FIFA World Cup 2022

[yuppie]

I think England will give France a game. England were boring as hell against USA but they have been solid.

This has to be Englands best chance for WC. I know England supporters dont want to hear this or even hope for anything good. But they have a good chance

[sussexpob]

Denmark have been by far the most disappointing team.

Belgium: Hold my Trappist

Germany ...hold my weißbier

[sussexpob]

About this time last year, I bought Kauro Mitoma a beer in the Union's Tavern after he scored a hattrick Vs Seriang for Union, and toasted one of the most incredible comebacks I've witnessed in football.

1 year later he's popped up with the assist in winning goals Vs Spain and Germany in a word cup.

Absolutely wonderful guy, and what a player..... Couldn't be more happy for him

[bigfluffylemon]

Denmark have been by far the most disappointing team.

Belgium: Hold my Trappist

Germany ...hold my weißbier

[bigfluffylemon]

About this time last year, I bought Kauro Mitoma a beer in the Union's Tavern after he scored a hattrick Vs Seriang for Union, and toasted one of the most incredible comebacks I've witnessed in football.

1 year later he's popped up with the assist in winning goals Vs Spain and Germany in a word cup.

Absolutely wonderful guy, and what a player..... Couldn't be more happy for him

POTM too, deservedly so it seems.

[bigfluffylemon]

Sure as hell looks out on replays, but I see Luis Enrique claiming that the photo was manipulated or doctored - i.e. accusing the VAR referee of deliberate bias/cheating.

I've banged on about this on other threads, but the level of disrespect managers are showing for officials is horrible at the moment. Should be banned for that - it's one thing to disagree with a decision, it's another entirely to make baseless accusations of bias.

[sussexpob]

If I were Spanish, I'd not have been happy with the decision, but the whole circumference of the ball has to be out, and its one of those where were are talking nanomilimetres. Cant be sure, stick with the onfield decision I guess was the thinking

[yuppie]

Fifa would do well to explain their decision making.

And then leave it there.

[Durhamfootman]

Fifa would do well to explain their decision making.

And then leave it there.

precisely

no one would be arguing or making baseless claims if they did. If VAR saw enough evidence to make that call then presumably that means there is evidence to see. Just show it

[Durhamfootman]

3 Asia group nations through to the final 16. First time that's ever happened

The goal that put S Korea through was terrific. A quality move (was it Son who created?) and brilliantly tucked away. Even better than that.... much, much better than the goal, was the reaction from the bitey cheaty man in the other game when the news filtered through

Wonderful that the ref stood firm when Uruguay reverted to type and Eldis Caravani leaned into the defender and threw himself to the floor screaming for the pen once they knew they were going out if they didn't score again. Wonderful that the bitey cheaty man cried like a baby under his shirt for about 10 mins when the final whistle went, and typical that Uruguay showed their true colours amid disgraceful scenes against the ref for not letting them cheat their way to another round in the WC against the same team that they cheated their way past 12 years ago

Uruguay are a shambles. A disgrace. Everything about them makes my skin crawl and I'm chuffed to bits they got what they deserved tonight.

Imagine then, how much better it would have been if the late Korea goal had put the winker out of his last WC as well. I could have had the satisfaction of watching him cry like a baby too. Still, Portugal's days are numbered in this competition and I'll be able to enjoy that special moment soon enough. I'm a patient man..... I can wait a little longer

[bigfluffylemon]

Tell us what you really think, DFM

I'm delighted three Asian sides through, and they all got there beating teams that they were given little to no chance against. Don't underestimate them in round 2. 2 African sides through as well, and only 2 South American.

[GarlicJam]

It is weird seeing Australia listed as an Asian Nation. Footballwise, it is correct, but still weird.

In many other sports, Uruguay's behaviour would have some serious repercussions - like being banned from the next world cup. That would be a fair thing, imo.

Touching the ref/umpire is a strict no no in many sports. Not so, in Football?

[sussexpob]

I think the ref was going to dish out cards, but a couple of Uruguay players were so angry (for that Cavani dive, never a penalty), for his own protection he legged it.

Like to see a lot of bans dishes out

[mikesiva]

Uruguay 2-0 Ghana
South Korea 2-1 Portugal

Cameroon 1-0 Brazil
Switzerland 3-2 Serbia

Interestingly, Brazil, Portugal and France all lost their final group matches, after qualifying in two, and starting their second XIs.

Qualifiers for the KOs:

Europe - France, Portugal, Netherlands, England, Poland, Croatia, Spain, Switzerland
South America - Brazil, Argentina
Asia/Australasia - Australia, Japan, South Korea
Africa - Senegal, Morocco
CONCACAF - USA

Only eight of the 16 are from Europe. Is that less than normal?

Only two European teams in the top half, and six of them in the bottom half.

[bigfluffylemon]

Australia go out to Argentina 1-2. Was always going to be a tough ask, and Argentina just had too much quality. Still, Australia ran them hard, no disgrace in that scoreline or exiting to a quality side after exceeding expectations by getting to this stage at all. Can come home with their heads held high.