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General Category => Sports => Topic started by: Zzzptm on April 02, 2022, 08:58:48 AM
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Groups have been announced... reactions? Easiest group? Hardest group? Most exciting? Most meh?
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Group A: Qatar, Ecuador, Senegal, Netherlands
Group B: England, Iran, USA, Wales/Scotland/Ukraine
Group C: Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Poland
Group D: France, UAE/Australia/Peru, Denmark, Tunisia
Group E: Spain, Costa Rica/New Zealand, Germany, Japan
Group F: Belgium, Canada, Morocco, Croatia
Group G: Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland, Cameroon
Group H: Portugal, Ghana, Uruguay, South Korea
It's interesting in that there isn't a real "Group of Death", in that there isn't a group where the 3rd best team is good enough to go a long way. Group E is probably closest with both Spain and Germany but you wouldn't expect Japan or the Costa Rica / New Zealand to progress beyond the group stage anyway. Having said that Group G has Brazil and then 3 teams you couldn't really pick to fill the second spot.
Possibly of interest is the chance that England could play Wales or Scotland if they can negotiate the final qualifying matches with Ukraine. Outside the Euros England haven't played other home nations in a major finals. But I'm sorta hoping Ukraine make the last spot even though I'm part Welsh! ;)
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I was thinking the same thing - where's the Group of Death? I expect Netherlands to dominate in A with Ecuador or Senegal being #2. Group B probably see USA and England emerge. I expect Mexico and Argentina from C, France and Denmark from D, Spain and Germany in E, Croatia and Belgium in F, Brazil and probably Switzerland in G, and H Portugal and Uruguay. No real struggle or squinting in my thinking, the conventional wisdom pretty much dictates those as the choices. I imagine there'll be upsets, but I can't see teams that might just get the job done instead of the top two. Maybe the upsets are the expected 1-2 going 2-1 or something like that.
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Australia face an uphill battle to qualify now. Should account for the UAE but then a H&A tie against Peru awaits to qualify. Injuries and the inability for the squad or train together before their matches has hurt their campaign.
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^^^
I hope you get through, but traditionally Peru are a tricky proposition.
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Australia just beat Peru 5-4 in a penalty shootout and are off to the World Cup
:beerbang: :banana: :wootwoot: :partay: :cheers:
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Good news indeed.
I think that just leaves Costa Rico vs New Zealand for the last spot which I believe is tomorrow night.
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But what a huge call from the coach that has been under extreme pressure since the ass had fell out of their campaign to sub the keeper out(who’s also the captain) in the 119th minute and bring on a keeper that’s not even in our best 4 Australian goal keepers. But he is seen as a specialist penalty shot stopper whos shtick is to dance around like a wiggle on the goal line and put the penalty kicker off. Not only that, the Peruvians would’ve done all their study on our #1 starting keeper Mat Ryan in the lead up to the game and would’ve knew absolutely nothing about the grey wiggle that was subbed in. LMAO
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^^^
That can backfire. Kepa being brought on for Mendy earlier this year in the EFL cup final being one example (Chelsea losing to Liverpool).
I saw the end of that shootout yesterday, I'm sure his antics must be borderline cheating, but until it's outlawed - go for it!
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I don’t think they could ever outlaw it. The keeper has always been allowed to move from side to side on the line but can’t move forward off the line before the penalty taker kicks the ball. Don’t think they could rule that you can move side to side but can’t do a little wiggle jig why you do it lol
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You're quite right. And if they did clamp down on it, they would also have to clamp down the kicker doing the same thing (stuttering/pausing run ups and such like).
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The World Cup starts in a week or so. It looks like being overshadowed by Human Rights issues in Qatar and such like, but while being aware of those issues I'm going to try and enjoy the football.
I think everyone here is represented except, sadly, Charger, as Canada, USA, Australia, England and France have all qualified (yes I know Tyr66 hasn't been around recently but I'll still include him).
Any early thoughts about who might win, who you want to win, who might get the Golden Boot and who might surprise us.
My thoughts:
Who Will Win: Argentina have been good recently
Who do I want to win: England (obvs.!)
Golden Boot: If England gets past the quarter finals I think Harry Kane has a good chance
Who might surprise us: maybe Denmark?
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It's getting close yes...
I'm blocking out all of the political bullshit and just enjoy the world class footsy. The good thing about Qatar that it isn't horrible out our time zone...
The conditions for the players might be tough though as temps might still be in the high 30s (C)...So I am expecting to see some extra breaks again during the matches like we had for the South Africa (?) games...
As far as predictions go...it's really hard to say...
Who Will Win? Argentina isn't a bad choice but they always seem to fall flat on their asses when push comes to shove and the matches get harder...I don't know what the morale of the team is nowadays but I think there has been an insane ammount of turmoil most of it caused by Messi I think...
The big europeans haven't quite been at their level lately and ofcourse one big one being out completely...If England can play as well as they did in the Euro cup they have a real chance...
Wo do I want to win... ENGLAND!
Golden Boot...impossible to say...Might be someone who gets to score massively in the group stage against some weak country. Might be someone from Netherlands even...
Who Might surprise us? Maybe Croatia...I sure as hell hope it's not Denmark as I'd like to see a team get far with skill not with luck as those little dicks did in the Euro cup...it was sickening to watch.
It would be nice to see a total nobody to make it past the group stage..Australia maybe knocking the lucky danes on their flat asses! Yeah! I'm changing my vote! Aussies for the surprise!
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The team that doesn't melt, wins.
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I know they were talking about air conditioned stadia, but I don't know if that idea was actually implemented.
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I stand corrected, they will have AC stadiums, so melting should be at a minimum. :smug:
Just so odd with World Cup happening in November!
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They do have air conditioning but I think most of the effect is for the public not the players...
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I did read that average daily highs during November are still warm, but more like European summer. Shouldn't be too bad.
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I did read that average daily highs during November are still warm, but more like European summer. Shouldn't be too bad.
Current forecast says day temps around 30-35C (85-95F) for this week...I think most players are used to playing in those conditions but it still doesn't make it easy.
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Qatar should never have been awarded the World Cup in the first place. Human rights abuses, oppressive regime and corrupt FIFA officials aside, the country doesn’t have the infrastructure and is just not a fan friendly place to host such a big International event. Also the fact they’ve had to have it in November because of the stifling hot conditions every other month of the year over there and interrupt all the domestic football competitions around the world when it’s usually held at the end of the domestic seasons just makes the whole decision even more ridiculous. But it’s there and is about to start so it is was it is.
Anyhow my thoughts
Winner: Brazil - They’re absolutely stacked with talent and a lot of their players are in red hot form in their respective domestic competitions in Europe. France would be my next pick. Wouldn’t surprise me to see a lot of upsets in this World Cup though.
Who Would I like to win: Whatever team I decide to have money on, which will probably be Brazil.
Golden Boot: One of the French strikers Mbappe or Benzema
Surprise packet. Denmark
As for Australia, they’ll be lucky to score a point. It is one of the weaker teams they’ve taken to a World Cup and they are in an incredibly tough group. Tunisia would be there best chance of getting points. One thing on their side though is that they are use to the conditions and playing in the stadiums in Qatar. Most of their qualifying games were held in Qatar because of COVID and strict quarantine rules in Australia at the time.
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Oh yeah, when Qatar got the nod, I could smell the corruption all the way over here. Probably asked Putin for tips on what kinds of photos to take of FIFA officials to make sure they had the proper blackmail material...
Brazil's always a fun side to cheer for. There's quite a lot of adverts here in the USA to try and convince everyone that This Might Be THE YEAR for USA men's soccer to drum up interest amongst the gridiron football fans. If the ratings work out like they did for oddly-timed Olympics events, then advertisers and networks won't care if the next World Cup is in Xinjiang or Siberia or the middle of a rumbling volcanic crater.
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(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/aa333/DAMAGEDsINCe85/F061684B-E46D-4A96-A23B-94C4FB6F6BB7.jpeg)
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(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/aa333/DAMAGEDsINCe85/9EB7BCC7-F79D-464C-B135-B535721031A4.jpeg)
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On paper Brazil always have World Cup winning players, but for what ever reason they often fall at the last hurdle. Having said that they must be one of the favourites this year, but there's probably about 6 teams who could win it, it may boil down to who has the best *team*!
