World Cup 2018

[Remiel]

World Cup fans -- are there any out there?  XD

For all World Cup discussion.

[Nico]

World Cup fans -- are there any out there?  XD

You can bet on it. :P

[Remiel]

So, apparently, Mexico fans were so happy when Lozano scored to beat Germany, 1-0, that they caused a small earthquake.

Also, has anyone been following the Landon Donovan controversy?  Supposedly he pissed off a lot of current and former USMNT players with his Wells Fargo ad invoking US fans to support Mexico.

I don't get what the big deal is.  US didn't qualify due to their own incompetence.  Dude wants to support Mexico, let him support Mexico.  A Mexico win or--heck, even a strong showing--will raise CONCACAF prestige, which can only be a good thing.

Edit: Also, this.

[Deamonbane]

Good news for all you rugby fans: Hugging and tackling players inside the box is no longer considered a foul!

[Remiel]

Yeah, I saw that.  Neymar apparently has the World Cup record for having the most fouls (read as: being fouled the most) in a single World Cup game.

[edit] apparently, I got that wrong.  He's been fouled the most in 20 years, but not ever.

[Life in Color]

Let's goooooooooo Iran!

[Formless]

World Cup is full of surprises this time around.

Well, except for my team ... we sucked hard ...

[Remiel]

Germany?

[Formless]

Saudi Arabia.

[Life in Color]

Saudi Arabia.

I grew up in Saudi.

Seeing them out on the first round hurt.

[Remiel]

I grew up in Saudi.

Seeing them out on the first round hurt.

They're not technically out yet, but they would have to beat both Uruguay and Egypt--a pretty tall order.

[Life in Color]

They're not technically out yet, but they would have to beat both Uruguay and Egypt--a pretty tall order.

Insha'allah!

;)

[Formless]

I grew up in Saudi.

Seeing them out on the first round hurt.

Well, we've got a long way to go before we can take down the World cup.The days of 94 will never happen again. ::)

They're not technically out yet, but they would have to beat both Uruguay and Egypt--a pretty tall order.

Its a long stretch. We need to win both matches, AND Russia must win against Uruguay ... or at least gets a draw. Any win for Uruguay will automatically eliminate us.

[Life in Color]

Well, we've got a long way to go before we can take down the World cup.The days of 94 will never happen again. ::)

Tru fax.

[Aiden]

I am required by race to support Mexico.

So....

[Life in Color]

That's....

Fair.

[Aiden]

Besides, our people is now harnessing Super powers.

-cast earthquake-

Magnitude 10!

[Life in Color]

Besides, our people is now harnessing Super powers.

-cast earthquake-

Magnitude 10!

That was pretty cool to read about.

[Aleph]

I'm a touch miffed. Why couldn't France have joined the terribly fashionable "first game suckage from seeded team"?? Australia could really use the points....

That said, I think we're doing pretty well, all things considered. No 4-0s...yet.

Shout out to my AFC-based co-fans.

JAP-COL was a top game last night (In Melbourne, all games are 22:00, 01:00 and 04:00  ::) ) too.

BTW, is anyone watching it on internet streaming?

[Remiel]

This could only happen with Japanese fans.

Japanese fans impress by cleaning up stadium after game

[Life in Color]

That is so great.

<3

[Amelita]

First game: Made Messi cry.

[Life in Color]

Made Messi cry.

It's not really that hard.

Half of the fun of watching soccer games is seeing how dramatic they are about their injuries, isn't it?

[Amelita]

Naw, he missed a penalty that would have gotten Argentina a 2-1 instead of a draw against tiny tiny Iceland ;)

[Remiel]

It's not really that hard.

Half of the fun of watching soccer games is seeing how dramatic they are about their injuries, isn't it?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVVSkEuyrPY

It's like watching a fish flopping around.

[Life in Color]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVVSkEuyrPY

It's like watching a fish flopping around.

xD

[Deamonbane]

Argentina 0 x 3 Croatia.

As a Brazilian, all I can say is... bahahahahaha

[Amelita]

Poor Argentina xD
Granted, Croatia has a strong team (but 0-3 is a lot)

[Life in Color]

Yeah...

This World Cup has been a crazy one, so far.

Man, Croatia was on point.

[Remiel]

I watched that game.  If they continue to play like that, Croatia is a contender.

Argentina was sloppy and disjointed, but...it still took talent and skill to capitalize on their mistakes.

[Aleph]

This could only happen with Japanese fans.

Japanese fans impress by cleaning up stadium after game

Actually I heard that the Senegalese fans did the same, bless 'em. More of that please.

[Aleph]

I watched that game.  If they continue to play like that, Croatia is a contender.

Argentina was sloppy and disjointed, but...it still took talent and skill to capitalize on their mistakes.

Kind of wondering if they tanked to get rid of their coach, who is clearly not a favorite amongst the team.

[Deamonbane]

Otamendi deserves a lifetime ban from football.

[Remiel]

Otamendi deserves a lifetime ban from football.

Yeah, I thought that incident deserved a red card.

[Deamonbane]

On the other hand... *dances* Brazil played better and deserved the win.

[Amelita]

Brazil totally deserved the win.

Iceland deserved the loss. Goddamn my boys were off beat today.

[Deamonbane]

:(

[Deamonbane]

Full time: Serbia 1 x 2 Switzerland

[Remiel]

Full time: Serbia 1 x 2 Switzerland

OH SHIT

[Life in Color]

Full time: Serbia 1 x 2 Switzerland

Yeeeeees.

