Well NZ failed to qualify thanks to Peruvian shenanigans (that and the fact that they are much, much better) so I am torn between supporting Senegal or Iran as my second team with England being my first. Gonna be fun getting up at 0300 on a workday to watch matches.
Bigger question though is who gets most supporters arrested; Poland or Russia?
My Moroccan co-worker is putting money that his team will make it to stage 2. I'll give him the first game against Iran, but Spain and Portugal will destroy Morocco methinks.
I usually don't watch the World Cup, but I think I'll be trying to catch some games this year.
I'm boycotting the tournament to protest FIFA corruption. I am gonna boycott the next one in Qatar as well. If we care at all about honesty, not watching some football is a small price to pay to scare FIFA straight.
I have my German jersey ordered for delivery before our first game. I actually like the look of it this year, it’s been pretty blah for the past few cups. Our green jersey looks pretty dope as well, but I’m a big fan of the white we are wearing this year.
Might be the big golden championship badge on the chest...
This will be the first world cup I have no team to support at all in it
I'd love to see Argentina win it mainly because of Messi and aguero but my moneys on Brazil to win it, really think all the other main contenders just have something missing.
The Netherlands isn't in and Russia can't play football worth a damn. This tournament is going to suck. Ah well, maybe, just maybe Russia is going to surprise.
As usual I'll be supporting England and Australia. England are weird this time, no real expectation for them to do well. So they can't disappoint (bet they still manage it...).
I always follow Oz because I was in Sydney when they had their first ever world cup win in 2006. The atmosphere was amazing and we had one of the best nights ever.
As usual I'll be supporting England and Australia. England are weird this time, no real expectation for them to do well. So they can't disappoint (bet they still manage it...).
I always follow Oz because I was in Sydney when they had their first ever world cup win in 2006. The atmosphere was amazing and we had one of the best nights ever.
So anyone for a Dakka fantasy league?
England's story will be the same as ever for the papers. We beat convincingly a couple of terrible teams and the media goes crazy thinking we are the best thing since sliced bread. Then we meet a decent team (Iceland/Costa Rica) can't work out how to organise a p*** up in a brewery. Collapse out on penalties. Sack the manager. Have a review as to why we are so bad. Come to the same conclusion as ever in that the Premier League favours the best talent over home grown training. Mutters something about doing something about it. Hire a new manager. Rinse and repeat.
Thanks for this thread, was just coming to see if we had one . Absolutely can't wait!
Also hoping to find out the US-Canada-Mexico joint bid succeeds for 2026, we'll find out in just a few hours . I would love to attend a World Cup game in-person!
RiTides wrote: Thanks for this thread, was just coming to see if we had one . Absolutely can't wait!
Also hoping to find out the US-Canada-Mexico joint bid succeeds for 2026, we'll find out in just a few hours . I would love to attend a World Cup game in-person!
Yeah, me too. Shame I just got back from Russia and won't be able to go again for the next months. If only the World Cup had been a bit earlier... Or my holiday later.
RiTides wrote: Thanks for this thread, was just coming to see if we had one . Absolutely can't wait!
Also hoping to find out the US-Canada-Mexico joint bid succeeds for 2026, we'll find out in just a few hours . I would love to attend a World Cup game in-person!
Yeah, me too. Shame I just got back from Russia and won't be able to go again for the next months. If only the World Cup had been a bit earlier... Or my holiday later.
I can't wait to see the opening ceremony. I'm hoping for Soviet style propaganda: giant statues of Lenin rolled in, T-34s rumbling past, and thousands of marching Russians workers chanting death to the west.
On a serious note, if they go down the road of celebrating vodka, Tolstoy and Chekhov, I'll be happy.
RiTides wrote: Thanks for this thread, was just coming to see if we had one . Absolutely can't wait!
Also hoping to find out the US-Canada-Mexico joint bid succeeds for 2026, we'll find out in just a few hours . I would love to attend a World Cup game in-person!
If that means a comeback of the awesome kits of '94 I'm all for the WC to return to the USA.
jouso wrote: It's not a WC if there's no drama in it.
For years, Spain always had the talent, but they always seemed to fall short and implode. Of course, that changed in 08,10,12 and a joy to watch they were too.
But sadly, they seem to have gone back to the old days of chaos, which is a shame, because I had them down for a semi-final spot.
I'm not surprised to see Real Madrid having a hand in this.
Spain sacked head coach Julen Lopetegui after he was named the new Real Madrid boss - two days before their opening World Cup match against Portugal.
Real Madrid announced on Tuesday that Lopetegui would succeed Zinedine Zidane at the Bernabeu on a three-year-deal.
The Spanish football federation (RFEF) said it had dismissed the 51-year-old because the negotiation occurred "without any information to the RFEF".
The World Cup in Russia starts on Thursday.
Follow live reaction to Lopetegui's sacking "I know it's a very difficult situation. I know there's going to be criticism whatever I do," RFEF president Luis Rubiales said.
"I'm sure this will, in time, make us stronger. I admire Julen very much, I respect him very much. He seems a top trainer and that makes it harder to make the decision.
"You can't do things this way, two or three days before the World Cup. We have been compelled to make this decision."
Spain sacked head coach Julen Lopetegui after he was named the new Real Madrid boss - two days before their opening World Cup match against Portugal.
Real Madrid announced on Tuesday that Lopetegui would succeed Zinedine Zidane at the Bernabeu on a three-year-deal.
The Spanish football federation (RFEF) said it had dismissed the 51-year-old because the negotiation occurred "without any information to the RFEF".
The World Cup in Russia starts on Thursday.
Follow live reaction to Lopetegui's sacking
"I know it's a very difficult situation. I know there's going to be criticism whatever I do," RFEF president Luis Rubiales said.
"I'm sure this will, in time, make us stronger. I admire Julen very much, I respect him very much. He seems a top trainer and that makes it harder to make the decision.
"You can't do things this way, two or three days before the World Cup. We have been compelled to make this decision."
Yeah, it's a kamikaze situation. This is straight out of the Dutch playbook. They were infamous for their pre-tournament meltdowns.
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RiTides wrote: Thanks for this thread, was just coming to see if we had one . Absolutely can't wait!
Also hoping to find out the US-Canada-Mexico joint bid succeeds for 2026, we'll find out in just a few hours . I would love to attend a World Cup game in-person!
You won, so you have a chance now to attend a game.
Da Boss wrote: I'm boycotting the tournament to protest FIFA corruption. I am gonna boycott the next one in Qatar as well. If we care at all about honesty, not watching some football is a small price to pay to scare FIFA straight.
In Scotland, we've been boycotting the World Cup since 2002.
RiTides wrote: Thanks for this thread, was just coming to see if we had one . Absolutely can't wait!
Also hoping to find out the US-Canada-Mexico joint bid succeeds for 2026, we'll find out in just a few hours . I would love to attend a World Cup game in-person!
Does that mean all 3 teams qualify automatically as hosts?
Because that will cut down the number of slots for everybody else.
Unless they are expanding the tournament...
Strokes chin...
2026 will have 48 teams so even with these 3 there'll still be more spots available than the current world cup and will probably open more doors for smaller countries to team up and host together.
Wouldn't be surprised to see a British bid at some point.
Does that mean all 3 teams qualify automatically as hosts?
Because that will cut down the number of slots for everybody else.
Unless they are expanding the tournament...
Strokes chin...
2026 will have 48 teams so even with these 3 there'll still be more spots available than the current world cup and will probably open more doors for smaller countries to team up and host together.
Wouldn't be surprised to see a British bid at some point.
48 teams? What are the chances that Scotland still fail to qualify?
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jouso wrote: aaaaaand former Real Madrid enforcer Fernando Hierro takes over.
