agree lautaro was acting whacked
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agree lautaro was acting whacked
That was great. A couple mistakes early on but very organised again, clever defending and we have bags of goals in us when it gels.
Have to frickin work on Saturday but will try and sneak a peak when I can. Rather meet France then than in the final tbh.
The FA need to give Southgate a new contract.
England have been impressive this tournament better than I have ever seen them.
France on Saturday is the big test.
Southgate is getting it right. These boys play for him.
We have a great side and Bellingham is that midfield engine that makes things happen. Something that's been missing for a while.
Have to be honest I don't think we'll get through against France but we are capable of beating them for sure. Kyle walker needs to have the game of his life to keep Mbappe quiet. It's going to come down to fine margins and a mistake or stroke of genius here or there. After years of disappointment I just expect it not to be in our favour.
But I am open to being wrong!
Looking forward to it and not looking forward to it in equal measure.
Now your outlook is absolutely perfect. so much better than usual "it's coming home, nobody else is any good" mantra that we usually hear.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark TKO
and before Beanz starts calling me a racist and an England Hater, I'll map out how I feel about it.
Like you , I don't think England will beat France , and if they do, I don't think they can beat France, then Spain, Then Brazil or Argentina in the final.
BUT........
They've given themselves the chance to be in the shake up and are DEFINITELY in with a chance. If they prove me wrong, I'll front up and give them their dues.
They haven't put a foot wrong all tournament and players that I can't stand like Maguire and Pickford have been superb! I can't believe I'm saying this , but Pickford has been an absolute rock for England and has never let them down. (geez that was tough to write! ;D)
nobody has let them down and I have to save my last bit of Praise for Bellingham. Believe it or not , I have been singing his praises for at least 2 years now .
This guy is going to be a way better player than Gerrard, Lampard and Beckham put together! It's really hard to believe that he is only 19, because he is World class now! He is so elegant on the ball , has great vision , glides across the ground , but also has an engine and can win a tackle. Enjoy this guy, because I haven't quite seen anything like him in England.
All I can think is that he is Probably how old timers believed that Duncan Edwards would be before his tragic end.
word of warning though , France , with Tchouanemi and Spain with Pedri & Gavi have players that can probably match him .
so good luck, and enjoy the ride!!!
U.S. gave it their all against Netherlands... but they've always been a tough nut to crack. The U.S. is a young team. I'd watch out for them in 2026.
That being said... WHAT A DREAM OF A SEMIFINAL IS SHAPING UP. If Brazil and Argentina take care of business as they're expected, that semifinal will be one for the ages. I'd love for Messi to take home the Cup... but alas... still rooting for Brazil.
On the other side, there's an Iberian showdown shaping up. Spain needs to get by Morocco... and Portugal needs to beat Switzerland. Spain vs Portugal would be quite the treat.
And of course England vs France. A battle of giants.
Loving this Cup! ;D ;D
Argentina will not make it to the finals.
Brazil were awesome and look like champions.
I'll think you'll find that this quote was never anything more than tongue in cheek - for English that understand football anyway.Quote:
Originally Posted by Primo Carnera
Like the Fine Young Cannibals and Johnny I always hoped for it coming home rather than expected it to......
***SPOILER ALERT***
Pretty sure by now anyone following the Cup saw today's games, but just in case. :cool:
Anyway... Spain played like SHIT today, and deserved to lose. Besides... watching Spain play is like watching paint dry. Every World Cup there seems to be a "designated Cinderella team"... and I guess this time it's Morocco's turn.
However... after the destruction Portugal put on Switzerland in the later game... I wouldn't getting my hopes up if I was a Moroccan fan. And this was WITHOUT Cristiano Ronaldo for most of the game. :o
Good for Ramos scoring that hat trick while playing in Ronaldo's spot. The kid is 21... which bodes well (along with the rest of the young talent in Portugal) for their national team moving forward.
So all the quarterfinals are set. ;D
Still hoping for an Argentina-Brazil semifinal. That will ensure a South American representative in the final match. Argentina has their work cut out for them, though.
Ronaldo finished at club and country level - he's damaging his legacy by not accepting it and being a baby.
He won't get back in to the starting line up now.
I'll start getting nervous re French match from early Friday morning..........
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark TKO
He went off on his own in the pitch after the victory... and also gave Ramos a half-hearted greeting at mid-pitch after the match.
He's being incredibly petty... and I'm glad it appears the Portugal coach has the balls to stand up to his petulant star.
If Ronaldo was totally onboard and a total team player... Portugal would probably be a shoo-in for the Final. As it stands, they might get there anyway.
didn't see that. I did wonder if the cameras were on him when the goals were going in and if what his expressions showed.Quote:
Originally Posted by TitoFanQuote:
Originally Posted by Mark TKO
He went off on his own in the pitch after the victory... and also gave Ramos a half-hearted greeting at mid-pitch after the match.