[Remiel]

Neymar really needs to stop the dramatics though (read: diving).  He appears to be turning into a Ronaldo, and not in the good way.

[Deamonbane]

Kinda rooting for Belgium to win if Brazil doesn't make it :D

[Formless]

I thought Switzerland vs Serbia was intense ...

Then Germany vs Sweden began ...

[Remiel]

Boy, did Germany need that late Kroos goal.

[gaggedLouise]

Boy, did Germany need that late Kroos goal.

Yep, that really was a finishing-line win; happened about twenty seconds before the added stop time would have ended the entire game. Speaking as a Swede I'm sorry we didn't manage to turn the match the other way instead, of course, there were some standout goal chances on both sides. But anyway I think you can't deny that our boys gave a very good fight! :)

[Amelita]

It was a good game!

[Nico]

It was bloody pain to watch Germany play. Meh. ~laughs~

Looking forward to England now.

[Aleph]

It was bloody pain to watch Germany play. Meh. ~laughs~

Looking forward to England now.

...and with good reason, apparently.

[Remiel]

Oh, man.  England-Belgium should be good.

[Deamonbane]

England 6 x 1 Panama.

Harry Kane takes the lead in goals scored in Russia by scoring a hat-trick.

An interesting note that this was Panama's first goal in the World Cup.

[The Green One]

Liam here representing Spain~

And France, kinda :P

I'm glad this thread exists!

[Formless]

Saudia finally won ... yay I guess ...

[The Green One]

Did anyone watched Uruguay - Russia?

[Deamonbane]

The people-biter made it one, Cavani made it 3-0 against the hosts :D

Not a fan of Suarez, but I do like Cavani's style.

[Life in Color]

Saudia finally won ... yay I guess ...

Don't sound too excited.

[The Green One]

Spain didn't do so well today... I expected more from them.

Let's see how France does tomorrow. Good thing I'm half and half xD

[Remiel]

oh my gosh, Portugal was one goal away from being eliminated by Iran.

Crazy...

[Life in Color]

This whole Cup has been crazy.

[Amelita]

oh my gosh, Portugal was one goal away from being eliminated by Iran.

Crazy...

And a stroke of luck away from a red carded Ronaldo!

[Formless]

Don't sound too excited.

Yeah. Its a win, but we were already disqualified. :-/

[Remiel]

So Germany, Portugal, Brazil and Argentina all managed to stave off elimination only by the skin of their teeth.

What a crazy, crazy World Cup.

[Deamonbane]

Brazil managed a win for their second game. They're still on the block though.

[Remiel]

Brazil managed a win for their second game. They're still on the block though.

True, but only due to two goals made in stoppage time.  A draw against Costa Rica would have left them with 2 points going up against Serbia.

[Deamonbane]

On the other hand...

Germany, the reigning champions, lose 2-0 to South Korea and are on an early flight home.

On behalf of all Brazilians, might I just say BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

[Remiel]

Germany are out, beaten 2-0 by South Korea.

What a crazy, crazy, World Cup.

I have absolutely no idea who will win at this point.  Anything is possible.

[Formless]

Germany are out, beaten 2-0 by South Korea.

What a crazy, crazy, World Cup.

I have absolutely no idea who will win at this point.  Anything is possible.

Would be interesting to add a poll to this thread and see how it turns out.

[gaggedLouise]

And what an AMAAAAAZING effort by Sweden!! Most people would have thought that last-minute goal by Germany had sent us out of the world cup, but instead our boys confidently overtook Mexico with 3-0, and end up winning the entire group (and likely avoiding a very tough game against Brazil in the eighth).  :D

GO SWEDEN! :)

[Remiel]

Would be interesting to add a poll to this thread and see how it turns out.

Will do once the round of 16 is finalized.

[Life in Color]

Anything is possible.

With faith, trust, and a little bit of Pixie Dust.

Okay. I'm done.


But, srsly.

This Cup has been wacky.

[Nico]

Germany are out, beaten 2-0 by South Korea.

What a crazy, crazy, World Cup.

I have absolutely no idea who will win at this point.  Anything is possible.

Crazy, indeed.

Let's hope England. But with this World Cup, I have no damn clue. ~laughs~

France? Certainly possible. And then there is always Neymar. XD

[The Green One]

France?

Ugh... So disappointing to see them the other day... I expected goals from them, I wanted goals... I know they're taking care of the team for the next match but again, Ugh...

[Nico]

Ugh... So disappointing to see them the other day... I expected goals from them, I wanted goals... I know they're taking care of the team for the next match but again, Ugh...

I know. Was to be expected, though.

[Deamonbane]

*dances*

[Nico]

*dances*

~dances with~ Not a bad game, that!

[Aiden]

Brazil vs Mexico is going to destroy southern California. 

[Deamonbane]

They played in the group stages in 2014. I think SoCal might survive.

[Remiel]

Brazil vs Mexico is going to destroy southern California.

Well, San Diego at least.

[Aleph]

So no Asian finalists. No African finalists bar Senegal. No CONCACAF finalists bar Mexico. Otherwise, all South America and Europe.

I'm starting to think the 48 team format in Qatar won't be so bad.

[mia h]

The World Cup is supposed to be the best 32 national teams competing. If that happened based on world rankings we should have seen this mix of teams
2 African teams , 3 Central American teams , 7 South American teams , 0 Oceanic teams , 0 Asian teams & 20 European teams

but what we got is
5 African teams , 3 Central American teams , 5 South American teams , 0 Oceanic teams , 5 Asian teams & 14 European teams

Extend it to 48 teams and that mix would have been
7 African teams , 3 Central American teams , 8 South American teams , 0 Oceanic teams , 2 Asian teams & 28 European teams
but we won't see anything like that, why should more European and South American teams miss out so more teams that are going to be taking the first flight home can be included?

