World Cup Russia 2018

[Klunk1234]

After 4 years, the day finally arrived. Who do you think will win the tournament? My favorites are Argentina, Brazil, Germany, France, the defending champions Germany,my country's team, of course, etc. Germany will fight to defend its title. My country is back after years of not participating. I'm so happy!:D Enjoy, like billions of people around the world.

[Vicky82]

I know one country that won't be winning it.

England :D

I think we will get further than the last world cup but will get knocked out in the quarter finals probably losing to Brazil or Germany again.

I think the winner is going to be Brazil or Germany. I did pick Spain but then there manager got sacked yesterday, so I can't see them winning now.

[newfan]

LOL agreed Vicky, England were awful last time ...and I think the time before that...
I notice the US isn't in it this time, shame, I usually route for you guys also.

I'm just not a sports person outside of the WC, even with this it was more that everyone really got into it and made plans for the games etc... I haven't been as into it the last 2 times either.

[Sumac]

First match will be between Russia (the worst team on the cup) and Saudi Arabia!
Much excitement! So wow!

[newfan]

First match will be between Russia (the worst team on the cup) and Saudi Arabia!
Much excitement! So wow!

Off to a good start! .....though I should save it until the end of the game

EDIT: Okay now it's the end - 5-0! Sumac, I will not be seeing the same with my team on Monday :lol:

[Sumac]

Off to a good start! .....though I should save it until the end of the game
So far it is 2-0.
Russia leads, so apparently they are not the WORST team on the cup anymore. :roll:

[Vicky82]

Finished 5-0 to Russia, didn't expect that, I predicted 2-1.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

I'm getting sick and tired of all moviestars who just throw themselves and dive towards the ground when losing the ball.

[Sumac]

I'm getting sick and tired of all moviestars who just throw themselves and dive towards the ground when losing the ball.
Not in this game.
The are barely any known players in both teams.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Not in this game.
The are barely any known players in both teams.

No, but soccer in general has too many of them.

[Prowler]

I wonder who the Italians, the Dutch and the Americans will pull for this WC.

...Ok that was mean. :lol:

Portugal as the European champions have the responsibility and duty of at least trying. Not asking them to win the whole thing, but first of all, let's pass the group stage, shall we? Even if Morocco and Iran might have better teams than we know, I'm sure Portugal on a good day can beat them.

If we qualify to the next round, we'll get either Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt or Uruguay. I dunno how these teams are doing these days, but Uruguay is prolly complicated since it's a South American team. That being said, Russia just thrashed Saudi Arabia.

If we make it to the QFs it's likely we'll get France or Germany... that or upsets happen and we face a team like Mexico, Peru or South Korea.

If Portugal doesn't win this thing, then I'd be fine with it going to a nation that has never won it before, or maybe a nation that hasn't won it in years like Argentina. Brazil, Germany, France, Spain and England? **** no. Ideally, if Portugal doesn't win it, I'd want maybe Japan to win it... but unless their Captain Tsubasa shirts materialise then nah, it won't happen.

Spain changed their coach a couple of days ago, so let's see how they'll fare against us tomorrow.

It's odd to see a football thread in the Drome btw.

[newfan]

It's odd to see a football thread in the Drome btw.

It is ..but an exception can be made for the world cup.. :P

[Prowler]

I know one country that won't be winning it.

England :D

I think we will get further than the last world cup but will get knocked out in the quarter finals probably losing to Brazil or Germany again.

I think the winner is going to be Brazil or Germany. I did pick Spain but then there manager got sacked yesterday, so I can't see them winning now.

Lopetegui is a bad manager, so I don't think they lost anything worthwhile. But ofc changing coach 2 days before the tournament to a guy who has no experience(I think?) is a very risky move.

As for tomorrow, I never know what to expect of Portugal. We either do great tournaments or lousy ones. We always perform well at the Euros, Wolrd Cups not so much. The only 2 World Cups we had good runs in were England 66 and Germany 2006, both in Europe. World Cups outside of Europe are always disastrous for us due to poor preparations. Good thing This WC is being held in the European part of Russia, so let's see.

[Mayhem]

I think we will get further than the last world cup but will get knocked out in the quarter finals probably losing to Brazil or Germany again.
Actually, if we do make the quarters, it will almost certainly be one of those two, given how the draw pans out... we're in group G, and play someone from H in the first knock out round. Both winners of those matches then play someone from groups E or F. Which have Germany and Brazil in them.

[Vicky82]

Actually, if we do make the quarters, it will almost certainly be one of those two, given how the draw pans out... we're in group G, and play someone from H in the first knock out round. Both winners of those matches then play someone from groups E or F. Which have Germany and Brazil in them.

Yeah I did the working out using this.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44455057

If they finish 1st in our group, they would face Brazil in the Quarter Finals, If England finish 2nd then they face Germany in the Quarter Finals. So it would be better for England to finish 2nd in our group because they got more of a chance of beating Germany than Brazil.

Then if they do get to the semi finals (by beating Germany) then they could end up facing Argentina or Portugal/Spain and I rather it be Argentina, again England are got more of a chance of beating Argentina than Portugal/Spain.

So if England make it to the final then they could end up facing Brazil or Spain (that's if Spain finish 2nd in there group), but obviously we will lose that, can't see us beating them.

Edit

Egypt vs Uruguay is starting, I think that Uruguay will win this one. But I wonder how long it will take Suarez to do something controversial, lol.

[Klunk1234]

It is ..but an exception can be made for the world cup.. :P

Thank you so much! :D I love the World Cup. I watch football (not "soccer". I prefer to use the sport's official name) ,during major international events like this.

[Klunk1234]

Yeah I did the working out using this.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44455057

If they finish 1st in our group, they would face Brazil in the Quarter Finals, If England finish 2nd then they face Germany in the Quarter Finals. So it would be better for England to finish 2nd in our group because they got more of a chance of beating Germany than Brazil.

