A&H

Prospects for the last 8 (OT fan stuff)

I mentioned in the match thread Mendy should have saved Henderson's shot. He also seemed wrong footed or too reliant on his feet for the 2nd goal by effectively diving away from the ball.

He's been shocking all season for Chelsea. Was at the Southampton game in August, both goals were both more than savable. For a 6ft 4" keeper, he is getting beaten too easily with shots that are well within his reach. Looked the real deal leading up to Chelsea's Champions League triumph, but since then it's been mostly downhill. Could be a motivation thing, fitness related or he wasn't really that good in the first place...

As for England, Declan Rice believes England are not getting the respect they deserve. Let's be honest, we haven't beaten a side of equal level in this tournament to justify it. Iran scored 2 late goals, which suggests defensive frailties can be exposed, lucky not to lose to the USA, all due respect but Wales are effectively a Championship team still too reliant of a fading star who would rather be on the golf course and the performance in the first 30 minutes against Senegal was poor and could have easily resulted in being a couple of goals behind. If England put in a top performance and beat France then maybe they will get greater respect....
 
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Mooseybaby said:
As for England, Declan Rice believes England are not getting the respect they deserve. Let's be honest, we haven't beaten a side of equal level in this tournament to justify it. Iran scored 2 late goals, which suggests defensive frailties can be exposed, lucky not to lose to the USA, all due respect but Wales are effectively a Championship team still too reliant of a fading star who would rather be on the golf course and the performance in the first 30 minutes against Senegal was poor and could have easily resulted in being a couple of goals behind. If England put in a top performance and beat France then maybe they will get greater respect....
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I don't necessarily disagree with you.

My thoughts are that we haven't played anyone who will actually come on to us and that's where our strength lies.

In the 3 games where we have got the goal to open it up the result from that point was never in doubt as teams have to then open up and attack which, with our attacking quality, we have taken full advantage of.

Until then, we seem slow and ponderous and keep the ball without causing any drama. I think that's where we have to be better. We have to get the ball and go at teams. Against USA, when we did speed up and put it together we looked dangerous but didn't get the breakthrough. Had we, I think we win that one by a decent margin too.

I agree, we do look exposable at the back, I don't see HM or JS containing Mbappe. I'd like to see us go 5 at the back with walker the 3rd CB for pace.

France a tough ask, but to be the best have to beat the best, and I'll take confidence from the fact that Poland exposed France at times and should of had more to show for their efforts.
 
two obvious approaches, if we stick with the current plan/formation it will likely be a case of one goal in 5 deciding it. seeing how easily Poland created chances yesterday fills me with confidence especially as we are playing pretty well and must be confident

that said, i'd wager a small fortune on southgate playing 5 at the back, and I think i'd be all for it tbh. seems a more likey route to victory, but I suspect a loss with that playing style would see southgate out of a job after the croatia and Italy results
 
es1 said:
two obvious approaches, if we stick with the current plan/formation it will likely be a case of one goal in 5 deciding it. seeing how easily Poland created chances yesterday fills me with confidence especially as we are playing pretty well and must be confident

that said, i'd wager a small fortune on southgate playing 5 at the back, and I think i'd be all for it tbh. seems a more likey route to victory, but I suspect a loss with that playing style would see southgate out of a job after the croatia and Italy results
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So, if Walker is the 3rd CB, then Shaw and Trippier… then Rice, Jude… Kane, Saka… Foden? I’m not so sure GS wants that… one less CM? He might have crazy Dier plans - stepping out into midfield- I hope not!

Wouldn’t it be great if GS started Walker as the right of the three and then said… OK Trent, you are in in the right!
 
The England v France result is a difficult one to call. I do fear for our defensive frailties though. Not just Mbappe on the left but Dembele on the other side running at us. Maguire is a sturdy workhorse, fantastic in the air but not the most agile on the floor. Stones, I've never rated. He lacks so much basic defensive perception in my opinion for someone who operates at the level he does. Fatty Shaw not much better. If France operate a high press then our two CBs will struggle in possession and holes will appear. On the upside, if England are then forced to boot the ball long then we have Kane to aim at and hopefully provide scraps for Bellingham (who is currently just too good to be true) and Foden/Saka to open France up with. I'm gonna try and enjoy the game but as usual with England, will be constantly waiting for that sinking feeling ... :(

As for the rest, I've already tipped Holland to lay their ghosts to rest and make their way to the final (4th time lucky). Spain look good whenever they get into their stride and Portugal, with DeSilva and Nevez have yet to really show what they can do.

