The 2018 World Cup

[whomario]

Seeing as how the 2014 Competition generated 70 pages, might as well start an extra topic for this again. With the US not participating this might well be quieter, but let's see what we get :)

http://mundoalbiceleste.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/2018worldcup.jpg

http://mundoalbiceleste.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/wcko.jpg

The Guardian has done an analysis/preview that is about as perfect a blend of thorough and accessible as you are bound to find for free online:

World Cup 2018: complete guide to all 736 players | Football | The Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2018/jun/05/world-cup-2018-complete-guide-players-ratings-goals-caps)

Veers towards "human interest tidbits" on a fair number of the unknown players, but nevertheless a pretty entertaining read and also informative, especially if you are not super familiar with all the teams. Don't forget to go to the tactical analysis of each team and check back for those not yet included, always a link in the first few lines of the profile if they are!

Other web links that are/might be interesting once it gets going especially:

https://www.fourfourtwo.com/fifa-world-cup?nb
Zonal Marking | Football tactics etc (http://www.zonalmarking.net/)
https://www.whoscored.com/Regions/247/Tournaments/36/International-FIFA-World-Cup
The home of Football, Transfer and Club news | Squawka Football (http://squawka.com/news/)

fourfourtwo does articles mainly and some contextual analysis, zonalmarking does (sometimes a bit pretentious sounding but informative) analysis, while whoscored gives you access to some cool stats. Squawka does a bit of everything.

Obviously the big sports websites like ESPN, Sportingnews etc will have tons of content as well.

Feel free to add others, i'll try to remember to put them in the first post via edit to have it all in one place :)

[whomario]

Personally think that Spain, France, Brazil and Germany are the big favourites here.

Germany is not free of issues and some question marks remain over the health of a few key players. Coaching staff has clearly emphasized team cohesion and tactical fit over talent in some spots. Notable is the exclusion of Sane from the final roster, which has little to do with his talent but mainly with him simply playing a totally different style of football than is asked of the wingers in the german system. Sucks for him and not his fault ... Personally would have still taken him as a sort of last-resort hail mary, if nothing else.

Likely lineup:

--------------------Neuer
-Kimmich - Boateng - Hummels - Hector
--------------Khedira - Kroos
-------Müller-------Özil--------Draxler/Reus
----------------Werner/Gomez

[ISiddiqui]

Likely won't happen, but I'd love to see Argentina win the whole thing. Would take that monkey off Messi's back.

[molson]

As a casual viewer, I'm so sad I won't get to experience the craziness of USA Soccer at a downtown bar at 8AM on a random Tuesday. Maybe they'll adopt a different team.

[MIJB#19]

Russia will need some serious bribing to get deep into the tournament. The fixed draw (Saudi Arabia and Egypt!?) certainly helped, but getting Portugal or Spain in the second round will end it regardless.

Given the groups, the quarterfinals could be something like:
Portugal vs France
Brazil vs Belgium
Spain vs Argentina
Germany vs whomever-wins-Group-H-and-beats-the-Group-F-runner-up

[bhlloy]

The host always makes it to the quarters. It will be questionable refereeing the whole second round game and they will get a dodgy penalty to win late on.

My first take from looking at the graphic in the first post is wow, those big names who didn't qualify have really made it feel like a weakened tournament this year. I would feel pretty comfortable putting big money on predicting the winner of each group.

After a couple of years of apathy I'm really excited now. I think it's more wide open than it has been in forever. France have the most exciting squad, but a questionable manager and they are still French, so will be fun to watch them self-destruct in typical fashion. Brazil have a manager who is trying to make them a little less Brazil-like so that's fascinating to watch, and Spain and Germany are still very very strong but not as far out in front as they have been in recent years.

Could definitely see a shock winner like England (yeuch) or Uruguay this year, I think.

[Critch]

Could definitely see a shock winner like England (yeuch) or Uruguay this year, I think.

Normally I cant really settle down and enjoy a World Cup until England are out, too much worrying that they might actually win it. For this World Cup, I'm completely calm, all it took was a look at their squad. Average goalkeeper, weak central defence, no real midfield. They're going out to the first good team they play.

I'm going for the boring "any one of Germany/Spain/Brazil prediction". France are too young for this World Cup, Argentina and Portugal short of depth. Belgium have a good team (although short of defensive cover with Kompany out, they're only one injury away from having to play Boyata), but predicting Belgium to win the World Cup doesnt feel right.

[ISiddiqui]

Belgium have a good team (although short of defensive cover with Kompany out, they're only one injury away from having to play Boyata), but predicting Belgium to win the World Cup doesnt feel right.

Having Roberto Martinez as manger should prevent any chances of that happening.

[Izulde]

Am I crazy for thinking Saudi Arabia could sneak out of Group A as the #2 team?

[ISiddiqui]

Am I crazy for thinking Saudi Arabia could sneak out of Group A as the #2 team?

Yes. It will likely be Uruguay and Egypt, but Russia may get some home team boost. Saudi Arabia has little to no chance.

[whomario]

Am I crazy for thinking Saudi Arabia could sneak out of Group A as the #2 team?

Gonna comment on that in 2 days after i see them play a friendly against Germany ;) But traditionally, a team like Uruguay is exactly the sort of team that wipes the floor with the Saudis with their big and physical attack and solid defense. I see them having a shot against Russia and Egypt though. Not gonna engage in any of the conspiracy theories, sorry ;)

No idea where the high regard for Egypt comes from, especially with Salah unlikely to be 100%. Other than eliminating Ghana (whose level of talent has fallen off a cliff in the last 5 years) i don't think they have any convincing results in the last 2 years.

[Drake]

Normally I cant really settle down and enjoy a World Cup until England are out, too much worrying that they might actually win it. For this World Cup, I'm completely calm, all it took was a look at their squad. Average goalkeeper, weak central defence, no real midfield. They're going out to the first good team they play.


I know nothing about football, granted, but it seems to me that England looks okay until a quarters matchup with Brazil.

[bhlloy]

Having Roberto Martinez as manger should prevent any chances of that happening.

+ absolute infinity.

Squad wise (at least before the injuries a number of key players are battling) they'd be close to being one of the favorites, but for some bizarre reason they decided that having an average Championship level manager who has been criticized for being completely tactically naive managing their golden generation was a good idea.

[Critch]

Am I crazy for thinking Saudi Arabia could sneak out of Group A as the #2 team?

Get your money on it in the World Cup Calcutta.

(I'm betting you're crazy though).

[AlexB]

Normally I cant really settle down and enjoy a World Cup until England are out, too much worrying that they might actually win it. For this World Cup, I'm completely calm, all it took was a look at their squad. Average goalkeeper, weak central defence, no real midfield. They're going out to the first good team they play.

Much as I hate to admit it, this is pretty accurate :(

[AlexB]

I know nothing about football, granted, but it seems to me that England looks okay until a quarters matchup with Brazil.

That's what we thought when we drew Iceland two years ago...

[Critch]

If the aging FOFC demographic is struggling to find somebody to cheer for, Egypt's starting goalkeeper is a decrepit too. He's 45.

