South Korea v Germany/Mexico v Sweden, 15:00 BST, BBC1/BBC2

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Germany to screw it up in glorious fashion?

Unlikely.

[Goonermerree]

We need for Sweden to win and Germany to draw, can't see either happening. Stupid Sweden, it's their fault.

[Marc Overmars]

I’m sure Germany will give South Korea a good kicking and qualify. Mexico and Sweden could be interesting with both having it all to play for. Crazy to think a team could possibly go out on 6 points.

[SMatthews]

Muller dropped and Ozil back to screw it up for the Germans.

[Goonermerree]

You just know that, after nearly going out in the group stages, either Brazil, Germany or Argentina will win the thing.

[Mac76]

You just know that, after nearly going out in the group stages, either Brazil, Germany or Argentina will win the thing.

Yes, without a doubt that will happen

[Mac76]

For me it's simple - Germany have an Arsenal player - Korea have a spuds player = come on Germany

[Mac76]

egg foo yung booked

[Goonermerree]

Forsberg (SP) should have scored.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

South Korea have a decent FK.

[SMatthews]

Neuer almost gifting a goal to South Korea.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

Neuer :haha:


Leno :bow:

Nearly 1 - 0

[Mac76]

S Korea start war by firing football into North Korean territory...

[The Emirates Gallactico]

Son :doh:

[Mac76]

Son :haha:

[Mac76]

ozil's been awful so far

[Mac76]

definite penalty by S Korea not given

[Goonermerree]

definite penalty by S Korea not given

I thought so to. Where's VAR now?

[Mac76]

I thought so to. Where's VAR now?

It's only allowed to be used against Iran and Morocco

[Mac76]

0-0 both games at HT

Sweden - Mexico finely balanced, if i was Germany i wouldn't be banking on it going the right way

[The Emirates Gallactico]

Ozil as effective for Germany as he if for us.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

Who's actually going through if it stays 0 - 0 in both games?

I'm hearing conflicting reports?-

[SMatthews]

Should’ve been a penalty to Sweden. Blatant control of the ball by his arm by Chicharito.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

What a save!!

[The Emirates Gallactico]

GERMANY GOING OUT AS IT STANDS!

[SMatthews]

Sweden 1-0 up.

Germany currently out.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

Blow the whistles!!

[Mac76]

Sweden 1-0 up :blink:

[Marc Overmars]

Oh dear :popcorn:

[The Emirates Gallactico]

Germany are far too slow in posession. Ozil is a majorly culpable here.

Old man Gomez thrown on for Khedria.

[SMatthews]

2-0 Sweden.

[SMatthews]

Germany are fucked. They’ve offered nothing in this game.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

Son booked for diving :haha:

[Goonermerree]

Please let Germany go out.:pray: Please let Germany go out.:pray:

[The Emirates Gallactico]

Germany are fucked. They’ve offered nothing in this game.

Germany are jammy as fuck. I can easily see them scoring a last minute winner just like before.

It'd be awful if Mexico crash out now.

[Goonermerree]

Son booked for diving :haha:

Nobody else has been booked for diving in the penalty area and he didn't dive. Come on VAR get the Germans.

[Goonermerree]

Germany are jammy as fuck. I can easily see them scoring a last minute winner just like before.

It'd be awful if Mexico crash out now.

I know, especially when they beat Germany.

[Goonermerree]

Come on South Korea

[Mac76]

Nobody else has been booked for diving in the penalty area and he didn't dive. Come on VAR get the Germans.

of course he dived, he's a spud, the definition of which is 'cheat'

[Marc Overmars]

They’ve been so consistent in tournaments but now it seems like they’ve reached the natural end of their cycle.

The Germans :rose:

[Goonermerree]

As you may know, I blame Sweden for this, should have beaten Germany, sat back and paid the price. Now Mexico might have to pay their price.

[Mac76]

happy for germany to go out as long as korea do too, mexico going out would be a real shame even if the've had a bad game today

[Goonermerree]

of course he dived, he's a spud, the definition of which is 'cheat'

He was blocked off.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

Never write off the Germans MO.