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And the TEAM part has been Brazil's problem for a long time...they always have a great set of individual talent but they just can't function as a team...usually comes down to big star egos I guess...
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Would there be better team play if there were salary caps for teams?
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Just add it to the pile
https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/112m-world-cup-sponsor-budweiser-could-be-banned-from-selling-beer/news-story/8814f6864de3b9fc21e5ab7347678078
Also rumours swirling that Qatar bribed 8 Ecuador players to fix opening match.
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Well being an extremist islamic country the banning of alcohol shouldn't have come as a surprise to anyone.
I was pretty sure allowing those "special areas where you can get alcohol" was just a stunt.
I saw that bribe thing as well...that's disgusting for sure but also not all that surprising considering who we're dealing with...
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Yeah, no alcohol anywhere near the stadium now. Not surprised. I've never been to Qatar, but worked in Oman years ago as a contractor. There were a couple (literally, two) places to drink booze if you wanted to, but was told (and believed beyond doubt) that if any of us were caught inebriated or with alcohol outside of those two places we'd spend at least six months in an Omani prison. Maybe other bad things, too, depending on the mood of the king.
I doubt much has changed in the Arabian peninsula, literally tribalism just with more people.
When I heard Qatar was going to host the World Cup, I laughed my ass off. I've read for a long time that FIFA is basically just a scam organization. That decision does nothing to help that perception.
I can't imagine the USA team is going to do much of anything. Unless they bribed the right people with enough money, of course. In that case they might win the whole thing ;)
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I've never been to Qatar, but worked in Oman years ago as a contractor.
Wow! You learn something everyday. That must’ve been quite the experience.
In other news. Benzema has been ruled out of the World Cup for France with injury. Whilst I’m sure they have great depth to cover him it’s still a big blow. He had been in career best form the last couple of years.
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Wow...that is big news. Granted Benzema has always underpreformed in the world cup but he has been in top form indeed...
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Well, it's all started with Qatar playing Ecuador. I watched some if it but failed to get excited about it. Unsurprisingly, Ecuador had an easy win (and should have scored more than the 2 they did get), it looks like a tough debut for the hosts.
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I wasn't expecting much from Qatar but that was even worse than I thought...What did make it fun was the angry looking sheiks in the crowd! I guess their bribe money went down the toilet! :D
Today's a bit more interesting match wise...
England vs Iran
Iran isn't exactly a great footsy nation but they have proven that they can park that bus on the penalty zone making it virtually impossible to score...reminds me of that Donald Duck comic where Ludwig Von Drake had the unbeatable tactic of putting every playing in the goal filling it up so the ball can't fit in...that's Iran...so England might have their work cut out for them
Senegal vs The Netherlands
Senegal right now is probably the best African team and the Dutch are just trying to scrape their way back to the top after several years of total footsy disaster...so it might not be an easy win for the Dutch but I'm still expecting them to win.
USA vs Wales
This is the most likely tie. USA is weak there is no two ways about it...and Wales is carried by Bale who hasn't been at his best anymore either. This could be zeros or maybe 1-1.
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I do feel England will win but as you say it might be a low scoring affair. 1-0 2-0 something like that.
Senegal will sorely miss Sadio Mane in this competition, the Dutch do have some players so should edge it.
It is Wales first game in World Cup football since 1958 (knocked out in the Quarters by a goal from Brazil's Pele (huh? who? ;) ). Anyway they will be up for it and that just might be enough if the USA are in a slump.
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Well well well... Looks like England pummeled Iran's bus. Very very good indeed.
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Ok, England proved us wrong, 3-0 at half time! Iran's game plan may have gone out the window when their Keeper had to go off early with concussion. I don't think the stand-in was at fault for any of the goals though.
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Ok, 6-2 to England in the end.
Iran's renowned defence went missing, but they were better going forward than I thought they would be the injury time penalty was very soft. I suspect VAR is going to be a bit controversial this tournament.
But England played well, and I thought they might have taken their foot off the gas in the second half. 6 goals but none for Harry Kane!
BTW 26 minutes of injury was a surprise. Yes the 14 minutes in the first half with the injury to the Iranian keeper. But I couldn't figure out why there was 10 (eventually 12) in the second half!
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Yeah a lot of extra time on this match...crazy. Maguire was down for a while but nothing near 10 minutes!
And yes the Var goal at the end was stupid and not in line at all for what happened to Maguire in the first half...
But quite an ass whooping by England non the less.
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Time now for team MURICA to whip up on them Wales fellers!
Wait, what, no beer? Oops, y'all are gonna have to play that game to an empty stand!
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Bit disappointed with Netherlands...although Senegal did manage to kill their game rather effectively. But they did manage to get the win but it surely wasn't easy and it did not leave the best of impressions...
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I saw some of the first half, but I had things to do before the Wales / USA match so I didn't watch after that. What I did see seemed a pretty typical first game between two teams who are looking not to lose. But the Dutch managed to win it at the death.
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USA was much better than I anticipated...But the second half was all Wales and a deserved tie in the end...
But I do have to say the ref was pretty bad in this one...
And what's up with the extra time?? 9 minutes again! Ridiculous.
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Yeah, I saw the first half and thought Wales were looking at a hiding, as you say the USA was much improved. But it was a complete reversal in the second half, possibly an example of a good half time team talk in action.
Yes a draw was probably the fairest result.
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So 1st day of matches was 100% result for me and 64€ win.
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Today we've got 4 matches.
Argentina vs Saudi Arabia
This should be a no brainer for Argentina...
Mexico vs Poland
This is bit tougher. Both teams are steadily good but if Lewandowski is on fire Poland should win this one but it could also just be a tie
Denmark vs Tunisia
It pains me to say that this should be a walk in the park for the super lucky danes.
France vs Australia
France isn't the team it was 5 years ago and a lot of problems have risen but this should still be a rather easy win for them
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Wow! Much fancied Argentina is 2-1 down against Saudi Arabia in injury time. Could we have the first big upset of the tournament?
Nice to be getting Martin Tyler calling the game. I think he’s exclusive to the Australian telecast
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Well well well...so much for the unbeatable Argentina!
That mess(i)ed up my bets right away...Quite a shocker...Is Argentina heading down yet another disappointment?
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I missed the Argies / Saudi's game as I was out just caught the last few minutes. Such a shame for the Argies :D ! I wouldn't rule them out, some teams start slowly.
Mex vs Pol - probably a draw but if either win I suspect it may be Poland.
Den / Tun - can't see passed a win a for Denmark.
Fra / Aus - Sorry Jack I don't see Australia getting anything out of this game, your points will come elsewhere.
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Hahaha! Even the lucky Danes weren't all that lucky!
I hope this is the way their games are gonna go...but I'm sure they'll be getting those flipper balls that just happen to bounce just right for them in future games and they'll move on...they always do.
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I think Tunisia played better than I was expecting, but Denmark were also below par, pretty much a typical first game of the tournament.
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Desert teams doing better than expected to-day... is it the heat, the sand, or are they just used to playing without alcohol nearby? :D
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So Mex / Pol was a 0-0 draw in the end, I had a doze during the match. Not sure if it was the match or because I'm getting old and sometimes you just want to *rest your eyes* for a while during the afternoon!
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Bit of a weak preformance by Poland I think...Lewandowski even failed a penalty which was rather sad...He made it pretty easy for Ochoa to save...
But tie was an expected outcome...
So if yesterday for me was a 100% now I've hit 0! Now I'm pretty sure the Aussies are gonna beat France!
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Pretty good first half from Australia actually...or atleast it took France a while to get going. Horrible mistake by the aussies though gave France the lead...
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Australia don't look overawed by France, Australia are getting chances, unlucky to only hit the post at one point.
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Well the second half was total France domination...the Aussies pretty much stopped playing...which was a shame...
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Yes, France went up a gear, 4-1 may flatter Australia sadly.
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I thought 4-1 was about right. Australia was unlucky not to equalise before the half. 2nd half looked like a completely different game, Australia just sat back and allowed France to to just run at them time after time. Australia needed to attack more and and take it to France which is usually the way Australia plays. Given the other result in the group was a draw it still leaves it open, but Australia will need to improve a hell of a lot to even get a point against Tunisia let alone beat them.
You also have to remember, soccer is not the no 1 sport in Australia like it is every other country in this World Cup besides the USA. It comes in about 4th behind AFL, Rugby & Cricket.
