This group kicks off with a mouth watering clash of Spain vs Portugal, two potential winners of the competition as well for me and they place on Friday night, prime time for us Europeans. The rest of the group though does not seem as good though wit Morocco and Iran basically fighting for 3rd and 4th. However if either Spain or Portugal lose the opening game, their could be a case for nerves if Iran/Morocco hold a draw vs either of them.
I didn't think Spain had that much chance from the start. Favorites were always Brazil, France, Argentina and Germany. I also don't think changing the coach will make them worse, might even make them better. The experient players will lead anyway.
Pretty sure the Spanish players are good enough to play despite coaching.
Of course, the underlying problem of Ramos and the Catalans htring one another's guts is a different problem, and during Lopetegui just brought that conflict to the forefront. Nevertheless, their successful qualification and friendlies were with Ramos as captain and Pique, Busquets and Alba playing just fine around him, so don't see why that would have changed now.
I still have Spain pegged for a semi finalist. And am cheering for Morocco to beat Portugal for second. My fantasy team has Ziyech and Amrabat!
On June 15 2018 20:33 739 wrote: Salah not starting against Uruguay. Screwed my Liquibet again >.<
Wasn't expecting him. Fully expect Egypt to give him rest as long as they can. And even then he won't be 100%, unfortunately. Still, this Egypt without Salah isn't looking too bad.
On June 16 2018 01:23 Faruko wrote: only the world cup could make me watch morocco vs iran lol
only the world cup could make morocco and iran play each other.
friendlies?
but i mean, you tell me there's a game going with morocco and iran and i would say, no way, but it'sworld cup and you must watch all games
If the pregame reports I heard/read are correct, there seems to be/has been a lot of political tension between these nations and they dont even have diplomatic relations right now. So it is rather unlikely they would meet for a "friendly".
On June 16 2018 01:44 sneirac wrote: I regret saying this was an entertaining game, what a mediocre 2nd half. Meanwhile both seem to be happy with a draw in this group, seems weird.
On June 16 2018 01:44 sneirac wrote: I regret saying this was an entertaining game, what a mediocre 2nd half. Meanwhile both seem to be happy with a draw in this group, seems weird.
On June 16 2018 01:44 sneirac wrote: I regret saying this was an entertaining game, what a mediocre 2nd half. Meanwhile both seem to be happy with a draw in this group, seems weird.
If Morocco wasn't going to win, then it was better for Iran to win, since I want as few people to get ahead of me in liquidbet because I assume most people picked either Morocco or draw
On June 16 2018 01:59 BigFan wrote: Hooray! A goal is still a goal haha. Still, chances of beating either Spain or Portugal is essentially nih, who knows.
On June 16 2018 02:02 don_kyuhote wrote: If Morocco wasn't going to win, then it was better for Iran to win, since I want as few people to get ahead of me in liquidbet because I assume most people picked either Morocco or draw
On June 16 2018 02:32 mahrgell wrote: Facts: 2nd Half Marocco had only one shot. (We are talking shots, not shots on goal here) Iran had ZERO.
and about 7 injuries I don't know how they qualify "shots", but there were some kicks that bounced off defender's leg, so it's not like there was absolutely no offense in the 2nd half.
On June 16 2018 02:32 mahrgell wrote: Facts: 2nd Half Marocco had only one shot. (We are talking shots, not shots on goal here) Iran had ZERO.
and about 7 injuries I don't know how they qualify "shots", but there were some kicks that bounced off defender's leg, so it's not like there was absolutely no offense in the 2nd half.
Yeah, checked again and updated my post. Marocco officially actually had 4 shots! Iran is 0 though.
On June 16 2018 03:07 warding wrote: Nacho put his leg in the way of Ronaldo's dribble. Is he supposed to get out of the way?
The ball runs left, Ronaldo stays right. He could have easily avoided that contact but he wanted it, it was there and he got it. I have seen these not called because contact is attacker can run on tho.
On June 16 2018 03:31 Pandemona wrote: Yeah glad for the goal line tech, great game. Early goal is key in big games and proven here again, great game of footers
On June 16 2018 03:51 Faruko wrote: are some people really doubting De Gea in this thread?
shit error, happens to everyone, i just guess gk are more exposed to those
Yep, we don't bat an eye when Messi or Ronaldo misjudge the trajectory of an incoming ball and make a shit first touch, because there are no consequences.
On June 16 2018 03:54 Dante08 wrote: Pepe's was a dive for a sure, camera showed him getting up immediately after he saw the ref didn't give the foul lol.
It's only a foul if the player ends up in the hospital then.
Pepe got sent off in 2014 for lightly touching Muller's head.
On June 16 2018 03:54 Dante08 wrote: Pepe's was a dive for a sure, camera showed him getting up immediately after he saw the ref didn't give the foul lol.
It's only a foul if the player ends up in the hospital then.
Pepe got sent off in 2014 for lightly touching Muller's head.
meh, I would've played on there too. Pepe should just stay on his bloody feet.
On June 16 2018 03:54 Dante08 wrote: Pepe's was a dive for a sure, camera showed him getting up immediately after he saw the ref didn't give the foul lol.
It's only a foul if the player ends up in the hospital then.
Pepe got sent off in 2014 for lightly touching Muller's head.
meh, I would've played on there too. Pepe should just stay on his bloody feet.
The Dutch are biased when it comes to physically assaulting the portuguese :/
Dayem Diego Costa probably having one of his best every games for Spain. Why is Guedes marking one of the literally 3 aerial threats (kinda threats not even legit threats) Spain have?
