Just thought I would start a thread for discussion of all the World Cup games live on TV to keep them all on one thread.

I'm sure the England games will get a thread of their own.

Russia take an early lead against Saudi Arabia in a lively opening game.

How come Russia aren't very good? Is it because they've fallen foul of importing a lot of foreign players?

Funny to hear one of the Saudi players is called Al Faraj. Nigel's little brother.

I think they said all the Russian players play in Russia which isn't the strongest league in the world.

Are there any World Cup games not live on TV?

Quoted from promotion plaice

I think they said all the Russian players play in Russia which isn't the strongest league in the world.

Some of their clubs do well in UEFA comps though. But then if they're full of foreign mercenaries.

Good team goal that.

Great finish

Saudis are running around like headless chickens

Quoted from KingstonMariner

How come Russia aren't very good? Is it because they've fallen foul of importing a lot of foreign players?

Funny to hear one of the Saudi players is called Al Faraj. Nigel's little brother.

Oddly enough, they have a rule which limits the number of foreign players allowed in a team. They're just not very good without a state sponsored doping programme.

Russia will have the lowest ranking at the tournament due to their not playing any competitive games for a couple of years won't they? Obviously, home nations don't have to play any qualifying matches.

The fact that Saudi are ranked above them is obviously not correct in reality, as Saudi look like they would struggle against a Championship side, judging by this game.

Atmosphere's very flat.

Saudi's remind me of the Village people at BP last season. Very attractive neat passing out of defence, but stuffed when they get to the half way line

The Saudi centre backs make Justin Whittle look like Beckenbauer

I have absolutely no interest in Russia. They bought the vote and their fans are an absolute disgrace.
I would love to see them fail to get out of the group stage. But luckily enough for them they have a fairly easy group.  

It’s almost as if the group was fixed. 🤔

Be interesting to see how they do against players like Cavani, Suarez, Salah and, er, that big bloke from West Brom.

Quoted from Civvy at last

I have absolutely no interest in Russia. They bought the vote and their fans are an absolute disgrace.
I would love to see them fail to get out of the group stage. But luckily enough for them they have a fairly easy group.  

And England failed to buy the vote. They were just better at it than us. I wouldn't tar all Russians with the same brush, just like I wouldn't Town fans are a disgrace because a few of them smashed bottles in Sheffield the other year.

Saudi's look poor. I don't remember a shot on target.

Still, some cracking goals. Good start to the tournament.

The lad Cheryshev who actually came on as sub scored 2 beauts! 👌🏼 What an absolutely cracking left foot

Really looking forward to the Portugal v Spain match tonight with the added spice of Spain sacking their manager.
Never thought I would say it but I actually want Ronaldo to score tonight.

Egypt v Uruguay should be a corker too.. I think the Egyptians will be a lot more organised at the back than most think, tight game.  

Quoted from promotion plaice

Really looking forward to the Portugal v Spain match tonight with the added spice of Spain sacking their manager.
Never thought I would say it but I actually want Ronaldo to score tonight.

Go and rinse your mouth out with soap and water PP! You should never want that girl private to score (unless you have got a bet on it of course 😎)

Quoted from Posh Harry

Go and rinse your mouth out with soap and water PP! You should never want that girl private to score (unless you have got a bet on it of course 😎)

Mouth rinsed out....I'd like Spain to lose tonight 😁

Quoted from promotion plaice

Mouth rinsed out....I'd like Spain to lose tonight 😁

Just curious - why?

Quoted from promotion plaice

Mouth rinsed out....I'd like Spain to lose tonight 😁

Good man, that looks much better 👍

Quoted from LH

Just curious - why?

Just think the Spanish were instrumental in bringing cheating into the game.....just my opinion.

Got home from work to see Uruguay scored in the 90th minute to beat Egypt......the Egyptians must be gutted.

THEY DIDN'T DESERVE THAT. EGYPTIANS WERE THE BETTER SIDE AND LOOKED PRETTY GOOD ,EVEN WITHOUT SALAH.bloody caps lock! Godin was Uruguay's man of the match which says a lot. Suarez loooked like a 2017-18 GTFC centre forward!

I can't remember Uruguay's keeper making a save though.

Quoted from forza ivano

THEY DIDN'T DESERVE THAT. EGYPTIANS WERE THE BETTER SIDE AND LOOKED PRETTY GOOD ,EVEN WITHOUT SALAH.bloody caps lock! Godin was Uruguay's man of the match which says a lot. Suarez loooked like a 2017-18 GTFC centre forward!

Really? Egypt did absolutely nothing. Uruguay carved out a good few chances, and i thought Cavani was excellent. Rubbish game though.

Quoted from promotion plaice

Just think the Spanish were instrumental in bringing cheating into the game.....just my opinion.

Got home from work to see Uruguay scored in the 90th minute to beat Egypt......the Egyptians must be gutted.

So I take it you’ll be backing Tunisia on Monday night after Raheem Sterling’s dive the other week?

I suspect there was plenty of cheating in football before it even arrived in Spain.

This Morocco Iran game is absolutely dire. One of the Iran players just got clipped and nearly rolled all the way back to Iran.

As i type that, Morocco score an own goal in the 94th minute. Iran have a World Cup win.  ::)

Haven't been paying much attention to the game. Looked like Iran didn't want to risk enough to win it, then they fluke it in the end.

Quoted from ginnywings

This Morocco Iran game is absolutely dire. One of the Iran players just got clipped and nearly rolled all the way back to Iran.

As i type that, Morocco score an own goal in the 94th minute. Iran have a World Cup win.  ::)

That rolling around by the Iran player was ridiculous....you'd never see an England player do it  :)

Tomorrow is Argentina v Iceland.

All Scrobs aren't we!

Quoted from KingstonMariner

Tomorrow is Argentina v Iceland.

All Scrobs aren't we!

Must admit I had to Google Scrob....

http://www.rodcollins.com/wordpress/grimsby-what-is-a-scrob

Spain v Portugal, penalty for Portugal, but doesn't VAR have to check and confirm?

What's the point of VAR? Ronaldo bought that pen and it should have been overturned and Ronaldo booked.

Quoted from ginnywings

Really? Egypt did absolutely nothing. Uruguay carved out a good few chances, and i thought Cavani was excellent. Rubbish game though.

See where you're coming from, but thought egypt had the more impressive individuals and made Uruguay look Shiite.they were very disciplined n played some nice stuff

Cracking game (1-1)....Spain piling on the pressure but Portugal look really dangerous on the break.

Good goal by the Brazilian for Spain!!

Henderson could be starting Man U's first game of the season.

3-2 Spain...game over for me.

What a game. It's like the World Cup proper now after the drab fare today.

Quoted from promotion plaice

3-2 Spain...game over for me.

Shows what I know...Ronaldo hat-trick  3-3

Hate to admit it as Ronaldo is the sportsman in addition to Lewis Hamilton that I absolutely detest the most but he's a bit good isn't he?

What the hell was De Gea doing there? I'm sat there thinking, that gap to his left looks way too big to me, almost like he's inviting Ronanldo to put it there, and he duly obliged. Love him or hate him, what a player he is.

That look on his face as he was lining up the free kick, it was never not going in the top corner.

Great game.
Have to say that I can't se England getting anywhere near that level of football.  :(

Great game. Sheer joy watching some of those moves by Spain.

Superb game, perfect Friday evening viewing. If tomorrow's 4 games can be a fraction as good I'll be happy!

Great game last night.Feel sorry for the Spanish. Love the way Isco plays eg such a technical player. As for Ronaldo=magic

The speed at which the Spanish control the ball and release to a team mate is incredible. Several times a player who appeared to have opponents up really close was able to move the ball on instantly. The Portuguese just couldn't get possession no matter how closely they marked them. A joy to watch.

