World Cup 2018

[Audax]

Mexico played the game of their life vs. Germany imo.

Sweden played one of their best ever as well......today versus Mexico.

Serbia today? I give them a chance.

Edited June 27, 2018 by Audax

[Ewood Ace]

For me this World Cup already ranks alongside 1970 as the best World Cup I have seen. And I think it is going to get even better when the knock out stages commence.

[SIMON GARNERS 194]

My God...I'm starting to think England have every chance of winning this world Cup.

 

[jim mk2]

Just now, SIMON GARNERS 194 said:

My God...I'm starting to think England have every chance of winning this world Cup.

 

Steady on. 

[SIMON GARNERS 194]

Seen nothing for the three Lions to fear Jimbo but point taken..this is England.

[Audax]

There's a lot of parity, read equality in these teams, that's why Iceland did well at the Euro, that's why Sweden came back despite the heartbreaking loss to Germany. That's why South Korea played so well versus Germany.

If England play Japan, I think there's a good chance of that, assume nothing,

And that's who I assume will be England's opponent, Japan. very methodical.

 

[Giant]

3 hours ago, AllRoverAsia said:

It started way before Maradona had arrived on any scene.

In 1966 Argentina, by then an established retirement home for runaway Nazis, arrived for the WC in England and proceeded to give a shameful and brutal display of thuggery against their hosts moving Sir Alf to call them animals setting off a political crisis and fanning Argie anger. Not the main reason for Thatcher's later triumph but a part of it.

Still having said that they had great teams when winning their World Cups and in Messi have the best current player in the world.

Maradona, great player that he was, becomes more and more a figure of ridicule which is sad. Suffice to say his offer to give a team talk was not taken up.

Brilliantly summed up. 

[perthblue02]

Well after those two games hoping for  Switzerland and Serbia wins later and Brazil to go out

[Husky]

37 minutes ago, Tom said:

Germany gone 

And people doubted VAR

It would have been interesting what they would have given if the German player hadn't kicked it. As the scorer looked as onside as Harry Kane for his hat-trick goal the other day.

[Husky]

33 minutes ago, Ewood Ace said:

The South Korea goalkeeper was excellent and not for the first time in the tournament. A good shot stopper and commanding on crosses. Mowbray sign him up.

I think Liverpool might just get in there first.

[Baz]

Haven't seen the first Korean goal, but on radio they said without VAR wouldn't be given?

 

And then we all know the Germans would have nicked one.

So maybe it's actually going to work?

[Tom]

Just now, Baz said:

Haven't seen the first Korean goal, but on radio they said without VAR wouldn't be given?

 

And then we all know the Germans would have nicked one.

So maybe it's actually going to work?

Flag went up for offside then VAR showed the ball came off a defender so no it wouldn’t have been given otherwise.

In fairness Germany never looked like scoring 

[Husky]

It's nice to see Germany out. However they are probably the most liked out of all the dislikeable teams. To their credit they do far less moaning and diving than the dirty lot like Brazil, Argentina, Portugal etc.

Ironically Germany played better than all the dislikelables that have luckily all gone through (so far).

[Tom]

We’re among the favourites to win it now, one of our strengths was coming into it with no real expectations so let’s hope we stay grounded. 

[roversfan99]

Didnt fancy Germany as much as usual but amazed that they didnt grind out a win today, Sweden really are poor so equally surprised by that result.

Did think that they were relying too much on experience, Loew didnt seem to know his best team, and obviously Sane's well publicised exclusion plus Brandt being underused was puzzling in that they were crying out for pace, width and energy.

Not sure Werner is a top striker either.

[Baz]

Also assuming Brazil top their group, we have to lose to Belgium, it's a much easier route to the semi-finals.

[Husky]

Just now, Tom said:

 

In fairness Germany never looked like scoring 

They did miss at least a couple of sitters in the air. The one that hit Hummel's shoulder was particularly bad.

Also the South Korean keeper was most people's man of the match. So although Germany weren't very sparky, they did have some chances and could easily have ragged it.

[Tom]

You always go out to win but it does look like the runners up in our group will get the rub, the right hand side of this looks a much easier path than the left 

Potentially the next 2 rounds could be Japan and then the winner of Sweden v Switzerland, you couldn’t ask for a kinder path to the semi final 

Edited June 27, 2018 by Tom

[matt83]

Last time the Germans were eliminated in the first round was 1938 and they didn’t take that well. Whatever you do, don't mention ze VAR

[Baz]

Just now, Tom said:

You always go out to win but it does look like the runners up in our group will get the rub, the right hand side of this looks a much easier path than the left 

Potentially the next 2 rounds could be Japan and then the winner of Sweden v Switzerland, you couldn’t ask for a kinder path to the semi final 

Belgians looking at resting Lukaku and Hazard. 

[jim mk2]

Don't mention the var if you have any German friends. I might try it once to see if I get away with it. 

 

[philipl]

I would put the chances of Switzerland topping Group E at least at 50%.

At lease we will know which Lingard to play tomorrow before kick-off...

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

59 minutes ago, Ewood Ace said:

For me this World Cup already ranks alongside 1970 as the best World Cup I have seen. And I think it is going to get even better when the knock out stages commence.

Argentina 78 was pretty good, unless you come from Jockland.

[Audax]

I definitely would not say '78 and there's lots suggesting that World Cup was pretty corrupt.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2098970/Argentina-cheated-World-Cup-1978-says-Peru-senator.html

Just now, Tyrone Shoelaces said:

Argentina 78 was pretty good, unless you come from Jockland.

I really enjoyed '90 despite a lot of draws, '86 too, '94 is said to be a very good one with a lacklustre final.

Edited June 27, 2018 by Audax

[AllRoverAsia]

I definately would say '78 was a great WC. Corruption? It's FIFA run ffs.