He's being incredibly petty... and I'm glad it appears the Portugal coach has the balls to stand up to his petulant star.
If Ronaldo was totally onboard and a total team player... Portugal would probably be a shoo-in for the Final. As it stands, they might get there anyway.
If there's one team I don't want to win it's Portugal. Our bogey side.
Still bitter about Sol Campbell's perfectly legitimate 90th minute 'winner' against them in 2004 - var would have given it - and the Rooney sending off wink two years later.
Then when they won the tournament in 2016 despite only winning one game in normal time the whole tournament. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Going to say it even if it upsets people Brazil were robbed. They were the only team trying to win and Neymar goal deserved to be the winner. Croatia play for penalties and are lucky to get this far. No way a team like them deserve to win the tournament.
Nobody was robbed. Show me one decision that went against them? I wanted Brazil to go through just because I wanted a Brazil/Argentina semi final, because that’s a “Proper” World Cup Semi final.Quote:
Originally Posted by Master
But you don’t get given fuck all at this stage. I’ve seen it too many times in the past where teams have looked a million dollars…………..and then they get knocked out.
Holland ‘74
Brazil in ‘82
Laudrup’s Denmark
Ronaldo’s Brazil in ‘98
Italy in ‘90.
In the first half Croatia were more than a match for Brazil, Second half Brazil were slightly better but not clinical enough.
Extra time it looked like Neymar had saved them, but you have to close the show. The Croatia left wing had an acre to run into.
But you must give Croatia credit for their mental strength. When it went to penalties, there was only one winner.
If that was the case Holland would have beaten Argentina on penalties.
? What are you talking about?Quote:
Originally Posted by Master
Well apart from France my other predictions have crashed a bit, Brazil out, amazing that they threw that away Croatia are impressively determined and are masters of shoot outs now... Kane has scored once.... Neymar was injured and is out now, great goal today v Croatia at least.. argy Martinez has been sosgyall tournament in goals until the shootout where he did what he does... But he's not going to be the best goalie of the tournament:S...Quote:
Originally Posted by palmerq
Great assist by Messi today, the argies really seem to have developed some bad habits with their complacency in games, threw away the lead v Saudis, went 2 up v Aussies and the Aussies nearly got it back to 2-2 at the end... And the same with the dutch today, they get too relaxed and donkey weghorst scores then they give away a really stupid free kick right at the end and the dutch fool them with the pass and a game they should have easily won is off to extra time.... Lucky for them Martinez was on good penalyform(again) and the other Martinez putnhis bad form behind him and taunts from the dutch players to finish the shootout..
Also today is a good example or argument of why you should have your best guy gonup First in the shoot out, neymar was waiting for the fifth penalty for Brazil but Brazil missed their first and Neymar never got to take one... Messi steps up first for the argies and puts it away and sets them on course.... Messi doesn't get the glory of scoring the winning penalty but he sets the team up for the rest of the shoot out.... Of course you could always argue you want the best guy taking the later penalties to win it or stay alive...but I'm voting send the best guy in first.
Momentum and mental strength . Holland had come back from 2 goals down and should have won the penalties.Quote:
Originally Posted by Primo Carnera? What are you talking about?Quote:
Originally Posted by Master
Momentum yes, mental strength absolutely not. 2 things in the Dutch DNA .Quote:
Originally Posted by MasterMomentum and mental strength . Holland had come back from 2 goals down and should have won the penalties.Quote:
Originally Posted by Primo Carnera? What are you talking about?Quote:
Originally Posted by Master
1. In house bitching and fighting.
2. to repeatedly bottle it and experts on how to lose tournaments.
And that showed again in the penalties.
Whereas Argentinians , although volatile, by and large are winners and mentally teak tough. That’s what makes them a World Cup big hitter historically.
Btw, it’s also why over the years it’s taken the Argentine fans a bit of time to love Messi as much as they should. Because apart from the fact that he left his native country very early and was seen as more Spanish, he wasn’t your normal take tough volatile character that they so identify with as one of their own.
Either You are clutching at straws with selecao tinted glasses on , or you know nothing about World Cup football. Absolutely no robbery.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Primo CarneraNobody was robbed. Show me one decision that went against them? I wanted Brazil to go through just because I wanted a Brazil/Argentina semi final, because that’s a “Proper” World Cup Semi final.Quote:
Originally Posted by Master
But you don’t get given fuck all at this stage. I’ve seen it too many times in the past where teams have looked a million dollars…………..and then they get knocked out.
Holland ‘74
Brazil in ‘82
Laudrup’s Denmark
Ronaldo’s Brazil in ‘98
Italy in ‘90.
In the first half Croatia were more than a match for Brazil, Second half Brazil were slightly better but not clinical enough.
Extra time it looked like Neymar had saved them, but you have to close the show. The Croatia left wing had an acre to run into.
