The result last night certainly, on paper, makes the route to the semi-final easier. But on reflection I think I would rather have played Brazil (probably) in the quarter-final than Spain (likely) in the semi-final.
Only Brazil (2002 | 1970) and France (1998) have won the World Cup having won all their games
As one of the pundits (Dixon?) said, the idea that losing ruins our momentum is slightly bogus, as the main players weren't on the pitch. Kane, Trippier, Henderson etc have 2 wins out of 2, they'll still be buzzing.
The pain of the hand of god was nothing like when waddle fires over
Graham Taylor (RIP) was on a hiding to nothing following that tournament if we would’ve kept air bobby I think we would’ve qualified for USA and maybe just maybe changed history
Nessun Dorma
Will there ever be a better theme tune to a tournament
This 2018 World Cup for sheer footballing quality and enjoyable games is close to how much I enjoyed 90 as a feast of football not just the England journey
Have to say these group stages have been the best that I can personally remember. So much late drama in lots of games plus the matches have flowed far better with fewer fouls and fewer drab 0-0 games.
I reckon Argentina's last gasp heroics will help them squeeze past an uninspiring France only to then fail miserably against their Uruguayian neighbours. Brazil will beat Belgium for an all South American semi final.
In the other half, I've fancied Spain since before the tournament kicked off but I've got a nagging feeling that Russia could cause an "upset" (cough cough). Croatia will sweep past both them and Denmark to make the semi final. They'll play the winner of England v Colombia because Sweden and Switzerland won't be good enough for a semi final place.
That's my knockout prediction and from those top four of Uruguay, Brazil, Croatia and England/Colombia, anything can happen. :-)
Lets face it anything can happen in knockout football. I reckon someone like Sweden Croatia or Mexico might spring a major surprise in a world cup that's had plenty already... wouldn't be surprised if one of them finds themselves in the final against all the odds.
I'm predicting it'll be Sweden/Brazil in the final.
Just on these dead rubber games and teams trying to go down the easier road route. Been mentioned on talksport over the last couple of days. Why don't they have another draw for the last 16? Would have been great on the day when there are no games to have a bit of a fanfare and excitement with a mid tournament draw. It would be one of the most watched shows on the globe so can't believe the TV corporates are not already over it and would stop the ' avoid Brazil,France Argie' mentality in the last group games.
Imagine Uruguay and Portugal teams had less than 24 hours to get from their bases to Sochi for tomorrow. You'd have to delay the next rounds further by 48-72 hours to allow everyone to sort out their scheduling.
That doesn't even address the fact you could have someone like Belgium drawn in one of the first knockout games having only played two days previous putting teams in Group E-H at a major disadvantage.
Maybe to address to latter, you could have a split draw e.g. draw Brazil, Sweden, Colombia and Belgium drawn randomly against Switzerland, Mexico, Japan and England. That way there's only 24hrs difference between teams.
You build in another couple of days. If teams perceive there is an advantage to coming top of their group, it improves the tournament ultimately! I would imagine -like the FA cup - the draw could be made immediately after the last game!
todays games should be good but for me I struggle of who I hate more when it comes to Argentina and France. just hoping for a mass brawl both on and off the pitch and both teams get sent home by FIFA. hope some French fan brings a large baguette along and clubs Maradona round the face with it.
I think there is a genuine team spirit building in the Argentinian team. Us against the world type thing that great teams often have. Of all the top teams left I think only England have anything like the team spirit the Argentinians have. France, Brazil and Portugal palpably do not have team spirit and I am not convinced Spain or Belgium have it to any great degree.
As for today, France should have too much for a poor and ageing Argentinian team, although it depends on whether or not they turn up on the day. Lots of natural talent but a suspect temperament and an unpopular coach. Will be interested to see if Argentina play Mascherano after his poor performances thus far but, as he and Messi have a big say in matters, I guess he will be treading the boards.
I fancy Uruguay to turn over Portugal in a low scoring game. I think the big difference between the sides is at centre back, although there was a slight doubt about Giminez’s fitness - he and Godin are a class above the ageing Pepe and Fonte. Looking forward to Suarez trying to out-act Pepe.
