WORLD CUP 2018 RUSSIA

[RSB]

@sgb101 I do prefer the radio when listening to my own team but then it’s better, local presenters. There is something to be said for not having your eye’s glued to a screen all the time 🙂

Americans: Over Sexed, Over Payed and Over here, Wat Wat!

[The Duke]

I agree with your last point, just not what a game is on. And tbh though out this WC, I’ve had almost all the games on, in the background, with only half an eye on them.

Though these last (3rd)games have mostly been very good, and work just stopped as I found 20 min chunks would fly by.

Also in the fairness to radio, It doesn’t seem like if of enjoyed last night’s game any more if I watched it over listening.

The boys leaver do was OK too. Lol

 

[Bob Williams]

France vs Argentina tomorrow. I think the Argentinians will be back to playing as they can, but I would like to see Sergio Aguerro playing 90 minutes, taking some pressure from Lionel Messi’s shoulders. He looked absolutely knackered after the Nigerian game, which seems to have put the fight back into them as a team. Both goals were terrific: the Marcus Rojo volley was a spectacular shot, but Messi’s goal was all about his craft, skill and a never-say-die attitude that he suddenly rediscovered for this game.

I have a sneaking feeling that Argentina are now capable of knocking out the France team. I dare not say that in my lovely neighbour’s hearing, as her grandchildren live in France and are visiting here next week: they were also here last year. They have an English mother, a Brazilian father, have triple nationality and are really multilingual young adults. Speak English, French and Brazilian Portuguese fluently. The girl also speaks Spanish and the boy German.! You could almost travel anywhere on the planet with these kids to keep you informed! They are also very polite young people with strong views about Brexit.

When the Thought Police arrive at your door, think -
I'm out.

[The Duke]

Nice game. The scoreline flattered the Argies. Pogpa was great. I really like him, if only José would let him off the leash

[Bob Williams]

Haven’t seen the France game yet, recorded it and went to the beach, not missing a chance to get some sun and a paddle. Seen the highlights, but that’s like eating a small slice of my favourite S&K pie at our local restaurant. So I comment later.

The Uruguay game was terrific. Very impressed by the absolute determination of the Uruguayan team, which was a real team in the best sense, they all worked for each other. Cavani was unfortunate to be injured, scored two great goals and worked so well with Suarez, who worked his socks off all over the pitch, defending and attacking. His cross for Cavani’s first goal, was perfect. Every Uruguayan player knew what to do and did it magnificently. Ronaldo was played off the pitch, I have never seen him so completely played out of a game. Last WC for him and Messi?

Portugal showed no intention of really fighting for the game until the last ten minutes, they were casual and slow to build any attacks. Uruguay are lightning in their breaks, with Cavani and Suarez  running into space and almost reading each other’s minds. The defence is solid, best I have seen in this WC and the Portugal goal was the first that Uruguay have conceded in the tournament. France will be a stern test for them, but France will find them hard to break down. And who conceded 3 goals today? The France defence is fragile.

When the Thought Police arrive at your door, think -
I'm out.

[Dave Rice]

Quite a good day of football, better than I was expecting. Every time the Welsh moan that lack of population means they can never have a world class team, look at Uruguay.

[Bob Williams]

Spain expected to win today and their football showed that. The Russians were perfectly aware that they could not beat them with pure football, so they chose to defend and did it very well, although they were not severely tested by a very unadventurous Spain team. What about that Russian goalkeeper, though? Saving with his foot was no fluke: look at a still of the save, his eye is firmly fixed on the ball and the way he moves his foot to boot it away. National hero now. The Russian people are beginning to believe in their team: as a Host nation, that support is an extra player. Going to watch Croatia beat Denmark now.

When the Thought Police arrive at your door, think -
I'm out.

[The Duke]

So glad Russia went through. I like a host nation to stay in as long as possible. Spain was so poor, -death- suicide by a thousand passes.

Russia wasn’t much kop but I love an underdog that just holds in there. I think they had one shot on target in the end.

Really surprised that Spain didn’t get that last min VAR pen. I had visions of an FSB officer holding a photo of the VAR refs children. Lol.

[Dave Rice]

Nah, it wasn’t a penalty. They were both as bad as each other, the Spanish guy wasn’t event facing the right way and spun himself around the defender before falling. Apparently he has form and pulls the same trick quite a lot.