Then if they do get to the semi finals (by beating Germany) then they could end up facing Argentina or Portugal/Spain and I rather it be Argentina, again England are got more of a chance of beating Argentina than Portugal/Spain.

So if England make it to the final then they could end up facing Brazil or Spain (that's if Spain finish 2nd in there group), but obviously we will lose that, can't see us beating them.

Edit

Egypt vs Uruguay is starting, I think that Uruguay will win this one. But I wonder how long it will take Suarez to do something controversial, lol.

Well, Luisito (Luis Suárez's nickname) won't do it again;he knows the consequences, but if he do it again, this time he will be toothless.

Uruguay is having a difficult time in its match against Egypt.

[Vicky82]

What a boring match that was, Uruguay didn't deserve to win it, Suarez was terrible. Egypt goal keeper did really well, it's a shame Mo Salah didn't play.

Elneny played really well too. Was hoping to see more of Lucas Torreira (hopefully he's going to sign for Arsenal) but he only played for like 5 minutes.

Edit

Iran vs Morocco was so boring, it was like watching paint dry. Just hope Spain vs Portugal is a lot better.

[Autbot_Benz]

https://s.faketrumptweet.com/jig95f9o_ijzkm4_sw2rd8.png

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

I'm sick and tired of the witch hunt for Russian sportspeople. Russians are punished very strict for using doping, no matter if they use it or not. Other countries? Nobody cares.

[Sumac]

Iran vs Morocco was so boring, it was like watching paint dry. Just hope Spain vs Portugal is a lot better.
You wish came true. :)

[Vicky82]

You wish came true. :)

Yeah awesome game, glad it finished as a draw. Even though I can't stand Ronaldo, he was awesome.

[Prowler]

I missed all of the games. First time ever I miss the first 5 games of a big tournament, but whatever.

Iran now leads our group. Let's see...

[Vicky82]

France vs Australia was boring

Argentina vs Iceland was a good match, Iceland did so well in defence.

Peru vs Denmark was ok, shame that Peru couldn't score, that penalty was awful.

Croatia vs Nigeria was boring.

Hopefully tomorrows matches are a lot better.

[Prowler]

Surprised Perú lost. But I've been told they dominated the match an that Denmark was basically Eriksen + 10. Perú were a bit unlucky, ti seems. And that cost them 3 points already.

Well done by Iceland stalling Argentina. And I've been told Australia played better than expected as well.

[Sumac]

I've kind of missed France v Australia and I only listened to the Peru v Denmark because I was not veru interested in those matches.

Now Argentina (favorite team of my childhood) v Iceland (surprisingly good team out of nowhere) was kind of interesting. Both team were fairly competent.
And Nigeria v Croatia was just borefest. Nigeria didn't care about winning and just was wasting time and Croatia apparently was not in the mood to go forward.

[Vicky82]

This is turning out to be a strange World Cup.

Germany losing to Mexico :lol:
Brazil drew with Switzerland :lol:

England may have a good chance if the top countries arn't doing well.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

This is turning out to be a strange World Cup.

Germany losing to Mexico :lol:
Brazil drew with Switzerland :lol:



Not so strange, after all. Team Mexico is better these days (Olympic champion team of 2012), and Team Brazil isn't what it once was.

[Prowler]

Germany and Brazil didn't have the best starts for big favourites to win the tournament. I wonder if this means this tournament will be a lot more balanced that people expected or if it was bad luck or bad games by some of the strongest teams. It's only the first games so far, anyway.

[Mayhem]

True, but it may have an influence on winning the group. Gives England more incentive to top group G now, as they could potentially avoid Germany in the quarters if Germany now don't win their group!

(it could thus be Brazil vs Germany in the round of 16 heh)

[Prowler]

True, but it may have an influence on winning the group. Gives England more incentive to top group G now, as they could potentially avoid Germany in the quarters if Germany now don't win their group!

(it could thus be Brazil vs Germany in the round of 16 heh)
England hasn't been doing that greatly on the biggest stages since 2008(they missed that one, even), but I've been told Panama and Tunisia are two rather weak teams. No idea how England is doing these days, but they'd surely be very incompetent if they couldn't manage to beat either of those two teams.

I like the idea of Brazil vs. Germany in the round of 16. that means one of the potential WC winners would be going home rather soon.

[newfan]

England hasn't been doing that greatly on the biggest stages since 2008(they missed that one, even), but I've been told Panama and Tunisia are two rather weak teams. No idea how England is doing these days, but they'd surely be very incompetent if they couldn't manage to beat either of those two teams.

I like the idea of Brazil vs. Germany in the round of 16. that means one of the potential WC winners would be going home rather soon.

I don't follow Football outside of the World cup but going on the last few I'm pretty sure they have struggled a draw or just about won when playing a team that is considered to be one which should be easier to beat.

I hope we won't be embarrassed later :) or by the England football hooligans kicking off. (if we get that this time)

My children are at martial arts until 7 so I will miss the start, only like a 2/3 minute drive away though.

[Sumac]

I think Brazil and Germany were not that motivated to go all out.

Brazil in general looked like they did need anything after they've got one goal in. When Switzerland had finally got their goal, Brazil so get used to their own relaxed play style, that they couldn't reconstruct their game to do something worthy.

Germany really looked bad. They looked very slow and there were a lot of problems with getting ball from one player to the other (I forgot how you call it in Football in English).
Mexicans looked fast and haven't done many mistakes. So this result was logical.

[newfan]

So I managed to miss England's goal .. Edit: Okay we got 2, though I wasn't expecting it by then.

[Vicky82]

That was a good rugby match :P

The match was ok, that ref was terrible, hope England don't have him again.