Reminded me of Buckley era Town at their best! ;)

Quoted from RonMariner

The speed at which the Spanish control the ball and release to a team mate is incredible. Several times a player who appeared to have opponents up really close was able to move the ball on instantly. The Portuguese just couldn't get possession no matter how closely they marked them. A joy to watch.

Reminded me of Buckley era Town at their best! ;)

I fancy Brazil though to win it.With Neymar in your squad you have like 3 players in one. Neymar is my favourite player of the world cup but probably not as good as Messi and Ronaldo in that order  ;)

After watching that game England won't get a sniff. Spain were on a different planet to our lads.

Aquero scores a well taken goal to give the Argies the lead against Iceland.

Iceland level 5 minutes later (1-1), the Argies look good up front but shocking at the back so far.

The attacking options Argentina have are quite scary  (Higuain and Dybala on the bench, Icardi not even in the squad) but their defence features Man Utd's 5th choice centre back!

Cheating gets the Argies.

intercourse off. No way was that a pen. Whinging bar stewards.

Messi has done very little first half but we all know he can change a game in a split second.

G'wan Iceland. Had a soft spot for them since the Euro's and they qualified for this pretty easily. Fancy them getting something here.

Messi has a penalty saved   ;D

For such a great player, Messi takes some shite penalties.

Gotta love the Sky live text

ARGENTINA 1-1 ICELAND

64: PENALTY SAVED! Wow, Messi's spot kick is turned away by Halldorsson as the Iceland No 1 guesses right and dives to his right to palm the excrement away, In truth, that was a poor penalty being far too close to the shot stopper to save.

"We once saw the hand of God, now we've seen the hand of cod."

I do wonder how arsed Messi is about playing for Argentina seeing as though he’s lived in Spain for 20 years ish of his 30 year life including his teenage years. Imagine how good the 2008-2012 Spain would have been if he’d chosen them instead.

Argentina's coach looks slightly demented. The love child of a prowling tiger and a hired assassin who could kill at the slightest wrong move.

Argentinians moaning about gamesmanship is a bit like the Cowleys moaning about gamesmanship

FT  Argentina 1-1 Iceland

I bet Ronaldo has got a little smile on his face at the moment.

Quoted from LH

I do wonder how arsed Messi is about playing for Argentina seeing as though he’s lived in Spain for 20 years ish of his 30 year life including his teenage years. Imagine how good the 2008-2012 Spain would have been if he’d chosen them instead.

Spain tried to secure Messi when he was a youth playing for Barcelona. He opted for Argentina.

Read a debate a while back with ex and current  football players and the majority opted for Messi over Christiano Ronaldo. Overall consensus was whilst Christiano Ronaldo was a great athlete with special skills Messi had that bit more magic.A view I would agree with.

Peru v Denmark

That's possibly the worst penalty I've ever seen by the Peru player.

Quoted from promotion plaice

Peru v Denmark

That's possibly the worst penalty I've ever seen by the Peru player.

The worst? ;)

https://youtu.be/altzU3kU3Lo

Should never have been a penalty. The guy fell over the defender's trailing foot. The Peruvian had more control over that situation than the Dane.

Second penalty today that shouldn't have been.

Quoted from Manchester Mariner

"We once saw the hand of God, now we've seen the hand of cod."

;D ;D ;D

Who said that?

Quoted from Abdul19

The worst? ;)

https://youtu.be/altzU3kU3Lo

Not seen that one before.......yeah   ;D

Quoted from KingstonMariner

Should never have been a penalty. The guy fell over the defender's trailing foot. The Peruvian had more control over that situation than the Dane.

Second penalty today that shouldn't have been.

Disagree. You cannot scythe a ‘standing’ player down with your ‘trailing foot’ and thus deny them a clear chance.

Quoted from gtfc55

Disagree. You cannot scythe a ‘standing’ player down with your ‘trailing foot’ and thus deny them a clear chance.

No way did he scythe him down. Totally inappropriate dramatic language to describe an unfortunate accident. His right foot got stuck behind him. Hardly touched the Peruvian either.

I suppose next you're gonna say he was 'entitled to go down'. It used to be called cheating. Nowadays 'you're entitled'.

Quoted from Rick12

Spain tried to secure Messi when he was a youth playing for Barcelona. He opted for Argentina.

Read a debate a while back with ex and current  football players and the majority opted for Messi over Christiano Ronaldo. Overall consensus was whilst Christiano Ronaldo was a great athlete with special skills Messi had that bit more magic.A view I would agree with.

Both very different players but both absolutely brilliant. We’re spoiled being able to see two greats play at the same time as club rivals. If I was to say who’s better I would say Messi but Ronaldo is brilliant at things Messi isn’t and vice versa. I was aware of how he chose his national allegiance but do wonder if with age he’s come to regret the decision.

Quoted from KingstonMariner

No way did he scythe him down. Totally inappropriate dramatic language to describe an unfortunate accident. His right foot got stuck behind him. Hardly touched the Peruvian either.

I suppose next you're gonna say he was 'entitled to go down'. It used to be called cheating. Nowadays 'you're entitled'.

I absolutely hate it when commentators and so called 'expert' pundits say 'he WON a penalty'

Really pisses me off, just shows if it were needed that some cheating illegitimates, and there's a lot of them sadly, simply play for a penno and worse securing one is seen as a skill!

I know it's going back a few years, but that penalty immediately reminded me of a much ridiculed penalty that Adam Proudlock once took for Town that ended up halfway up the stand. The only difference is that Proudlock's was closer! I don't recall the details, but I'm sure someone does.

Is it just me, or does anyone else think that Roy Keane is a total knob?

Quoted from fishyfanny

Is it just me, or does anyone else think that Roy Keane is a total knob?

I'm not a fan myself but he doesn't hold back does he.

What a poor game...no shots on target by both teams first half.

Had to laugh when the commentator pointed out that the newly built £235m stadium was built on a marsh and is on borrowed time as it's sinking into the ground.

Quoted from fishyfanny

Is it just me, or does anyone else think that Roy Keane is a total knob?

He always has been. He was a half decent footballer who thought he was a hard man. He destroyed a footballers career because of his big man attitude.
He has been a crap manager at every club he has managed and is a rubbish commentator.

Quoted from TonySmith

I know it's going back a few years, but that penalty immediately reminded me of a much ridiculed penalty that Adam Proudlock once took for Town that ended up halfway up the stand. The only difference is that Proudlock's was closer! I don't recall the details, but I'm sure someone does.

Aldershot away I think?

FT   Costa Rica  0-1  Serbia

Really looking forward to the Germany v Mehico game  (16:00 BBC One)......come one you Mehico.

Quality game this. Mexico have been excellent and shou’d be more than 1 ahead. Also shout out to the ref who has been top draw imo

FT  Germany  0-1  Mexico  

"Huge number of German fans go home disappointed"   :)

Potentially a brilliant result for England.

Quoted from LH

Potentially a brilliant result for England.

Theres no way Germany losing is in any way good for england. Germans are born winners

Germany will struggle to win their group now. They need Mexico to drop points.

Germanys team is very slow, I find it crazy they left Sane out.

Superb performance by Mexico. Agree about Sane

Quoted from Hagrid

Theres no way Germany losing is in any way good for england. Germans are born winners

Not on today’s evidence!

With Germany now probably second favourites for the group that means England would be unlikely to meet them in the quarter finals should they progress that far as they would have done according the bookies odds. Obviously a long way to go to be thinking about that though hence “potentially”!

FACT!

3 out of the last 4 holders have gone out in the group stage.

Can't believe how wide open Germany were on the counter attack.

If Mexico could have strung a pass together in the final third it could have been 4-0.