But you must give Croatia credit for their mental strength. When it went to penalties, there was only one winner.
My opinion:
I'm floored Brazil didn't make it, as I also wanted a Brazil-Argentina semifinal.
But....
I was so frustrated with Neymar for most of the match. Other than his one goal, which was admittedly SPECTACULAR... many times he tried to force his way through defenders only to get the ball taken away from him. At least that's what I saw. I hope Argentina takes care of business against Croatia, because I'd rather have them in the final.
Interesting, potential World Cup final matchups:
- England vs Argentina: rematch of the Falkland Islands
- Portugal vs Argentina: CR7 vs Messi
- France vs Croatia: rematch of the last WC final
Portugal out and so is Ronaldo.
Kane's penalty out of the park and England too....
Offt bad luck England fans, England are getting pretty good though, I thought they were better than France in the second half, two definite penalties too..
Amazing work by Morocco surely they can't defend all the way to the final though.. Morocco and Croatia are the only two undefeated teams left, who would have thought!
Hard to take that one.
Never a better opportunity for us. France were nothing special and from 1 all I honestly thought there was only going to be one winner.
Feel for a Harry. That kick will live with him a long long time.
These games never seem to go our way do they. They just don't
England frankly outplayed France for most of the game. A lot of fouls were not called... although to be fair there were questionable calls on both sides. Yeah... Kane must be downright gutted right now.
So Morocco moves on... :-\
I don't really want to see them in the final. They play a boring style of game. Collapse into a defensive block... and cross your fingers you might get some fast breaks enough to make the difference. Morocco-Portugal was not to be confused with England-France.
(Only my 3rd interesting scenario is alive... rematch of the last WC... although I really really really want Argentina over Croatia).
This morning I feel worse. Rather we'd been outplayed and lost 3 0. Easier to accept.
Had we won I think I honestly would have believed it was coming home truthfully for first time.
Big missed opportunity. Will we get another like that in my lifetime.....
I wouldn’t say “England outplayed France for most of the game.” It was pretty much 50-50 and whoever got knocked out were gonna feel hard done by.Quote:
Originally Posted by TitoFan
England played really well but it was always gonna be a big ask.
Gary Neville got it right when he said this team gave it a much better go than the teams he played in that got to quarter finals.
Gonna be interesting to see if Southgate continues and where Bellingham decides to move to.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Primo CarneraI wouldn’t say “England outplayed France for most of the game.” It was pretty much 50-50 and whoever got knocked out were gonna feel hard done by.Quote:
Originally Posted by TitoFan
England played really well but it was always gonna be a big ask.
Gary Neville got it right when he said this team gave it a much better go than the teams he played in that got to quarter finals.
Gonna be interesting to see if Southgate continues and where Bellingham decides to move to.
It's too bad these two teams couldn't meet in a semifinal, the way the bracket ended up. Especially now that Morocco is a semifinalist.
I would've loved a Brazil-Argentina semi on one side... and an England-France semi on the other. Would've been classic.
We would all have loved different teams in, fuck I would’ve loved Italy v Spain , France or Germany and Brazil/Argentina in the other Semi.Quote:
Originally Posted by TitoFanQuote:
Originally Posted by Primo CarneraI wouldn’t say “England outplayed France for most of the game.” It was pretty much 50-50 and whoever got knocked out were gonna feel hard done by.Quote:
Originally Posted by TitoFan
England played really well but it was always gonna be a big ask.
Gary Neville got it right when he said this team gave it a much better go than the teams he played in that got to quarter finals.
Gonna be interesting to see if Southgate continues and where Bellingham decides to move to.
It's too bad these two teams couldn't meet in a semifinal, the way the bracket ended up. Especially now that Morocco is a semifinalist.
I would've loved a Brazil-Argentina semi on one side... and an England-France semi on the other. Would've been classic.
But we don’t always get what we want. You have to show some respect for Morocco , they knocked out Belgium , Spain , Portugal and won their group finishing above Croatia , who also got to the semi final.
In all Fairness, England have never beaten that many top tier sides in one tournament, especially outside their own country.
So I think it’s unfair to dismiss Morocco.
We would've beaten Morocco easily.
Sadly that now will never be anything more than a prediction.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Primo CarneraWe would all have loved different teams in, fuck I would’ve loved Italy v Spain , France or Germany and Brazil/Argentina in the other Semi.Quote:
Originally Posted by TitoFanQuote:
Originally Posted by Primo CarneraI wouldn’t say “England outplayed France for most of the game.” It was pretty much 50-50 and whoever got knocked out were gonna feel hard done by.Quote:
Originally Posted by TitoFan
England played really well but it was always gonna be a big ask.
Gary Neville got it right when he said this team gave it a much better go than the teams he played in that got to quarter finals.
