The Greatest Show on Earth: FIFA World Cup (Russia) June 14 to July 15, 2018

[raja]

The smartest football fans in the world are the English fans.
Many are already celebrating, saying "The Cup is coming home".
Yes, it is.

[raja]

https://twitter.com/jiggybulko/status/1 ... 7578926080
World Cup Quarter Finals

France: 6 letters
Uruguay: 7 letters

Brazil: 6 letters
Belgium: 7 letters

Sweden: 6 letters
England: 7 letters

Russia: 6 letters
Croatia: 7 letters

Games to be played on 6 & 7 July

6+7 =13
13 letters in

It’s coming home

[Leo]

[Going South]

is it friday 13? that’s devil country

[Leo]

France deserves it. Uruguay doesn't.

[Going South]

told you so.

France kills it. go french fries.

[Katto]

Belgium-Brazil = great game so far

[bolero]

Belgium lucky to win

[Leo]

Your luck is always made by yourself. Belgium deserves it.

[Katto]

Your luck is always made by yourself. Belgium deserves it.

I would say 'often'.

In this case Belgium 100% deserved the win. They were the better team in the first half and good enough to hold on in the second.

[bolero]

Belgium were way better in the first half with De Bruyn , Lukaku, Hazard , Felliani all over Brazil.

In the second half, Brazil missed up some open goals. Courtois the Belgian keeper was outstanding. He made some good saves.

Belgium somehow held off the rampaging Brazilians in the second half, defence looked vulnerable.

[raja]

After the game, Lineker said Brazil had 17 chances in the second half, Belgium had just 1.
Now if you can convert no more than ONE chance out of your 17, you really have only yourself to blame.
Belgium, after playing a very good first half, seemed to go to pieces in the second.
Obviously Brazil went hammer and tongs at them - and the Belgium defence was completely exposed.
A better team would have easily got a few in - Brazil's poor finishing was shocking.

I can't see Belgium winning this Cup, with this sort of defence.
I think they lost it in the head first - they're not used to getting this far, and playing against such big names.
Was really happy to see them survive multiple scares - and go through.
I like their players - they play far more attractive football than the likes of Germany and Spain.

Lukaku was just outstanding yesterday. The way he creates openings and sets up his team-mates is a treat to watch.
De Bruyne's goal was fantastic, but Lukaku's build-up was just as brilliant.

Having said all this, Brazil were denied a penalty.
But that's what happens when you repeatedly "act".
"Wolf, wolf" story.

[The Third Man]

Belgium looked very leggy in that second half. I wonder how much they will have left in the tank for France, who I think have a few more gears that they haven't used yet.

France were my tip before the tournament btw

And I'm glad that stain Neymar is rolling home

[Going South]

now its european soccer league ?

[Katto]

Having said all this, Brazil were denied a penalty.
But that's what happens when you repeatedly "act".
"Wolf, wolf" story.

no penalty

[Katto]

now its european soccer league ?

there should be more european teams and less from asia, africa and north america

[bolero]

Croatia through to semis in a penalty shootout.

Kattos predictions coming true wrt shootouts.

[Leo]

I think, Switzerland would be Better in place of Sweden. Congratulations England.

Russia . . . . . Bad Luck.

[Katto]

I too am worried about the Belgian defense and France has pedigree at this stage of a major tournament. Belgium are heading into uncharted territory.
Cros have a tendency to fall apart at critical moments.

[The Third Man]

This time next week Southgate will either look like a genius or a complete tit.

Yep he looks like a genius. Fully expect England to win on Wednesday. Croatia have had two games go the distance so they will be definitely feeling that in the legs.

now its european soccer league ?

That's normally how it goes when the tournament is held in Europe.

[bolero]

Fingers crossed for Belgium and Croatia although I am aware France and England are better teams and have the defense to back up the attack.

Both Belgium and Croatia have a vulnerable defence.

[raja]

I lost interest in this World Cup the moment Colombia screwed up in the penalty shoot-out.

[Leo]

This time I will say like this:

Head: France England Final.
Heart: Belgium Croatia Final.

I want a new champion.

[bolero]

This time I will say like this:

Head: France England Final.
Heart: Belgium Croatia Final.

I want a new champion.

I am with you on this. I predicted a Belgium Croatia final even before the start of the tournament.

We are now one step away from that possibility.

[bolero]

But realistically speaking, France and England are better teams.

[Katto]

But realistically speaking, France and England are better teams.

I think the two best teams are playing in one of the semi finals. That is the real final for me.

