The Official World Cup 2018 Megathread

[Freddeno]

The fact Spain left both Koke and Busquets on really summed up their mentality. Why you need two defensive midfielders against a team showing no attempt to win is beyond me.

yeah, I called for Iniesta for Koke at HT

 

[White Wolf]

Spain were just so boring, got what they deserved. Such a poor Russian defence but they played in a manner that suited them perfectly and the only time they looked like trying to run at them was when Rodrigo came on. Got robbed by the penalty but you can't say they deserved to win.

 

[YoungWolf]

The fact Spain left both Koke and Busquets on really summed up their mentality. Why you need two defensive midfielders against a team showing no attempt to win is beyond me.

This, I can't get over it. I don't think the coaches had it in them to take a (minimal) risk. It wasn't as if Russia were causing problem after problem on the counter attack, they very rarely tried to get out of their own half. Not sure Lopetegui would have been so risk-averse. Truth it it was always going to have a negative impact on them sacking him two days before the tournament. Nobody comes out of it in good light.

 

[nimrod]

This, I can't get over it. I don't think the coaches had it in them to take a (minimal) risk. It wasn't as if Russia were causing problem after problem on the counter attack, they very rarely tried to get out of their own half. Not sure Lopetegui would have been so risk-averse. Truth it it was always going to have a negative impact on them sacking him two days before the tournament. Nobody comes out of it in good light.

not only that but when Russia actually do commit players forward only to lose the ball, Spain ambling slowly up the field with sideways passes rather than showing any urgency when for once there’s space ahead to attack is equally unforgivable. for once I felt sorry for Costa.

agree with you about Colombia, though the way the draw has gone its hard not to think, err, this is our best chance since 66. our problem is that according to the press we’re either great or shite, with little reference to the merits of the opposition, which means that based on the draw some of them must think we’re already in the final.

 

[White Wolf]

Hard to be too harsh on Hierro as he was dropped in a difficult situation but you can't help but think they would have been better under Lopetegui. His fault for being an idea and going behind the Spanish FA's back and theirs for being petty and sacking him I suppose.

 

[jd1981]

One of Croatia, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, Denmark, Colombia or England is going to be in a World Cup final. I desperately want it to be us and will be devastated if we lose on Tuesday but it’ll still be exciting that one of these sides will be there.

 

[Deleted Cyber]

Oh chuckle chuckle chuckle. One of England, Switzerland, Russia, Sweden Denmark, Columbia or Croatia will be in the world cup final. Just let that sink in for a few seconds.

BEST

WORLD

CUP

EVER

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

England had a phenomenal chance in 82 - just had to find one goal against Spain and then a semi against France who had been battered in the opening game was there. 1986 - beat Argentina and the final was on as Belgium was the weaker semi-final opponent. Win the shoot-out in 1990 and that was the whole thing in the bag.

 

[jd1981]

England had a phenomenal chance in 82 - just had to find one goal against Spain and then a semi against France who had been battered in the opening game was there. 1986 - beat Argentina and the final was on as Belgium was the weaker semi-final opponent. Win the shoot-out in 1990 and that was the whole thing in the bag.

Very true and in 02 if we’d got past Brazil it was there for the taking.
It’ll be typical of England to lose Tuesday or to Sweden in a QF.

 

[Langers]

Kind of wish we were playing now as the build up in the media and across the country is going to be unbearable!

 

[Boozad]

I wouldn't fancy beating either of France, Brazil or Belgium even if we did get there. It's what we have to aim for though now given how things have gone, I know Colombia will be no pushovers at all but we should be looking to win every game now up to the final.

 

[jd1981]

Think one of the finalist will be one of Croatia, England or Colombia. Comes down to the old scenario it’s Englands and we are bound to balls this opportunity up Tuesday is huge and I’m pretty sure Colombia will be looking at the draw in the same way.

 

[nimrod]

England had a phenomenal chance in 82 - just had to find one goal against Spain and then a semi against France who had been battered in the opening game was there. 1986 - beat Argentina and the final was on as Belgium was the weaker semi-final opponent. Win the shoot-out in 1990 and that was the whole thing in the bag.

was a bad day in 82. many’s favourite Brazil team out in the afternoon, England in the evening. stupid format. We needed 2 v Spain though and I think France had improved through the competition, so who knows. Certainly had a chance anyway.

 

[Tredman]

Russia seem to recover their fitness really well between games, gotta think that will be less of advantage as games get more spread out.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Bloody hell Denmark ahead already

 

[Alan]

Lmao Croatia

 

[Jack Regan]

Bloody Nora!

 

[Kenny]

Japan will win this World Cup...

 

[Banjo]

Goalkeeper has had a mare there.

 

[Nando]

What is going on?!