2014 World Cup Group C: Colombia, Greece, Ivory Coast, Japan

[shravi]

By some miracle, Greece have managed a draw. If Colombia don't field too weak a team now that they are virtually assured to qualify first, then I expect them to win. After that, Greece will have to beat Ivory Coast. I can't see it happening. I am a bit surprised by Japan's performance at this tournament. They have some decent players, and I had predicted that they would go through with Colombia.

 

[War]

Japan's weak area was always lack of a notable striker compliment their other good players.

Ivory Coast & Columbia had that, which is why they were always likely to progress from this group.

 

[shravi]

Japan's weak area was always lack of a notable striker compliment their other good players.

Ivory Coast & Columbia had that, which is why they were always likely to progress from this group.

That is true. Ivory Coast has a better overall team. The reason I had predicted that Ivory Coast would not go through however, is because historically, they have always choked at big tournaments. Of course, nobody has ever expected them to win the World Cup, but they haven't ever passed the group stage either! In fact, they haven't even won the African Cup of Nations since 1992!

 

[War]

Yea, Coast have chocked a bit in recent times. I sort of give them some slack for them getting the group of death in WC 2006 & 2010 when this generation was at its peak.

But a few years ago i recall them losing to Zambia (i think) in the African Cup finals & i was beginning to wonder if all their stars who were playing in the premiership, was trying to become the African version of England at international. level

 

[ParkedTheBus]

The Colombian team has got amazing young talents in James, Quintero, Eder, Muriel and Ibarbo. Pretty happy to see James and Fernando, who were childhood friends, score. Just wishing they go on and achieve some really big things as a team. I would be happy to see Jackson next match in place of Teo because James, the main creative outlet of the team, has a wonderful understanding with him.

 

[SpitfiresKent]

Greece get a penalty right at the end and they're through to the last sixteen for the first time in their history! They always seem to punch above their weight.

I was watching the Colombia/Japan game instead and that 4th goal by 'James' was quality.

 

[War]

Last 2 world cups, Ivory Coast got the benefit of 1st round exit for being the group of death - but this time they messed up.

 

[Umair7]

Greece get a penalty right at the end and they're through to the last sixteen for the first time in their history! They always seem to punch above their weight.

I was watching the Colombia/Japan game instead and that 4th goal by 'James' was quality.

"H"ames Rodriguez is almighty tweaking awesome sign him up Moyesy Van Gaal !

 

[ParkedTheBus]

The issue is, Monaco wont sell him anything less than 60-65M. But James is the only young player who can warrant that fee, as he has showed he can handle pressure with Porto, Monaco and Colombia. Still very sad that he had to go to Monaco, playing in the Ligue 1. He could have easily starred for a top-PL club but he, like Falcao, had no control over his transfer.

 

[Umair7]

No Control ??

 

[ParkedTheBus]

Yes, no control. He was owned by third parties. I cannot explain it properly, so these will help

Good Ol? Fashioned Rant: Falcao, Monaco And The Perils Of Third-Party Ownership | Who Ate all the Pies

Involvement of Third Party Ownerships in the transfers of Radamel Falcao and Neymar

 

[ParkedTheBus]

On 6 July 2010 Rodr?guez was signed by FC Porto for ?5.1 million, with 30% economic rights retained by other parties. He signed a 4-year contract with a ?30M release clause. Porto later re-sold 10% economic rights to third parties. In November Porto sold 35% economic rights (half of 70%) to Gol Football Luxembourg, S.A.R.L. for ?2.5 million.

Source: Wikipedia.


They did later buy back some of his economic rights, but he was still partially owned by third-parties. According to a few forums, FCP dont have a world-class scouting system, they are just offered promising South American players due to the fact they speak the same language and Portugal's immigration laws.