FIFA World Cup: Russia 2018 [Archived] Soccer • Page 107

those are fucking incredible

 

Is there any reason to dislike Croatia? They just seem like such a fun story

 

I know it’s sacreligious to say now but I thought the same. A group sing along that’s found in modern pop punk songs just fits so well.

 

Won’t let me DM you!

 

I am obviously sharing in the England disappointment but pleased that we got as far as we did. It was an excellent chance to reach a final but we were definitely second best from the second half onwards. I actually couldn't watch the half time analysis and went and washed up because I just couldn't face seeing the chances we missed in that first half. I just had a feeling they would come back to get us and sadly they did.

The players can be very proud of themselves. No one expected us to reach the semis and if you look at the performance last night and the fact that there wasn't really anyone outside Rashford that could bring much difference from the bench, we've really done well. Was there a Plan B? It was interesting to see us playing a lot of long balls due to Croatia's pressing.

Croatia need credit for the way they switched their tactics for the second half - that really caused us problems and we were second best from that point onwards. Ultimately, I'm hoping that they are able to win - it would be nice to have a new winner.

I do hope we reach a final / win it in my lifetime - I guess that's where the sadness comes in. It seems like an impossible task, ever outside our grasp. It would be amazing but four years seems so far away... But there's always hope and we will keep dreaming.

Keep believing my friends, keep believing!

 

Other than Vida's hairstyle...?!

Now England are out, I definitely want a new winner.

 

What they're accomplishing is even more impressive when you realize that there are only about 4 million croats. Imagine what Yugoslavia could do if it hadn't imploded ! I'm french and I wouldn't even be mad if we lost the final.

 

Fulham have signed Jean-Michael Seri

That’s a great move for them

 

Lovren has really lost it now

 

Woah it happened.

 

Fulham might become my second team to root for in PL

 

What's he done?

 

Haha, fool. He has played very well this WC but is top 15/20 defenders at best. I do admire how well he has handled criticism this past year or so though,and he's right when he suggests he was a big part in getting his teams to CL and WC finals.

 

Always struck me as a player that will do well until it counts, then cock it up.

 

I don’t think he’s as bad as the criticism he gets but he’s also the 6th-7th most important player on both Liverpool and Croatia so I wouldn’t say he played “a big part” in those teams making it to finals. Several players for each team had a much bigger impact than him.

 

Remember when England got all in their feelings over Panama trying to score when they were celebrating and then they did the exact same thing

Awful team, wish they had won so I could've seen France score 8 on them

 

Here is the video of England trying to score during Croatia’s celebration. Wankers.

https://reddit.app.link/Y4f86sCAuO

 

(Me when Panama does it) "Awful. Moronic behavior. The ball is not even in play what they hell are they even thinking?"

(Me when England does it) "That's actually a smart play btw; the stakes are high in these knockout games and you have to have to do anything you can to win, so I applaud the players for choosing to do this. I respect the hell out of it, actually..."

 

Delighted for Croatia. I thought they thoroughly deserved their victory. What happened to thembeing tired? I mean Brozovic ran further than anyone has at this World Cup and that is a straight up fact. Modric went quietly about his business (saving his best for after the game to rip the British press to bits), as did Rakitic (playing with a fever). Henderson was left wanting, outdone by a superior midfield in terms of technical ability. I'm not sure why he was hauled off for Dier either, what a substitution by the way but needs must I guess. Southgate knowing he was out of his depth perhaps? Dont get me started on Perisic, he sure showed how Sterling to be more direct anyways. Shots, key passes, dribbles. No wonder why Mourinho rates him.

Anywho, the final should be a belter. Looking forward to all the subplots in that game too. I think France will edge it but then again it's fine margins.

 

Croatia definitely deserved the win. They were the better team from half time onwards.

I actually think that the final could end up being a pretty dull affair. Both teams have defended well throughout the tournament. With the exception of Argentina for both teams, neither have been free scoring. I’m predicting a cagey match that’s characterised by the defence more than free flowing attacking football. Hoping to be proven wrong!

 

Football is never dull, pal. Once you learn that you will be fine.

Seriously though, I can see your point. Finals are cagey affairs due to what is at stake. Deschamps got frightened I think because of how things went down v Australia in the first game. He started Dembele and hasn't since. That is why France have been negative and not free flowing in my opinion. Deschamps has reverted to type and it makes sense because he was a holding midfielder during his career. That said, France are more that capable of playing better togger with the players they have. As are Croatia, we saw that pretty much straight after Trippier scored that free kick. They really utilised the wings well from there forth. I'm a beliver in them both.

 

Being a Forest fan for my 28 years I can sadly assure you that football can often be very dull! (With a generous portion of depressing too!)

Agree with your points though - I’m hoping they both rise to the occasion!

 

You poor sod. What are your thoughts for the season ahead?

 

Happened a few years back in a youth world cup and was given as all 11 players were on the pitch. The team had just scored and all ran back into their half to celebrate. Other team tipped off, ran up and scored. If Croatia were celebrating in their own half it would have been legal.