And next world Cup we go back to those stupid groups of 3....
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And next world Cup we go back to those stupid groups of 3....
Yep. I nearly put about that in my last reply to you. If I’m not mistaken , 16 groups of 3 , and the TOP 2 in each group go through to the last 32 knock out! Madness.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark TKO
They started making the final group games start at the same time in the interests of fairness, and now they’ve gone back to this rubbish.
The best part of the next World Cup will be the first group games, because you cannot lose. After that , everyone will be playing safe.
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.
Well... I'm happy not to get wound up about anything regarding the game and its World Cup. I just enjoy what's in front of me. Of course... I much prefer an offensive minded game and a little bit of scoring... but hurrah for those who enjoy the dreadful 0-0 ties after extra time, when the whole thing needs to be decided by a penalty shootout. Different strokes and all that. Or a match where one team stumbles into a 1-0 lead... then spends the rest of the match having a lovefest crowding their own penalty box, it seems like.
Not having a team does that to one's perspective, I guess. My favorite has always been Brazil. One because they're from this side of the world... two because they've been a bit of an antidote to the "European football superiority" mentality that seems to pervade certain conversation... and three because I just like their style, I guess.
If Argentina wins the whole thing I'll be giddy as all hell... mainly because I'd like for Messi to go out on the very top.
Maradona like run from Messi for the assist for the 3rd goal...good stuff.
Yep what's the betting they switch back in 2030 when it fails. How exciting were some of the group finishes this time.Quote:
Originally Posted by Primo CarneraYep. I nearly put about that in my last reply to you. If I’m not mistaken , 16 groups of 3 , and the TOP 2 in each group go through to the last 32 knock out! Madness.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark TKO
They started making the final group games start at the same time in the interests of fairness, and now they’ve gone back to this rubbish.
The best part of the next World Cup will be the first group games, because you cannot lose. After that , everyone will be playing safe.
All about money. Dumb decision.
https://twitter.com/AlbicelesteTalk/...Lrjg00bLecHURQ
Messi assist for the third goal, 35 year old v 20 year old top defender (who will be transferred soon for well over 50 million quid), great stuff by Messi, the little bastard still has it, I really the argies win it on sunday.
Ahh... normality. :):cool:
So did Morocco not attack enough for you?Quote:
Originally Posted by TitoFan
Again pretty even game. France again find a way to win.
Something we can't do.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Primo CarneraSo did Morocco not attack enough for you?Quote:
Originally Posted by TitoFan
So does this get under your skin?
https://library.sportingnews.com/sty...?itok=CjEq3Rm0
"El Juego Bonito"
"Le Beau Jeu"
:cool:
Morocco were pretty good when they went on the attack, would have been great of their defender had scored that overhead kick. They had France penned in pretty good for a while there, hopefully Morocco can maintain this and come back again and hopefully the rest of the Africans start playing better too, I though Senegal were fairly good considering they were missing mane..
Mbappe was insanely fast this game, hopefully the argies can contain him otherwise France are retaining
Morocco played well, and at one point had more shots on goal than France did. A welcome respite from the previous two bore fests (especially against Spain). Glad they got this far... but gladder that it's France against Argentina and not Morocco.
It must be because Italy are not involved why he gets so upset. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by TitoFanQuote:
Originally Posted by Primo CarneraSo did Morocco not attack enough for you?Quote:
Originally Posted by TitoFan
So does this get under your skin?
Quote:
Originally Posted by TitoFan
I've always known. ;)
Which is why I had posted the above. :D
haha. i'm just catching up with this so i may as well reply all in one post.Quote:
Originally Posted by TitoFanQuote:
Originally Posted by TitoFan
I've always known. ;)
Which is why I had posted the above. :D
1. it doesn't get under my skin , it just makes me curious when people make a "stock opinion" based on the majority party line . It's a very Americanised way of viewing sport (I know you're not American btw.) where people look at Stats and believe that is everything!
"They didn't have a shot on goal , they must be boring" "they defend well - they must be boring" .
In "Soccer" , it's a bit more complex than that , and because a team don't attack irresponsibly , they are somehow defensive minded.
now last night for example , Morocco had more attempts on goal than England did against France, had more penalty box action than England did against France , and probably attacked more. Does that make them Better than England? or because England lost by 1 and Morocco lost by 2 , it makes England Better?
there is far more to it than that .