Essam El Hadary (https://thesefootballtimes.co/2018/06/06/essam-el-hadary-egypts-44-year-old-goalkeeper-looking-ahead-to-russia-2018/)

[miami_fan]

Having Roberto Martinez as manger should prevent any chances of that happening.

I so want Belgium to win because I think the criticism of Martinez goes way over the top. He by no means a great manager but damn, he is not the Spanish equivalent of Lawrie Sanchez.

[ISiddiqui]

A manager who leaves Radja Nainggolan at home because he says he supposedly doesn't fit into the manger's tactics is a pretty crap manager on the whole.

[AlexB]

I so want Belgium to win because I think the criticism of Martinez goes way over the top. He by no means a great manager but damn, he is not the Spanish equivalent of Lawrie Sanchez.

Is this thread designed to troll me? A Scot rightly saying England are average, and now somehow Lawrie Sanchez turns up (manager of Wycombe when they beat Leicester in the FA Cup with Roy Essandoah, the Teletext strikerJ

If someone manages to shoe horn in Harlow Town as well I’ll know the whole thing is a wind up

[Drake]

That's what we thought when we drew Iceland two years ago...

I'm just not happy unless Critch is freaking out. Don't spoil it for me. ;)

(In my imagination, when Critch is nervous, he stands in the middle of his kitchen with 200 yards of sheep intestine and angrily stuffs haggis until hands stop shaking. He's like my own Groundskeeper Willy.)

[Critch]

You have a poor imagination if that's the best use for a sheep you can come up with.

[Drake]

You have a poor imagination if that's the best use for a sheep you can come up with.

I'm a little disappointed that you didn't call me a dumb cunt at the end of that sentence.

I feel like we're drifting apart. It's like I don't even know you anymore.

[BishopMVP]

So anyways, I'm doing an 8 person World Cup pool where we pick our teams via snake draft & live with the results. (Would've much preferred a Calcutta, but seeing as the US is out I'll accept any excitement from my friends!)

I picked 3rd & got France (after Brasil/Germany went), and have my 2nd pick coming up. Currently chosen teams: Argentina/Belgium/Brasil/Colombia/England/ France/Germany/Mexico/Portugal/Spain/Uruguay

I'm up 3rd from now. My thought of the teams left is #1 Croatia, #2 Poland, but if those are taken should I go Russia & bet on Putin or go with Denmark? (Also, is there a reason South Korea is so low in the odds... they always seem to punch above their weight & they neighbor Russia.)

[djsatu]

A manager who leaves Radja Nainggolan at home because he says he supposedly doesn't fit into the manger's tactics is a pretty crap manager on the whole.


I think it's due to Radja's antics off the field. His smoking, partying, and recent antics might have done him in. Heck of a player though. I'm hoping Inter can get him for the midfield next year, but Roma want 30 M.

[ISiddiqui]

I think it's due to Radja's antics off the field. His smoking, partying, and recent antics might have done him in.

I don't care if he's fucking Roberto Martinez's wife, you have to take him!

[MIJB#19]

The host always makes it to the quarters. It will be questionable refereeing the whole second round game and they will get a dodgy penalty to win late on.I know, I know. Portugal got their heyday in Euro 2016. That should pave the way for Russia to get into the quarterfinals.

[MIJB#19]

Group A
wow. From bad to worse. Uruguay barely made it into the 32-team finals. Russia has been mediocre for European standards for quite some time, the worst of all on the FIFA Rankings (I know, I mock those rankings too). Saudi Arabia is in the bottom 3 teams in the entire field. Egypt, I dunno, African teams are always hard to predict, could go anywhere from three drubbings (not Egypt in this group though) to taking Spain to penalties in the second round.

Group B
I sense that Portugal will suffer from the typical previous tournament win hangover that only few European teams have dodged. Spain seems to back in swing, but not quite the Xavi and Iniesta team of the previous 8 or so years. Iran has a couple of cool players, but I don't see them win a game. Morocco is a wild card. Could lose all three, but I won't be shocked if they fend of Portugal for second place and play the Group A winners very close.

Group C
Ok, there's France and then there's the rest. France B would still be on par with the Danish talent. But we all know there's more to it than just raw talent. Losing the Euro2016 final might save them and keeps the French eager. Australia, I don't see them do much. Peru is a team I feel I know too little about.

Group D
Nigeria used to be loaded, but I'm sensing they're weak defensively. Croatia is a gifted team, Rakitic and Modric in midfield... Iceland is the text book team spirit darling. And then there's Messi and co. No, Messi's career doesn't need a World Cup victory to be complete, he's had his (lost) final and other trophies already. Write down Argentina to win the group with 7 points.

Group E
Ah, Brazil. A team that can get very hot and cold. Neymar just got back from injury, which means he's fresh to shine. Costa Rica was the surprise team om 2014, but with higher expectations, can they live up to those standards? Switzerland lost in over time in 2014, on penalties in 2016. Serbia is apparently on a strong spell, not to dismiss right away, but have the hardest draw of all if we're comparing with 2014 results.

Group F
Germany towering above as favorites. Sweden lucked into a playoff with the struggling Italians to reach the finals. Skilled, tough to beat team, but can they withstand the Mexican dirty play that always gets them into the last 16? The Korean's are not to be underestimated, but I'm suspecting they'll struggle and go out without a victory.

Group G
England will think they are the clearcut favorites to steamroll this group, while the rest of the world knows Belgium are the clearcut favorites to steamroll this group. Panama and Tunisia are amongst the 5 or so teams with the least experienced selections in terms of club football. But that also makes them hard to predict.

Group H
At last, there's one group where there are no obvious favorites. Some might say Colombia because of their World Cup 2014 play. Some might say Senegal, because they have the best World Cup record, despite that 2002 was a different generation. Some might say Poland, because they are tough to beat and have that Lewandowski guy up front. And then there's Japan, with a lot of gifted players, motivated to start the tournament by brushing away the humiliation Colombia gave them 4 years ago.


Or completely the opposite of that, whatever. It wouldn't be sports if everything went exactly as expected, no? :D

[Abe Sargent]

I am rooting hard as balls for Belgium.

[whomario]

The more i see/read, the more i'd put Brazil at the top of my list. Even the injury to Alves might be a blessing in disguise, seeing his place is taken by more defensive minded options that might not have his talent but might actually be better for the static of the team. Much improved in goal, Marcelo the best LB (although prone to brain farts), good CBs, very solid central midfield that works well with and without the ball. And the attack has a much clearer structure and better actual central options in Jesus and Firmino.

[MIJB#19]

The more i see/read, the more i'd put Brazil at the top of my list. Even the injury to Alves might be a blessing in disguise, seeing his place is taken by more defensive minded options that might not have his talent but might actually be better for the static of the team. Much improved in goal, Marcelo the best LB (although prone to brain farts), good CBs, very solid central midfield that works well with and without the ball. And the attack has a much clearer structure and better actual central options in Jesus and Firmino.I'm torn here. Brazil usually brings fun to watch football, especially Neymar, but he's a big reason why I stopped watching the Champions' League. Ditto with France and Kylian Mbappé. Anyway, I have to rate them at least behind France, Germany, Argentina, not sure where to place them compared to Spain and Belgium.