[Aleph]

The World Cup is supposed to be the best 32 national teams competing. If that happened based on world rankings we should have seen this mix of teams
2 African teams , 3 Central American teams , 7 South American teams , 0 Oceanic teams , 0 Asian teams & 20 European teams

but what we got is
5 African teams , 3 Central American teams , 5 South American teams , 0 Oceanic teams , 5 Asian teams & 14 European teams

Extend it to 48 teams and that mix would have been
7 African teams , 3 Central American teams , 8 South American teams , 0 Oceanic teams , 2 Asian teams & 28 European teams
but we won't see anything like that, why should more European and South American teams miss out so more teams that are going to be taking the first flight home can be included?

Sorry; to be clear, I was expressing my frustration that teams outside Europe and South America didn't seem to be improving like I hoped they would.

That said, the world rankings aren't that good unless you're trying to work out extremes (eg. Is Brazil better than Zimbabwe?). Some interesting critiques here and here.

Ironically, my excitement over the expansion is primarily that two countries I support for family reasons, Scotland and Wales are more likely to appear, upping the European quotient.

[Amelita]

I'm rediculously excited about this Cup, with how it's gone so far  :D

[Remiel]

So no Asian finalists. No African finalists bar Senegal. No CONCACAF finalists bar Mexico. Otherwise, all South America and Europe.

I'm starting to think the 48 team format in Qatar won't be so bad.

Er...Japan qualified, not Senegal.  Thanks to the obscure "fair play points" tiebreaker.

[Remiel]

Poll's up!  I'm only going to have it up for the next seven days to prevent Johnny-come-latelys.

Who do you think is going to win now that Germany has been eliminated?

[Aleph]

Er...Japan qualified, not Senegal.  Thanks to the obscure "fair play points" tiebreaker.

Ah, thanks Remiel, I'd missed that angle!

[Aleph]

I'm rediculously excited about this Cup, with how it's gone so far  :D

I agree, there's been a pile of watchable games and only 1 nil-all draw. I'm just miffed that they're all difficult to watch now from Australia (the two remaining kick off time slots are 00:00 and 04:00 for me  >:( ) At least the group stage had kick offs at 22:00 this time around.

[Remiel]

Yeah, that's what it was for me back in 2002 when South Korea and Japan hosted it.  I was getting up at 4am to watch the matches.

And as much as I was pulling for the Socceroos, the fact is, they're just not good.   As an American, it damn near broke my heart when the USA didn't even qualify but the fact is, we suck right now.  When all the chips were on the line, and when we badly needed a victory, we couldn't even beat Trinidad and Tobago.  So as much as it sucked, I had to admit that the USA didn't deserve to go to Russia.

But I have high hopes of Pulisic and hopefully we'll be back to kick some ass in Qatar.

[Deamonbane]

If I'm honest, Belgium and Croatia are probably the likeliest candidates on paper. But my heart says that Tite's Brazil is the best coached team and that will pay dividends when the chips are down.

[Remiel]

I feel like Brazil certainly has the potential.  The problem is they always tend to get reckless, preferring the artistic, always-on-the-attack South American style of play over the gritty and unexciting but effective get-ahead-and-lock-it-down European style.

[Formless]

The way I see it, the Semi-finals will end up like so:

France vs Belgium

Croatia vs Sweden

While I voted Belgium, I still think the other three teams have as good a chance in winning.

Still, this World Cup is full of surprises, so anything could happen.

[Remiel]

My wildly inaccurate prediction is that Spain knocks out Croatia in a surprise upset and goes on to defeat England and then France to take it all.

Meanwhile, Brazil defeats England for Third Place.

[Aiden]

I saw this one one of my discords the other day, I know its days old, but still makes me chuckle.

[The Green One]

I saw this one one of my discords the other day, I know its days old, but still makes me chuckle.

LOL

I really don't know who to vote for... I should vote for either France or Spain, but I feel like is going to be incredibly unpredictable.

[mia h]

Hmm Quarter Finals :
Portugal v France
Brazil v Belgium
Spain v Croatia
Sweden V England

Semi's
France v Brazil
Spain v England

Final
Brazil v Spain

[Deamonbane]

Fantastic game sees Argentina out in a 4x3 win for France. Mbappe is a beast.

[The Green One]

It was a great game, I cursed and cheered too many times... Can't be good for my health xD

And tomorrow... Spain... I don't know if I'll survive :P

[Formless]

The best game so far. France’s second goal was amazing!

[Amelita]

I missed the game  :'(

[Nico]

The best game so far. France’s second goal was amazing!

Agreed. It was an incredible game.

[Deamonbane]

Uruguay advances with two goals by Cavani. Pepe managed to score for the Portuguese.

[Remiel]

Yeah, both games today were good.  But yeah, I'd say the better side won in each case--proof that one man does not a national team make.

[Nico]

Looking forward to todays games. I hope they will be as dynamic and fast-paced as the ones yesterday had been!

[mia h]

I know I predicted Portugal to win yesterday, but is it wrong that I'm happy about them losing?
It was always going to be close and Portugal have had a knack of squeaking through games they probably should have lost in the past so I figured history would repeat.
But the look on Ronaldo's face at the end of the match....priceless.