I am sure Germany will improve on this showing though.

Germany played badly, Mexico played well and to a game plan. Pressed in midfield and shoved the ball through early on the counter. A bit like Iceland without the muscle. Next 50 games they played each other Germany would win 49 but it was today that mattered.

What a goal from Coutinho........Brazil 1-0 Switzerland

Seferovic is the Scott Vernon of international football

What a corner that was!

Ropey defending like

Clear push in the back there, anywhere else on the pitch and that’s a free kick. Nice to see the Swiss equalise though 👍🏻

Since when has a small push not been a foul. Poor commentators.  Great for the game to see the equaliser but should be disallowed

No team has really stood out so far in this World Cup barring Russia who were only playing Saudi Arabia.

I think our name is on the trophy.......the drink is starting to kick in.

Spain looked good.

Mexico looked ok too

Just nice to see Germany and Brazil not walking it (yet!) as all the so-called experts predicted.

Be great to see a lesser fancied team win it, don't like to see the same teams dominating all the time

VAR helps the ref out to award Sweden a penalty.......Sweden 1-0 South Korea

Have we had more VAR penalties than Ref ones?

Quoted from GrimRob

Have we had more VAR penalties than Ref ones?

The ref still awards the VAR penalties but given the threshold for referral (clear and obvious error) it will be a brave ref who declines to change his mind. Interesting to see if this happens.

What's the best result for us in the Belgium v Panama game 16:00 ?

Probably a draw !

Quoted from gtfc55

The ref still awards the VAR penalties but given the threshold for referral (clear and obvious error) it will be a brave ref who declines to change his mind. Interesting to see if this happens.

I'd love to see that happen. Referees are in danger of becoming sidelined in the major decision making process and linos have already been told not to flag for offsides if its at all borderline thuis taking awauy their reason for being there.

Overall I don't like VAR except where a player commits a foul or assault off the ball that the ref doesn't see and he gets red carded later as he comes out of the shower. Goal line tecnology has sorted out the biggest problem, penalties IMO tend to level themselves out (refs often make sure of that)

Can't be much fun having the major decision making taken away from you

Far too many pennos (VAR and otherwise) in this WC already

Quoted from Ipswin

I'd love to see that happen. Referees are in danger of becoming sidelined in the major decision making process and linos have already been told not to flag for offsides if its at all borderline thuis taking awauy their reason for being there.

Overall I don't like VAR except where a player commits a foul or assault off the ball that the ref doesn't see and he gets red carded later as he comes out of the shower. Goal line tecnology has sorted out the biggest problem, penalties IMO tend to level themselves out (refs often make sure of that)

Can't be much fun having the major decision making taken away from you

Far too many pennos (VAR and otherwise) in this WC already

Goalline technology is cut and dried, it's either over the line or it's not. Penalties are down to a persons point of view. How often do you see an incident where a penalty is given and one person will say it was a penalty whilst another will say it's not.

Exciting start to Group H. Colombia a goal and a man down to Japan inside 5 minutes!

Another potentially brilliant result for England. It’s all lining up nicely...

Though the red card was a bit harsh. I though the double jeopardy rule meant that you didn't give both a penalty and a red for the same incident?

Obviously it's only the clown that refereed our play off game against Bristol that is afraid of running a game by sending off a player early on.

Quoted from RonMariner

Though the red card was a bit harsh. I though the double jeopardy rule meant that you didn't give both a penalty and a red for the same incident?

Obviously it's only the clown that refereed our play off game against Bristol that is afraid of running a game by sending off a player early on.

Only applies when it’s a tackle I think and only when it’s a clear attempt to play the ball.

Comedy of errors at the back by Poland gives Senegal a 2 goal lead.

Quoted from promotion plaice

Comedy of errors at the back by Poland gives Senegal a 2 goal lead.

Wojciech Szczesny channeling his inner Anthony Williams

Looks like Russia are going to be the first team through to the knock-out stage....    latest....  Russia 3-0 Egypt

Fair play to the Russians.Some thought they would struggle to even get out of the group!

Really pleased they have introduced VAR at this world cup though.

Quoted from Rick12

Really pleased they have introduced VAR at this world cup though.

Really?  At this rate they may as well just make every game a penalty shoot out, it's getting ridiculous, it's heading to a record number of penalties by the end of the group stages alone.

Penalties plus the number of goals from set pieces (corners, free kicks) means a goal in open play is getting rarer and rarer with every game

I'd rather a few of the penalties had been missed by the referees and the VAR team quite honestly (after all they missed two nailed on ones last night!)

Sad to see Salar a shadow of himself, obviously not recovered from his injury.

Ramos is a total thug. Liverpool may well have won that game if not for his antics.

And they say crime doesn't pay.

The ruski's played very well I thought. Played as a team and not through 1 or 2 players.

Quoted from Ipswin

Really?  At this rate they may as well just make every game a penalty shoot out, it's getting ridiculous, it's heading to a record number of penalties by the end of the group stages alone.

Penalties plus the number of goals from set pieces (corners, free kicks) means a goal in open play is getting rarer and rarer with every game

I'd rather a few of the penalties had been missed by the referees and the VAR team quite honestly (after all they missed two nailed on ones last night!)

I know but I think it improves the competition. Eg refs cant get it all right and this technology just gives a second eye.Hence in borderline decisions this could mean a team going through to the next stage of the competition. Eg had this technology been around in 1986 Maradonas hand of God goal may of not stood and they may not of gone to win a second world cup in 1986.

Quoted from Rick12

I know but I think it improves the competition. Eg refs cant get it all right and this technology just gives a second eye.Hence in borderline decisions this could mean a team going through to the next stage of the competition. Eg had this technology been around in 1986 Maradonas hand of God goal may of not stood and they may not of gone to win a second world cup in 1986.

But the second eye doesn't always get it right either. I've not agreed with some of the decisions that have been made after VAR. So much of it is down to interpretation, not just black or white factual.

Players make mistakes. Referees make mistakes. Humans make mistakes. I say just let referees make some mistakes (VAR is making them anyway) and get rid of VAR. It's already turning into a farce because games are held up time and time again and it is undoubtedly effecting referee's decision-making during the game itself. And players are making the VAR/TV signal with their hands every time a decision is made that they don't agree with which is already pissing me off and is as bad as the "asking for a yellow card" gesture.

Just turned the volume off.
Would rather watch in silence than listen to that commentator.

Ronaldo puts Portugal ahead after only 4 minutes but it's been pretty much all Morocco since.......cmon Morocco.

Morrocco have been outstanding....shame they are going home on that performance they deserved something from the game.  Portugal winning ugly and not for the first time either.  Portugal cant always rely on CR.  

Quoted from TAGG

Just turned the volume off.
Would rather watch in silence than listen to that commentator.

Yeah I can't stand Martin Keown either

Quoted from RonMariner

Sad to see Salar a shadow of himself, obviously not recovered from his injury.

Ramos is a total thug. Liverpool may well have won that game if not for his antics.

And they say crime doesn't pay.

I admired Ramos as a player and a person prior to the Salah injury.Some of his theatrics left a lot to be desired as well in that champions league final.

I can appreciate the pressures them Real Madrid players are under though eg representing the best team in history and maybe sometimes the need to win trophy's each season which is whats expected from Real Madrid can get to some of the players and boil over into unsavoury tactics ?

Hope he can just learn and improve from this as he has fantasic passion for the game which has to be given merit.

Quoted from RonMariner

Sad to see Salar a shadow of himself, obviously not recovered from his injury.

Ramos is a total thug. Liverpool may well have won that game if not for his antics.

And they say crime doesn't pay.