You can't make this gak up
Yeah on social media, Barcelona fans are already saying that their players will be forced to train longer and harder than the Madrid players, and thus make them tired come the start of the season...
Spent way too much money on my German (my usual go to) and Iceland kits, excited for everything to start up this weekend. Just bumed I couldnt get my Neuer kit this year. Oh well.
Pretty sure I just watched a Saudi player place the ball ahead of the sprayed white line then deliberately wipe out the line while the ref's back was turned. Wonder if he'll get penalised after the game.
Opening ceremony was a bit of a disappointment. Where were the tanks?
Good win for Russia, and most importantly for the players, Putin looked happy, so they won't be heading for a Siberian salt mine or something
Saudi Arabia were awful. Their defence had more holes in it than a string vest.
Still, good start for the tournament.
Always god to see St Basil's cathedral. Beautiful building.
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Henry wrote: Pretty sure I just watched a Saudi player place the ball ahead of the sprayed white line then deliberately wipe out the line while the ref's back was turned. Wonder if he'll get penalised after the game.
Probably will. Retrospective action is a big thing now in football.
Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote: Good win for Russia, and most importantly for the players, Putin looked happy, so they won't be heading for a Siberian salt mine or something Saudi Arabia were awful. Their defence had more holes in it than a string vest.
Still, good start for the tournament.
Always god to see St Basil's cathedral. Beautiful building.
I am happy Russia at least managed to win something. And with good numbers too. Maybe, just maybe they can win the next match too.
Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote: Good win for Russia, and most importantly for the players, Putin looked happy, so they won't be heading for a Siberian salt mine or something Saudi Arabia were awful. Their defence had more holes in it than a string vest.
Still, good start for the tournament.
Always god to see St Basil's cathedral. Beautiful building.
I am happy Russia at least managed to win something. And with good numbers too. Maybe, just maybe they can win the next match too.
Uruguay will probably be too strong for Russia, but the Egypt match should be the target. If Russia draw and get 1 point, that should be enough to get them through to the last 16. A win would be even better obviously.
"Thousands and thousands of hours of football, each more climactic than the last! Constant, dizzying, twenty-four hour, yearlong, endless football! Every kick of it massively mattering to someone, presumably. Watch it all, all here, all the time, forever, it will never stop, the football is officially going on forever! It will never be finally decided who has won the football! There is still everything to play for, and forever to play it in! So that's the football! Coming up! Watch it! Watch the football! Watch it! Watch it! It's gonna move... Watch the football! It's football!"
Haven't even bet on England this time in a sneaky trick the Universe so we win tactic
Turnip Jedi wrote: "Thousands and thousands of hours of football, each more climactic than the last! Constant, dizzying, twenty-four hour, yearlong, endless football! Every kick of it massively mattering to someone, presumably. Watch it all, all here, all the time, forever, it will never stop, the football is officially going on forever! It will never be finally decided who has won the football! There is still everything to play for, and forever to play it in! So that's the football! Coming up! Watch it! Watch the football! Watch it! Watch it! It's gonna move... Watch the football! It's football!"
You forgot.... GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLL!!!!!!
I came to this thread after walking into the room where my dad had left the TV on. I dont have a TV at home, use internet for all my media, and I ignore sports media entirely. My focus has been on E3. But I visit my dad when I can.....
So Egypt vs Uruguay was on the TV. I knew the World Cup was happening around now, but I must be just about the last person in England to realise it has actually started. Well tell a lie, I remember half overheard conversations, but I just put them out of my mind.
This is how little I care about football, by totally ignoring the sports pages, ignoring the gossip and not having TV in my own home I almost escaped the hype. Almost.
Here’s the view from the top of the stand in Yekaterinburg. My legs were shaking when I was up there - the views are spectacular but you don’t want to be jumping around too much if your team score.
Knight wrote: Spain vs. Portugal. Does anyone dare to make a prediction?
I think it'll be a scored draw, Spain are the better team but Portugal are so well organised at the back, managed to get through the euro without a win in 90 minutes.
Turnip Jedi wrote: "Thousands and thousands of hours of football, each more climactic than the last! Constant, dizzying, twenty-four hour, yearlong, endless football! Every kick of it massively mattering to someone, presumably. Watch it all, all here, all the time, forever, it will never stop, the football is officially going on forever! It will never be finally decided who has won the football! There is still everything to play for, and forever to play it in! So that's the football! Coming up! Watch it! Watch the football! Watch it! Watch it! It's gonna move... Watch the football! It's football!"
Haven't even bet on England this time in a sneaky trick the Universe so we win tactic
Inquisitor Lord Bane wrote: My Moroccan co-worker is putting money that his team will make it to stage 2. I'll give him the first game against Iran, but Spain and Portugal will destroy Morocco methinks.
I usually don't watch the World Cup, but I think I'll be trying to catch some games this year.
Welp, I already feel richer. Iran won 1-0. Morocco doesn't stand a chance against the European teams.
Turnip Jedi wrote: "Thousands and thousands of hours of football, each more climactic than the last! Constant, dizzying, twenty-four hour, yearlong, endless football! Every kick of it massively mattering to someone, presumably. Watch it all, all here, all the time, forever, it will never stop, the football is officially going on forever! It will never be finally decided who has won the football! There is still everything to play for, and forever to play it in! So that's the football! Coming up! Watch it! Watch the football! Watch it! Watch it! It's gonna move... Watch the football! It's football!"
Haven't even bet on England this time in a sneaky trick the Universe so we win tactic
I remember something very similar to that some two decades ago, BBC 4 radio program, very similar wording but not identical, pretty sure the Martin & Webb sketch is a retake.
Stayed up late to watch it and was not disappointed, Iceland played an absolute blinder, defensive but when they went on the attack they showed a hell of a lot of talent and determination. Probably the best game so far.
Denmark beat Peru 1-0, Croatia beat Nigeria 2-0.
Next up Costa Rica v Serbia, Germany v Mexico (which should be good) and Brazil v Switzerland.
Rather enjoying the self aware adverts on ITV (British tv channel), taking the piss out of England's chances of winning. I think they accurately reflect the English attitude to international football at the moment.
And bloody well done to Iceland and Mexico. Some very enjoyable games and results so far.
Henry wrote: Rather enjoying the self aware adverts on ITV (British tv channel), taking the piss out of England's chances of winning. I think they accurately reflect the English attitude to international football at the moment.
And bloody well done to Iceland and Mexico. Some very enjoyable games and results so far.
At least England made it in... The Netherlands on the other hand... Also, I will cheer for everyone who beats the Germans. Viva Mexico!
This has been a pretty horrific tournament for the big names so far. Spain, Brazil, Germany, and Argentina all failed to win their opening matches. To be fair to Spain, Portugal is not exactly a pushover but the others couldn't manage to best what most would consider fairly middling teams. I always root for the Germans but it seems the pattern of returning champions being no good is still going strong. I hope they can pick up the pace because they'll need to if they want to advance.
creeping-deth87 wrote: This has been a pretty horrific tournament for the big names so far. Spain, Brazil, Germany, and Argentina all failed to win their opening matches. To be fair to Spain, Portugal is not exactly a pushover but the others couldn't manage to best what most would consider fairly middling teams. I always root for the Germans but it seems the pattern of returning champions being no good is still going strong. I hope they can pick up the pace because they'll need to if they want to advance.
I totally agree for Portugal, to be fair to the Germans as well though, Mexico is no push over either. In the last World cup they only got eliminated due to a dubious penalty given in the very last minute. The Mexicans generally play very nice and quick football, although not always getting the results.
Iceland on the other hand is like Greece used to be 10-12 years ago, they know their limits and base their success on solid defense. Switzerland has also created a more solid team over the past decade and pushed with a bit of luck (see what I did here?) to lock a draw.
