Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

8 changes by England and 9 by Belgium tonight.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/football/43975715

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Unbelievable. You should be trying to build momentum not throw it out of the window. Should be able to impose punishments on both teams for fielding weaker sides similar to the FA and League Cup. Not that it'd help of course with the monetary value of such punishments being non significant.

This was a chance to introduce a few new faces on top of the existing momentum, not pull a Man United when they draw Exeter.

Gary Neville is loving the decision to do this. That's the same Gary that crashed out with Roy Hodgson in the Euros doing this same thing by the way.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Question for all you Statto's, don't know the answer but have two teams who met in the group stages ever both gone on to reach the final?

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Edin Hazard....Phil Jones...oh dear.:(

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Was it Spain against the Netherlands.:nono:

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Yeah scratch this reply until I dig back.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

The teams are put if different halves of the knockout stages. So if both teams keep winning, they will meet in the final.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Are you sure?

If England and Belgium win all of their remaining games they would meet in the final surely?

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Done. West Germany vs Hungary 1954

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Nah I invented a scenario in which they'd have to meet again in the semi final. Derp moment. See above though.

Brazil vs Czech 1962, maybe a few more but I left it at that.

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Remember when Januzaj was the next 'insert legend here'

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Average, England devoid of creativity. Rashford is having to pick it up deep. Danny Rose probably having the best game of the England players.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Dier , Jones and Vardy have been poor.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Probably unfair to bring Vardy into it, he'd have to drop way deep to see anything and that point he'd be redundant.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Oh dear...:(:td:

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Well naturally it had to be him now. Just wait for the Belgians to start trying to give away a penalty now.

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Alex Arnold in miles of space, just no vision at all in the central midfielders.

You have to score that. Dire, not even on target without the touch from Courtois.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

You heard it here first, England to beat Belgium in the final.:D


A more likely scenario, one Man Utd failure scores tonight, and another, Falcao get the winner on Tuesday.:rolleyes:

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

England's first team have a lot to offer. They're deadly from set pieces and I think we could see off Colombia easier than expected. They're a two player team, one is well spent and the other limped off injured.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Nothing is easy as those who say we are in the easier side of the draw will find history has taught us some harsh lessons as you don't need star players to win a World cup as what you need is a team that is very cohesive and tactically strong as a unit.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Columbia are not to shabby at set pieces either, that centre back is massive and I'd say they have more like five top notch players, quintero is a gem of a player, underestimate them at your peril

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Got to be honest I could only associate Lipton with ice tea so it was more a process of elimination rather than actual knowledge

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Surprising stat in today’s Telegraph, England’s win percentage since 1966 is 26.1% when the game is on ITV and 62.5% when on BBC.:shocked:

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Perhaps you can have a word with someone in high places then Jim.;)

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

I feel like commentary by Martin Tyler again may be our saviour.

England are in again, it's Emile Heskey IT'S FIVE

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Rojo, what an absolute tool.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Utter stupidity..

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Pogba hits a great pass, then quickly reverts back to being a pile of crap :p:

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Di Maria who has done diddly squat thus so far suddenly scores a worldly..:clap:

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

First look it looks like it drops right in the top corner. On second look it's mid height. Could make an argument that Loris should've gotten across quicker. Likely had his view blocked by those in front.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Mascherano is a total liability, God’s how he has lasted so long at Barca.:(

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

There's a few of them I'm questioning. So many needless challenges.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Granted a poor free kick but overall he has been impressive IMHO.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Because of the talent in front of him Barca accept his liabilities..

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Now that's a hit.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Now that was brilliant technique from Pavard, :cool:

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

The Argentinians are rocking now...:D:D

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Brilliant. How's them two fingers and your bottle of wine holding up Diego?

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

He might need more tissues though...:D

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Destruction incoming. That's more like it from Pogba. Majestic pass under pressure. Giroud had to go across the keeper though.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

They think it is all over , it is now!!!!!!!!!

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

There's that young £30m rated lad from Spurs that could cover Matuidi next game, what was his name again? Moussa Sissoko? :D

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Today has shown how average this Argentinian side is..