On June 16 2018 04:13 Mafe wrote: I thought this would be a boring game. Glad to be wrong. Also, at least half the goals so far coming from set pieces?
On June 16 2018 04:19 Ysellian wrote: Honestly I always loved to shoot like that, keep the ball low and in a straight line. Really tough to do though.
Its the dream connecting on a half volley isnt it. The kinda anyone playing football would have wet dreams about and when you get it right you know you just got lucky.
that Portugal won a euro with this team is something i still can't understand, what the hell were Spain, England, France and Germany doing that euro lol
On June 16 2018 04:23 Faruko wrote: that Portugal won a euro with this team is something i still can't understand, what the hell were Spain, England, France and Germany doing that euro lol
Like it's literally Ronaldo + 10
Murdering each other in the bottom half of the bracket while portugal only had Belgium to beat up top, all hail best 3rd advances.
On June 16 2018 04:19 Ysellian wrote: Honestly I always loved to shoot like that, keep the ball low and in a straight line. Really tough to do though.
Its the dream connecting on a half volley isnt it. The kinda anyone playing football would have wet dreams about and when you get it right you know you just got lucky.
yeah, like 99 out of a 100 times you just sky it. But the couple of times you do strike it nicely is the best feeling ever.
On June 16 2018 04:23 Faruko wrote: that Portugal won a euro with this team is something i still can't understand, what the hell were Spain, England, France and Germany doing that euro lol
Like it's literally Ronaldo + 10
Knocking each other out basically. Except for England, they got Icelanded.
On June 16 2018 04:23 Faruko wrote: that Portugal won a euro with this team is something i still can't understand, what the hell were Spain, England, France and Germany doing that euro lol
Like it's literally Ronaldo + 10
Knockout football is like that. I mean its not like they are badly losing this game either.
Spain Italy Germany all went out in the same side of the bracket
On June 16 2018 04:23 Faruko wrote: that Portugal won a euro with this team is something i still can't understand, what the hell were Spain, England, France and Germany doing that euro lol
Like it's literally Ronaldo + 10
They advanced from groups with 3 draws. Then 3 times extra time or penalties. It wasn't dominant
On June 16 2018 04:23 Faruko wrote: that Portugal won a euro with this team is something i still can't understand, what the hell were Spain, England, France and Germany doing that euro lol
Like it's literally Ronaldo + 10
This comment would have made sense if Portugal was getting hopelessly murdered by Spain. We're neck and neck with a top3 contender.
On June 16 2018 04:23 Faruko wrote: that Portugal won a euro with this team is something i still can't understand, what the hell were Spain, England, France and Germany doing that euro lol
Like it's literally Ronaldo + 10
This comment would have made sense if Portugal was getting hopelessly murdered by Spain. We're neck and neck with a top3 contender.
If you couldn't see the score one would think that but I am in agreement.
it is a bit depressing to see the lack of depth in the Portugal Squad though.
On June 16 2018 04:23 Faruko wrote: that Portugal won a euro with this team is something i still can't understand, what the hell were Spain, England, France and Germany doing that euro lol
Like it's literally Ronaldo + 10
This comment would have made sense if Portugal was getting hopelessly murdered by Spain. We're neck and neck with a top3 contender.
agree, but it's not like you are toe to toe in the field, there's always a chance tho
but some of those players are not even that good, it lack depths
Not destroyed but slightly outplayed. They benefited from being able to just defend and counterattack for 60mn because of their goals. The moment they have to play, it's a no match
Guedes was a bit disappointing, I was hope he would take on Spains outside line a bit more today and create space for Penaldo. Hes one of my favourite young players in Spain from last season.
On June 16 2018 04:48 Shellshock wrote: This game has 3 2nd half goals and only gets 2/3 the stoppage time of 0-0 regulation Iran vs Morocco with like 1 game stopping injury?
There was alot of time wasting and injuries in the Iran Morocco game. The last 20-30 minutes was cancer to watch.
On June 16 2018 04:48 Shellshock wrote: This game has 3 2nd half goals and only gets 2/3 the stoppage time of 0-0 regulation Iran vs Morocco with like 1 game stopping injury?
Goals are not taken into account, unless the ref deems the celebrations excessive, which they rarely do
On June 16 2018 04:48 Shellshock wrote: This game has 3 2nd half goals and only gets 2/3 the stoppage time of 0-0 regulation Iran vs Morocco with like 1 game stopping injury?
have you seen the last 30 mins of that game? It could have been 10 minutes of extra time and still felt to low. I'm pretty sure if you edit out all the injuries and fouls you only had like 25 mins of playing time in that 2nd half
On June 16 2018 05:00 Faruko wrote: Ronaldo was on his back to the goal, for some reason Pique went and kicked ronaldo in the back, albeit just slightly, and gave away a free kick
result ? 3-3
Yeah this game feels super unlucky for Spain, stupid penalty given away, keeper mistake and perfect free kick. No wonder they looked so disappointed after the game.
What an absolute cracker. That game was worth staying up til 4am for! Thank goodness for SBS, the main provider for the World Cup in Australia has produced a non functional product. Saw about 2 minutes of Egypt v Uruguay out of the 90. If this game hadn't been on free to air I would have missed it!
On June 16 2018 05:20 Espers wrote: meh, happy with Spain's performance as a team. dominated the game pretty much, lots of near misses, they'll do well
Me too. Spain played better than I expected after the coach controversy.
Ronaldo setting an incredible example for the youth of today. It's OK to cheat and dive and great things happen when you do. He just threw himslef over the Spanish defenders leg. What's even more incredible is that people are watching that and saying there's contact so it's a penalty.
