OT: FIFA World Cup 2018

[Bryson]

That was an embellishment, too, and the ref rightly didn't call a penalty there. I'm glad to see Brazil gone -- they have great talent, but all the antics have to stop. Even Brad Marchand must be embarrassed for them.

Of course it was an embellishment but he might have gotten the benefit of the doubt given Brazil's pedigree if not for his previous antics. Such an embarrassment for a team that was actually really talented. They would have had a better outcome if they had actually tried to play the game instead of play the ref.

 

[Bryson]

What??? 2014 was far better than this year's bore fest. Even flags on cars are sparse this year. Hardly any enthusiasm this year at all.

Each to their own but everybody I've talked to is that this year is just sort of "meh" compared to other years.

LOL of course everybody you talked to thinks this tournament has been "meh" because most of the top teams have been eliminated so there's not much for fans of those teams to cheer for but for amateurs of the sport that actually like to watch the games there's been some very high quality entertainment this tournament.

 

[lo striver]

"Neymar’s diving at the World Cup means he has spent 14 minutes on the ground so far for Brazil"
This is how long Neymar has actually spent on the ground

 

[Redux91]

Sorry, Sweden will win! No bloody Limeys here!

Wont be upset if sweden wins either bud! just surrounded by england fans lol

 

[JunglePete]

What??? 2014 was far better than this year's bore fest. Even flags on cars are sparse this year. Hardly any enthusiasm this year at all.

Each to their own but everybody I've talked to is that this year is just sort of "meh" compared to other years.

Well yes if you are a Germany fan. Jokes aside, 2014 was no 2010 (which was by far the most boring) in terms of entertainment but still less thrilling than this year's. Also seemed like there were more scoreless ties, sometimes you had to wait 80 minutes before seeing someone score... on a penalty. 2014 was far too predictable, many teams who played badly all tournament went very far. Germany were the only solid and consistent team.

The only 'underdogs' that surprised everyone that year was Costa Rica. We all like surprises, seeing new teams win, makes the competition better. This year as underdogs, there is Russia, Sweden, Croatia and even England lol. There's a strong possibility to have teams that never won previously in finals. Imagine if Russia/Sweden wins it? The likes of Igor Akinfeev, Marcus Berg will be next to the Zidane, Maradona, Pele. Crazy if you ask me. How are we gonna perceive their league from now on etc. Now that's intriguing. Now as to why more people seem less interested may be because of the different time zone.

Personally, I hope Sweden wins it just to see Ibra's arrogant self, thinking he's important gtfo

 

[RealityBytes]

LOL of course everybody you talked to thinks this tournament has been "meh" because most of the top teams have been eliminated so there's not much for fans of those teams to cheer for but for amateurs of the sport that actually like to watch the games there's been some very high quality entertainment this tournament.

The top teams with most of the fans and all their passion and cheering and horn honking and pub blasts were missing for sure. It's emotionless flat. For a lot it's like watching an MLB Milwaukee Brewers vs Minnesota Twins double header. This year just not near as exciting as 2014 for me and a lot I've talked to, some of whom are die hard football fans and some higher level football coaches. They're watching but just watching. The excitement is a personal thing. It would be like expecting Habs fans to get excited about Maple Leaf games.

Still, I will be watching it to the end, especially now that Belgium won. I would like to see Belgium win it all, they are better than people give them credit for. They are the best of what's left and they deserve it.

I also want to see what would happen if England gets through and Harry Kane gives a speech. Have you heard him talk, it's like he has a mouthful of marbles. LOL.

 

[JianYang]

The top teams with most of the fans and all their passion and cheering and horn honking and pub blasts were missing for sure. It's emotionless flat. For a lot it's like watching an MLB Milwaukee Brewers vs Minnesota Twins double header. This year just not near as exciting as 2014 for me and a lot I've talked to, some of whom are die hard football fans and some higher level football coaches. They're watching but just watching. The excitement is a personal thing. It would be like expecting Habs fans to get excited about Maple Leaf games.

Still, I will be watching it to the end, especially now that Belgium won. I would like to see Belgium win it all, they are better than people give them credit for. They are the best of what's left and they deserve it.

I also want to see what would happen if England gets through and Harry Kane gives a speech. Have you heard him talk, it's like he has a mouthful of marbles. LOL.