[newfan]

Another good game for Russia yesterday, I missed the 2nd half though, only caught some of the first half, about to miss the 2nd half of Spain's match too, I am surprised they haven't scored already.
I don't watch many of the games though.

[Vicky82]

Spain vs Iran is so boring, those flipping Vuvuzelas arn't helping either.

[Sumac]

Russia, suddenly showed that they can play a decent game.
Of course, it was against Egypt, who is far from a really good team, but still.

So far matches being rather predictable: Portugal, Uruguay and Spain got their expected victories. Japan suddenly won over Colombia and Poland sadly lost to Senegal.

[Klunk1234]

A World Cup full of surprises. Like the upsets by Japan and México against Colombia and Germany, respectively. Russia is doing well in their matches, but against not stronger teams.

Argentina and Brazil were disappointing. I was expecting solid victories against Iceland, a team who is participating in its first World Cup and Switzerland.

Peru needs to win against France. It will be difficult but not impossible.
Uruguay won for the minimal difference 1-0. It's the same result for Portugal against Morocco and Spain who struggle against Iran.

[Prowler]

This was the first match I saw of Portugal since Euro 2016... can't say I was very impressed. Is this all we can do? Fernando Santos is such a trash manager. How he even was European champion is beyond understandable. Back when he coached clubs he managed the 3 biggest Portuguese clubs(Benfica, Sporting and Porto) and was fired out of every single one of them and the fans hated him. Then he spent some years in Greece and eventually coached Greece as well.

It's like lady luck from Euro 2016 still hasn't abandoned us, but it will eventually.

[Klunk1234]

[QUOTE=newfan;1765427]I don't follow Football outside of the World cup but going on the last few I'm pretty sure they have struggled a draw or just about won when playing a team that is considered to be one which should be easier to beat.

I follow Football on international tournaments, for example this one, the World Cup; the Copa America (the oldest football tournament in the world; it celebrated its 100th Anniversary in 2016), the Euro Cup and the Olympic football tournament.

[Mayhem]

Argentina and Brazil were disappointing. I was expecting solid victories against Iceland, a team who is participating in its first World Cup and Switzerland.
Considering Switzerland are ranked sixth in the world, you don't get there by being pushovers. I was expecting Brazil to win, but not by much. Iceland don't give up, and by crowding out Messi, you can neutralise so much of the team, they rely on him too much. Remember, Argentina only just qualified for the tournament, for a long time it looked like Netherlands and Italy, they were going to miss out.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

This was the first match I saw of Portugal since Euro 2016

Didn't you watch the qualifying games for the 2018 FIFA World Cup?

[Prowler]

Didn't you watch the qualifying games for the 2018 FIFA World Cup?

No. I don't care for those or friendlies.

[Vicky82]

Lol Argentina lost to Croatia. :lol:

1st goal was a mistake by the Goalkeeper
2nd goal was awesome
3rd goal, the stupid Argentina players just stood there

Argentina are almost out, but it depends on the game tomorrow.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Lol Argentina lost to Croatia. :lol:

1st goal was a mistake by the Goalkeeper
2nd goal was awesome
3rd goal, the stupid Argentina players just stood there

Argentina are almost out, but it depends on the game tomorrow.

I hope for Argentina and Croatia.

[Klunk1234]

I'm sad and shocked. Sad because Peru lost but France was too strong. But at least Peru wasn't destroyed by France. It was 1-0. Shocked by Argentina loss against Croatia 3-0. Argentina was scared according to the commentators, Leo Messi was covering his face during the national anthem. I feel sorry for him.:(

[newfan]

Again I missed the 2nd half of Argentina and Croatia, kids story/bedtime falls around half time, course we watched England.
Anyway that's 3 games now with 0-0 at half time and then I miss the goals....

So, (just going on the comments) as I don't keep up with football generally, I thought Croatia once had a reputation as a good team?. Should Argentina have won?

[Klunk1234]

Argentina was completely lost in their match. Croatia was solid and they deserve all the credit for their victory. Even Diego Maradona was biting his nails to see his country losing so horribly. But at least they were not like Brazil in their own World Cup. Remember that horrendous defeat 7-1 by Germany? That loss is known now as Mineiraço (the ç sound like a z in Portuguese). The worst loss by a top team in a major tournament. I remember that I was watching it completely shocked.

[newfan]

Argentina was completely lost in their match. Croatia was solid and they deserve all the credit for their victory. Even Diego Maradona was biting his nails to see his country losing so horribly. But at least they were not like Brazil in their own World Cup. Remember that horrendous defeat 7-1 by Germany? That loss is known now as Mineiraço (the ç sound like a z in Portuguese). The worst loss by a top team in a major tournament. I remember that I was watching it completely shocked.

Ah I remember that, yes, that was a turn around.

[Prowler]

Croatia and countries from the Balkans in general tend to have very technically gifted players. Plus Croatia has some well known players. Not really surprised they beat Argentina, but 3-0 is indeed a rather heavy result.

[Splinter the boss]

Yay, Brazil's gonna make it. The only other team I'm rooting for is Germany. Hopefully they make it through.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Croatia and countries from the Balkans in general tend to have very technically gifted players.

That's why I prefer teams like Croatia, France, Portugal, Serbia and Spain, as well as Central- and South American countries.

[Sumac]

Brazil was busting this bus without success for 90 minutes and then, voila!
Good on them.

Poor Neymar, I can imagine pressure he was under after this game.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Are there any soccer-based TMNT episode or comic? I think we've only seen basketball, ice hockey and maybe also American football and baseball?

[Klunk1234]

No. TMNT is an American comic. Americans doesn't care about football, the beautiful game. That's why they won't have a comic featuring the most popular sport on the world.

[Klunk1234]

Brazil was busting this bus without success for 90 minutes and then, voila!
Good on them.

Poor Neymar, I can imagine pressure he was under after this game.