On June 16 2018 05:06 warding wrote: 'Super unlucky Spain' were more often behind than ahead and would have been 2-0 down had an obvious foul by Diego Costa had been called.
Pepe dived. Replay showed him taking a peak at the ref and getting up immediately after he realized he wasn't getting the call. Besides, Costa didn't even hit him that hard.
On June 16 2018 05:06 warding wrote: 'Super unlucky Spain' were more often behind than ahead and would have been 2-0 down had an obvious foul by Diego Costa had been called.
Pepe dived. Replay showed him taking a peak at the ref and getting up immediately after he realized he wasn't getting the call. Besides, Costa didn't even hit him that hard.
The intensity of the hit is irrelevant. Pepe is the one that control touches the ball and costa removes him from the play by elbowing him the the face. Even though it was not that hard it's a foul to say the least.
If the VAR doesn't sanction these cases I don't know why he's there.
On June 16 2018 05:06 warding wrote: 'Super unlucky Spain' were more often behind than ahead and would have been 2-0 down had an obvious foul by Diego Costa had been called.
Pepe dived. Replay showed him taking a peak at the ref and getting up immediately after he realized he wasn't getting the call. Besides, Costa didn't even hit him that hard.
The fact that you agree that costa hit him makes the whole conversation irrelevant. Because the only thing that matters is if costa hit pepe or not.
On June 16 2018 05:06 warding wrote: 'Super unlucky Spain' were more often behind than ahead and would have been 2-0 down had an obvious foul by Diego Costa had been called.
Pepe dived. Replay showed him taking a peak at the ref and getting up immediately after he realized he wasn't getting the call. Besides, Costa didn't even hit him that hard.
The fact that you agree that costa hit him makes the whole conversation irrelevant. Because the only thing that matters is if costa hit pepe or not.
But Costa didn't hit him. He pushed him in jockeying for position, and Pepe fell over and started crying like a little girl. It's a contact sport. Not every contact is a foul. This one could have been called as pushing too hard, or it could simply be seen as part of the game. If the referee had called it, that would be ok, but VAR isn't there to overturn judgement calls. It's there to overturn obvious miatakes, and not calling this contact was not an obvious mistake.
And I also agree that the penalty for Ronaldo was indeed a penalty. It might have been a fishing expedition, but Nacho could have chosen not to bite. As is, he fished to get tackled and for tackled. It wasn't a dive. That would be if Nacho had pulled back his leg and avoided contact, and then Ronaldo went tumbling anyway. And yes, once again, the referee could have called it both ways.
On June 16 2018 09:43 Greg_J wrote: Ronaldo setting an incredible example for the youth of today. It's OK to cheat and dive and great things happen when you do. He just threw himslef over the Spanish defenders leg. What's even more incredible is that people are watching that and saying there's contact so it's a penalty.
edit: I thought we had VAR at this World Cup?
Usually kids aren't this biased yet. They'll hopefully see the example of a guy who works harder than anyone in the game, who has unreal mental strength and is able to be the best player in the world at 33 years of age. They'll also see Nacho putting his leg in Ronaldo's trajectory, not touching the ball, for a clear and obvious penalty.
Only one-sided matches today, in theory at least. I really don't expect any upsets today. Portugal, Spain and from group A Uruguay should win without trouble.
On June 20 2018 21:18 Ysellian wrote: Yea... Was probably not going to help much because he shouldn't be playing to begin with, but still.
Commentator mentioned that the FIFA gave the Maroccan medical staff an official warning, because they used slaps and water to the face to wake him up when he got that concussion in the Iran game.
On June 20 2018 21:18 Ysellian wrote: Yea... Was probably not going to help much because he shouldn't be playing to begin with, but still.
Commentator mentioned that the FIFA gave the Maroccan medical staff an official warning, because they used slaps and water to the face to wake him up when he got that concussion in the Iran game.
Ronaldo is everything wrong with modern football. Rolling around on the floor screaming whenever anyone gets within 5 feet of him. I know he gets kudos for his skills but frankly its embarrassing to watch.
On June 20 2018 21:51 Jockmcplop wrote: Ronaldo is everything wrong with modern football. Rolling around on the floor screaming whenever anyone gets within 5 feet of him. I know he gets kudos for his skills but frankly its embarrassing to watch.
I'm not a fan of Ronaldo by any means, but to be fair both times that he rolled on the floor in this game was because he got hit hard by Benatia.
But in general terms I agree with you. Just not in this specific game.
On June 20 2018 21:51 Jockmcplop wrote: Ronaldo is everything wrong with modern football. Rolling around on the floor screaming whenever anyone gets within 5 feet of him. I know he gets kudos for his skills but frankly its embarrassing to watch.
I'm not a fan of Ronaldo by any means, but to be fair both times that he rolled on the floor in this game was because he got hit hard by Benatia.
But in general terms I agree with you. Just not in this specific game.
They were both fouls for sure, but its not like Benatia took a hammer to his toes.That's what you would think from looking at him. You don't roll 20 feet across the floor screaming and crying because someone grazed your foot. I know often these fouls are worse than they look, but its hard to take him seriously when one second he's screaming at the top of his voice rolling on the floor and the next he is running around at 100%
Players should roll on the floor whichever many times they please as long as there was a foul and it's not a dive. Honestly, who cares? Who's to say that getting stepped on there didn't really hurt?
On June 20 2018 22:35 sharkie wrote: skills-wise Morocco is probably the best African side
Yeah, pretty sad for their fans. Lose the first game due to bad own goal. Lose this game to one moment of not covering Ronaldo while dominating the match play wise.
