World Cup Soccer 2018

[hell_storm2004]

This is one group i wouldn't mind if all three teams qualified! They are all so neck n neck

[resopamenic]

Yeah. Bitter end for senegal. It's so tight

[hell_storm2004]

Japan and Columbia through! Davison Sanchez and Muriel were great. Apart from that, Columbia were very disappointing.

[Mr Minio]

WTF Poland won.

Why :(

[resopamenic]

WTF Poland won.

Why :(a farewell gift from dai nippon 😂

[hell_storm2004]

Lewandowski, one of the most lethal strikers of this generation, went home without a goal.

[honeykid]

He's not looked right all season though. Nothing I can put my finger on. Just not himself. Bit like Thomas Muller, though he's looked dog**** for a couple of seasons.

[hell_storm2004]

Probably thinking about how to get away from Bayern!

[hell_storm2004]

"Is it coming home?" time.

[hell_storm2004]

Panama leading! :p

[SeeingisBelieving]

Turgid game tonight – it was like watching the England we're used to. Rashford is so frustrating at times :p. Anyway the next two games should be comfortable for the first team.

[hell_storm2004]

Yeah it should be. It was a match much better losimg!

[Tugg]

Chypmunk won the wager there will be no more than two games with 0-0 result. Congrats, the guess was tight.

[Chypmunk]

Chypmunk won the wager there will be no more than two games with 0-0 result. Congrats, the guess was tight.
Thanks, surprised anyone remembered me mentioning it :)

So, with no WC matches today the football mantle falls to Lincoln Red Imps and Drita with their CL qualifier first leg match this evening. In true faildiction style I've gone for a cheeky 1-2 away win for Drita :)

[hell_storm2004]

Lincoln Red Imps FTW. Would love to see a team from the Gibraltar play in Europe!

[hell_storm2004]

Tomorrow's schedule looks to be the best of all the second round fixtures.

[Stirchley]

Turgid game tonight – it was like watching the England we're used to. Rashford is so frustrating at times :p.

Annoying to watch. England going through the motions for 90 minutes.

[Stirchley]

Found out that though we have Fox with basic cable, we do not have Fox Sports. This is also why I cannot stream from Fox Sports.

So disappointing. We never had ESPN, but they let us stream the games. Fox really really sucks!

Yes, we could sign up right now for expanded cable (which we will never watch), but our Comcast bill is already $109 a month, including Internet service.

The mystery is how I was allowed to stream Spain vs. Portugal the other day without any problems. Frustrating day. Wanted to watch England & I’m chasing around for a place to watch. I cannot watch the games on Telemundo. It’s just not the same when you don’t speak the language.

Fox is super-annoying. Now I find out that I can stream the games & husband can watch on the telly. Wish they’d make up their bloody minds.

[Stirchley]

Love hearing Derek Rae commentate on the games. Could listen to him for hours.

Amazing that it took until 2018 for there to be female commentators. I like Aly Wagner. Good team with Rae.

[Stirchley]

John Stones. Love his name. :p

[resopamenic]

https://sportshub.cbsistatic.com/i/r/2018/06/28/0e70d953-ce49-415f-9925-0544eef02775/resize/750x422/9a1601a39ae697f6115e02b9898175db/cbs-wc-printable-bracket-16-2.png

[Chypmunk]

Faildictions....
France 2 - 0 Argentina
Uruguay 1 - 2 Portugal
Spain 2 - 0 Russia
Croatia 2 - 0 Denmark
Brazil 3 - 1 Mexico
Belgium 3 - 0 Japan
Sweden 2 - 1 Switzerland
Colombia 1 - 2 England

[honeykid]

Colombia 1 - 2 England
pleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleaseplease

Really looking forward to the first and last games of this round. A couple of questions for you all. Would Sweden beating Switzerland or Uruguay beating Portugal be considered upsets?

[Chypmunk]

I'd definitely not say Sweden beating Switzerland was an upset myself.
Uruguay beating Portugal might perhaps be regarded as one in some quarters I guess, personally I'd only be minorly surprised if the result were to go that way.

[Nathaniel]

Neither would be upsets.