On the bright side, there's plenty of other teams to enjoy. Like Belgium, Denmark, Morocco, Switzerland, Germany, Croatia, every team in Group H and Iceland.

[miami_fan]

Julen Lopetegui sacked by Spain before World Cup after taking Real Madrid job (http://www.espn.com/soccer/spain/story/3524002/julen-lopetegui-sacked-by-spain-before-world-cup-after-taking-real-madrid-job)

Bo Schembechler would be proud.

[NobodyHere]

United States, Mexico, Canada Beat Morocco to Be Named Hosts of 2026 World Cup | Bleacher Report | Latest News, Videos and Highlights (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2780803-united-states-mexico-canada-beat-morocco-to-be-named-hosts-of-2026-world-cup?utm_source=cnn.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=editorial)

[Izulde]

Julen Lopetegui sacked by Spain before World Cup after taking Real Madrid job (http://www.espn.com/soccer/spain/story/3524002/julen-lopetegui-sacked-by-spain-before-world-cup-after-taking-real-madrid-job)

Bo Schembechler would be proud.

Well, shit. I had Spain as my spicy pick to win in the office pool (Germany is pretty much the consensus pick here I think), and now that's out the door.

[whomario]

Julen Lopetegui sacked by Spain before World Cup after taking Real Madrid job (http://www.espn.com/soccer/spain/story/3524002/julen-lopetegui-sacked-by-spain-before-world-cup-after-taking-real-madrid-job)

Bo Schembechler would be proud.

That's one way to do it. Not the best, but definitely an 'interesting' approach :popcorn:

[miami_fan]

Let this be a warning to all clubs: If Real Madrid will do it to its national team, it will definitely do it to your club.

[whomario]

10 minutes !

[Critch]

10 minutes !

Excitement is building. As a gentleman of advancing years, it's always a relief to make it to another World Cup without being dead.

[ISiddiqui]

And we're off!

[albionmoonlight]

Excitement is building. As a gentleman of advancing years, it's always a relief to make it to another World Cup without being dead.

The feeling when "They won a championship in my lifetime!" morphs into "They played another game in my lifetime!" :lol:

[albionmoonlight]

Russia looking like the clearly better team early.

[bhlloy]

It’s amazing the way these random FIFA draws work out that the host always ends up playing the worst team in the tournament in the group stages.

Great finish just now though, to be fair.

[cartman]

Too many Saudi defenders slid around there

[Arles]

I'm hoping my Russia (v SA) and Uruguay (v Egypt) parlay will help me recoup all the money I'm going to lose in the Culcutta pool :D

[Critch]

luis Saurez must be watching this and liking his chances of being World Cup top scorer, since he's got to play against these two defenses.

[bhlloy]

It would be a miracle if Uruguay don’t put at least 5 past this Saudi team. Egypt too if they decide they even need to play Salah (which they probably will have to because of goal difference)

[Critch]

Despite winning 5-0, Russia still didnt look very good.

[MIJB#19]

Russia was mediocre at best, Saudi Arabic was horrible.
Somehow everything aligned for Russia to get to face the worst team to qualify.

[Arles]

What's funny is the FIFA rankings had Saudi Arabia 3 spots ahead of Russia :D

Of course, I'm not sure what's a bigger joke: the FIFA rankings or Saudi Arabia being in the World Cup.

[AlexB]

What's funny is the FIFA rankings had Saudi Arabia 3 spots ahead of Russia :D

Of course, I'm not sure what's a bigger joke: the FIFA rankings or Saudi Arabia being in the World Cup.

Just wait until there’s 48 teams in it!

[MIJB#19]

What's funny is the FIFA rankings had Saudi Arabia 3 spots ahead of Russia :D

Of course, I'm not sure what's a bigger joke: the FIFA rankings or Saudi Arabia being in the World Cup.Russia hasn't played a competitive match in 24 months, that's going to ruin the FIFA ranking. Barely winning a game in that time span won't help either.

Saudi Arabia basically cruised through World Cup qualifiers, but games against Asian teams score very ewer points. Beating a semi-good Asian team can be worse for your FIFA ranking than drawing 0-0 against a mediocre European opponent.

[whomario]

Saudi Arabia isn't worse than the other Asian teams, not now nor over the last 20 years (at least not significantly). But their style of play somehow seems to translate very poorly into games against non-asian competition compared to other teams. Them having to juggle an intense training phase and observing Ramadan might not exactly help ... (although i have no idea what exceptions are taken, but they did observe it last year in the lead up to the Australia game for example)

https://edition.cnn.com/2018/06/14/football/saudi-arabia-world-cup-ramadan-fasting-elite-athletes-spt-intl/index.html


As for Hosts getting easy groups, part of that is simply them being seeded for the draw with the Top7. So they technically can't get any of the really strong opponents you'd normally expect them to have to face. Then from the 2nd pot they avoided 2 strong european teams (Spain, England) but got the Urus who finished 2nd in South America.

Them drawing one of Columbia/Mexico/Switzerland/Peru from Pot2, one of Iran/Senegal/Tunisia/Costa Rica from Pot3 and then any of the Pot4 teams (with the possible exception of Serbia) would have made the group seem just as easy. So it's not like they somehow beat great odds to end up with an easy group but it was always a 50/50 thing.

[Arles]

Russia hasn't played a competitive match in 24 months, that's going to ruin the FIFA ranking. Barely winning a game in that time span won't help either.

Saudi Arabia basically cruised through World Cup qualifiers, but games against Asian teams score very ewer points. Beating a semi-good Asian team can be worse for your FIFA ranking than drawing 0-0 against a mediocre European opponent.
The FIFA rankings are just a joke. They actually penalize you for friendlies compared to other matches. So, a friendly game against Brazil is less impressive than a qualifying match against Romania. That's why Tunisia, Wales and Peru are top 20 teams.

[MIJB#19]

By FIFA Rankings, Russia drew the 7th, 6th and 8th 'best' teams in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th posts respectively. The odds of drawing 3 of the bottom 3 of each pot are (3/8)*(3/8)*(3/8) = 27/512, roughly 1 in 19.
(The 'bad' teams were Mexico (p2), Uruguay (p2), Croatia (p2), Egypt (p3), Senegal (p3), Iran (p3), Panama (p4), S.Korea (p4), S.Arabia (p4).

That's not taking into account there were various illegal combinations
(Mexico + Costa Rica + x, Mexico + x + Panama, x + Costa Rica + Panama, Tunisia/Egypt/Senegal + Nigeria/Morocco, Iran + Australia/Japan/S.Korea/S.Arabia, Spain/Swiss/England/Croatia + Denmark/Iceland/Sweden + x, Spain/Swiss/England/Croatia + x + Serbia, x + Denmark/Iceland/Sweden + Serbia), so let's take those away.

From the 27 'good' combinations, 3 were illegal (Mex+Pan, Irn+S.K/S.A), leaving 24 legal combinations.
From the overall 512 combinations, 139 were illegal (I'll spare the calculations of these), leaving 373 legal combinations.
That gives Russia odds of 24 in 373, or roughly 1 in 15.5.