It was a hit. But that hit wasn't the cause of his fall. If he goes down there right away, thats a clear pen, but not this "Oh, damn, ball gone, but I got hit a while ago, let's jull fall over and claim the pen" bullshit.
On June 20 2018 22:51 ShloobeR wrote: My god it is shocking just how bad at finishing Morocco are, they have had a bunch of clear cut chances and they just blaze it over the bar every time
It's a shame really, otherwise they were clearly the superior team. Portugal didn't have any clear chances, they were even too bad to have any counters. Man this game was frustrating to watch
On June 20 2018 22:59 mahrgell wrote: What exactly makes Marocco>Senegal?
Morocco won the last African Cup (this year). Senegal didn't enter because they lost 5-0 to Guinea somehow.
On June 20 2018 22:54 Mensol wrote: I hope our Portuguese friends havent had heart attacks while watching this lmao.
Nope, our hearts have been hardened by the last euro and 30 years of watching lackluster qualification and playoff rounds.
There was a clear imbalance on the left with Guerreiro getting mauled by a much stronger Amrabat. Morocco players somehow seemed to be more motivated and freer. Ziyech impressed me. Sad to see a strong team like this go out so soon.
On June 20 2018 23:20 warding wrote: Ziyech impressed me.
Man he was a sleeper fantasy pick for me. Hes really good. Just couldnt get anything done
Same for me. He doesn't actually score much for Ajax either, but he makes plays and puts people into position to score. But... well.. Ajax actually puts some of those balls into the net. Morocco really needs better strikers. Their midfield was impressive.
On June 20 2018 23:20 warding wrote: Ziyech impressed me.
Man he was a sleeper fantasy pick for me. Hes really good. Just couldnt get anything done
Same for me. He doesn't actually score much for Ajax either, but he makes plays and puts people into position to score. But... well.. Ajax actually puts some of those balls into the net. Morocco really needs better strikers. Their midfield was impressive.
Funny that, he used to score a lot at Twente. Anyway he had a pretty good World Cup honestly, the only thing you can fault him for is that with his technique he should be placing his shots and not smashing them. Something Jenas made a very good point about on the BBC. His teammates made the same errors in their finishing I feel.
Anyway you're right Morocco needs better strikers or at least a prolific winger. Put Ronaldo in Morocco's team and you'd think they were Real Madrid.
On June 21 2018 03:03 mahrgell wrote: Why does every team have a red and a white kit, so you always have to check who is the Red/White of the day? :[
On June 21 2018 03:25 BigFan wrote: How's the game so far?
Spain have almost 100% posession but create no chances. Lots of fouls, and complaining early on, but everyone clamed down now. Iran had 2 counterattacks but their players seemed to be surprised themselves and dint get a shot on goal either.
Definitely better than the earlier ones accoding to reporters.
On June 21 2018 03:25 BigFan wrote: How's the game so far?
Spain have almost 100% posession but create no chances. Lots of fouls, and complaining early on, but everyone clamed down now. Iran had 2 counterattacks but their players seemed to be surprised themselves and dint get a shot on goal either.
Definitely better than the earlier ones accoding to reporters.
Fair enough, thanks. Their plan is a defensive one except for those rare counterattacks. Reminds me of their game vs Argentina last WC where they almost held on for a draw.
On June 21 2018 03:54 Pandemona wrote: Pep Guardiola barca is back! Tika Taka at it's most boring
I'm still waiting for this secret tactic from the bus parkers that explains how you break down an opponent that parks the bus by not attacking or possessing the ball.
I'm hoping for a result that would allow Fernando Santos and Carlos Queiroz to conspire in the last game to leave Spain out. I'm guessing that would be a Iran win or a draw and then hoping Spain only beats Morocco by one.
actually, i don't know who has it easier on the next round for the 1st/2nd, not that they are going to play with the chance but still
is either Russia, who has been playing some good football overall, or Uruguay, which haven't play that well, but Suarez can win you a match and Uruguay is the luckiest team in the world too
I just don't get it, Iran can actually play decent football, i mean, of course they are worse than Spain but everytime Iran attacks Spain has a hard time defending... so, why not try it before, why wait till you are losing?
Not saying fo full force but try a bit more, they can do it actually
On June 21 2018 04:25 Faruko wrote: I just don't get it, Iran can actually play decent football, i mean, of course they are worse than Spain but everytime Iran attacks Spain has a hard time defending... so, why not try it before, why wait till you are losing?
Not saying fo full force but try a bit more, they can do it actually
They can play like this because Spain went completely limp after that goal
De Gea is a different beast with Spain, is quite impressive how meh he looks when playing for Spain, actually mind blowing because he shows time and time again how top tier he is in Manchester lol
On June 21 2018 04:25 Faruko wrote: I just don't get it, Iran can actually play decent football, i mean, of course they are worse than Spain but everytime Iran attacks Spain has a hard time defending... so, why not try it before, why wait till you are losing?
Not saying fo full force but try a bit more, they can do it actually
Think about it, if they just had held on to the 0-0, they would be tied first with 4 points playing the other team with 4 points and equal on goal difference. So if they drew that game and even if Spain beat Morrocco, they still would get a chance on pens. That seems very attractive for a team everyone thought would be dead last.
On June 21 2018 04:36 Faruko wrote: i actually liked England once Rashford and Loftus-Cheek came in, they looked good at that moment before that they were super average
England was really.good the first half except for the finishing.
On June 21 2018 04:23 sneirac wrote: Looks like the correct call on VAR
That took a lot longer than it should tho and was quite badly communicated forever.