I think Uruguay are one of the best teams left with the top centre back pairing in international football. Sweden look surprisingly better without Ibra than with him, Switzerland would still be my pick to go through but its close.

Today is a complete write off. The weather is so good today too but there's no way I'm missing these two games.

[hell_storm2004]

Time to throw some knockout punches!

[hell_storm2004]

I am tipping Switzerland over Sweden. Unless the goal celebration ban comes through. They just have a bit more going forward. I wouldn't say Uruguay beating Portugal is an upset. A solid defense, two of the most deadly strikers. Portugal, just rely on one man.

[pahaK]

That Argentina's goal was a true beauty.

[hell_storm2004]

France have been a much better team overall. But its just a moment of magic that got the score to 1-1.

[resopamenic]

Mess.. Mercado!!

[resopamenic]

Man, what a stunner! Pavard!

[hell_storm2004]

Two wonder strikes... the knockout phases are on! :love:

[resopamenic]

France turn to lead again, nice game so far

[resopamenic]

Ah it's so early as the game seems sealed right now. Mbappe on fire

[hell_storm2004]

The inevitable is happening. France taking full control of the match.

[Chypmunk]

Trying to convince my bookies that 4-2 is the equivalent of 2-0, not sure how I'm getting on though tbh :shrug:

edit: Oh well, all moot now :D

Some cracking goals, been a good match from a viewer perspective.

[resopamenic]

Well time to change team, Uruguay!
Oh wait i could do it twice tonight 😮

[pahaK]

France - Argentina was really entertaining game. Probably the most fun I've had in these games this far.

[hell_storm2004]

A cracker to start off with. Hope the other ones live up to this. But i dont think the next one would be this good. Both teams are very much "park the bus" teams

[Tugg]

Finally we saw impressive France. France that could win it all. Their counter- attacks are worse to none. Great game, though. Argentina wasn't a walk over either.

[hell_storm2004]

As a Brazil fan, I am more worried about France than Belgium. France has the talent pool to put in 3 teams at this world cup.

[WrinkledMind]

Just read the last two pages and found no mention of Croatia as potential winners. They have a world class central midfield, decent defence and if Mandzukic starts firing then they can win this competition.

[SeeingisBelieving]

Just read the last two pages and found no mention of Croatia as potential winners. They have a world class central midfield, decent defence and if Mandzukic starts firing then they can win this competition.

I'd love them to win. It'd be nice if someone different gets it.

[SeeingisBelieving]

As a Brazil fan, I am more worried about France than Belgium. France has the talent pool to put in 3 teams at this world cup.

I hadn't really seen France up to now but I was still going for a result of 4-1 to France and expected them to batter Argentina. Ended up being slightly more evenly balanced than that.

[Guaporense]

France's defense is pretty bad actually allowing 3 goals from Argentina and they also suffered one goal from the abysmally bad team of Australia. While Argentina's defense was abysmal in this world cup suffering 9 goals in 4 matches, even against weak teams like Iceland and Nigeria. I found Argentina's attack was actually pretty impressive though thanks to the high technical level of their forward players.

If France play against Brazil in the semi-final one should note that Brazil only suffered one goal over the last 8 matches they played and that goal is thanks to a disputed referee decision. So France is probably not going to score easily while their weak defense means Brazil is probably going to score multiple goals. So far I am more scared against Belgium than against France. My hope is that Japan pulls an unexpected victory over Belgium like Korea did over Germany. :D Japan is one of Brazil's biggest "customers", that is a team that we always beat.

By the way, Uruguay has been doing very well in this cup. Winning all 3 matches while not suffering a single goal, so far they have the best campaign in the cup. Croatia and Colombia are also doing pretty well.

The probability is high that this time a team that never won the cup will win this one, with Belgium, Croatia, Colombia, Switzerland, Sweden and Portugal being very good teams.

While three out of the four traditional champions are already out: Italy didn't qualify, Germany is out in the group stage, Argentina is out now. Now only Brazil remains among the core of very traditional teams.

[Guaporense]

pleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleaseplease

Really looking forward to the first and last games of this round. A couple of questions for you all. Would Sweden beating Switzerland or Uruguay beating Portugal be considered upsets?