These were the odds of Russia drawing one of the worst three teams from all three pots.

[whomario]

By FIFA Rankings, Russia drew the 7th, 6th and 8th 'best' teams in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th posts respectively.

But didn't "we" just observe those are pretty useless ? Would Croatia really have been an even easier opponent than Uruguay ? And Peru a tougher one than Uruguay ? Costa Rica and Tunisia easier than Egypt ?

And would people had screamed as loudly if it were Korea from Pot4 (1 rank above the Saudis) or Japan (beaten by the Saudis) ?

This all has much more to do with perception than them actually having a much easier group than they would get on average in a 100 draws.

[MIJB#19]

But didn't "we" just observe those are pretty useless ? Would Croatia really have been an even easier opponent than Uruguay ? And Peru a tougher one than Uruguay ? Costa Rica and Tunisia easier than Egypt ?

And would people had screamed as loudly if it were Korea from Pot4 (1 rank above the Saudis) or Japan (beaten by the Saudis) ?

This all has much more to do with perception than them actually having a much easier group than they would get on average in a 100 draws.Sure, "we" don't like the FIFA Rankings, but those that make the draw procedures and execute them do. The distribution of pots were based on the FIFA Rankings.

Just for the fun of it, I decided to calculate the odds of getting a draw as such (1 of 3 worst from each pot) and for the sake of practice used the actual draw procedure order to determine what the worst 3 teams were in each pot.

I had expected the odds to be about 1 in 3 or 4, not to turn out to be 1 in 15.5. Which are low odds, but not completely impossible. Heck, the odds of Greece winning Euro 2004 were 1 in 16 teams, but the bookmakers certainly didn't think they were as good as 1 in 16. :D

[whomario]

I'm just not a big fan of these sort of discussions as i find them to be much less interesting than commenting on the actual on-field performance, so my posts were not really meant as some sort of rebuttal one way or another. Merely pointing out that to me it is by far not strange enough to make me reconsider that particular stance ;)



I had expected the odds to be about 1 in 3 or 4, not to turn out to be 1 in 15.5. Which are low odds, but not completely impossible. Heck, the odds of Greece winning Euro 2004 were 1 in 16 teams, but the bookmakers certainly didn't think they were as good as 1 in 16. :D

Still not sure what would have seemed more implausible to the citizens of Kaiserslautern, Germany, in the year 2000: The Greeks being coached to a title by their senior citizen coach who never coached outside Germany or that a 21 year old playing in their reserves (after transferring in with the recommendation of 1 goal scored in the 5th division) would go on to score more WC goals than anybody else.

On another note, it kinda feels like we are due a shock run by somebody, an african team in the semifinal would be kinda cool.

[AlexB]

The FIFA rankings are just a joke. They actually penalize you for friendlies compared to other matches. So, a friendly game against Brazil is less impressive than a qualifying match against Romania. That's why Tunisia, Wales and Peru are top 20 teams.

They just changed that this week to close this loophole

[whomario]

No Salah :(


On the whole i am kinda rooting for Uruguay. A small(ish) country like that having 2 strikers like Suarez and Cavani is pretty cool, also somehow having 2 of the 15-20 best CBs in Godin/Gimenez. Midfield is pretty damn talented as well.

Plus an absolute class act as coach who after a journeyman career has now been coaching Uruguay for 12 years despite suffering from an illness significantly impairing his mobility.

[cartman]

Uruguay with the late goal

[Arles]

Was sweating out my parlay. Betting the world cup is a bit of a crapshoot. With that in mind, I threw down a few duckets on the Morocco score being 0-0, 1-0 or 2-0 Morocco.

[whomario]

Uruguay with the late goal

yeah, was kinda overdue after Uruguay finally came to live in the last 15 minutes. Very weird tactics by Uruguay, playing 2 strikers and having all midfielder clog the middle and not getting much from the Fullbacks. Egypt defended well and the keeper was good, but nothing offensively.

Marokko-Iran now and Marokko playing with like 2 1/2 defenders and pushing bodies up the field like crazy early on.

[Critch]

Morocco v Iran is the best game so far, Morocco looking good.

[Arles]

yeah, was kinda overdue after Uruguay finally came to live in the last 15 minutes. Very weird tactics by Uruguay, playing 2 strikers and having all midfielder clog the middle and not getting much from the Fullbacks. Egypt defended well and the keeper was good, but nothing offensively.

Marokko-Iran now and Marokko playing with like 2 1/2 defenders and pushing bodies up the field like crazy early on.
Didn't help that Suarez couldn't hit water if he fell out of a boat either. If he's an "average" striker, they are up 2-0 before the goal.

[ISiddiqui]

How did Iran mess up a 3 on 1?

[whomario]

How did Iran mess up a 3 on 1?

Looked like he was prepared to pass, then the sea parted and he missed a step and bumbled a touch.

But Iran adjusted really well after the first 20 minutes, entertaining game throughout even though it's not exactly great quality, objectively speaking.

[Arles]

Morocco is pretty lucky to be 0-0. Hopefully, they can regroup at the half.

[whomario]

Morocco is pretty lucky to be 0-0. Hopefully, they can regroup at the half.

Wouldn't go that far, considering they had a couple of sitters early on. That corner-trick where Ziyech misses the ball is normally like a penalty for a guy like him plus the Benatia chance.

[Critch]

Other than the first 15 minutes, this has been crap.

The standard is poor for the most part, the ref sucks (every game becomes stop start with him), the commentary team sucks, the vuvuzelas suck.

[AlexB]

Morocco v Iran is the best game so far, Morocco looking good.

I assume the first half hour was better than the second half?!

This is everything I hate about world/modern football, lots of falling over, stop start play, just boring :(

[Butter]

What the hell, Morocco.

[Arles]

Wow, tough luck for Morocco. A lot of goal in the final minutes so far this cup!

[Critch]

Pepe v Diego Costa coming up, two of the most unlikable, dirtiest dickheads in world soccer. And Sergio Ramos on the pitch too.

[AlexB]

This is better!

Pepe might have been fouled, but he gets straight back up he might have been able to block the shot - would have been 1 on 3

[RainMaker]

The FIFA rankings are just a joke. They actually penalize you for friendlies compared to other matches. So, a friendly game against Brazil is less impressive than a qualifying match against Romania. That's why Tunisia, Wales and Peru are top 20 teams.

I swear I read an article about how some nations are skipping friendlies and gaming the FIFA rankings.

[Arles]

It's crazy how good De Gea is for Man U and how shaky he's been for Spain

[kingfc22]

De Gea with a howler. Oofff

[cartman]

CR7 is a decent footballer

[Critch]

Neuer back to being the undisputed best keeper in the world.

[kingfc22]

This is better!

Pepe might have been fouled, but he gets straight back up he might have been able to block the shot - would have been 1 on 3

Or you know, just don’t flop and stay on your feet.

[whomario]

Neuer back to being the undisputed best keeper in the world.

before having played his first competitive game in almost a year ? Bold statement ;)

Both teams had some great fluid attacks in their own style, making for a really good game.

[Critch]

before having played his first competitive game in almost a year ? Bold statement ;)

He was a bit crap against Austria too. Not De Gea bad though.