Wtf are you talking about 😂😂😂 wasnt even a foul jesus christ

Quoted from RonMariner

Liverpool may well have won that game if not for his antics.

pmsl

There are some really frustrating teams in this tournament - Spain are struggling to break down Iran tonight. It just shows how important getting the win was for England on Monday.

England suffer injury blow.... 8)
    

The Football Association has revealed that England manager Gareth Southgate has suffered a dislocated right shoulder.

The 47-year-old was injured while running near the team's World Cup base in the Russian town of Repino during a scheduled day off from training.

Exactly why 3pts was a must.  Playing against the lesser teams i worry about the better teams i know we'll raise our game.  

Get used to the negative play. It's going to happen every game there's a big gap between the rankings.

Those frigging vuvuzelas want sticking up their arses. (Sideways). ;)

Quoted from Les Brechin

Those frigging vuvuzelas want sticking up their arses. (Sideways). ;)

Straight red if caught in possession of one, definitely an offensive weapon

Quoted from GrimRob

Straight red if caught in possession of one, definitely an offensive weapon

I used to have a football rattle when I was a kid   :)

Another flipping penalty (for the Aussies again) How many more in this WC?

VAR decision again.

They have a 20 over thrash in cricket taking over from 'proper' (test) cricket, perhaps future World Cups will just be simple penalty shoot outs right from day 1

And it wasnt even a penalty imo.  Why cant official's get it right.  VAR is being used incorrectly and none decisions are being made.  Brown envelopes to officisls in VAR room. Lol

Hand to ball
Not ball to hand ffs

France take the lead against Peru.

Fair play to the Peru fans though, they heavily out number the France fans.....great atmosphere.

Peru couldn't score in a brothel

Blunder by the Argie keeper.......Argentina 0-1 Croatia.

Let's see a shot of Maradona's face   ;D

Bye argies 🙋‍♂️🙋‍♂️🙋‍♂️

Get in 2-0   ;D

Lionel messi, batistuta, Eva peron, Diego maradona, Ricky villa, ossie (from tottingham) ardiles, Gabriela sabatini, che guevara, Carlos tevez

Are you watching?
Your boys took one hell of a beating

3-0 ........you better light another cigar up Diego  8)

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Adios Argies!

Messi's going home
He's going
Messi's going home

Quoted from GrimRob

Messi's going home
He's going
Messi's going home

has Messi scored in a world cup....if not does that not make him world class haha....unlike Cristiano

They looked every inch a side managed by Russell Slade's 'cool' Latino cousin

I never realised that Tommy Forecast had Argentinian nationality.

Quoted from Abdul19

They looked every inch a side managed by Russell Slade's 'cool' Latino cousin

Thought it was Louis Spence

Quoted from Meza

has Messi scored in a world cup....if not does that not make him world class haha....unlike Cristiano

Yes. He's scored four. And even if he hadn't, it is mind boggling that you would even consider that he isn't world class.

Quoted from Meza

has Messi scored in a world cup....if not does that not make him world class haha....unlike Cristiano

Grow up

Quoted from mariner91

Yes. He's scored four. And even if he hadn't, it is mind boggling that you would even consider that he isn't world class.

Yeah im kidding.  Of course he's world class.  I just want to know what classes u as being "world class" thats all.  Cant argue with both Messi and Ronaldo top top players.  Argentina have never really got the best out of messi.

Do not compare them. Both world class, both to be appreciated. I want to see the best players on the best stage. Felt for messi last night, he has a whole nations expectations on his shoulders

Quoted from Hagrid

Do not compare them. Both world class, both to be appreciated. I want to see the best players on the best stage. Felt for messi last night, he has a whole nations expectations on his shoulders

You could tell from his anxiety when the camera was close up on him during the anthems.

The first Argentinian face they zoomed on after the celebrations following the first goal was Messi’s rather than Caballero who had messed up for the goal in the first place.

Messi has to carry basically a whole team, I think it shows that the very top 4/5 club sides, e.g. Barcelona, Real Madrid, Man City etc are better than probably every national side.

Quoted from Gaffer58

Messi has to carry basically a whole team, I think it shows that the very top 4/5 club sides, e.g. Barcelona, Real Madrid, Man City etc are better than probably every national side.

I reckon most Premier League teams could win the World Cup. They have the advantage of training together all year round and being able to pick players which complement one another and work well together.

Quoted from Meza

Yeah im kidding.  Of course he's world class.  I just want to know what classes u as being "world class" thats all.  Cant argue with both Messi and Ronaldo top top players.  Argentina have never really got the best out of messi.

Being world class surely just means one of the best in the world in your position? He's one of, if not the, best player of all time.

I think it is unfair to judge him on the Croatia game. A decent goalie would have made a tremendous difference to the whole team and Croatia did a good marking job on him.

However, in the previous game Messi had the ball a lot more than anyone else, he had good chances for goals and opportunities for assists where he went for glory himself. It was as if he felt he had to win the game on his own and he didn’t trust his team mates. I got the feeling that a reaction to that showed  in the way his team mates played with him in the Croatia game.

It’s not the first time I’ve had the feeling that Messi finds it hard to be a team player in a side of lesser lights, and that contrasts with the way Ronaldo’s team works with him to get him into areas where he can be most deadly. That’s not just an ability thing is it? Messi has that in spades, but it takes more than just ability to be a great player in my book.

Messi is a better footballer than Ronaldo. But Ronaldo, on the big game stage, is a completely different animal. He drags his teams through the game with his work rate and will win at all costs.

It does make you wonder why Argentina are so bad when you see their standard of player.

Quoted from Grantley

Messi is a better footballer than Ronaldo. But Ronaldo, on the big game stage, is a completely different animal. He drags his teams through the game with his work rate and will win at all costs.

It does make you wonder why Argentina are so bad when you see their standard of player.

Just interested to know. In what way do you think is he better?

The Serbia v Switzerland game could go either way (1-1)...into the last 15 mins

Personally I can't stand Ronaldo but in my opinion he comes very close to being the best player EVER.

Switzerland's Shaqiri trying to impress Klopp to get his transfer to Liverpool, bit too greedy for me, always wanting to be the centre of attention.

The ref is absolutely blind or else he has a personal grudge against Mitrovic

Quoted from Gaffer58

Switzerland's Shaqiri trying to impress Klopp to get his transfer to Liverpool, bit too greedy for me, always wanting to be the centre of attention.

And scores the winner  :)

Quoted from Gaffer58

Switzerland's Shaqiri trying to impress Klopp to get his transfer to Liverpool, bit too greedy for me, always wanting to be the centre of attention.

Gulp!!! As I was saying he's a world beater and would walk into any team, wish he was English!!!

2 Kosovans scoring tonight, bet that went down well in Belgrade

What's the best result for us.... Belgium v Tunisia ?

Not sure myself but will be watching 13:00 Saturday

Quoted from mariner91

Being world class surely just means one of the best in the world in your position? He's one of, if not the, best player of all time.

I think though for pure skill Ronaldinho tops them all

Quoted from Rick12

I think though for pure skill Ronaldinho tops them all

Also tops the list of being up his own @rse......even more than Ronaldo.

Quoted from promotion plaice

Also tops the list of being up his own @rse......even more than Ronaldo.

Ive always liked him though as a person.Warm and funny. Xavi who played with him at Barcelona said similar

Belgium making easy work of Tunisia so far.....1 up after 6 minutes (Hazard penalty)

Quoted from promotion plaice

Belgium making easy work of Tunisia so far.....1 up after 6 minutes (Hazard penalty)

Should have scored again just a moment ago, scuffed his shot

Belgium 2-0 up after 15 minutes....is this the Tunisia team that we scraped a late 2-1 win against   ::)

Tunisia are pretty dangerous from set pieces and got one back. They have some tall players. Belgium nearly scored again but lukaku's first touch was too heavy. Good sportsmanship from him for not trying to get a penalty losing his footing when the keeper got to the ball first. Some players would be acting like they've been shot.....Looking at you Neymar.