Yes. Brazil suffered a lot against Costa. But Brazil is Brazil. They needed to pull through it and they did. Poor Costa Rica! Neymar was sobbing at the end of the match. He could been sitting on a wheelchair now, after that scary injury he suffered 4 years ago.

Island controlled Nigeria during the first half, but in the second one, they got lost and they ended up losing the match. Argentina is relieved with this result but they need to win against Nigeria and wait Croatia win against Island to get into the second round.

[Prowler]

Why did Brazilians celebrate their win today as if they won the World Cup? I even heard a bunch of Brazilians singing loudly at a metro station today after the game. OK, I get it, they were happy they put behind their last two games of the 2014 World Cup, which as we all know, were a nightmare for Brazil; but this hysteria is a too much. They were the favourites to beat Costa Rica and no one is surprised they did so.

Oh boy, Belgium vs. Tunisia tomorrow. Last World Cup they faced each other was in 2002 and it was one of the WORST international football games I've ever seen in my life. I woke up at like 9am to watch that garbage. Let's hope they don't repeat that awful game again.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

No. TMNT is an American comic. Americans doesn't care about football, the beautiful game. That's why they won't have a comic featuring the most popular sport on the world.

It could have been during the "Vacation in Europe" episodes, probably during the visits to Italy or the UK.

[Klunk1234]

Why did Brazilians celebrate their win today as if they won the World Cup? I even heard a bunch of Brazilians singing loudly at a metro station today after the game. OK, I get it, they were happy they put behind their last two games of the 2014 World Cup, which as we all know, were a nightmare for Brazil; but this hysteria is a too much. They were the favourites to beat Costa Rica and no one is surprised they did so.

Oh boy, Belgium vs. Tunisia tomorrow. Last World Cup they faced each other was in 2002 and it was one of the WORST international football games I've ever seen in my life. I woke up at like 9am to watch that garbage. Let's hope they don't repeat that awful game again.

The Brazilians are very emotional that's why every match is important to them. Besides, Neymar suffered a serious injury 4 years ago. But he recovered. He was afraid of ended up on a wheelchair.

Belgium has a solid start, they will be able to defeat Tunisia. If you hear the Mexicans, they think their team is the best of the world because the team beat Germany, when they won only one match.

[Klunk1234]

It could have been during the "Vacation in Europe" episodes, probably during the visits to Italy or the UK.

That could have been great.

[Vicky82]

Wow this a very tough game for England. :P

Finished 6-1 to England and through to the next round.

Belgium next on Thursday. which will be a tough game but will England be better off finishing 1st or 2nd in our group. England should be ok facing whoever finishes 1st or 2nd in group H. But i'm more worried who England could face in the Quarter Finals, which might be Brazil or Germany if we finished 1st, so we might be better off finishing 2nd.

[newfan]

After the Russia game I told my children we won't see England score 5 goals.....and still we didn't cause we were at an event today :lol: We won't get Belgium.

[Vegita-San]

when you have the cup on as background noise and see a soccer commercial where super saiyan blue appears randomly for no reason.

[FredWolfLeonardo]

when you have the cup on as background noise and see a soccer commercial where super saiyan blue appears randomly for no reason.

Haha what? That is totally random :lol:

Love watching these type of parody videos after every World Cup match:

lyUWiJz6Baw

[Prowler]

A graph with the average heights of WC teams:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DdXAjWDUQAAsR-x.jpg

Poland is my height, it seems.

[Klunk1234]

Which of these teams will be going into the quarterfinals?
Uruguay
Spain
Portugal
Russia

I think Uruguay and Spain or Portugal. About you?

About Peru's match with Australia was a bittersweet an full of emotions for all Peruvians. France and Denmark didn't score.

[Klunk1234]

Anyone could put their predictions.

[Sumac]

So far results are predictable, though, Spain and Portugal don't look their best.

[Prowler]

Anyone could put their predictions.

I'm not looking forward to seeing Suarez and Cavani against José Fonte, Cédric Soares and Raphael Guerreiro.

[Sumac]

Argentina barely made it. But I am not sure if they will show anything decent later in the tournament.
Croatia going strong.

[frank_one]

I was hoping for Iceland to pass to the next round. This is getting boring again.

[Mayhem]

Still... France Argentina... should be fun... might actually support France for once :lol:

Didn't realise until this morning that Germany's match was actually on before Brazil, doesn't seem logical for audience figures. Means Brazil can see if they want to avoid a last 16 clash with them or not heh.

[Vicky82]

Lol Germany are out, :lol::D Sweden and Mexico go through to the next round.

[Prowler]

LMAO Germany. Korea's 2nd goal was hilariously awesome. :lol:

Now if only Serbia sent Brazil packing as well...

[Sumac]

Germany and Mexico had lost to "who knows who".
It was expected from Germany: they really played like dried fish and barely were contenders, but Mexico? Oh well.

Anyway, Brazil was magnificent, though, Serbia, was not much worse and I don't really care about Switzerland and Costa-Rica.

[Splinter the boss]

I had 2 teams in this world cup: Brazil and Germany. We all know what happened today. Only Brazil remains, and I'm counting on them. Let's go!!

[Mayhem]

Anyway, Brazil was magnificent, though, Serbia, was not much worse and I don't really care about Switzerland and Costa-Rica.
Not really, Serbia really opened up some holes, they just couldn't find that killer pass or shot. Brazil are there for the taking if a better skilled team attack them.

[Sumac]

Maybe.
I never knew much about Serbia team, so they left a very good impression on me.

[Klunk1234]

I was shocked to see Germany eliminated. The defending champions are out :o
I always though Germany would pass to the next round easily. Brazil was great.

Mexico and Sweden are in the second round.

Today's matches: Colombia won 1-0 Senegal.

And England - Belguim Who will win this match?

