Cool thread.
The two comparisions that have been absolutely spot on for me have been Brazil-Russia. It sounded odd at first but made so much sense when you thought about the players. The other one was Finland - England. Hard working respected opponents that just lack a little elite class.
Canada-Germany just doesnt seem right considering how poor the Germans are now, especially in their depth. Although Canada is comparable in regard, Brazil isnt right either. My choice would be to compare them to the France of today (not of the past). France's football squad is extremely deep, extremely versatile, their players have won all the major European club trophies, and they have the elite players to go with it. Also the only team ever to hold both the WC and the EC. Like Canada, France could put out 2nd and 3rd very competitive teams.
I'll just add Cryuff is not indisputably the greatest European. He might be if you're Dutch but not for the rest of us.
Its also not a sure thing Holland have gone deeper more often. England, when they lose in the World Cup its almost always to the actual winner (I think only one time have they lost to a team that didnt go on to win the Cup)
And Slimo - you really need to get up to date on the US football team. Its a long way from when its best players just sat on the bench on minor European teams. In England for example there are more American first choice goalies than English. In fact the best comparision for the US hockey team might be the US football team. Both have made great advances in the last 20 years, have some high quality young players coming through.
The two comparisions that have been absolutely spot on for me have been Brazil-Russia. It sounded odd at first but made so much sense when you thought about the players. The other one was Finland - England. Hard working respected opponents that just lack a little elite class.
Canada-Germany just doesnt seem right considering how poor the Germans are now, especially in their depth. Although Canada is comparable in regard, Brazil isnt right either. My choice would be to compare them to the France of today (not of the past). France's football squad is extremely deep, extremely versatile, their players have won all the major European club trophies, and they have the elite players to go with it. Also the only team ever to hold both the WC and the EC. Like Canada, France could put out 2nd and 3rd very competitive teams.
I'll just add Cryuff is not indisputably the greatest European. He might be if you're Dutch but not for the rest of us.
Its also not a sure thing Holland have gone deeper more often. England, when they lose in the World Cup its almost always to the actual winner (I think only one time have they lost to a team that didnt go on to win the Cup)
And Slimo - you really need to get up to date on the US football team. Its a long way from when its best players just sat on the bench on minor European teams. In England for example there are more American first choice goalies than English. In fact the best comparision for the US hockey team might be the US football team. Both have made great advances in the last 20 years, have some high quality young players coming through.
Sorry, cause I didn't want to underrate the US soccer team, I really want them to be a competitive team.