It was called offside by the assistant ref immediately. Main ref also showed no goal. Not the ref's fault the Iranians celebrated anyway and thereby delayed the game.
VAR did nothing except check the ref's decison and not overrule it.
On June 21 2018 04:36 Faruko wrote: i actually liked England once Rashford and Loftus-Cheek came in, they looked good at that moment before that they were super average
England was really.good the first half except for the finishing.
On June 21 2018 04:23 sneirac wrote: Looks like the correct call on VAR
That took a lot longer than it should tho and was quite badly communicated forever.
It was called offside by the assistant ref immediately. Main ref also showed no goal. Not the ref's fault the Iranians celebrated anyway and thereby delayed the game.
VAR did nothing except check the ref's decison and not overrule it.
VAR gave defnite proof that the goal was offside. Otherwise we would have gotten tons and tons of complaints from Iranian players and big drama
On June 21 2018 04:23 sneirac wrote: Looks like the correct call on VAR
That took a lot longer than it should tho and was quite badly communicated forever.
It was called offside by the assistant ref immediately. Main ref also showed no goal. Not the ref's fault the Iranians celebrated anyway and thereby delayed the game.
VAR did nothing except check the ref's decison and not overrule it.
VAR gave defnite proof that the goal was offside. Otherwise we would have gotten tons and tons of complaints from Iranian players and big drama
True without VAR the game would have probably been delayed much longer because of players arguing with the refs.
On June 21 2018 04:23 sneirac wrote: Looks like the correct call on VAR
That took a lot longer than it should tho and was quite badly communicated forever.
It was called offside by the assistant ref immediately. Main ref also showed no goal. Not the ref's fault the Iranians celebrated anyway and thereby delayed the game.
VAR did nothing except check the ref's decison and not overrule it.
All true, but it felt like it took forever until everyone understood that there was a review going on and even longer for a decision that wasn't all that close on replays. However i looked at replay and it took just 90 seconds, so that is actually still on the long but acceptable side. Just felt much longer, at least to me
I went down the pub assuming if I drunk enough I could put up with Ronaldo's diving and try and enjoy a game. Nope. No amount of alcohol can make his performances look acceptable. He just cheats at every given opportunity. He’s so talented, why can’t he just not be an asshole for 5 mins? Like seriously he doesn't even need to do it.
On June 21 2018 05:29 sharkie wrote: Cheering for Iran is cheering against football All they do is what we hate about the game
You mean Portugal. Cheering for Portugal is cheering against football. What Ronaldo does is what we hate about the game. I fixed your statement. You are welcome.
On June 21 2018 05:29 sharkie wrote: Cheering for Iran is cheering against football All they do is what we hate about the game
lol what, stop being silly. These countries are in it to win it. If anything, it's outright stupid for them to play an all out offensive game against a team like Spain considering that Spain will have a much easier time scoring goals. It's true that Spain still got a goal in but Iran almost equalized it several times and was really close with that goal that was offside too. Might be a bit different with Portugal considering they would need the win there to advance and a draw won't cut it, we'll see. If anything, much like Greg said, it's players that dive to try and get a penalty that should be hated because that's not what football is about.
I am not silly. Iran's gameplan from the start against ANY team (so don't start on being underdog or whatever else excuses you might find) is to foul, foul and keep fouling the opposition to stop up play. And on the other hand they also dive and act like victims each time another player comes near them.
You guys should drink less and watch more of the game before believing Iran is a football team
On June 21 2018 13:34 sharkie wrote: I am not silly. Iran's gameplan from the start against ANY team (so don't start on being underdog or whatever else excuses you might find) is to foul, foul and keep fouling the opposition to stop up play. And on the other hand they also dive and act like victims each time another player comes near them.
You guys should drink less and watch more of the game before believing Iran is a football team
I don't drink so your argument is void. Nope, you're being extremely silly if you can't understand that they were playing defensive to try to keep things at nil and trying to slow the pace down, plus try and hope to make something from a counter.
It's a similar strategy to what they did in the last WC against teams that they believe are stronger. Right, because a lot of other players don't dive, commit fouls or pull other crap off and this is limited to just Iran. Your bias is showing.
You'll have to come up with much better arguments if you want to try and convince me or anyone else who shares my thoughts.
On June 21 2018 10:43 Greg_J wrote: You mean Portugal. Cheering for Portugal is cheering against football. What Ronaldo does is what we hate about the game. I fixed your statement. You are welcome.
On June 21 2018 10:43 Greg_J wrote: I went down the pub assuming if I drunk enough I could put up with Ronaldo's diving and try and enjoy a game. Nope. No amount of alcohol can make his performances look acceptable. He just cheats at every given opportunity. He’s so talented, why can’t he just not be an asshole for 5 mins? Like seriously he doesn't even need to do it.
On June 21 2018 05:29 sharkie wrote: Cheering for Iran is cheering against football All they do is what we hate about the game
You mean Portugal. Cheering for Portugal is cheering against football. What Ronaldo does is what we hate about the game. I fixed your statement. You are welcome.
Problem is that what Ronaldo does is also why we love the game. Pepe, however is one of the shittiest players on earth. And I also have some special hatred for Quaresme. Ronaldo's antics are at least offset by sparks of pure brilliance.
Oh, and if diving is the real issue here, Neymar is so bad that Brazil is the number one meme generator for jokes about his shitty overacting.
Iran plays some shitty football, but we're going to have to accept that parking the bus is a legitimate tactic. Greece won a European championship with it, and Chelsea the CL. Iran does it with less flair than most, but they play cohesively as a team, which is more than you can say for most Asian teams.