Wouldn't it be a game worth watching if both teams, any game, went out with the intention of playing fairly, no diving, no time wasting, just pure football. Probably FIFA/EUFA might realise what really urines off the fans off and one day start clamping down on the cheats.

Sweden go 1 up against Germany    ;D

Fantastic to view, hope zee Germans get knocked out (100)(100)

Germany down to ten men.......cmon Sweden

Amazing. never write off the Germans

Jammy Kuntz

Quoted from moosey_club

Jammy Kuntz

What position was he playing ?

Seriously though the Germans will probably go on and win the World Cup now  :o

Cracking goal by Kroos.

Quoted from Manchester Mariner

Cracking goal by Kroos.

Think ?
I honestly think that was pretty poor goalkeeping.

Quoted from moosey_club

Think ?
I honestly think that was pretty poor goalkeeping.

It was like David Seaman 2002 but the kick was a bit closer to goal.

You could argue that the keeper went with the wrong hand, but it was one hell of a shot. Not sure he'd have saved it, regardless.

i would be disappointed on a Sunday morning if someone scored from that angle ....never mind being an international keeper.

Quoted from moosey_club

Jammy Kuntz

Could say that, or could say they kept the pressure on the Swedes incredibly well and eventually they cracked, (they hardly had a kick in the second half) a defender makes a silly decision and they capitalise, a bit like us at Braintree after being pants in the previous game losing 1-0...

The Germans are amazing at tournament football, if Mexico beat the Swedes and the Germans end up second in the Group, I'd back them to beat Brazil again if they get past Serbia, could then be England v Germany again...

Swedes game management in the last 10 mins was very poor. Kept giving the ball away and finally, a stupid free kick that led to the goal.

It was almost as if the Swedes were conspiring with the ref to let Germany win.

To be fair to the Germans it was the Swedes that looked like they were down to 10 men towards the end.

We're on next   ??)

Quoted from Pontooner

Swedes game management in the last 10 mins was very poor. Kept giving the ball away and finally, a stupid free kick that led to the goal.

Considering they were playing against 10 men as well they should be ashamed of the way they let the game get away from them. Giving away a free kick there in injury time seemed almost inevitable didn’t it?

Off subject I know but I'm watching the England v New Zealand rugby league game in Denver.

I don't claim to know the rules but why was that New Zealand player not sent-off for standing deliberately on the England players hand.

Imagine if that happened in football.

Rugby league? In Denver?!

Quoted from Abdul19

Rugby league? In Denver?!

BBC 2..... :)

Odd that I’m less surprised that it’s Denver, CO than I would have been if it was Denver, Norfolk.

Probably best if we lose to Belgium.......

http://www.skysports.com/football/news/12016/11415745/england-knockout-permutations-would-a-second-placed-finish-in-group-g-be-preferable

Out of interest, why are there so many supporters from the South American countries, they seem to be easily outnumbering those from the European countries.

Quoted from promotion plaice

Probably best if we lose to Belgium.......

http://www.skysports.com/football/news/12016/11415745/england-knockout-permutations-would-a-second-placed-finish-in-group-g-be-preferable

Written before Colombia's superb display tonight!

Quoted from Gaffer58

Out of interest, why are there so many supporters from the South American countries, they seem to be easily outnumbering those from the European countries.

I was wondering that. There's a lot by any standard but when you factor in lower incomes it's phenomenal.

Quoted from Gaffer58

Out of interest, why are there so many supporters from the South American countries, they seem to be easily outnumbering those from the European countries.

From Brazil's standpoint remember reading a interesting article on why they have done so well in the world cups.They have never been in any major wars for instance and due to the poverty and horrendous past of Brazil eg the slave trade football is a outlet for positive national identity for many .Likewise if you factor in the amount of registered football players they have in that country eg around 2 million in 2014 you start to realise thats its a ideal breeding ground for football success.

Messi scores for Argentina against Nigeria......you just know they are going to scrape through to the knock-out stage.

Cmon .....Iceland.

Quoted from promotion plaice

Messi scores for Argentina against Nigeria......you just know they are going to scrape through to the knock-out stage.

Cmon .....Iceland.

Sadly I think that applies to all the 'big, boring, always do well' pre-tournament favourites who looked a bit wobbly in the first group games

They'll all be there at the last knockings, Argentina, Brazil, France, Spain, Portugal, Germany so predictable

Pinning my hopes on Belgium,Croatia, Mexico and Uruguay to make the whole thing bearable

I exclude England on the basis that they've not actually played anyone who could beat Slade's team yet, our Golden Boot entrant has two penalties and one he knew absolutely nowt about in his total of five and Southgate is just too boringly honest to throw the Belgium game so we get an easier route.

Argentina 1-1 Nigeria...as it stands the Argies are out   :)

Quoted from promotion plaice

Argentina 1-1 Nigeria...as it stands the Argies are out   :)

The pleasure i would have seeing that fat, ugly, cheating get Maradonna loose his smirk.  :)

Quoted from Mallyner

The pleasure i would have seeing that fat, ugly, cheating get Maradonna loose his smirk.  :)

If there is a more repulsive man in the world than Diego Maradona I am yet to see him.

Quoted from bawarmy

If there is a more repulsive man in the world than Diego Maradona I am yet to see him.

I normally have a drink in the No 2 pub after the match  ;)

Messi is a joy to watch.Magic

Maradona is the least likely looking ex-footballer in history.  Even more so when Rhead retires.

Quoted from bawarmy

If there is a more repulsive man in the world than Diego Maradona I am yet to see him.

Steve Evans  :)

Argies against the frogs next round
Suarez vs Ronaldo too

I can't see anything but a drubbing by the French given the way the Argies have played this tournament. I suppose there is always the chance of Messi magic or Aguero scoring a cracker, but you'd have to think that the French should be scoring at least two or three goals in that game.

France haven't been particularly convincing either though! They certainly didn't drub anybody in their group.

Can't say I've seen them, truth be told. I'm just going on the fact that the French looked good when they beat us earlier this year and I've seen a game and a half of the Argies who have looked really poor.

France look pretty average from what I've seen and he doesn't seem to know his best team. Better than Argentina though! Not often a team plays well from start to end either so who knows who might come good in the knockout stages.

There's a decent chance of today's fixtures resulting in Brazil - Germany in the next round

Quoted from AdamHaddock

There's a decent chance of today's fixtures resulting in Brazil - Germany in the next round

Thing is when you have the likes of Neymar in your side you have a big advantage. There like 3 players in one.Similar to Messi,Isco and Ronaldo.

Germany going out as it stands  ;D

Why have South Korea been told not to shoot at goal when they are in the penalty area?

It's like the DMZ

If Germany score and get a lucky win to knock Mexico out who won their first 2 matches, the Mexican players along with the President will most likely be assassinated .  

South Korea 1-0 Germany      ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Make that 2   :X

Quoted from promotion plaice

South Korea 1-0 Germany      ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Grexit.  :) :) :)

They’re out!!!!

It’s coming home!

Really upset that Germany conceded a very late goal.

Where were the Germans? But frankly who cares!

Who would have thought that England would play so much better and go further?

YES!!!!!

Curse of the holder strikes again!

Good job we did not do that "pick your last 4 teams" competition.   ;)

I really dislike the anti-German sentiment. Surely we've moved beyond.........nah I can't do it. That was awesome!

Quoted from Abdul19

Curse of the holder strikes again!

I thought we had finished mentioning Slade.  :)

Filthy Hun, they don't like it up 'em you know!

I do though ;D ;D ;D ;D

Quoted from Sweden

YES!!!!!