[Goonermerree]

The Germans are tough, they'll keep going until the end.

[Goonermerree]

Never write off the Germans MO.

We need a Korea goal.

[Mac76]

He was blocked off.

you won't change my mind ##

[Goonermerree]

you won't change my mind ##

I know!!!!!!

[The Emirates Gallactico]

We need a Korea goal.

:gp:

They've had the chances. This is reminding me of the Nigeria vs Argentina game yesterday.

[Goonermerree]

:gp:

They've had the chances. This is reminding me of the Nigeria vs Argentina game yesterday.

I know, that's why I think Germany will score and go through when they don't deserve to. I'll be well mad.

[Marc Overmars]

Werner isn’t very good.

[Goonermerree]

happy for germany to go out as long as korea do too, mexico going out would be a real shame even if the've had a bad game today

Korea have to win and hope that Mexico do. I don't suppose you want England to win then? Sweden 3 nil up.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

Sweden 3 - 0 up!!

FFS don't go out Mexico!

[SMatthews]

3-0 Sweden.

[Marc Overmars]

Sweden 3 up now.

A Germany goal knocks Mexico out :(

[SMatthews]

So if Germany score one they go through and Mexico go out.

[Mac76]

another for Sweden

Mexico now -1 GD :(

[Marc Overmars]

Ozil has been terrible. Under hitting every pass

[Goonermerree]

That would be harsh on Mexico and Germany don't deserve to go through. Come on Korea, make my day.

[Mac76]

ok, so come on Korea - they are out anyway so not bothered

[The Emirates Gallactico]

Dear god, I thought that was that.

[Goonermerree]

ok, so come on Korea - they are out anyway so not bothered

They'll still be happy to get the scalp of the world champions.

[Marc Overmars]

All of our players coming home early.

At least there can’t be any fatigue excuses for the start of next season. With the key players who aren’t even at the World Cup, we should have a fresher squad than any of our rivals.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

Stop fucking jinxing it Pearce!

[The Emirates Gallactico]

All of our players coming home early.

At least there can’t be any fatigue excuses for the start of next season.

*waits for Switzerland to win the world cup*

[Goonermerree]

They'll just batter Korea until they score.

[Marc Overmars]

They'll just batter Korea until they score.

They’re doing sod all.

It’s like watching us trying to break down Atleti in that second leg.

[Goonermerree]

Germany are getting all of the decisions.

[Goonermerree]

They’re doing sod all.

It’s like watching us trying to break down Atleti in that second leg.

No but they just keep attacking and they'll get lucky.

[Mac76]

Reus :haha:

[Marc Overmars]

Korea could easily have nicked a goal with a bit of composure in the final third.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

Old man Gomez :haha:

[Marc Overmars]

Hummels should have scored :haha:

[Goonermerree]

If it's still 0-0 at 90 mins there'll be 10 minutes added time.

[Goonermerree]

Korea just keep giving the ball away and it just keeps coming back, that's how they scored against Sweden late on.

[Goonermerree]

No wonder Korea are the bottom of the group, they haven't got a clue when it comes to scoring. Get the bloody ball in the net - please!!!

[Goonermerree]

Painful!!!

[The Emirates Gallactico]

Koreans look exhausted .... this isn't going to end well.

[Goonermerree]

I get too involved in these games, my nerves can't stand it!

[Marc Overmars]

6 minutes added :haha:

[Goonermerree]

6 minutes, I wasn't far off.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

FIFA practically making it obvious who they want to go through.

[Goonermerree]

Bugger off side.

[Marc Overmars]

Korea goal disallowed!

[SMatthews]

Almost 1-0 to South Korea - VAR!

[Marc Overmars]

That should have stood!!

[Goonermerree]

Not off side, German played him on

[Goonermerree]

If it's not a goal, I'll have to endure an unspecified amount of added time.

[Marc Overmars]

1-0 KOREA!!!!!!!!!

Germany :wave:

[SMatthews]

Germany are out!

bye

[Goonermerree]

GOAL!!!!! I love VAR.