[mia h]

OK so Russian are through ???
But how was that not a penalty for grappling inside the area during extra time?

[The Green One]

OMG... I lost my voice...

[Deamonbane]

I still think the ref should have at least reviewed it, but the way that the Brazilian Commentators explained it was that both players were grabbing and pushing so it constitutes a legal dispute over positioning. I don't particularly agree.

I can't say I'm surprised though. The Spanish team has been struggling with technically gifted players but lacking in inspiration. They were passing the ball a lot, but no penetration was attempted. They miss the likes of Puyol desperately.

[Remiel]

My wildly inaccurate prediction is that Spain knocks out Croatia in a surprise upset and goes on to defeat England and then France to take it all.

Meanwhile, Brazil defeats England for Third Place.

So...yeah...about that...

*cough cough*

I have to give the Russians credit.  They had a plan--play a defensive game, deny Spain opportunities, and take their chances with set plays and penalty kicks--and they stuck to it.  Not a great game to watch, but you really can't argue with the result.

OK so Russian are through ???
But how was that not a penalty for grappling inside the area during extra time?

It wasn't a penalty.  There was a bit of pushing and shoving, but nothing that would've impacted a potential goal.

[mia h]

It was more than just a bit of pushing and shoving, not as bad as what happened in the first England game but at least as bad as the 2 penalties Panama gave away.

[The Lovely Tsaritsa]

YESSSSSSSSSSSSS  ;D

[Formless]

Croatia VS Denmark was on-the-edge-of-your-seat level of exciting.

This is what World Cup is all about. ;D

And from the look of it, Croatia’s victory against Russia is more probable.

[Remiel]

And from the look of it, Croatia’s victory against Russia is more probable.

Like Spain's victory against Russia?  :D

This World Cup is cray-cray.

[Formless]

Like Spain's victory against Russia?  :D

This World Cup is cray-cray.

While I expect Russia to play the same way they did with Spain, against Croatia, The Croatians have a tendency to break through the opposition's defenses.

[Deamonbane]

*dances*

Layún, you will not be missed.

[mia h]

Japan 2 : Belgium 0, 40 minutes to go. WTF!!

[Formless]

And now its 2 - 2  8-)

[Amelita]

C'moooon Japaaaaan!

[Formless]

The chocolatiers bested the samurais.

It was a fantastic second half!

[Amelita]

Crazy

[mia h]

Belgium were so lucky with their first goal, that stays out I not sure Belgium get their act together for the next two goals.

[Life in Color]

Japan vs Belgium - oof.

[Cheka Man]

The Japanese and Belgians behaved so well, with very few fouls, no cards that I saw and no stupid play acting and rolling around in fake agony or diving in the penalty box.

[LostInTheMist]

I'm rooting for England (from los Estados Unidos, but I've always liked England) though I doubt they'll be able to win. If they can beat Columbia (who play in EXACTLY the wrong way for England to have success) they will probably make it to the Semis, and suddenly there's no Spain looming.

As for Neymar not getting that call (page 1).... The guy takes dives ALL THE TIME. He's well known for it, and he's been carded for it before. He drew a penalty against Croatia in the 2014 World Cup when he fell down in the penalty box and there was no VAR at the time. Brazil probably won that game WITHOUT the cheating, but still.... Germany gave me joy that tournament. It's the boy who cried wolf situation. When you fake getting fouled several times a game, the times you actually ARE fouled may not be called. Ronaldo does the same thing, taking dives, faking injuries, occasionally getting carded for it. This is why to me, Messi is the best player in the world currently. He doesn't take dives or fake injuries. When he goes down, you KNOW he was fouled. (As an England fan, I am NOT a fan of Argentina, but you gotta tip your cap to Messi.)

I expect Brazil will probably win the tournament, but I want someone else to do it.

[mia h]

England is an odd one, I want them to win for sporting reasons but politically the far-right would jump on it for various reason. So England to win..... in four years time please.

[Nico]

And today.

England.

Go Harry!

[Remiel]

Yeah, I like Neymar, but man, that guy really has to stop the flagrant diving.

And you really have to give Japan credit.  They played well and made Belgium work for it.  Good game, Japan.

[Nico]

Agreed! Japan was a big surprise.

[Deamonbane]

I'm rooting for England (from los Estados Unidos, but I've always liked England) though I doubt they'll be able to win. If they can beat Columbia (who play in EXACTLY the wrong way for England to have success) they will probably make it to the Semis, and suddenly there's no Spain looming.

As for Neymar not getting that call (page 1).... The guy takes dives ALL THE TIME. He's well known for it, and he's been carded for it before. He drew a penalty against Croatia in the 2014 World Cup when he fell down in the penalty box and there was no VAR at the time. Brazil probably won that game WITHOUT the cheating, but still.... Germany gave me joy that tournament. It's the boy who cried wolf situation. When you fake getting fouled several times a game, the times you actually ARE fouled may not be called. Ronaldo does the same thing, taking dives, faking injuries, occasionally getting carded for it. This is why to me, Messi is the best player in the world currently. He doesn't take dives or fake injuries. When he goes down, you KNOW he was fouled. (As an England fan, I am NOT a fan of Argentina, but you gotta tip your cap to Messi.)

I expect Brazil will probably win the tournament, but I want someone else to do it.

The player who took the dive in that game was called Fred, thanks.

Let's all please forget that a Colombian player literally broke his spine in the quarter finals. Oh, and the guy responsible didn't even get carded for it.

