urban75 forums
Much has been made of how the 'smaller' footballing nations are having success by not having star-studded teams, but rather playing as a cohesive unit with good teamwork.
However, you look at the 'bigger' nations and those that have progressed are those where their figureheads and talismen are performing well - Neymar for Brazil, Robben for Netherlands, Benzema for France, Messi for Argentina. I suppose the one exception might be Germany; Muller has his four goals, but 3 came in one match and he's arguably not the same totemic figure the others are for their countries.
I always like to think that teamwork will get you far in football, but will it get you far enough if the other side have a shit-hot player who's on form?
However, you look at the 'bigger' nations and those that have progressed are those where their figureheads and talismen are performing well - Neymar for Brazil, Robben for Netherlands, Benzema for France, Messi for Argentina. I suppose the one exception might be Germany; Muller has his four goals, but 3 came in one match and he's arguably not the same totemic figure the others are for their countries.
I always like to think that teamwork will get you far in football, but will it get you far enough if the other side have a shit-hot player who's on form?