2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia

[Orac Zen]

I only saw the last 30 or so minutes (the time difference is very unkind for this World Cup), but...wow. Argentina were dire. I'd figured their opportunity had come and gone in Brazil (but hoped otherwise), but I'd not realised they were quite this dismal. Poor Messi. Croatia were excellent and fully deserved the win.

As for Australia, I've not seen the replay yet but it would appear our usual issue - actually scoring goals - was a major problem yet again. It's a problem we need to solve if we're going to progress in this sport.

 

[EmoBorg]

I saw the Australia game with Denmark. Arzani and Leckie impressed me alot. But the main problem that i noticed was the lack of finishing. Also during free kicks, Australian players needed to improve their positioning.

 

[Orac Zen]

Yeah, we lack that extra class that's essential at this level. A few "experts" are going off about Cahill, but really - if we're reliant for goals on a 38-year-old who's hardly played over the past year, it's pretty pathetic.

It could have been worse, though. Some of our efforts in qualifying were bloody awful and in retrospect it's a very good thing that (former manager) Postecoglou fell on his sword when he did. In a short space of time van Marwijk has made us much more organised and has us playing to our (rather limited) strengths. It's a pity he won't be staying.

 

[EmoBorg]

Good to see Nigeria win. Now Argentina must beat Nigeria in their final game in order to enter the round of 16.

 

[Kilana2]

Almost over... Switzerland scoring. Ripping his shirt off will earn him a warning. F$$$ it!

 

[JirinPanthosa]

Good to see Nigeria win. Now Argentina must beat Nigeria in their final game in order to enter the round of 16.

Don't they also need Iceland to either not win, or win by one fewer goal than they do?

 

[Orac Zen]

Terrific game between Serbia and Switzerland. A draw would probably have been a fair result but there it is. Makes the last round of games in that group even more interesting.

The use of VAR seems to be a bit...err...selective at times. It was good to see the penalty awarded after Neymar's Robben tribute overturned, but how the quite blatant foul on Mitrovic was missed by all the officials is beyond me. Very poor stuff.

 

[Jax]

VAR is a total mess and it needs more structure because at the moment it's use is wildly inconsistent.

Also why the hell are Ref's not doing anything about diving in this WC? Book the bastards ffs!

 

[EmoBorg]

The Nigerian jersey is sold out in where i am from. It is very hot right now.

 

[Kilana2]

Sweden just missed a big chance. Germany would be in big trouble against stronger teams.....

 

[Relayer1]

And it's one nil to Ikea !

Outstanding...

 

[Kilana2]

To quote Trappatoni: Flasche leer.... (empty bottle means being awkward, weak and powerless)

 

[Jax]

The 4x and current defending World Champions and lets be honest here, WORLD CUP Group experts at progressing are 45 minutes away from being dumped out after 2 games. Last time Germany went out at the first hurdle, 1938

 

[Kilana2]

The 4x and current defending World Champions and lets be honest here, WORLD CUP Group experts at progressing are 45 minutes away from being dumped out after 2 games. Last time Germany went out at the first hurdle, 1938

Maybe a good sign for England, Portugal and Spain. Germany off the radar to lose again in a penalty shootout. I don't care. It's time for Jogi Löw to cede his job to someone else.......

 

[Kilana2]

Maybe Jogi gets the chance to continue. Germany with a comeback I never gave them credit for....

 

[Relayer1]

Indeed.

Germany being.....Germany.

 

[Kilana2]

Indeed.

Germany being.....Germany.

With a big bag of luck......

 

[Orac Zen]

Superb goal by Kroos, though.

 

[Kilana2]

Superb goal by Kroos, though.

The Swedish team stalled, the extra time was justified.

 

[Jax]

You had one job Sweden booooo