Video Tuesday

As we wait for the Euro 2012 Qualifiers’ outcome, here are some videos to contemplate.

            First we start with three wonderful counterattacks. The first is Marchisio’s goal against Serbia in Italy’s draw (1-1), the second is Gomez’ Turkey  in Germany’s 3-1 victory and the last is Higuain’s first of his hat trick against Chile in Argentina’s 4-1 against Chile. Even if the videos do not stand up to the goals in terms of quality, here are some remarks to keep in mind. First, in Germany’s and Italy’s goal, let us notice the importance of the goalkeeper’s first pass, skipping over the defense to save some time. Secondly, let us notice the quality of all three of the assists, whether Germany’s Muller’s and Argentina’s Di Maria’s (I love apostrophes) long diagonal crosses or Italy’s Rossi’s delicate deep pass. Finally, for Argentina’s and Germany’s goals, let’s notice the quality of the strikers, who, as soon as the ball is received know exactly how to go about finding the back of the net with a limited number of touches.

            As a final touch of humor, let us ask Thiago Silva to give Rooney some advice as to how to bring his opponent in a smoother and classier fashion.