All 4 games I enjoyed very much, it's not a matter of goals scored but of football plays in my humble opinion. And today's football has become real fast, a real feast for football fans worldwide. Keep them coming!
Watching the South Korea/Sweden game, since they are both due to still play Germany. Its a pretty dirty game so far, with South Korea playing a desperate defense. The Swedes are practically living on the Korean half of the field. Still tied though.
Well it's only telling people what we already knew. If they can't beat a mediocre team at best then they might huff and puff through the first round but as soon as they come up against a decent opposition where they can't rely on them having set piece defence skills of a playground then they will be out.
A mediocre team that did literal anything and everything to slow the game down, players taking every opportunity to go to ground, taking forever to back off 10 yards for free kicks etc etc.
Tunisia deserved nothing from this game and I am glad they got that.
Way to do it the hard way England! Who would have thought... The refing in that game was shocking though, I guess Stalingrad doesn't have the capability for VAR.
Agreed. Whatever anyone might say about England's performance, Tunisia deserved nothing from that.
From the first round so far it's Spain and Portugal that the other teams will be looking at as the serious competition. Both Brazil and Germany can't be discounted, but they need to wake up quick. Belgium's result was strong but, like Russia, against a minnow so they can't be judged immediately.
Mozzyfuzzy wrote: A mediocre team that did literal anything and everything to slow the game down, players taking every opportunity to go to ground, taking forever to back off 10 yards for free kicks etc etc.
Tunisia deserved nothing from this game and I am glad they got that.
They played to a certain strategy. You can't criticise them for this. If they tried a free flowing passing game they wouldn't have stood a chance. It's a competition and they play to their strengths. It's up to England to beat that and realistically they got lucky because it was one of the few times they pressed in the second half. The other point to note is that you have to take your chances. They had lots in the first 20 minutes and could have put the game to bed. Instead they gave the opposition a chance and they almost paid for it. They *will* pay for it against a decent team. If they play like that against Belgium they are going to get a right spanking.
Mozzyfuzzy's post didn't mention England once. Their post was a criticism of a poor team that played with poor sportsmanship and deservedly lost. Given how many great matches we've seen so far it is a shame that Tunisia set themselves out to play in this less than sporting manner.
For the sake of everyone on this thread let's not take every comment aimed at another team and use it as an opportunity to bash/hype England.
Henry wrote: For the sake of everyone on this thread let's not take every comment aimed at another team ans use it as an opportunity to bash/hype England.
Indeed. There are far worse teams out there, incompetents who didn't even qualify against the weakest opposition possible.
Mozzyfuzzy wrote: A mediocre team that did literal anything and everything to slow the game down, players taking every opportunity to go to ground, taking forever to back off 10 yards for free kicks etc etc.
Tunisia deserved nothing from this game and I am glad they got that.
They played to a certain strategy. You can't criticise them for this. If they tried a free flowing passing game they wouldn't have stood a chance. It's a competition and they play to their strengths. It's up to England to beat that and realistically they got lucky because it was one of the few times they pressed in the second half. The other point to note is that you have to take your chances. They had lots in the first 20 minutes and could have put the game to bed. Instead they gave the opposition a chance and they almost paid for it. They *will* pay for it against a decent team. If they play like that against Belgium they are going to get a right spanking.
There's a difference between playing defensively and that shameful display. I'll give up watching international football if a decent team played liked that. It was a cynical display in poor sportsmanship, the only other recent moment that has annoyed me as such was Sergio Ramos "fouling" Mo Salah in the champions league final.
ingtaer wrote: Way to do it the hard way England! Who would have thought... The refing in that game was shocking though, I guess Stalingrad doesn't have the capability for VAR.
Pretty sure they do, but a lot of referees still seem a bit reluctant to actually make use of it. AFAIK, this is the first time they have it at a world cup, so I guess that explains a lot of the reluctance.
Happy to see England survive though. Next up is Panama right? That should probably be another win. Belgium on the other hand... I think England will lose that one. But second place will be good enough to advance to the knockouts.
I'm completely uninterested in football, but I hope Brasil wins it this year for my wife's sake (and hence, my marital happiness), even if their first match was a bit of a wash. Hopefully they'll grow into their own during the tournament.
Iron_Captain wrote: Happy to see England survive though. Next up is Panama right? That should probably be another win. Belgium on the other hand... I think England will lose that one. But second place will be good enough to advance to the knockouts.
Yeah, that group looks like there's not going to be any surprises and it's going to turn out as the FIFA ranking suggests.
Belgium
England
Tunisia
Panama
I would like to see Belgium make a decent attempt at it this year, but that's just because I have a man-crush on De Bruyne.
ingtaer wrote: Way to do it the hard way England! Who would have thought... The refing in that game was shocking though, I guess Stalingrad doesn't have the capability for VAR.
Pretty sure they do, but a lot of referees still seem a bit reluctant to actually make use of it. AFAIK, this is the first time they have it at a world cup, so I guess that explains a lot of the reluctance.
Happy to see England survive though. Next up is Panama right? That should probably be another win. Belgium on the other hand... I think England will lose that one. But second place will be good enough to advance to the knockouts.
I was just being snarky. I hate the VAR with a passion, it was trialed in the A-League (the Australian domestic league that NZs only professional team play in) and it has been an absolute disaster, slowing games down and getting things wrong.
Yep Panama next which one would hope be a cakewalk but Belgium should be a really tough ask for them. As first and second place play against second or first in Group H (Japan, Poland, Columbia or Senegal) I am holding my breath on them advancing further. The Japanese especially play some really lovely football.
Iron_Captain wrote: Happy to see England survive though. Next up is Panama right? That should probably be another win. Belgium on the other hand... I think England will lose that one. But second place will be good enough to advance to the knockouts.
Yeah, that group looks like there's not going to be any surprises and it's going to turn out as the FIFA ranking suggests.
Belgium
England
Tunisia
Panama
I would like to see Belgium make a decent attempt at it this year, but that's just because I have a man-crush on De Bruyne.
Which will probably mean that we meet Poland/Colombia in the next round and then meeting the plane home.
There's a difference between playing defensively and that shameful display. I'll give up watching international football if a decent team played liked that. It was a cynical display in poor sportsmanship, the only other recent moment that has annoyed me as such was Sergio Ramos "fouling" Mo Salah in the champions league final.
If it's not illegal then it is a fair strategy (although I will accept that the rugby tackles are questionable). However if the ref doesn't think it is a foul then you are entitled to play that way. There's no such thing as sportsmanship as there is too much money involved. How many players in all teams will throw themselves to the ground, try and fake an injury etc to get a favourable reaction? It's not like only Tunisia do this. There are plenty of top teams (Man Utd, Spain etc) that 'play' the system as much as possible to get that advantage.
There's a difference between playing defensively and that shameful display. I'll give up watching international football if a decent team played liked that. It was a cynical display in poor sportsmanship, the only other recent moment that has annoyed me as such was Sergio Ramos "fouling" Mo Salah in the champions league final.
If it's not illegal then it is a fair strategy (although I will accept that the rugby tackles are questionable). However if the ref doesn't think it is a foul then you are entitled to play that way. There's no such thing as sportsmanship as there is too much money involved. How many players in all teams will throw themselves to the ground, try and fake an injury etc to get a favourable reaction? It's not like only Tunisia do this. There are plenty of top teams (Man Utd, Spain etc) that 'play' the system as much as possible to get that advantage.
Overacting legitimate contact is not what I am talking about, I'm talking about running yourself into a defenders elbow, not looking at the ball and wrestling an opposing player to the ground, the amount of time spent not being the required distance away from a free kick. There's gamesmanship and then there's a cynical look at killing the game, how many attempts did Tunisia make to win that game?