Belgium is going through it's golden generation. I think people know that they are a strong side, but teams with pedigree and larger population base will always get more of the spotlight.

 

[hotcarle]

The top teams with most of the fans and all their passion and cheering and horn honking and pub blasts were missing for sure. It's emotionless flat. For a lot it's like watching an MLB Milwaukee Brewers vs Minnesota Twins double header. This year just not near as exciting as 2014 for me and a lot I've talked to, some of whom are die hard football fans and some higher level football coaches. They're watching but just watching. The excitement is a personal thing. It would be like expecting Habs fans to get excited about Maple Leaf games.

Still, I will be watching it to the end, especially now that Belgium won. I would like to see Belgium win it all, they are better than people give them credit for. They are the best of what's left and they deserve it.

I also want to see what would happen if England gets through and Harry Kane gives a speech. Have you heard him talk, it's like he has a mouthful of marbles. LOL.

It's no David Beckham voice.
I'm pulling for Belgium . Even TSN sportscenter says "no one expected Belgium to get this far . Ummm...tsn..do you watch TSN Saturday mornings? These guys are the stars of the top EPL teams that we watch every Saturday morning .

In fact, Kristian Jack even said " Kevin De Bruyne just took the title of #3 in the world from Neymar"

Aside, I love the title of "3rd best player in the world. So compelling. It changes often, based on my momentum generated by a good season, big transfer good tournament , etc.

I made a quick list. What do you think?
The torch of 3rd best, chronologically from present, back to when Ronaldo Messi 1-2, 2-1 started (ten years ish)

KDB
Neymar after epic transfer fee
Suarez after move to Barca
Hazard after Chelsea dominance
Bale after huge transfer to Real
Aguero after QPR 95th min championship clincher
Robben after 2010 world cup
After that
Zlatan when he joined Barca...but that was in the middle of the transition period from Ronaldinho and over hyped Rooney to Ronaldo and Messi.

Anyone else?

 

[Per Sjoblom]

Well yes if you are a Germany fan. Jokes aside, 2014 was no 2010 (which was by far the most boring) in terms of entertainment but still less thrilling than this year's. Also seemed like there were more scoreless ties, sometimes you had to wait 80 minutes before seeing someone score... on a penalty. 2014 was far too predictable, many teams who played badly all tournament went very far. Germany were the only solid and consistent team.

The only 'underdogs' that surprised everyone that year was Costa Rica. We all like surprises, seeing new teams win, makes the competition better. This year as underdogs, there is Russia, Sweden, Croatia and even England lol. There's a strong possibility to have teams that never won previously in finals. Imagine if Russia/Sweden wins it? The likes of Igor Akinfeev, Marcus Berg will be next to the Zidane, Maradona, Pele. Crazy if you ask me. How are we gonna perceive their league from now on etc. Now that's intriguing. Now as to why more people seem less interested may be because of the different time zone.

Personally, I hope Sweden wins it just to see Ibra's arrogant self, thinking he's important gtfo

Spot on!

 

[Per Sjoblom]

Those were the days.....Trezeget too (golden goal in Euro 2000)....Petit

Henri! What s player at his peak.

 

[Per Sjoblom]

This is literally where Neymar's antics cost the entire team the tournament. Don't think that video going viral of him rolling around like a tumbleweed didn't have an affect on the reffs. That shove in the back in the dying minutes of the game against Belgium could easily have been called a penalty if Neymar had any credibility. Such sweet justice!

It's sad really because he's is a fantastic player.

 

[Per Sjoblom]

LOL of course everybody you talked to thinks this tournament has been "meh" because most of the top teams have been eliminated so there's not much for fans of those teams to cheer for but for amateurs of the sport that actually like to watch the games there's been some very high quality entertainment this tournament.

It's the best or perhaps the most fun to watch since 2006 at least. 2010 was dross, so defense oriented, Spain only scored 8 goals and still won. Then there was those horrible sounding Vuvuzelas. 2014 apart from Colombia and Germany was quite boring as well, I looked more at those South American beautiful women than the games.

 

[MasterDecoy]

I'm liking this year. Most favorites are out already.

