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Only caught the last 10 minutes of the Iran v Spain match. Looks like I was in time for the best bit.... That throw was comedy gold.

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.

jouso wrote:

 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.

Go on Iceland!

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!

I was following text updates but it seemed like Brazil were lacking ideas and became predictable through basically going through Neymar.

Probably deserved the win but they made it hard (or were hacked and bodied about).

I reckon they'll do well but I wouldn't be surprised to see them lose in knockoffs.

Mexico, Croatia are a joy to see. I'm rooting for England (of course) and Senegal because office sweepstake.

Argentina are really dire. How can they have good players but no cohesion between them?

Mexico is through, and Germany showed up to play so far.

So this is officially the WC of overtime goals now.

Lots of drama on Germany - Sweden. Nice match.

What a goal!


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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.

Germany still look disjointed, with fullbacks pressed high to the side which leads to way counter attacks.

What a goal though from Kroos.

Boating being barred is probably for the best, the complacent Bayern defence needs a wake up call.

Expect Germany to get out but not to win.

What was that after match scuffle about?

That non-penalty call for Sweden is gonna be talked to death I’m sure.

Germany scoring in the final moments of the match, as usual.
Mexico, Sweden and Germany all have a chance to pass to the next round now. Exciting.

So far that will be the most exiting final round of group games IMO.

I wonder if Argentina would also strike back, and crush Nigeria with more goal than Iceland.

That would be a good twist

England currently tearing Panama a new one. Will be surprised if Panama finish this game with eleven men.

Just keep repeating...

It's only Panama, it's only Panama...

Panama is being so dirty this match.

Also my dad just said “Larry Gineker” and we’re all still laughing our asses off.

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.

Panama's first goal of course

Kane hatrick is by far the best hatrick I've ever seen, IT'S ONLY BLOODY COMING HOME CHAPS.

Is it done?

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.

 Frozocrone wrote:
Panama's first goal of course

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.

 Whirlwind wrote:

 Frozocrone wrote:
Panama's first goal of course

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.

Please, grow up or piss off.

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.