I actually think Uruguay is really good, conversely I think that Portugal beating Uruguay can be regarded as perhaps an upset given how poorly they have been playing. Uruguay has ranked second in the South American qualifiers after Brazil while Argentina was ranked 3rd place.

[hell_storm2004]

It happens. Umtiti and Verane are excellent defenders. Umtiti has had a immense season. Belgium is tough. France will be rock hard to beat.

[hell_storm2004]

I hadn't really seen France up to now but I was still going for a result of 4-1 to France and expected them to batter Argentina. Ended up being slightly more evenly balanced than that.


I have seen most of them play in the league. Not much of the national team. A moment of magic and a deflection made it close. But never looked in it, when France showed up for the second half.


Laporte, Martial, Rabbiot, Lacazette, Coman, Ben Yedder, Sakho weren't even selected. :(


If Ben Yedder and Rabbiot were Argentinian, they would have a much better chance. France should have loned them the players. :p

[Guaporense]

Uruguay won! Yeah, my predictions today have been right for all matches for the first time!

Uruguay and France will be a big match, both teams are extremely good in their own way. Well, its the world cup quarterfinals and it's match up to the ideal standards of the world cup.

[resopamenic]

Yeah two Goat ship home tonight.
The workrate of uruguay is impressive, satisfying Catenaccio

[resopamenic]

Oscar tabarez is probably the coolest grandpa at the moment
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/10/09/07/4521AE5900000578-0-image-a-2_1507532090831.jpg

[hell_storm2004]

Yeah ... today's were expected. Tomorrow's will be mostly one sided.

[Guaporense]

Tomorrow I think the games will be more disputed than today.

Denmark and Croatia might be very disputed as they are very good teams that are evenly matched, with Croatia being superior but not by a huge margin.

While I think that Russia will have a huge home advantage against Spain, specially because they probably bought all the referees. So they might not have the technique but this FIFA is corrupt and that will compensate a lot.

I think that only Japan and Belgium will not be disputed in this round of 16. Colombia and England and Sweden and Switzerland will be very close as well. Even Brazil and Mexico will be a hard game for both teams although with a clear favorite.

[Guaporense]

This is a Brazilian bank's prediction for the world cup from the round of 16 onwards from their macroeconomic statistical department:

https://images.infomoney.com.br/uploads/financas/copa_do_mundo_itau.png?1530298209215

Even Brazil's current central bank president helped to make the predictions back in 2014 cup when he was the president of this bank. I wonder why a bank will try to make these predictions but maybe because if Brazil wins the cup it affects the economy. :D

So far they gave gotten it right and apparently the only match that is almost certain in the round of 16 is Japan and Belgium.

[hell_storm2004]

Today's were quite predictable. Tomorrow's too. Spain will win. Just a matter of by how many. Upsets happen, but at least might not happen in this one. Croatia has a far better midfield than Denmark. So too the forward line. Denmark just have Erickson to rely on for goals and chances.

[gandalf26]

Here we go! First penalties of the WC. Got to massively favour Spain.

[cat_sidhe]

:lol: That was great.

[gandalf26]

Wow go on Russia. Another giant falls!

[cat_sidhe]

Wow go on Russia. Another giant falls!

I'd be really happy with an "underdog" battle to the finish.

[pahaK]

That was pretty boring game. Full defense by Russia and Spain was way too happy to just control the ball. That Spanish guy who caused the penalty must feel great now.

[WrinkledMind]

As a red, I thoroughly enjoyed watching Ramos cry.

[Nathaniel]

Massive upset when you consider the state this Russia team was in before the tournament.

[SeeingisBelieving]

As a red, I thoroughly enjoyed watching Ramos cry.

I don't blame you.

Fantastic result – miracle save at the end. Good lads :up:.

[Guaporense]

Now all the favorites are in one bracket

[Guaporense]

Spain 2010 is really like Hungary 1954: they were a singular event in the history of their national teams.

[resopamenic]

Last night was like watching carling or fa cup lol
Literally spain problem is the same, they slave for their own style with no plan b

[SeeingisBelieving]

It was awful wasn't it? I wanted Croatia to win but obviously I would have liked them to play better than they did. I really expected Denmark to beat them right to the end.