Heading to an English pub tonight to watch this one, gonna be interesting

 

[RealityBytes]

It's the best or perhaps the most fun to watch since 2006 at least. 2010 was dross, so defense oriented, Spain only scored 8 goals and still won. Then there was those horrible sounding Vuvuzelas. 2014 apart from Colombia and Germany was quite boring as well, I looked more at those South American beautiful women than the games.

Well, that's your personal opinion, but definitely not reflective of everybody's opinion. As I mentioned before, each to their own on which is better ...

Hate to tell you, but I hope Sweden loses to England ...

It's no David Beckham voice.
I'm pulling for Belgium . Even TSN sportscenter says "no one expected Belgium to get this far . Ummm...tsn..do you watch TSN Saturday mornings? These guys are the stars of the top EPL teams that we watch every Saturday morning .

In fact, Kristian Jack even said " Kevin De Bruyne just took the title of #3 in the world from Neymar"

Aside, I love the title of "3rd best player in the world. So compelling. It changes often, based on my momentum generated by a good season, big transfer good tournament , etc.

I made a quick list. What do you think?
The torch of 3rd best, chronologically from present, back to when Ronaldo Messi 1-2, 2-1 started (ten years ish)

KDB
Neymar after epic transfer fee
Suarez after move to Barca
Hazard after Chelsea dominance
Bale after huge transfer to Real
Aguero after QPR 95th min championship clincher
Robben after 2010 world cup
After that
Zlatan when he joined Barca...but that was in the middle of the transition period from Ronaldinho and over hyped Rooney to Ronaldo and Messi.

Anyone else?

Wonder why TSN would say that? Belgium is/was certainly a viable contender to win it all. As I mentioned in post #863, Belgium was ranked 3rd in the world just behind Brazil as per the June 07th FIFA rankings. One would think that is certainly better than the lower rankings of Spain, Portugal, and Argentina.

 

[ginomini]

It's no David Beckham voice.
I'm pulling for Belgium . Even TSN sportscenter says "no one expected Belgium to get this far . Ummm...tsn..do you watch TSN Saturday mornings? These guys are the stars of the top EPL teams that we watch every Saturday morning .

In fact, Kristian Jack even said " Kevin De Bruyne just took the title of #3 in the world from Neymar"

Aside, I love the title of "3rd best player in the world. So compelling. It changes often, based on my momentum generated by a good season, big transfer good tournament , etc.

I made a quick list. What do you think?
The torch of 3rd best, chronologically from present, back to when Ronaldo Messi 1-2, 2-1 started (ten years ish)

KDB
Neymar after epic transfer fee
Suarez after move to Barca
Hazard after Chelsea dominance
Bale after huge transfer to Real
Aguero after QPR 95th min championship clincher
Robben after 2010 world cup
After that
Zlatan when he joined Barca...but that was in the middle of the transition period from Ronaldinho and over hyped Rooney to Ronaldo and Messi.

Anyone else?

Id say Iniesta, Xavi, Ribery and even maybe Neuer were in the conversation at some point!

 

[ArtPeur]

I don't think Sweden can come back.. but then Colombia did it so who knows. They could get a favorable counter and somehow tie the game

 

[MarkovsKnee]

It's sad really because he's is a fantastic player.

He really is. He also can fight through marks & continue on with the play. I've seen him do it, but when he puts on that yellow jersey.....idk maybe the pressure gets to him & he thinks he needs to play every advantage. He was at his diving/faking worst.

Sweden needs pace. England really took over the game after the goal.

 

[peate]

Sorry Per, doesn't look like it's happening this time. Oh well.

 

[ArtPeur]

Well, good luck next time Sweden

 

[Redux91]

hard not to like this England team man

 

[MarkovsKnee]

You could see that one coming. Sweden playing on their heels last few minutes.

 

[peate]

hard not to like this England team man

I guess we might be looking at a France vs England final. Would be a classic no doubt.

 

[peate]

Come here sweetheart, let me cheer you up.

 

[MarkovsKnee]

In the end, Sweden was never in the game. Tremendous performance by the English side.

England has played extremely well in this World Cup. They're young, play with a lot of pace & play a tight team game.

Belgium (i.e. Brussels) vs England final???

 

[RealityBytes]

Swe-done. England's "fooligans" going wild.

What kind of World Cup is this? Germany out in the group stage and England in the semis.

Projection ... Belgium over Croatia in the finals.