World Cup 2018

[roverandout]

None of the big teams look impressive so far

[Husky]

Even Germany's 'worst team ever' got to the final in 2002.  Be afraid, be very afraid, always . . . .

[Husky]

I wonder if VAR is ever going to give a decision against a 'big team' v's a 'minnow'. We'll see . . . .

[Audax]

I'm glad the replay and VAR is used, Mexico definitely got jobbed by the refs in 2010 South Africa in favour of Argentina. 

[Husky]

Though that 'penalty' incident just before looked more of one that the Argentina one yesterday.

[Husky]

Mexico getting a bit nervy now. Backpasses to the keeper from Germany's half.  . . .psychologically not good.

Keep going. Vamos!

Edited June 17, 2018 by Husky

[Audax]

For situations like this,  it really shows me how much that Miroslav Klose helped them, Germany could still come back... but they certainly haven't had that player who makes the big play.

Ochoa, the goalkeeper has been fantastic, Germany losing and this is all the response here?

Other teams in this group are Sweden and South Korea, so it looks like Mexico should sail through if they hang on.

 

 

[Blow-in]

2 minutes ago, Husky said:

Though that 'penalty' incident just before looked more of one that the Argentina one yesterday.

Who makes the decision there to look at it? If the ref is not interested does that just mean you're screwed or can the var guys pull the ref back and say "you missed something you blind arsehole"? 

[Ladyboys of Bank Top]

Loving this WC so far! 

[Ewood Ace]

No wonder no English refs have gone to this as the standard of  refereeing so far has been excellent.

[Stuart]

Linekar and Shearer couldn’t have been more delighted at the Germany defeat. They could barely contain their excitement. Like kids on Christmas Day!

[Leonard Venkhater]

Just now, Stuart said:

Linekar and Shearer couldn’t have been more delighted at the Germany defeat. They could barely contain their excitement. Like kids on Christmas Day!

We , on the other hand, took no pleasure in it at all?

[Commondore]

Terrible result for Sweden, we'll just have to start with 3 points tomorrow against South Korea and take it from there. At least the German strikers look to be off the boil, might become a big problem for them down the line.

[arbitro]

The Mexican coach deserves great credit for his tactics. They played terrific counter attacking football and as the game wore on defended excellently. He got his substitutions correct and left the Germans defeated and deflated.

[Husky]

18 minutes ago, Blow-in said:

Who makes the decision there to look at it? If the ref is not interested does that just mean you're screwed or can the var guys pull the ref back and say "you missed something you blind arsehole"? 

That's the 6 million dollar question.

The clear and obvious thing is a bit murky. Like, who exactly does it have to be clear and obvious to?

[Stuart]

Just now, Leonard Venkhater said:

We , on the other hand, took no pleasure in it at all?

[philipl]

2 hours ago, philipl said:

Suddenly struck me after arriving at the local World Cup village (out door boozer and big screen) after the Serbian goal was scored that I have seen bits of every game live thus far but not seen a single goal scored live yet.

I am not planning to watch all of England v Tunisia live you will be relieved to know.

 

Mexico victory was assured the moment I decided to watch the second half...

Not too surprised by the result. Recent German performances have been pedestrian.

 

 

 

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Just now, philipl said:

Mexico victory was assured the moment I decided to watch the second half...

Not too surprised by the result. Recent German performances have been pedestrian.

 

 

 

They'll be back. Just not their day today.

Edited June 17, 2018 by Tyrone Shoelaces

[Husky]

https://www.thesun.co.uk/world-cup-2018/6553522/patrice-evra-sexism-eni-aluko-itv/

??

It's almost enough to make me want to get ITV on stream, . . . .almost.

Edited June 17, 2018 by Husky

[Audax]

Mexico's run-up to the World Cup per friendlies was basically no better than Germany's. Now, I'm feeling like you can hardly get a clue from the Friendlies. I did at least, pick a draw, zero points still.

https://uk.soccerway.com/matches/2018/06/17/world/world-cup/germany/mexico/2166092/

OTOH, Spain whipped Argentina 6-1 this year. That could have been an indicator though.

 

Edited June 17, 2018 by Audax

[DE.]

According to the BBC only one team have gone on to win the tournament after losing their first game (Spain in 2010), so Germany have given themselves a mountain to climb already. The Mexicans worked hard and Germany looked clueless as to how to break them down.

[Husky]

25 minutes ago, Stuart said:

Linekar and Shearer couldn’t have been more delighted at the Germany defeat. They could barely contain their excitement. Like kids on Christmas Day!

Not quite up there with the Euro 92 final  . . but . . . .

[Husky]

Just now, DE. said:

According to the BBC only one team have gone on to win the tournament after losing their first game (Spain in 2010), so Germany have given themselves a mountain to climb already. The Mexicans worked hard and Germany looked clueless as to how to break them down.

As much as it's enjoyable to see Germany losing, they are still as likely to get to the final as ever. Apparently they lost their first game in 1982 to Algeria and went on to make the final as as I've previously mentioned, their supposedly bad team also made the final in 2002

Until they are knocked out, they can't ever be discounted, dammit! ?

[Husky]

Though they look like they are a 'Sane' short.

[Audax]

Spain's loss in 2010 was to Switzerland of all teams, I don't see the Swiss drawing or any better today..... they've got my respect. Maybe they can keep it close.  Still, Iceland and Mexico weren't predicted to do as well as they did.

Edited June 17, 2018 by Audax