[hell_storm2004]

I think i should just take a retirement from predicting. This world cup has been rubbish for that! :(

[hell_storm2004]

Spain were woeful, left right left right, and nothing in the box. And yes, for the other match, i thought Denmark were more deserving to go through. Second half onwards they were brilliant.


England's path became easier now. Fueling the question... "Is it coming home?" :p

[hell_storm2004]

Mexico started well.

[honeykid]

As a red, I thoroughly enjoyed watching Ramos cry.

Me too. :D There's a few of that Spanish team who had me cheering for the Russians. Shame for those I like, but the style of play has never appealed to me and seeing them try and do it without the players needed makes it all the more dull as those last few incisive passes rarely materialise.

The only good thing about Brazil going out (if they do) will be Neymar won't be happy.

[Chypmunk]

Well done Neymar!

[hell_storm2004]

We have the lead! :)

[hell_storm2004]

For all his talent... Naymar does deserve the Oscars.

[resopamenic]

I remember foul before this he already concerned with that part of his feet. But who know this neymar we talkin about lol

[resopamenic]

One goal more and it finish, give us ur screamer countinho!

[hell_storm2004]

He was stamped on, yes, but the reaction was like taking a bullet.

[Chypmunk]

Should be game over now.

[resopamenic]

He was stamped on, yes, but the reaction was like taking a bullet.in an earlier foul there moment neymar already rub that part over and over and probably the stamp just triggering that lol
But yeah it over the top still

[resopamenic]

Oh it's no coutinho but firmino!

[hell_storm2004]

No worries! Onwards we go! Belgium, France... would be stiff challenge!

[Ultraviolence]

Hell yeah!!!
https://f.i.uol.com.br/fotografia/2018/07/02/15305448525b3a42d44bf93_1530544852_3x2_md.jpg

[Chypmunk]

No worries! Onwards we go! Belgium, France... would be stiff challenge!
Yeah, I'd deffo advise playing them one at a time or it's gonna be a huge task :)

[resopamenic]

No why u ppl forget my man,
Uruguay ftw!
https://i1.wp.com/78.media.tumblr.com/68ebcf89461dcdc2fa1b028432a5ecdf/tumblr_pb5eyzDsFH1tf8a5ao1_400.gif?w=747&ssl=1

[hell_storm2004]

We'll beat Belgium, they just dont have the pedigree. Not sure about France. Also depends which France shows up, the group stage one or the Argentina one.


But this WC, who knows... it might very well be Brazil vs Japan.

[resopamenic]

It's like there no chances for japan but i hope they give some worthy for us to watch against belgium

[resopamenic]

We'll beat Belgium, they just dont have the pedigree. Not sure about France. Also depends which France shows up, the group stage one or the Argentina one.i still unsure about france since the un-cohesive argentina still gave them hard time, for some extent . But who know since their also deep in squad with more flair potent players
If the right France finally show up,i hope it's not against us :D

[resopamenic]

Belgium pretty much, is still untested for so im not put my believe unto them, for now. No such england match couldnt be barometer! Seriously 😈

[Stirchley]

Don’t understand your comment about England. Please try again.

[Mr Minio]

Stirchley She said she doesn't believe the England vs. Belgium match (in which Belgium won) is a determinant of how good Belgium is.

[resopamenic]

*adding little spice for england fan :D
https://media1.tenor.com/images/4cb1a2d5ef3c84009dfb10d051d73211/tenor.gif?itemid=9978260

[Mr Minio]

https://i.imgur.com/q0mleBy.jpg

[resopamenic]

https://i.imgur.com/q0mleBy.jpghttp://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/000/113/257/dfb.jpg

[resopamenic]

Warming up before a game is never this bizzare
https://youtu.be/WIKqgE4BwAY
https://youtu.be/M8-vje-bq9c

[hell_storm2004]

The England match wont be a test. England virtually played a second string team. so too did Belgium, and once Belgium went a goal ahead, England just stopped trying coz 2nd place was a better place to finish. The Belgium side loaded with land mines. England side of the draw is pretty limp. But have to say it again, this WC, its all up in the air.

[pahaK]

Warming up before a game is never this bizzare
https://youtu.be/WIKqgE4BwAY

Babymetal is great. Still any info on Yui?

