Russia 2018 World Cup

[Jetmaster]

Exactly....no pen just like Topors should not have been.

[mic22]

Why is Kruseless still in?
Even Arzani would be better.

[Frodo]

At least Kruse has got into good positions. After that, nothing.


Risdon has improved from last week.

[mic22]

Nabbout -> MacLaren
Kruse -> Petratos

I'm dreaming, I know...

[MFKS]

A nation rejoices

Not because Trash Boy is on

But Kruse is off

Thank ****

[boz-monaut]

good substitution given Kruse was wasting everyone's time out there, Arzani could just sit down and still have more of an impact

[Frodo]

A nation rejoices

Not because Trash Boy is on

But Kruse is off

Thank ****
But at what cost.

[MFKS]

Nabbout -> MacLaren
Kruse -> Petratos

I'm dreaming, I know...

1 of Gypo or Mooy has to be hooked

Physically they are tiring

Reinforcement needed there

[plague]

yeah get any and all gypos off.

get 2 strikers on ****ern.

[Frodo]

Was that out first shot on target this world cup from outside of the penalty spot?

[mic22]

Arzani could be a good choice for this match.
Midfield is holding up well, DK are tired too.
Petratos deserves a chance... Rogic out? (still dreamin')

[mic22]

That shoulder must hurt like hell... feel for Nabbs...

[belchardo]

****. feel really sorry for nabs.

[Frodo]

Ouch

[mic22]

Arzani evading the game...

[boz-monaut]

actually he's doing quite well since coming on - looking the best out there of anyone in green

[belchardo]

Arzani evading the game...

but not basheer's eye. seems he can't mention arazani without throwing in 15 superlatives.

[boz-monaut]

that was a pretty sweet evade

if only Juric wasn't a donkey

[MFKS]

Good evade Trash boy

Bad pass to Robbie Kruse though

[belchardo]

carn guys, get that bloody goal!

[goaliepersempre]

Rinse Repeat

[The Dunster]

Arzani doing well.

[plague]

if Bert is just doing this just to troll Cahill, his sponsors and the general australian public then i want that mother****er Knighted ASAP.

Bravo Bert, bravo.

[MFKS]

The Danes wont trouble the French

Their fitness is poor really

They going to struggle in their 3rd high intensity game


We need to win this though

[Imyourhero]

Watch us not play Kruse in the 3rd game and Arzani to score a hatty

[belchardo]

every time i hear 'cornelius' i think of the guy from babar.

[Frodo]

Watch us concede a late goal from a long ball.

[Frodo]

Good defence Juric

[mic22]

Great defending Tomi FFS

[boz-monaut]

ref is at least consistent in letting everyone get away with shit

[plague]

trash boy working out real quick diving on the big stage when your name is Bobby ****ing Nobody aint the same as back in Kansas.

stay on your feet trash boy.

[boz-monaut]

Watch us concede a late goal from a long ball.

corner actually

[Frodo]

Surely after this Maclaren has to get minutes next game. Juric just isn't in sync with anyone.

[boz-monaut]

that was a little too exciting for this time of night

all we can do now is beat Peru and hope

[halo se7en]

So we need to France to roll through the other two and we need to beat Peru. It’s nice to not be dumped out after game 2.

Or is a Peru win now more preferable?

[goaliepersempre]

Juric is rubbish.... ****ing Luzern Gypo Wanker.

[plague]

Juric just isn't in sync with anyone.

ive got enough hate to go around but by Griff Juric is honking. what an odd player to have out there.

[MFKS]

So we need to France to roll through the other two and we need to beat Peru. It’s nice to not be dumped out after game 2.

Or is a Peru win now more preferable?

No

Peru win just ****s things

Draw between France and Peru would be best

That would mean France will be trying to win last game and not draw

[StannyCFCJET]

How is lunongo not getting any game time and Cahill not playing is proving BVM had no choice with selecting cahil

[Jetmaster]

Juric, Kruse and Leckie continue to trip over their own feet. The poor touches defy belief sometimes.

[leftrightout]

Leckie best game in a long time
Rogic best game in a long time
Risdon did well defending at right back
Arzani was good off the bench
Kruse wasnt, Arzani to start next match.

Juric looked lost, Cahill not the answer but i don't know that there is an answer so may aswell give the old fella a run.

Absolutely baffled how Luongo isnt getting a run. I think he is the best all round player we have.

[StannyCFCJET]

Leckie best game in a long time
Rogic best game in a long time
Risdon did well defending at right back
Arzani was good off the bench
Kruse wasnt, Arzani to start next match.

Juric looked lost, Cahill not the answer but i don't know that there is an answer so may aswell give the old fella a run.

Absolutely baffled how Luongo isnt getting a run. I think he is the best all round player we have.

Gotta try Mclare b4 we turn to $ahill

[MFKS]

Leckie best game in a long time
Rogic best game in a long time
Risdon did well defending at right back
Arzani was good off the bench
Kruse wasnt, Arzani to start next match.

Juric looked lost, Cahill not the answer but i don't know that there is an answer so may aswell give the old fella a run.

Absolutely baffled how Luongo isnt getting a run. I think he is the best all round player we have.
Agree on Luongo
Mooy and Jedinak run out of legs

Showed Mass face about 80 mins whilst sitting on the bench

Bloke looked like he just found out his mum died as Irvine was coming on

Bloke should be on suicide watch tonight

[baldrick]

Australia has as many points as Argentina, but we've scored twice as many goals.

[Frodo]

Australia has as many points as Argentina, but we've scored twice as many goals.

And have a 100% Penalty record.

[Macca]

First game I've seen from Rogic where he was good. Held up the ball, beat people, actually found teammates with his passes. Great game.
Leckie fantastic also. Fullbacks were both good too. Kruse suffers from being Kruse a bit I think, he's always just short of making it happen.
Good game from nearly everyone to be honest. Nabbs had a tough gig again, mostly chased shadows all night.
Jedinak shouldn't play against Peru - bloke is good in the air, good at tackling (as long as he's already standing next to them) and good at passing to the backline. Luongo in.

I expect Juric to start against Peru, maybe timmy to come on for the last 20 when we commence the aerial assault trying to break the deadlock.