Let's also please forget that Neymar was recently (three months ago) operated for injuries to his right ankle and foot, so it's obviously a coincidence that 5 of the 6 fouls he drew in the Mexico match (as well as 7 of the 10 against Switzerland) were from kicks to his right foot or ankle. Oh and Layun (Mexico) intentionally stood on that ankle when Neymar was down outside the field. Sure that was a coincidence too.

In all seriousness though, the day when teams stop putting in thugs with the express intention of injuring our star player is the day that I start apologizing for Neymar's antics. Until then, he can sing an opera with a full Broadway dance number about how he's hurting for all I care.

[mia h]

So Sweden just snuck through.
Commentator pointing out the England have just made it through to the final 9  ;D

[gaggedLouise]

So Sweden just snuck through.
Commentator pointing out the England have just made it through to the final 9  ;D

Sweden is going to play either England or Colombia - which one is being played out right now - and if we beat either one, we might face Russia in the semi. :)

[Remiel]

Commentator pointing out the England have just made it through to the final 9  ;D

Well, technically...he's right.

[Nico]

YEEEEEEEEEEESSSS!

This is all!

[Deamonbane]

England make the cut. By the skin of their teeth.

[Polymorph]

I think I have PTSD after that. Sooo Sweden.

[mia h]

England 4-3 on penalties.
Columbia 6-2 on yellow cards.

[Formless]

Well, after today ... I’m not certain if Sweden will make it to the semis.

[Aleph]

Someone mentioned earlier how good the Japanese fans were cleaning after themselves. This is a photo of the Japanese change rooms about an hour after their loss to Belgium. I believe the photo is from the event manager for the match who found the dressing room in this state.

[mia h]

Someone mentioned earlier how good the Japanese fans were cleaning after themselves. This is a photo of the Japanese change rooms about an hour after their loss to Belgium. I believe the photo is from the event manager for the match who found the dressing room in this state.

That's appalling behaviour!! Look at the middle cubicles they haven't put the hangers back properly!! Disgusting!

[Aleph]

That's appalling behaviour!! Look at the middle cubicles they haven't put the hangers back properly!! Disgusting!

In fairness, those look like wire coathangers, so I would argue they were shamelessly provoked :)

[Deamonbane]

[Life in Color]

For the thread's consideration:

[Remiel]

For the thread's consideration:

Oh, damn.  Take that, Germany!

[Blonde]

 ;D

https://youtu.be/Yb3gYXuvqUM

[Nico]

I seriously can't wait for Saturday. XD

Tomorrow will be great, though.

Uruguay - France is bound to be interesting!

[Formless]

Brazil VS Belgium ... This match will be intense.

[mia h]

Some things refuse to go away
https://www.givemesport.com/1346716-gary-lineker-has-destroyed-diego-maradona-for-his-comments-after-englands-win-v-colombia

[Deamonbane]

I'll probably miss the Uruguay - France game at work, but hopefully off for the Brazil - Belgium... legitimately excited!

[Remiel]

Some things refuse to go away
https://www.givemesport.com/1346716-gary-lineker-has-destroyed-diego-maradona-for-his-comments-after-englands-win-v-colombia

I mean...while that foul on Kane may have been questionable, it was entirely within the realm of possibility.  Both sides were playing extremely physical and the referee had to do something.  I would have given that penalty too.

As for the recalled goal, I must have missed that.

[Remiel]

uh oh...Cavani is out?   :o

[Formless]

uh oh...Cavani is out?   :o

Yep. There were so many rumors about it ... turns out they weren’t rumors at all.

France’s chances are greater now.

[Remiel]

Poor Luis Suaréz.  Still, France was clearly the better team.

[Deamonbane]

The Belgians take the rugby match.

VAR only for European teams.

[Remiel]

The Brazilian fans looked how I felt.   :'(

Seriously, I think this was the first match this tournament I've seen where I felt like the clearly superior team lost.

[Nico]

They just started to play way too late. :-(

[Deamonbane]

They missed too many good chances. I stand by a penalty on Neymar and Gabriel Jesus, but Belgium were more efficient with their chances.

Although after today, nobody can complain about flopping Brazilians.

[gaggedLouise]

They just started to play way too late. :-(

Also, Courtois is a brilliant goalkeeper. With a slighly less great man in the goal Belgium would clearly have lost. Brazil had several fabulous shots at the goal in the last twenty minutes: some were caught by Courtois, some went marginally over the top or off to the side. Poor Brazil.

[Remiel]

Also, Courtois is a brilliant goalkeeper. With a slighly less great man in the goal Belgium would clearly have lost. Brazil had several fabulous shots at the goal in the last twenty minutes: some were caught by Courtois, some went marginally over the top or off to the side. Poor Brazil.

This.  The man had some amazing saves.

[Formless]

I will have to disagree with you all.

Belgium were amazing even when Brazil intensified their attacks.

[Deamonbane]

Belgium stopped playing in the second half.

[Formless]

I’d say they stopped attacking, but their defense held out quite well.

[The Green One]

I'm so glad France made it!

[Remiel]

Belgium stopped playing in the second half.

I'm going to have to agree with Bane here.  Belgium looked worn-out and exhausted (with the possible exception of Hazard).  Brazil kept the pressure on, but they just couldn't seem to find the back of the net aside from that amazing header.

But in Belgium's defense, that de Bruyne goal was well-deserved.

[mia h]

They missed too many good chances. I stand by a penalty on Neymar and Gabriel Jesus, but Belgium were more efficient with their chances.

Oh please, Neymar was lucky not to get booked for simulation. However they got the Jesus one wrong, maybe if Neymar hadn't taken a dive 5 minutes before...