Shhhh! You lot nearly let them back in it. First of all losing the other night to them when winning would have been easier, then scoring all those goals against Mexico.

Thankfully, they didn't do their bit.

Only kidding  ;)

Gå På

Schadenfreude-----HERR we go

'Two world wars and two world cups, do dah do dah'

Or am I getting ahead of myself here?

Random England point:  nearly all squad members came from academies outside of the Prem.  

Latest....Senegal 0-1 Columbia

Latest....Japan 0-1 Poland

Senegal look like they are going out with Japan and Columbia going through.

Why do we always seem to lose when on ITV ,or is my imagination? anyway hope we change the trend for columbia game !  ;)

France looking comfortable against Argentina at the moment.......latest France 1-0 Argentina

Mbappe was on fire early on. France may regret not putting the argies out of sight.

Di Maria scores with a wonder strike from distance.

Pogba looking awesome too.

Quoted from TownSNAFU5

Di Maria scores with a wonder strike from distance.

Jim Dobbin special.

Lucky goal for the Argies ......2-1

Goal of the tournament for me 2-2

France back in the lead.  The better team.  Very good game and 2 good goals - so far.

France 4-2 Argentina

Not sure Jolley would be interested if Messi's agent came calling   :)

That spawny Argentina 2nd goal has poked the French bear! Mbappe outstanding.

Mbappe leads the Argies with 2 goals and winning a pen.  Still a teenager.

What a game this has been. France not looking average today!

Otamendi claiming a penalty when his own player knocked him down  ;D

Lets have a camera shot of that cheat Maradona please.

Are Lincoln preparing a big bid for Mbappe?  You never know...........

Mbappe was awesome. France have a one man match winner there.

19 years old and five times the player the likes of Rooney and Owen were at that age.

Blimey, what a game.

Have to say France look so powerful and full of running. Will take some stopping.

But why on earth would the Argies not start with Aguero? Crazy.

Quoted from TownSNAFU5

Are Lincoln preparing a big bid for Mbappe?  You never know...........

He’s only young. Not too sure he’s quite ready for the step up  ;)

Lucky France are in the other half of the draw as England would not live with them on that showing. Such pace and power in midfield.

Magnifique!

I do love seeing those, cheating, dirty, whinging girl privates lose. If they played to their strengths they'd be superb, but instead they try to niggle their way through.

Quoted from TownSNAFU5

Are Lincoln preparing a big bid for Mbappe?  You never know...........

Another 6 stone and they'd be interested

Latest.....Uruguay 1-0 Portugal

Messi and Ronaldo out of the World Cup on the same day......surely not.

Suarez holding his head poleaxed when he was knocked in the back ......biggest cheat on the planet....embarrassing

Can sombody tell me wby the Uruguay keeper has whst appears to be  4 world cup stars on his jersey?
As far as im aware Uruguay have only won the world cup twice yeah   🤔

Suarez rolling apart aside, Uruguay really are a tough team to break down. Cavani especially puts in an incredible shift.

Sick of all the tap-ins today. Cavani to find a left-footer before full time really would be the perfect hat-trick.

Lovely goal

This has been one of the best world cups. The two knockout stage games so far have been belters.

Re Uruguay’s stars: two are for Olympic gold wins.

Agree. Best for years.

Quoted from MidnightMariner

Can sombody tell me wby the Uruguay keeper has whst appears to be  4 world cup stars on his jersey?
As far as im aware Uruguay have only won the world cup twice yeah   🤔

Two of them are for Olympic gold medals from the Pre-World Cup days.

A couple of their players have their swimming badges on the shorts too.

Some absolutely fantastic goals today, but Pavard's strike for France was sheer poetry.

I’m confused. I thought there had only been one previous World Cup. In 1966.

Quoted from Civvy at last

I’m confused. I thought there had only been one previous World Cup. In 1966.

All the others weren't proper World Cups   ;)

Uruguay bollocksed towards the end. Portugal very limited. Ronaldo anonymous.

Great start to the last 16, Both games have been excellent.

Another fine match.

Thought Uruguay were great defensively. Managed not to give  away any dangerous free kicks outside the box all game.

Will be a cracking game against France.

Quoted from LH

This has been one of the best world cups. The two knockout stage games so far have been belters.

Re Uruguay’s stars: two are for Olympic gold wins.

Ahh, cheers.
Didnt know they were awarded for Olympics also.

Quoted from chaos33

Some absolutely fantastic goals today, but Pavard's strike for France was sheer poetry.

It WAS beautiful in itself wasn’t it. Reminder of why I watch football in the first place.

Plus it was against those illegitimates too :-)

If England are going to win it again, we won't get a better chance than this year. Italy and Holland didn't qualify. Portugal, Argentina and Germany already out. France, Spain and Brazil far from convincing and defensively suspect.

Already the best WC since 1966 irrespective of England's progress.

The Krauts are out, the Argies are out and Ronaldo and Messi are on their way home and Maradona is hopefully crying over his latest line of Colombian marching powder

Just need France and Brazil to intercourse up now, oh, and someone to knock Suarez's teeth down his throat and it will be perfect

Portugal going out is always a highlight of a major tournament. But even aside from that it's been a cracker. Looking forward to seeing Croatia tonight, hopefully they can see off a dull Danmark.

Quoted from Ipswin

Already the best WC since 1966 irrespective of England's progress.

The Krauts are out, the Argies are out and Ronaldo and Messi are on their way home and Maradona is hopefully crying over his latest line of Colombian marching powder

Just need France and Brazil to intercourse up now, oh, and someone to knock Suarez's teeth down his throat and it will be perfect

Hope so. Sadly I can see them going all the way to the Final. Best I've seen defensively so far, and capable of goals.

Just got in to see latest Spain 1-1 Russia........didn't expect that.

Spain are boring. Tippy tap pay possession with little threat. As for Russia they need to have more fire in their bellies to make up for lack of quality
Worst game so far

Couldn't agree more carrot top!

There's just no passion or positivity to the play.

Spain going home in the rain.  They did not deserve anything for their inability to create clear-cut chances.  Over 1,100 passes for Spain.

Spain out. Odds shortening on England

Get in......missed the penalty shoot out as I went across the road to watch the Red Arrows.

Quoted from promotion plaice

Get in......missed the penalty shoot out as I went across the road to watch the Red Arrows.

YES, why did the event organisers time the red arrows arrival to coincide with the penalty shoot out?🤔

Quoted from Perkins

YES, why did the event organisers time the red arrows arrival to coincide with the penalty shoot out?🤔

It’s typical liberal western plot to distract attention from glorious World Cup of Mother Russia.

Spain unlucky not to get a nailed on penalty in ET.

The World Cup that just keeps on giving........Croatia 1-1 Denmark after 4 minutes.

What a start. Can't say I expected Denmark to be involved in a goalfest!

Russia, Croatia, Denmark, Sweden, Swizterland, Colombia, England. One of those teams will be in The World Cup Final. Come on England, you won't get a better chance than this year!

Quoted from Les Brechin

Russia, Croatia, Denmark, Sweden, Swizterland, Colombia, England. One of those teams will be in The World Cup Final. Come on England, you won't get a better chance than this year!

It will be Russia, Mr Putin has already bet £5 on it.

Quoted from carrot top

Spain are boring. Tippy tap pay possession with little threat. As for Russia they need to have more fire in their bellies to make up for lack of quality
Worst game so far

You were clearly lucky enough not to watch Denmark v France. Now that was an absolute shocker!!

Why wasn't that a red???

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

Why wasn't that a red???

I think law states that if they make genuine attempt for the ball then only a yellow.

Yeah that's the rule. If it's deliberate it can be red and a penalty but if deemed to be a genuine attempt to play the ball then it's a yellow.

