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The Dutch saw off the USA without too much trouble in the end. I thought the USA were waaay to slow in getting the ball into the box.
In the later game it was all over until that deflection, then it came alive, and Australia could have snatched an equaliser (granted, Argentina could have had a couple on the counter).
Aaron Mooy is just woeful in every way.
Neither Argentina or the Netherlands have been that impressive,Brazil must be fancied to get to the final on that side of the draw….
If it's Argentina v Brazil, you'd imagine the form book goes out the window
Brazil down a few players through injury now.
I think it’s fine margins still. Argentina actually played threatening football well into the dying minutes too. If you don’t take your chances you’re always vulnerable. We’ve seen it so often before. Martinez is a top keeper. He’s been the difference in making Argentina Copa winners after the near misses.
France not looking like they're close to top gear, but 3-0 up against Poland now in injury time.
Next March is going to be tough...
Poland missed a guilt edged chance at 0-0 and you knew France were going to score eventually then and win,Matty Cash actually did ok on Mbappe and he’s still got 2 goals ,best player in the world for me at this time….
March is looking scary tbh,couldn’t look forward to it….
England strolling into the last eight. Mbappe will fancy this defence though
Pedestrian for 40 minutes and Senegal a bit too open then for the two goals. The second in particular three of them got drawn into Bellingham to leave a 2v1 behind them.
Not sure France will do that. I suspect Southgate's record of never beating anyone of note might continue
Edit - actually, I'll allow the win over Germany in the last Euros, though Germany have been in dire form the last few years at finals
Mendy has had a brutal World Cup.
I think England will struggle against a team able to control a game. But they do definitely have a goal threat in all situations.
That certainly struggled against the US. But I have to admire then all the same. There's quality in every part of the field and there seems to be high morale. It seems like half the country hates Southgate but when Ronnie Whelan suggested there would be discord in the camp at the dropping of Rashford it just seemed laughable.
So the last 16 gave us 8 big sides against 8 smaller sides - and so far, it's 5 from 5 for the bigger sides. Japan unlucky just now after an energetic performance against Croatia followed by them bottling the penalties and seeing three (fairly weak efforts) saved.
The law of averages says we're surely due an upset somewhere in this round? It seems unlikely South Korea will manage it against Brazil tonight. Morocco v Spain or Portugal v Switzerland?
Could still be eight big teams in the quarters - which is unusual of itself, but it could then see teams nullyfing each other out into cagey ties, as happened in 2014.
Morocco for me, if you're expecting a shock, think they'll frustrate Spain a lot. Then again if Ronnie plays like he did against South Korea then Portugal will be in real trouble (and would deserve it too: the manner in which he is being facilitated at every turn is embarrassing for them without the performances on the pitch).
We're also one Spanish win away from it being the UEFA/CONMEBOL show again.
Edit: The Brazil/Korea game is the last one in "Stadium 974", the one made with shipping containers, which will then be dismantled and potentially rebuilt somewhere else. If that works out it'll be about the only part of Qatar's hosting I'll be willing to admit admiration for.
Goal of the WC so far from Richarlison.
Jogo bonito for a few wonderful moments. South Korea aren't up for this.
I love that Tite seemed to insist Richarlison come over and let him and the subs do the dance too.
This feels like Germany v Brazil levels of hammering
Great to watch though
Where's Stutts? :DQuote:
Originally Posted by osarusan
They have a new dance for every goal.
:) :)Quote:
Originally Posted by SkStu
I used to be sceptical of claims that Alisson was the best keeper in the world a few years ago but I’m pretty convinced now. He makes saves that I think are lucky, ball hitting his foot or shoulder or something, but he makes them so frequently it’s obviously just a brilliant ability to put himself in the way of the ball. His 1-on-1 record is amazing.
Brazil had real quality at both ends of the pitch.
Looks like Spain have used up their quota of goals in week 1 (82 mins of Morocco game gone as I write). They have barely looked like threatening. Morata had the ball in a dangerous position wide of the goal just there and no teammate even got into the box for him to pull it back to.
Edit:
Full time: 81% possession but nothing substantial with it.
Great save by Moroocco keeper deep in injury time. I hate seeing a keeper deceived by an inswinger.
Morocco start the second half of extra time with a shot straight from tip.
I don't think I've ever seen that live before.
Needless to say, it was a complete waste