Brazil had 3 times as many shots on goal (27 v 9) and 3 times as many on target (9 v 3), any team that blows that many chances can't be all that.

[Deamonbane]

Dude almost took his eye out but that's... legal, I guess?

[Nico]

GO THREE LIONS!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Go-jJlGd1so

[Nico]

YES! YES! YES!

Seminfinal - here we come!

Jordan Pickford, you're the man!

[gaggedLouise]

And Sweden is out. Not all unexpected, the game did go England's way and at least the first half was kinda slow. I would have loved to see a semi-final between Sweden and Russia, but anyway the Swedish team has done some great things in this tournament already.

[mia h]

If the semi ends up as England v Russia and Harry Kane goes down with food poisoning...…..

[Polymorph]

And Sweden is out. Not all unexpected, the game did go England's way and at least the first half was kinda slow. I would have loved to see a semi-final between Sweden and Russia, but anyway the Swedish team has done some great things in this tournament already.

Yes agreed. like England and Russia, Sweden came in with with little expectations and have done their country proud.

[Nico]

If the semi ends up as England v Russia and Harry Kane goes down with food poisoning...…..

Why wish something like this on a person?

[mia h]

Why wish something like this on a person?

It's absolutely the last thing I'd want to happen. Just a wry observation about the current political situation.

[Remiel]

I think she meant that she wouldn't put it past Putin to arrange an "accident" so Russia could win.

[gaggedLouise]

The Croatian goalkeeper got hurt somehow, not sure how it happened, and they had run out of allowed exchanges so they had to keep him for a while, towards the end of the match. This gave Russia a golden chance - but despite this it's Croatia that just won.

Both teams look dog tired.

[gaggedLouise]

Or Croatia have *almost* won - I thought a 15-minute extension period was broken off at once as soon as somebody scored a goal.

[Nico]

Congratulations to Croatia.

That was a really intense and really great game!

See you in the Semifinal. ;D

[Remiel]

Or Croatia have *almost* won - I thought a 15-minute extension period was broken off at once as soon as somebody scored a goal.

It used to be that way, but I think they changed it in...2002? 2006? to play the full 30 minutes of extended time.

[Formless]

Well, I missed both matches ... a shame as they seemed to be quite interesting.

But its nice to see 3/4 of my predictions come to fruition. ;D

[gaggedLouise]

It used to be that way, but I think they changed it in...2002? 2006? to play the full 30 minutes of extended time.

Croatia would have won with the old "golden goal" rules, and they did win on penalties in the end. Deserved, I would say - but both Russia and Sweden (also exiting tonight) have shown much more solid teams than anyone would have expected,

[Remiel]

England defeating Sweden was predictable.

The other game was anything but.  For a second I thought Russia was actually going to make it to the semifinals.

[mia h]

I think she meant that she wouldn't put it past Putin to arrange an "accident" so Russia could win.

I was thinking more about the tabloid headlines and conspiracy theorists going nuts.

[gaggedLouise]

It feels kinda good not to get an England - Russia match though, I think that would have been seen as the most risky game of them all, with the tensions between Britain and Russia and some agitated fans.

[Remiel]

I was thinking more about the tabloid headlines and conspiracy theorists going nuts.

Obviously you haven't seen the comments on the FIFA Youtube channel.  There are already accusations of the VAR being biased toward European teams.

[Polymorph]

Obviously you haven't seen the comments on the FIFA Youtube channel.  There are already accusations of the VAR being biased toward European teams.

Also accusations of pro English bias against the American referee in the England-Colombia game were made by Diego Maradona and others. Though his past history would suggest that Maradona has only distant relationship with truth and honesty himself.

[Deamonbane]

Also accusations of pro English bias against the American referee in the England-Colombia game were made by Diego Maradona and others. Though his past history would suggest that Maradona has only distant relationship with truth and honesty himself.

I think they found some blood in his cocainestream after making those statements. It was quickly rectified.

[Remiel]

I think they found some blood in his cocainestream after making those statements. It was quickly rectified.

;D

[mia h]

[Nico]

Very much looking forward to todays game!

I hope France makes it.

[mia h]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-44777637
If England win tomorrow two UK supermarkets will close early on Sunday so the staff can watch the final.

[Blonde]

England V France final it is  ;)

[Remiel]

England V France final it is  ;)

I wouldn't count Croatia out just yet

but you're probably right.

[The Green One]

FRANCE!!! <3

I'm sorry happy right now~

[Blonde]

I wouldn't count Croatia out just yet

but you're probably right.

Tomorrow is the first game I've actually felt nervous about. I wouldn't necessarily say England have had an easy route to the semi, but definitely the easier draws than Croatia, I don't feel England have really been challenged yet, aside from Columbia. Back to back penalties for Croatia, and they did look exhausted at the end of the game against Russia.

Although Sterling tends to take two players with him, just hope he doesn't start.

[mia h]

I wouldn't assume Croatia losing a certainty, but England V France is better for England than going up against a team they've already lost against in the tournament.

[Remiel]

I wouldn't assume Croatia losing a certainty, but England V France is better for England than going up against a team they've already lost against in the tournament.

If you mean the Belgium-England loss,  I don't think that game really counted.  Both sides sat their star players, so it was really a matchup of the B squads.

[Deamonbane]

I do think that a France x England would be interesting, from a technical point of view.

[Formless]

I just hope the Final match plays out excitingly. France ruined their victory with their 'cheap time wasting tricks' with Belgium.