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I didn't see much of the Morocco - Croatia match, but what I did see was dire. I took the opportunity to miss the second half! What I did see had 0-0 written all over it and that is what it turned out to be.
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I missed the Morocco vs Croatia match as well as I needed some sleep. But yet another 0-0 tie and from what I read a very underwhelming Croatia...sad. Also that already killed my bets again for today...
Other matches
Germany vs Japan
Germany has been struggling a lot for the past few years and things aren't looking much brighter for them this year either...they should still win this one but there's a chance for yet another tie here too...
Spain vs Costa Rica
Spain isn't living it's golden years anymore but they have come a long way from the bottom they hit few years ago. Costa Rica can have a surprise potential though that we saw back in 2018 but I'm still thinking Spain should have a rather easy win here if they so desire
Belgium vs Canada
Belgium has been having a great run for the past few big Cups but now they have been on the decline...they've lost their surprise factor and it shows...however I can't see Canada being much of a match here so this could be again a bit more rich in goals.
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Canada might be one of the surprise packets of this World Cup. They had a terrific qualifying campaign. Beat both Mexico and the USA
Germany either 1-0 or 2-1 over the Blue Samurai
Spain 2-0
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With 20 minutes to go Germany are 1-0 up against Japan. I missed the first half but if the second half is anything to go by the score flatters Germany. While Germany look dangerous going forward, so do Japan.
Just as I am about to post Japan have equalised, and not against the run of play either.
EDIT: Japan now leading into injury time.
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Sheesh...Watching Germany's total meltdown was painful....
They dominated the first half! Japan didn't have a chance but then Germany just melt away and just stopped playing...wow...
Surprises just keep on coming in these games...
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Spain will eclipse England's score at this rate! 3-0 up against Costa Rica after just 30 minutes. No chance for a come back for Costa Rica.
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Germany... wow... it was theirs to lose, and they lost it!
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Well atleast Spain did not disappoint! Great game from them and the highest ever zero score in the history of the World Cup!
Costa Rica was totally unarmed...they had nothing to give. I'm assuming they will be going home with zero points.
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Even Germany could have beaten Costa Rica! >:D
I don't see Costa getting any points either, they had zero shots today!
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Very perky Canada on the first half...but their lack of skill shines through though since they missed every single opportunity to score...even from a penalty! You can only blame yourself if you can't score from any of those practically open spots they had.
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No composure in front of goal, otherwise Canada could have had a handful of goals. Conversely Belgium played quite poorly yet took the chance they did get. Canada must make better use of their chances, I don't see Belgium playing that poorly in the second half.
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Belgium hung on to win 1-0, but really Canada should have at least got a point. They had so many attempts on goal they should have got a few more on target and made one of them count. I think Canada could get something from their other games.
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It's a real shame that Canada just failed miserably in all of their attempts...and they had a bunch.
Belgium did step up their defence on the second half though...But still if Canada continues to waste certain goals like this they won't be getting a single point....
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Looking at wins today for Brazil over Serbia and for Portugal over Ghana
Uruguay and South Korea could go either way but probably Uruguay.
With a few minutes to go the Swiss are beating Cameroon 1-0
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Looks like The Swiss won Cameroon but seems that it wasn't an easy win... 1-0...the low score count continues...
Uruguay vs South Korea
This should be an easy win for Uruguay...South Korea can be fast at times but I can't see them being a match for Uruguay's talent.
Portugal vs Ghana
Ronaldo isn't what he used to be sadly and everything that's been going on around him must have had a huge mental toll on the great man but he is nothing if not 100% professional and he can put his focus on the field...I'm rooting for Portugal to win but this could also just be tie..
Brazil vs Serbia
Will Brazil go down in the way of Argentina? It is actually quite possible, but I think not...Serbia just isn't that strong...
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And yet another 0-0....pretty pathetic game to be honest...Uruguay was weak...very very weak.
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There was a lot of effort, but little skill. I suppose hitting the woodwork twice means Uruguay had the best chances but neither team really showed any quality.
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Took a while for Portugal to warm up but thankfully they did...but my god what a last minute fuck up nearly happened there...that got hearts racing I am sure!
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With all the upsets and ties, I'm expecting Brazil now to tie or lose, lol.
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Portugal and Ghana were poor in the first half, but much better in the second half. And yes that goalkeeping howler at the end will not have helped nerves!
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With all the upsets and ties, I'm expecting Brazil now to tie or lose, lol.
Actually that's not such a far out possibility based on the first half. Serbia unarmed Brazil rather well.
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Today:
Wales v Iran: I have some Welsh blood in me, so I want Wales to win but I can see this being a draw, but if one team wins I think it more likely to be the Welsh.
Qatar v Senegal: Not expecting this to be a classic, but Senegal should be too strong for the hosts.
Netherlands v Ecuador: 2 winners from the first round of matches, neither is likely to go too far in the competition but I think the Dutch should scrape the win.
England v USA: My head says this won't be a walk over for England as the USA are a better team than Iran, but they should still manage the win
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Wales were really poor, didn't look like getting anything. Iran looked more like the team we were expecting in the first game. 2-0 with Wales down to 10 men wasn't a surprise.
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Iran were the much more lively team throughout the match and should’ve gotten the lead earlier. Wales on the other hand were very lacklustre and never really looked liked scoring. Maybe the heat got to them? Iran have played themselves right back into that group and sets up a very juicy encounter against diplomatic rivals the USA.
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It's always great to wake up to find out your bets have already died on the first match...stupid Wales..or stupid Iran either way it works...
Other matches of the day
Qatar vs Senegal
Should be a walk in the park for Senegal
Netherlands vs Ecuador
This might be tighter. Ecuador played very lively on the opening match...could be yet another tie
England vs USA
The US was surprisingly good in their first match but honestly England should get a rather easy win here....but you never know...
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Saw the Wales-Iran result and I'm still trying to wrap my head around it. May just wait for the outcome of USA-England before I do any more soccermath today.
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I was out so I only saw the last few minutes of the Qatar v Senegal game. I saw the 3rd goal for Senegal and it appeared all very comfortable for them after that. Well at least Qatar have a goal!
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Qatar was actually pretty perky in the beginning of the second half...they almost looked like the got a hold of the game...but it wasn't enough.
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Pretty poor playing from Netherlands...Ecuador pretty much ruled the match...the Dutch couldn't get anything done after that rather lucky early goal.
Gotta say I am extremely disappointed with the Netherlands not that I was expecting much from them but still....
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The US is doing it's best to just kill the game with it's block defence...and it has worked...England is struggling to get moving...
Not a great nor entertaining match though...I hope England finds way to break the block on the second half.
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Yeah, it could be better. I think the USA have turned up to stop England playing... and are having great success!
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Well that turned out to be one of the most boring matches so far....Good job USA for killing the game.
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0-0! It improved from the 65th minute when the England subs came on, but even then it wasn't great. We've still not beaten the USA at a World Cup! While the USA frustrated England and prevented them from playing, I never really felt worried about conceding.
The commentators said that as long as England don't lose by 4 or more goals against Wales they will qualify for the next stage.
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Yeah the US looked very determined not to concede. A draw against Iran should see them get through provided Wales don’t upset England.
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Australia vs Tunisia
Australia is leading but Tunisia might come from behind and tie this up but I'm rooting for Australia to win
Poland vs Saudi Arabia
Can the saudis make a double surprise? I doubt it although Poland didn't exactly shine in their first match, but still...It would be quite a surprise indeed if Poland wouldn't win this one
France vs Denmark
France started strongly and Denmark didn't but with those super lucky danes anything can happen...but lets hope not.
Argentina vs Mexico
Argentina needs to win or they might be out...will the pressure kill them again? Quite possibly indeed.
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1-0 to the boys from down under! So happy for Australia to get their first win. I knew their tournament wasn't going to hang on the France result.
Other predictions.
Poland v Saudi Arabia - You would have thought it should be a Poland win, but after the other day you can't rule out the Saudis, I'll suggest a 1-1 draw.
France v Denmark - It won't be a big win for France but I think it will be a win. Perhaps 2-1.
Argentina vs Mexico - The Argies need a win but Mexico are no 3rd rate team. I think the Argies will get the win, but if Mexico got a result I wouldn't be surprised.