What happened to the ABBA penalties ?

Seams ridiculous to me. But, that's the rules I guess

Quoted from promotion plaice

What happened to the ABBA penalties ?

They have retired  ;D

A mixture of poor pens and good goalkeeping.,


Come on England step up to the mark  8)

England will either lose to Colombia or reach the final IMHO

France are the only team that look like winning the World Cup.  They won’t win anything with a kid though.

When England inevitably intercourse this up from here it’s going to really hurt.

There is sense in England being in with the other numpties (Russia, Croatia, Sweden, Switzerland and Colombia) farther than be in the other half of the draw with France, Belgium, Brazil and Mexico and Uruguay.

If England beat Colombia then we have a decent chance of reaching the final.  Less chance then of beating the top team that should also get to the final.

How the top teams have failed.  Since 1966 at least 2 of the following teams have reached the quarter-finals:  Spain, Argentina, Italy and Germany/West Germany.

Mbappe made a lighning long run against Argentina, beating defenders.  20 years before to the day, another teenager also made a speedy long run against Argentina, beating defenders.   Michael Owen.  Both runs resulted in goals.

brazil - mexico.cracking first half, so much skill and ability on show.  Interesting that whilst most teams have brought everyone back for corners (was Slade so wrong on this?) Mexico leaving 3 up there to free up the penalty area and to help with the possibility of a breakaway

Quoted from forza ivano

brazil - mexico.cracking first half, so much skill and ability on show.  Interesting that whilst most teams have brought everyone back for corners (was Slade so wrong on this?) Mexico leaving 3 up there to free up the penalty area and to help with the possibility of a breakaway

Slade was ahead of his time  ;)

Quoted from GrimRob

Slade was ahead of his time  ;)

Slade was barely ahead of the Jurassic time period.

For the unitiated, the Jurassic age ended 145 million years ago and Slade took over at Scarborough soon after.

Well worked goal that. Am hoping for a Mexican win though. Improves our chances should we get through Colombia, Swiss/Swede, and Russia.

I know he's a fantastic player but Neymar's an absolute cockwomble

I know France looked pretty good, but as always to win the cup you have to beat Brazil

Quoted from Abdul19

I know he's a fantastic player but Neymar's an absolute cockwomble

You mean he hangs around Wimbledon Common collecting used condoms to turn into something else?

Japan look out of their depth against Belgium....surely only a matter of time before Belgium score.

Quoted from promotion plaice

Japan look out of their depth against Belgium....surely only a matter of time before Belgium score.

Commentators curse.....Japan playing a lot better now   :)

WOW.........Belgium 0-2 Japan

Quoted from promotion plaice

WOW.........Belgium 0-2 Japan

Holy Smoke!!

Still think Belgium will win though. Might take extra time though.

Not with Lukaku missing chances like that, they won't!

Quoted from RonMariner

Still think Belgium will win though. Might take extra time though.

I said the same to my daughter. Can see Belgium winning this still

Quoted from Maringer

Not with Lukaku missing chances like that, they won't!

You were saying? Hope Belgium win it I want them to win the whole thing.

Belgium succeed by putting it into the box for the big lads. Lump-esque header from Vertonghen, I thought, though dodgy positioning from the keeper.

Quoted from Ipswin

You were saying? Hope Belgium win it I want them to win the whole thing.

Not England ?

Quoted from promotion plaice

Not England ?

I've already dismissed that stupid idea, I'm looking at Belgium as the team I like best out of the likely remaining dross. So long as its not the French or Brazilians I'm not that bothered.

Quoted from RonMariner

Still think Belgium will win though. Might take extra time though.

I was wrong about extra time then.

England  v  Belgium    Final      

Quoted from grimsby pete

England  v  Belgium    Final      

Would be a great final Pete. Would not mind finishing second to the Belgians so long as we don't get beaten by France or Brazil. I'd rather lose tomorrow than to the French in the final

That was a hell of a second half and NO ONE saw that coming. Glad it didn't go to extra time though. Yesterday's games used up too much time.

Cracking World Cup.

If we win tonight we could be playing Sweden in the quarter-finals !

Lucky with the deflection but.....

Latest.....Sweden 1-0 Switzerland.

christ this sweden switzerland game is shiite (apart from shaqiri) .about as much quality as your average conference gam. huff n puff with very little quality.embarrassing shanks, over hit passes, complete with pathetic amateurish diving
sweden (or switzerland) plus russia must surely rank as 2 of the worst teams ever to get through to the world cup quarter finals

FT    Uruguay 0-2 France

Suarez sent home packing by the French   8)

Good riddance to a niggly side. Remind me of Gateshead under Gary Mills.

Quoted from KingstonMariner

Good riddance to a niggly side. Remind me of Gateshead under Gary Mills.

Surely that must be the first time anyone has compared Gateshead to Uruguay.  ;)

Really looking forward to this one tonight........Brazil v Belgium.......hope Neymar gets sent off and Belgium win.

Le chat amongst the pigeons

Exocet stuff from De Bruyne

Manchester winning and losing this match.

Belgium look like scoring on every counter-attack at pace.  Have Brazil not seen their winning goal against Japan? Do they think they can out-score Belgium?

Brazil also look to score when they get within 10 feet of the Belgium goal.

Exciting game.

Cracking first half. Interesting tactics by Martinez, playing Lukaku wide, working a treat.

Belgium look really dangerous on the counter......deffo more goals in this game.

Interesting stat.....if Belgium win tonight the 6 remaining teams are all European.

Neymar again tries to con the ref for a pen.........should've been booked

Agreed, it's half a job. All well and good telling him to get up but book him too. Reminds me of that sharp object Maddison in the playoff semi.

As for the slightly later penalty shout: surely it can't be one because the ball was out?

That was my thoughts - he'd booted the ball out of play.

I had to smile at a commentators comment the other day......Naymars pain threshold must be really low, I wouldn't like to see his face coming out of the doctors after an injection   :)

.......Neymar needs a general anaethetic if he has a new tattoo.

I’d love Neymar to come and play in England just so we’d have a chance of seeing him away at a non-league club in R3 of the cup and getting proper rough treatment from Dave the lorry driver/centre half.

Quoted from LH

I’d love Neymar to come and play in England just so we’d have a chance of seeing him away at a non-league club in R3 of the cup and getting proper rough treatment from Dave the lorry driver/centre half.

Shame Bradley Wood isn't playing anymore. He could get all his mates to place bets on him taking Neymar out.

Quoted from Rodley Mariner

That was my thoughts - he'd booted the ball out of play.

Seeing it again it was a clear pen. What a shame!

England could beat Sweden, Russia and Belgium to win the World Cup, neatly allowing everyone else to knock out the favourites  :)

Who would we prefer to play.......Russia or Croatia.......even though they have the home backing I would prefer to play Russia.

if rather play Russia but 8 of Croatia players on yellows which would get them banned if they get another 1 this game

Unfancied Russia take the lead over Croatia.........it's coming home.

Hell of a strike

Quoted from Les Brechin

Surely that must be the first time anyone has compared Gateshead to Uruguay.  ;)

Lots of similarities. Both lie on the banks of a famous river, opposite a more famous footballing place.

River Plate / River Tyne
Uruguay / Argentina
Gateshead / Newcastle
Locals are puzzled when outsiders don't realise the differences between the people on either side of the river
Outsiders don't give a shite.

If Russia get through tonight can I suggest our players wear gloves between now and the semi, don't want to pick up anything dodgy from any door handles!!!!

Quoted from KingstonMariner

Lots of similarities. Both lie on the banks of a famous river, opposite a more famous footballing place.

River Plate / River Tyne
Uruguay / Argentina
Gateshead / Newcastle
Locals are puzzled when outsiders don't realise the differences between the people on either side of the river
Outsiders don't give a shite.