[Master Splinter]

VAR :bow:.

Germany :haha: :haha:.

[Özim]

Low :haha:

Gomez :haha:

Ozil :haha:

Germany :haha:

[The Emirates Gallactico]

Oh my god!

[Goonermerree]

:wave::wave::wave: Hang on now Korea. There is time for Germany to score two goals.

[Özim]

Surely Low has to get the sack after this, total embarassment!

[Mac76]

unbelievable!

[Goonermerree]

Mexico will be more nervous than me watching these last minutes.

[Özim]

Germany have been dreadful all tournament, this was coming.

[Marc Overmars]

Neuer playing in midfield :haha:

[Master Splinter]

Neuer in midfield.

:haha:

[Marc Overmars]

2-0!!!!!!!!

[Özim]

2-0


Low :haha:

[Goonermerree]

Two nil Get your bags backed Germany.

[Master Splinter]

:haha: :haha: :haha:

[SMatthews]

2-0!

Haha

[Mac76]

ozil just trudging around as usual - he shold be kicking other players up the arse but no just given up

[Marc Overmars]

Neuer :haha:

[The Emirates Gallactico]

This fucking game :haha::haha:

[Master Splinter]

Germany bottom of the group.

:haha:

[Goonermerree]

That Korean goalie will be being snapped up by a decent team.

[Özim]

Low with egg on his face :haha:

[Master Splinter]

Hummels should have had a hat-trick.

[Marc Overmars]

GERMANY OUT!!!!!!

What an embarrassment!!! :haha:

[Özim]

It's over pack your bags Low you've just delivered the most humiliating World Cup performance since 1938! :lol:

[SMatthews]

Brazil next tonight would be amazing

[Goonermerree]

FT yay, yay and yay.

[Goonermerree]

Brazil next tonight would be amazing

Was just thinking that. Could we be so lucky?

[Özim]

What a way to finish in his last World Cup for Ozil.

[Özim]

Brazil next tonight would be amazing

No it wouldn't, the home of football and the entertainers, want them to win it.

[Goonermerree]

Ozil walks off looking fresh.

[Marc Overmars]

What a way to go out :haha:

[Özim]

Germany don't have a decent striker, I thought so when I looked at the squad.

As for Sweden, they've taken out, Holland, Italy and now Germany!

[The Emirates Gallactico]

This world cup has been nothing by entertainment and drama!

[Marc Overmars]

Can’t help but feel there’s going to be an upset winner of this World Cup.

[Goonermerree]

Bottom of the group.:haha::haha:

[Mac76]

can't believe it, but germany were awful, they didn't deserve any more

good for Mexico :)

[Özim]

We dodged a bullet with Low.

[Mac76]

It's over pack your bags Low you've just delivered the most humiliating World Cup performance since 1938! :lol:

Thank god we already sorted out our new manager...

[SMatthews]

No it wouldn't, the home of football and the entertainers, want them to win it.

Nah, they’ve had their turn, they can do one and wait another 4 years. Fuck Neymar and the rest.

[Master Splinter]

Low :haha:.

Neuer :haha:.

Hummels :haha:.

Ozil :haha:.

Beoteng :haha:.

Merkel :haha:.

Boris Becker :haha:.

Marlene Dietrich :haha:.

Bratwurst :haha:.

Holsten :haha:.

[Özim]

Thank god we already sorted out our new manager...

Spot on, he should be out of a job soon, no more picking his nose on TV!

I'm not a big fan of his, he's got a decent record but he has had huge amounts of talent as his disposal, should have won more IMO.

[Özim]

Nah, they’ve had their turn, they can do one and wait another 4 years. Fuck Neymar and the rest.

Haven't won it since 2002, it's time for them to win it again, France aren't going to win thanks to Deschamps so for me it has to be Brazil.

[SMatthews]

Can’t help but feel there’s going to be an upset winner of this World Cup.

Likewise and long overdue. The Euro’s have had Greece and Denmark in the past 25 years, the same is needed to give something different to this competition. Always the same names winning it. As dull as the champions league.