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Very proud of the Socceroos. Tremendous job to bounce back after the France lost. They played a much more attacking brand of football which is more like them and defended incredibly well. They had Tunisia on the back foot for large parts of the match and that header to put them 1-0 up was just delightful.
They’re well and truly alive in that group now and will take much confidence from that win. Depending on the other result tonight between the French and the Danes a draw against Denmark might be all they need to get out of the group.
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Congrats to the Aussies! When (hopefully) France beats Denmark and then they can tie the lucky danes they'll move ahead! :)
Great play from Poland and the monkey finally fell off the back of Lewandowski as he gets his first goal in. Situation for this group also begins to look very interesting.
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Good solid game from France and eventhough the lucky danes got lucky twice thankfully it wasn't enough.
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I was hoping the Argies might lose tonight and thus go home... even though I've tipped them to win the whole thing... that's a head not a heart thing! Anyway a 2-0 win over Mexico scuppered that hope and frankly I think the game could have lasted for another 3 days and Mexico wouldn't have threaten their goa! ;)
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Argentina still didn't play very well...two great shots and great goals but that's about it...Mexico was pretty lively on the first half but kind of went backwards during the second...
I too wouldn't have mind if Argentina would have lost to be honest...
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So looks like Costa Rica got a bit of a redemption by beating Japan.
Belgium vs Marocco
Belgium didn't exactly shine in their first match and Morocco managed to squeeze a tie from the rather lackluster Croatia but I still think Belgium should win this one...maybe not with ease but still.
Croatia vs Canada
Now Croatia needs some redemption as well but Canada was better than I could have ever expected....so this might be yet another tie but I do think Croatia should win here.
Spain vs Germany
Spain was on fire in their first match and Germany wasn't. I'm rooting for Spain here obviously but I think this might end up being a tie.
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Japan might’ve just cost themselves a spot in the final 16.
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My god what horrible playing from Belgium...what the hell happened to this team?
Good looooord.
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A good start for Canada, but it soon turned bad. Croatia won 4-1 after quickly recovering from the early setback. Much more like the Croatia we've seen at recent tournaments.
Now for a Spain win over Germany and I'll be happy. ;)
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Indeed! I was scared that the early goal from Canada might kill the game but Croatia thankfully found their stride and carried on for an easy win.
Spain has had some control over the first half but Germany isn't giving an inch though...wouldn't be surprised if this would end up yet another 0-0...but I'm hoping Spain would send Germany packing.
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1-1 in the end. It may be all that Germany needs as Spain will probably beat Japan and Germany can't lose against Cost Rica surely?
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Good entertaining match all in all...
Germany can still advance for sure.
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Cameroon vs Serbia
After first half seems to be a tie 1-1...I was thinking Serbia could win this one
Brazil vs Switzerland
The Swiss might give Brazil a run for their money but in the end Brazil should win.
South Korea vs Ghana
This is an even one I'd imagine...0-0 wouldn't be at all impossible
Portugal vs Uruguay
Same goes for this one. Uruguay wasn't at it's finest in the first match and Portugal knows how to play tight against a good team.
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I missed the Cameroon v Serbia game, it looks like it may have been one of the best games of the tournament so far! With a 3-3 draw, the result keeps their chances of progressing alive, at least for the time being.
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Brazil vs Switzerland - Brazil should be too good for Switzerland, but it won't be a walk over.
South Korea vs Ghana - Ghana were better than expected vs Portugal. South Korea were a bit underwhelming, but they have got some quality. May well be another draw but if the real SK turns up they should win.
Portugal vs Uruguay - Two teams where their star players are getting long in the tooth. Uruguay maybe more so than Portugal. I don't see Uruguay winning but they might scrape a draw.
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Cameroon v Serbia was definitely entertaining but boy was there some poor defending. Serbia letting a 3-1 lead slip in the 2nd half is just unforgivable. They should’ve shut that game down.
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After a promising start for Korea, their game has imploded. Ghana scored against the run of play and have pretty much dictated play since scoring a second and coming close on other occasions.
Just as I post and with just over half an hour to go, Korea make a sub and he scores within seconds of coming on! 2-1 in the 58th. Could be a good last third!
EDIT: 2-2 in the 61st minute, it has all turned again!
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Damn I just started watching the match...missed the goals.
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Ouch I kind of feel bad for South Korea now though...they really went hard for the goal at the end but just didn't get it...
And they did kind of get robbed of that last minute corner as well...I can sort of understand the frustration of Bento but still that :redcard: was just for sure.
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Brazil got the job done. They now stand alongside France as the only team with 2 wins in 2 games. If Portugal can beat Uruguay, then there will be three teams with 2 wins. Qatar and Canada are the only teams with 2/2 on losses, time to see if they can scrape a win or a tie to avoid losing all 3 group matches.
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Honestly I can't see Qatar getting any points...and I doubt that Canada will either...Morocco played really well yesteday so if they carry on with that Canada has no chance.
Brazil didn't play all that great...and they wasted a lot of open goals...but the Swiss did hold it together very well too.
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Portugal beat Uruguay 2-0 although I'm not sure it was a convincing performance, they only confirmed the result with a dubious late penalty. Quite funny that Ronaldo's goal has been given to Fernandes, but to be fair there was no clear touch from Ronaldo.
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Portugal played well but their continuous problem persists...they have very hard time defending their lead....again they went way too passive and gave Uruguay plenty of chances to get even...That has been Portugal's problem ever since Fernando Santos came to the lead...don't really know what the problem is but it needs to be addressed if they want to get further...
I think Ronaldo got his hairs to touch the ball a little but not enough to make it his goal...it was just to give it to Fernandes.
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Dam! Looks like the 9pm(Aussie time) kick offs are done for this World Cup. It’s all 2am and 6am games from here on.
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That sucks Jack...but it's been like that for me in many sport events over the last few years! :D
The final group stage round is up and that means two games are being played at the same time so choices need to be made.
Group A
Netherlands vs Qatar
This should be a no brainer for Netherlands
Ecuador vs Senegal
This has promise of being a very entertaining match so I'll be watching this one. Could end up being a tie but Ecuador has a strong possibility for a win here. I think we'll be seeing some goals here!
Group B
Iran vs USA
Iran didn't play that bus block defence as much as I thought in their earlier matches but I recon they will do so here as they don't want to lose to their biggest enemy USA.
Every sign points out to a very boring game. USA might be able to scrape a win but could be a goalless tie too..
Wales vs England
Now this is an interesting one! First time in World Cup history that practically two teams from a same nation battle it out.
England has played very well and Wales...well not. But I'm sure they have something to prove and they might get some extra juice from going against England.
Every sign points this one being a super entertaining match. England should win but there is a possiblity for a tie as well...but I think we're in for a 90 minute treat here.
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Yep, Netherlands will beat Qatar... probably by a few!
Yep, Ecuador vs Senegal will be the game most likely to be exciting. I wouldn't like to call that one.
Iran vs USA is most likely to cause diplomatic shenanigans, but a draw seems likely.
Wales vs England. This could be an enjoyable game, on paper England should walk all over Wales. I think England will win but it might be a bore and be won by the odd goal say 0-1 or 1-2.
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Expecting wins from Netherlands and England... so it's all to play for with the other matches. Senegal could get the upset, as I see they are up a goal at the half.
Iran v USA sorry, don't want to cause another diplomatic incident...
Islamic Republic of Iran v USA... :smug: ... yeah, this one is a must-win for the USA. Get the draw and it's 4 points for Iran and they move on to the knockout round. Win for the USA and they get to go to the knockouts. USA will have to play aggressively and Iran will likely play defense to avoid the loss.
And if Wales beats England, I don't know nothing about nothing. :P
I will roll a die to determine some picks, as it can allow a midsection for ties. It's a D20, so 1-9 is the first team, 10-11 a tie, 12-20 the second team.
Die roll predicts: Ecuador-Senegal draw, Qatar beating Netherlands (!), USA wins, and England rolled a 20 - that's a critical hit!
I did re-roll Qatar v Netherlands and got the same result, so my D20 really backs the Qatar squad for some reason. We will see.
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Bit of a surprise that Senegal actually managed to win Ecuador...but it shows that there usually always is one African team in the top 16 and so it is again.
Netherlands I suppose had a walk in the park with Qatar as expected. So ZZZ's D20 was luckily mistaken. O:-)
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Very disappointed with Wales...I thought they'd go all in and make it a very entertaining match as they need to win but no...they seem to be content in just playing a tie here which I don't really understand at all...but I guess they know they won't make it anyways so why bother...
