All things Football (soccer) related

[TulliusDetritus]

ORIGINAL: shunwick
Spain sack their manager, Julien Lopetegui [...] Zidane's replacement at Real after the World Cup [...] Spain's first game is on Friday against Portugal.

ROFL

Best move ever lol my prediction was [in that order] Germany, Portugal, Spain.

Now it's Germany and Portugal.

[Piteas]

As spaniard, I know that the country and the spanish team is a bit confused after the dismissal of Lopetegui. There isn´t hope for the match against Portugal and all the world cup.
Well.. now we will check if is necessary a coach in a world cup [:D]

[Eugen Ritter von Schobert]

Hehe

[Zorch]

'Every Bar Patron Watching World Cup Has Different, Incorrect Definition Of Offside Rule'

https://sports.theonion.com/every-bar-p ... 1826831918

[Pvt_Grunt]

ORIGINAL: Zorch

'Every Bar Patron Watching World Cup Has Different, Incorrect Definition Of Offside Rule'

https://sports.theonion.com/every-bar-p ... 1826831918

“What we all agreed sounded correct was that if a player on the attacking side enters the offensive zone before the ball, and anyone on that player’s side touches the ball before it leaves the offensive zone, that’s offside. But it turns out that’s hockey.” [:D][:D][:D][:D][:D]

[shunwick]

Well, the opening games of Group A are complete.

A hard working Russia put five past Saudi to inject some pressure into the group. Those five goals, three of them very good goals, give them an edge if things get tight. Saudi were disappointing although credit to Russia for closing them down quickly.

In the group match today, a stuttering Uruguay scored a late winner over a very well organized Egypt. The Egyptians will consider themselves unlucky but Uruguay, although misfiring, did create the best chances in the game. Without the mighty Mo on the pitch, Egypt lack credible cutting edge.

Overall, an interesting start to the tournament. Quality was somewhat lacking in both matches but it's early days yet. Russia top the group on goal difference. The next games in the group are Russia v Egypt on Tuesday and Uruguay v Saudi Arabia on Wednesday. The first of those games should be very interesting. Uruguay, understandably, look like the strongest team in the group but at some point they will have to start playing.


Best wishes,

Steve

[Pilsator]

ORIGINAL: shunwick
. Quality was somewhat lacking in both matches

Best wishes,

Steve

Now I imagine what will happen 2026 when there are 48 teams, Morocco vs Iran was a pain to watch, but with 48 teams, there will be even worse teams in the tournament.

[shunwick]

ORIGINAL: Pilsator

ORIGINAL: shunwick
. Quality was somewhat lacking in both matches

Best wishes,

Steve

Now I imagine what will happen 2026 when there are 48 teams, Morocco vs Iran was a pain to watch, but with 48 teams, there will be even worse teams in the tournament.

I certainly agree about the Morocco v Iran game. However, in the first few matches, Uruguay were one of the teams struggling to produce quality. High quality teams do not always produce high quality football. And lower quality teams always have the potential to produce a game worth watching.

The expansion to a 48 team tournament will probably provide more problems than just low quality matches.


Best wishes,

Steve

[shunwick]

So the first round of matches in Group B are completed.

Morocco 0 Iran 1. Not a game for the neutrals. Iran celebrated their win as if they had won the World Cup. Mind you, first WC win in twenty years.

Portugal and Spain produced the game that we all hoped it would be. 3-3 the final result. The best and the worst of the World Cup finals so far on display in Group B. With a Renaldo hattrick and a schoolboy error from de Gea of all people.

All that leaves Iran top of group. They are unlikely to stay there for long.

Best wishes,
Steve

[warspite1]

Portugal 3 - 3 Spain

So often games like this are hyped up only for the reality to prove woefully disappointing. THAT was not disappointing - that was a cracking game of football!

Like him or loathe him, Ronaldo just is... and as for some of the football Spain played. Really puts England into perspective.

[shunwick]

ORIGINAL: warspite1

So often games like this are hyped up only for the reality to prove woefully disappointing. THAT was not disappointing - that was a cracking game of football!

[&o][&o][&o]

Agree wholeheartedly.


Best wishes,
Steve

[JWW]

USA USA USA. Oh, wait. Never mind.

Seriously, great game Portugal-Spain. Amazing game.

[Piteas]

ORIGINAL: Piteas

As spaniard...Well.. now we will check if is necessary a coach in a world cup [:D]

Checked. He isn't necessary [:'(]

Great Game, but the spanish CR7 haters club is growing [:@]

[VPaulus]

ORIGINAL: Piteas

ORIGINAL: Piteas

As spaniard...Well.. now we will check if is necessary a coach in a world cup [:D]

Checked. He isn't necessary [:'(]

Great Game, but the spanish CR7 haters club is growing [:@]

[:)][;)]

[shunwick]

First round of Group C games are completed.

France 2 Australia 1. Did not see this game but apparently did not miss much.

Denmark 1 Peru 0. Peru probably consider themselves unlucky not to win this one. Denmark were disappointing, Peru missed a penalty and, genereally, had the best of the game only to get mugged by the Danes.

Best wishes,
Steve

[warspite1]

France - Australia was disappointing. Australia could have got a draw out of it but to be honest, although they defended well, they really didn't offer much. Shame though, its always nice to see the French beaten (sorry Hugo) [;)].

I started out wanting the Danes (Eriksen) but as the second half wore on I really wanted Peru to get a draw. 40,000 fans 8,000 miles from home is mighty impressive and the team really gave it a go.

Interestingly two of the penalties were given by VAR and I didn't think either was a penalty even with the benefit of millions of replays.....

[rico21]

Well, gentlemen the English, I see you shoot first.[;)][:D]

[shunwick]

The first round games of Group D are now completed.

Argentina 1 Iceland 1. The Argentinians huffed and puffed but could not blow the Icelandic house down. When they finally realized that playing through the centre of the Icelandic defence was getting them nowhere, they turned to trying for penalties and it turned out to be just as bankrupt an idea as anything before it.

Croatia 2 Nigeria 0. Comfortable in the end for Croatia and an excellent example of what the Europeanization of African football has done for the African nations.

Not been impressed with any of the Group D nations. Early days though.

Best wishes,
Steve

[TulliusDetritus]

The Argentina vs Iceland was enjoyable. I tried to watch Croatia vs Nigeria but I gave up (some horrendous football) before the half time. And tomorrow Germany (vs Mexico) and Brazil (vs Switzerland) [X(] two matches I won't be missing.

PS: Iceland's coach is actually a dentist, in case you didn't know

[Pilsator]

that was typical Joachim Loew, if Plan A is not working, there is no Plan B, we saw the at the Euros in Austria and France and at the Worldcup in South Africa.

That was fat lazy arrogant cows vs hard working men with a spirit and a will, deserved victory for Mexico.