It's why I brought up Sergio Ramos, they were holding each others arms, but you don't roll someone under you as you go over. It was a deliberate attempt to take Mo Salah out of that game, which he succeeded in doing.
Overacting legitimate contact is not what I am talking about, I'm talking about running yourself into a defenders elbow, not looking at the ball and wrestling an opposing player to the ground, the amount of time spent not being the required distance away from a free kick. There's gamesmanship and then there's a cynical look at killing the game, how many attempts did Tunisia make to win that game?
Why was the defenders elbow up there. There would be plenty of people that would have taken the opportunity. There are plenty of players that would be happy to see an outstretched leg and run over it. The amount of time spent not being from a free kick is the referees responsibility not the players. A simple yellow card by the referee would have stopped that action. They also have the ability to mark where they should stand. However unless the referee stops it then they are entitled to stand where they want. England also took quick free kicks with players close to the ball and also didn't complain.
As for Tunisia's stats they had:-
39% of the possession
25% of the shots
11% of the shots on target
22% of the corners
63% of the fouls
That's not unrealistic for a team that is inferior to another. Yo could quite easily find premiership stats in the last year for similar types of games.
Russia looks ridiculous. I work out of my basement from home. Every Time I walk up stairs to let the dogs out, grab food, get a drink, or use bathroom. Russia is scoring...
Edit, After typing above, I immediately I went back to work for about 20 seconds and Ran back up stairs as I forgot my phone and.... Russia is Scoring again.
Remind me to stay in the basement If/when Russia plays Germany or Iceland.
Yeah...I walked from my bench to a co-workers to brag abou the first goal (he supports Egypt). By the time I get there they scored #2, and by the time I got back to my bench they scored again. It's a good year to be a Russian.
Surprise surprise, Russia are doing well and getting favourable decisions from the ref, while England concede one of the lightest penalties I have ever seen and get nothing as our players are literally thrown to the ground.
Fifa and the World Cup are a fething disgrace. Corrupt scum.
I don't think you can say either of the Russian games come down to refereeing decisions. Russia has played against two pretty bad teams. Saudi Arabia were a joke and Egypt were desperately lacking the one man who could have given them a chance - a fully fit Mo Salah.
So, Senegal, eh? It seems the random footy results generator has been working overtime.
An Actual Englishman wrote: Surprise surprise, Russia are doing well and getting favourable decisions from the ref, while England concede one of the lightest penalties I have ever seen and get nothing as our players are literally thrown to the ground.
Fifa and the World Cup are a fething disgrace. Corrupt scum.
Maybe England shouldn't have pissed all over FIFA during their effort to host the WC. England and Russia both deserve it.
An Actual Englishman wrote: Surprise surprise, Russia are doing well and getting favourable decisions from the ref, while England concede one of the lightest penalties I have ever seen and get nothing as our players are literally thrown to the ground.
Fifa and the World Cup are a fething disgrace. Corrupt scum.
Maybe England shouldn't have pissed all over FIFA during their effort to host the WC. England and Russia both deserve it.
An Actual Englishman wrote: Surprise surprise, Russia are doing well and getting favourable decisions from the ref, while England concede one of the lightest penalties I have ever seen and get nothing as our players are literally thrown to the ground.
Fifa and the World Cup are a fething disgrace. Corrupt scum.
Maybe England shouldn't have pissed all over FIFA during their effort to host the WC. England and Russia both deserve it.
Explain?
IIRC, England's papers were publishing stuff about FIFA corruption at the same time England was bidding to host the WC against Russia.
The Russians were much smarter and simply brought suitcases filled with money.
An Actual Englishman wrote: Surprise surprise, Russia are doing well and getting favourable decisions from the ref, while England concede one of the lightest penalties I have ever seen and get nothing as our players are literally thrown to the ground.
Fifa and the World Cup are a fething disgrace. Corrupt scum.
Maybe England shouldn't have pissed all over FIFA during their effort to host the WC. England and Russia both deserve it.
Explain?
IIRC, England's papers were publishing stuff about FIFA corruption at the same time England was bidding to host the WC against Russia.
The Russians were much smarter and simply brought suitcases filled with money.
I guess that's what we get for having integrity in our reporting I suppose. Still, at least we don't suffer from Fake News.
Tsilber wrote: Russia looks ridiculous. I work out of my basement from home. Every Time I walk up stairs to let the dogs out, grab food, get a drink, or use bathroom. Russia is scoring...
Edit, After typing above, I immediately I went back to work for about 20 seconds and Ran back up stairs as I forgot my phone and.... Russia is Scoring again.
Remind me to stay in the basement If/when Russia plays Germany or Iceland.
Comrade. I have received word that the Russian government is very interested in hiring you and your basement for the position of assistant coach to the national football team.
I so expected the Russian team to be total crap like usual. Help me guys, I am afraid I start feeling hope and excitement. That is bad. Hope and excitement are bad. Now I will inevitably feel bad when our team inevitably gets knocked out in the first round...
Just wait until Russia play Uruguay and then we will see their true quality... Neither SA or Egypt have been that great and the fact that SA qualified at all is down to how the confederation is split, even the Syrian team looked better when they played against OZ. Makes one wonder how Qatar are going to do when they host as their national team are pathetic.
Good result for Senegal, surprised Poland lost though I was expecting them to do better.
But why wait?
For those who can't accept the reality - there is always be arguments for everything except the simple and reasonable ones.
Russia wins Uruguay? They bribed/ They use doping/They cheat/ Putin threatend whole Uruguay/Used secret KGB magic .
It's just can't be truth that they simply win because they were better prepared for a game. Bollocks!
It's totally not an option.
You only alowed to win big teams if you are Mexico, and draw if you are Iceland or Switzerland.
Yeah it seems that style of argument is used by some people just to denigrate a side, personally I just want to see good football (and if I make some money by betting then so much the better!).
With Russia, their recent history before this tournament has been pretty poor, they beat NZ and Dynamo and drew with Turkey, every other result for the last year has been a loss. So their last two results have been great but the question is can they keep it up or are they just going to fold in the round of 16?
ingtaer wrote: Yeah it seems that style of argument is used by some people just to denigrate a side, personally I just want to see good football (and if I make some money by betting then so much the better!).
With Russia, their recent history before this tournament has been pretty poor, they beat NZ and Dynamo and drew with Turkey, every other result for the last year has been a loss. So their last two results have been great but the question is can they keep it up or are they just going to fold in the round of 16?
As do Mexico - they lost some games to major teams and beat the mediocre ones - but that means nothing when you defeat Germany - basicly Champions.
And then Russia got tie game with Spain in november (3:3) - does that mean we're like Portugal now?
But it's just the statistics - it shows how it was - it doesn't give you a detailed plan of future.
but the question is can they keep it up
That's an intresting question - but the answer will be given only in 30th of june
As for now - the most frequent questions I met (not here) - Did russians used drugs.
Because, you know, drugs can make you a skilled player and great strategist.
I wonder - what drug could make me play warhammer better...
I am not sure why you have decided to argue with me rather than those posters above who actually made such stupid claims, but fair enough.
Thanks for the heads up on that Spain game, I hadn't seen it before and it was one hell of a performance by Smolov who I remember being pretty good against NZ in the Confeds cup.
As for stats, yes they don't predict the future but they do offer a glimpse into how a team is progressing and thus give some small insight into how one can expect a team to do (even more so when their setup, roster and tactics remain constant). Which ties into your next point, yes we wont know how well they do until the game is played, but I am looking forward to finding out and hope they play well even though I don't care about the result.
Performance enhancing Warhammer drugs, I guess judging by the comments thrown around you just need to turn up with a suitcase full of money... Or maybe the Orks have the right idea and mushrooms are the way to go.