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USA got a goal against جمهوری اسلامی ایران (again, do not want a diplomatic incident!) so if they can hold on to the end, they go through with England to the knockouts. :D
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England have played ok, but haven't created enough. Wales have been restricted to a couple of long shots, but don't really look like scoring. I think England will move up a gear if they feel they need to.
I haven't seen anything of the other game, happy to see that the USA are winning.
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From the Houston Chronical:
"The belief that the Iranian soccer team belongs to the Islamic Republic has divided Iranians at home and in cities like Houston, during a global sporting event that usually fosters national pride and unity, according to Nahid Siamdoust, a professor of Middle Eastern studies at the University of Texas at Austin.
“Iranians are very patriotic. The national team and their presence in the World Cup is always a national event for Iran. And I think this is really the first time that Iran's team doesn't have the kind of 100% support that it's always had,” said Siamdoust, who is Iranian-German."
I'm torn. On the one hand, they're athletes and should be allowed to compete at the pinnacle of their sport without all of the political nonsense getting hung around their collective neck. The fact that gallows imagery subconsciously entered my brain as I am writing about Iran tells me why that can't happen.
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Well, they lost, so they're out. Hopefully no more diplomatic incidents on the horizon.
3-nil for England is jolly good enough I'd say.
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3-0 to England in the end. England played so much better in the 2nd half. Wales were hampered by 3 injuries including Bale who had done little, and you must wonder if he'll hang up his boots after this game.
Glad to see the USA hang on for the win.
England will now face Senegal and the USA will face the Netherlands in the Round of 16.
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Wales were a disappointment in this World Cup.I would’ve had my house on England beating them.
Big game for the Aussies tonight. A win or draw against Denmark will see them through to the round of 16, provided Tunisia don’t beat France. Will be the first time the Aussies make the rd of 16 since 2006 when they had a star studded team.
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So matches for today..
Group C
Poland vs Argentina
This should be for Argentina but conidering how poorly they have played in both of their matches it isn't going to be a walk in the park as Poland is no slouch...Argentina need to bring their A-game if they want to win this one.
Saudi Arabia vs Mexico
It is beginning to look like the win from Argentina was a bit of a fluke for the saudies as they took a beating from Poland...so I'm thinking Mexico should win this one
Group D
Australia vs Denmark
Big game for the aussies indeed! I hate Denmark so I'm rooting for the Kangaroo riders all the way!
Tunisia vs France
I can't believe in a million years that Tunisia would have any chance against France...eventhough I am sure France is coming into this with a bit of a B-team as they can afford to do so.
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The D20 predictions:
France beats Tunisia
Denmark beats Australia
Poland beats Argentina (rolled a critical hit for Poland)
Saudi Araba beats Mexico
If they come out wrong, well what did you expect from a dumb old die?
If they come out right OOOOOOOOOOOH SPOOOOOOKY IT KNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWS!!!! :D
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France v Tunisia: As Charger says France should win this even though it will probably be a team of reserves.
Denmark v Australia: Head says Denmark, Heart says Australia, hopefully a draw.
Poland v Argentina: Argentina have underwhelmed this tournament, it would be fitting if they lost, Poland have been solid if not the sort of team to get past the Quarters. Poland win or maybe a draw
Saudi Arabia v Mexico: Mexico are better than their results have suggested. SA should be propping up the table. A win for Mex if there is any justice.
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In the 88th minute, Tunisia is up 1-0 on France and Australia 1-0 on Denmark.
My D20 obviously knows nothing about soccer, it picked Qatar for Pete's sake! :D
Even with a loss, unless Australia gains magic powers and burns Denmark to the ground in an avalanche of goals, France will be the top seed in this group. So, they may be letting their giveashitter have a rest this match.
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AUSTRALIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!
:priest:
:coverdale:
:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:
'
And the best part was that I put a live bet after the first half for Australia's win!! JIIIIHAAA!
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Great to see Australia win, France losing to Tunisia was more of a surprise, but they did rest some players.
No idea who they will play next as anyone could go through from group C!
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Yeah France's loss was bit surprising to be honest...although I did expect them to play with a B-team but still...I watched parts of the first half and it was horrible playing from France...they had no coordination what so ever.
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Well Poland actually was much weaker than I expected and Argentina controlled the match all the way....sailing into victory there.
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Best way for Australia was to just get the win and not have to rely on the result of the other match.
RIP Denmark :death:
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Until Saudi Arabia scored their goal in injury time, Poland were going through to the last 16 by conceding fewer yellow cards than Mexico! I didn't see it but apparently the SA / Mex game was quite watchable after half time.
Argentina seem to have improved... sadly, and yes Poland were weak.
So in the last 16 it is currently:
England v Senegal
USA v Netherlands
France v Poland
Argentina v Australia
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Group E
Japan vs Spain
Japan took a surprise win from Germany but lost to Costa Rica so to say that they are bit spotty is an understatement. Don't think they'll do much agains Spain...Spain isn't a lock to win their group yet so they won't even go for a B-team here.
Costa Rica vs Germany
Germany must win, simple as that and I do think they will...quite easily even.
Group F
Canada vs Morocco
This is a hard one. Canada is out already but they might still fight for honor here and give the moroccans a run for their money...although Morocco did just beat Belgium so anything can happen I guess...
Croatia vs Belgium
Both countries are probably looking closely at what happens in the other match...but a tie is a likely outcome here.
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Croatia v Belgium - Both ageing teams, and past their best. Belgium need a win, Croatia just need a point and will get at least that.
Canada v Morocco - Morocco have played quite well, while Canada have proved to be no more that the 4th team in the group. They might get a draw but a win for Morocco is the most likely
Japan v Spain - as well as Japan did against Germany, they will lose here as Spain marches on.
Cost Rica v Germany - I would so love Germany to go out, but a win over the unfancied Costa Rica is the only outcome here.
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Morocco is spanking Canada, 2-1, looks like the Maple Leafs are done for.
Croatia v Belgium is currently 0-0, I think it may stay that way.
Yet to start... Japan v Spain... gotta be Spain. That's also what my D20 says, but that guy's so random, I don't put any stock in that tip. :smug:
Costa Rica v Germany... Me and the D20 both go for Germany.
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What an amazing match between Croatia and Belgium! It is rare you can say that out of a 0-0 tie...Very entertaining and lots of happenings on both ends.
Croatia played suberbly, Belgium was still bit soft but this was their best match of the tournament but it just wasn't enough. Kind of a sad ending for the Belgian golden generation...I think everyone was expecting them to move forward.
But the big surprise I guess was that Morocco actually won the group. I don't think ANYONE saw that coming.
Canada was about as weak as was to be expected.
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^^^
I do believe a match fit Lukaku would have scored at least one of the chances he got, unlucky in some ways but off the pace in others.
Yes a really good 0-0 draw.
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Yeah...Lukaku missed several which should have been sure goals. Based on his expressions he wasn't quite in it and looked very surprised and unsure of himself...shame indeed...but I was rooting for Croatia.
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Germany are cooked if Spain can’t find a goal. I’m sure Spain would they’d rather play Morroco than Croatia.
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That Japan is one weird ass team... First half they do absolutely nothing then they come in two goals (second one was extremely questionable) then they park the bus on the penalty zone and that's that.
Tactically rather brilliant but entertainment and footsy wise absolutely disgusting.
Well Germany is out, that is a big deal...and hell Costa Rica even had the lead for a little bit.
Strange games so far though...too many surprises and that has cost me a shitload of money.
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Yeah for them to overturn the linesman’s decision on the evidence is quite unbelievable. Germany can count themselves extremely unlucky.
Some crazy outcomes in this World Cup. I had a feeling their would be lots of upsets.
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South Korea v Portugal - SK needs a win and Portugal don't care as they're already through. I don't think SK will get the win but a draw is possible.
Ghana v Uruguay - Uruguay have to win but have been poor so far while Ghana have been solid and just need the draw... which is what I think this will end up as.
Cameroon v Brazil - Brazil will win this unless they put out a reserve team as they have already qualified. Cameroon are not the team they were.
Serbia v Switzerland - A point for the Swiss is all that they need, and I think that is what they will get (or maybe all 3). I can't see Serbia getting the win, but stranger things have happened.
