This post is one for the thinkers amongst us and those who like these debates.
For any of you who have read Sun Tzu's art of war, the outcome of a battle can usually be anticipated after answering the following questions. If we look at the next few World Cup games and put TT into this framework we may get an idea as to where we may stand or rather fall.
Now let us not forget that this battle we are dealing with lasts for 90min and the ball is round so on any given day surprises can happen.
Unto our lil debate..........
The Art of War is governed by five constant factors: Moral Law, Heaven, Earth, the Commander and Method and Discipline.
Moral Law causes people to be in constant accord with their ruler, so that they will follow him regardless of their lives, undismayed by any danger.(Lets Call our Ruler Jack)
Heaven signifies night and day, cold and heat times and seasons.( we have 2 home games, 3 away remaining)
Earth comprises distances great and small, danger and security, open ground and narrow passes, the chance of life and death( Lets use this as travel time to game i.e 3 days, fan support, etc.)
The Commander stands for the virtues of Wisdom, sincerity,benevolence courage and strictness( Leo Beenhaker)
Method and discipline, marshalling of the Army in proper subdivisions(fwd/mid/def),gradations of rank among officers(local/foreign based/starter/bench) maintenence of roads by which supplies reach the army and the control of military expenditure(fitness/injuries/match fees etc)
These five heads should be familiar to every general . He who knows them will be victorious; he who knows them not will fail.
Therefore, in your deliberations, when seeking to determine the military conditions, let them be made the basis of a comparison, in this wise:
SEVEN SEARCHING QUESTIONS
1) Which of two soverigns is imbued with moral law?
2) Which of the two generals has most ability?
3) With whom lie the advantages derived from heaven and earth?
4) On which side is discipline most rigorously enforced?
5) Which Army is the stronger?
6) On which side are officers and men most highly trained?
7) In which army is there the greater constancy both in reward and punishment?
By means of these seven considerations I can forecast victory or defeat.
Well forumites, lewwe take a good look at our team with regard to these 7 questions, Mr Tzu making plenty sense and right now things looking kinda grim....especially on the 17th.