[Mac76]

Shearerubbish backtracking desperately on VAR :haha:

[Master Splinter]

Can’t help but feel there’s going to be an upset winner of this World Cup.

Or just horrible Portugal scroting their way to another trophy.

[Master Splinter]

Berg with a stunning Welbz assist for Sweden.

[Master Splinter]

Granqvist for the Golden Boot.

What a man.

[SMatthews]

This world cup has been nothing by entertainment and drama!

Shitty football in the main but VAR has added quite a bit of drama.

[Master Splinter]

Lineker is a vile turd of a man.

[Master Splinter]

I'm known as Ozil's biggest h8er on GW but as bad he was, he still set up a few sitters today. You can't blame him if Werner and Hummels fluffed them.

Kroos and Brandt were the only German players who did anything of worth in the three games. And Low was reluctant to get Brandt on the pitch. Taking self-sabotaging tips from WUMger and Sampaoli probably.

[Mac76]

out:

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/55/12/1d/55121d905599914e45ab0ee8f73fb848.jpg


Through to next round:

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HUAQ9YzDTPo/T9OXu7Zo2iI/AAAAAAAAD3I/ZWnIZ7vaxjk/s1600/4.jpg

[GP]

:lol:

I wonder what the German for schadenfreude is

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Winning the World Cup is a sure fire way to ensure misery four years later.

[Globalgunner]

out:

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/55/12/1d/55121d905599914e45ab0ee8f73fb848.jpg


Through to next round:

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HUAQ9YzDTPo/T9OXu7Zo2iI/AAAAAAAAD3I/ZWnIZ7vaxjk/s1600/4.jpg

and they did it without the great ego too. Ibra!:haha:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Zlatan. :haha:

He was holding them back.

The thing is Germany opened a root and branch investigation in to what they need to improve after reaching the fucking final in 2002!

How many heads will roll now? :haha:

Also not taking Sane for non-footballing reasons was bonkers.

Jurgi Love. :haha:

[Cripps]

Germany :haha:

Ozil :haha:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

The Germans. :haha:

[Letters]

It's over pack your bags Low you've just delivered the most humiliating World Cup performance since 1938! :lol:

Yeah...they didn’t take that too well, did they?
:unsure:

Anyway
:haha:

VAR :bow:

That second goal was some funny shit

It’s coming home, tbh :dance:

[Mac76]

Also not taking Sane for non-footballing reasons was bonkers.


Totally nuts decision, the absence of a player like him for Germany couldn't have been more glaring

[Letters]

Seen a few highlights. Didn't get a feel for Ozil's performance but note he put in a perfect cross which some inept striker let hit his shoulder when it seemed easier to score.
But yeah, all Ozil's fault :blah:
Some people's agenda against him is absurd.

[Marc Overmars]

Ozil :haha:

Hated even in his own country now.

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

all Ozil's fault


:gp:

[Letters]

Et tu, Kibbles?!

:sulk:

[Coney]

Queen Elizabeth, your team took a hell of a beating.

[GP]

:gp:

He had concussion.

[Coney]

If you see a German, don't mention the VAR.

[Letters]

Someone needs to do a "Downfall" video about this.

"Cripps" :lol:

[Coney]

Someone needs to do a "Downfall" video about this.

"Cripps" :lol:

They have!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKxnjdZTPEQ

[Toronto Gooner]

Seen a few highlights. Didn't get a feel for Ozil's performance but note he put in a perfect cross which some inept striker let hit his shoulder when it seemed easier to score.
But yeah, all Ozil's fault :blah:
Some people's agenda against him is absurd.
The "striker" was Hummels but you are correct that it was easier to score than screw up.

As for the agenda, I get the impression that some people would prefer to have an Arsenal team of 10 outfield players who run around looking industrious but without the necessary skills to succeed at the highest levels, rather than a team of skillful players who can compete with the best teams in Europe. The question is do people want a team that aspires to challenge and beat teams like Real Madrid, or do they want a team that is happy to splash around in the mud pits of lower level English teams? IMO, Ozil is the type of player a team needs to achieve the former.