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Group G
Serbia vs Switzerland
Hard to predict this one...Serbia has played rather well and steadily as have the Swiss. This could end as a tie...might even be 0-0 again.
Cameroon vs Brazil
Brazil is through so they might just go with a b-team and phony it in...which means they might even do a France and lose this one.
Group H
Ghana vs Uruguay
Uruguay has in a word sucked. Ghana has been been good...so they might end up winning this and advancing...but might also be a tie...
South Korea vs Portugal
Portugal is in the same situation as Brazil and might end up playing with a B-team...maybe bringing in Ronaldo for the last 10 minutes just to get one goal in! A tie is more than possible...but Portugal does have defense issues so Korea might even end up winning this one.
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aaaaaaaaaaaaaand Uruguay realizes this isn't for shits and grins and scores 2 on Ghana. :doh:
Portugal is keeping that tie game simmering.
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Well Uruguay improved their playing but because Portugal went down the French way I see that wasn't enough and win by 2 goals didn't get them through...so Portugal and South Korea advance..
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South Korea beat Portugal and go through on goals scored ahead of Uruguay who would have gone through if they could have got a 3rd against Ghana finally finishing 2-0.
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And look at that Brazil did a france too and ended up losing with a b-team! :D
The Swiss took the win from Serbia so both teams move on.
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The Round of 16
Sat
Netherlands v USA
Argentina v Australia
Sun
France v Poland
England v Senegal
Mon
Japan v Croatia
Brazil v South Korea
Tue
Marroco v Spain
Portugal v Switzerland
The top goal scorers
Morata - Spain 3
Mbappé - France 3
Rashford - England 3
Gakpo - Netherlands 3
Valencia - Ecuador 3
Valencia is now out so won't add to his total. And, of course, others could over take these in later rounds.
Shock Exits
Germany
Belgium
Denmark
Uruguay
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If England moves on Rashford has a good chance of scoring again...same with Morata, that guy is playing at the top of his game right now.
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So todays matches...
Netherlands vs USA
I'd like to say USA doesn't stand a chance but that's not entirely true. The dutch haven't had their machine rolling quite right and the US team as found a second gear somewhere...This could go into over time...But I'd like to see the dutch win for sure...it's been too long for them.
Argentina vs Australia
Eventhough the Aussies managed to fight even against the lucky danes and come on top I do think their road ends here...might even be a quite a big defeat as well as Argentina has started to found their stride.
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Wins for Netherlands and Argentina would certainly be the outcomes on paper... but there have been too many games this last fortnight where the best teams "on paper" haven't won.
I would really like Argentina to lose!
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USA and Australia advance. Maybe. Or maybe not. :D
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... maybe not, at least for the USA.
I didn't see the match but a 3-1 win for The Netherlands sounds reasonably comprehensive. Now we see what the other match comes to.
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And now, millions of Americans will go back to watching football, basketball, and hockey. :smug:
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Australia did as well as could be. They pushed Argentina in the 2nd half. Can’t help but think what might’ve been if not for that howler by the keeper that caused the 2nd goal. Still though, making the knockout phase and going down 2-1 to one one of the best teams in the world is something to be proud of. Argentina would’ve been stoked who they drew in the rd of 16, but at least we didn’t make it easy for them.
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^^^
You're quite right, Australia battled hard to limit the chances for the Argies. Glad that the Australians made a battle of it, pulling it back to 2-1 made for an exciting last 15 minutes, and the shot with virtually the last kick of the game could have made it 2-2.
I do wonder how Argentina will do against a traditionally more difficult team who will test their defence more.
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It's like the group play in the 2022 World Cup is a "well done, you made it" round of games, the first knockouts are swan songs for the also-rans, and then the quarter-final stages are getting down to the business of REAL steel-on-steel competition. Without a Group of Doom or two, there was a big muddle of games and quite a few that didn't matter at all. So I'm hoping that the randomizers of the 2026 cup manage to get a Group of Doom or two for some truly meaty matches up front.
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There should be wins today for France and England, but neither Poland or Senegal are going to be easy opponents. As an Englishman I'm sorta happy that Senegal's Mane was ruled out before the tournament.
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France took a rather easy win from Poland...I have to say I was expecting bit more from Poland...
Mbappe seems to be taking the best scorer title...
England vs Senegal
England should take the win out of this one...Senegal isn't all that strong...they got bit of a lucky win from Ecuador...England is in a whole another league.
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England England England England!
Enough said!
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2-0 to England at half time. I have no idea how because for the first 35 minutes they were rubbish! Senegal didn't take their chances - 2 good saves from Pickford - but they were easily the better team. Then 2 breakaway goals from England in the last 10 minutes of the half and suddenly they look like the team we were expecting to see!
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Yeah the start wasn't all that good from England but then they made a full 180 and took total control!
Well deserved win and now they just need to win their nemesis France...and that won't be easy.
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Very happy with that result, into the last 8 quite comfortably. Considering our dire year until the World Cup I think a lot of English fans would be happy with a Quarter Final place prior to the start.
if we lose to France... we lose to France! ;)
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Japan vs Croatia
Japan's tactic has worked out for them...they play like shit for the first half to get their opponent to lose guard and then on the second half they roll over them like a freight train and score in the first 15 minutes then park their bus on the goal and totally freeze the game. It's a rather disgusting tactic but it has worked perfectly for them...Croatia is a tough nut but honestly they have already cracked two tougher nuts so, they might end up being the big surprise this year and move ahead. I surely hope not but I fear that they might.
Brazil vs South Korea
South Korea got lucky to get this far, but they have also played solid and quite lively too...but I do think their journey ends here...there's a potential for a goal fest here.
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I do think the Japan v Croatia is not as clear cut as would have been a few years ago when Croatia got to the final. I think it might be first game to go to penalties this tournament.
Yes South Korea have done quite well to get this far, but I'm not sure even they could hope to go any further. Brazil may have lost a game in the groups stages but they will have their first team out this time, and will want to give Pele a boost.
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I like to think Japan and Brazil are the ones to play each other in the next round.
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Japan were much the better side in the first half and went in at the break 1-0 up. Croatia had a period where they sent in a load of crosses in quick order but never really threatened. They look laboured whereas Japan seem full of energy.
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And of to the penalties we go for the first time in this tournament...It's a shame really...
Japan changed their tactic a bit for this match which was interesting to see.
Very even teams though all in all both had their chances and wasted chances.
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Croatia won the penalty shoot-out 3-1... Japan missed 3! Seeing them missing reminded me of England's penalty takers! ;)
At the end of the day I'm not sure Croatia are going to worry their next opponents.
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Ah, the bitter taste of a penalty shoot out ending... and, yes, I'm still expecting Brazil to be the team that takes down Croatia.
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There's a slaughtering going on among the containers!
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I still think South Korea can win! Now, what did I do with my meds!
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Goddamnit! ONE CORNER away from a pretty big win in a bonus bet...and what's even more sad is the fact that Brazil deserved one more corner but because refs were blind they didn't get it and I didn't win...
But a very solid play from Brazil and they are putting the warning signs up.
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There should be wins today for Spain (against Morocco) and Portugal (against Switzerland). Spain's win should be quite comfortable, but Portugal could be closer but even so I don't see the Swiss winning.
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And then the Swiss will riot after their exit from the World Cup!
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Spain vs Morocco
Spain should make swiss cheeeese out of Morocco. Maybe not the same kind of butchering that was against Costa Rica but a clear win for Spain non the less
Portugal vs Switzerland
Now this could be a tight one...might even be a 0-0 tie and off to the penalties...rooting for Portugal obviously.
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Ah bugger...Morocco parked the bus in the penalty zone...there were times when the ENTIRE team was in the penalty box! Absolutely ridiculous play. Hate when teams do that...and it is quite common for really weak teams to do that against a superior team as they feel there is no other option....
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Goooood loooooord that was horrible to watch.
Morocco's morons really killed the game. Talk about parking that bus....absolutely stupid.
This looks like it'll go to penalties again...one can only hope that Spain will clear that because if Moronocco goes forward after a game like this that would be a travesty of the highest order.
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I didn't really expect this one to go to extra time and possible penalties.
It was on but I wasn't really paying attention as I was on the computer. I didn't get dragged away very often by exciting events!
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Fuck...
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Jesus christ!