[Sumac]

I was shocked to see Germany eliminated. The defending champions are out :o
I always though Germany would pass to the next round easily. Brazil was great.

Germany lost most of its players who won the cup back in 2014.
It's mostly a new team now. And not very good at that.

[newfan]

So the knock out starts. Shame Spain and Russia are playing each other, I'd like to have seen both of those teams last a little longer.

Japan will be out next week as they have Belgium, bet Columbia were happy they got us LOL

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

France won in 1998 and was elimiated in the group stage in 2002. Italy won in 2006 and was elimiated in the group stage in 2010. Spain won in 2010 and was elimiated in the group stage in 2014 So it's definately a thing.

[Prowler]

Germany lost most of its players who won the cup back in 2014.
It's mostly a new team now. And not very good at that.

And Neuer seems to be past his prime. Maybe he got an injury recently and that has taken a toll on his quality.

I think Oblak from Slovenia is on his way to becoming the world's number one goal keeper in the future.

So the knock out starts. Shame Spain and Russia are playing each other, I'd like to have seen both of those teams last a little longer.

Japan will be out next week as they have Belgium, bet Columbia were happy they got us LOL

If I were a betting man I'd put money on Belgium and Colombia, but let's wait and see.

France won in 1998 and was elimiated in the group stage in 2002. Italy won in 2006 and was elimiated in the group stage in 2010. Spain won in 2010 and was elimiated in the group stage in 2014 So it's definately a thing.

Yes. I guess a lot of pressure is put on your shoulders when you win the World Cup. And also it makes players full o themselves. Add injuries and squad changes and players getting older to the mix and that makes matters worse. Because we need to remember that World Cups happen every 4 years. In 4 years a lot of things can change. We gotta keep in mind that national teams are usually generational, because they're not clubs and thus don't go around buying players lol

[newfan]

If I were a betting man I'd put money on Belgium and Colombia, but let's wait and see.
l

Yeah maybe, I was under the impression that Columbia would easier for us than Belgium was at least but I might we wrong LOL

So are there looking to be 4 favourites for the finals at this point?

[Vicky82]

England have never lost to Columbia, so hopefully they will get to the Quarter finals OK. Ospina isn't a great goalkeeper, i'm glad he's leaving Arsenal.

If England do get to the Quarter finals, i'm hoping they will face Switzerland as England's history with Sweden isn't great (2 wins in 30 years).

I think France will beat Argentina but I don't think it will be a good game.

I want Uruguay to beat Portugal but I doubt that's going to happen.

[newfan]

I had Portugal down for winning their game, not sure how Paraguay are these days but I remember them not rating very highly at one time.

I didn't see the last Argentina game where they were branded 'dirty' but if they are then I don't want them to win, same for any other team who doesn't play by the rules and deserve the game.

Oh, so we have an okay chance on Tuesday then. I can't see is getting much past the next game if we manage this, actually I'm trying to remember, I think the longest I've seen us stay in is to about there.

[Prowler]

I had Portugal down for winning their game, not sure how Paraguay are these days but I remember them not rating very highly at one time.

I didn't see the last Argentina game where they were branded 'dirty' but if they are then I don't want them to win, same for any other team who doesn't play by the rules and deserve the game.

Oh, so we have an okay chance on Tuesday then. I can't see is getting much past the next game if we manage this, actually I'm trying to remember, I think the longest I've seen us stay in is to about there.

Uruguay, you mean. Not Paraguay. Paraguay aren't in the World Cup. Which means no Larissa Riquelme, sadly :(

[newfan]

Uruguay, you mean. Not Paraguay. Paraguay aren't in the World Cup. Which means no Larissa Riquelme, sadly :(

LOL, don't know why I typed that because I was thinking of the right team when I did... anyway yes.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

England's history with Sweden isn't great (2 wins in 30 years).

But since November 2011, England has played better against Sweden again.

[Vicky82]

Good win for France, thought it would be dull game but it was brilliant.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Uruguay–Portugal next.

[Prowler]

Argentina almost tied the game at the end. Would have been interesting. France is looking quite strong. If Portugal win today I don't see us knocking out France. That would make it the 4th time we'd get knocked out by France in major tournaments. Why does there always seem to be a super french team in our way? ugh

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Argentina almost tied the game at the end. Would have been interesting. France is looking quite strong. If Portugal win today I don't see us knocking out France. That would make it the 4th time we'd get knocked out by France in major tournaments. Why does there always seem to be a super french team in our way? ugh

But you did it in the final game of the 2016 European Championship.

[Prowler]

But you did it in the final game of the 2016 European Championship.

And we lost in the semis in Euro 1984 to Platini's France and in Euro 2000 and World Cup 2006 to Zidane's France.

This France is looking pretty strong and is stronger than our team. it's gonna be very complicated in case we pass. And beating Uruguay isn't an easy task either. Not sure we can make it.

2016 was two years ago. Things change.

[newfan]

Agreed on the game just now, at one point I didn't know who would win and then when France were certain to win after really good 2nd half they were almost equalised in that last few minutes.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

2016 was two years ago. Things change.

I don't know how much the squads have changed much since then.

[Vicky82]

Portugal out :lol:

Not as good as the last match but had some good goals.

[Prowler]

Portugal out :lol:

Not as good as the last match but had some good goals.

You say that as if it's surprising. If you had watched Portugal and Uruguay matches you'd know Uruguay are better than us.

Cavani left unmarked 3 times... 2 of them ended up in goal. This is what i feared. Suarez didn't do much tho.

How ironic how we, the NT known for shooting long balls brainlessly into the box wasnt' able to win the match this time doing that.

Uruguay arent' a super team, and withotu Cavani now, France will knock em out. But they defended well enough and we fell for their game. All they needed was wait for counters to kill us, and that's what they did. So yeah, well deserved.

