Big Question: Which Teams have the most Suspect Defense?

March 27th, 2006 | by: WC Bob |

Yesterday we put the spotlight on the World Cup teams with brick wall defenses. Today it is time to reveal the teams whose defenses are more like a chain link fence. These are the teams that make opposing strikers lick their chops and give their supporters ulcers.

Costa Rica – On any given day the Ticos defense can rise to the occasion and be average. But on those days when it is prone to mental lapses, this team can give its fans some serious heart palpitations.

Poland – Tomasz Klos heads up a defense that is sloppy and prone to giving up soft goals. Great goalkeeping might be needed to bail the backline out.

Ivory Coast – On an individual basis the Elephants don’t lack for defensive talent. But playing an attacking, wide open style of football leaves quality players like Kolo Toure alone on an island

Paraguay – Captain Carlos Gamarra commands the defense from center back, but at 35 he has lost a step or three. An otherwise unspectacular group of defenders should make legendary keeper Jose Luis Chilavert happy he is retired.

South Korea – Gone are the veteran backline from 2002 and in their place is a group of untested defenders who could leave this team very vulnerable.

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http://www.worldcupzone.blogspot.com Ade Lamidi

I am a little worried about Cote d’Ivoire as they don’t have the experience at this level and this might be their downfall at the World Cup. But you never know what will happen with this team.
http://www.worldcupblog.org/world-cup-2006/big-question-which-teams-have-the-most-potent-offenses.html Pedro P

For what I’ve seen of Saudi Arabia (vs POR), I woudn’t say their defense is bad. But I do say any top team should be able to put one in against them.
http://portugal.worldcupblog.org Luis Paulo

You missed Brazil. Lucio might be good but Roque Jr. is worst then me. Cafu is injuried and he lacks defensive skills so the brazilian right side is very week. Juan and Cicinho might play. But despite being great to help the team on the offense, Cicinho can’t defend either. I don’t know why Parreira has never called the PSV’s defender Alex that seems to be our best option.
advicer

No doubt.
It’s the defence of argentina which shows more vulnerability now.
Euler

I don’t think Brazil’s is as bad as Luis is saying. I trust Brazil’s defensive players.
nicholas ohio

There are a couple of teams with major defensive problems. Brazil with Roberto Carlos, who for me is a horrible defender. Also the Germans will be bad this year. I think that team could concede a tremendous amount of goals. Lehman or Kahn will be very busy! The French defense for me is question mark, especially the keeper, we know Barthez is a huge liablity and Coupet is really untested at this level. The Argentina defense is lacking, just look at the England match and the recent Crotia match. 6 goals I believe in 2 game is not world cup winners form. Well some favorites with holes!!!