[halo se7en]

No

Peru win just ****s things

Draw between France and Peru would be best

That would mean France will be trying to win last game and not draw

So with France’s win over Peru, we get to play a team already going home- and hopefully France have enough incentive to win to stay top of the group. Although if the France-Denmark game is still drawn late, I can see both teams settling for it which isn’t great for us.

[plague]

Early days.

But.

Croatia and Belgium look every bit as good as anyone out there.

[MFKS]

Early days.

But.

Croatia and Belgium look every bit as good as anyone out there.

If Australia beat Peru and get through then it should be Croatia v Australia Rd 16 by my reckoning

2006 all over again

[The Dunster]

Messi is not Maradonna confirmed this world cup....again.

[Imyourhero]

Croatia are going to fly under the radar. They have a very talented squad

[halo se7en]

Croatia are going to fly under the radar. They have a very talented squad

They shouldn’t be under the radar. Great performance this morning.

[plague]

They shouldn’t be under the radar. Great performance this morning.

Maybe not 'under the radar' as such, but let's be fair, the same teams always win no matter how good the (traditional) 2nd tier teams perform.

Dont get me wrong, I'm cheering for any 1st time winner. Just that history says they prob gonna cock it up at some stage.

[halo se7en]

Maybe not 'under the radar' as such, but let's be fair, the same teams always win no matter how good the (traditional) 2nd tier teams perform.

Dont get me wrong, I'm cheering for any 1st time winner. Just that history says they prob gonna cock it up at some stage.

I think they’ve got a good chance mainly because not one of the big teams has made a decent claim for it yet. There’s still time. Would like to see them or Belgium win just to mess up the status quo.

[plague]

Would like to see them or Belgium win just to mess up the status quo.

Yes def those 2.
Both are having a crack, fun to watch.

Last thing we need is some shit**** team like Iceland (or 2004 Greece) being 'successful' playing the kind of garbage they toss up.

[halo se7en]

Yes def those 2.
Both are having a crack, fun to watch.

Last thing we need is some shit**** team like Iceland (or 2004 Greece) being 'successful' playing the kind of garbage they toss up.

Yep, Iceland are fun for the occasional giant-killing but not to win the whole thing.

[MFKS]

So what the **** is up with this kit farce??

Tonight Brazil are in Blue Costa Rica in White

Since when the **** do yellow and red clash??

Ronald McDonald is not 1 colour

Same for Denmark and Australia why are the Danes not in their red and why are we not in our gold??

Neither kit clash for **** sake

[boz-monaut]

FIFA have done this for people watching on black and white TVs

which is absolutely no one as it's 2018

[baldrick]

So what the **** is up with this kit farce??

Tonight Brazil are in Blue Costa Rica in White

Since when the **** do yellow and red clash??

Ronald McDonald is not 1 colour

Same for Denmark and Australia why are the Danes not in their red and why are we not in our gold??

Neither kit clash for **** sake

So Nike can advertise the away kits ?

[boz-monaut]

what's making this game hard to watch is the shadows across the pitch - the area with the shadow of translucent roof and the finer structure holding it up is terrible to watch the game

[MFKS]

what's making this game hard to watch is the shadows across the pitch - the area with the shadow of translucent roof and the finer structure holding it up is terrible to watch the game

Sunlight in Europe is a prick if a thing

[MFKS]

Congratulations to VAR

Finally got a ****ing call right

[boz-monaut]

against a big team no less

this game is hilarious

[baldrick]

Why didn't Neymar get a yellow card then ?

[boz-monaut]

he should get his second for that elbow - and Marcello should get one for his face push

[boz-monaut]

bugger

[baldrick]

Double bugger.

[MFKS]

The 6 minutes of football is exactly how you should play when you take the lead and need to close a game out

Brazil took the piss playing keep ball with them for 6 mins

[boz-monaut]

really hate Brazil now - hope they get smacked 7-1 again soon

[MFKS]

I seriously hoping Optus get their shit together soon


Foz off on a tangent on SBS claiming it was a pen
Brenton Speed is also calling it a pen on Twitter

Same dumb **** was querying the logic of those who didnt want Timmy on V Denmark and whether they had a clue.

Yet the same dickhead has logic which is that a 38 year old who cant get a run in the HAL was the answer in a WC game

[Frodo]

How God Damn Sexy is that Nigerian Home kit. Although, it looks much less good on my pastey fat ("phat") body for some reason.

Both teams played 2 up top as well, which was great to watch.

[Frodo]

Gylfi Sigurdsons terrible season / treatment at Everton coming back to haunt him with that Penalty. Ops.

[boz-monaut]

How God Damn Sexy is that Nigerian Home kit. Although, it looks much less good on my pastey fat ("phat") body for some reason.

this kit is getting a lot of hype and love - selling out in minutes in Nike stores and having fashionistas write articles about how great it is

personally I find it incredibly ugly - fluoro zig zags and ugly colour combination - I really can't see why anyone would like it

reminds me of goal keepers jerseys from the 90s

[Jetmaster]

I do hate the PC world we are becoming...

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-44561419

[MFKS]

I do hate the PC world we are becoming...

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-44561419

Yet people are happy to kow tow to the Leftist muppets and their Identity cleansing practices and not rage against it

Go figure

[plague]

I do hate the PC world we are becoming...

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-44561419

yeah but the countless other people who did smuggle shit and didnt tell on themselves still have a job today.

i mean theres PC, then theres just stupidity.

and yeah i dont see the issue with it either, but man oh man when are these dopes gonna work out this social media game?

[boz-monaut]

how is this political correctness?

a massive over reaction by the press and social media and bullshit by a company to sack someone who did something so utterly minor

how you can have a go at "leftists" over this is beyond me - if anything this is the capitalist company screwing a loyal employee over something he did in his private life that they perceive may damage their image (i.e. profits)

[plague]

so the nuts protesting outside of abortion clinics are 'leftists'?

Homie from Colombia is the victim of pissweak leadership from his superiors. Fearing a 'backlash' from consumers.

this isnt a left or right issue.

its a weak leadership issue.

