FIFA World Cup 2022

[Durhamfootman]

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

11 in 2018 seemingly, so probably

interestingly there are 16 extra places at the next world cup finals, but only 3 of them are allocated to European teams. Perhaps Scotland won't make it after all and perhaps Wales will have to wait another 64 years

[Durhamfootman]

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.

I thought Australia gave Argentina a decent game. The game plan worked well in the first half and they only conceded to a moment of Messi magic, which can happen to anyone. It was just a damned shame that they cut their own throat for the Argentina second. Given the eventual scoreline and with Argentina definitely having to hang on at the end, it was a case of what might have been for team Australia. Better luck in 4 years time

I think the Dutch will send Argentina home

I haven't seen much of the Dutch but I did see the second half today and they looked well organised defensively and creative up front with quite a potent goal scoring threat. I was impressed with the way they despatched the USA with so few alarms. A very composed performance

[GarlicJam]

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

11 in 2018 seemingly, so probably

interestingly there are 16 extra places at the next world cup finals, but only 3 of them are allocated to European teams. Perhaps Scotland won't make it after all and perhaps Wales will have to wait another 64 years

6 was the lowest, so I think I read the other day.

There I was this morning, thinking that FIFA have done well in having a stable format for some time, unlike the ICC, and the Rugby Cups - and then they go and add 50% more.

How is that going to work, do you know - 6 in each group, or 4 more groups?

[mikesiva]

Netherlands 3-1 USA

The Dutch are quietly going about their business. Could they be dark horses for the title?

[sussexpob]

Netherlands 3-1 USA

The Dutch are quietly going about their business. Could they be dark horses for the title?

Difference of a proper elite manager last night. Loved how Van Gaal just said to his team "let the crap USA CBs have all the space and ball they want" and sat deep covering the midfield outlets. USA fell into the trap.

I think Holland have had the easiest route into the QFs and I can't see them beating anyone left in the tourney after this round. But they do have a strong defence, so who knows

[Durhamfootman]

There I was this morning, thinking that FIFA have done well in having a stable format for some time, unlike the ICC, and the Rugby Cups - and then they go and add 50% more.

How is that going to work, do you know - 6 in each group, or 4 more groups?

It will be a 104 match format, so I assume it means 12 groups of 4 (72 matches) then round of 32 (16), 16 (8), QF (4) SF(2) 3rd4th and final (2)

[sussexpob]

It will be a 104 match format, so I assume it means 12 groups of 4 (72 matches) then round of 32 (16), 16 (8), QF (4) SF(2) 3rd4th and final (2)

Actually going for 16 groups of 3, with a round of 32 based on the top 2 in each group.

Which feels vs FIFA. Turn the whole group stage into a lottery, where the teams playing first will know by their second game what they need to do, and the team not playing the first game will therefore be at a slight disadvantage. But hey, they gave the tournament to North America, and NA wanted quantity and not quality.

[mikesiva]

France 3-1 Poland

France have stepped it up a gear at the business end of the tournament. Mbappe looking very good. Golden Boot?

[sussexpob]

France 3-1 Poland

France have stepped it up a gear at the business end of the tournament. Mbappe looking very good. Golden Boot?

Mbappe has been all over the spectrum. For 90% of each match, he's been rubbish, then just comes up with moments of brilliance out of nowhere.

Poland made France look better than they are, but I am not going to bet against them vs any team.

[Gingerfinch]

The quality from both teams has been pee poor so far.

[sussexpob]

England's movement off the ball is an abomination.

Henderson and Rice don't move when our back 4 have it, Shaw just runs upfield leaving foden to continually drop back to left back and try to get the ball deep.

And we don't press at all in the final third.

[Gingerfinch]

Henderson with the goal after great work from Bellingham. Underserved but who cares!

[yuppie]

Nerves of the knock out game creates issues. Both teams missing the quality.

Well worked goal with some nice passing. Kane again with a great ball and an excellent timed pass and late run. Quality in a poor game.

And now England are pushing for a second.

Saka and Foden not playing well at present. Isolated but also not tracking the runners well.

[Gingerfinch]

Bellingham again with some great work and vision. Nice finish from Harry.

[yuppie]

Certainly something about Jude. Kane with a deserved goal due to his contributions all WC.

England were nervous but have taken control