Have to also add that in spite of all the controversy, virtue-signalling, political jiggery-pokery etc that has gone on, it's been a really enjoyable tournament so far with some surprise outcomes and I feel is about to get even better. :)
 
I think England will play with a back 3 against France, but if France have got any sense they will switch Mbappe to the right as Maguire looked like he was running in treacle in the early part of last night's game. Understandable given he has hardly played all season.
 
Brought back (bad) memories of Steaua Vs Barcelona in the 1986 European Cup Final. Steaua played for penalties from the very first minute, held out for 0-0 after extra time and won the shoot-out 2-0. Steaua missed their first 2, then scored their 3rd & 4th...Barcelona missed all 4 of theirs! :confused:
 
Mooseybaby said:
As for England, Declan Rice believes England are not getting the respect they deserve. Let's be honest, we haven't beaten a side of equal level in this tournament to justify it.
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Obviously the FIFA rankings aren't perfect but when you're a top seed like England you aren't supposed to play someone of equal level until the QF.
 
Dunno where to put this so here will do. Why are the match officials wearing daft armbands saying “FIFA Match Official”. Yeah we know that, you’re in the f*cking refs’ kit. Not sure what purpose they serve. Just embroider that on the shirt if it’s so important. Doesn’t seem to be holding the comms unit on.
 
Max2 said:
Dunno where to put this so here will do. Why are the match officials wearing daft armbands saying “FIFA Match Official”. Yeah we know that, you’re in the f*cking refs’ kit. Not sure what purpose they serve. Just embroider that on the shirt if it’s so important. Doesn’t seem to be holding the comms unit on.
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I thought it was for the Comms???
 
This Brazil match is a walkover. Fully expect them to stomp Croatia as well. At which point it will be very interesting to see if Brazil start a game against one of the big six- and I’m presuming Spain or Portugal in the semi - with this front 4 - it’s very aggressive...?

Another Neymar injury is the best thing that could happen for Brazil. He is a luxury passenger and looks …well, the expression is drugged to the nines.
 
Max2 said:
Dunno where to put this so here will do. Why are the match officials wearing daft armbands saying “FIFA Match Official”. Yeah we know that, you’re in the f*cking refs’ kit. Not sure what purpose they serve. Just embroider that on the shirt if it’s so important. Doesn’t seem to be holding the comms unit on.
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Because FIFA told them to?
 
RefIADad said:
Quoting myself to make sure all of you know never to take betting pointers from me……..
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Strange world cup... Really low on shocks this year.... The odd result in the groups but ultimately, with the exception of Germany the teams expected to progress did so.

Providing Portugal and Argentina make it to the QFs, if you were asked to pick the last 8, you'd not be far off, swapping Croatia for Germany.

I dont think you were outrageous to pick England as the team to falter to "lesser" opposition. It would be the English thing to do. Senegal were relatively unknown quantity, ACN champions yes, but world stage is a different ball game, but they've performed well on it before.
 
Will CR7 get dropped?
He is such a circus. Shame really.

In other news, so sad for Sterling. For me, absolute England legend. With all the sh** he has had to put up with previously in an England shirt, I am gutted his tournament is over due to something so bizarre, unfair and out of his control. In footballing terms, England are lucky to be blessed with lots of winger options - but Sterling would have almost certainly played a part in the 16s or quarters. Sterling, like so many of this young England team, is a total hero.
 
Watching Maroq… thinking football is better with yellow and red cards. The directive - keep 11 players on - combined with more subs - is reducing unpredictability. Basically it’s more boring now.
 
JamesL said:
Strange world cup... Really low on shocks this year.... The odd result in the groups but ultimately, with the exception of Germany the teams expected to progress did so.

Providing Portugal and Argentina make it to the QFs, if you were asked to pick the last 8, you'd not be far off, swapping Croatia for Germany.

I dont think you were outrageous to pick England as the team to falter to "lesser" opposition. It would be the English thing to do. Senegal were relatively unknown quantity, ACN champions yes, but world stage is a different ball game, but they've performed well on it before.
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Less than12 hours later, ask and ye shall receive.

Morocco eliminate Spain. More than just a game this one with lots of non-football stuff in the margins
 
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