Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Was it more the hands in the back than leg to leg contact?

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

None of it matters. There was contact on both occasions. Whether they were dives or not became irrelevant 10 years ago when we started accepting being blown over as a foul and looking for the tiniest points of contact. It became such a norm that the great Sir Alex started ignoring it as Ashley Young progressed into being the most prolific diver in world football.. Fancy that, Ashley Young not fitting the foreign diving agenda.

The ship for not wanting this kind of foul baiting and diving in the game sailed a long time ago. It isn't even worth discussing anymore. By their own laws, there should be a penalty/free kick awarded for literally every single corner taken due to the amount of pulling and pushing, wrapping their arms around. Once every blue moon a referee will inexplicably award a penalty citing said issues and throws the game into further confusion.

Regardless. Cristiano Ronaldo is in my own opinion the greatest complete player to ever have played the game. Its been a privilege to have had the chance to see this lad from start to finish.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

The scoreline is flattering to Portugal, especially as the only goal scored in open play was a result of goalkeeper error.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Well it looks like I picked the best game to miss. :bigcry:

Did see the pen before I left for the theatre, definitely clear contact and it would have been run past VAR as well. I was amused at Lineker and Co before the game smugly pointing out how CR7 had only scored three goals in previous world cups.

The play was excellent BTW. :cool:

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Yes it was certainly in terms of entertainment and class a superb match despite the hysteric's at times.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Well I got Spain in the pub sweepstake but was hoping for Portugal. ah well it was a good game..Not sure I could face any more like the earlier games this week though.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Monday might be the day for that.;)

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

l hope nobody has France in the sweepstake as on the basis of this first half they look one of the worse teams of the World Cup.:td:

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Peru v Denmark - I love these bizarre World Cup fixtures !

The best one was USA v Iran in 1998. Iran won and Ayattolah modestly commented "Tonight, again, the strong and arrogant opponent felt the bitter taste of defeat at your hands.'' :D

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Lets see if the mighty Argentinians can handle the minnows of Iceland.:)

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

No magic from Messi yet. In fact Argentina don't even look that good to be fair.

Missed penalty, free kick over the bar, free kick into the wall. It's a Ballon D'nope again for Messi this time around.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Iceland had the Hand of Cod on their side :D

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Messi has never really done it at World Cups as Argentina are given a inflated reputation based on him but too many of their other players are average IMO as one or two world class players cannot carry a average team.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Oh dear, :D TBH their keepers hands excelled.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Does anybody remember Teófilo Cubillas?.;)