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Can't wait for Messi to throw his toys out of the pram again.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

A clear foul on Otamendi in the area there, pity it was by his team mate.:D

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Here comes another former Newcastle player that touted around England posing as a footballer. :rolleyes:

Also Di Maria, can score a screamer and still have had a stinker. He's been absolutely awful. His crossing, everything.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

And Man Utd paid a kings ransom for him when they bought him.;)

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Don't cry for me Maradona :D

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

He couldn't get in a team ahead of Hayden Mullins a while back...

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Easy to see why Uraguay haven’t conceded yet, like a double brick wall with Godin a bonus, will tale something special to get past.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Can this day please end with a crying cheating Ronaldo

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

l will get back to you on that wish.;)

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Famous last words. :p:

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Wow what a finish.:clap:

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Can see why teams may struggle to score past Uruguay, camped in their own half with a one goal lead, come on lads, it's Portugal not Brazil or France.

Won't matter if Portugal just pass it around the Uruguay half with no intent. Still happening, not crossing when you have the chance, wasting corners. Ironically, two crosses then cause trouble.

Both could've easily seen red for that.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Taxi for a Mr Ronaldo :D

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OH yes it can :D

:cleader::cleader::cleader::cleader::cleader:

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

This game is in dire need of a bit of class, could be the first ET & P game of the tournament.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Indeed its certainly not great fayre Jim.:td:

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

If this goes to pens I fear for Spain, great shot stopper though De Gea is he has never impressed me at penalties.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

He'd be better suited at dodgeball.

Can't blame him though, Spain were stinking. Another team that turned up with keep ball tactics and produced nothing from it. Teams sussed this out 6 years ago.

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If Brazil go out and Belgium join them, Badiel, Skinner and The LS best polish up their act.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

De Gea drops or leaps to his right 99% of the time, fractionally before the ball is kicked every time. :rolleyes:

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

I don’t believe it, just five minutes before that penalty save I said to the missus, if it goes to penalties you would want Schmeichel between the sticks. :D

It was like watching England, some very poor penalties in that batch.

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Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Your fears were well founded Jim.

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Practising penalties is all well and good but it does not nowhere near replicate the scenario of real time match pressure.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Disgraceful histrionics from Neymar yet again and now he is up running around the pitch like nothing happened..:td::(

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Brazil always looked likely winners, Mexico ran out of steam and for all their swift transition from defence to attack I can't remember Brazil's keeper making a save, toothless v ruthless finishing in the end.

Brazil v Belgium should be interesting, Japan notwithstanding. :cool:

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Is it time yet for Belgium to bring on the big fella and 'lump it up to Fellaini' :D

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Or will another impossible miracle happen..;)

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Is that the same Courtois who was slagging off Jordan Pickford. :D

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

:Yes::Yes::D:D

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Refs gotta get the holding under control, they're doing literally anything to stop Belgium advancing forward with the ball. Dish out cards.

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The 30 million quid pot noodle scored.

Still though, signs these supposed top teams can be had at. A full strength England would absolutely take Belgium to the sword. Its the small teams I worry about with England.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

:cool:

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

:(

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

What's that absolute racket? Are vuvuzelas back?

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

:D:D

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Japan's passing is actually really intricate and surprisingly good. They've got no quarrels in close passing in tight situations.

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Fellaini looks like he's due to fight Conor McGregor for the lightweight title in the fall. :erm:

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Gutted for them. Absolutely gave it everything.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

They deserved better as Belgium resorted to one of Jose's favourite Tactics ;) to get them out of this mess....

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

That is a clear sending off there as that is violent conduct...:mad::mad:

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Can we sub the carp ref in the England game.

Like many South American footballers they are cheating ****.

Should have been at least 2 red so far at 65 mins.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

And we thought Panama were cheats as Colombia are premier division compared to them....:td::td::(:(

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Only England :D

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Cheats prosper it seems....:(:(

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

No urgency here from England, worrying signs.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Letting them dictate in extra time too much for my liking.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

England look ready to lose to be honest. Southgate opted to gamble on Belgium, thus losing all momentum the team had. The same gamble Roy Hodgson took and lost massively with. Southgate is close to repeating that failure. I don't know if they're just having a break half. Something has to give.

