Yup. Makes it really pathetic that the U.S. couldn't qualify from this region.
OT: Official 2018 World Cup Thread
- Thread starter Tango Two
- Start date
Yup. Makes it really pathetic that the U.S. couldn't qualify from this region.
Kind of. The group winner is actually more likely to face Germany and/or Brazil in the quarters or semis instead of Switzerland or Mexico, so it might actually be better to lose or lose the tie-breakers, which is a whole other level of weirdness. Both teams are tied on every important tie-breaker and will remain so if they tie their game - it would then go to "fair play" points and England is slightly ahead right now (2 yellows to 3 for Belgium, although this game could change that)
https://deadspin.com/an-extremely-stupid-tiebreaker-will-be-used-if-england-1827088393
I understand all that. But is it really important to finish first based on who they might face. Germany scares no one, Brazil meh. These two are the top of what we have seen so far. Im guessing most top players get rest for this game on both sides.
Germany and Brazil scare almost everyone, based on talent levels and overall rankings (and historic success in the World Cup), even if they've struggled in the Group stage; teams would much rather face teams like Mexico and Switzerland instead. Read the article - and you can find many more like it.
'Germany scares no one' - except every British fan who knows their history and wants no part of them.
Germany has been out of sorts for stretches and the defense shaky at times, especially Boateng but they're a very capable team with talented players. They've have had their chances and are always dangerous. Take them lightly at your own risk but I tend to think no team in the tourney would.
Well it's goodbye for now for 1 Russian player. I think they said it was his debut too. 2 yellows to red and now Russia down to 10 men.
Maybe a great game but rest for the stars seems to be on the menu.
www.google.com/amp/amp.sacbee.com/sports/article213778569.html
Fair point but England has an awful history of 1st games in Euro and World Cup play. They probably would’ve gotten crushed by Belgium had they played the first match of the group.
Fair point but England has an awful history of 1st games in Euro and World Cup play. They probably would’ve gotten crushed by Belgium had they played the first match of the group.
Refs putting the whistles away for Russia, yikes. Not sure what else you need to do to get a penalty there if you're Uruguay.
Not sure if they're having watch parties but with Belgium advancing it's a good bet...BXL Cafe in midtown (43rd or 44th?) might be one option.
Was looking at the other spot they own. BXL Zoute on 22nd. I try to avoid Times Square at all costs. Have you been to either place.
Sorry, have only been to the midtown location but I'm sure their other place is good too. Maybe just call and ask what their setup is and if you think it'll be a good spot for a game watch.
Dear Lord:
1 lousy matchup - gotta listen to Iranian fans with their “fake” Vuvuzelas
The other lousy matchup - Either Moroccan or Spanish fans with the stupid freakin’ whistling
1 lousy matchup - gotta listen to Iranian fans with their “fake” Vuvuzelas
The other lousy matchup - Either Moroccan or Spanish fans with the stupid freakin’ whistling
I think they'd have to win by 2 goals to help Iran with the goal differential in an Iran/Portugal tie. If Iran could win outright too they could go through. I'm not sure who has the tie breaker between Spain/Portugal but I'd think either would rather play Russia over Uruguay.
That was pretty impressive...kicked a slicing shot from the outside of his foot to curl it inside the far post.
Oh wow what a save by Iran's goalie against Ronaldo on a PK. Iran's players losing their cool though getting dumb yellows that could be an issue later in the game. Looks like Iran's coach, from Portugal no less, has been thrown out too.
EDIT: looks like Iranian coach from Portugal is still there, announcers made it sound like the was thrown out, must have been just blowing off steam and walking into the tunnel.
EDIT: looks like Iranian coach from Portugal is still there, announcers made it sound like the was thrown out, must have been just blowing off steam and walking into the tunnel.
Nice flick on the equalizer by Spain. Seems like a lot of late goals this world cup, I don't remember so many in the past.
That Spanish goal that ended up being onsides was big because now they're first place and play Russia instead of Uruguay.
Crazy last 10 minutes for Group B. Ronaldo almost gets a red card that would basically have knocked him out for the rest of the tourney, then Spain equalize vs Morocco, putting them first in the group, then VAR gifts Iran a penalty, which they convert, and then almost knock out Portugal a few minutes later on a long ball that fell kindly for an Iranian player but he puts the ball a bit too high.