[Arles]

I swear I read an article about how some nations are skipping friendlies and gaming the FIFA rankings.
That's exactly what Tunisia did. In the three years before the World Cup group announcement, I think they had 5 friendlies.

[whomario]

He was a bit crap against Austria too. Not De Gea bad though.

Huh ? In my memory he's been the best player for us. Think he had a weird moment trying too much passing the ball, but also had a couple world class saves and both goals were not really of the sort anybody would save.

[AlexB]

Or you know, just don’t flop and stay on your feet.

That was my point ;)

[AlexB]

That's exactly what Tunisia did. In the three years before the World Cup group announcement, I think they had 5 friendlies.

They've changed the way the ratings are calculated just this week to stop this from happening again

[cartman]

on replay, it looks like CR7 just caught De Gea flat footed. He was ready to move right or left and wasn't expecting it right at him.

[Karlifornia]

That was a fun first half. Costa's goal was fantastic. I wouldn't be surprised to see Spain equalize.

[cartman]

That was a fun first half. Costa's goal was fantastic. I wouldn't be surprised to see Spain equalize.

BOOM

[AlexB]

Strike!

[AlexB]

Watch Ronaldo when Portugal lost possession to set the move away. Shoulders dropped, didn't close down, acted like a spoilt kid...

[miami_fan]

Incredible

[AlexB]

That was inch perfect though

[kingfc22]

Yea. He’s good.

[AlexB]

What a game! The World Cup has begun!

[Arles]

That was a great game. Let's hope for more like that this weekend!

[PilotMan]

Yep, that's the kind of game that gets you excited. I tried to watch a little of the Egypt/Uruguay match and it was a very unfulfilling endeavor.

[MIJB#19]

Welcome to the modern Era.

[cougarfreak]

Welcome to the modern Era.

I didn't even think it was close. Even on video replay. No foul from me.

[AlexB]

Disagree, penalty for me

[MIJB#19]

No VAR required this time.

[AlexB]

No doubt about that one!

For the first one, there was slight nick on the ball by the defender, but the follow through brought Grieszman down - doesn’t matter about the touch beforehand

[cougarfreak]

No VAR required this time.

No kidding. That could have been a red card. Almost looked like it was totally intentional.

[Groundhog]

Even as a total homer, I think it was a penalty against AUS. But hey, easier to say that after the AUS penalty goal.... :D

[AlexB]

No kidding. That could have been a red card. Almost looked like it was totally intentional.

Red card only if it clearly stops a goal - if it’s in the box and a penalty, stopping a goal scoring opportunity is no longer a red under the triple jeopardy rule

[AlexB]

Even as a total homer, I think it was a penalty against AUS. But hey, easier to say that after the AUS penalty goal.... :D

I’m supporting Australia - drew them in my office sweepstake.

Winner takes all, how do you rate my chances?!

[cougarfreak]

Red card only if it clearly stops a goal - if it’s in the box and a penalty, stopping a goal scoring opportunity is no longer a red under the triple jeopardy rule

I didn't know that, thanks.

[Groundhog]

I’m supporting Australia - drew them in my office sweepstake.

Winner takes all, how do you rate my chances?!

... well, we managed to beat powerhouse Honduras to qualify for the cup in a home/away series. Barely. :D

[Groundhog]

Australia's passing is woeful.

[Groundhog]

Strangely, I think the worst thing to happen to Australian soccer was having a ton of money pumped into our national league. Too many guys staying home instead of playing in the better quality Euro leagues, and I think it really shows with the lousy fundamentals.

[MIJB#19]

Welcome to the modern Era. " "

[AlexB]

That’s unlucky, but one of the few times France moved the ball and ran forward with any sense of purpose

[MIJB#19]

Just imagine where we'd be without the technology, Australia would be leading 1-0 and everybody would call disgrace and call them the luckiest team in the world.
And Seppi Blatter would still call it the charm of the game.

[AlexB]

I think the second goal would been given without VAR - my first thought was the ball was clearly over the line, it looked much closer on the replay.

BBC said they were checking for offside in the build up rather than checking the goal itself.

[Groundhog]

Ah well, decent effort by the Aussies. Despite the loss, we looked better today than in just about any of the qualification games I saw over the past year.

[MIJB#19]

I think the second goal would been given without VAR - my first thought was the ball was clearly over the line, it looked much closer on the replay.

BBC said they were checking for offside in the build up rather than checking the goal itself.I wasn't referring to VAR, but to the goal/no goal technology inside the referee's watch.

[AlexB]

I wasn't referring to VAR, but to the goal/no goal technology inside the referee's watch.

Ah, gotcha :)

My initial thought was it was a goal, think it would have been given without the watch. But then again, so should Lampard’s :mad:, so I can’t be sure!

[MIJB#19]

First 25 minutes of Argentina vs Iceland have been entertaining.

[Critch]

Argentina needing a goal and they've got two holding midfielders on the pitch, Dybala on the bench and Icardi sitting at home.

Good game though, the open air viewing party in Reykjavik looked miserable.

[whomario]

Good game though, the open air viewing party in Reykjavik looked miserable.

7 degrees celcius in summer :D

And while Iceland truly perfected defensive play, i agree that Argentina just did not adjust their tactics accordingly and Plans A,B and C consisted of giving the ball to Messi and hope for the best.

[Critch]

The commentary team for the Peru v Denmark game is terrible. Fox's coverage has been variable so far, this is the worst yet.

[kingfc22]

The commentary team for the Peru v Denmark game is terrible. Fox's coverage has been variable so far, this is the worst yet.

Agreed. I’m certain this is the crew who will be doing all the Mexico games as well which will no doubetdly make me want to mute audio for tomorrow’s match.

[Critch]

Agreed. I’m certain this is the crew who will be doing all the Mexico games as well which will no doubetdly make me want to mute audio for tomorrow’s match.

Just checked the schedule, they're not the commentators for Mexico v Germany. Tony Meola though, so still probably worth muting.

[whomario]

Perfect example why VAR is a good thing. That foul on peru is sth you can't actually see as a Ref and basically take an educated guess based on context (did he bumble the touch and decided to fall or did he get hit). Ref went with the bumbled touch theory (which it was, making it a fair assumption) because he couldn't see the contact, but now there's a fail safe in place.

Terrible penalty though after all that ;)

Peru pretty impressive and Denmark very static and uninspiring so far.

[whomario]

Just checked the schedule, they're not the commentators for Mexico v Germany. Tony Meola though, so still probably worth muting.

At least you have crews/teams and not just 1 guy without any actual background in soccer droning on and on and on like it's the case in germany :( If it weren't so much more convenient, with higher definition and reliable to stream our channels legally ...

[Critch]

2006 World Cup Directv had German language rights in the US, I watched most of the World Cup on there as it showed every game in HD, it was great. Commenters didnt say much, no graphics getting in the way on the screen, just the base feed.

I dont speak German though, so that might have helped.

[whomario]

Tough one for Peru, who played a really good and entertaining brand of football. But at some point not scoring is ineptitude and not just bad luck.