A horrible team, playing horribly moves ahead...what a load of bollocks.
Man do I feel bad for Spain now....granted their penalties weren't all that good but ofcourse they should have never been in that situation in the first place.
Fuck these bus defense teams. Disgusting.
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That Morocco won will just encourage other weaker teams to adopt the same tactics... just watch England against France this coming weekend! ;)
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Hahah! I doubt that...
So I was expecting the Portugal game to be the tie (especially since Ronaldo doesn't start) and they'll score on the extra time, but who knows...today might be opposite day and weaker ones advance.
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^^^
Ronaldo never does the full 90 minutes. I suspect they want him fresh for the end of game, especially if it goes to Extra Time and penalties. It might not get that far as Portugal have just scored.
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What a wonderful first half from Portugal! That kid Joao Felix is shining right now! My goodness!
But I also have to say Switzerland is surprisingly weak...their defense is all over the place...sure Felix and Ramos are very fast but still...I think I expected better from them...but still Portugal has been suberb.
Let's just hope THEIR defense holds now for the second half...they've had biiiiiig problems defending their leads so let's hope Santos has found some solutions for today.
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Wow...what a Portugal show that was! The Swiss were totally unarmed.
I have to say if anyone can break that Moronocco's bus defense it is Portugal! Come on!
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So I thought the close match would be this one... I was wrong!
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I just realised, the next games aren't until Friday... w-w-what are we going to do???!!!
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Losing 6-1 in a round of 16 match at a World Cup is piss poor and downright embarrassing from Switzerland.
And what a fucking petulant child Ronaldo is.
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I just realised, the next games aren't until Friday... w-w-what are we going to do???!!!
Hope and pray that Portugal can blast through the bus in the next round?
There needs to be something done with the rules so that there's still a valid defense possible but not to the extreme of the piss-poor bus situations we see here. There's an off chance that the bus. just. works. all the way to the final and Morocco beats Brazil in penalty kicks, 4-3 after a 0-0 match. Is that the world we want to live in? Bad enough to have a December World Cup, but *this*???
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Yeah...I remember few cups back Iran did the same bus defense thing that Moronocco did now. It was horrible to watch but they didn't advance though as they were that bad that they couldn't even hold that defense for more than two games if memory serves me right.
I wish there could be some sort of a rule against that but I guess it isn't really possible to implement though. Luckily you don't see that too often but some truly horrible countries who have no skill for an offence play do that...and sometimes those truly awful countries even advance like Moronocco did here...and it is indeed very bad for the game and it's bad for the world cup and it's an insult to good teams.
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Maybe limit it: you get one bus per game. After that, nothing of the sort. Since it's a formation play only at certain times of the game, it can be pretty well enforced with the right wording of the rule.
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It's interesting that most national football associations are restarting their seasons after Christmas, 26th Dec in the UK 1st-3rd January for many others. However, and I don't know if was for an expectation of getting to the final but Germany's league doesn't restart until 20th January! Their players are getting an extended-extended break!
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They will have so much fun watching Morocco win the World Cup, causing teams around the world to load up their buses! A golden age for defense awaits us all! :smug:
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It's interesting that most national football associations are restarting their seasons after Christmas, 26th Dec in the UK 1st-3rd January for many others. However, and I don't know if was for an expectation of getting to the final but Germany's league doesn't restart until 20th January! Their players are getting an extended-extended break!
Australia’s domestic comp the A League restarts tomorrow. The FFA obviously didn’t have much faith in the Socceroos doing much good over there.
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It's interesting that most national football associations are restarting their seasons after Christmas, 26th Dec in the UK 1st-3rd January for many others. However, and I don't know if was for an expectation of getting to the final but Germany's league doesn't restart until 20th January! Their players are getting an extended-extended break!
Australia’s domestic comp the A League restarts tomorrow. The FFA obviously didn’t have much faith in the Socceroos doing much good over there.
"We can't play until we're done with the World Cup!"
"So when does the Round of 16 end? We can start up right after that."
"Fair enough... 9th will give us enough travel time."
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Not exactly suberb first half between Croatia and Brazil but tactically good play from Croatia. No massive block defense just lively mid field play stopping Brazil's fast attacks.
I was expecting that this might be a tight one and it seems to be...I wouldn't be surprised if this will be 0-0 after 90 minutes.
Netherlands vs Argentina
Now this might be another tight one. Netherlands have improved on every match and same can be said about Argentina...this might be heading into extra time as well...
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I was out today and only got back with the last 15minutes of normal time remaining. While it seemed to be a little more open, there were no chances at either end! So extra time it is... and probably penalties too!
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Bugger bugger...Croatia played extremely well but Brazil got that goal in...I doubt 15 minutes will be enough for Croatia to score...
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They only needed 10! Wow! Gotta say Croatia is rather brilliant!
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CROATIA!!!! OH YEAH!
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I always feel you can only blame yourself if you lose on penalties, if you wanted to win, win it in normal play. Well done Croatia!
I can't predict who will win out of the Netherlands and Argentina. On paper Argentina, but they haven't really been the team we expected. I'm hoping The Dutch win.
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2-2 after normal time with The Dutch equalizing in the 10th minute of time added on! Great come back from 2-0 down. Hopefully The Dutch have the momentum and can go on to win in extra time.
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Wow...GOOD LOOOOORD what a match that was!
I do feel bad for the Dutch...they would have deserved the win bit more after that amazing comeback.
But penalty shootouts are what they are...
Well the dream for Ronaldo vs Messi final is still alive! ;D
I do have to say I hate the ammount of filming and diving and crying bullshit the Argentinians did through out the match...also I was hoping that the Dutch would provoke them little more but I guess they were too professional for that...Messi for one acted like a brat few times there...
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Shaping as a France v Argentina final but isn’t England v Argentina a tantalising thought?
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A shame for the The Dutch.
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Would love to see England v Argentina, but will expect Croatia v Morocco. :P
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Moronocco vs Portugal
Portugal better fuckin' win this one! I mean if those bus parking asswipes move ahead from this that would be an absolute travesty and an insult to football!
England vs France
This has the potential of being one for the books...it could be one hell of a thriller...or it could be a very boring game with both sides just playing it super safe and avoiding mistakes. But Mbappe is incredibly fast and if he manages to put France in the lead maybe early on even that would mean England would have to open up their game more and that could then result into one great match...we shall see... All I can say is I'm rooting for England 100%
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Oh my god.
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hahahaha the trolls gonna win at Morocco v Portugal
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What a load of bollocks...and Moronocco plays time on every possible occation....they really know how to use every disgusting little trick...
This has to be THE worst team that has ever advanced this far...with a lucky goal too non the less...
I am without words now...but this is footsy...sometimes skill just means nothing.
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^^^
I was wondering how angry you might be! ;)
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Pretty angry...as should anyone with any kind of sense about footsy be...a team that plays like that advancing like this is an insult to the game.
Now I have to say I am hoping that England loses today...because it would atleast be an honor to lose to a country like France...
Moronocco might have actually found the perfect method of winning the world cup. No skill, block defense, one super lucky goal, freeze the game totally by parking everyone (and half of the audience) to the penalty zone and faking injuries left and right and playing time and boom you win.
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Morocco wins 2022 World Cup. Prediction!
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Obviously I want England to win tonight, but I have to respect the quality of France. England are capable of winning, but are also capable of making stupid errors and throwing it away. Let's hope it doesn't go to penalties... England have lost 7 of the 9 they've been involved with at major tournaments.
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What a wonderful shot by Tchouameni...
England seems to struggle a bit...they can't seem to get their game going, sure they hold the ball and all but part from that great opportunity for Kane they haven't gotten much done...they need to change something for the second half for sure if they want to tie this thing.
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Kane’s first penalty was textbook. The 2nd one was horrible.
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Oh poor England..
They played well but it just wasn't enough. And Giroud that guy is pretty amazing though...the older he gets the better he gets...He can miss one or two but eventually he gets it in.
I so so so feel bad for Harry Kane though...I can't even imagine the shit storm the English press is going to put him through tomorrow...it's going to be brutal as hell. Sure when you miss the goal completely it's an utter failure but still I don't think he'll deserve all that's coming...
England was the better team on the field but France had the better individual this time.
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2-1 to France! You'd usually bet your house on Kane scoring a penalty, but he's human. Anyway England played well in the second half, perhaps needed a bit of luck, but France played very well also so I'm not disappointed in England.