On June 21 2018 10:43 Greg_J wrote: I went down the pub assuming if I drunk enough I could put up with Ronaldo's diving and try and enjoy a game. Nope. No amount of alcohol can make his performances look acceptable. He just cheats at every given opportunity. He’s so talented, why can’t he just not be an asshole for 5 mins? Like seriously he doesn't even need to do it.
On June 21 2018 05:29 sharkie wrote: Cheering for Iran is cheering against football All they do is what we hate about the game
You mean Portugal. Cheering for Portugal is cheering against football. What Ronaldo does is what we hate about the game. I fixed your statement. You are welcome.
Problem is that what Ronaldo does is also why we love the game. Pepe, however is one of the shittiest players on earth. And I also have some special hatred for Quaresme. Ronaldo's antics are at least offset by sparks of pure brilliance.
Oh, and if diving is the real issue here, Neymar is so bad that Brazil is the number one meme generator for jokes about his shitty overacting.
Iran plays some shitty football, but we're going to have to accept that parking the bus is a legitimate tactic. Greece won a European championship with it, and Chelsea the CL. Iran does it with less flair than most, but they play cohesively as a team, which is more than you can say for most Asian teams.
Yeah I dont see what the problem is if an Iran plays that way. Not one of these lads that are hating on them could name a player on their roster or what team they played for before the start of this WC. And then talking shit like they are expected to come in go toe to toe with teams better than them.
I dont like it either, but I am not going to hate on them for doing it. Teams that have talent or the ability to gain/access talent and do it should ofcourse be vilified and hated on. No issue there.
On June 21 2018 23:09 sharkie wrote: Since no one of you seem to have watched any Iran games or can read:
" Iran's gameplan from the start against ANY team"
They always play this way, no matter who their opposition is.
Really? They play this way against inferior opposition too? Because if your only reference is WC games against stronger or equal teams, well the allegedly greatest coach of all time plays defensive and destructive styles against equal teams with squads worth hundreds of millions.
Well I'll have to defer to you in that case then, because I and likely most here don't. However keep in mind with what style/performance/path Portugal won in 2016 and if rooting for Iran to upset them is actually still that bad.
On June 21 2018 23:09 sharkie wrote: Since no one of you seem to have watched any Iran games or can read:
" Iran's gameplan from the start against ANY team"
They always play this way, no matter who their opposition is.
To be fair Portugal dive, cheat, roll around on the floor, cry and scream like babies even when thy are playing against weaker opposition. Ronaldo probably does it in the bath at home.
On June 21 2018 23:27 sneirac wrote: Well I'll have to defer to you in that case then, because I and likely most here don't. However keep in mind with what style/performance/path Portugal won in 2016 and if rooting for Iran to upset them is actually still that bad.
I know its a weak excuse but for me Portugal 2016 is forgiven because of what they had to endure in 2004 at home. That was kinda quid pro quo
Marocco is already eliminated, the other 3 teams are still in the running and hold it in their own hands. Winning today would let each of them advance. Iran has never made it past the group stages before, but they are also in the least favorable position. Still.. it is a race.
Possible qualification scenarios: Spain 1st: - they win and get a better result than Portugal * - they draw, Portugal draws and Spain has a better tiebreaker than Portugal * Spain 2nd: - they win or draw, but have a worse result than Portugal * - they draw, Iran wins - they lose, Portugal wins - they lose by 1, Portugal draws Iran, but Iran doesn't score at least 4 more goals than Spain (e.g. Spain 0-1, Portugal 3-3 -> Spain advances) Spain eliminated: - they lose and Iran wins and Spain has a worse result than Portugal * - they lose by 2 or more and Iran draws - they lose by 1 and Iran draws, scoring at least 4 more goals than Spain (e.g. Iran 4-4 Portugal, Spain 0-1 Marocco)
Portugal 1st: - they win or draw and get a better result than Spain * Portugal 2nd: - they win or draw and get a worse result than Spain * - they lose, but still have a better result than Spain * Portugal eliminated: - they lose and have a worse result than Spain *
Iran 1st: - they win, Spain draws or loses Iran 2nd: - they win, Spain wins - they draw, Spain loses by 2 or more - they draw, Spain loses by 1, but Iran scores at least 4 goals more than Spain Iran eliminated - they lose - they draw and Spain wins or draws - they draw and Spain loses by 1, and Iran does not score at least 4 goals more than Spain
* = About tiebreakers between Portugal and Spain: better result = have a better goal margin or score more goals. In case of the same result, FIFA Fair Play Ranking (FFPR) is deciding. Currently Spain has the advantage here with 1 point, Portugal has 2 (lower is better) If that also ends even, lots are drawn.
Meanwhile, what do you portugese think of Cedric Soares? He's got this funny german dialect from not-too-far-where-I-grew up, quite likely because he's parents used to live there, so I automatically like him. But I barely ever notice him playing, which might be a good thing given that he's a defender.
So stupid from Ronaldo. He has to know the Iranians will look for any opportunity to fish for a card. He is so lucky that he barely did not fully hit the Iranian there, otherwise it would have been goodbye for the next games.
On June 26 2018 04:43 sharkie wrote: All Morocco needed was 1 point from the previous two games and Spain would have been eliminated in the group stage again
On June 26 2018 04:41 Ysellian wrote: yea Morocco are good. Just couldn't score against Portugal and Iran.
Very good, unluckiest team at the tournament. Very slight margins and a bit of luck they wouldve topped the group and been good value for it.