I wonder - what drug could make me play warhammer better...
Cocaine. It's a heck of a drug.
In all seriousness, I'm glad this cup is shaking things up. I want to see Russia move on, and I have no doubt in my mind about Germany beating Sweden and South Korea to move on either.
Though my co-worker is pouting in the corner over the Morocco.Portugal game going on right now though. I should go comfort him...
If someone wondering "Do we really need VAR?" ask Spain team - they luckly made it 1:0.
Without video assistance it could be 1:1 (which actually would be a pretty fair score - Iran played so fierce in 2nd time)
I like how this Cup going - most of the matches are toe to toe (well except obvious recent events...) and Spain proven to be good but not invincible.
Iran put up a really good fight against. Really not bad against a big football power like Spain. But in a group with Spain and Portugal, I am afraid it won't be enough to pass.
Iron_Captain wrote: Iran put up a really good fight against. Really not bad against a big football power like Spain. But in a group with Spain and Portugal, I am afraid it won't be enough to pass.
Portugal were quite lucky to get the result against Morocco. It's absolutely not out of the question that Iran might beat them.
Everyone is blowing Ronaldo out of proportion but looking at the facts that's 2 Goals out of FK/PK, one header after a set piece (completely clear of defenders) and a GK fluke. Portugal allowed way too many chances against Morocco which were the better team by far.
I haven't been impressed by any of the so called "top" teams so far this tournament, like Portugal if Ronaldo was totally off form or broken they just are not that great a side. Hopefully it will make for an exciting tournament!
Should be a good trio of games tomorrow with Oz v Denmark, France v Peru and Argentina v Croatia.
Iron_Captain wrote: Iran put up a really good fight against. Really not bad against a big football power like Spain. But in a group with Spain and Portugal, I am afraid it won't be enough to pass.
Portugal were quite lucky to get the result against Morocco. It's absolutely not out of the question that Iran might beat them.
Everyone is blowing Ronaldo out of proportion but looking at the facts that's 2 Goals out of FK/PK, one header after a set piece (completely clear of defenders) and a GK fluke. Portugal allowed way too many chances against Morocco which were the better team by far.
Well if Ronaldo is equipped with a Power Klaw I am surprised he wasn't sent off. Damn bribe rolls.
A well earned victory for Croatia. There's a good chance Argentina will be going home on goal difference. Iceland have to beat Nigeria, then be frugal against Croatia, and they're through to the knock out rounds with Argentina out.
And another football world power is routed. This definitely looks like the tournament of small and medium football countries. All the traditional big football countries aren't performing that well.
Or in case of Argentina, get totally destroyed. Croatia is usually quite good, but I had not expected this outcome. Very well played.
Also, Croatia is one of my favourite holiday destinations. Maybe I will cheer for them when Russia inevitably gets knocked out.
Very nicely done by Croatia! Superb performance. I think the Ozzies will feel themselves a little hard done by only getting a draw against Denmark, I thought they outplayed the Danes and on a different day could have got three or four. They really should drop Robbie Kruse though.
So Russia and Uruguay, France and Croatia have all qualified already. looking forward to seeing Iceland v Nigeria tomorrow.
Brazil doing what was expected. Now Iceland has its chance to put Argentina in deep deep trouble.
Nigerians will try their best too, still nothing lost for them.
And tonight the Serbians clash with Switzerland. A promising match!
Automatically Appended Next Post: The gamble paid off for Germany. Down to 10 man after a stupid foul, only need a tie to stay alive, pull a defender anyway to press the attack and get a miracle goal.
Hah. Well, despite my boycott, I hope England go the distance this time. You guys got proper humbled in the Euros and I think it was enough. This Irishman is quietly cheering for England this time around.It's my new homeland who might need some humbling.
Is it safe for non footie fans to visit their local pub? Much as I don’t begrudge anyone their enjoyment, nothing harshes my own personal mellow than shouty football fans getting all overexcited.
So far Mexico and Croatia have been the most solid teams. Uruguay, Russia, England and Belgium played very well but against weak opponents, I'd like to see them against more competitive teams before celebrate them.
Germany, France, Spain and Brazil didn't impress so far but they have amazing rosters and they will be protagonists after the group stage.
Portugal played and performed exactly as expected, it's a mediocre team that knows its limits and works decently because of that.
Argentina is a random selection of players, not a team and several of them are very poor and/or unexperienced ones or too old to play this kind of competitions. They're like this since 2 years, so no surprise. How can a team that qualified only in the last round with a huge amount of luck and took 6 goals against Spain just a few days the beginning of the tournament be listed among the best teams in the world cup? Only because of Messi? We're not in the 80s anymore, a single player or even 2-3 stars can't win the game alone if the squad they play with is not a real team.
Kane hatrick is by far the best hatrick I've ever seen, IT'S ONLY BLOODY COMING HOME CHAPS.
What two uncontested penalties and a deflection from a heel he knew nothing about? I'm sure there are better hattricks out there.
Still as England now top the group based on yellow cards, who gets to go top can be decided on how many punches the other side throws. Perhaps they should just have fight club in the middle of the pitch?
The rehabilitation of England continues. No matter what point they get eliminated now, they can exit with their heads high and optimism that the manager has a plan. Big Sam getting the boot may have been the most positive thing to happen to the team in a generation.
I agree with above, the big teams are not impressing so far and the middling teams who have produced good results have only been impressed against the lower teams.
Belgium v England will be a good opportunity to see how two of the middling teams do when pitched against each other.
Kane hatrick is by far the best hatrick I've ever seen, IT'S ONLY BLOODY COMING HOME CHAPS.
What two uncontested penalties and a deflection from a heel he knew nothing about? I'm sure there are better hattricks out there.
Reread the post with tongue in cheek. It may make a bit more sense.
Still as England now top the group based on yellow cards, who gets to go top can be decided on how many punches the other side throws. Perhaps they should just have fight club in the middle of the pitch?
Do you like football? Do you know how the game is played? Have you ever watched a game in your life? Given your contribution to this thread so far I suspect the answer to all the above is no, and that your sole purpose is to troll this thread.
Impressed with the Senegal and Japan game. Some of the supposed 'lessar teams' are more enjoyable to watch than the big teams (of whom a few still need to show up).
Argentina is rebelling against their manager too but failed and it looks like Aguero is being dropped for his role in the mutiny. I just don't get why certain Argentinian players haven't been picked for the World Cup squad, or are left on the bench. The big names just aren't turning up at all.
The lesser teams are often more enjoyable to watch in the early stages as they just go for it. They have nothing to lose and can go all out attack. Certain parts of the game often play faster with a team that's not as technically adept too.
Plenty of VAR-induced drama in the Morocco - Spain and Portugal - Iran. Morocco found its scoring prowess at last and gave Spain a really hard time. De Gea has the confidence of an acne-ridden teenager asking the hottest girl in class for dinner.
Portugal didn't do much besides an awesome screamer of a goal, and Ronaldo choked at the PK spot so on injury time a VAR-allowed PK for Iran at roughly the same time the VAR refs allowed a goal for Spain which had initially deemed offside means Portugal gets 2nd place and faces Uruguay next round.
Spain... Pain. De Gea has won sitting. Really, Spain thinks they can just win walking. Against Russia we have options to pass. Croatia and Belgiun are the two strongest teams on the Spanish side. On the other side Urugay and England
Apparently, Sweden's won. Or something. I know nothing of football, but the shouting and cheering from my neighbours probably meant something good happened. I could just Google it, but where's the fun in that?
I am so looking forward to winding up my students tomorrow. The one south korean kid is going to be beaming as broadly as the one mexican kid was a week ago
1. there is no curse.
2. somebody lost against Austria before.... so maybe it wasn't a real surprise when they .. made Mexico Happy. And then South Korea. Sorry Sweden.