Fonte, Guedes, Silva, Ricardo, Raphael guerreiro, João Mário... all bad. Ronaldo wasted his batteries against Spain. And his homossexual posing before that FK was embarrassing.

Uruguay were cold and calculating whilee our players lost their minds.

Nelson Semedo and João Cancelo should have been called for the WC...

[Vicky82]

You say that as if it's surprising. If you had watched Portugal and Uruguay matches you'd know Uruguay are better than us.

Cavani left unmarked 3 times... 2 of them ended up in goal. This is what i feared. Suarez didn't do much tho.

How ironic how we, the NT known for shooting long balls brainlessly into the box wasnt' able to win the match this time doing that.

Uruguay arent' a super team, and withotu Cavani now, France will knock em out. But they defended well enough and we fell for their game. All they needed was wait for counters to kill us, and that's what they did. So yeah, well deserved.

Fonte, Guedes, Silva, Ricardo, Raphael guerreiro, João Mário... all bad. Ronaldo wasted his batteries against Spain. And his homossexual posing before that FK was embarrassing.

Uruguay were cold and calculating whilee our players lost their minds.

Nelson Semedo and João Cancelo should have been called for the WC...

I was surprised

I thought Portugal looked better than Uruguay and thought they were going to score in the last minute, so it went to extra time and then penalties. If they did win and with Ronaldo missing next match, France probably would have knocked them out in the Quarter finals.

[Prowler]

I was surprised

I thought Portugal looked better than Uruguay and thought they were going to score in the last minute, so it went to extra time and then penalties. If they did win and with Ronaldo missing next match, France probably would have knocked them out in the Quarter finals.

No. We had more ball possession and attacked more, but did all of that brainlessly. Uruguay were cold and calculating. Defended well and waited for the right moments to counter attack. Uruguay were tactically better for most of the game and were better than us for at least 60 minutes of the game. then Cavani was subbed out due to injury and ofc they had to defend more and risk less, since they were leading.

Portugal kept crossing to the opposite defenders Gimenez and Godin, who naturally cleared balls. Poor decisions and poor accuracy overall. No point having chances if you're gonna waste pretty much every single one of them.

Fernando Santos also shouldn't complain about Uruguay scoring two goals in two shots on target. We've been known to win games like that under him since Euro 2016 as well.

[Sumac]

Argentina is out ad that is logical. They have demonstrated a rather weak and unispired game before and it was just question of time, when they will get a strong enough opponent to kick them out.

Portugal...yeah, was weak too. Not as weak as Argentina, but the team still looked like it was in constant state of chaotic fluctuation and indecision. Uruguay on the other hand, was the absolute football machine - discipline and precision. Something that one would expect from Germany.

So both results were to be expected.

Tomorrow Russian - Spain. It will be interesting, especially reaction of Russians. I remember in the second match, even in my place people were screaming "GOAL!!" when our team have scored against Iran. Though most likely Spain will kick them out.

And Croatia - Danish. I feel like it's more or less to Croatia. I hope.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

I liked Portugal so much better than Uruguay, and would prefer the Portuguese to stay in the tournament.

[Vicky82]

Lol Spain are out, lost on penalties. Hopefully Brazil go out tomorrow.

[newfan]

I expected them to score in the extra time as they were coming close.

So, Croatia are strong, what are Denmark like?

[Prowler]

Wow Russia did it. What is this? Dont' tell me France or Brazil will win this easily... or someone like Croatia, England or Sweden will. Or maybe it's Belgium's time.

[Klunk1234]

Yeah maybe, I was under the impression that Columbia would easier for us than Belgium was at least but I might we wrong LOL

So are there looking to be 4 favourites for the finals at this point?

It's C-O-L-O-M-B-I-A not Columbia. A common mistake of many English speakers.

[Prowler]

But oh well, Spain has been like this for most of history. 2008-2012 were atypical years for Spain. Spain for the most part has been the England of the south. Always overhyped and ends up going home with the tail between their legs. People who've gotten into football in the past 10 years will find this hard to believe but look at Spain's record in World Cups and Euros pre-Euro 2008. I remember them reaching the QFs in 2002 and it being considered a pretty great run for them at the time.

[Klunk1234]

Argentina fought against France, at the end they were eliminated. Leo Messi is been criticized heavily by his country's press and Uruguay was solid against Portugal.

Spain fought until the end against Russia. Nobody though that Russia will defeat a previous world champion. The are the tournament's big surprise.

Those penalties always make me nervous:o

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

It's C-O-L-O-M-B-I-A not Columbia. A common mistake of many English speakers.

I guess Columbia is the older spelling in English, just like Romania was once spelled Rumania in English.

[Sumac]

That last saved penalty from Russian goalkeeper was a true beauty.
But generally, victory of the Spain was not likely from the way they have played their game. Yeah, that had a better dribbling and looked more beautiful in various situations, but it was resultless. And football is the not a skating - you don't receive points for beauty and artistry. You receive points for goals.
Russia looked solid as a team. Rather disciplined.

As of now, Russia team reminds me of Greece from Euro 2004 (I think?). Very mediocre team, however, disciplined and capable of warding of some of the heat from opponents. Will they be able to go against someone really strong and capable, like France? Unlikely. But who knows at this point...

Croatia - Danish was a surprise. Why Croatia have played with them to a tie, anyone's guess. Sadly I haven't watched this match today, but I will see it's recording tomorrow to figure out what the heck had happened. Anyway, glad for Croatians, they have deserved their victory.

Brazil - Mexico would be a mess. Brazil looks and plays very much like a just a tad better Argentina. Mexico need to rehabilitate after their defeat at the hands of Sweden.

Japan - Belgium - well, no matter how much I like to see Japanese playing, I am afraid they have very little chances. But as always my predictions don't keep up, so who knows. One thing I can give to Japan - they are no pushovers.