2. it doesn't have anything to do with Italy not being in the tournament, I've accepted that. It's to do with the way that people do not give out the respect that some teams deserve.
You may prefer "Offence rather than DEEEEFENCE" but it's a general rule of thumb in "Soccer" that the best teams are built from the back.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Primo Carnerahaha. i'm just catching up with this so i may as well reply all in one post.Quote:
Originally Posted by TitoFanQuote:
Originally Posted by TitoFan
I've always known. ;)
Which is why I had posted the above. :D
1. it doesn't get under my skin , it just makes me curious when people make a "stock opinion" based on the majority party line . It's a very Americanised way of viewing sport (I know you're not American btw.) where people look at Stats and believe that is everything!
"They didn't have a shot on goal , they must be boring" "they defend well - they must be boring" .
In "Soccer" , it's a bit more complex than that , and because a team don't attack irresponsibly , they are somehow defensive minded.
now last night for example , Morocco had more attempts on goal than England did against France, had more penalty box action than England did against France , and probably attacked more. Does that make them Better than England? or because England lost by 1 and Morocco lost by 2 , it makes England Better?
there is far more to it than that .
2. it doesn't have anything to do with Italy not being in the tournament, I've accepted that. It's to do with the way that people do not give out the respect that some teams deserve.
You may prefer "Offence rather than DEEEEFENCE" but it's a general rule of thumb in "Soccer" that the best teams are built from the back.
First I'll clarify a couple of things:
- I'm not making a "stock opinion" based on anything. It is a personal preference. But I'll remember to check with you first before I state what I like and don't like. :)
- I AM an American. I realize many people make that mistake. By virtue of being from this side of the world, I am technically an American. Remember... there's North America, South America, Central America, etc. Furthermore... Puerto Ricans are by law American citizens. My passport is a U.S. passport. I hope this helps.
- I gave Morocco their props for yesterday's game against France. Yet I stand my opinion that their victory against Spain was extremely boring (I realize I didn't run my opinion by you first). Granted... I think Spain contributed just as much as Morocco to the boringness of the match.
I happen to have Italian ancestry... so I love the country... and I'll root for their team against most other European opponents. At one point they had a reputation for excessive flopping, which I didn't like.
Finally... you don't have to come from a "soccer" power country in order to know the sport enough to have intelligent discussions. In addition... tastes are just that. Tastes. And they're personal in nature.
:) :cool:
First I'll clarify a couple of things:
- I'm not making a "stock opinion" based on anything. It is a personal preference. But I'll remember to check with you first before I state what I like and don't like. :)
No need to check with me mate, you like whatever you want.- I AM an American. I realize many people make that mistake. By virtue of being from this side of the world, I am technically an American. Remember... there's North America, South America, Central America, etc. Furthermore... Puerto Ricans are by law American citizens. My passport is a U.S. passport. I hope this helps.
Thanks for that , it helps a lot, I did have my suspicions.
- I gave Morocco their props for yesterday's game against France. Yet I stand my opinion that their victory against Spain was extremely boring (I realize I didn't run my opinion by you first). Granted... I think Spain contributed just as much as Morocco to the boringness of the match.
Yep, well you had no choice but to give them props, because they proved your opinion of them wrong. Now there’s a mini back track by apportioning a bit of “blame” with Spain as well for this so-called boring game.
Like I said, you can like or dislike whatever you want, but maybe it was boring because there are aspects that you don’t know what to look for and therefore don’t appreciate.
I happen to have Italian ancestry... so I love the country... and I'll root for their team against most other European opponents. At one point they had a reputation for excessive flopping, which I didn't like.
I’m not sure what “Excessive Flopping” is, but if you mean Diving, I think your South American Cousins started that off, and ironically England , who have always berated countries like Italy for diving, have joined the “flopping” party to the extent that it probably cost them some crucial decisions against France.
Basically, they all FLOP!
Finally... you don't have to come from a "soccer" power country in order to know the sport enough to have intelligent discussions. In addition... tastes are just that. Tastes. And they're personal in nature.
:) :cool:[/QUOTE]
In response to your First sentence, maybe you do in order to totally understand. And in response to you second sentence , absolutely.
