Argentina squeezed past Egypt. Now that did surprise me for being so close.
A lot of teams are in with a shout for this one. Including England. France are the bookies’ favourite, then Spain, then Argentina, then England (according to Paddy Power). I wouldn’t argue with that ranking.
After the excitement and excellence of Argentina v Egypt the Switzerland v Colombia game was very disappointing. I thought Colombia was the better team but if you can’t finish your chances you won’t win much. Switzerland created less, but did better from a spot.
I expect a France v Argentina final, but I don’t know which will win.
I have a strong opinion about that but I am completely biased. (Allez les Bleus!)
I have a preference too, but I’m a realistic (read gloomy) Englishman, and I don’t see us getting to the final, let alone winning.
If we don’t pull off the biggest World Cup shock since Germany beat Hungary in 1954 I’m backing France, who play the best football.
The Tour de France has begun, now, so my attention has drifted away from The World Cup.
As others have said, the best thing about the Tour is the scenery.
On the subject of scenery and sport, cricket has some beautiful scenery. Not always in the ground, but the surroundings of some in New Zealand and the West Indies is outstanding.
An impressive performance from my team last night I thought, missed penalty not withstanding. We shall now all spend the next five days fretting about what Kyky has done to his ankle.
Conceding to England. Mrs. Gramps marching around house singing Rule Britannia. They did mention England has lost more quarterfinals than any other country, though. Just because you people invented the silly game.
Conceding to England. Mrs. Gramps marching around house singing Rule Britannia. They did mention England has lost more quarterfinals than any other country, though. Just because you people invented the silly game.
England demonstrating the Peter Principle. It’s worth noting that we didn’t enter any of the pre-War World Cup competitions.
Tuchel was right. England were lucky. But I’ll take lucky!
And whoever in the semifinal. Argentina are lucky to be in the quarter finals. Switzerland scraped through against Colombia. Argentina v Switzerland could be a very close game.
Quite a poor game, England/Norway, many errors and lack of quality. However, England look tough to beat, and of course, they have the Brummie lad. I think they will beat Argentina, but not France. It was also tense. Tuchel is very good.
I remember watching that match and Rattin’s protest. It was a rough old match before and after the sending off, decided by Geoff Hurst’s winning goal.
Gosh, I remember Rattin! He was definitely the villain of the piece, but he was a fine footballer too; Argentina seems to specialise in these. To combat this Alf Ramsey’s side was plenty tough enough with Nobby Stiles, who almost invented the role of defensive midfielder and Jack Charlton. The others were well able to look after themselves too.
If England loose their next game and a media pundit interviews a couple of lady supporters called Margery and Martina, would it be a case of, 'Don't cry for me, Marge and Tina'?
I'll get my coat.
If England loose their next game and a media pundit interviews a couple of lady supporters called Margery and Martina, would it be a case of, 'Don't cry for me, Marge and Tina'?
I'll get my coat.
Spain got an iron grip on that match, and with about twenty minutes to go you could see France had lost heart. Some are saying that France’s big name players played poorly. I don’t think they got a chance to play.
Yes, France blown away, Spain excellent. Lots of pundits got it wrong!
The PBS commentator I was listening to said Spain is known to be a defensive team. They just will not allow other teams' shots on goal. The French, though, are known for their offense. Heck of a way to hand it to the French on Bastille day.
I suppose as a dual national I am fortunate in having two teams to support. However I am not sure the second one is any more likely to win than the first.
I suppose as a dual national I am fortunate in having two teams to support. However I am not sure the second one is any more likely to win than the first.
Both England and Argentina are very tough teams, so I hope there are no wild tackles or red cards. Bellingham had better watch out for multiple wind-ups .
Argentina only narrowly beat Cape Verde and only narrowly beat Egypt, so it seems reasonable that England would have at least a decent chance against them. I give it 50-50!
England v Argentina, half time, nil-nil, no shots on goal and one booking apiece.
Looks like Argentina have more control. I think the players don’t trust the referee and someone will get a red card.
Urgh. I don't follow football so I didn't realise the game had started so I looked at the news to find England were 1-0 eighty minutes in. Can England lose from this position?
Same old story with Argentina. All four of their matches in the knockout stages have been won in extra time or in stoppage time.
They don’t know when they’re beaten. Congratulations to them. Maybe Thomas Tuchel didn’t get everything right today but it was against a very good team.
My brother informs me that the tactic employed by the English is known as "parking the bus". Attempting to park the bus against Argentina for 40 minutes may not have been the best idea.
I say Spain for the win and France for third place.
Well, yes, there is a lot of criticism of Tuchel, for going defensive. This may work against Mexico, but it won't against Argentina. I suppose this is all in hindsight. The clue was when Gordon was taken off for a defender, and England sat back.
Comments
The next World Cup is next year, actually. Just won't be the Men's World Cup.
Yes, I forgot that. I did make note of the USWNT in the Trump thread.
A lot of teams are in with a shout for this one. Including England. France are the bookies’ favourite, then Spain, then Argentina, then England (according to Paddy Power). I wouldn’t argue with that ranking.
I expect a France v Argentina final, but I don’t know which will win.
I did enjoy the message they read out afterwards which just said "Now play "Vindaloo""! - even though they didn't
I have a preference too, but I’m a realistic (read gloomy) Englishman, and I don’t see us getting to the final, let alone winning.
If we don’t pull off the biggest World Cup shock since Germany beat Hungary in 1954 I’m backing France, who play the best football.
As others have said, the best thing about the Tour is the scenery.
On the subject of scenery and sport, cricket has some beautiful scenery. Not always in the ground, but the surroundings of some in New Zealand and the West Indies is outstanding.
An impressive performance from my team last night I thought, missed penalty not withstanding. We shall now all spend the next five days fretting about what Kyky has done to his ankle.
England v Norway looks very close.
Most of the world will cheer ABE - Anyone But England. Malta and Gibraltar may side with England but I wouldn’t depend on it.
England demonstrating the Peter Principle. It’s worth noting that we didn’t enter any of the pre-War World Cup competitions.
And whoever in the semifinal. Argentina are lucky to be in the quarter finals. Switzerland scraped through against Colombia. Argentina v Switzerland could be a very close game.
On a sad note Rattin just died.
I remember watching that match and Rattin’s protest. It was a rough old match before and after the sending off, decided by Geoff Hurst’s winning goal.
Gosh, I remember Rattin! He was definitely the villain of the piece, but he was a fine footballer too; Argentina seems to specialise in these. To combat this Alf Ramsey’s side was plenty tough enough with Nobby Stiles, who almost invented the role of defensive midfielder and Jack Charlton. The others were well able to look after themselves too.
I'll get my coat.
GROAN!!
The PBS commentator I was listening to said Spain is known to be a defensive team. They just will not allow other teams' shots on goal. The French, though, are known for their offense. Heck of a way to hand it to the French on Bastille day.
Going to have to go with Argentina tomorrow.
Even now that one team has been eliminated?
Looks like Argentina have more control. I think the players don’t trust the referee and someone will get a red card.
Of course they can.
They don’t know when they’re beaten. Congratulations to them. Maybe Thomas Tuchel didn’t get everything right today but it was against a very good team.
I say Spain for the win and France for third place.