlands vs Germany final makes me want to puke.

However, besides Messi who on Argentina wants to dribble by 3 defenders. Also, Gago and Macherano have never scored for Argentina and they seem more defensive minded than given credit for. Commentators seem to point to holes in the Argentine defense but they've been better defensively than the Netherlands for the stretches I've watched.

This post was edited on 7/8/14 at 6:54 pm

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Posted by PsychTiger

Member since Jul 2004

98923 posts

Posted on 7/8/14 at 6:53 pm to bisonduck

Netherlands started out very hot but have cooled as the Cup progressed. I thing Argentina has a good chance.

eta: I liked your original thread title more.

This post was edited on 7/8/14 at 6:54 pm

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Posted by crazy4lsu

Member since May 2005

36311 posts

Posted on 7/8/14 at 6:56 pm to bisonduck

quote:
I've seen comments about the Western Europe brand of soccer vs the South American brand rearing it's ugly head in this game.

It's specifically Brazilian. Argentina has always fashioned themselves as more European in their approach. But there is absolutely no argument that Western Europe has the edge in terms of youth development and tactical instruction. Argentina have one of the best players ever, who coincidentally was school as a 12 year old onward in La Masia, an academy that was based entirely on the Dutch model.

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