They tried it with Hannity too. Lucky his boss is a mindless evil robot who dont play that shit.


hashtagripbilloreilly

[boz-monaut]

back to the football

here's a good article from the Roar on Robbie Kruse

https://www.theroar.com.au/2018/06/23/exhaustive-search-discover-point-robbie-kruse/

[380]

back to the football

here's a good article from the Roar on Robbie Kruse

https://www.theroar.com.au/2018/06/23/exhaustive-search-discover-point-robbie-kruse/

Good article and makes the point in regards to his average performances without making it a personal thing like some critics of his do.

[plague]

back to the football

here's a good article from the Roar on Robbie Kruse

https://www.theroar.com.au/2018/06/23/exhaustive-search-discover-point-robbie-kruse/


ok, im no huge Robbie Kruse fan.


but.


Evan Morgan Grahame
Evan Morgan Grahame is a Melbourne-based journalist. Gleaning what he could from his brief career as a painter, the canvas of the football pitch is now his subject of contemplation, with the beautiful game sketching new, intriguing compositions every week. He has been one of The Roar's Expert columnists since 2016. Follow him on Twitter

if Kruse is gonna stand there and have some mother****er with 3 names give him that level of disrespect then he deserves everything that comes his way.
you gotta go show that man your hands when you get home Robbie.

[MFKS]

Good article and makes the point in regards to his average performances without making it a personal thing like some critics of his do.

But the bloke still wrote 10000 words of over analysing it when it could be summed up in 3 words without getting personal

Kruse is Shit

[plague]

ref was right again for the Hazard penalty.

caaarrrnnnn refs.

[plague]

how can anyone not love watching Hazard when he is in this kind of form.

[boz-monaut]

Tunisia can sneak goals like this

Belgium are lucky they have the talent to go two up before Tunisia snuck one back, now the Tunisians can't park the bus and hope for another the way they did with England

[MFKS]

how can anyone not love watching Hazard when he is in this kind of form.

He just a Belgium Version of Leroy George

****ing trash

[MFKS]

This Belgium side

Good going forward

But Lazy as at defending

Some Mooy like tracking of players

[plague]

He just a Belgium Version of Leroy George

****ing trash

you are the Daniel Arzani of Leroy Georges.

[boz-monaut]

oh wow

that's some seriously good teamwork there to get Belguim's third

[boz-monaut]

so I just looked it up and Croatia and Belgium can't play each other until the final (assuming they both top their groups)

[leftrightout]

This Belgium side

Good going forward

But Lazy as at defending

Some Mooy like tracking of players

The kind of teams i like best. You may score 3 but we will score 5 mentality

[westjet]

Didn't Aus and Denmark get told they couldnt wear gold and red and had to wear their away shirts?

[StannyCFCJET]

how can anyone not love watching Hazard when he is in this kind of form.

Up there with in the best in the world convo when he plays like this. If he did it every game WOW

[plague]

Oh my lord Toni Kroos
What a way to end a big night of football.
Goodnight everyone. Off for a nap.

[MFKS]

Oh my lord Toni Kroos
What a way to end a big night of football.
Goodnight everyone. Off for a nap.

Forgetting the last minute goal heroics etc

Toni Kroos

I thinking Iniestas heir apparent

Just does exactly what you want a player to do

Just like Iniesta

[MFKS]

Up there with in the best in the world convo when he plays like this. If he did it every game WOW

It was ****ing Morocco

FFS

Hazard isnt even in the top 10 footballers on the planet

Sit down

[plague]

I thinking

fibber

[StannyCFCJET]

It was ****ing Morocco

FFS

Hazard isnt even in the top 10 footballers on the planet

Sit down

Oh he definitely is when on song and Belgium don't have Morroco in their group

[MFKS]

Oh he definitely is when on song and Belgium don't have Morroco in their group

Morrocco

Tunisia

All ****ing nobodies

Messi
Cr7
Neymar
Kroos
Iniesta
Bale
Suarez
Biscuits
Griff
Modric

Not in any particular order and I sure i could find more if needed

But I would have all these blokes at Jets before Hazard everyday of the week

[belchardo]

Oh my lord Toni Kroos
What a way to end a big night of football.
Goodnight everyone. Off for a nap.

was a great game. sweden were so organised in defence and their keeper had a screamer. german were pretty much kicking down the door but couldn't get it done, that is until the last kick of the game.

[StannyCFCJET]

Morrocco

Tunisia

All ****ing nobodies

Messi
Cr7
Neymar
Kroos
Iniesta
Bale
Suarez
Biscuits
Griff
Modric

Not in any particular order and I sure i could find more if needed

But I would have all these blokes at Jets before Hazard everyday of the week

Hazard is as good as anyone of them bar in terms of quality of play bar Messi and Ronaldo when on song. Maybe you should watch him play more. Doesnt matter who the opposition is. If your hot your hot and Man City Liverpool Man United Spurs Arsenal are all good teams and Hazard has destroyed all of them in several games

[MFKS]

Hazard is as good as anyone of them bar in terms of quality of play bar Messi and Ronaldo when on song. Maybe you should watch him play more. Doesnt matter who the opposition is. If your hot your hot and Man City Liverpool Man United Spurs Arsenal are all good teams and Hazard has destroyed all of them in several games

You keep telling yourself that

The EPL isnt that good in the grand scheme of things

Neither is Hazard

Both are second rate to La Liga

[StannyCFCJET]

You keep telling yourself that

The EPL isnt that good in the grand scheme of things

Neither is Hazard

Both are second rate to La Liga
Hahaha. Id like To see Barce or Madrid cope with a season where you cannot rest players before UCL games and if your not at your best you will lose to teams in the bottom half of the table

[The Dunster]

You keep telling yourself that

The EPL isnt that good in the grand scheme of things

Neither is Hazard

Both are second rate to La Liga

Football is a business.

EPL revenues are 86% greater than La Liga's. [https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/uk/Documents/sports-business-group/deloitte-uk-sbg-annual-review-of-football-finance-2018.PDF]

Only a leftist would rate La Liga as a superior league.

[MFKS]

Football is a business.