[whomario]

Decent win for Croatia, who looked pretty good for the most part on both ends of the pitch. Better after they inserted an additional Centre mid and moved Modric up front.

Nigeria very basic and i doubt they take any points in the other 2 games.

[Abe Sargent]

EL TRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

[kingfc22]

Counter-attack clinic on creating chances. Operative word here "creating" vs. "completing".

[bhlloy]

I’m pretty stunned how tactically nonchalant Germany look right now. Lots of possession but very little cutting edge, very few killer balls and seemingly no urgency to get players into the box to take advantage of the good positions they are getting in out wide.

[Critch]

Until they brought on Brandt and Gomez, they looked like they could play for a week without scoring. Ozil, Werner, Mueller were all crap. And Kimmich crosses were useless too.

[Karlifornia]

Wowwww...I wish I had watched this in a taqueria or Mexican bar..

[bhlloy]

The crosses were bad for the most part, but until Gomez (and Brandt) came on it looked like they had 4-5 of the exact same player who were content to stand on the edge of the area and ping it back and forth and then take a terrible shot right at Ochoa or over the bar. So many players trying to play the exact same role and take the exact same space from each other.

There were a few decent crosses just crying out for somebody to get on the end of but most of the time there was nobody in the area even if the cross was decent. I have no idea what position Werner was playing but useless is the right word for sure.

I was also really happy to hear he had dropped Ozil (who is the most overrated player in the world IMO) and replaced him with Draxler, so to then decide he was going to force both of them into the lineup just seems like a spectacularly terrible decision. Low is a great manager but he got this completely wrong.

[kingfc22]

As an Arsenal fan, completely agree on Ozil.

[Edward64]

Wowwww...I wish I had watched this in a taqueria or Mexican bar..

Watched the goal scored in a Taco Mac. Definitely more Mexican fans than German.

[MIJB#19]

So much for VAR being an improvement. Brazil got hosed.

[ISiddiqui]

The commentary team for the Peru v Denmark game is terrible. Fox's coverage has been variable so far, this is the worst yet.

Completely disagree. LOVED that commentary. I get annoyed that so many think that the British style of commentary is the only proper way to call a soccer match, so I enjoyed the more Latin American style with two LigaMX commentator pros.

---

On another note: MEXICO!!!!!!! What a win! Exciting that instead of playing scared, they went for it. Osorio managed an amazing match!

[cuervo72]

I mean, he was raised on the British style of commentary at least.

[Critch]

It wasnt the style, it was the one-sidedness.

I started off wanting Peru to win, by the end I was cheering for Denmark to hold on.

[bbgunn]

Just catching up here on the thread. Haven't missed much World Cup action, though - but I do miss good English-language commentary. The Japanese commentators scream way too much. They start screaming the minute a counter attack starts.


Some random thoughts:
* I've never been much of a Mexico fan, but for the first time I found myself cheering for El Tri last night, simply because I can't stand the German national team. They seem to be smug and arrogant, and maybe for good reason, but I can't stand that. Similar to the U.S. team this past qualifying cycle. Anyway, unfortunately it was past 12:30 am and I had to go to bed to get ready for work, but I did see the Lozano goal before hitting the hay. Great work in the penalty box.
* Russia: five goals? Seriously?
* Not sure why everyone picked Brazil as the favorites this time around. Yeah, they got hosed in the Swiss game (haven't seen it yet; it's on my HDD), but I felt they weren't going to win it. Support for the team back in Brazil is at an all-time low, and morale must be taking a hit because of that. (See this article from the Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jun/17/brazil-world-cup-shirt-colours).) Que pena. Brazil is usually my team, but it's hard to get behind them if their own countrymen are having trouble doing so.
* About the Cristiano Ronaldo hat trick... Obviously the guy is amazing (I like him a lot more than Messi and Neymar), and when you get your set pieces there's something to be said about converting your chances, but was his performance that impressive, considering he was given a penalty chance and a free kick, and the third goal should have been stopped by De Gea?
* Nobody's talking about the Costa Rica manager taking the ball off the pitch from a Serbian player at the end of that match? Shouldn't he be getting a lot of flak for that?

[Warhammer]

I thought the ball was out on Serbia, so the coach was trying to give it to his team to get the ball back in play.

[kingfc22]

What an awful game to watch. Germany and Mexico should have no problems getting out of this group.

[Shkspr]

I think you have to lay Costa Rica's lack of preparation for this match on the video editing crew. Once they left that tape in the locker room titled "A Serbian Game Film", nobody on the coaching staff had the stomach to watch it.

[ISiddiqui]

What an awful game to watch. Germany and Mexico should have no problems getting out of this group.

Don't sleep on Sweden. The Italians did and look what happened. Germany has to come out focused for that match.

[cartman]

I think you have to lay Costa Rica's lack of preparation for this match on the video editing crew. Once they left that tape in the locker room titled "A Serbian Game Film", nobody on the coaching staff had the stomach to watch it.

:slow clap:

[Arles]

* About the Cristiano Ronaldo hat trick... Obviously the guy is amazing (I like him a lot more than Messi and Neymar), and when you get your set pieces there's something to be said about converting your chances, but was his performance that impressive, considering he was given a penalty chance and a free kick, and the third goal should have been stopped by De Gea?
Well, Messi had a PK and multiple close free kicks and came up empty. Neymar also blew a late free kick chance. After watching Messi, Neymar, Suarez and Mueller piss away all their chances, seeing Ronaldo go 3-3 is pretty impressive.

[bhlloy]

Belgium coached by Roberto Martinez looking exactly like you would expect Belgium at a major tournament coached by Roberto Martinez to look

[cartman]

Belgium finally woke up. Lukaku with a couple of great goals.

[cartman]

England is all over Tunisia at the start of this game. Tunisia's starting goalie got injured and came off not too long after England scored their first goal.

[ISiddiqui]

England is all over Tunisia at the start of this game.

Yeah, but they can't put the ball in the net (aside from Kane). Should be 3 or 4 goals, but it's 1-1.

[Arles]

Color me shocked that Southgate's decision to play Kyle Walker as one of the three center backs hasn't worked out so well :D

[AlexB]

Color me shocked that Southgate's decision to play Kyle Walker as one of the three center backs hasn't worked out so well :D

Definitely a bit of inexperience/naivety in the centre of the goal. It was obstruction though, not a penalty for me.

But we’ve only got ourselves to balme for not leading comfortably, a couple of missed chances, over confidence at times on the ball when last man without any cover.

We’re doing OK, but could be better, need a little bit more intensity

[MIJB#19]

Wide open, England most dangerous player in the penalty area. Oops?

[ISiddiqui]

Well that was decidedly un-England-like. Kane can shine through decades of disappointment!

[AlexB]

A little lucky to get the win. Lack of creativity against a well organised side, we knew that could be an issue.

The shape is good, the first 20 was good, but...
Kane did the square root of f all other than be in the right place at the right time twice (not a bad skill to have though!)
Rose has to come in on the left: every time it went out to Young he checked back inside or backwards and momentum was lost. And almost all of Tunisia’s attacks of note came down his side
Sterling and Alli probably get another chance, but they were both very poor second half, while Loftus Cheek in particular looked good

But got the win, and at the end of the day that’s the really important factor

[bhlloy]

Agreed about Rose - you can probably just about give Southgate the benefit of the doubt rewarding Young for a very good club season against a team like Tunisia, but that should be experiment over now. Rose is clearly the far better player, especially for this style that England are trying to play.