[Özim]

Totally nuts decision, the absence of a player like him for Germany couldn't have been more glaring

Often the downfall of any manager/coach is when they don't pick players according to who they like rather than who is good for the team, not taking Sane was a prime example, same reason Deschamps is a total failure, he has his favourites and doesn't pick the team/squad based on what it needs.

[Özim]

Re Ozil, always likes him as a player but IMO he's been a bit of a disappointment since he arrived at Arsenal, always remember him running with the ball and delivering top performance for Germany, maybe it was our style of play but he just hasn't done much of that for us and he's also not been great for Germany (as have many others to be fair).

He needs to up his game, he's a top player when he performs but we need to see the best of him more often.

[Mac76]

They have!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKxnjdZTPEQ

pity the person doing it can't spell, but not a bad effort :lol:

[Mac76]

Re Ozil, always likes him as a player but IMO he's been a bit of a disappointment since he arrived at Arsenal, always remember him running with the ball and delivering top performance for Germany, maybe it was our style of play but he just hasn't done much of that for us and he's also not been great for Germany (as have many others to be fair).

He needs to up his game, he's a top player when he performs but we need to see the best of him more often.

His last excuse was that it was Wenger's fault and that he played well for Low and Germany but he was in typical head-down-given-up mode when it counted yesterday, and most of his passes didn't come off, even if, yes, he did put a couple of decent balls in to the box.

We're a laughing stock for having such a pathetic excuse for a player on our books for £300k a week - Unai had better be able to get something out of him or we'll either have to sell him to Derby County at a massive loss or be stuck with that wage bill for the next few seasons...

[Andreas_AFC]

Is it really hard to become a British citizen? I am considering seriously at the moment :crying:
It was not Özil's fault, but as with Arsenal, he is always at fault in the German public when things go wrong

[GP]

His last excuse was that it was Wenger's fault and that he played well for Low and Germany but he was in typical head-down-given-up mode when it counted yesterday, and most of his passes didn't come off, even if, yes, he did put a couple of decent balls in to the box.

We're a laughing stock for having such a pathetic excuse for a player on our books for £300k a week - Unai had better be able to get something out of him or we'll either have to sell him to Derby County at a massive loss or be stuck with that wage bill for the next few seasons...

What the fuck is this nonsense?

If anyone is a laughing stock, it's because of bullshit like this.

[Power n Glory]

The "striker" was Hummels but you are correct that it was easier to score than screw up.

As for the agenda, I get the impression that some people would prefer to have an Arsenal team of 10 outfield players who run around looking industrious but without the necessary skills to succeed at the highest levels, rather than a team of skillful players who can compete with the best teams in Europe. The question is do people want a team that aspires to challenge and beat teams like Real Madrid, or do they want a team that is happy to splash around in the mud pits of lower level English teams? IMO, Ozil is the type of player a team needs to achieve the former.

Ozil is not that player. How much more proof is needed?

[Niall_Quinn]

Nothing to do with Ozil. It's all down to Germany deciding to buy into the bollocks game that has afflicted almost every team in this unwatchable mess of a competition. Sideways, backwards, slow and boring. The modern game. I like the Croatians. They are shit too, when compared to teams of the past, but at least they have a bit of energy about them. Mind you, only saw them once so perhaps it was an anomaly.

This tragic tournament, hot on the heels of the diabolical Euros, is another nail in football's coffin. Although modern fans still seem gripped by the hype, despite the now almost total absence of substance. Can't last though.

[Goonermerree]

Nothing to do with Ozil. It's all down to Germany deciding to buy into the bollocks game that has afflicted almost every team in this unwatchable mess of a competition. Sideways, backwards, slow and boring. The modern game. I like the Croatians. They are shit too, when compared to teams of the past, but at least they have a bit of energy about them. Mind you, only saw them once so perhaps it was an anomaly.

This tragic tournament, hot on the heels of the diabolical Euros, is another nail in football's coffin. Although modern fans still seem gripped by the hype, despite the now almost total absence of substance. Can't last though.

I keep saying that, but it keeps on keeping on.

