The Russia 2018 World Cup Thread

a reply to: gortex

I think they did throw the game, or at least Southgate threw it. All the TV pundits were quick to point out the fact that losing to Belgium might not be the worst thing, and Southgate would have been all over that.

Yes, I watched the England matches and was pleasantly surprised. But it's easy to look good against also rans. And they only managed to beat Tunisia with a stoppage time goal.

It was good, but it wasn't world class good.

I'll eat my words a bit if they beat Colombia.

a reply to: CJCrawley

The priority of the Belgium game was not to pick up injuries or yellow cards. Hence the changes. Belgium face Japan now (ranked 61st) whilst England play Colombia(16th). England are ranked 12th.

I wouldn't say the game was thrown it's just no risks were taken to achieve the objectives above.

originally posted by: CJCrawley
a reply to: gortex

I think they did throw the game, or at least Southgate threw it. All the TV pundits were quick to point out the fact that losing to Belgium might not be the worst thing, and Southgate would have been all over that.

Yes, I watched the England matches and was pleasantly surprised. But it's easy to look good against also rans. And they only managed to beat Tunisia with a stoppage time goal.

It was good, but it wasn't world class good.

I'll eat my words a bit if they beat Colombia.

I think the Columbia game is 50/50... it is a bit worrying that I see some of our players and manager talking a good game at the moment and making some boasts... we've only beaten Tunisia and Panama.

a reply to: UKTruth

Exactly. The Colombia game is not going to be easy.

Belgium looks frustrated. They have run out of ideas as Japan’s line holds.

Kompany needs company on the right hand side as Japan has two different players getting through. Almost a costly mistake as the ball leaked through towards the line.

Tied at nil at the half. If Belgium has to chase in the second half we could see another upset!

Harro!

Things just got interesting

Velly interesting

Ooops , Japan 2 Belgium 0
Two goals in 4 minutes .... glad we didn't have to play Japan.

a reply to: gortex



Glad you drew it up that way!!

Off the post and lots of time.

Three? More?? Oh my...

Wow - just wow. This WC is incredible. Best ever?

a reply to: gortex

Oops is right on!! Particularly if you laid any $$ down on Belgium 🇧🇪

France 🇫🇷 , er, #10 looked like a tough out yesterday. I had Belgium and Brazil 🇧🇷 as my favorites and Uruguay as my darkhorse...if Brazil gets Japan 🇯🇵 they’ll be happy campers...but again, France’s play (and #10) was eye opener and they just may ride #10 to the WC Final...

Wow! What a header!! Bending...🙌🙌

ETA: Knotted at 2 apiece after a run-of-the-mill header in comparison ...@UKTruth: won’t pretend I’ve watched nearly enough WCs to say it’s the best ever, but it’s the best ever. Even the old lady watched yesterday without complaining...that’s your sign

Game on , 2-2 ... don't see this one ending in penalties.

originally posted by: gortex
Game on , 2-2 ... don't see this one ending in penalties.

Or extra time 3-2 Belgium wow!

a reply to: mirageman

Dying seconds of the match , cruel way for Japan to lose.

a reply to: gortex

Very.

After the two saves... then the free kick. Off the counter!

Belgium escapes. 9 couldn’t shoot on frame. So, you don’t touch the ball while the trailer follows through.

Sad way to drop out. Great game!

Another great match - credit to both teams.
Brazil vs Belgium in the next round ...

Monday July 2nd Results

2nd Round KO: Brazil 2-0 Mexico

Neymar scored a 2nd half opening goal for Brazil after Mexico had seemed the team more likely to score in the first half. Neymar also showed off his 'pantomime' acting skills when a Mexican bandit pressed his toe towards his ankle (oh no he didn't!).

Brazil eventually wore down the Mexicans with a wave of attacks. But it was not until the dying minutes of the game that Bobby Firmino slotted home a second goal to seal victory. The prize is a quarter final against Belgium.

2nd Round KO : Belgium 3-2 Japan

Another great game from this World Cup. Japan always looked energetic as they pressed the Belgians. Early in the 2nd half 2 goals from Bert Kwok and a precise shot into the net from Kendo Nagasaki put the Japanese into a dream lead.

A period of Belgian uncertainty followed until Belgian boss Martin Robertez brought on Nacer Chadli and Maroune Fellaini. Fellaini slotted into his usual role as centre-awkward straight away. Belgium clawed their way back into the game. Jan Vertonghen sent a looping header over 3'6" Japanese keeper Miki Runi and five minutes later Fellaini was there towering over Grumpy and Sneezy in the Japanese defence to head another into the net.

As the game looked to be drifting towards extra-time, Japan lost possession from a corner. Belgium broke away at pace. Nace Chadli broke the hearts of the Japanese everywhere.

Yoko Ono offered a prediction who would win the World Cup last year.



So far it's coming true......



Games still to come....


Tuesday 3rd July
-----------------
Sweden v Switzerland
Colombia v England

a reply to: mirageman

Got off work early today for being a good boy and the weatherman says summer will last at least another 2 weeks ...Colombia 0 England 5

originally posted by: gortex
a reply to: mirageman

Dying seconds of the match , cruel way for Japan to lose.

You hear this from commentators so often but this time it was literally the last 15 seconds of the 4 minutes of added time.


Beautiful match, feel so sorry for the killing blow Japan received.