Board 8 > Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022 - Topic 4

(+) Yeah! (+)

Both of the games today could go the distance.

It's pretty even so far. Ref has been kinda ass but it hasn't been much of an issue.

I think that opening demolition of Costa Rica has made Spain look better than they are.

Would've been much better if the quarter final lineup was France v Spain/Morocco and England v Portugal/Switzerland.

They can pull out that level again randomly lol.

Spain also lost to Italy on penalties in the Euros, just a round before England, and usually didn't look that convincing reaching there but had their halfs of pure dominance. Wouldn't be surprised to see them lose this. Wouldn't be surprised to see them win 4-0.

Young players are gonna bring a lot of volatility to their performances.
We saw the same thing with Bellingham for England who had soem great showings, but then also the USA game made people questioned the price tag.
Spain in 2026 if injuries don't destroy them could be looking like favourites, Pedri/Rodri/Gavi should be their midfield with Fati hopefully kicking on as well.

I have thought Spain need better attackers in general, ironically they basically won in 12 without playing with one a lot of the time. Ferran has been the best this match somehow.

Fati's potential is high but he hasn't looked as promising as in his earliest years imo. He's been injury prone and partly because of that doesn't get to play that much.

red_sox_777 posted...

Morocco is the last team not from Europe or South America standing. It would really be something if 6 teams from the other continents made the round of 16 and none of them could get through one round of the knockout stage. I guess it would not be surprising, but still feels a bit weird for the other continents to be out just like that after having a very good group stage.

While the gap between Europe/South America and the rest of the world is narrowing they still haven't made the jump to the top tier. So while they could pull off an upset against the top teams every now and then, for them to string multiple upsets is still very difficult.

I don't get why Morata hasn't been playing instead of Assensio from the start.

I think Morocco are being a little underated and are probably this World Cup's surprise package, but yeah even still this is kind of underwhelming from Spain.

that man looks like he took a sniper to the knee

/ Extra time...

MZero posted...

that man looks like he took a sniper to the knee

Or had Tonya Harding pay him a visit.

Dang it, Morocco was so close!

Hakimi and Mazraoui.

Wonder if those 2 fullbacks are better than what England is rolling out this tournament.

Morocco's problem is they out in the final

That Morocco #7 reminds me of Theo Walcott

Oh I'd take Ziyech over Walcott.
He's not been great for Chelsea, but there have been flashes of what he did with Ajax.

Spain are screwed as soon as they come up against a team with pace.

If Morocco pulls this off, they must fancy their chances in the quarters. Besides Croatia, the Portugal/Switzerland winner is probably the best chance for an upset IMO.

Morocco can defo beat Portugal and Switzerland.

But can they beat England or France?

Welp.

Pennos.

Spain not starting off well. Advantage to Morocco!

Spain is choking!

some lousy PKs for Spain so far

If you thought Japan's penalties were bad, Spain took "hold my cerveza" to a whole other level.

Incredible from Morocco!!

Nice

Well at least Japan doesn't have the worst set of penalties anymore!

That's so sweet to watch as long as it's not happening to England.

Good grief, what on earth happened to Spain after their first game? They got steadily worse throughout this tournament.

Well done to them. They could beat England and France but they'd need some luck.

Has a team ever gone 0/3 in penalties before?

And a Giant-killing has taken place!

Guess Spain has to move on from Enrique.

The upset happened and Africa lives! Morocco got a real shot at setting a new record by getting to the semis too.

Spain turned out to suck at penalties. Sarabia is gonna kick himself over hitting the post at the last second forever lol.

You would think teams would be better at penalties

Portugal and Switzerland should be worried

Awesome result, but as the only thing I want from this wc (apart from England to win, but lol) is Portugal to not win, a worrying one.

I don't have faith in Morocco to do this again, so they've possibly just given Portugal an easier path.

Switzerland can just as well get here

No Ronaldo in the starting lineup. Likely because the plan is to bring him on late into the second half so he's not tired for a potential Extra Time.

Penalty Shootout Number 2, and Morocco is through!

Knockout Stage Bracket:
https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/9/0/4/AAE6mcAAD9ZQ.png

Rankings:
https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/9/0/5/AAE6mcAAD9ZR.png

Sounds like Portugal have had some infighting.

Alright Japan in the top 10

shane15 posted...

Sounds like Portugal have had some infighting.

Donald Glover good gif

paulg235 posted...

No Ronaldo in the starting lineup. Likely because the plan is to bring him on late into the second half so he's not tired for a potential Extra Time.

I've read some stuff about many fans not wanting him on the pitch.

England Vs France on Saturday will feel like a final.

Ronaldo is fundamentally bitter and small-minded so chances are the manager is relying on this to piss him off to the point he comes on with a point to prove.
"No, it's not a team sport, every game I play in and every game for which I am benched, for club or country, is really all about me."