EPL revenues are 86% greater than La Liga's. [https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/uk/Documents/sports-business-group/deloitte-uk-sbg-annual-review-of-football-finance-2018.PDF]

Only a leftist would rate La Liga as a superior league.

Last 5 UCL titles
And 8 in the last 15 years

4 out of the last 5 Europa League titles
And 9 in the last 15 years

Yeah

Keeping telling me the EPL is a better comp

[StannyCFCJET]

Last 5 UCL titles
And 8 in the last 15 years

4 out of the last 5 Europa League titles
And 9 in the last 15 years

Yeah

Keeping telling me the EPL is a better comp

Yeah because they can rest players for their europe games. Cant do that in the prem

[MFKS]

Yeah because they can rest players for their europe games. Cant do that in the prem

Hey

Every EPL side of note has a team full of internationals on the bench or stands each game


So explain to me why they cant manage their squads again??

[StannyCFCJET]

Hey

Every EPL side of note has a team full of internationals on the bench or stands each game


So explain to me why they cant manage their squads again??

If you dont understand it by now then you never will

[boz-monaut]

England look completely in control here

so this is either going to go very well for them and they'll continue to improve or they're going to royally **** it right up and we all laugh quite a lot and say it was inevitable

[The Dunster]

Looked offside but managed to get a penalty from it anyway. Quality refereeing.
England flatteted by the score here. But no doubt fans will get ahead of themselves about teams chances once to get a massive reality check when they face a quality opponent.
Coach will cop the blame. Rinse and repeat.

[boz-monaut]

ok so England's third goal was actually pretty damned good

time for the media to get carried away

[The Dunster]

ok so England's third goal was actually pretty damned good

time for the media to get carried away

Good buildup and brilliant finish. Comparisons to 66 team can't be far away.

[The Dunster]

Stones offside a mile for the 4th goal. How can anyone that close to goal be considered passive?
Then again the 2nd goal was awarded to an offside player and for a foul after england player handball.
Surely the bookies are running this game.

[Bremsstrahlung]

That’s how you plan a free kick

[boz-monaut]

this is only going to make it hurt so much more when they go out on penalties this time

[Premy]

Stones offside a mile for the 4th goal. How can anyone that close to goal be considered passive?

Learn the offside rule properly

[The Dunster]

Learn the offside rule properly

I know the rule. It's ridiculous to call anyone passive from such a position.
I understand it's a different phase of play making the goal legit. But it's a ridiculous rule.

[halo se7en]

About time the wrestling in the box got pinged. That was ludicrous from the Panama defenders.

[MFKS]

It aint like their opponemt is much chop

Like really

No offence

But Panama are pretty ****ing bad

[The Dunster]

Panama only scored 9 goals in the qualifiers. They must have been penalties based on how honking they look in front of goal.

[The Dunster]

6th goal must be offside. Premy please explain how it's not.

[Bremsstrahlung]

Looked that way at first glance didn’t it, but I’m assuming you’ve seen the replays since then. Somehow their feet were level.

[MFKS]

How bad are the Poles??

People for some reason thought they were good

Yet in a pretty weak group will come last

[Bremsstrahlung]

Thought the same thing.
Thought Colombia was about to go home.
Nope, see ya Poland.


There’s some pretty awesome matchdays coming up! A lot of groups wide open.

[Jetmaster]

So Panama....bet US and Honduras are feeling pretty silly now.

[Jeterpool]

That’s how you plan a free kick

I thought that was a terrific goal.

If Brazil or Spain had scored that, it would be replayed on loops via it's own channel.

[Bremsstrahlung]

I thought that was a terrific goal.

If Brazil or Spain had scored that, it would be replayed on loops via it's own channel.

Agreed! It was rather ambitious, there were a lot of elements to it, but I thought it was great. Need more of that type of thing.
Even the Kroos goal, the roll to open up the angle. Something that’s not seen too much mowadoways.

[plague]

i hope this link works. because dead set, i had no idea this was a rule.

https://twitter.com/BantsFootballFC/status/1008647459445313536

Funny.

[plague]

Yeah so iniesta cant even trist Ramos to get a foot on the ball the great man gonna have to go win this by himself.

[belchardo]

so, two footed diving lunge by pusquet(?) into an opponents leg, no card, no VAR intervention despite ample opportunity.

fairy innocuous challenge from behind by a morrocan, yellow card.

makes sense to me!

[Bremsstrahlung]

Iran doing their best odonovan impression

[Bremsstrahlung]

Yes, love seeing Ramos beaten in the air.

And Ronaldo missed a pen.

[Bremsstrahlung]

Ohhh wow. VAR is really causing a stir here in this game

[Bremsstrahlung]

And Iran equalised! Hahaha

[plague]

what a mental last few minutes across both games.

[plague]

by the way how was Portugal copying the Jets skill for their goal.

showing proper respect.

[halo se7en]

by the way how was Portugal copying the Jets skill for their goal.

showing proper respect.

Nabbout's was far nicer.

[Macca]

i hope this link works. because dead set, i had no idea this was a rule.

https://twitter.com/BantsFootballFC/status/1008647459445313536

Funny.

Misinterpretation of the rule actually. The game can restart if all players are in their own half (except for the bloke kicking off) and the ref blows the whistle. Being in the opponent's half or off the field both do not constitute being in your own half. The danger would be if a team runs to their supporters which are located somewhere in their own half and celebrate there, and the ref allows the other team to kick off.

[Frodo]

Misinterpretation of the rule actually. The game can restart if all players are in their own half (except for the bloke kicking off) and the ref blows the whistle. Being in the opponent's half or off the field both do not constitute being in your own half. The danger would be if a team runs to their supporters which are located somewhere in their own half and celebrate there, and the ref allows the other team to kick off.

