Board 8 > Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022 - Topic 4

(+) Yeah! (+)

I see I made a mistake saying only Messi and Ronaldo played their fifth World Cup because Mexican players Guardado and Ochoa also did that, although the latter did not actually play in 06 and 10.

Brazil came into 2006 with the Magic Square: Kak, Ronaldinho, Adriano and Robinho.

Until they decided to swap Robinho for Ronaldo despite him being overweight because he was the 02 star. Did not work, everyone and their dog called the coach stupid.

Though in hindsight, I'm not sad Robinho did not get his chance for glory. Screw that rapist.

I called Zidane absolutely dominating that Brazil squad which can hardly be credited to Ronaldo. But yeah

Juninho was secretly the guy that Brazil team should have relied on more.

Theres only 8 games left :(

ctesjbuvf posted...

It'll be weird having days with no World Cup now lol.

But I'm looking forward to the quarters and I don't feel like there are teams there that haven't proven themselves. Aome more than others, but solid final 8.

I for one am sort of relishing a couple days.

Nice to have a breather.

We honestly should have gotten a day's breather after the group stage.

Does make a bit more sense to add 1 rest day after the groups instead of 2 after the last 16.

You still need two rest days so that Morocco and Portugal get three days off (or have each quarterfinal match as its own day)

Oh yeah days off are nice

Oh yeah you're right. Still groups A-D get an advantage for the quarter final as they get 6 days off.

It's similar to how one team has had a day more before the final. Guess it's part of the draw.

Man watching Switzerland's more recent record, I'm still baffled they let in 6 goals.

I've been seeing a lot of focus on Gavi and Pedri today, which honestly just shows how impressive they've been for their age. They're hardly where I'd aim my blame for Spain's loss first.

Tried to make a WC XI of players remaining based on this World Cup:

Livakovic
Dumfries - Lissandro Martinez - Gvardiol - Leao
Bellingham - Casemiro - Amrabat
Messi - Richarlison - Mbappe

Considered Allison in goal, he has simply been tested less. Right back has plenty good candidates, left back less so. Center backs are probably the most controversial here, I chose two that have had crucial moments for less dominating teams, but plenty good options there. Basically everyone in the Brazil starting lineup could reasonably make it in. Considered Ramos up front based on yesterday.

These 3 days are gonna be a nightmare. I just wanna get this France game over and done with.

Yeah I'm happy to be a neutral in that one.

I'm kinda glad we're the final game though. At least we'll know what the prize is for winning.

Looks like Sterling is coming back. Gonna be honest i'm not sure what the point is. There's no way he starts Saturday and i'd be surprised if he even gets on against France. He's basically coming to be a cheerleader as we're probably going home Sunday.

I think having him there is good for morale at least. IIRC he's the most capped player in the current squad, even though everyone seems to think it's Kane.

That's the one thing i think Southgate gets wrong. Starting Sterling ahead of Foden. Players like Foden and Bellingham link up well and get world class passing movements going.

I do agree that Foden played too in the group stage. England's attack looked really great against Senegal, I'm more worried about them defensively, they looked shaky and I think it got overlooked too much by Senegal failing to do take advantage of it as well as them scoring three goals in the other end.

I could see England/France being similar to Argentina/France in 18 where Argentina were actually really good offensively, but their defense couldn't keep up at all with France's fast paced attack so the match looked way more onesided than it actually was. Ended 4-3 to France. Best match of the tournament imo. Walker needs to be fit this Saturday.

Our defence hasn't really been tested yet. France is 'the' game we'll find out just how good we really are. Pass this test and there's no reason we can't win it.

Luis Enrique has been sacked as Spain's coach. I would've given him another tournament but whatever.

So how's everyone using their footy-free nights?

Cinema calls for me!

Without even looking anywhere, I'm sure Spain will by trying to get Pep Guardiola.

I've been finishing God of War Ragnarok. Fantastic game, can recommend.

Looking forward to tomorrow of course, with the World Cup entering the Quarter Finals.

Also, I've been playing Dark Souls III for the first time. Just finished the final storyline boss of the second DLC, The Ringed City: Slave Knight Gael, that was one incredible battle, with plenty of deaths to show for it.

I began playing that a few months ago. Slow go, but it is definitely worth it!

Can't see how Croatia aren't the good guys.
Some fantastic tackles and less theatrics.

As a defender, Gvardiol's so elegant at it, for his age I can see why every team's offering so much to try and get him.
I could see City landing him and pairing him with Laporte which would feel so unfair.

Only saw the first 20 mins but Croatia looked good.

Thought that was a penalty for Brazil but glad not given.

Is there a reason Brazil has so many forwards going Romania 98 tribute mode?

Croatia has a pretty good record at the World Cup when it comes to extra time/penalties.

Brazil better watch out

We've now entered Croatia time.

These guys are such mentality monsters.
Always surprised Serbia cannot replicate any of that.

Yeah, this isn't good for Brazil. They really need to get ahead now or they're in some trouble.

I hope Croatia can get the job done.

I'd love to know some stats on how often extra time actually proves decisive and avoids penalties. Teams always seem so cautious and tired in extra time that it hardly seems worth it.

The commentary was on about that the other day. They reckon it'd be better to just go straight to pens.

While I think Brazil should go through they lost that aura of invincibility.

Whoever they get between Argentina or Holland I'd favour them but not massively.

I'd be ok with Croatia going all the way if they beat Brazil.

That was the chance.

shane15 posted...

The commentary was on about that the other day. They reckon it'd be better to just go straight to pens.

I think the only way to make extra time matter would be to make it 9 on 9 or 10 on 10. Purists would revolt, of course. And I'm not sure stretching tired legs would really do much with the extra space. I'd imagine most teams would err on the side of defense, but you could see a team go "eff it" and go on the offensive blitz.

LOL, naturally!

Remind me, is Alisson the one who is bad at penalties?

If it comes to it, don't they have better options.
I've lost track of remaining subs

And suddenly Neymar brings his A-game!

voltch posted...

Remind me, is Alisson the one who is bad at penalties?

Might not matter now, but I don't think so.

Oh my goodness Neymar did everything in that play.

They got lucky this time.

Great goal!

Been a really good game

Croatia were ice cold, so professional. It needed that to break through

Hopefully Croatia can get the equalizer. Have to go for it now. Doesn't matter if you lose 2-0.

voltch posted...

Remind me, is Alisson the one who is bad at penalties?

I think that is more to do with Liverpool playing their backup goalkeeper in cup fixtures who is pretty good at penalties.

If only Croatia had a talented striker.
Their forwards are a mishmash of makeshift something.

Petkovic has been generally awful.