[hell_storm2004]

Ah Baby Metal... annoying as F. They need a someone like Angela Gossow for the band. Their music is heavy enough, but voices are way too squeaky.

[resopamenic]

pahaK
I have none. A friend usually come up with this thing but seems nothing happened so far.
These not only in babymetal, ppl way overwork there

[Mr Minio]

Baby Metal is good for mainstream otaku crybaby n00bs.

[hell_storm2004]

Japan started well, but slowly Belgium growing into the game. But Japan is not parking the bus at all. Good stuff!

[hell_storm2004]

600 posts! :)

[pahaK]

Baby Metal is good for mainstream otaku crybaby n00bs.

Fortunately I don't care whether something is mainstream or not, only if it's good :rolleyes:

[resopamenic]

Baby Metal is good for mainstream otaku crybaby n00bs.posting hanatarash will against the rule 🤓

[Chypmunk]

600 posts! :)
Go on then, I'll bite.

I know there's two at each end and one on each corner ..... where's the other 592 then???

[hell_storm2004]

Japan lead!! :D

[Chypmunk]

Scored on the break .... a case of Nippon nip off then :)

[Mr Minio]

only if it's good :rolleyes: that's reason enough not to listen to it
posting hanatarash will against the rule 🤓 hanatarash is poser music for hipster wannabes

Japan scored lel

[pahaK]

Japan lead!! :D

2-0 :D

[resopamenic]

Omg belgium ****ed up for real!

[resopamenic]

hanatarash is poser music for hipster wannabes
better than conformist like perfume 😂

[hell_storm2004]

This World Cup is totally weird!



2 up now! Brilliant!

[hell_storm2004]

I have to say awesome performance. Comfortable on the ball, right amount of risk. Deserved it!

[Mr Minio]

better than conformist like perfume 😂 Perfume is life-affirming. Get back to your AKB48 or whatever travesty you're listening to these days!

[hell_storm2004]

2-1... It is going to be a thriller!

[Chypmunk]

Kinda hope Japan hold on now tbh.

[hell_storm2004]

Kinda hope Japan hold on now tbh.

Me too!

[resopamenic]

better than conformist like perfume 😂 Perfume is life-affirming. Get back to your AKB48 or whatever travesty you're listening to these days!ewh offended, kukuku

[resopamenic]

I just hate it must be felaini

[resopamenic]

What a setback for japan after impressive display, what a game

[hell_storm2004]

United power! :)

[hell_storm2004]

All of a sudden Japan look ragged. I think Belgium might seal it now! :(

[resopamenic]

What an exiting and open game. If japan slow down a litle offensively after 2 nil lead and take a breather they probably still have the advantage

[resopamenic]

Oh my god two streak saves from kawashima! The game should be into extra time!

[hell_storm2004]

Heading that way, but the way things are going, Belgium might get a third in injury time. And they are tiring now as well.

[resopamenic]

Heading that way, but the way things are going, Belgium might get a third in injury time. And they are tiring now as well.yeah they seems already run out of steam. The advantage will be on belgium

[Chypmunk]

Booooooooooooooo!!!

[hell_storm2004]

It was coming!

[hell_storm2004]

Tragic! But it was inevitable. If not in 90 mins then in ET for sure. They were tired after 80 mins. But super credit to the performance. It was a brilliant performance.

[resopamenic]

What a bitter end

[hell_storm2004]

What a bitter end


:(:(:(:(:(

[resopamenic]

Still best decision to not skip this game 😊

[WrinkledMind]

Greatest 45 minutes in World Cup history. Take a bow Japan.

[resopamenic]

What a bitter end


:(:(:(:(:(the performance that stole our heart 😊


Still gutted by felaini 😈

[Mr Minio]

ewh offended, kukuku Awww, don't be mad.

You won't be mad, will you?

You won't be mad at me?

https://media.tenor.com/images/a36007e68df424947ff4d41357dfeba1/tenor.gif

You forgive me, yes?

Good. Now get back to crying in your corner because Japan is out and your taste is inferior to mine. :devil:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okclddpv_9k

[resopamenic]

ewh offended, kukuku Awww, don't be mad.