The idea of a draw for the second round is a good one I mentioned it myself last week. No major need to worry about scheduling - you just make it 3 days between group/knockouts instead of 1. As for the possible disadvantage of teams having to play sooner than others, build that into the draw as an advantage for the teams who finished first- i.e all 1st place teams keep their playing order and only the second placed teams actually get drawn, randomly against them. That way NOBODY will try to finish second if they can help it.
They can do the draws for the quarter finals and semi finals at the same time since knowing the route to the final from the round of 16 will make no difference to how teams play.
I think there is a genuine team spirit building in the Argentinian team. Us against the world type thing that great teams often have. Of all the top teams left I think only England have anything like the team spirit the Argentinians have. France, Brazil and Portugal palpably do not have team spirit and I am not convinced Spain or Belgium have it to any great degree.
Completely disagree, I think if they let one in they could sulk and fall apart like they did in the Croatia game.
no Aguero, Higuain or (surprise suprise) Dybala. Never liked Di Maria (watch him score now) Pavon didn't particularly impress me from what I can remember.
Comments
Only Brazil (2002 | 1970) and France (1998) have won the World Cup having won all their games
They already have the painful defeat feeling...its out the way ....and they are now on the rise.
They might just produce their best football at exactly the right time. Doubt they will actually win the WC but not ruling them out.
An example....Nethrlands won all 3 of their group games in 2014...got knocked out in the last 16 and have been shit ever since.
Portugal won the Euros and didnt win a single group game.
Its better to get at least 6 points though....obviously. As long as you get out of the group....I think that is mostly all what matters.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/amp/football/44643853?__twitter_impression=true
Pavarotti, Gazza, & the three lions
Fucking sickner
The pain of the hand of god was nothing like when waddle fires over
Graham Taylor (RIP) was on a hiding to nothing following that tournament if we would’ve kept air bobby I think we would’ve qualified for USA and maybe just maybe changed history
Nessun Dorma
Will there ever be a better theme tune to a tournament
This 2018 World Cup for sheer footballing quality and enjoyable games is close to how much I enjoyed 90 as a feast of football not just the England journey
Hopefully the knockouts are just as good.
In the other half, I've fancied Spain since before the tournament kicked off but I've got a nagging feeling that Russia could cause an "upset" (cough cough). Croatia will sweep past both them and Denmark to make the semi final. They'll play the winner of England v Colombia because Sweden and Switzerland won't be good enough for a semi final place.
That's my knockout prediction and from those top four of Uruguay, Brazil, Croatia and England/Colombia, anything can happen. :-)
I'm predicting it'll be Sweden/Brazil in the final.
Been mentioned on talksport over the last couple of days.
Why don't they have another draw for the last 16?
Would have been great on the day when there are no games to have a bit of a fanfare and excitement with a mid tournament draw.
It would be one of the most watched shows on the globe so can't believe the TV corporates are not already over it and would stop the ' avoid Brazil,France Argie' mentality in the last group games.
Well I thought it was a good shout.
Imagine Uruguay and Portugal teams had less than 24 hours to get from their bases to Sochi for tomorrow. You'd have to delay the next rounds further by 48-72 hours to allow everyone to sort out their scheduling.
That doesn't even address the fact you could have someone like Belgium drawn in one of the first knockout games having only played two days previous putting teams in Group E-H at a major disadvantage.
Maybe to address to latter, you could have a split draw e.g. draw Brazil, Sweden, Colombia and Belgium drawn randomly against Switzerland, Mexico, Japan and England. That way there's only 24hrs difference between teams.
Portugal and Uruguay will be interesting, Ronaldo will get kicked about. Fancy Portugal to go through on pens.
As for today, France should have too much for a poor and ageing Argentinian team, although it depends on whether or not they turn up on the day. Lots of natural talent but a suspect temperament and an unpopular coach. Will be interested to see if Argentina play Mascherano after his poor performances thus far but, as he and Messi have a big say in matters, I guess he will be treading the boards.
I fancy Uruguay to turn over Portugal in a low scoring game. I think the big difference between the sides is at centre back, although there was a slight doubt about Giminez’s fitness - he and Godin are a class above the ageing Pepe and Fonte. Looking forward to Suarez trying to out-act Pepe.
They can do the draws for the quarter finals and semi finals at the same time since knowing the route to the final from the round of 16 will make no difference to how teams play.