[Power n Glory]

Nothing to do with Ozil. It's all down to Germany deciding to buy into the bollocks game that has afflicted almost every team in this unwatchable mess of a competition. Sideways, backwards, slow and boring. The modern game. I like the Croatians. They are shit too, when compared to teams of the past, but at least they have a bit of energy about them. Mind you, only saw them once so perhaps it was an anomaly.

This tragic tournament, hot on the heels of the diabolical Euros, is another nail in football's coffin. Although modern fans still seem gripped by the hype, despite the now almost total absence of substance. Can't last though.

Woe is Ozil. Always the victim of circumstance. He's just not an elite player that's able to effect the outcome of a game. Plenty of deeply flawed squads in the competition but most of Ozil's peers have found a way to make an impact despite the circumstances. Even Granit Xhaka!

[Niall_Quinn]

Woe is Ozil. Always the victim of circumstance. He's just not an elite player that's able to effect the outcome of a game. Plenty of deeply flawed squads in the competition but most of Ozil's peers have found a way to make an impact despite the circumstances. Even Granit Xhaka!

One player in a team can't be responsible for failure across the board, unless he's kicking the ball in his own net every match. This is obvious, but doesn't in any way deter the anti-Ozil campaigners. If he was as shit as the rest, he was as shit as the rest. But singling him out as some sort of cause is nonsensical. The German style of play was the cancer. From a progressive and attacking team to a Spanish style bore machine, tapping it around aimlessly, sideways, backwards, at 1 mph, like most of the terrible teams in this competition. The new football. I'll agree, like the rest of them, his life is way too easy. But that goes for every modern footballer. Paid the earth and they can't even be bothered to run.

[Power n Glory]

One player in a team can't be responsible for failure across the board, unless he's kicking the ball in his own net every match. This is obvious, but doesn't in any way deter the anti-Ozil campaigners. If he was as shit as the rest, he was as shit as the rest. But singling him out as some sort of cause is nonsensical. The German style of play was the cancer. From a progressive and attacking team to a Spanish style bore machine, tapping it around aimlessly, sideways, backwards, at 1 mph, like most of the terrible teams in this competition. The new football. I'll agree, like the rest of them, his life is way too easy. But that goes for every modern footballer. Paid the earth and they can't even be bothered to run.

But that's not the argument. One player can't be held responsible for a teams failure but we've seen it when one player turns a game on it's head with an inspired moment that changes the outcome of a game.

Ozil just isn't the sort of player described by the original poster I was responding to. Modern game has it's problems but if you're watching the tournament, you'll see examples of players stepping up when the going gets tough despite a poor overall performance.

[Letters]

But that's not the argument. One player can't be held responsible for a teams failure but we've seen it when one player turns a game on it's head with an inspired moment that changes the outcome of a game..

And like I said, and I admit I only saw some highlights, but the bit I did see Ozil put in a perfect cross, the bloke in the middle let it come off his shoulder when it was easier to score. So why all the finger pointing at Ozil? I don’t understand this agenda against him. Top of his CV is creating chances, he has created a shit-ton for Arsenal, he put one on a plate for Germany the other day. Once the ball leaves his boot he’s done his bit. If the player in the middle can’t finish it off then unless the ball went over his head because of a poor cross then why all the scowling at Ozil?
It’s like having a top ‘keeper but a crap defence and then as the defence lets the opposition get through them time and again to have one on ones with the keeper, blaming him for letting in goals.
Maybe Ozil isn’t the player you were expecting but with the sort of service he gives now we have some top strikers they should be filling their boots next season.

[Letters]

Also, something to cheer the Germans up

http://newsthump.com/2018/06/28/germany-celebrates-as-var-appeal-sees-them-retrospectively-awarded-1966-world-cup/

:lol:

[Niall_Quinn]

Low has gone into this tournament with his balls left at home for safekeeping. Evidently he thought you can just keep rolling out the same same and you'll get the same result. So he ditches young talent (which is what brought Germany back from near extinction last time, btw) and plays it safe. Ends up with a team of jaded has-beens and they get their arses kicked by mildly enthusiastic rivals. Manager's fault 100%. The players aren't actually up to it any more and they can't play the shitty tippety tap style that seems obligatory these days. So they can't get a toe hold anywhere and finish up bottom and out on their arse. Deserved.