[Mayhem]

Spain, on the whole, are actually worse than England at penalties, which is quite some going! As soon as it went to that point, I thought Russia had more than a 50:50 chance of going through. The long run up for the fifth Spanish penalty just screamed nerves to me heh... knew that one would be missed!

[Klunk1234]

Lol Spain are out, lost on penalties. Hopefully Brazil go out tomorrow.

Vicky, Brazil eliminated Mexico.

[newfan]

Awh, poor Japan. That was a good game.

[Vicky82]

Vicky, Brazil eliminated Mexico.

Yeah I know I did watch it.

I can't imagine Belgium beating Brazil, so i'm hoping France or Uruguay will be able able to beat them in the semi finals.

[FredWolfLeonardo]

Brazil's gonna get to the finals and then eliminiate Russia in a Seven One to avenge their loss in 2014 :P

[Sumac]

Brazil beating Mexico was a surprise.

Japan almost beating Belgium was an even bigger surprise. Since I am usually rooting for underdogs, I really hoped that Japan will win, but, alas, Belgium took its head out its own ass and handled Japanese behinds right to them, so to speak.

[Splinter the boss]

Brazil beating Mexico was a surprise.

Not really since they have played 41 times throughout soccer history and Brazil lost 10 times.

[Prowler]

Brazil's gonna get to the finals and then eliminiate Russia in a Seven One to avenge their loss in 2014 :P

Russia had nothing to do with that loss, though. It was Germany who beat Brazil 7-1.

[FredWolfLeonardo]

Russia had nothing to do with that loss, though. It was Germany who beat Brazil 7-1.

I know, but just the satisfaction of beating a country on their home turf.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

England have never lost to Columbia, so hopefully they will get to the Quarter finals OK. Ospina isn't a great goalkeeper, i'm glad he's leaving Arsenal.

Some memories

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVFtOBfInqA

[newfan]

I can feel a fight or a red card coming on before this game is out. .. yeesh.

edit: Awwwwh, damn added time. I think we're going to loose.
Edit again, my nerves, I really thought we would be out, course we will likely be out in the next game LOL

[Vicky82]

yes yes yes yes England actually won a penealty shoot out, woooo , Quarter final time woooo

[joefsas]

Come on england!!!

[Sumac]

Suddenly England won. In penalties! Yay!!

Didn't watch Sweden - Switzerland.

It's gonna be very interesting quarterfinals.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

yes yes yes yes England actually won a penealty shoot out, woooo , Quarter final time woooo

First time since the 1996 European Championship (England-Spain).

[Vicky82]

Lol Brazil out.

So it's going to be European final :lol:

[newfan]

My dad has a bet on Belgium and France for the final, I don't do betting.

[Mayhem]

Well, one of those two are going to be in it heh...

[Splinter the boss]

I can't believe Brazil's out 😢 😢 😢

[Prowler]

Serves them right. They practically considered themselves winners once Germany were out.

Man, if Belgium knock out France, I think they're got this. Unless Sweden/England/Russia/Croatia best them in a final. But let's see if they can pass France and what happens in the other games first.

[FredWolfLeonardo]

Belgium for the win now, Brazil has once again left its fans dissapointed.

[Klunk1234]

I can't believe Brazil's out �� �� ��

I know I wanted them to win or Uruguay :( One of the Uruguayans was sobbing so much. Poor guy! :(

[Klunk1234]

England have never lost to Columbia, so hopefully they will get to the Quarter finals OK. Ospina isn't a great goalkeeper, i'm glad he's leaving Arsenal.

If England do get to the Quarter finals, i'm hoping they will face Switzerland as England's history with Sweden isn't great (2 wins in 30 years).

I think France will beat Argentina but I don't think it will be a good game.

I want Uruguay to beat Portugal but I doubt that's going to happen.

Vicky: It's C-O-L-O-M-B-I-A, not columbia. Don't forget the second "o", not "u" :D

[Klunk1234]

Since there is no countries of the Americas left, the World Cup is turned now into a mini EuroCup. I think France could be the champion, but Belgium is a very strong team. Russia and Croatia are doing good, England and Sweden, too.

Donny's computer84 said that the final could be between France and England.

See Vicky? Your England could be in the final. I hope that referee from the Colombia-England match won't be there for that day.

[Vicky82]

No it's not the same ref, he's a Dutch ref, apparently he's very good.

If England don't win today, I like to see someone different win the World Cup, so either Sweden, Belgium or Croatia.

I don't want France or Russia winning it.

[newfan]

Well, being out is less disappointing if it's a team you know could easily beat you, course I'll still be hoping.

I'm happy for most of the remaining teams to be the winners, so long as they play like they deserve it I'm good with it.

[Vicky82]

Yes England in the semi finals :D

[newfan]

The party lasts a little longer for us :)

[Vicky82]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DhhGYNnX4AADPnA.jpg

:lol:

Lol Harry finally got his vengeance.

[newfan]

Awh that was close too. I was hoping Russia would get that game but not unhappy for Croatia to get it either.

[Vicky82]

So England vs Croatia is next.

Probably be a tricky game for England. England has faced them only 7 times, Won 4, Lost 2, Drew 1. England last played against them in 2009 in World cup, Euro Qualifying round, England beat them 5-1.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Yes England in the semi finals :D

First time since right before season 4 of the original TMNT series. :)

[Sumac]

England started shaky, but after goal they has become a force to be reckoned with and then just annihilated Sweden, which was parking bus for the most game.

Russia and Croatia was surprisingly fun and rather equal game. Russians went all out and Croatia seemingly didn't want to go all out out of fear for counter attacks, but in the end they were objectively a better team. I hope Russians will take this lesson and on the next tournament will be better prepared and utilize this experience and knowledge

[newfan]

So who can people see winning the France V Belgium game? equally matched?