Yeah, just that extra point against Iran instead conceding that last second own goal would've seen them through.
haha yeah quick maths too
On June 26 2018 04:46 Shellshock wrote: By the end of the group I’m a lot less impressed with Spain and Portugal compared to how I felt right after they played each other
Yeah instead of both teams being good, they were actually both shit haha.
On June 26 2018 04:46 Shellshock wrote: By the end of the group I’m a lot less impressed with Spain and Portugal compared to how I felt right after they played each other
The question is if there is any team in this wc which is impressive. I guess belgium so far
On June 26 2018 04:46 Shellshock wrote: By the end of the group I’m a lot less impressed with Spain and Portugal compared to how I felt right after they played each other
The only thing impressive that game was CR7 scoring three goals. Otherwise it showed that Portugal has no one except CR7 and Spain conceded 3 goals against a single player...
On June 26 2018 04:46 Shellshock wrote: By the end of the group I’m a lot less impressed with Spain and Portugal compared to how I felt right after they played each other
You should be about Portugal. They are doing exactly the same thing they did 2016 and what Real did to win 3 CLs in a row, get got results even out of shitty performances.
On June 26 2018 04:46 Shellshock wrote: By the end of the group I’m a lot less impressed with Spain and Portugal compared to how I felt right after they played each other
You should be about Portugal. They are doing exactly the same thing they did 2016 and what Real did to win 3 CLs in a row, get got results even out of shitty performances.
You can only really judge performances, not results imo. The way I see it it is largely outside your own influence to get good results with shitty performances. There is always luck involved.
edit: And just I type this, Portugal loses first place.
On June 26 2018 04:53 [Phantom] wrote: Wow. On the last minute Portugal has a tie and Spain also ties. Both in the fucking last minute. One penality, one var.
Didnt see he spain equalizer, but read it was given after offside call overturned. But the ref did not actually blow the whistle for offside before the ball went in, right?
On June 26 2018 04:58 Mafe wrote: Didnt see he spain equalizer, but read it was given after offside call overturned. But the ref did not actually blow the whistle for offside before the ball went in, right?
you're right, flag was up but the whistle was only blown afterwards I believe.
On June 26 2018 04:58 Mafe wrote: Didnt see he spain equalizer, but read it was given after offside call overturned. But the ref did not actually blow the whistle for offside before the ball went in, right?
On June 26 2018 04:57 Mensol wrote: Uruguay will be extremely tough for Portugal. I dont think Portugal is favorite in that game sigh.
yeah its gonna be a really drab game with forwards on an island trying to win a game by themselves.
I think Uruguay is slightly better at it playing the style than Portugal though but since its gonna come down to the X factors I dont think it makes a difference.
On June 26 2018 04:58 Mafe wrote: Didnt see he spain equalizer, but read it was given after offside call overturned. But the ref did not actually blow the whistle for offside before the ball went in, right?
On June 26 2018 04:57 Mensol wrote: Uruguay will be extremely tough for Portugal. I dont think Portugal is favorite in that game sigh.
yeah its gonna be a really drab game with forwards on an island trying to win a game by themselves.
I think Uruguay is slightly better at it playing the style than Portugal though but since its gonna come down to the X factors I dont think it makes a difference.
Frigg so close Next WC Iran! Their aggressive game was a lot cooler than their defensive vs Spain. Too bad the penalty didn't work in their advantage considering that late goal by Spain.
On June 26 2018 05:05 BigFan wrote: Frigg so close Next WC Iran! Their aggressive game was a lot cooler than their defensive vs Spain. Too bad the penalty didn't work in their advantage considering that late goal by Spain.
At Iran 1-1 Portugal, Iran would still have been out even if spain had lost 1-2.
On June 26 2018 04:57 Mensol wrote: Uruguay will be extremely tough for Portugal. I dont think Portugal is favorite in that game sigh.
yeah its gonna be a really drab game with forwards on an island trying to win a game by themselves.
I think Uruguay is slightly better at it playing the style than Portugal though but since its gonna come down to the X factors I dont think it makes a difference.
One thing that gives me hope for Portugal is that Uruguay dont have much quality at both wing-backs. If Guedes play like he does at club football, he should run the show but im still worried since Uruguay got amazing CBs, and two amazing strikers who could ruin Pepe and Fonte. Portugal at the back has looked extremely vulnerable.
On June 26 2018 05:22 sharkie wrote: we have had several games where the VAR made the decision and did not need the input of the main ref (which slows the game down considerably)
this game's VAR was horrible though
Yes there were situation where the ref had just accepted the judgement by the VAR without having a look at the tv screen himself. But that's because he had chosen to agree, not because he was told so and had to obey.
On June 26 2018 05:05 BigFan wrote: Frigg so close Next WC Iran! Their aggressive game was a lot cooler than their defensive vs Spain. Too bad the penalty didn't work in their advantage considering that late goal by Spain.
At Iran 1-1 Portugal, Iran would still have been out even if spain had lost 1-2.
Good point. It would've been at least a bit closer though more painful too.
On June 26 2018 05:22 sharkie wrote: we have had several games where the VAR made the decision and did not need the input of the main ref (which slows the game down considerably)
this game's VAR was horrible though
You don't understand how VAR works. It can only recommend not overrule. And all three reviews today in the Portugal game 1) penalty foul 2) violent conduct 3) handball are judgment calls depending on the context of how the referee has judged other incidents. It isn't like an offside call or something the referee clearly didn't see where there is no doubt, so the main referee needs to make the decision himself.
