Quote:Stepping away from the penalty for a second; Herrera was thoroughly outcoached by Van Gaal today. He substituted his only offensive threat after the first goal and went on the defensive against a team that had shown they can fight back from a goal down. When the Dutch changed tactics the first time he didn't have answer and when he finally did adjust during the cooling break Van Gaal was a step ahead again by changing tactics a second time.

I agree with you. I didn't think he should've gone as defensive there. Although, it did actually hold until 88'. So, they came very close.


The penalty, I'm not so sure about. Robben's theatrics makes it look ridiculous, IMO. It looked like Robben wasnt even touched. However, if he hadn't have left his feet and dove forward looking for the call, he would've been touched/tripped legitimately. So, it's an acceptable call, to me. At least it wasn't a horrible call for a ludicrous flop that determined a knockout stage result. I really, really hope that doesn't happen in any of these elimination games to come (even if it is the US). That'll suck.


I love WC Football. What I don't like is all the diving/flopping for calls. It's part of the game, I know. But, it reeks of unsportsmanlike behavior, to me.


The Dutch are a masterful team. And, a few of their players masterfully dive/flop a lot for calls. It's part of the game, and they use it. They're so good though, not sure they need all that. They could win this cup.


P.S. - Mexico was a team playing very well in this tournament. Regardless of what a few on here might've thought, they had a real shot to win this match. And, very nearly did (so close). Kudos to them.


Too bad a lot of their fans are **#$%&.

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