You won't be mad, will you?

You won't be mad at me?

https://media.tenor.com/images/a36007e68df424947ff4d41357dfeba1/tenor.gif

You forgive me, yes?

Good. Now get back to crying in your corner because Japan is out and your taste is inferior to mine. :devil:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okclddpv_9k
https://media1.tenor.com/images/1cbbd6c0c90903ee206647cbb23da87a/tenor.gif?itemid=5465355

[resopamenic]

Okay last gif for tonight :D
https://media1.tenor.com/images/28558d71f6659b09ca0b2cf65b5be1cb/tenor.gif?itemid=11121362
😪

[Guaporense]

So now it begins. The decisive phase of the cup after the filtering of the "favorites who weren't playing well" (Argentina, Germany and Spain).



Belgium and Uruguay so far have the highest mountain to climb since they need to beat Brazil who suffered 1 goal in the last 9 matches while winning 8 and France, which has been underperfoming in most recent matches but showed tremendous attacking power against Argentina after they began losing. While people often complain that Brazil doesn't do magic anymore the fact is that this Brazil has been the most consistent national team I have ever seen. It's completely different from 2014 Brazil and it's inconsistency, this one plays like a machine that first focus on negates all the spaces for the opponents to score and gradually grinds down on their defenses with overwhelming talent.

It appears that the French and Belgian teams are very reactive since they tend to play at full speed only when they begin to lose. Or maybe that was only during those matches. That means that Brazil and Uruguay must close up very well right after they score.



Traditionally the biggest weakness of Brazil is their psychological fragility if they are losing. Thats not recent but it happens quite often with Brazil, I guess Brazilian players carry on their back the responsibility for winning: in the Brazilian national team winning the world cup is not regarded as some kind of great feat but as an obligation and so the players are under extreme pressure to perform. If they start losing it gets on their heads and the team stops working. I think that Brazil's super rock solid defense has been arranged to not allow the team to be ever placed in this kind of situation.



I think that Uruguay has been often underestimated as well. Although their team lacks the star power of France, Belgium or Brazil they have been playing with maximum efficiency and together with Brazil they have best defense of the cup. Their main issue is that they have few super good players and so if one gets injured like it happened last match the team is seriously hindered. Because of that factor I think that France's opponent is weaker than Brazil's but in terms of consistency Uruguay has been playing better than Belgium which played really badly today against Japan for two thirds of the match.

[Mr Minio]

https://media1.tenor.com/images/1cbbd6c0c90903ee206647cbb23da87a/tenor.gif?itemid=5465355 You know, you look cute when you're angry.

[resopamenic]

https://media1.tenor.com/images/1cbbd6c0c90903ee206647cbb23da87a/tenor.gif?itemid=5465355 You know, you look cute when you're angry.https://78.media.tumblr.com/f38487607339530967bd85f9acd939d0/tumblr_ndgkfeG6hR1ra3d0do1_500.gif

[cat_sidhe]

Well! Pretty sure that was the first wedgie of the tournament. :lol:

[Chypmunk]

Well! Pretty sure that was the first wedgie of the tournament. :lol:
Back in my day they just used to swap shirts :D

How Sweden aren't leading at half time is beyond me :(
(it isn't really - quite simply it's because they've not managed to legitimately put the ball in the back of the net)

[cat_sidhe]

Back in my day they just used to swap shirts :D

How Sweden aren't leading at half time is beyond me :(
(it isn't really - quite simply it's because they've not managed to legitimately put the ball in the back of the net)

Could be my red shoes? :shrug:

:lol:

[Chypmunk]

Could be my red shoes? :shrug:

:lol:
You and your 'tarty' feet :p

[cat_sidhe]

Could be my red shoes? :shrug:

:lol:
You and your 'tarty' feet :p

:D

Blue jeans and yellow shirt though. Sartorial support standoff! :lol:

[cat_sidhe]

YAAAAAAS!

Omg pub just erupted. :eek:

[Mr Minio]

Swiss javlar!