Meanwhile Ozil has made 7 chances in that game while Neymar has made 11 in three games. Ozil left the tournament as the highest creator of chances and maker of key passes. Which is,.. his job. But he's shit because he didn't score from an overhead kick on the halfway line. Then again, he's not a striker. Those shitty no-talent guys Germany fielded (for some reason), Gomez and that other abomination (can't remember his name) couldn't hit the side of a barn with their own arse. How is Gomez playing at a world cup? And Meuller is so past-it you need a telescope to find him.

Low is to blame. He fucked this up beyond belief and it's probably the easiest tournament since the world cup began, brimming with shit. I don't know if he's resigned yet - he certainly should. Never wanted him at Arsenal, though I wasn't sure why. Now I know. He keeps his balls in the same vault as Wenger.

[Power n Glory]

And like I said, and I admit I only saw some highlights, but the bit I did see Ozil put in a perfect cross, the bloke in the middle let it come off his shoulder when it was easier to score. So why all the finger pointing at Ozil? I don’t understand this agenda against him. Top of his CV is creating chances, he has created a shit-ton for Arsenal, he put one on a plate for Germany the other day. Once the ball leaves his boot he’s done his bit. If the player in the middle can’t finish it off then unless the ball went over his head because of a poor cross then why all the scowling at Ozil?
It’s like having a top ‘keeper but a crap defence and then as the defence lets the opposition get through them time and again to have one on ones with the keeper, blaming him for letting in goals.
Maybe Ozil isn’t the player you were expecting but with the sort of service he gives now we have some top strikers they should be filling their boots next season.

Poor comparison. A goalkeeper has a restricted role and can only make saves but that's still enough to save a poor defence. See De Gea. Even a last minute penalty save can earn a keeper the sort of plaudits I'm talking about. And this is a very restricted role. The keeper has the most restricted role on the pitch.

Ozil is an attacking player. Creating chances isn't the only way to get the job done. You've seen Cesc Fabregas, you've seen Bergkamp. We've seen how the best change the outcome of a game so no need to go into react depth.

We've already spoken about the quality of the chances Ozil creates. I hardly ever see him put a player through for a clear one on one with a wonder pass that seems like an undeniable opportunity. The best chances usually come from a cross. That's OK. That seems to be his most powerful weopon in terms of setting up chances. If we were to check the stats, I'm sure there would be a high percentage of crosses and cut backs in there. You know who that reminds me of? Stewart Downing. Jesus Navas. Wingers who could only create chances from crosses and that was their most effective tool for a game. Never in million years would anyone put those guys next to a Robben, Pires, Overmars.. etc. Do I have to explain why?

[Power n Glory]

The chance creation stat is the equivalent to the passing percentages Wenger used to quote. It doesn't equate to winning games. You guys need to cut it. Why are you even looking at chance creation stats or Neymar for that matter? Why aren't you comparing Ozil to Coutinho? Neymar's disappointing performances is why he's being written off as overrated. Maybe the Ozil comparison is applicable in that case.

[Letters]

The chance creation stat is the equivalent to the passing percentages Wenger used to quote. It doesn't equate to winning games.
Well, that depends on the quality of the chances created and the quality of the strikers who the chances fall to.
In the Korea game Ozil put one on a plate and the player in the middle. Yes, it was a cross but so what? A good cross results in a good chance, if the chance is missed then why would anyone point the finger at the player who delivered the ball?
I remember that Southampton game where I think Ozil broke the PL record for chances created in a game. Yes, mostly crosses but, again, so what? We drew that game 0-0 but Ozil couldn't have done more to help us win.

I'm not clear what you're expecting from Ozil and not seeing. Some criticisms about performances in some big games and workrate are probably valid, but he does seem to be singled out for criticism far more than it's deserved, IMO.