Pre-Tournament Friendlies

[Gagh]

To me, it's a waste of time, and a completely unecessary risk of key players. Tonight England play Hungary, and a few days later, Jamaica.

Does it get players match fit? Arguably. The vast majority have just finished a complete domestic season, so I fail to see of what use they serve other than adding a few caps to the players totals. I'll still watch, but why risk your players like this?

 

[curiousa2z]

Funnily enough, last night one of my ESL students (the German one- surprise!) and I were discussing this very thing.
Seems they got a scare on the weekend when Ballack hurt his ankle.
Sweet Zombie Jesus on a stick, that's all they need.

 

[keekeen]

Actually it's a pretty good method for coaches to gauge the preparedness of players.

 

[Gagh]

It can be, unless you are Eriksson and playing idiotic formations, or using players in positions you would never dream of using in knockout cup football.

 

[Conchaga]

It's a good way for teams that don't normally play international matches and are playing as a team for the first time to work on their teamwork vs. other teams. USA is a prime example. This allows them to tweak their playing before getting into matches that really matter. Also, most teams put their second string players on the field instead of their starters. Like the May 29th match between the US and Venezuela. We played them with our second string players.

 

[curiousa2z]

I see that the England/Jamaica friendly is actually going to be aired up here (taped) this morning.
Amazing.
... must be a slow day for curling and lawn bowling.

 

[curiousa2z]

well, one hopes the next time Jamaica plays, they won't provide two o.g.s in the same game to the other side...awfully hard to stay in Cup contention that way...

6-0...sheesh.

- A certain team wearing Three Lions was looking pretty good, though!!

 

[Conchaga]

They're not lions, they're pussies.










That aughta annoy gagh a bit.

 

[curiousa2z]

goddamn "friendlies"!
I hear Cisse has broken his leg...I actually like him.
Was looking forward to see how he would play with the French side.
Don't know how 'key' he was for them, though...
- mostly seen him sitting it out for Liverpool, which is why I was curious about him, cuz he seems to have a nice touch when he has the chance to play.