Falcao barn door, machine gun.

Gotta get past this and get a solid win against Sweden to start it up again.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

l fear its all going to end in tears sadly..

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Quickly sub Tim Krul on.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

momentum in the England squad? beating Tunisia just, Panama you wouldn't really class as a footballing great. I wouldn't really call that momentum they are playing a team which is hungrier than England.



and yes okay the Dutch aren't in so you can't have a go about that :) :P:dunce:

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

If Falcao has the audacity to score a penalty.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Tissues at the ready...:bigcry::bigcry::bigcry:

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

David de pickford!

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It's coming home. There's no doubts.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Beers at the ready l think now though its lemonade for me...:cleader::cleader::cleader::cleader:

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

The curse is broken. Dare to believe. There's got to be a feeling around England now that's been missing.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Well,well,well. Who'd have thought it?

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Was at Old Trafford watching cricket again, England got thrashed TBH, heard the England goal from the shout of people watching on the big screen. We where just leaving past the same screen when Columbia scored. Had an iffy wifi connection on the tram so switched off my phone expecting the worst.


Only found out that England had won when I heard the cheering from pubs as I walked home.


Just watched the shoot out on playback, it really did look like England had been practising. :cool:

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

A point to ponder, if by some miracle England make it to the final then Columbia at #16, four places below them will be the highest ranked team they have beaten. Only if they actually win the final will they have over achieved.

Have to say though that when Switzerland and Poland are ranked 6 & 8 is does make the rankings look a bit silly.:rolleyes:

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

The rankings to sum them up are what l would call utter codswallop Jim.:td:

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

They've been revised. Unsure when it takes effect. My new sig takes effect immediately though.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

l see the Colombians and that famous drugs cheat are protesting that Colombia were the innocent party last night which given their previous comes as no surprise..

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

They certainly don't like losing . . they need someone to blame.

. . . anyone remember Escobar '94

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Yes given my prevalent grey hair nowadays l remember it well.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrés_Escobar

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Naturally I only know of it from text or documentary videos. The actual reason I'd heard about it though was due to the monumental blunder Alan Hansen made a few days later, seen via footballs infamous moments documentary. in regards to a defensive blunder. You couldn't make it up.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

More amusing fact this time. Neymar has spent 14 minutes on the floor during the World Cup. Revered in Brazil but he's quickly becoming a hated player worldwide.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Maradona thinks we're cheats.... i think he might just be a hypocrite....
https://news.sky.com/story/monumenta...-game-11426216

Predict England will get knocked out by Croatia in the semis on penalties. Great performance all the same. France are going to win this.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

I think he might just be a coked up fat alcoholic. Who am I to speculate though...oh aye, its not speculation. All whilst he's sat in a Colombian top that doesn't fit round his bottom half. Just stop Diego.

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I'm not worried about any team. It an open cup. France have scraped past every game thus far or ridden their luck, bar Denmark who they drew against. France are there to be had, Brazil too. England following that trend. Its so open there could be an outside shock. Uruguay have certainly got enough to dump France out.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44729969

Diego given a kick up the arse.

Falcao was no different, except he was literally on the field, absolutely deluded to be questioning the ref given the antics of the Colombian players that night. The referee did extraordinarily well to keep 11 of them on the field. Falcao has always been a dirty arse anyway, couldn't cut it in England and has been bitter since, guy pulled a Fernando Torres better than Fernando Torres... :erm: As for Diego, his anti-England agenda is boring, as above, he's not significant anymore, his legacy tarnished by drugs, booze and sour agendas. Could you imagine Pele or Gerd Muller being half as a muppet as this bloke?

At the end of the day, Colombia came in with Panama-esque tactics and were mere spectators as they watched it gloriously backfire, good riddance to another craphouse of a team.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

He can talk about robbery, cheating <rant stops here before I get hit by a ban>.