3. nix is vorbei! The fun will start right now. 80 Million Coaches who will exactly know what went wrong.
That was decidedly odd. Belgium's B team against England's B team. It makes it more difficult to work out where the teams sit when the players that were put out to play clearly wanted to win, but for both sides were clearly not the optimum teams. I still think Belgium are a serious prospect. I also reckon the winner this year will be from the middle pack of teams, so someone like France or Belgium.
jhe90 wrote: Germany out in the group stage. That's definitely a turn up for the books.
There often considered a favourite.
They did worse than England...
Like... Worse... Than England.
Exalted for being just way too sarcastic and funny. Mostly sarcastic, but funny af!
Lol, thanks
Henry wrote:That was decidedly odd. Belgium's B team against England's B team. It makes it more difficult to work out where the teams sit when the players that were put out to play clearly wanted to win, but for both sides were clearly not the optimum teams. I still think Belgium are a serious prospect. I also reckon the winner this year will be from the middle pack of teams, so someone like France or Belgium.
Yeah, both sides where not playing a A game.
Both sides where just passing the match. There good players rested. Both coaches where basically on cruise mode.
Well one big team Germany down. Theres a final 8 slot that's not open normaly. They often even make final 4 potentially.
Both sides where just passing the match. There good players rested. Both coaches where basically on cruise mode.
Well one big team Germany down. Theres a final 8 slot that's not open normaly. They often even make final 4 potentially.
A bit of an odd game. England lost, but probably won. Belgium won, but probably lost. Strange to hear Belgium fans cheering when a player got a yellow card. England were 1-0 down and passing the ball between them at the back.
I think the managers had the following rules:-
Don't get injured,
Don't get booked
Rashford, don't score
Both sides where just passing the match. There good players rested. Both coaches where basically on cruise mode.
Well one big team Germany down. Theres a final 8 slot that's not open normaly. They often even make final 4 potentially.
A bit of an odd game. England lost, but probably won. Belgium won, but probably lost. Strange to hear Belgium fans cheering when a player got a yellow card. England were 1-0 down and passing the ball between them at the back.
I think the managers had the following rules:-
Don't get injured,
Don't get booked
Rashford, don't score
Yeah, because th probbly role them to both take it easy, no real risks. They had it in thr bag. No one pushed too hard, just a kick about at times.
Just a single clean, low risk game. Don, t push it too hard, Don,t blunt your edge.
Very tactically sound game by England and Belgium, but my goodness do I regret getting up at 0600 and watching that.
Looks like everyone of the round of sixteen games are going to be good to watch with Sundays (NZ time) games being the pick.
Could be, depends if someone wants/needs to prove himself... when my friends and I saw that major players sat on the bench, we switched and watched Panama vs Tunisia instead. Not as tactical I guess but a very passionate game, we enjoyed it.
France-Argentina was a good match. Lots of nice goals. The one from Pavard was just beautiful. France won deservedly. Argentina has Messi and some other talented players, but no team. They just lacked coordination. I kinda felt bad for Messi.
Good Job for the French National Team.
Even so. Didn't Argentina National Team really learn any lessions not to rely on a handdful of superstars in this kind of tournament? Putting too much stock into Leo Messi did mess them up pretty goood. It is so easy to beat Argentine just restrains Messi and the way is clear.
Ronaldo still has some international silverware but it looks like World Cup will be one that got away.
Feel bad for Messi. Maybe he'll do one more WC although I don't see it.
There's no place for League Superstars here in Worldcup.
any able team with an average coach should've learned that in a match against those superstars. learn to target them (and restrain them first) and the way will be clear with weaker opponents.
For me not a surprise Spain is out. No plan. No speed. They played walking and every match worser. I tough also Croatia was going to win easy. Now I have interest hoy Belgium will do it. They have an awesome team
Tamereth wrote: Wow, now that was a penalty shootout. 5 saves, those keepers looked like a pair of bears in goal.
Not only that, but Denmark's keeper saved a penalty just a few minutes before they went to the shootout. If you count that one, their save rate was over 50%... That's crazy!
Tamereth wrote: Wow, now that was a penalty shootout. 5 saves, those keepers looked like a pair of bears in goal.
Not only that, but Denmark's keeper saved a penalty just a few minutes before they went to the shootout. If you count that one, their save rate was over 50%... That's crazy!
Yeah, Denmark had a great keeper. A pity for them that their team's penalty-taking wasn't up to the same level. Not that Croatia was much better. Croatia played disappointingly bad. Given their previous showings I had expected more of them.
Well, all the better I guess. The worse Croatia is the more chance Russia has. If Russia beats Croatia, that will be the farthest Russia has ever been since 1966.
Tamereth wrote: Wow, now that was a penalty shootout. 5 saves, those keepers looked like a pair of bears in goal.
Not only that, but Denmark's keeper saved a penalty just a few minutes before they went to the shootout. If you count that one, their save rate was over 50%... That's crazy!
Yeah, Denmark had a great keeper. A pity for them that their team's penalty-taking wasn't up to the same level. Not that Croatia was much better. Croatia played disappointingly bad. Given their previous showings I had expected more of them.
Well, all the better I guess. The worse Croatia is the more chance Russia has. If Russia beats Croatia, that will be the farthest Russia has ever been since 1966.
1966...
England summons are hope for the nth time despite the proven pattern lol
Tamereth wrote: Wow, now that was a penalty shootout. 5 saves, those keepers looked like a pair of bears in goal.
Not only that, but Denmark's keeper saved a penalty just a few minutes before they went to the shootout. If you count that one, their save rate was over 50%... That's crazy!
But... that was bad - I mean goal keeper did a marvelous job - but taking a penalty in main time means your team suck.
That foul was the last resort before the goal, as croatian player outplayed the goalkeeper but was directly struck by Danish defender - actually that was a straight red card.
I think that was very similar to Russia's result - great goalkeeper but average teamplay. And still better than Argentina lol
Omega-soul wrote: That foul was the last resort before the goal, as croatian player outplayed the goalkeeper but was directly struck by Danish defender - actually that was a straight red card.
No it wasn't. It was changed in 2016. If ball was playable and foul was in an attempt to play for ball(and not say push player by hands to back) then no double penalty. Only yellow rather than red. It went by the book.
Omega-soul wrote: That foul was the last resort before the goal, as croatian player outplayed the goalkeeper but was directly struck by Danish defender - actually that was a straight red card.
No it wasn't. It was changed in 2016. If ball was playable and foul was in an attempt to play for ball(and not say push player by hands to back) then no double penalty. Only yellow rather than red. It went by the book.
Well - anyway it was a Croatian advance that could be stoped only by foul - whether you call it a yellow or red card case. And if you have to break rules to just stay in game - then something gone wrong.
Omega-soul wrote: That foul was the last resort before the goal, as croatian player outplayed the goalkeeper but was directly struck by Danish defender - actually that was a straight red card.
No it wasn't. It was changed in 2016. If ball was playable and foul was in an attempt to play for ball(and not say push player by hands to back) then no double penalty. Only yellow rather than red. It went by the book.
Well - anyway it was a Croatian advance that could be stoped only by foul - whether you call it a yellow or red card case. And if you have to break rules to just stay in game - then something gone wrong.
I feel that yellow or red, it was the correct decision from the defender, you make the tackle you're a hero, you leg the guy up and get yourself sent off with 4min of extra time to go, you've given your keeper a chance.
Omega-soul wrote: That foul was the last resort before the goal, as croatian player outplayed the goalkeeper but was directly struck by Danish defender - actually that was a straight red card.
No it wasn't. It was changed in 2016. If ball was playable and foul was in an attempt to play for ball(and not say push player by hands to back) then no double penalty. Only yellow rather than red. It went by the book.