The other calls have also been judgement calls... Today was the first time I saw the ref go to the videoscreen so many times. I seriously doubt the ref decided to slow down the whole game each timebecause he wanted to look at the scenes. VAR refs were just too chicken to decide on their own.
I m sure we will not see the whole ref team another time this WC
I am sure most VAR talks go like "wrong decision, we judge x" "are you sure?" 90% answer is yes. 10% not 100% Today it was 100% not sure. If they are not sure, they should go and find another job. Its 6 people in the room and if they can't reach a decision they are cowards for forcing the main ref choose!
It was not an easy call with Spain last goal even considering slowmo + VAR, don't be harsh.
VAR is a significant improvement, no matter what u guys in opposition think, I'd rather wait for another min to make it clear. Besides, players also able to rest a bit, and ref also will add tons of minutes to compensate, I'll take that deal anytime.
On June 26 2018 05:41 sharkie wrote: I am sure most VAR talks go like "wrong decision, we judge x" "are you sure?" 90% answer is yes. 10% not 100% Today it was 100% not sure. If they are not sure, they should go and find another job. Its 6 people in the room and if they can't reach a decision they are cowards for forcing the main ref choose!
Why can't the answer to "are you sure?" be "we think so, but it's a judgment call" which is completely right in every of the 3 situations today.
On June 26 2018 04:57 Mensol wrote: Uruguay will be extremely tough for Portugal. I dont think Portugal is favorite in that game sigh.
yeah its gonna be a really drab game with forwards on an island trying to win a game by themselves.
I think Uruguay is slightly better at it playing the style than Portugal though but since its gonna come down to the X factors I dont think it makes a difference.
One thing that gives me hope for Portugal is that Uruguay dont have much quality at both wing-backs. If Guedes play like he does at club football, he should run the show but im still worried since Uruguay got amazing CBs, and two amazing strikers who could ruin Pepe and Fonte. Portugal at the back has looked extremely vulnerable.
True, I really like Guedes but he has been a bit off-Color, heck on the balance of it Quaresma + Show Spoiler +
who I dont really rate outside of his [b]"once every few year years wonder goal ability"[/b
] has looked more dangerous over the group stage.
And yes thats why I was of the view that Uruguay is better at the game style then Portugal because Uruguay have enough Quality in Bentencur-Suarez-Cavani to roll Pepe and co where as on most days Godin is a one man army in the middle and has seen plenty of Ronaldo in his day so hes not getting surprised by anything at the very least.
After the Spain vs Portugal quality game I had first two teams I would cheer for once Croatia was out of the tournament but now after the group stage both teams are a disappointment and I care not for either. Spain now has a chance to run into us in quarterfinals, if they do I will be glad we get to kick their weak ass again.
The reason it's not a great idea for the game refs to check the VAR cases on the screen for themselves is because they're a lot more subject to pressure on the pitch than the VAR refs.
Haven't had the chance to watch many WC games, but I managed to watch most of the Spain vs Morocco and in general this group has been so competitive, I originally thought it would be Spain and Portugal moving on easily but every team gave it their all imo.
Not a big fan of VAR though, not because it doesn't work but it takes away the drama that makes the next morning headlines so much more entertaining ...
Spain is playing so bad. Hierro is not reacting enough, but he does not have so much experience. Firing Lopetegui was so bad idea...
We need Aspas and Costa together. Because we have possesion but we don't have goal chances. When Aspas plays he is very good, but he plays like 10 or 15 minutes with Hierro as coach. The defending is terrible, we need someone to help Busquets defeding, maybe Koke or Saul. Probably Nacho instead of Carvajal (he is not fully recovered). And De Gea is just mentally out of the team. But what can we do? Play Kepa or Reina? Silva is playing terrible too (He was very good in qualifiers) and Iniesta is too tired most matches. Both should play less.
In this three matches I only can give good score to Isco, Diego Costa and Aspas.
Iniesta is the one who should be dropped for me. Put in Koke or Saul to sit alongside biscuits, or if you want to attack me put Aspas in to play alongside Costa. Silva i know might not be playing well but he still should get around the pitch way better than Iniesta does, he is too old and been going so long this season. He should come on for last 30 minutes every game at most.
On June 26 2018 17:09 haitike wrote: Spain is playing so bad. Hierro is not reacting enough, but he does not have so much experience. Firing Lopetegui was so bad idea...
We need Aspas and Costa together. Because we have possesion but we don't have goal chances. When Aspas plays he is very good, but he plays like 10 or 15 minutes with Hierro as coach. The defending is terrible, we need someone to help Busquets defeding, maybe Koke or Saul. Probably Nacho instead of Carvajal (he is not fully recovered). And De Gea is just mentally out of the team. But what can we do? Play Kepa or Reina? Silva is playing terrible too (He was very good in qualifiers) and Iniesta is too tired most matches. Both should play less.
In this three matches I only can give good score to Isco, Diego Costa and Aspas.
in De Gea's defense he's used to shitty United's central backs that when he actually has to play behind Ramos or Pique, he had no idea how
On June 26 2018 19:21 sharkie wrote: So your suggestion is to kick out all the stars from the starting eleven? Yeah, no coach will ever do that in his team.
My post was too big and it had too much disappointment, but in summary I think we should quit Iniesta and Silva. We have Aspas, Koke, Saul, etc. It is sad, because Iniesta and Silva played very well in qualifiers but they are burnt.
I personally prefer Nacho to Carvajal right now, he can defend more and help Piqué and Ramos and it is in better shape than Carvajal. His only match against Portugal was great. I understand Hierro prefering Carvajal for more offense though.
De Gea is playing terrible, but playing Kepa without experience in the team is way worse.