Bleedin krauts wouldn't you just know it? If the Swedish striker had squared the ball to a teammate instead of shooting just before the German winner the Germans would have been out of the tournament. Watch em win the whole thing now.
The bad news is that Germany will probably get through now. The good news is that Germany will probably get through now. They are dreadful. I am missing our old friends the Dutch and the Italians. With them not there and usual powerhouses like Argentina, Germany and even Spain and Brazil looking decidedly ordinary will there ever be a better chance for an outsider to win The World Cup? Viva Mexico!!! Come on England!!!! Allez Senegal!!!
This VAR is not working imo just like a lot of refs inconsistent, also it can be used to manipulate results to FIFA's liking but they are to honest for that aren't they.
Only one change Loftus-Cheek for Dele Alli. When we get to the knock out stages that's when we'll see if the manager has what it takes. Still think he's playing 3 at the back cause he's bottling it to drop either Walker or Trippier. Walker is not a centre back. Young as well, sooner see Rose or if he's not fully fit Delph.
As the groups stand, it could be that neither England not Belgium will want to win Group G. This is because if the winner of Group G wins their Round of 16 game against the second team in Group H, they will then play the winner of E1 -v- F2 which is looking as though it will be Germany or Brazil - we will know if this is so on Thursday. So we could have a very strange England -v- Belgium game with both teams trying to lose - or if no-one is winning towards the end, both teams trying to get as many yellow cards as possible.
During a game a goalie runs forward well off his line just as his opposite number takes a huge goal kick and the ball finds its way into the back of his net? That could never happen.
I didn't see the game live today but just saw the highlights. Typically we go over the top whether we win or lose. I would say we had a bit of luck today. Not saying they weren't penalties but on another day (like v Tunisia) they don't get given. A big deflected fluke too. And Panama made and missed some decent chances. Its great that we March into the next phase but we were no better today than vs Tunisia. Momentum is great and we have a decent side but the moment we begin to think we might actually win it is the moment it begins to fall apart. My assessment is we are one of six to eight teams that are pretty evenly matched and have a live chance which is fine by me.
Still say we should have took Betrand. We've got no fit left sided player. Try Delph in place of Young against Belgium. Rashford for Sterling. Dele Alli back when fit. We haven't got much to bring on. Basically 11 that started yesterday minus Sterling then players I've mentioned. Liverpool Right back wouldn't be against him coming in if required or Jones at Centre back. Nothing to bring on up front. Only other thing I've noticed, not sure about Pickford. Don't like how he dives after the ball has gone past him, as yet none have been on target.
Brazil are in our half of the draw so going to have to get side right to have any chance to progress in the tournament.
-- Edited by T71 on Monday 25th of June 2018 04:50:43 PM
Today free rail travel on offer to Russian supporters wanting to travel to and from Samara to watch Russia's game against Uruguay. And that's from anywhere in Russia! Eat your heart out Northern Rail.
What a joke the Portugal Iran game was. If there was any justice both teams and the referee would be sent home tomorrow. Talk about bringing the game into disrepute. I've always thought with VAR that both teams should have one chance (maybe one per half each) to ask for a review of an incident. If you use it successfully you keep it. If you review unsuccessfully you lose it. A la cricket where it works really well. That would immediately stop this farce where players and coaches are taking every opportunity to play act and try their luck with a dodgy review. The ref just needs to be clear - are you asking me to review that or not? Takes the decision to review it out of the officials hands and teams wouldn't ask for a review unless they were really sure about it.
Who said it's all about the football? Teams should be able to have up to two challenges per game. It would cut out most of the silly antics and leave the match officials to do their job with the assistance of VAR. VAR should be used at the match officials' discretion alone if they, and they alone, aren't sure about any incident.
