|
The FIFA 2018 World Cup Thread (pg. 18)
|
View this Thread in Original format
| DJ RANN |
| quote: | Originally posted by SYSTEM-J
Bit of a pointless match really. Both teams played their second strings at 50% intensity. Belgium looked better than us, but everybody already knew that. I don't fancy playing a fully motivated Colombia with James fit and firing, but I've been told they were crap against Senegal, and we're in the easy half of the draw.
|
Both England and Belgium put out their B squad but Belgium had no less than 9 changes form their last match. Belgium were still better and the individual skill was pretty much on display. Those boys can twine when they need to.
I do love how Belgium celebrate though:
Michy Batshuayi celebrates Belgium’s goal against England.
Apparently James is still a question mark with a dodgy calf, but I reckon he'll be match ready by Tuesday.
If England can beat columbia, this could likely lead to England vs Switzerland which is not going to be good for my household. |
|
|
| SYSTEM-J |
His fitness is going to be key, I reckon. He's a talisman for Colombia when he plays at his full potential. Thing is, he missed the opening game with a calf problem as well. I don't know if it's the same leg, but it's got to be a worry even if he plays. A player worried about a recent injury won't play at 100%.
Historically it's always been England with a star player struggling for fitness, usually because of a knackered metatarsal. Nice not to have that problem this time, which is why I support Gareth Southgate for resting our best players. If Kane had twisted am ankle against Belgium we'd have been in deep trouble. |
|
|
| SYSTEM-J |
Also:
| quote: | Originally posted by Lira
A knockout stage without Africa, however, is quite a blow to future generations. That's more than 1 billion people who love the sport and are suddenly unrepresented after the entry stage. And it's not like Asia can get behind Japan, either, so this year's round of 16 is just a variation on a theme (Europe x Latin America). It's quite sad that, after Pelé predicted we'd have an African champion by 2000, this is happening in 2018 :( |
I can't really comment on why it's happening, but it's my impression that there are less elite African players than 10 years ago. Back then you had players like Eto’o, Drogba, Essien and Yaya Toure who were up there with the best in the world, and playing in the latter stages of the Champion’s League every season. Now, apart from Mo Salah, I’m struggling to think of any African players at that level. Hopefully this is just an inter-generational lull. |
|
|
| planetaryplayer |
| Egyptians are closer to middle-eastern 4 me, same with morocco. they just not black enuff for true africa. they don't even build pyramids any more. they need players named ameknotep and imhotep for future success. on a side note i am also the true scorpion king so i should coach them |
|
|
| DJ RANN |
| quote: | Originally posted by SYSTEM-J
His fitness is going to be key, I reckon. He's a talisman for Colombia when he plays at his full potential. Thing is, he missed the opening game with a calf problem as well. I don't know if it's the same leg, but it's got to be a worry even if he plays. A player worried about a recent injury won't play at 100%.
Historically it's always been England with a star player struggling for fitness, usually because of a knackered metatarsal. Nice not to have that problem this time, which is why I support Gareth Southgate for resting our best players. If Kane had twisted am ankle against Belgium we'd have been in deep trouble. |
Honestly, I am so happy that Beckham, and the show that surrounded him (including that utter stick Sven) are no longer part of the sporting conversation.
I think Southgate has done a good job so far, and he's making thoughtful decisions and astute choices. I'm actually starting to think it was the game plan to lose against Belgium as I fancy our chances against columbia far more than Brazil, especially with a potentially injured James.
I think the ones to watch are Bra vs Mex and Fra vs Arg - Either way, a major player is going home. |
|
|
| Lira |
| quote: | Originally posted by SYSTEM-J
I can't really comment on why it's happening, but it's my impression that there are less elite African players than 10 years ago. Back then you had players like Eto’o, Drogba, Essien and Yaya Toure who were up there with the best in the world, and playing in the latter stages of the Champion’s League every season. Now, apart from Mo Salah, I’m struggling to think of any African players at that level. Hopefully this is just an inter-generational lull. |
From what I've read, they're now reaching something akin to a middle-income trap in economics. They can try to catch up with elite teams in fitness, nutrition and training, and the basics (so that losing 12-0 is not common any more). Problem is, they lack what propelled Iceland forward - the money to invest in facilities and the opportunity to play better teams constantly.
Should it be the case, it would explain the lack of great African names (not enough talented is being recruited at a top level, so there are fewer of them). Either way, it is a shame - two teams had advanced for the first time here in Brazil, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed and hoping it's just a matter of statistics, and that it'll "average out" back to one team per tournament (at least) in Qatar :( |
|
|
| Jon_Snow |
Lira I don't know if you saw the Serbian game but Neymar was on fire (I'm guessing that's why he was rolling so much on the ground)
I get drawing fouls is a large part of his game but really he is ridiculous. |
|
|
| Lira |
| quote: | Originally posted by Jon_Snow
Lira I don't know if you saw the Serbian game but Neymar was on fire (I'm guessing that's why he was rolling so much on the ground) |
I'm probably biased but I think it makes sense to roll like that to avoid a rough landing (the 7-1 happened after he got a flying kick and left the competition, so I'm sure he's got all the judo moves to avoid injury by now). Also, what would the World Cup be without gifs like this one?
Dammit Neymar
We all have menino Neymar to thank :D |
|
|
| Lira |
| quote: | Originally posted by DJ RANN
I think the ones to watch are Bra vs Mex and Fra vs Arg - Either way, a major player is going home. |
For the record, I'm quite scared Brazil is now considered a runaway favourite (according to FiveThirtyEight, there's a 83% chance we'll win Monday). That's exactly when we get overwhelmed and self-destruct :( |
|
|
| wotyzoid |
| , I forgot about Croatia. Theyre playing well. |
|
|
| Jon_Snow |
| quote: | Originally posted by Lira
I'm probably biased :D |
You don’t have a choice.
I guess he takes his flopping seriously. I can only imagine if it took place in the box he might have rolled right out of stadium to Moscow square. |
|
|
| LoveHate |
| quote: | Originally posted by SYSTEM-J
Also:
I can't really comment on why it's happening, but it's my impression that there are less elite African players than 10 years ago. Back then you had players like Eto’o, Drogba, Essien and Yaya Toure who were up there with the best in the world, and playing in the latter stages of the Champion’s League every season. Now, apart from Mo Salah, I’m struggling to think of any African players at that level. Hopefully this is just an inter-generational lull. |
Look at Belgium and France's teams... half their team is African, but them dudes choose not to play for their homeland.
It's sad tbh. It’s a combination of no pride and a horrible structuring of the football federations in Africa
Algeria, Jamaica and Congo should be doing work in this World Cup |
|
|
|
|
