Thursday, June 26, 2014
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Friday, June 20, 2014
a theory on spain's downfall
by now the shock of spain's exit from the world cup has calmed down, and people are looking at what happened and what's going on. I believe the reason why spain bowed out so quickly is because of physical and mental tiredness and fatigue. most of the players have been playing essentially non-stop for almost six years without a proper break, and that takes its toll. here are some stats:
- euro 2008, spain: winner. final played 29 june. first game of la liga 2008: 30 august.
- season 2008-09, champions league final: barcelona winner. final played 27 may. first game of la liga 2009: 29 august
- world cup 2010, spain: winner. final played 11 july. first game of la liga 2010: 28 august
- season 2010-11, champions league final: barcelona winner. final played 28 may. first game of la liga 2011: 27 august
- euro 2012, spain: winner. final played 1 july. first game of la liga 2012: 18 august
- confederations cup, spain: runner-up. final played 30 june. first game of la liga 2013: 17 august
most often the pre-season training and friendlies start about a month before the first game of the season. many times there's also champions league qualification games.
looking at these numbers, there's only been two years (2009 and 2011) where there's actually been a proper off season. most of the players are also key players in their teams, meaning they usually play more or less every game, and 90 minutes plus extra time. keep in mind also that real madrid won the champions league this year.
a lot of people say that the players don't have the same hunger anymore, but I don't really believe that's true. which player that has won one trophy would not want to win it again? it's like having a delicious piece of chocolate and think "nah, I've already had it once, I'm done" - who would do that?
obviously there's the fact that their strategy and tactics have been analyzed and counter-plays developed, but the fact that they are physically exhausted probably also played a big role.
what do you think? could this be a reason?
- euro 2008, spain: winner. final played 29 june. first game of la liga 2008: 30 august.
- season 2008-09, champions league final: barcelona winner. final played 27 may. first game of la liga 2009: 29 august
- world cup 2010, spain: winner. final played 11 july. first game of la liga 2010: 28 august
- season 2010-11, champions league final: barcelona winner. final played 28 may. first game of la liga 2011: 27 august
- euro 2012, spain: winner. final played 1 july. first game of la liga 2012: 18 august
- confederations cup, spain: runner-up. final played 30 june. first game of la liga 2013: 17 august
most often the pre-season training and friendlies start about a month before the first game of the season. many times there's also champions league qualification games.
looking at these numbers, there's only been two years (2009 and 2011) where there's actually been a proper off season. most of the players are also key players in their teams, meaning they usually play more or less every game, and 90 minutes plus extra time. keep in mind also that real madrid won the champions league this year.
a lot of people say that the players don't have the same hunger anymore, but I don't really believe that's true. which player that has won one trophy would not want to win it again? it's like having a delicious piece of chocolate and think "nah, I've already had it once, I'm done" - who would do that?
obviously there's the fact that their strategy and tactics have been analyzed and counter-plays developed, but the fact that they are physically exhausted probably also played a big role.
what do you think? could this be a reason?
Monday, June 16, 2014
Thursday, June 12, 2014
brazil - croatia, quick analysis first half
Saturday, June 07, 2014
Wednesday, June 04, 2014
Monday, June 02, 2014
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