The Official World Cup 2018 Megathread

[Freddeno]

They wanna keep the ball and get Russia higher up..I would like Iniesta on, adds another dimension to the team

 

[Jack Regan]

Definite penalty.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Penalty all fucking day.

 

[Boozad]

What the fuck is Pique doing there?

 

[White Wolf]

Typical Spain football. I don't care about the aesthetes that tell me this is the most wonderful football ever. Its $#@!ing dull.

I agree, bores me out of my mind. Used to be worse under Del Bosque when they used to aimlessly pass it between Pique and Puyol over and over and over. Possession for the sake of possession.

 

[Jack Regan]

Game on!

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Get in. Shit just got interesting.

 

[Freddeno]

never a pen in the PL, same as Cedrics..too close

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

What are you fucking talking about? His hand is miles in the air to make himself bigger. It's an obvious penalty anywhere in world football. It would have been a disgrace if it wasn't given.

 

[White Wolf]

Blatant penalty, nothing like Cedric's.

 

[Freddeno]

refs never blows when players are that close to eachother..

 

[The Bear]

It's not about distance, it's about the arm being moved into an unnatural position. You can't lift your arm up above your head like that and expect to get away with it even if it hits you from an inch away.

 

[Banjo]

I thought Cesc had gone back for pre season training?

 

[Freddeno]

It's not about distance, it's about the arm being moved into an unnatural position. You can't lift your arm up above your head like that and expect to get away with it even if it hits you from an inch away.

i know its about where you hold your arm and distance but i think its harsh, like Cedrics

 

[Jack Regan]

It's the most blatant handball you're likely to see. He actually re-raises his arm whilst in the air as he realised the ball was going over his head.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Harsh?? Really??

He has deliberately jumped with that arm in that position to make himself harder to pass by the ball. So it is a clear penalty.

 

[Freddeno]

haha ok, we agree to disagree

 

[YoungWolf]

Spain just need to find a way around Russia's deep defensive line. They look a little short of ideas, and depth to their attack. It's often Costa on his own with maybe Silva/Isco closer to him. I think they can afford to take Koke off, get a more attacking player on and just play Busquets as the sole defensive midfielder.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Looks to me like Russia are playing for penalties already.

 

[Jack Regan]

I suspect they'd have taken that if offered it from the start.