[cat_sidhe]

I love Olsen's face seconds after he has to save. :lol:

[cat_sidhe]

A bit squeaky bum time there towards the end. Wedgie reference unintended. :lol:

[resopamenic]

Too much felix kjellberg faces in this match xD

Boring fodder game, at least there little spice provided by var at the end

[cat_sidhe]

Comments on FB regarding Sweden:

England: "They look like drunk Brazil"

Ireland:" What an Irish performance from the Swedish!"

:lol:

[hell_storm2004]

Sweden through... boy that was dull match!

[hell_storm2004]

Now for the good one, gut says Columbia are going to pull it off!

[cat_sidhe]

I bought lotto tickets last time Sweden played. Won enough for 2 more, (boyfriend zilch, but he remarked I usually have the "go again" type of luck to last us both). Today, used that to get 2 more. This time scratched before game. As they were national antheming. Boyfriend again zilch, I won a single go again (or money out, but I tend to "go again", but only on specific occasions, so I actually hardly ever pay for these silly scratch and sniff tickets) :lol:

I'll redeem it next game. :D

[cat_sidhe]

Sweden through... boy that was dull match!


For YOU maybe. We were having minor heart attacks. :lol:

[cat_sidhe]

Also, how dare you! :lol: We gave impressive underwear grab.

[cat_sidhe]

In Stockholm, we have the biggest screen for outdoor showing of the world cup 2018. The Tele2 Arena, where it's shown the width of a football field so you get the arena feeling. Between 15 000 and 20 000 pitched for today's game (can't quite hear the exact crowd numbers over the noise here but it's in that ballpark pardon the pun...) They're showing crowd reactions right now...wow. :lol: I love it. The country is IN A GOOD MOOD. <3

[hell_storm2004]

Well after Japan Belgium yesterday, everything else will be a let down! Well its nice that they made it after 24 years.

[cat_sidhe]

Well after Japan Belgium yesterday, everything else will be a let down!


That was plain awesome. I secretly hoped Japan would win. Their attitude is THE BEST. Team AND crowd. But my mother is Belgian and I bought red sneakers. It was going to have to be Belgium. :D

[hell_storm2004]

At the start i wanted Belgium to win, coz Brazil Belgium to be so much fun. But when i watched Japan play, i wished they made it through. But if Japan can do that to Belgium, Brazil should beat them nicely. But its football, another day, another story!

[cat_sidhe]

Hej Matti... (@mattiasflirtysomething. FlirtyYogurt83? Förlåt!)



45822

[honeykid]

Doesn't usually bother me too much whether England win or lose (obviously I'd rather they won) but when an opposition plays like that I really want us to beat them now. Hope the ref is stronger in the second half.

[hell_storm2004]

This will be the final score. The match is a bit scrappy. But i dont think Columbia have enough with James to do anything.

[hell_storm2004]

I dont think Columbia is going to end up with 11 men on the field.

[cat_sidhe]

I'm guessing Colombia scored? Walking down a street and a man in a yellow jersey ran at me screaming.

I can only assume...and hope it wasn't my face.

[WrinkledMind]

Was just about to say Columbia have looked clueless against an average England, and Mina scores.

[hell_storm2004]

England and penalties are like cream filled biscuits!

[Chypmunk]

England win a pen shootout :eek:

[Nausicaä]

Woo hoo. :)

[The Rodent]

That game between England and Colombia was disgusting.


Colombia fouling left right and centre, there should have been at least 4 red cards... yet the Ref only issues Yellows?


By the 2nd half, they should have been at least 7 Colombian players vs 11 England players. At least.


Headbutting players between balls? C'mon Ref. Get a grip and do your job man.


England won though on penalties, though they should have has at least 3 penalties and been 4 men up at the end.


**** the World Cup after that disaster.


Apart from my Daughter playing for Huddersfield, I have no time for Football, but ****, that was a disgusting game.

[hell_storm2004]

Finally it has happened. A penalty win! Is it coming home?

[cat_sidhe]

Headbutting players between balls?

Best syntax of the year nominee...

[hell_storm2004]

Best syntax of the year nominee...

:D:D:D:D

[matt72582]

That's 3 penalty shoot-outs in the last few days!