I thought the rule was the supplement to what you said. A team can't kick off until opposition players are NOT in your half of the field, rather than needing to be in their own half. So if everyone was off the pitch you could kick off. Hence why in the England game Southgate told Trippier to make sure he didn't cross the halfway line whilst everyone else celebrated.

http://beta.ems.ladbiblegroup.com/s3/content/808x455/e58495d85b28249b3c44dbb9ab8c0c3e.png

[Macca]

I thought the rule was the supplement to what you said. A team can't kick off until opposition players are NOT in your half of the field, rather than needing to be in their own half. So if everyone was off the pitch you could kick off. Hence why in the England game Southgate told Trippier to make sure he didn't cross the halfway line whilst everyone else celebrated.

http://beta.ems.ladbiblegroup.com/s3/content/808x455/e58495d85b28249b3c44dbb9ab8c0c3e.png


For every kick-off:
• all players, except the player taking the kick-off, must be in their own half
of the field of play
• the opponents of the team taking the kick-off must be at least 9.15 m
(10 yds) from the ball until it is in play
• the ball must be stationary on the centre mark
• the referee gives a signal
• the ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves

Nah. Just misinterpretation by Ladbible and I guess by Southgate / whomever instructed players that that was the case. As I said, would only be if they ran from where they scored to the other half and did their celebrations there - then you want a player just chilling inside the opponent half.

[halo se7en]

I’m really enjoying this tournament. That’s all.

[baldrick]

I’m really enjoying this tournament. That’s all.


+ 1

[pv4]

I was under the impression the rule was if all outfield players left the field of play regardless of which half, the other team could kickoff. And I was led to believe it was because no player would be offside, so play could restart.

[Frodo]

Nah. Just misinterpretation by Ladbible and I guess by Southgate / whomever instructed players that that was the case. As I said, would only be if they ran from where they scored to the other half and did their celebrations there - then you want a player just chilling inside the opponent half.

Cheers Macca.

[plague]

on the plus side, much better showing from the AFC teams this time around (compared to last couple of cups).

Prob not quite as good as the African teams, but i reackon better than Concacaf and Oceania teams.

By the time America rolls around the idea of a 48 team comp may not be as diluted as previously thought.

If Asia gets 2? more spots you'd hope China are finally realising their potential, and one more of the Uzbeks/Qatar/Nth Korea type teams.

Europe will want 6-8 of those spots min, and if you count up the 'good' teams that missed out (Dutch, Greece, Italy, Ukraine some of those Balkan ones), it might be ok.

Add in the USA and errrrrr, well OK concacaf is canon fodder so that will suck.

Africa gets a couple, Sth America gets Chile, Bolivia, Equador, Venezuela.

But we get MORE football. Yeah ill put up with that.

[Imyourhero]

Football is ALWAYS the winner

[halo se7en]

I don’t have a problem with the extra teams. I think in the groups of 3 teams will only play 2 games before knockouts so any cannon fodder will be gone quicker than they are now. We still get Saudi v Egypt & Tunisia v Panama dead rubbers now, so it’s not like it’s perfect with 32 either. The new format should actually eliminate dead rubbers if I’m not mistaken?

[MFKS]

on the plus side, much better showing from the AFC teams this time around (compared to last couple of cups).

Prob not quite as good as the African teams, but i reackon better than Concacaf and Oceania teams.

By the time America rolls around the idea of a 48 team comp may not be as diluted as previously thought.

If Asia gets 2? more spots you'd hope China are finally realising their potential, and one more of the Uzbeks/Qatar/Nth Korea type teams.

Europe will want 6-8 of those spots min, and if you count up the 'good' teams that missed out (Dutch, Greece, Italy, Ukraine some of those Balkan ones), it might be ok.

Add in the USA and errrrrr, well OK concacaf is canon fodder so that will suck.

Africa gets a couple, Sth America gets Chile, Bolivia, Equador, Venezuela.

But we get MORE football. Yeah ill put up with that.

Holland
Italy
Greece
Turkey
USA
Chile
Paraguay
Ecuador
Cameroon
Ivory Coast
Ghana
Algeria

That is 12 recent qualifiers not there most of whom have got into the KO phase

So thge current line up plus there is 75% of the increse already

I dont think the 48 team thing will be much of a problem



Being that how big a cash cow the thing is i surprised FIFA havent tried bringing it into a 2 year cycle rather than 4

Sure would upset the status quo if they did but it would actually work

[goaliepersempre]

Holland
Italy
Greece
Turkey
USA
Chile
Paraguay
Ecuador
Cameroon
Ivory Coast
Ghana
Algeria

That is 12 recent qualifiers not there most of whom have got into the KO phase

So thge current line up plus there is 75% of the increse already

I dont think the 48 team thing will be much of a problem



Being that how big a cash cow the thing is i surprised FIFA havent tried bringing it into a 2 year cycle rather than 4

Sure would upset the status quo if they did but it would actually work

I would highly doubt it would work.... maybe for the first time... but future planning not at all... This might not mean much but look at ICE Hockey they host a World Cup basically every year.. This year the NHL the best league players where mostly not involved... It might be a cash cow for Fifa, but who would host?... there is a whole lot of problems if they would try and have it more often....

[MFKS]

I would highly doubt it would work.... maybe for the first time... but future planning not at all... This might not mean much but look at ICE Hockey they host a World Cup basically every year.. This year the NHL the best league players where mostly not involved... It might be a cash cow for Fifa, but who would host?... there is a whole lot of problems if they would try and have it more often....

I dont think it would be that hard a problem to worry about the who would host

England Germany France could host it in an instant and reap the financial windfall

[Bremsstrahlung]

To do that you’d have to abolish continental cups surely.

I like the 4 year World Cup, feel like it would lose its exclusiveness and appeal if it was more frequent.
I think players would drop out, fans would drop out and the title won’t mean as much imo.

[goaliepersempre]

I dont think it would be that hard a problem to worry about the who would host

England Germany France could host it in an instant and reap the financial windfall


Ofcourse they can, they can even play it like the Euro 2020 campaign... all throughout europe... lets see how that goes......


To do that you’d have to abolish continental cups surely.

I like the 4 year World Cup, feel like it would lose its exclusiveness and appeal if it was more frequent.
I think players would drop out, fans would drop out and the title won’t mean as much imo.

Exactly like the Ice hockey champs....

Keep it to 4 years lets see what Qatar and the Americas bring....

Dont mess with a proven winner....

[MFKS]

To do that you’d have to abolish continental cups surely.