(#3) In response to your First sentence, maybe you do in order to totally understand. And in response to you second sentence , absolutely.[/QUOTE]Quote:
Originally Posted by Primo Carnera
#1. With all due respect, "boring" is not an opinion that can be proved wrong. It is an OPINION. A subjective assessment based on a person's likes and dislikes. What maybe Morocco DID prove is that they needed to go out of their comfort zone if they wanted to keep up with France. Especially given the fact that France scored first and very early.
#2. And maybe it was boring because I found it boring. Your supposition that I "don't know what to look for and therefore don't appreciate" is iffy, at best. If I take the darker view, it would seem a bit patronizing... but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and presume that it wasn't meant to be patronizing.
#3. No. You don't. Because if you truly believe that you HAVE to be from a soccer global power country in order to "totally understand" enough to have intelligent discussions... then I have no choice but to totally disagree with you. Furthermore... some of these assertions you've made sound almost TIC-like in nature.
You're a veteran poster. One with strong opinions and definitely not shy in expressing them. You also don't mince words. But you tend to broad-brush a lot... and have some deep-rooted misconceptions.
Misconceptions I'm only too happy to help dispel. ;)
Wow! “TIC-like” ! That cuts to the core!! ;D;) I suppose beauty is in the eye of the beholder and we like what we like.
But some appreciate the gritty workmanlike nuances in order to make it look beautiful . And the intelligence of formations in order to nullify your opponents strengths. It’s similar to Boxing in that sense.
And my point about having experienced it from supporting a “footballing power” is that unless you’ve lived that in your soul, you will never understand the reaction from absolutely all angles.
Whether you believe or not, we are all fed a way we should believe by media and nowadays also social media. And you only truly appreciate it when you have lived that in your soul.
Arrogant? Patronising? Could well be. But that’s sometimes what needs to be done for people to understand the inner soul of the game.
just re-read the above and realised there's a bit of an over use of the word "Soul!" ;D
Shock horror etc FIFA are rethinking the format for 2026 as realised the current group format actually works !
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63998821
Nailed that one.exactly what you said.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark TKO
Did you notice they’re going to have a 32 team World club cup as well? So how do they fit that in the calendar?
Cue renewed talks about a European League.:rolleyes:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Primo Carnera
Three times, to be exact. It just means you put your soul into your response. :D
You're passionate. You come from a traditional football power... it's understandable. I have similar discussions over here when discussing the NFL.
It's all good.
Still happy it's Argentina-France in the Final, and Croatia-Morocco fighting over 3rd place. :cool:
I didn’t but just read now. Madness. Can’t see the leagues agreeing to this. Much disruption lies ahead you feel…..Quote:
Originally Posted by Primo CarneraNailed that one.exactly what you said.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark TKO
Did you notice they’re going to have a 32 team World club cup as well? So how do they fit that in the calendar?
Cue renewed talks about a European League.:rolleyes:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/fif...730101eb342cb9
"World Cup third-place play-off: ‘The worst game to play’ is a nonsense and should be scrapped"
Well... I'm gonna watch it. ;D But the article does make some good points. As a comparison, the NFL has the NFC (National Football Conference) and the AFC (American Football Conference) championship games leading up to the Super Bowl. The losers of those two games don't play each other. It's "lose and go home."
I'm gonna watch it because once the World Cup gets rolling, I try to watch every game. ;D But yeah... clubs are probably dead set against it. It's like the World Baseball Classic. Players play for their countries... but Major League Baseball teams watch nervously as their stars risk injuries that would derail their seasons.
Remember England v Italy 3rd place match in 1990. They both went for it and entertained the fans. It was a fun watch.
Yeah I remember it. Lineker and Schillaci were both vying for the golden boot. It’s a difficult game to approach, but I kinda think you would want to take the opportunity to make sure everyone in the squad has had at least part of a match.Quote:
Originally Posted by Master
A month is a long time to be standing around waiting to play when you’re at peak fitness. Nothing has come out about it yet, but I’m certain that was a massive factor in Ben White going home.
Stupid game for me. If you’re out you’re out and it just doesn’t matter. The golden boot has been won in that match and I don’t think that’s right - 98 think.
But it goes ahead so I just hope both teams go for it and entertain.
Brilliant final and glad Messi got his hands on the World Cup.