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Yeah Kane is not gonna live that one down. England were the better team between the boxes, although France did have the better chances.
Let’s hope France and Argentina can get it done and set up a classic final between two of the worlds best teams.
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Morocco v Croatia gonna happen. :P
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Regarding Kane, I don't think the Media will be on his back tomorrow, he's nearly bullet-proof over here, but I suspect the odd troll or imbecile on social media might weigh in.
Kane did manage to equal the England goal scoring record tonight, and could have passed it.
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Croatia vs Argentina
Well this should be an interesting match...If history repeats itself (once again) this ought to be a tie...and all the way to the penalty kicks...I hope it won't go that far but that Croatia would score during the extra time and be done with it.
As much as I respect Messi as a player the guy seems to be a total asshole (as evident in the Netherlands game and the aftermath) so I do NOT want him to win the championship.
:nono:
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I don't really want either to be in the final... but I suppose I don't want Argentina more than I don't want Croatia... so Croatia to win on Penalties! ;)
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Well Croatia does have some nice fans atleast:
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/world-cup-sexiest-fan-croatia-28632938 (https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/world-cup-sexiest-fan-croatia-28632938)
So you can atleast support the fans! :smug: :excited:
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Oh, my!
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The fundamentalists in Qatar have to be losing their damn minds over her.
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Argentina looks to be getting the job done... she may not be there much longer...
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Barracking for an Argentina France final.
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Yep, Argentina looking good sadly. I would hope France can get there too.
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Yeah surprisingly weak playing from Croatia...especially on defence....
Not overly happy about this.
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Morocco will beat Argentina in the final and usher in a new era of global football, where star players get dropped in favor of lower-priced players who can get on the bus. :smug:
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That would be the ultimate nightmare.
I've spoken to a lot of people online (and few work buddies) who enjoy footsy and everyone has hated Morocco...EVERYONE!
It was interesting to see the post match footage today. A lot of Argentinians went over to shake hands and hug the croatian players...even DiMaria came out of his way to give Modric a hug...but not Messi. He was hugging his fellow argentinians only...and then Modric kind of just cut the line and Messi gave him a hug and then looked at who he was hugging and quickly turned away to another Argentinian...it was like he didn't know he accidentally hugged Modric! It was kind of funny but also just solidified what Messi really is...
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Haven’t heard anyone say anything negative about Messi post match. Only heard praise for his performance and the way he’s played throughout the World Cup. A stark contrast to the barrage of negativity around Ronaldo and the way he’s conducted himself in the last couple of months. It’s quite sad actually…
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Hopefully a win for France tonight, but we have seen bigger surprises this World Cup if they don't.
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If Moronocco wins again that's it for me...Most certainly won't be watching the final as it won't be a final of the two best teams for sure...in fact the bronze game is going to be the real final then.
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France scored a very important goal in the first half. If they can play strong defense, there will be a proper final.
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That second goal seals Morocco's fate, well done France.
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WOOOOOOHOOOOO FRANCE!!!! You rock!
What I found very interesting was that Morocco changed their game plan for this match...and instead of going for their usual every player and their uncles in the penalty zone defence they actually tried to control the ball and be bit offensive which backfired ofcourse big time. Which ofcourse just proves that the team has very little skill to actually PLAY footsy. They can do the bus block defence but they just can't PLAY BALL! I am glad that it finally came evident to everyone...hopefully even to themselves.
What I do fear is that this will lead to an increase of stupid block bus defences in upcoming tournaments from weaker countries.
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Teams have been playing a defensive park the bus style of football for forever and a day. Especially weaker teams against stronger teams. Even strong teams go 1-0 up and park the bus. It’s all about getting results. Well done to Morocco for getting as far as they did I say.
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Yeah some have...Iran few tournaments ago did the same but they luckily didn't get anywhere... Moronocco sadly got this far by doing it up to the max and it was damn shameful. Adding couple of extremely lucky goals to go with it just added insult to injury.
I guess the next step would be to put 9 players on the goal line at all times.
I'm not saying that it's not a succesful tactic...it is they showed it here, but it does destroy the game for both the other teams and for the viewer.
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And this is why people in the USA love gridiron and people in Australia love footy - there's never a near-foolproof way to shut the game down with ultra-conservative defense.
When association football is good, it can be very very good. But when it is bad, it's time to change the channel. Granted, there are still mismatches and bad games in other sports, but I would much rather watch a pointless NFL game between two teams without a clue than a pointless soccer match.
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Indeed... Team that plays like moronocco surely don't play for the sport or for the fun.
Croatia vs Moronocco
Croatia better win this...but I fear that moronocco will revert back to the bus block defence shit again and ruin the game.
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Not a big fan of the 3rd/4th place play offs, I may not even watch it. Difficult to get excited about it, Croatia should win, but who knows what this Moroccan team can scrape up!
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For some strange reason the final will be on much earlier tomorrow which will mean a 2am kick off in Australia. Doubt I’ll getting up to watch it. Other games have been on at 6am which are night games in Qatar.
In other news, absolutely disgraceful scenes in Melbourne this evening I never thought I’d ever see in Australian sport.
https://www.news.com.au/sport/football/aleague-melbourne-derby-descends-into-chaos-with-violent-pitch-invasion/news-story/eab656b4548172fb1d3ae37e49bda448
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^^^
Yes, I saw that earlier, it is a little worrying, I would expect it more in South America or Africa.
Do we know what caused the pitch invasion in the first place?
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Anyhow, watched the second half of the 3rd place play-off. It would appear I missed all the interesting stuff... like the goals... that happened in the first half. Croatia won 2-1 with 2 really good goals
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Yes! Croatia did well indeed! And that first goal was another great free kick play! Loved it!
I am also extremely glad that Moronocco's playing wasn't awarded...they most certainly deserved to lose here.
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^^^
Yes, I saw that earlier, it is a little worrying, I would expect it more in South America or Africa.
Do we know what caused the pitch invasion in the first place?
So the APL earlier this week announced they’d cut a big money deal with the NSW government to hold the A League final in Sydney for the next 3 years(we have a finals system in our league) Anyhow, it caused a major shitstorm amongst fans and commentators of the game. So the fans were going to stage protests at the games this weekend culminating in mass walk-outs at a certain stage of the games. Well lots of flares got thrown onto the pitch in the derby game between Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City and the City goalkeeper decided to pick a couple of them up and threw them back in the direction of the Victory supporters which then caused the stampede of the pitch from Victory fans who surround the city goalkeeper and assaulted him.
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What an amazing first half from Argentina... France didn't get anything done..
Second half will be interesting...will France find a way to get back into the game...?
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France haven't turned up, but they would have struggled anyway. There's got to be a reaction in the second half... I don't want Argentina to win!!
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Wow! What a comeback from FRANCE!!!
We got a final now!
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Note to self: don't presume it's all over after 75 minutes and go and make a cup of coffee... missed both goals for France, but I certainly didn't see them coming!
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I think Messi is going to bring home that trophy. I mean Argentina, of course.
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What a match!!! Goooood loooord!
Penatlies await!
I have to (sadly) say that the penalties do favour the argentinians...
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Penalties now. To be honest this has been one of the best finals, they are usually cagey affairs settled by a single goal or penalties. And while this is going to be settled by penalties it's been a great game.
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Indeed...one of the best finals I can remember if not the best. France really made this a great match...that's why it kind of pains that Argentina took the win after penalties..but as I expected they had the edge there...Eventhough Lloris is one of the best goalies in the world he is not a great penalty saver...Martinez on the otherhand is.
Although Messi has proven in this tournament that he is a bit of an asshole on and off the field he is still one of the best players in history and I guess the championship is well deserved too...He can now retire with a big smile on his face and a whole bunch of cheated tax money in his pocket!
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Agreed - damn good game. They both wanted it, and they played like it. And yeah, Messi isn't the nicest guy around from what I've heard, but then I think about Ronaldo and give him a break. :)
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Haha yeah! I guess if you're THAT talented you've earned the right to be a bit of an asshole.
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Haha yeah! I guess if you're THAT talented you've earned the right to be a bit of an asshole.
:blackmore:
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^^ hahahahaha
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That’s why we needed an Argentina France final. What a classic!
I tipped France to win on here at the start of the tournament and Mbappe to win the golden boot so wasn’t far off.