And I think the England has a better chance to win tomorrow. Not discounting Croatia already, but all their matches went into extra time, and that takes its toll on the players.

[Vergil Tanner]

I think England, if they play the way they've played the other times rather than against Sweden, will win against Croatia. Croatia is a very strong defensive team, but if England starts off in their normal "Attack attack attack" mode, they should be able to run Croatia ragged. If England plays fast paced football, bouncing the ball around and forcing Croatia to scramble to defend, then by the time it gets to the 60 minute mark, Croatia's energy levels will be through the fucking floor and they should be making more mistakes, making it easier to pick apart.

If England starts the way they did against Sweden - sluggish, uncertain and slow - then it will give Croatia a chance to break into their "Second Wind," get a rest and get into a rhythm...and that's what you don't want.

I wouldn't say England has had any easy matches (since the group stages, anyway), especially considering how young the team is and how inexperienced they are playing with each other compared to a lot of the other teams, but Croatia has had a much harder route...and honestly, England should be drilling to exploit that.

Honestly, for me, I'm glad that France won against Belgium. Cheap tactics aside, and I mean no offence to the French side here, I think France is the easier game. Just looking at their team makeup and their performance in the tournament so far, Belgium has just got so many more high-tier, world class players who are used to playing with each other, and are much harder to break down. I think the loss of a good couple of their better players to fouls hurt them in the France game, but if England can beat Croatia, I think England have got a better chance of beating France than they would have had in beating Belgium. That isn't to say that France isn't a good team; they wouldn't have made it to the finals if they weren't. It would be a tough game, no doubt, I just think that this years Belgium squad is, on balance, the stronger side.

Am I expecting England to win? No. They're a young team and there are a couple of "Waste of space players" on the team - fucking hell, get rid of Sterling, he's useless; he's our Number 10, and I don't think he's scored fucking once and the one chance he did have, he fluffed and then got greedy instead of laying it off when he should have - but it's certainly not outside the realms of possibility. It isn't like one of the games we have to win is against like...2000's Brazil. The England squad, as it stands, is more than capable of beating Croatia and France. They'll be tough games...but I think England could do it. I'm not expecting it since as an England supporter who wasn't even born the last time we got to the Semi's, I've grown up with a great degree of cynicism regarding English football, but...I think we have a chance, if nothing else.

[Polymorph]

Almost 12 hours to kick off and I'm already so hyped up and nervous I'm not sure whether to poop or throw up. Last time I felt this queasy was on my first parachute jump 30 years ago.

[mia h]

Am I expecting England to win? No. They're a young team and there are a couple of "Waste of space players" on the team - fucking hell, get rid of Sterling, he's useless;

So Sterling to score a brace tonight then,  ;D

[Nico]

Eight hours to go. XD

[Vergil Tanner]

So Sterling to score a brace tonight then,  ;D

I wish he does, if only to justify his spot on the team! >.>

Eight hours to go. XD

Don't remind me. I live in China, so I have to wake up tomorrow to find out the score >.>

[RedRose]

Really happy France won, for those who follow the football. Less than happy about the rioting.

[Vergil Tanner]

Looks like French fans are the new English fans. >.>

[Remiel]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrYuDGWBJEk

[Polymorph]

Looks like French fans are the new English fans. >.>

Strange, we used to riot when we lost. I have noticed before in foreign reports that it tends to be the winning team's fans on the rampage.

[Nico]

Not even three hours left.

So. Excited!

[mia h]

So they are expecting to sell 10M pints during the match. That's a lot of beer.

[Remiel]

I think if England wins the final, 15 July might become a national holiday.

[Polymorph]

So they are expecting to sell 10M pints during the match. That's a lot of beer.

That's fine, they expect 30M to watch the game. At only 1/3 of a pint each everyone will be perfectly sober and well behaved.

[mia h]

That's fine, they expect 30M to watch the game. At only 1/3 of a pint each everyone will be perfectly sober and well behaved.

A 7 year old after a 1/3rd of a pint is a right nightmare.

[Vergil Tanner]

A 7 year old after a 1/3rd of a pint is a right nightmare.

Depends on what extra ingredients you add to it.

...that sounded less creepy in my head. >.>

[mia h]

…. less than an hour. Nico is probably curled up in the foetal position by now.  ;D

[Nico]

…. less than an hour. Nico is probably curled up in the foetal position by now.  ;D

No.

[Blonde]

Why play Sterling? He's about as much use as a chocolate teapot, give him a 100ft goal and he'd still wide it  >:(

[Nico]

And now..

All the luck.

GO THREE LIONS and get us into the final OMG!

[Deamonbane]

Trippier puts England ahead at the half.

Croatians look tired.

[Deamonbane]

Third straight match that goes to extra time for Croatia. Gotta give it to them, they've got some lungs on them.

[Remiel]

Welp, no matter who wins in the final, it looks like all 15 of us were wrong.  :P

[Nico]

It shouldn't have been.

Congratulations to Croatia and to all of the England boys. You were a fucking blast!

[Deamonbane]

Tough game. Gotta give it to the Croatians. Playing three extra time games in a row and advancing to the final... Modric has got to be exhausted.

I also like that there was minimal playing for time on either side. Both teams went at it the whole game. It was down to the details.

Sorry Nico. :(

[Formless]

Tough luck, Nico.

I think the early goal was England’s undoing. They eased their offense, and that gave Croatia all they needed to score their comeback.

Still, this is all unexpected, and I wonder what the final will be like now.

