Uruguayan coach Oscar Tabarez, already on edge after a supposed closed training session was filmed and reported on by what he termed 'war correspondents', has lashed out at claims by mostly UK hacks who feel his team does not deserve to be the semis and facing Holland.
Some of the criticism stems from the heroic act of handball by Luiz Suarez, which prevented the last minute goal but went unpunished by Asamoah Gyan. Tabarez quite rightly points out that if the Ghanaian had buried the spot kick, Uruguay would be having mad Monday or their version of it by now. That Suarez was touted as a hero by his team mates is purely an extension of their joy in making the semi finals, and while the Poms et al can moralize all they like, the rules were enforced and the opportunity afforded by the rules not taken.
The English can get over it as they froth over the usual transfer activity that has the journos at the business end of a hammer drill at this time until the kick and rush starts again.
Had the French and the English played anywhere near their potential, they'd be spoken about regarding their chances in the quarters and beyond. They have 4 more years to stew over it. At least the French have a system and a culture of play that allows them to look at the latter rounds of a world cup, whereas the English system relies on high tempo, poor tactics and more expectation than Peter North on his wedding night.
Uruguay are without some key players for tomorrow morning's clash against Holland, and will probably be put to the sword. So sure they have played above their own expectations, but name a world cup where a team hasn't snuck into the business end with some raised eyebrows? Turkey, South Korea, Cameroon etc. I will be hoping for a Uruguayan victory, however unlikely it will be.
GP
No comments:
Post a Comment