Gonna be interesting to see if Southgate continues and where Bellingham decides to move to.
It's too bad these two teams couldn't meet in a semifinal, the way the bracket ended up. Especially now that Morocco is a semifinalist.
I would've loved a Brazil-Argentina semi on one side... and an England-France semi on the other. Would've been classic.
But we don’t always get what we want. You have to show some respect for Morocco , they knocked out Belgium , Spain , Portugal and won their group finishing above Croatia , who also got to the semi final.
In all Fairness, England have never beaten that many top tier sides in one tournament, especially outside their own country.
So I think it’s unfair to dismiss Morocco.
Not dismissing Morocco and I've given them plenty of credit. But I don't like their style of play. Their victory over Spain was boring as hell, and the one over Portugal was only slightly less so. Aesthetics. It's a necessary evil.
Everyone obviously had their preferences, did they not?
Hell... I'd love for Puerto Rico to be in there... but there's less than a snowball's chance in hell on that. ;)
Seems like all World Cups have their Cinderella. Last time out it was Croatia, and now they're "grizzled veterans." This time around it's Morocco. C'est la vie.
Imagine if Croatia won the semi and the final on penalties.
Could happen
Absolutely it could . And if it did , they would be the rightful and worthy champions. Infact , I would go one further. Imagine if Morocco won the semi and the final on penalties.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark TKO
and the reply would be exactly the same !
What I'm saying is that if Croatia did that they'd win the world cup by only winning one game (Canada). Two draws and two penalty shootouts so far.
Morocco have won three games so far in 90 minutes I believe.
Rightful and worthy champions, maybe. But horrible television.
I'm hoping France-Argentina and maybe a 3-2 result. :cool:
Unfortunately that’s the way it is nowadays as teams becoming more structured. Until they find another way to finish a game , it’s not gonna change.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark TKO
They’ve tried Golden goals , silver goals but whatever they do , teams tend to “find a way around it!”
Trust me, if it’s your team, you don’t give a flying fuck about what people think. You end up with the “nobody likes us , we don’t care” mantra.Quote:
Originally Posted by TitoFan
Seriously, nothing winds me up more than the media getting all precious about “the beautiful game.” They don’t fucking care, they’re more than happy to surround Cristiano Ronaldo getting to his seat on the subs bench to get the money shot! Leeches.
I’m on one now , so I’ll tell you which article disgusted me the most. On the BBC Website, there’s an article headlined “The day football died!” It’s about the 1982 World Cup when Italy dared to knock Brazil out.
Most purists were making this Brazil team to be the best of all time, Zico, Socrates, Falcao, blah blah blah. They make it out to be some sort of Robbery.
What they don’t tell you is that in that Game , Italy went 1-0 up, 2-1 up and 3-2 up. It was no fluke.
They beat Zico’s Brazil, Maradona’s (in his fucking prime) Argentina and Rumenigge’s Germany. They also beat a Poland team that reached 2 semis in 3 tournaments and got Alf Ramsay the sack a few years prior.
Yet they were seen as pariahs. Disgraceful Journalism.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Primo CarneraTrust me, if it’s your team, you don’t give a flying fuck about what people think. You end up with the “nobody likes us , we don’t care” mantra.Quote:
Originally Posted by TitoFan
Seriously, nothing winds me up more than the media getting all precious about “the beautiful game.” They don’t fucking care, they’re more than happy to surround Cristiano Ronaldo getting to his seat on the subs bench to get the money shot! Leeches.
I’m on one now , so I’ll tell you which article disgusted me the most. On the BBC Website, there’s an article headlined “The day football died!” It’s about the 1982 World Cup when Italy dared to knock Brazil out.
Most purists were making this Brazil team to be the best of all time, Zico, Socrates, Falcao, blah blah blah. They make it out to be some sort of Robbery.
What they don’t tell you is that in that Game , Italy went 1-0 up, 2-1 up and 3-2 up. It was no fluke.
They beat Zico’s Brazil, Maradona’s (in his fucking prime) Argentina and Rumenigge’s Germany. They also beat a Poland team that reached 2 semis in 3 tournaments and got Alf Ramsay the sack a few years prior.
Yet they were seen as pariahs. Disgraceful Journalism.
Ha! it's like anything in life mate. You get good journalists who will sometimes write a load of baloney and medicore journalists who will sometimes hit the nail on the head. You write for an audience and that will shape your piece. There is no such thing as unbiased as much as we would love to think so. I get you point because in this case it is a distortion and to be honest the Brazil thing is a bit daft at times. Like you say people forget how good Hungary and Poland and teams long forgotten were, but apparently Brazil have never fielded anything less than 11 footballing Gods.
I read that and that it was one sided. Tried to search for match stats but couldn't find them.
That Brazil team was awesome and you didn't fold against them.
You started off very negative I remember with 3 draws in the group then burst into life.