I like the 4 year World Cup, feel like it would lose its exclusiveness and appeal if it was more frequent.
I think players would drop out, fans would drop out and the title won’t mean as much imo.

Other than the Euros the rest of them would barely be breaking even

So i dont think it be that hard to convince the other confeds to do it every 2 years


Plus these Fifa guys

Think of how many extra hookers coke and brown paper bags they can do if this every 2 years not 4 years??


Everyone wins

[boz-monaut]

with Australia and my second favourite team Iceland now out, I'm moving on to support my third favourite team, England

good thing they won't disappoint

[halo se7en]

with Australia and my second favourite team Iceland now out, I'm moving on to support my third favourite team, England

good thing they won't disappoint

I’m splitting my fanfare between Belgium & Croatia. I feel like one of them might just do it.

[boz-monaut]

I just want good football and a nation who hasn't won it from 1970 onwards to win

I don't think either of those things will happen though

[StannyCFCJET]

I just want good football and a nation who hasn't won it from 1970 onwards to win

I don't think either of those things will happen though

Belgium will win if KDB and Hazard keep this form

[Frodo]

Belgium will win if KDB and Hazard keep this form

And they learn how to defend.

[MFKS]

Just looking at the draw and how it shaping up

Think Spain should get an easy run to final

There going to be no one of note on their side of the draw

Will get smokies like Croatia Mexico Begium.but none of the big boys

It looks inevitable the top half will have France Argies Brazil Germany Portugal Uruguay all in it

Make for some cracking Rd16 games

[plague]

Just looking at the draw and how it shaping up


if it all goes to plan England will get Germany in the quarters.

oh glory days.

im here for all of that nonsense.

[Bremsstrahlung]

In Norway watching Sweden Vs Mexico. Referee rightfully declined a handball VAR referral.

[Bremsstrahlung]

Bar their first game bore fest, Sweden has been exciting to watch.
Not the most gifted team, but they set up well in defence and get stuck in and win balls, and they seem to be lightning quick on the counter.

[Bremsstrahlung]

Germany, by my calculations only need a win, and they are in.
Sweden making life easier for them.

Germans are at panic stations.

[Bremsstrahlung]

Germans gone surely after this review!

[Bremsstrahlung]

Yehhhhp.
Wowwwwww

[plague]

if it all goes to plan England will get Germany in the quarters.

............or not.

[MFKS]

Germany still havent won in Russia

[Frodo]

Wow.

[Jeterpool]

Just looking at the draw and how it shaping up

Think Spain should get an easy run to final

There going to be no one of note on their side of the draw

Will get smokies like Croatia Mexico Begium.but none of the big boys

It looks inevitable the top half will have France Argies Brazil Germany Portugal Uruguay all in it

Make for some cracking Rd16 games

I don't think Spain will get that easy of a run. I am excited to see how this shaping up.

I'm going to get up and watch the England v Belgium game to see them both kicking the ball into their own net in a bid to finish second in the group.

[MFKS]

I don't think Spain will get that easy of a run. I am excited to see how this shaping up.

I'm going to get up and watch the England v Belgium game to see them both kicking the ball into their own net in a bid to finish second in the group.

Spain will play Russia

Quarters V Croatia or Denmark

Semi v one of Sweden Switzerland England Belgium Senegal Japan Colombia

Not exactly a frightening path


Top half has Portugal Uruguay France Argies Mexico Brazil and England/Belgium and Japan/Colombia/Senegal


Spain can more or lest rotate their squad in their upcoming matches


Dont think France Brazil Argies etc have that luxury

[StannyCFCJET]

Spain will play Russia

Quarters V Croatia or Denmark

Semi v one of Sweden Switzerland England Belgium Senegal Japan Colombia

Not exactly a frightening path


Top half has Portugal Uruguay France Argies Mexico Brazil and England/Belgium and Japan/Colombia/Senegal


Spain can more or lest rotate their squad in their upcoming matches


Dont think France Brazil Argies etc have that luxury

Your too quick to write off teams. England are a young team playing with no fear and expectation and Belgium have close to the best squad in the WC and are 100% up there with the best when on song. Then you have Japan and Senegal who have some good players and play well as a team

[StannyCFCJET]

Also Spains defence has been rubbish and needs fixing

[Jeterpool]

Spain will play Russia

Quarters V Croatia or Denmark

Semi v one of Sweden Switzerland England Belgium Senegal Japan Colombia

Not exactly a frightening path


Top half has Portugal Uruguay France Argies Mexico Brazil and England/Belgium and Japan/Colombia/Senegal


Spain can more or lest rotate their squad in their upcoming matches


Dont think France Brazil Argies etc have that luxury

On paper it seems like a comparatively easy run but I think this world cup has shown that not performing to your potential can leave you exposed. There's some very good teams in both sides of the draw but I agree the Spain side seems more appealing.

[goaliepersempre]

hahahahaha germany....


(i dont mind the bundesliga, or at times the german national team)


But yesterday us swiss had a dillema.. Dont know where I was cheering louder. Germany getting knocked out or Switzerland qualifying..

So so so many memes going around right now...


oh and I think the americans are screwed they wont know who is playing who SWE-SUI :rof: :popcorn:

[plague]

also, i am here for any and ALL of the photos of peoples facepaint being messed up with tears.

love it.

https://img.timesnownews.com/story/1530002786-DgkAjTxW0AAu-ri.jpg?d=600x450

[MFKS]

Just like to point out that the last time England got further than the Germans at a World Cup.........















They won the ****ing thing

[Bremsstrahlung]

Senegal out to fifa fair play rules.

Same points, difference, goals scored, played out a draw against each other.
Senegal had more yellow cards!

Lots of late drama in these group stage games.

[belchardo]

https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/after-optus-sport-fail-sbs-to-simulcast-rest-of-2018-world-cup-20180628-p4zoaf.html

and you'll be able to watch it all on SBS. honestly, greatest swifty ever pulled. FIFA would be proud.

[baldrick]

Batshuayi's goal celebration is the highlight of the entire World Cup

[Jeterpool]

Batshuayi's goal celebration is the highlight of the entire World Cup

Absolutely. Made the early rise to watch THAT worthwhile...just.