Two out of five :SQuote:
Originally Posted by palmerq
Well , although I bang on about the standard in general dropping , I have been watching finals live since 1970, and it has to be said, that is the greatest World Cup final ever! In recent times the finals have been terrible.
This one could’ve been a film script and it would be seen as far fetched.
Messi absolutely deserves to get his hands on that trophy and be put up there with the absolute greatest of all time.
Which is going to bring up the old argument again. Who is the GOAT?
I could wake up one day saying Messi, another day Maradona and another day Pele! I can’t fucking say any more.;D
Pele. He did everything first.
Though hard to compare eras.
As I said after last year euro final would have rather gone out before than lose final in a shootout. It feels so much worse.
Can't imagine how French feel after losing that one. Thought Argentina deserved it mind as France basically did nothing for 80 minutes.
Not happy he's equalled Sir Geoffs feat after two penalties and a shinned volley mind....
What, as opposed to Hurst’s one when the free kick was taken before West Germany were ready, one that didn’t cross the line, and one that should’ve been disallowed because people were on the pitch and the game should’ve been stopped?Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark TKO
;):p
I don’t know if anyone is on Instagram, but you have to start following allaster mckallaster . Alternative commentaries to famous England World Cup moments from a Scottish perspective. Funniest thing I’ve come across in ages.
Bloody ell, was hoping the argies would win, quite a stressful game to watch if you wanted someone to win :S..great fun from a neutral perspective though.. the argies had it in the bag and then bungled it, good goal by mbappe for the second though, also pretty impressive to score three penalties in the world cup final near the end of the game(and the shootout) v someone who is pretty good when facing penalties. Good to see Messi scoring in the final too, good for him, what a career he's had with Argentina, youth world cup winners, Olympics gold medal, Copa America, the intercontinental friendly trophy and now the world cup, he's on 98 goals for them too...
Scaloni has done a great job with the argies since taking over, the tactics are pretty much set up to let Messi do what he wants but he's really got the best out of maybe not the best squad in the tournament. Since the last Copa America, he's beaten Brazil in the final, the European champions(and winners of their nations league group) convincingly too and on the way to winning this cup they beat two of the other European nations league finalists (Croatia and the dutch) and the defending world champs and a strong french team. They've beaten the form European teams. Very well deserved win and they looked impressive doing it, barring the late game blunders and losing leads..
Apparently scaloni dropped Aguero in his early days to force Messi to talk more to the other players, that plan also worked out pretty good l, Messi has certainly become far more of a captain then any time before in his career.
Germans were ready. It was well over. They weren't interfering with play.Quote:
Originally Posted by Primo CarneraWhat, as opposed to Hurst’s one when the free kick was taken before West Germany were ready, one that didn’t cross the line, and one that should’ve been disallowed because people were on the pitch and the game should’ve been stopped?Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark TKO
;):p
Feel free to come back and spout more bollocks
;D;D;D Now now, I was only having a bit of fun, hence the wink and the tonguey one. Oh , and no way was it all over the line, curvature and all! ;DQuote:
Originally Posted by Mark TKOGermans were ready. It was well over. They weren't interfering with play.Quote:
Originally Posted by Primo CarneraWhat, as opposed to Hurst’s one when the free kick was taken before West Germany were ready, one that didn’t cross the line, and one that should’ve been disallowed because people were on the pitch and the game should’ve been stopped?Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark TKO
;):p
Feel free to come back and spout more bollocks
Quote:
Originally Posted by Primo Carnera
Finally! Some common ground. ;D Couldn't agree more.
The drama of the match was almost UNBEARABLE. Thought Argentina was going to cough it up there for awhile... but they kept fighting back. Lots of incredible plays. Normally I clean up my DVR, erasing programming I no longer need.
I'm keeping this one, though. It's worth watching again.
Soooo happy for Messi. Mbappe will have plenty more chances... this was Messi's last hurrah. Somewhere Ronaldo must be green with envy, as this was his last World Cup also.
The announcers on Fox were going bonkers... one even calling it the greatest sporting event ever. ;D
I don't know that I'd go THAT far... but it certainly had everything we hoped for and more.
Hadn't remembered that both countries were in a 2-2 tie for career World Cup titles. Now Argentina sits alone behing Brazil (5), Germany (4), and Italy (4).