Well - anyway it was a Croatian advance that could be stoped only by foul - whether you call it a yellow or red card case. And if you have to break rules to just stay in game - then something gone wrong.
Yes there had been mistake. That happens. Every team and even best players do mistakes sometimes. Indeed if players didn\t make mistakes THERE WOULD BE NO SOCCER.
There was mistake. Croatia was about to score free goal. It was in this situation 100% absolute correct decision to try hail mary pass with near zero chance to succeed without penalty kick. Even if he knew 100% sure(which is never possible btw) that it would be penalty kick AND red card it would be worth it to prevent goal. Penalty kicks have only ~70% chance of succeed. And even red card wouldn't be as big impact here as it would be say on 5th minute of game.
It's 100% standard to do deliberate fouls and take the penalty for that to prevent worse harm in sport. In soccer penalty kick can be worth it if enemy is about to score. In basketball deliberately fouling enemy is worth it even if it gives free throws if it means certain donk is prevented. And even doing technical foul in passing ball back to game forcing throw to be redone and taking technical foul(too many of those and free throws to enemy) can be worth it as it means opponent exposed their counter play.
Dane did 100% correct thing preventing goal even at the cost of penalty kick. Is it sporting? Rules don't deal with deliberately breaking rules. Penalties are same whether it's accidental foul or deliberate. Trying to punish them differently would be mire of subjective decisions
Neymar is still doing his amateur dramatics. If I had my way, players like him would get a taste of the real thing if they insisted upon acting like that.
Amazing comeback from Belgium. But I think they did not really deserve it. They played very badly for most of the match, they were outplayed by Japan in every way until the last part of the second half, and Belgium's first goal was nothing but pure coincidence. I had expected much more from a team that was rated so highly. Japan really deserved this win. But Japan, next time, never neglect your defense in the final minute of the game. Don't you know that the final minutes are the ones in which most goals are scored?
But Japan, next time, never neglect your defense in the final minute of the game. Don't you know that the final minutes are the ones in which most goals are scored?
.
Yeah, they should watch more anime, it was expected.
I really, really want Brazil out now, how Neymar has managed to go this long without someone kneecapping him boggles my mind.
No opportunity. As soon as anyone gets near he's rolling around on the floor like a baby having a tantrum.
Shame about Japan. However it doesn't show much for the Belgium teams tactical acumen if it takes them an hour to work out that you have a significant height advantage.
I have no idea why the Germans are rewarding failure. In '08, 10, and '12, nothing or nobody was stopping that Spain team.
But in recent years, Low has criminally underachieved with the players at his disposal. They should have won Euro 2016, and the very recent failure is unforgivable in my book for a German manager.
I have no idea why the Germans are rewarding failure. In '08, 10, and '12, nothing or nobody was stopping that Spain team.
But in recent years, Low has criminally underachieved with the players at his disposal. They should have won Euro 2016, and the very recent failure is unforgivable in my book for a German manager.
He should have gotten the boot.
Löw did lead Germany to victory in the 2014 World Cup and 2017 Confederations Cup. Those are quite impressive achievements. I imagine it is difficult to find someone qualified enough and willing to replace Löw. Besides, keeping a coach is good for stability and order within a team. Und Ordnung muss ja sein!
I have no idea why the Germans are rewarding failure. In '08, 10, and '12, nothing or nobody was stopping that Spain team.
But in recent years, Low has criminally underachieved with the players at his disposal. They should have won Euro 2016, and the very recent failure is unforgivable in my book for a German manager.
He should have gotten the boot.
Löw did lead Germany to victory in the 2014 World Cup and 2017 Confederations Cup. Those are quite impressive achievements. I imagine it is difficult to find someone qualified enough and willing to replace Löw. Besides, keeping a coach is good for stability and order within a team. Und Ordnung muss ja sein!
Russia are doing well in this world cup, because the threat of 10 years in Siberia should they fail, hangs above them
The German football association has no such option
Agreed, he won in 2014, and that's a great achievement, but in the cut-throat world of competitive football, things move on, and nobody cares about yesterday.
To be fair to the Germans, the logical successor to Low won't be leaving Liverpool any time soon, but the Germans have never been short of quality coaches.
Russia are doing well in this world cup, because the threat of 10 years in Siberia should they fail, hangs above them
The German football association has no such option
Agreed, he won in 2014, and that's a great achievement, but in the cut-throat world of competitive football, things move on, and nobody cares about yesterday.
To be fair to the Germans, the logical successor to Low won't be leaving Liverpool any time soon, but the Germans have never been short of quality coaches.
Low has to win Euro 2020.
Last time we tried to get that option, it was a long cold winter and some people stayed longer than they expected.
I agree that Kloppo would be perfectly fit for the job.
tneva82 wrote: Sorry but after tasteless cover done by UK newspaper regarding match I'm rooting for Columbia.
You must be sssooo disappointed. I know you have a chip on your shoulder over England so this must be eating you alive.
Sorry to dissapoint you but nope. I don't get my ropes in twist over some soccer. Even if england would desereve it over that classless magazine. English folks are zero class. But alas world isn't fair. Still no biggie. England is digging it's own grave so let them have this meaningless soccer victory before england plunges into disaster they have been digging. Karma is a bitch.
This is what a person with a throbbing sore rectum sounds like everyone.
Anyway, England, you broke with tradition and yet you’re playing to type at the same time. It’s like a rollercoaster.
Hmm, I only now noticed that broadcasts' opening sequence is almost direct ripoff from Game of Thrones...there is even a dragon. edit. it's reallt obvious...
Now, I need to dig out an album for tomorrow's commute. Chris Evans was insufferable before the game this morning; if I have to listen to his nonsense after the game, I'll crash into something.
Well the better team won. There's been a bit of a jinx on this throughout this tournament.
Colombia didn't do themselves any favours by fight club style of play in the first half. However that's partially down to the refereeing throughout. They should have had a player sent off in the first half. Colombia stopped doing that as soon as the penalty was awarded. They were basically playing...how far can we push it.
Still on for a Russia vs England semi. That would be interesting.
Whirlwind wrote: Well the better team won. There's been a bit of a jinx on this throughout this tournament.
Colombia didn't do themselves any favours by fight club style of play in the first half. However that's partially down to the refereeing throughout. They should have had a player sent off in the first half. Colombia stopped doing that as soon as the penalty was awarded. They were basically playing...how far can we push it.
Still on for a Russia vs England semi. That would be interesting.
So much more fun with the big names out early and everyone in the running.
Yet another example of terrible referring. I don't think I've seen a game yet where the referee had a good game. VAR not doing it's job either. The Columbian's were filth throughout.
England winning on penalties, who would have seen that coming!
Other than the red, there wasn't a lot wrong, maybe a few more calls here or there. It certainly wasn't the Tunisia game level of dodgy.
Although I'd have maybe given something for the amount of time crying about the penalty and maybe the length of the goal celebration and time taken to get reset, if you give warnings you should follow through when it's still going on 20seconds later.
Best team won in the end, although the lack of any comment on this Swedish side is worrying, they beat some big names to be where they are.
No 'outstanding' players but when you defend like a unit, you're tough to break down. They're arguably the worst team left in that regard but never the less, I expect England to struggle against them.
It’s nice that England finally won a World Cup penalty shootout and all, but it should never have came to that in the first place. Had they been paying more attention and avoided just trying to play to the whistle Columbia would never have equalised. This result is good, but it’s not great.
Sweden v Switzerland was an awful game, so boring. I'm not too concerned about Sweden - they don't have much in the way of attacking prowess and our defence is quick to get back and form up. Also most England fans would take this World Cup as a win if we went out next match - we won a knockout game on penalties, that's massive for us (which shows how poor English football has been for 20 odd years).
