Category Archives: International Office

Spain were the more proactive side in the first-half of this World Cup final, but Holland were well organized in response. Both sides set up under 4-2-3-1, but Spain had a narrower approach with Pedro and Andres Iniesta taking up … Continue reading →

An early chance fell to Holland in this semi-final: an Arjen Robben cross was punched by Muslera only as far as Dirk Kuyt who was 12 yards from goal. But Kuyt failed to keep his powerful shot down. However, this … Continue reading →

Before this quarter-final fixture had time to settle, Germany took the lead. On three minutes, Bastian Schweinsteiger swept in a free-kick which was flicked into the net by Thomas Muller. Germany looked strong during the initial exchanges: whilst Argentina put … Continue reading →

Tournament outsiders New Zealand went into the final group game undefeated and with a chance of making it into the second round. However, Paraguay (who topped the group going into the game) would provide the All Whites with stiff opposition. … Continue reading →

Chile set up under an assertive 3-4-3 for this fixture against a more conservative Switzerland. The South Americans played with plenty of attacking intent early in the game, but it was frenetic and hasty rather than measured and incisive. Early … Continue reading →

By Dr Paul: For a team who created the catenaccio style of defending, it was Italy’s opponents Paraguay who turned in a dogged, disciplined performance in the opening game of Group F. The Azzuri, playing an uncharacteristically attacking 4-3-3 formation, … Continue reading →

I am persisting with my view that USA should opt for a 4-4-1-1 formation with Landon Donovan behind Jozy Altidore. Robbie Findley looked dangerous at sporadic intervals against England but, without Charlie Davies, USA don’t really have a viable 90-minute … Continue reading →

By Dr Paul: By now you’ve made your predictions. You’ve studied the wallcharts and plotted teams’ courses through the tournament, arriving at you final four. You will have probably studied the form guides and identified several dark horses teams that, … Continue reading →