Will be interesting if he goes with Rashford to start next game as well. I thought he dragged England out of a period of really stagnant play when he came on, even if he did miss a sitter.

[Arles]

Yeah, I'd feel pretty good if I were England. Generated a ton of chances, blew nearly all and still got a win. It's a lot like Uruguay's game.

[cartman]

wow, Japan over Colombia 2-1

[ISiddiqui]

A red card in the 3rd minute will do that to you ;).

[Arles]

Are we looking at Senegal-Japan coming out of group H? :D

[Warhammer]

Poland got screwed on that second goal.

[Critch]

The referee gets an assist on that, that's terrible refereeing.

[kingfc22]

That is really bad.

[ISiddiqui]

On the other hand, he had been waiting for a while to come back on and I don't think the ref thought the Poland player was going to play it back from there.

[Arles]

Senegal with the great strategy of having the player off for an injury, then have them come back on the second the ball is cleared to midfield. Genius!

[bhlloy]

Mind blowingly bad refereeing. That’s just basic 101.

[bhlloy]

On the other hand, he had been waiting for a while to come back on and I don't think the ref thought the Poland player was going to play it back from there.

Watching it again, he waved him on well before that. The ball was clearly coming to a Senegal player when he came onto the field, it was a crappy header that gave it back to Poland for the fateful backpass.

[Karlifornia]

Also a strange, lobbed backpass from Poland as the injured Senegalese player came back

[Critch]

The Fox World Cup in-studio team is a big downgrade from ESPN 4 years ago, not totally awful but ESPN really got it right.

Basically I just think I miss Mike Tirico.

[bhlloy]

Also a strange, lobbed backpass from Poland as the injured Senegalese player came back

Not the best decision by the Polish player or by Sczeczny to come screaming out for sure - but 100 times out of 100 in both of their careers I'm pretty sure they haven't had to account for a player being waved on to come right off the sideline into the action in that situation.

You always wait for the other team to be in complete control of the ball or a dead ball situation for this reason. I imagine we'll see much more of an emphasis on that for the rest of the tournament now.

Also, am I the only one who doesn't see this as the world's biggest shock? Senegal isn't a really deep team, but they do have arguably two of the top 5 defenders and strikers in the world and a good bit of talent in that starting lineup. Poland didn't play to their potential going forward, but they've always been really shaky at the back and came through a pretty weak group to qualify. I'm surprised there weren't a few more goals but this was always going to be a toss up IMO.

[Critch]

Also, am I the only one who doesn't see this as the world's biggest shock? Senegal isn't a really deep team, but they do have arguably two of the top 5 defenders and strikers in the world and a good bit of talent in that starting lineup. Poland didn't play to their potential going forward, but they've always been really shaky at the back and came through a pretty weak group to qualify. I'm surprised there weren't a few more goals but this was always going to be a toss up IMO.

No, you're not the only one. I also didnt think Japan winning earlier was particularly shocking either. This is the one group where I thought it was any 2 from 4 could go through.

[MIJB#19]

No, you're not the only one. I also didnt think Japan winning earlier was particularly shocking either. This is the one group where I thought it was any 2 from 4 could go through.Exactly.
When filling in mock results for the group stage, I had no idea how to put group H. I ended up with Senegal at 5 points and the three others all losing 1 game.

[ISiddiqui]

I can't believe that Putin is inviting Blatter to Russia. Well, part of me can believe it - what a shitshow.

[MIJB#19]

Egypt going all or nothing now? With this score (or any other losing score), they need Saudi Arabia to beat Uruguay to stay alive.

[kingfc22]

So....Icarus anyone :popcorn: Icarus (2017) - IMDb (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6333060/)

[MIJB#19]

VAR to the rescue.

[MIJB#19]

VAR to the rescue.Not a second time, apparently.

[MIJB#19]

I had forgotten how annoying Uruguay can be. Cavani in particular is showcasing his acting skills.

[kingfc22]

The ref has zero control of this match.

Show a card or two for either the constant fouls or for the constant play acting.

[cartman]

Iniesta looks like he is 80 years old

[cartman]

three attempts in close for Spain. Great saves from the Iranian keeper

[bhlloy]

Well, there goes the “despite not winning Spain looked by far the best of the pre-tournament favorites” theory. Iran is a tough, well disciplined team but man they looked old and devoid of ideas.

No idea who is going to win this thing. Not that the first games and a half of the tournament are usually the best predictor anyway, but yikes.

[ISiddiqui]

No idea who is going to win this thing. Not that the first games and a half of the tournament are usually the best predictor anyway, but yikes.

Well based on the first game, Russia is going to run away with it ;). Granted their group is crap, but they are playing an offensive minded gameplan which is fun to watch at least.

[Critch]

There's normally a team who makes the semi-final or final without ever looking good. Sneaking out 1-0 wins in games they could have lost, or winning on penalties. Last time it was Argentina, before that it was usually Italy.

This time I'm going for Uruguay.

[PilotMan]

France looks really good this morning. Peru is still Peru, but the speed of their one touch passes and through balls is staggering.

[kingfc22]

Welp. You can't blame Messi on that one...

[miami_fan]

Welp. You can't blame Messi on that one...

Hold my beer...

[bhlloy]

I’m a huge Messi fan but it will be absolutely hilarious if this Argentina team goes out at the group stage. Bunch of whiny, spoilt petulant divers. I’ve never seen a team be such a perfect reflection of their own coach.

[kingfc22]

Superb goal by Modric.

[bhlloy]

What is the point of VAR if you aren’t going to send somebody off for that?

[kingfc22]

What is the point of VAR if you aren’t going to send somebody off for that?

Agreed. The GD is now looming ominous as well.

[Critch]

Rumors that the Argentinian players have found their scapegoat. They've had a players meeting and asked for Sampaoli to not be in charge for the final game.

[kingfc22]

No card for flopping?

[Logan]

What a play

[MIJB#19]

No card for flopping?It took a while, but eventually Neymar got what he's been begging for all day long: a yellow card.

[kingfc22]

Impossible to root for Brazil and Argentina.

Their star players whine and complain ALL game long.

[MIJB#19]

Halfway through the group stage and there's an unusual high number of teams already eliminated: Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Peru and Costa Rica.

[Warhammer]

I love the Argentina keeper’s name, especially since his first goal was given up on a cowboy type move.

[miami_fan]

What a touch! What a finish!

[bhlloy]

Oof. Only thing worse than getting undressed on a brilliant goal is having the goal scorer knee you in the head and split you open like a melon as he wheels away to celebrate.

[PilotMan]

That was just incredible control on the run. A wow play for sure.

[kingfc22]

Well Argentina still pretty much control their own destiny albeit with loads of pressure.

Should be some good theater watching this group end next week.

[kingfc22]

Well maybe I spoke too soon...

[kingfc22]

Well maybe I spoke too soon...