Adnan Januzaj must have been in the bog when Martinez was giving the "play for a draw" teamtalk.

[leftrightout]

Absolutely. Made the early rise to watch THAT worthwhile...just.

Adnan Januzaj must have been in the bog when Martinez was giving the "play for a draw" teamtalk.

I love all the talk about the "easier" side of the draw. It just sets England up for the greatest of all failures!
Croatia have been the best performing team and i think will get past all on that side of the draw. Sweden been tight at the back and counter attacking, Columbia capable of beating anyone but Rodriguez is a potential big loss.
Big teams under performing and smaller teams showing they are incredibly hard to beat which is why they are in the position they are. I don't know i would prefer one side of the draw over the other!

[goaliepersempre]

Batshuayi's goal celebration is the highlight of the entire World Cup

sooooo good, made my night.

[Jeterpool]

sooooo good, made my night.

He tackled it head on after the game too, to his credit. Seems to be able to have a laugh at himself.

[Jeterpool]

No football tonight. Guess I'll see how my wife and kids have been

[boz-monaut]

I should check on Jeterpool's wife and kids too

[Jeterpool]

I should check on Jeterpool's wife and kids too

:rof:

[goaliepersempre]

No football tonight. Guess I'll see how my wife and kids have been

Haha Aarau has a trial game tonight, similar concept playing against the All Stars team of players in the Aargau region.

Fun night out, plus the cup draw... so wont be football free haha

[Jeterpool]

Haha Aarau has a trial game tonight, similar concept playing against the All Stars team of players in the Aargau region.

Fun night out, plus the cup draw... so wont be football free haha

I'd say I'd come down, but...you know

[baldrick]

No football tonight.

Plenty of games to rewatch on demand mate

[Bremsstrahlung]

Mbappe is quick!

[MFKS]

35 mins

A nation with guys like this to pick

Di Maria
Higuain
Dyabla
Aguero
Icardi
And
Messi

Havent had a ****ing shot at goal


Now that takes some effort to **** that up

[plague]

Mbappe is quick!

French version of Daniel Arzani

[Bremsstrahlung]

Quick say something else member.
I wanna see more goals like that

[mic22]

35 mins

A nation with guys like this to pick

Di Maria
Higuain
Dyabla
Aguero
Icardi
And
Messi

Havent had a ****ing shot at goal


Now that takes some effort to **** that up

They just had one... :)

[MFKS]

French version of Daniel Arzani

No he is not trash

Bloke can actually play

[plague]

wowsers.

[MFKS]

Quick say something else member.
I wanna see more goals like that

Only had 1 shot

To be fair France havent been that good

It just a case of Argies have been lifeless

[MFKS]

How shit are the Socceroos??

The French are ****ing honking

Fancy being behind to an Argy side playing this ****ing bad???

[MFKS]

How shit are the Socceroos??

The French are ****ing honking

Fancy being behind to an Argy side playing this ****ing bad???
15 minutes later

***

[Bremsstrahlung]

I was gonna say how shit of a game this is. Both teams are pretty terrible. 3 goals later. Still think it’s been rubbish quality.

[Bremsstrahlung]

Haha

[plague]

that was a lovely goal.

[MFKS]

I was gonna say how shit of a game this is. Both teams are pretty terrible. 3 goals later. Still think it’s been rubbish quality.

Your right

4-2 you think this woud be a quality game
But it been abysmally hard to really enjoy

[Bremsstrahlung]

I was gonna say Messi has the work ethic of Hoole.
Then he created a chance and passed it straight to keeper.

[The Dunster]

Wonderful ball from Messi to Aguero

[Bremsstrahlung]

Can we just call this the jinx thread?

Almost cruel giving them a glimmer of hope.

[The Dunster]

Both sides were terrible. Neither worthy of progressing.

[StannyCFCJET]

Giroud and Kante hold this french team together

[Bremsstrahlung]

I’ll give you Kante, but call Chelsea bias with Giroud.

[Bremsstrahlung]

Also, oatamendi carrying on like a pork chop with 2 minutes max to go, a goal down, is just as silly as old mates front flip throw in. I’d be planting the ball and making them accountable to kick it, rather than complaining. If I was France I’d be cheering that he wanted some push and shove. That’s just 30-60 seconds you don’t have to defend.

[The Dunster]

1st Uruguay goal was superb.

[plague]

1st Uruguay goal was superb.

yep. shame now they arent gonna keep playing.

dangerous tactic

[The Dunster]

yep. shame now they arent gonna keep playing.

dangerous tactic

Agreed. One goal won't be enough.

[The Dunster]

And there it is as Plague predicted. Shit marking on a set piece and it's all square. Portugal would feel confident now. Uruguay need to start playing again.

[The Dunster]

Cavani!!!!!!!!!!!

Unbelievable. This game has everything. Impossible to predict.

[baldrick]

Decent strike that

[plague]

gosh.

[belchardo]

Movement for the first Uruguay goal was fantastic. Second was a classy finish.

[plague]

Lil Bow Wow has been great back there for Uruguay.

[belchardo]

Lil Bow Wow has been great back there for Uruguay.

Oh well played.

[belchardo]

I would like to bid farewell to the angriest eyebrows in world football.

[plague]

Pepe looks like Carrot Top.

[westjet]

Gotta love the Portuguese bench calling for the var for what looked like a handball by there own player at the end.

[StannyCFCJET]

I’ll give you Kante, but call Chelsea bias with Giroud.

Nope Giroud distracts defenders and creates space for Mbappe and Griezmam

[plague]

anyone who doesnt appreciate Uruguay for the rabid machine they are is a bum.

[The Dunster]

What Carvani did last night in both attack and defence will be on a highlight reels for a long time to come. The two goals were first class and the amount of running he did to cover for defenders was immense as well.
Probably the last time we will see Messi or CR7 at world cups and hopefully an end to this G.O.A.T garbage. The greatest players of all time lifted players around them to another level - something neither Messi or CR7 are capable of doing.