River Humber / River Humber
Hull / Grimsby (more famous)   ;)

Looking at tonights match I think we could beat both teams at the same time.  The cup's there for the taking looking at the teams left in

The drama of penalties again.

Quoted from golfer

Looking at tonights match I think we could beat both teams at the same time.  The cup's there for the taking looking at the teams left in

Ignoring the semifinal France/Belgium might have a say in things.

The Russian players are now on a luxury black and white coach heading to Siberia   8)

England v Modric

Quoted from promotion plaice

The Russian players are now on a luxury black and white coach heading to Siberia   8)

It's the gulags for anyone who missed a pen

Quoted from GrimRob

It's the gulags for anyone who missed a pen

As bad as he is....even Putin wouldn't send them to Glasgow   :)

After the Iceland disaster, who would have thought that England would play 7 matches at the next World Cup?  

And with the last game against France or Belgium.  Depending on whether we are in the final or the third place playoff.  All invaluable experience for this team to build for the future.

Quoted from TownSNAFU5

After the Iceland disaster, who would have thought that England would play 7 matches at the next World Cup?  

And with the last game against France or Belgium.  Depending on whether we are in the final or the third place playoff.  All invaluable experience for this team to build for the future.

Not me for one.

I'm loving being proved wrong.

On an' on

Have we got more emotionally attached to the England team. This poll is closer than usual 🇫🇴


https://twitter.com/TheFishyGTFC/status/1015706295318478848?s=08

Croatia have really struggled to get past Denmark and Russia. They have little to fear up front, and look a little shaky at the back. They also seemed very weary in extra time.

Modric is outstanding though, and is clearly the main threat.

But on the evidence of what I saw last night I think we have too much pace and energy for them to cope with, especially if it goes to extra time.

We seem to be getting stronger each game.

Amazing as it would have seemed three weeks ago we are now favourites to reach the World Cup Final. :)

HT   France 0-0 Belgium

Intriguing game with so much at stake.

Nobody else watching the other semi? A frighteningly large number of really good players on display for both sides and both keepers have been called on to make some good saves.

Belgium lucky not to have a couple of players in the book for cynical pulls/trips and the leniency shown by the ref might prove to be vital later in the game.

Wouldn't like to pick a winner following a very entertaining first half.

Yeah, couldn't pick one beforehand and still can't. A good watch though.

I hope Belgium win the game for their assistant coach Henry   8)

And then after one coach takes on his home nation another one will on Sunday (Graeme Jones)  :)

France 1 up. 'Eader from a corner.

France look really good on the break so it's going to be tough for the Belgies to come back now. You'd think France will probably bag another before the end of the game as it opens up.

If we do play France in the final, it'll be interesting to see what Southgate's plans for Mbappe are. Him v Young sounds terrifying 1 v 1.

Can't help but think we are watching the World Cup winners tonight

Yep. Impressed with just how disciplined the French team has been. They've got a plan and stuck to it - don't think I've seen Pogba perform so faultlessly as he's been one of their best defenders, not just good going forward.

Surprised that the Belgians haven't really gone for it earlier on, truth be told. I suppose the lack of a decent striker on the bench has cost them as they couldn't change it around up front at all.

All is now clear:  We will play France or Belgium in our last game.

Ashley Young will need a minutes start to keep up with Mbappe. Maybe Rose is a possible starter?

Super solid from France and they'll start clear favourites on Sunday whoever they play. Let's just hope it's us though and who knows what could happen if it is!

I think we have a better chance of beating France than Belgium, so pleased to see this result. But there is the small matter of the semi final first.......

Quoted from Abdul19

If we do play France in the final, it'll be interesting to see what Southgate's plans for Mbappe are. Him v Young sounds terrifying 1 v 1.

Hopefully there will be a rota of players designated to kick him up in the air early doors

Sadly tho' that's not Southgate's way

Tomorrow is the biggest game (in my head) since Barnet at home  :-/

Quoted from GrimRob

Tomorrow is the biggest game (in my head) since Barnet at home  :-/

I thought the Notts County game was the biggest of 2018, but maybe tomorrows will be just as satisfying! Hope so.

I really believe we can beat Croatia.

It's not inconceivable that we can beat France either. They lost in the last Euro final against a Portugal team without Ronaldo for most of the game.

Think we saw the World Cup winners tonight.very impressive although felt sorry for 'Les Belges' coz it just didn't fall right for the.de Bruyne was pretty awful by his very high standards, dembele was a failed experiment and lukaku hardly had a kick. They will go away saying ' if only...'

First thought is that whichever team won that game were going to be the eventual winners. France are the best team I've seen in this tournament so whoever wins our semi is going to be clear underdogs.

However, the way this competition has gone, I won't be surprised if Croatia end up taking the trophy home.

Flipping heck, talk about sour grapes from the Belgies:

Courtois is reported as saying: "“France heads a corner and does nothing more than defend... I would have preferred to have lost in the quarter-finals to Brazil, at least that was a team that wanted to play football. [France] are just an anti-football team.”

Hazard says: “I prefer to lose with this Belgium than win with this France. But they do defend strongly and are very efficient. We have not found their weak point. That little moment of magic needed to score was not there.”

The match stats show France had more than twice as many shots as Belgium (19 vs 9) with 5 on target in comparison to 3. Belgium received 3 times as many bookings as the French (and the referee was overly lenient) and committed almost 3 times as many fouls (16 vs 6). Which team was anti-football again? Bizarre whinging when they were well-beaten.

Lets win tonight against Croatia and see what happens on Sunday,

I think we have a better chance against France than if we played Belgium ,

Its a one off game and the team that scores first has a big advantage,

That relates to both of our remaining games.















ITS COMING HOME !!!!!!!!!!

The one thing that worries me is that the expectation is there now.

Most people didn't really think we'd get this far but now most people think that we'll win tonight.

I just hope that the team don't flop now that the expectation is with them.

Quoted from Les Brechin

The one thing that worries me is that the expectation is there now.

Most people didn't really think we'd get this far but now most people think that we'll win tonight.

I just hope that the team don't flop now that the expectation is with them.

I agree Les, the pressure is slightly on us tonight but if we win then all the pressure is on France in the final.

I don't think many England fans would be confident of beating France but you never know in football.

If we were to win it I wonder if anyone has plans for a new tattoo or something ?  :)

Agree Les, all this hype is pissing me off. It never bodes well when the band waggon really gets rolling. I'm even thinking of banning my girls from watching it (one of them asked if she can watch it) despite not being interested in football.

Mbappe what a player.Has pace and skill and performed admirably in the final .However Messi still eclipses him for me.

France a touch fortunate in the end. I missed first 30-odd minutes but they looked like a completely different team to the one which looked so compact and organised against the Belgians. Giving the ball away endlessly, not following runners and looking panicked at the back at times. Credit to Croatia for taking the game to them, but I can't help but think there was a bit of complacency there from the French - they thought they had it in the bag before kick-off.

Still, despite the luck in the first half, they had enough in the squad to pull away from the Croats in the second half - despite Loris' best attempts to even it out!

A concern is that, for all the talk about how young our squad has been this tournament, the France squad is younger still. We don't have anybody near the level of Griezmann, Pogba and Mbappe in those positions so it is going to have to be a real team performance if we're going to compete against them over the next few years.

Quoted from Maringer

A concern is that, for all the talk about how young our squad has been this tournament, the France squad is younger still. We don't have anybody near the level of Griezmann, Pogba and Mbappe in those positions so it is going to have to be a real team performance if we're going to compete against them over the next few years.

And when you see who they left out eg Benzema,Martial ,Payet(injured) and Lacazette  to name but a few you realise just how strong they really are