[Cheka Man]

And England are out of the World Cup ☕️ again *sighs* Maybe we will win the 2022 World Cup. 🏆

[Nico]

Oh, it's all good!

They were fantastic and they got really far, for so many young players. Gotta honour that.

[LostInTheMist]

They'll be back. (Speaking as a long term fan of England, my second team after, of course, the United States.)

But they're not out of the World Cup. There's still the third place match on Saturday, a rematch against Belgium.

[gaggedLouise]

According to a strange nutjob theory now making the rounds on social media, the fault for England losing lies with...Mick Jagger. There's a superstition that whenever Sir Mick watches a football game live in person, the team he supports will lose.  He simply brings bad luck. :D

Jagger watched the infamous 7-1 defeat of Brazil vs Germany at the 2014 World Cup, and he supported Brazil - has a Brazilian godson.
He watched the US being beaten by Ghana in 2010, together with Bill Clinton. Both men cheered the US on, of course, but the American team lost.
And last night he was in Moscow...the story goes on.   :P

[TheScarletBlade]

Glad I took France to win it all even though everyone I knew took England. About to cash in!

[Vergil Tanner]

Don't count those chickens before they hatch. Croatia has pulled one hell of an upset, so who knows? Croatia could well be the next champions.
And I kinda hope they are, since if France wins, they're gonna be insufferable for the next four years :P

[gaggedLouise]

Will Mick Jagger be watching the final? I bet he would support France, of course. :D

[Vergil Tanner]

I kinda hope he does!

And then we can shoot him before the next world cup.

Not anywhere vital, of course. Just somewhere that would force him to watch it at home.

[gaggedLouise]

If Mick Jagger brings bad luck, does Keith bring good luck watching football? :D

[Deamonbane]

Two whole days to Sunday... I think I might die.

[Remiel]

Belgium looked very sharp today.  Probably the highest calibre of any team so far this World Cup.  If they had played like that against France, they'd have been in the final.

[Aleph]

Belgium looked very sharp today.  Probably the highest calibre of any team so far this World Cup.  If they had played like that against France, they'd have been in the final.

Agreed, they really looked good. Barring a few minutes here and there England looked like they just wanted to get it over with and get home. Though given the premier league starts in a little less than a month, I can't blame them.

[Nico]

Still so proud of our boys!

#YoullNeverWalkAlone

[Deamonbane]

Da-Lhe Croacia!

[Deamonbane]

As of Today, the French cannot ever complain about anybody diving ever for the rest of time.

[Remiel]

Congratulations, France.

And well done, Croatia, for making it such an entertaining final.  You never gave up until the whistle.

[Formless]

France takes the championship.

Croatia looked exhausted halfway through the second half, but that second goal breathed some strength into the players.

[Deamonbane]

Kudos to both teams. Fantastic game, great WC. Can't wait for the next one.

*groans* Ugh... Vive la France!

[Formless]

Kudos to both teams. Fantastic game, great WC. Can't wait for the next one.

*groans* Ugh... Vive la France!

Wish I could say the same. Politically, next World Cup may not be pleasant given the current tension between Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

[gaggedLouise]

That final 4-2 goal was one of the funniest (as in weirdest) goals I've ever seen in a major cup football game. :D

Well earned victory by the way...Vive la France!

[Nico]

Congratulations, France!

And congratulations to each other team. You all deserved to be among the best of the best!

[Life in Color]

Ggwp, France.

No one voted for France in our poll, which is pretty amusing.

And, now we get to wait for the real Women's World Cup.

[mia h]

For the next 2 days Southgate station on the London Underground is being renamed Gareth Southgate station.
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/worldcup/gareth-southgate-station-piccadilly-line-tube-hub-renamed-in-honour-of-englands-hero-world-cup-a3887781.html

[Remiel]

For the next 2 days Southgate station on the London Underground is being renamed Gareth Southgate station.
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/worldcup/gareth-southgate-station-piccadilly-line-tube-hub-renamed-in-honour-of-englands-hero-world-cup-a3887781.html

The question is--is it required to wear a waistcoat when you ride the tube?

[mia h]

The question is--is it required to wear a waistcoat when you ride the tube?

That's where they missed a trick, anyone traveling from Gareth Southgate wearing a waistcoat goes free.

[gaggedLouise]

For the next 2 days Southgate station on the London Underground is being renamed Gareth Southgate station.
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/worldcup/gareth-southgate-station-piccadilly-line-tube-hub-renamed-in-honour-of-englands-hero-world-cup-a3887781.html

A few tube stations in Paris will be renamed too for a few days. One of them, on the Champs-Elysées avenue, will be given the name Deschamps-Elysées-Clemenceau. :) (Clemenceau of course was the tough-guy war leader, practically a dictator, during the last year of WW1, and the father of the Treaty of Versailles).

[Aleph]

A few tube stations in Paris will be renamed too for a few days. One of them, on the Champs-Elysées avenue, will be given the name Deschamps-Elysées-Clemenceau. :) (Clemenceau of course was the tough-guy war leader, practically a dictator, during the last year of WW1, and the father of the Treaty of Versailles).

Better than that, a few more stations were converted :)

Victor Hugo became Victor Hugo Lloris
Bercy became Bercy les Bleus (punning on Merci les Bleus)
Charles de Gaulle - Étoile became On a 2 Étoiles ("we have 2 stars" [one for each World Cup])
Notre Dame became Notre Didier Deschamps
Avron became Nous Avron Gagné (punning on Nous avons gagné "we have won")


Someone was clealry having fun with the idea at RATP.