[MFKS]

What Carvani did last night in both attack and defence will be on a highlight reels for a long time to come. The two goals were first class and the amount of running he did to cover for defenders was immense as well.
Probably the last time we will see Messi or CR7 at world cups and hopefully an end to this G.O.A.T garbage. The greatest players of all time lifted players around them to another level - something neither Messi or CR7 are capable of doing.

CR7 didnt he take a shit Portuguse side and lift them to a Euros??

Ok

Still nothing on Iniesta though

As for Messi incompetence really to see a side set up as poorly as the Argies were

[Jeterpool]

Nope Giroud distracts defenders and creates space for Mbappe and Griezmam

He is a handsome fellow and they're only human afterall.

[StannyCFCJET]

He is a handsome fellow and they're only human afterall.

:thumbsup:

[Bremsstrahlung]

Was watching Uruguay thinking they were pretty similar to how Australia once was viewed.
A few years ago, we were better than them.
Granted Suarez and Cavani etc came through. But they bypassed midfield so constantly and knocked balls into cavani and Suarez upfront. And watching those two up front, absolute workhorses and Suarez is a master of the dark arts and cavani is just a good Peter crouch.

That Uruguayan mentality was present when we played them, and they still have it. You knew you were in for a game. Nothing was easy with them.

When I was a player, those were the teams you hated playing. You didn’t mind playing a Hamilton Olympic or Magic, but up against a physical and scrapping team like Weston or Southy or Edgy, you knew you were in for a game. (Those attributes have changed since I played haha)!

[Retro Jet]

Ramos claiming an oggie ffs. Yeah...it's all your fault.

Actually, if the defender had watched the ball instead of trying to crash tackle
Ramos and fk his shoulder, he might have stopped the pill!

EDIT: Pen to Russia. Pique's arm...but it was Ramos' fault. :rof:

[Bremsstrahlung]

Fark.
Thought var was gonn give a pen then.
Good call!!

[Grimario]

I'm conflicted. I want Iniesta to win but I want Ramos to lose.

[plague]

Spain is so good to watch in an open game but when they play an opponent like that its horrid

[Bremsstrahlung]

Booooom!
See ya spain!
Russia would be going off right now!

[Grimario]

Akinfeev was always a favourite FM buy back in the day. Glad he's gone on to bigger and better things than Grimariosby Town.

[Bremsstrahlung]

This will be interesting. Denmark have been unconvincing. Croatia have been great.

Also, Nizhny Novgorod is a great stadium.
All of them were pretty cool. I liked Samara’s space theme too!

[Bremsstrahlung]

Gee wizz, hope none of you were slow getting to the tv

[halo se7en]

Where are all those people claiming Spain had an easy path through the knockouts? Oops.

[MFKS]

Plague

Pure of Art of Defending etc

See told you Pique dont belong

[westjet]

Has there been a change to the red card rule. Cant work out how that was only a yellow when he is about to score and noone between him and the goals.

[Bremsstrahlung]

Yes.
If the referee deems the player made a reasonable challenge for the ball, then there is a directive not to double punish the offence.
Eg. A penalty and a send off is a big penalty.
Whereas if it happens outside the box, then it’s probably a red card no penalty. In this case it was a penalty, no red card.

[Bremsstrahlung]

Anybody else think this Croatian keeper is creeping forward??

Fark. How good are these keepers though. Doing their part.

Schmeichal snr loving it.

[StannyCFCJET]

Anyone can win this WC. Anyone puffing big smoke up the big nations are getting egg on their faces

[StannyCFCJET]

Has there been a change to the red card rule. Cant work out how that was only a yellow when he is about to score and noone between him and the goals.

Theve deemed Pen is enough of a penalty so only a yellow is produced

[The Dunster]

Was watching Uruguay thinking they were pretty similar to how Australia once was viewed.
A few years ago, we were better than them.
Granted Suarez and Cavani etc came through. But they bypassed midfield so constantly and knocked balls into cavani and Suarez upfront. And watching those two up front, absolute workhorses and Suarez is a master of the dark arts and cavani is just a good Peter crouch.

That Uruguayan mentality was present when we played them, and they still have it. You knew you were in for a game. Nothing was easy with them.

When I was a player, those were the teams you hated playing. You didn’t mind playing a Hamilton Olympic or Magic, but up against a physical and scrapping team like Weston or Southy or Edgy, you knew you were in for a game. (Those attributes have changed since I played haha)!

We have never been better than Uruguay. We got lucky - simple as that in 2006. Recoba and Forlan were both world class players at the time - playing for big clubs and being paid huge money. Meet them when they are fit enough times and they destroy us.
A rough plane flight / quick turn around destroyed Uruguay. Our lads got a chartered QANTAS plane and arrived fresh and ready to play.
Even with all that we still only got through via the lottery of penalties.

[StannyCFCJET]

We have never been better than Uruguay. We got lucky - simple as that in 2006.

Id argue our 2006 team had more Talent. Dukes Kewell Schwarzer Bresc etc. I only remember Recoba as a top talent from Uruguay

[The Dunster]

Id argue our 2006 team had more Talent. Dukes Kewell Schwarzer Bresc etc. I only remember Recoba as a top talent from Uruguay

Stanny here is a list of the clubs Uruguay's team of 2006 were playing for at the time. Many of them were starters at big clubs and blokes like Silva, Forlan, and Recoba were elite in every sense of the word.

Diego Forlan was one of the best forwards in the world at the time - way better than Dukes. he played for Villareal
Zalayeta played as a striker for Juventus.
Carini played for Inter Milan
Lopez played for Cagilari
Montero played for Juventus
RodrÃ*guez played for Shalke
Diogo and Garcia played for Real Madrid
Perez played for Monaco in Ligue 1
Dario Silva played for Sevilla
Sosa played for Atletico Madrid
Regueiro played for Valencia

Australia were nowhere near this standard.

[StannyCFCJET]

As good as Dukes was he was nowhere near the class of Forlan.

I dont remember Forlan being in the 2006 team for those games?

[StannyCFCJET]

Plague

Pure of Art of Defending etc

See told you Pique dont belong

That because he plays for a nation and team that rely on having the ball. I know it seems like bias but John Terry was great on the ball but if his team didnt have the ball he could defend and keep the team organised as well. Both Pique and Ramos have never learnt this Imo