Neither side deserved to win in any of today’s games. I think there’s too many “golden generation” teams this time and they don’t seem to be faring well. A lot of players and managers we won’t be seeing again.

[The Duke]

I didn’t think it was a pen either. But it’s take big balls to turn it down.especslly since a fair few less obvious pens have been given.

It’s seemed 6 of 1 and half dozen of the other

That last game was a snooze fest. I zoned out about 30 mins in.

[Bob Williams]

First half of Denmark-Croatia was not bad, but second was as bad as the Spain-Russia game. I have to apologise to Denmark though, for expecting them to lose in my previous post: they matched Croatia for most of it. Can’t understand why Spain and Croatia, two of the supposedly best teams left, were so poor. This was the Croatia that beat Argentina 3-0?

Steve, if you’re looking for a goalie at Anfield, why not Schmeichel? Played well, saved penalties, bosses his area. OK, so his dad was Man U, don’t hold that against him.?

On that showing today, I would give England every chance against any of those 4 teams. It’s opening up for every team left in it.

Defo not a penalty: brave referee, I thought he had a good game actually. Stood no nonsense.

When the Thought Police arrive at your door, think -
I'm out.

[Bob Williams]

This should make Steve happy:

http://tinyurl.com/ycz94jd8

When the Thought Police arrive at your door, think -
I'm out.

[Dave Rice]

Boy did I enjoy that match, well the second half ? I can only imagine the atmosphere in Leuven market place ATM, wish I was there. Although I feel so sorry for Japan, once the Belgian manager got his act together and changed the plan (plus a bit of luck) it was all going one way.

I am not impressed by Brazil though. If Mexico had got one in in the first 20 minutes I think it would have been a different result. Neymar’s rolling around is getting embarrassing.

Not had a bet so far. Think I’m going to put a few quid on Belgium vs Brazil.

[Bob Williams]

That was the best game of the WC for me so far. I felt really sorry for Japan, they played so well. First half, they tore Belgium apart with their incisive passing and fast runs. I think we will see more of Japan at tournaments in the future. They have been getting better and better.

When the Thought Police arrive at your door, think -
I'm out.

[The Duke]

Missed last night’s game. A couple of nights no sleep, mixed with a few hours in the sun, and I fell sleep not long after kick off!

Bob, the 5 year deal, just means if he has another decent season, 20 goals plus (I very much doubt he will match last seasons performance) , we will get 200mil of one of the big clubs.

He was always going to get a new deal, as he was one of our lowest paid stars. Iirc about 80k a week. VVD and fabinio are on 150 and 160. Mental figure, but by no means at the upper levels of payment. I think Kane just got a bump for around 70k to 240k! At spurs!

Mental numbers indeed. Id happily take 80k a year. Who am I kidding I’d take 50k.

[Dave Rice]

Switzerland vs Sweden another one neither deserved to win.

Nerves starting now, box of still cider has been in the fridge for 24 hours. Freezer blocks for the cool box likewise. Mega burgers defrosting for half time, have got some blue cheese slices for them too.

[blacklion1725]

Am strangely at peace. Will probably change. IF (big if) we get through then finishing 2nd in our group could be one of the biggest touches of all time. Will be fed before the game, liquids only during and after for me.

[The Duke]

I’m not fussed with England, I want them to go far, but I(we) still have no idea if they are good or not.

We will know soon enough. Shame the Belgium England game played the way it did, as we would know already. Looking forward to it.

[blacklion1725]

I know what you mean Duke but if we knew already (i.e. we’d beat Belgium) then we’d be facing Brazil instead of Sweden (if we get a result tonight). If we go out so be it – if we go through tonight we are in a much better position than Belgium (on paper at least) and that defeat to Belgium would be a blessing.

Main thing fpr me is they hae a go – and keep restoring the public faith and interest that disappeared under Roy Hodgson and before. Fingers crossed.

[The Duke]

If we was to go and win this comp, I can see the headlines about how easy.their run was. They are damned if the do, and damned if they don’t.

The issue atm is, everyone is saying we have an easy route to the final, but seem to be forgetting we don’t know how good this team is. The pundits are just disregarding the opposition(s).

But like you, I want positive football, If they go out fighting, I’m happy.

Here we go, the teams are in the tunnel.

[Author]

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