[bolero]

But realistically speaking, France and England are better teams.

I think the two best teams are playing in one of the semi finals. That is the real final for me.

Both matches would be tough matches.

Belgium played a strategically astute game against Brazil. It was intriguing.

[raja]

I think the two best teams are playing in one of the semi finals. That is the real final for me.

Both matches would be tough matches.

Belgium played a strategically astute game against Brazil. It was intriguing.

No way will England-Croatia be a tough match.

Croatia is a decent side, not top-notch.

Brazil would've been much tougher opposition for England.
Even possibly Uruguay.

England has the measure of European sides.

Have prepared myself mentally.

This was the ONE thing I was clinging on to, all these years.

Was hoping it wouldn't happen in my lifetime.

Heck, England still haven't won an Ashes series 5-0.

Wait, that could happen next year!

[Going South]

There sure is a very thin line between praise & jinx.

[Going South]

i like Croatia much better after reading about their president fly economy & sat with fans incognito instead of VIP area as protocol won’t allow VIP patrons not allowed to wear jerseys or wave flags and personally met with all players in the dressing room.

[The Third Man]

After being left out of the England squad, Joe Hart has decided to play Cricket rather than watch the football. Unlike some of his recent performances for West Ham, he managed to take a catch!

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44763390

[bolero]

Luka Modric is leading Croatia in battle after battle at the World Cup

Until July 7, there were just two murals on a hotel in Kazan, one of the World Cup venues in Russia — Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. On the 8th though, artists were seen scribbling on the walls again. Next to Messi, appeared the outline of a familiar mop of hair.

It was Croatia captain Luka Modric, the man who’s tamed this World Cup like Hercules did the Cretan Bull, finally sealing his legacy as one of the most complete midfielders in the world.

But it’s not as if we didn’t know this. Somewhere in the back of the mind, Modric’s world-class status was always a whisper, unlike the worldwide adulation he’s now receiving after dragging Croatia to the World Cup semifinals for the first time in 20 years.

Part of this is because Modric has operated in the gigantic shadow of Ronaldo at Real Madrid.

But while Ronaldo was pinging in the goals, Modric was running the show from midfield. Like the Portuguese, he’s won four Champions League titles in a row as well. He’s the vigilante you can’t catch — the sly, clever, slippery, clean and cold-blooded saviour of a nation, leading them in battle after battle at the World Cup, captain’s band on his arm, and a magic wand on his right foot. Argentina felt the full brunt of his force on their most embarrassing night in Russia, as Modric drilled a stunning drive into the back to the net to announce his intentions.

Iceland was next as Croatia made their way to the knockouts with a hundred per cent record. Then came Denmark in the round of 16. What began with two goals within five minutes went all the way to extra time. With 116 minutes gone, Modric found striker Ante Rabic with a sumptuous pass but the striker was brought down in the box for a penalty. Modric stepped up and missed.

When the match went to shootouts, he stepped up again — not a grimace on his face despite the weight of his country bearing upon him, and smashed it past the pumped up Kasper Schmeichel. “I am fascinated with his determination to shoot after he missed in extra time. It speaks volumes for Luka.

He said it himself, ‘I am going to take a penalty in the shootout’. Can you imagine if he had not scored?,” Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic said after the game. Modric had run the show that night — creating four chances and intercepting the ball six times.

On an average, Modric has made 68.4 passes per match with an accuracy of 86 per cent. That’s better than Belgium’s Kevin de Bruyne — who, on paper, has better players around him. Modric has played the most number of long balls at the tournament (6.4/game). On a per match calculation, he has made more key passes than Messi.

He successfully dribbles past players more often than De Bruyne and takes as many shots per game.

No wonder Sir Alex Ferguson enquired about Modric hours after seeing Manchester City win the 2011-12 title with a last gasp goal. In that season, Modric was passed the ball more often than any other player in the Premier League (2,363 times). He could’ve been the successor to Paul Scholes at Manchester United, but ended up as galactico in Madrid.

He’ll meet the Premier League’s force in England in the semifinals. There is only one way to stop him — hope that Dalic chooses to play Modric in a holding role like he did against Russia.

Modric looked trapped in a withdrawn position before coming to life after a tactical change. It took penalties to separate the two sides and Modric scored again. He has already beaten England at Euro 2008 and will want to afflict more damage.

World Cup 1998 saw Croatia ride on another Madrid star Davor Suker’s shoulders to reach the semis. That night, France went through and eventually won the cup. England will also be hoping that stopping Croatia could spiritually bode well. But stopping Croatia means going past Luka Modric.