No 'outstanding' players but when you defend like a unit, you're tough to break down. They're arguably the worst team left in that regard but never the less, I expect England to struggle against them.
The previous times England came up against them in the world cup they ended in draws.
Backfire wrote: Hmm, I only now noticed that broadcasts' opening sequence is almost direct ripoff from Game of Thrones...there is even a dragon. edit. it's reallt obvious...
It is a pretty nice intro. The scenes are Russian monuments and mythology. Also, there is Sputnik! And a fabergé egg shaped like a football.
So England finally won a penalty shootout! Wow. This tournament is getting weirder every match. Any guesses for what the the final will be guys? England-France? Russia-Brazil?
Mozzyfuzzy wrote: Other than the red, there wasn't a lot wrong, maybe a few more calls here or there. It certainly wasn't the Tunisia game level of dodgy.
By the end of the first half the referee had lost control. Sometimes you say the team needs half time, but in this case it was the referee. He came out a lot firmer in the second half. I would not be surprised to find out that he had a highlight review of the first half and someone had a quiet word in his ear to tell him that if things carried on he was going to have a boxing match to deal with. He was much more liberal with the cards in the second half and as sson as the penalty was awarded Colombia stopped playing rugby.
I wonder whether FIFA will call in the violent conduct of the headbutt?
There is an argument for a more respect the referee approach and to deal with the endless delays. I don't know why England got involved stage. I would have just backed off and told the ref to signal when he was ready rather than get involved and risk a silly yellow card.
Automatically Appended Next Post:
Future War Cultist wrote: It’s nice that England finally won a World Cup penalty shootout and all, but it should never have came to that in the first place. Had they been paying more attention and avoided just trying to play to the whistle Columbia would never have equalised. This result is good, but it’s not great.
It would also be nice to see them score from open play, barring the Panama game against the better teams the goals are all coming from set pieces and penalties. The better teams are going to give you less opportunities.
It would also be nice to see them score from open play, barring the Panama game against the better teams the goals are all coming from set pieces and penalties. The better teams are going to give you less opportunities.
That's the style of current Cup - many important goals scored from penalties.
And there is a statictic - 23 goal in 21 match was scored after 90th minute.
It's the most dissapointing thing about this Cup. But I guess it's the price for intresting games.
There is an argument for a more respect the referee approach and to deal with the endless delays. I don't know why England got involved stage. I would have just backed off and told the ref to signal when he was ready rather than get involved and risk a silly yellow card.
Shuld be more like Rugby and have a Sin Bin, instant 10 yard penalties etc. Whether the Football divas will allow this however.
Hopefully they will be some consequences for the Columbian team.
It would also be nice to see them score from open play, barring the Panama game against the better teams the goals are all coming from set pieces and penalties. The better teams are going to give you less opportunities.
That's the style of current Cup - many important goals scored from penalties.
And there is a statictic - 23 goal in 21 match was scored after 90th minute.
It's the most dissapointing thing about this Cup. But I guess it's the price for intresting games.
Think of it as an advantage. You only have to tune in for the last 5 minutes, the other 85 minutes you can do something else!
An Actual Englishman wrote: Sweden v Switzerland was an awful game, so boring. I'm not too concerned about Sweden - they don't have much in the way of attacking prowess and our defence is quick to get back and form up.
Who needs offence when you have rock-solid defence?
An Actual Englishman wrote: Sweden v Switzerland was an awful game, so boring. I'm not too concerned about Sweden - they don't have much in the way of attacking prowess and our defence is quick to get back and form up.
Who needs offence when you have rock-solid defence?
Lol indeed, but I don't think their defence is THAT great either. IF you flood the backfield with tall bodies of course it'll be hard to break through. They are quite static in defence though and that is a massive weakness against us. Of course we could bottle it and throw the game because of nerves at any second so we're not exactly in a safe place either.
I'm unsure how the Sweden game is gonna go, we've already had Vardy confirmed to be out on injury; Alli, Young and Walker all took some big hits in that game as well.
Iron_Captain wrote: And another big nation bites the dust! This is truly the tournament of mediums.
I wouldn't call Belgium or France a "medium" lol.
A big team was leaving the tournament regardless of the outcome tonight.
France certainly isn't, but Belgium definitely is. The Belgian team has never won or accomplished anything (fourth place is the highest they ever got, all the way back in the '80s), so they certainly are not one of the traditional big football nations such as Brazil or Germany who have won or come close to winning numerous times. On the other hand, they usually do have a decent team, this year especially, so they aren't minor either. They are a medium.
Iron_Captain wrote: And another big nation bites the dust! This is truly the tournament of mediums.
I wouldn't call Belgium or France a "medium" lol.
A big team was leaving the tournament regardless of the outcome tonight.
France certainly isn't, but Belgium definitely is. The Belgian team has never won or accomplished anything (fourth place is the highest they ever got, all the way back in the '80s), so they certainly are not one of the traditional big football nations such as Brazil or Germany who have won or come close to winning numerous times. On the other hand, they usually do have a decent team, this year especially, so they aren't minor either. They are a medium.
I thought we were talking about current teams rather than past successes or failures?
The current Belgium team is incredibly strong in terms of raw player ability.
Henry wrote: Go home Neymar, and take your childish antics with you.
Belgium France should be the world cup decider. I can't see how anyone on the other side of the draw can beat either of those two.
I think I'd put my money on France. Belgium realistically were outplayed by Brazil. They lost because of a daft home goal and although De Bruyne's strike was excellent when you consider the way the defence acted leading up to it (two players completely unmarked, and defenders continuously backed off) then the goal really came from defensive errors. After those moments Belgium didn't actually add that much more. Brazil in terms of statistics were all over them, they just couldn't score. This is the problem with this side of the run to the final, there's a bigger chance that luck will abandon you if you keep playing big games.
All of the pundits and what are saying it should have been because of the contact, but for me he's clearly lost control of the ball (which is about to go out) at the moment of contact, it's not a dangerous or late challenge so it should be fine.
Unless I'm not as up to date on what counts as a penalty (with the amount of things Harry Kane has had done to him, perhaps I'm not )
As someone who usually doesn't care that much about football, I'd love to see Belgium vs. Sweden in the final, just because it'd be two nations no one expected.
AlmightyWalrus wrote: As someone who usually doesn't care that much about football, I'd love to see Belgium vs. Sweden in the final, just because it'd be two nations no one expected.
The most unexpected would be Belgium - Croatia or Belgium -Russia as none of this countries ever played in finals - but Sweden does.
That Russia - Croatia match was just amazing! Some lovely goals, extremely close near-misses, and even a close shootout
My only disappointment was the last shot - I'm not sure how much the keeper knew about each penalty shooter, but I think he should have guessed the other way, as it's identical to how he won the previous shootout.
Power Elephant wrote: Congrats to Russia. You've come a long way since the time we pushed you into the Euro by beating England in 2007
So now we generously returning you a favour of beating England again and become a Champions)
Also my congratulations - it was a good and truly fair fight.
Future War Cultist wrote: It was a great match, but now I’m thinking England is in trouble. I don’t know if they can beat Croatia.
Not if Modrić is in form. He was just great this match. I said before that if Russia is eliminated I will cheer for Croatia. With no Netherlands and Russia finally taken out, they are my favouritest country left. And they have a really nice team. So here is to Croatia becoming world champions. That would certainly be amazing.
Still... If only Fernandes had not managed to miss a penalty. Fernandes was great in the match, but how can you miss a penalty. Not as in the goalkeeper saves it miss, but as in the goalkeeper doesn't have to do anything because you shot the ball a meter wide of the goal miss. Even I can take a penalty better than that
. I would love to attend a World Cup game in-person!