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Croatia can't beat teams like Denmark or Russia in ordinary time, so defeating England will not be an easy game for them.

I think France will beat Belgium if Antoine Griezmann is in good form.

[Sumac]

France so far looks like an unstoppable juggernaut.

[Klunk1234]

Awh that was close too. I was hoping Russia would get that game but not unhappy for Croatia to get it either.

True. That intense match was for either one of them. Russia did a great World Cup. And for Croatia I wish them the best.

About France and Belgium that will be a great match.

[newfan]

So 20 years later and France looks to win it again.

[Klunk1234]

France defeated Belgium 1-0. They will be playing their first final after 20 years. Like you said Newfan.

Let's see who pass in the other semifinal: England or Croatia.:teek:

[Klunk1234]

So 20 years later and France looks to win it again.

Yes. They could score more goals, but France win 1-0 to Belgium.

[newfan]

France defeated Belgium 1-0. They will be playing their first final after 20 years. Like you said Newfan.

Let's see who pass in the other semifinal: England or Croatia.:teek:

Obviously I'm not routing for Croatia but I'm not sure who is playing better or worse out of the 2. Neither will beat France but the chance to be in final would still be nice :lol:

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

France defeated Belgium 1-0. They will be playing their first final after 20 years. Like you said Newfan.

France also played the final in 2006, losing the game to Italy following a penalty shootout.

[FredWolfLeonardo]

Noooo I was rooting for Belgium :(

I'm happy with either England or Croatia winning, just as long as France is knocked out.

[newfan]

awhh, they couldn't hold off that one goal, we aren't playing well enough to score another, not sure I want to watch extra time....

Edit: Well Sunday is less interesting no (for England supporters), even though I see France winning anyway.

[Vicky82]

:(

Oh well, England lost but did really well by getting further in this competition in 28 years. Well Done England

England got to play Belgium again on Saturday, hopefully they can get 3rd place.

Would like to see Croatia beat France in the final because they are the underdogs.

Hopefully England can do well at Euro 2020, the Semi finals and Finals are at Wembley.

[Klunk1234]

France also played the final in 2006, losing the game to Italy following a penalty shootout.

Yes, I forgot about that. The infamous Zizou headbutt against Materazzi.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Yes, I forgot about that. The infamous Zizou headbutt against Materazzi.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAjWi663kXc

[Klunk1234]

Croatia beat 2-1 to England. What a surprise! :o Everybody was expecting France would face England. Croatia fought until the end. They don't give up.

[FredWolfLeonardo]

Looks like Football isn't coming home :(

Neverthless, I liked both teams so I'm happy Croatia won. Now they have to beat France.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Poor France, final game played one day after Bastille Day.

[Klunk1234]

Today in the match for the 3rd place and 4th place Belgium won 2-0 to England. So Belgium got the 3rd place and the bronce medal and England got the 4th place. But Harry Kane possibly will get the Golden Boot as the World Cup scorer.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

4th place.

Again. Happened also in 1970 and 1990.

[newfan]

I was expecting an easy win for France, I guess you can never tell. Still early yet though.

Edit: Okay scratch that last comment LOL.

[Klunk1234]

That referee gave advantage to France. Croatia did the best they could to win. But France won. I always going to remember this Croatia for the rest of my life. They put their heart and soul on every match they played.

[Vicky82]

I wanted Croatia to win because I doubt we would see them in the final for a very long time. Germany, Spain, Brazil, Argentina could be back to full force by the next World Cup.

I guess France won't get past the group stages of the 2022 World Cup. :lol:

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Great final game! Many final games are usually boring.

[FredWolfLeonardo]

I wanted Croatia to win because I doubt we would see them in the final for a very long time. Germany, Spain, Brazil, Argentina could be back to full force by the next World Cup.

I guess France won't get past the group stages of the 2022 World Cup. :lol:

Me too, was rooting all out for Croatia and they played well, but I gotta give it to France, they did a great job.

[Sumac]

I was rooting for Croatia, because, I always support "weaker" teams, but alas. They were very good, but they couldn't turn their god game into goals and this is a death sentence when you are playing with such disciplined opponent as France.

But in general, the match was exceptional - it had everything: penalty, awkward goal, drama, random people on the field. And most of all: beautiful football.

Well, now onto waiting Euro 2020.

[Mayhem]

Aside from the game against Argentina, France didn't really impress me much (cue Shania Twain)... quite negative at times, quite defensive, sneak a goal (or get handed one by the ref) and then play counter attack. For such a talented team, it's a strange way to go about things.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Well, now onto waiting Euro 2020.

But first, we have the UEFA Nations League.

[Klunk1234]

It will be always the well known teams who are going to win the World Cup. FIFA will never allowed that a country like Croatia to be the champions.
France won with that Argentinian referee's help. Croatia was robbed:(

Luka Modrić and his team won my heart.

[Sumac]

But first, we have the UEFA Nations League.
I don't watch those, because, our TV always swap rights which channels show UEFA and when.
Sometimes, I think, they don't broadcast any matches at all.

[Mayhem]

I don't watch those, because, our TV always swap rights which channels show UEFA and when.
Sometimes, I think, they don't broadcast any matches at all.
No, this is something completely new, he doesn't mean Champions League here. It's a mini tournament for European national teams, but doing well means qualification for the European Cup in 2020...

[Sumac]

No, this is something completely new, he doesn't mean Champions League here. It's a mini tournament for European national teams, but doing well means qualification for the European Cup in 2020...
Ah, alrighty then.
Not really well versed into international Football things, aside from Euros and FIFAs. :)

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Ah, alrighty then.
Not really well versed into international Football things, aside from Euros and FIFAs. :)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Nations_League

The idea with the UEFA Nations League is to play less boring international friendly games.