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/ne ... 925769.cms

[bolero]

Croatia likely starting XI

hat is the starting XI?

Goalkeeper:

Danijel Subasic - Monaco No 1 was the hero of two penalty shootout victories in succession, making three saves against Denmark and another against Russia.

Right back:

Vedran Corluka - Former Manchester City and Tottenham man, now aged 32, will come in for the semi-final after heartbreaking injury to the impressive Sime Vrsaljko.

Centre backs:

Dejan Lovren - The hit-and-miss Liverpool defender has helped Croatia to two clean sheets in this tournament and is the rock upon which the team is built.

Domagoj Vida - Besiktas defender's unmistakable ponytail makes him look a bit like a villain from Die Hard, and his defending is tough enough too. Scored against Russia.

Left back:

Ivan Strinic - Has just joined AC Milan from Sampdoria. Very solid defender but, like all Croatian players, should not be underestimated technically. Good crosser.

Right winger:

Ante Rebic - relatively unknown at Eintracht Frankfurt before this tournament. But that all changed when he slammed a stunning volley past Willy Caballero.

Left winger:

Ivan Perisic - Inter Milan forward has long caught the eye of Manchester United, and it's easy to see why. Skilful, direct, dangerous. Last-gasp winner against Iceland.

Central midfielders:

Luka Modric - the star man, and possibly the best midfielder in world football. Playmaker has two goals, including a stunning 25-yard effort against Argentina.

Ivan Rakitic - along with Modric forms the best central midfield duo in the tournament. Barcelona man has more steel than his pal from Real Madrid.

Andrej Kramaric - One-time Leicester City flop, now World Cup semi-finalist. Plays further forward in midfield, and has been interchanged with Marcelo Brozovic.

Centre forward:

Mario Mandzukic - Juventus striker is a veteran at 32 so might be feeling his age after arduous knockout stage. Only goal so far came against Denmark.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/footba ... final.html

[bolero]

What works for me is the 'Ic' factor as in the temperamental Goran Ivanisevic my favourite tennis player.

[Leo]

Semi Final
Match 61–July 10, 2018 (6:00 PM): France vs Belgium (Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg)
Match 62–July 11, 2018 (6:00 PM): Croatia vs England (Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow)

Third Place Play Off
Match 63–July 14, 2018 (2:00 PM): Loser Match 61 vs Loser Match 62 (Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg)

Final
July 15, 2018 (3:00 PM): Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow

[raja]

Depressing game today.
I like both teams, so would hate to see one of them lose.
Especially since I know the winner today will lose to England on Sunday.

[Katto]

actually you've already experienced an England world cup win in your lifetime, how bad could it be?

I haven't yet and am perishing the thought as much as I can

[Going South]

WTF

[Leo]

No question about France qualification. Both played fantastic.

Referee ! ! ! FIFA World Cup Semi Final . . . . . Should be better.

[Katto]

No question about France qualification. Both played fantastic.

Referee ! ! ! FIFA World Cup Semi Final . . . . . Should be better.

The two French CB's did well to take Lukaku and De Bruyne out of the game.
The ref did well to take Hazard out.

[bolero]

Belgium had lot of chances. They have themselves to blame.

[bolero]

Referee made a controversial decision as Hazard was brought down and free kick not given.

[Katto]

Belgium had lot of chances. They have themselves to blame.

I would blame their poor crossing and corners in mostly the first half but also a bit of the second before Mertens came on.
Chadli's crossing was abysmal.

It was one of those games where it looked the only avenue to goal was via high balls into the box and whoever was lucky enough to get there.

[raja]

By Belgium's high standards of finishing in previous games, they were very poor in the semis.
Having said that, it would've broken my heart to see them get to the final the hard way, and lose to England (who has made it, playing relatively easier opponents).

Congratulations, England.

Not just for today, but for 15th July as well.

[Going South]

today india has overtaken france as world’s sixth biggest economy.

who cares about soccer ? take it.

[Going South]

1-0 england.

[Going South]

2-1 croatia

[Going South]

aaaaaaahahahahahaha

ooooohohohohoho


they wanted a holiday declared earlier

[Leo]

Wow . . . . Croatia

England forget how to play in a semi final. Losing of concentration for a second is not allowed.

[Katto]

Wow . . . . Croatia

England forget how to play in a semi final. Losing of concentration for a second is not allowed.

forget? They've done nothing for 52 years. They're not a world football power, just a mid tier nation like Poland and Czechia.