Or not.

[Arles]

Yeah, Nigeria gave Argentina a lifeline. If they can beat Nigeria and Croatia ties or beats Iceland, Argentina moves on.

[PilotMan]

Is it too early to bitch about Serbia?

[ISiddiqui]

Nigeria v. Argentina is going to be such a fun game. Though Argentina may get themselves roasted by the speed of Nigeria.

The interesting thing is for all the Argentina is dead narrative, they actually dominated Iceland and were a Messi penalty from probably approaching the Croatia game entirely differently (still would have lost, I'm sure, but you likely wouldn't have had terrible desperate goalkeeping like on the 2nd goal).

[MIJB#19]

Serbia - Switzerland has another VAR crew to send home after the group stages.

[MIJB#19]

Goalfest between Belgium and Tunisia. I turned the tv before the 20th minute and already missed some.

[PilotMan]

That's what happens in FM when I think my aggressive tactics can do something against stronger teams. I'm usually wrong.

[PilotMan]

dola


anyone else see all the Panama games and think, that should be the US in those games?

[Galaril]

Well that penalty called on South Korea that gave Mexico a freebie goal off a penalty kick was BS. Calls like that make it so I could never follow soccer except every four years in the WC.

[PilotMan]

It was clearly a penalty. Just because the defender didn't mean it, doesn't mean that it's not a penalty. The arm was up, it's not like it glanced off his shoulder.

[MrBug708]

Easy penalty call, just bad luck. Really hate Mexico, but they usually play an attractive style. Until the last ten minutes of the game

[MIJB#19]

Well that penalty called on South Korea that gave Mexico a freebie goal off a penalty kick was BS. Calls like that make it so I could never follow soccer except every four years in the WC.Throwing the arm up in the air seemingly to try block the shot, that'll give you the result as seen here. Had the ball gone into the left arm that was facing down, it should not have been a penalty kick.

[PilotMan]

These pro-mexican announcers really don't have good chemistry do they? They are struggling with the give and take.

[kingfc22]

This Mexico team is much different than previous versions. More true skill and tactics vs the teams of the past built on hard work, tenacity and at times outright dirty play.

[PilotMan]

SK is playing so much like the US. They just can't get that touch at the end to pull the trigger on the shot. Plus, Mexico is doing a great job at defending today.

[kingfc22]

Ozil dropped for today’s match.

[Galaril]

Throwing the arm up in the air seemingly to try block the shot, that'll give you the result as seen here. Had the ball gone into the left arm that was facing down, it should not have been a penalty kick.

Ah thanks guys I missed the hand up but yup you all are right:-). Gee this could be the WC for Mexico. Good for them if so.

[PilotMan]

Now that should have been a penalty.

[AlexB]

Now that should have been a penalty.

I don’t blame the ref for not giving it - it didn’t look like a pen in real time. But not sure why VAR didn’t flag it up...

[NobodyHere]

I don’t blame the ref for not giving it - it didn’t look like a pen in real time. But not sure why VAR didn’t flag it up...

Pardon my ignorance, but what is VAR and why do people seem to hate it?

[AlexB]

Video Assistant Referee, like the replay booth in the NFL.

Main difference is there are not team challenges, just an associate crew that review incidents in case there is ‘a clear and obvious error’

Problem is the ones they’ve changed have pretty much all been right, but they have missed a notable number of clear and obvious ones too.

[PilotMan]

Germany is in trouble now.

[AlexB]

The German defence is someasy to attack: no protection in front of them, the two centre halves are awful and the right back is playing as a right winger.

It makes life fairly easy for the opposition attack

[bhlloy]

Does Timo Werner have photos of Low or something?

EDIT - as always, I have impeccable timing :)

[AlexB]

Sweden don’t have any great pace anyway, but they look tired now as well. Fresh legs, get the ball to stick up top and if there’s some pace on the bench that would help.

Otherwise it’s a matter of time

[AlexB]

That changes things.

Not sure about this ref. He got it right, but how did he take a whole minute to give a yellow?

[miami_fan]

Outstanding call by the match official.

[bhlloy]

Yeah, I’m all for consulting with the linesman on a decision that big

[AlexB]

It was a dead cert yellow, shouldn’t need to confer.

He doesn’t come across as confident, but to be fair he hasn’t actually got anything horribly wrong (edit to add: or at least as it looked in real time)

[PilotMan]

That was a good card. Dumb tackle, good card. Sweeden caught a big break there.

[miami_fan]

Oh My

[AlexB]

Unlucky Sweden. Really enjoyable game, even if not amazing quality

[PilotMan]

A knife to the heart!

[Buccaneer]

Sweden clearly deserved to lose that match. Playing with a man advantage, they actually played worse with no offense whatsoever, not to mention giving up a short-handed goal.

[kingfc22]

Wow. Add this as another group where the games next week actually mean something.

[Critch]

Sweden clearly deserved to lose that match. Playing with a man advantage, they actually played worse with no offense whatsoever, not to mention giving up a short-handed goal.

I was just typing exactly the same thing. So ditto for me.

[PilotMan]

That is a tough, tough way to end for Sweden.

[AlexB]

Sweden clearly deserved to lose that match. Playing with a man advantage, they actually played worse with no offense whatsoever, not to mention giving up a short-handed goal.

They were absolutely hosed. Arguably poor strategy to work so hard early, but it wasn’t through poor play or lack of ambition they conceded ground, it was sheer exhaustion.

They had no out for most of the second half: they needed more legs/energy once the ball was cleared, it just kept coming back at them, and football is its most tiring when you don’t have the ball. Which made them more tired, less able to stop the flow.

It screamed for change, but maybe they don’t have anyone who could have made the ball stick.

It was however a poor decison by the sub they did put on to go to ground and give the foul away that led to the free kick. And that wasn’t tiredness, maybe more the reason was why he was a sub

[AlexB]

Are Panama always like this?

Over physical at times, rolling around in pretend agony at others, moaning en masse to the ref every five minutes, delaying the game. Horrible team on today’s evidence.

[MrBug708]

Are Panama always like this?

Over physical at times, rolling around in pretend agony at others, moaning en masse to the ref every five minutes, delaying the game. Horrible team on today’s evidence.

CONCAF'ed

[MIJB#19]

That's going way too easy.

England should brush up their goal difference in the second half to get a chance to win the group with a draw against Belgium.

[MIJB#19]

... or in the first half already. They need only 1 more to go ahead of Belgium.

Impressive how Kane shot it at the same spot as the first one.

[miami_fan]

I would be terrified of Panama taking someone out in the 2nd half.

[miami_fan]

And I mean taking out an England player.

[AlexB]

Agreed. Main aim is get through without any injuries.

The swinging arm on Maguire should have been a red, and the early tackle on Lingard was arguably a red too.
Edit: and I forgot Lingard got elbowed too even before that challenge

[miami_fan]

dola


anyone else see all the Panama games and think, that should be the US in those games?

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Worse than being a Panama fan at the moment - being a USA fan</p>&mdash; Tim Vickery (@Tim_Vickery) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tim_Vickery/status/1010868532006080513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Pretty much sums up my feelings.