Belgium worked that really well and it's a good header but Cubarsi is so weak. Glad they've equalised and might get a better game now.
Id like Belgium to win but I don't particularly care. I just think it would be funny to see Belgium go to the final after ditching Martinez (and his failures at Portugal too). Of course France awaits the winner...
Them winning because they used Lukaku right while Portugal used Ronaldo wrong would certainly be sweet
If Ferran Torres's finishing was 50% better, combined with his positioning and runs, he'd be the best forward on the planet. Alas.
I get that Yamal isn't a pure goal scorer. And he's still looked good. But I feel like while this tournament has firmly cemented Messi's place as the undisputed GOAT, Kane as one of England's greatest players (if not greatest, especially if he brings it home), and Mbappe and Halaand as the sport's best stars in the prime of their careers it hasn't been the breakout tournament for Yamal he could've had and as such has been a little disappointing. Obviously he could go on a tear vs France and change all that. And kid is only 18. In 4 years he'll still be younger than Mbappe and Halland are now. But as a casual fan my takeaway has been "Yamal is very good at soccer" rather than "Yamal is in discussion for being the current best player in the world"
I think Kane without a doubt is England's best player in my lifetime (which is basically 96 onwards). A lot of historical players could absolutely make claims, though I think they'd only ever win on popularity and not on achievements (besides the 66 team). Other members in the squad will also achieve it, but Kane has gone further more consistently than any other. Messi, despite the controversy, has shown so much individual brilliance and he never seems to do too much or be selfish unlike Ronaldo. Debate over imo. Haaland and Mbappe will remain cream of the crop for years to come. There's just something about Kane that makes him respected by those into the sport, but he'll never be the casuals winner. He seems slow, untechnical, and unflashy, and he's not really any of those things. I personally think he's every bit the star Mbappe is, but it'd be hard to convince people with a highlight reel. You just have to watch him a lot to know. EDIT - Didn't mention Yamal. He's still young. I assume though he will grow and change his game and will most likely be a star for a decade plus. Who knows if he'll become a 50+ goal a season type player.
It also doesn’t help Yamal got injured in late April and today was his first full 90 since. He was worthy of the hype most of the year and definitely the year before.
yeah to be clear, he certainly hasn't been a bust or done any lasting damage to his legacy. I totally get why he's performed the way he has. Its just been a little disappointing to hear about this bright young star and he's just been... good. (also doesn't help that Mbappe, Halaand, Kane and Messi (not to mention Dembélé, Olise, and Bellingham) have all balled the fuck out and set the bar incredibly high)
Woah, Jayden Adams who started two games in the group for South Africa at this World Cup has died at just 25. That’s so sad. Jayden Adams: South Africa World Cup player dies aged 25
For such a big match, the fans are surprisingly chill about it. Seen lots of “if we lose, I hope they win the whole thing” from both sides.