[Chypmunk]

Early faildictions....
Uruguay 1 - 1 France
Brazil 2 - 0 Belgium
Sweden 1 - 2 England
Russia 1 - 1 Croatia

[WrinkledMind]

I actually fancy Sweden to win against England. Remember they defeated Italy and Holland in the qualifying rounds, and were unlucky against the Germans in the competition. Without that airhead Zlatan (wonderful player no doubt, but an annoying idiot) they look a better unit.

[honeykid]

I really thought the ITV curse was going to kick in again last night. But not only did it not (although we still didn't win) but we beat the World Cup penalty hoodoo, too. Amazing.

Shame about the way Colombia played, but I don't really blame them. If they're going to be allowed to do it, then why would they stop? It's the officiating which was/is the problem. Persistant fouling is a thing, right? It would appear that's not the case in a World Cup. I see that Rodent had 4 red cards. I certainly had 2 (a straight red and two yellows for Cuadrado and it's possible that one or two more might've gone for persistant fouling too) while the headbutt is outrageous. Not even VAR'ed?

Excellent save by Pickford at the end and last one in the shootout.

Sweden next. A team we don't have a good record against. Quite possibly penalties again. :eek:

[resopamenic]

Early faildictions....
Uruguay 1 - 1 France
Brazil 2 - 0 Belgium great bracket!

Sweden 1 - 2 England
Russia 1 - 1 Croatiahttps://youtu.be/otfr7er9CIY

[gandalf26]

England is about to go berserk for a week if they beat Sweden.

I reckon they will declare a public holiday for the Monday after if England get to final.

Road through my town center had to close last night with everyone chanting outside the pubs after the game.

[Stirchley]

England vs. Colombia was a fantastic game. I died 10 times! Aly Wagner on Fox had written England off after Colombia’s last-minute goal (said they were “petering out”), but she underestimated the team. Harry Kane so inspiring. Got the 1st penalty kick in the net, which gave everyone confidence. I was hoping for sudden death myself, but just glad England went forward. Even Prince William tweeted about the game. His 1st tweet ever.

[gandalf26]

I didn't get to watch. I'm actually working now for every potential England game. Not too fussed

[Stirchley]

Wish they were playing at 2 p.m. on Saturday instead of 10 a.m, since I am not going to be able to sit down & watch a football game at that time. Annoying.

[hell_storm2004]

Oh.. that is sad!

[hell_storm2004]

Its time for two of the big boys to go home. France and Brazil to do it today!

[resopamenic]

Well seems i can go fully in 1st half. just in 2nd :'(
Meanwhile ronaldo to juventus very buzz lately

[matt72582]

I've had the brackets hand-written on my wall :)

[hell_storm2004]

I have to say Uruguay have played well, even though they are a goal down. Second half would interesting.

[resopamenic]

One goal down. I hope it's not a bad sign

[hell_storm2004]

France look better with Matuidi than Tolisso.

[resopamenic]

Muslera just did a karius.

[hell_storm2004]

Muslera just did a karius.


:D

What a howler!

[resopamenic]

Muslera just did a karius.


:D

What a howler!lookin how **** the france are it's quiet a bummer 😂

[resopamenic]

And mbappe goes neymar 2.0

[hell_storm2004]

Well its Uruguay, they are trying to play a stop start game. If the opposition come at them, France can really turn it on.

[resopamenic]

Yeah double edge sword for them. It's just the france build up look unconvincing - 2nd half

[hell_storm2004]

France have managed the game well. No way back now.

[resopamenic]

Well seems there wont be any more goal or exciting game play 😕 these turn to boring match. Karma for me

[honeykid]

5 minutes to go and he's crying already. Both hysterical and sad.. Uruguay have their very own Gazza. Pleased to see them go out though. I'm sick and tired of niggly teams.

[resopamenic]

It's like every france opponents turn into/already been sh1t against rather than them being so impressive.
Well another "that's football 4 u" reminder

[resopamenic]

Now if brazil vs belgium turn just like this putin can lockin the trophy for himself

[WrinkledMind]

I was genuinely shocked to see Suarez not punching or stabbing someone during that little incident. Weird seeing him exit the World Cup without any controversy.


On a serious note, France were worthy winners. Uruguay looked a little short on quality. And the keeper's mistake doesn't help.

[hell_storm2004]

France will be tough for any team in the semis. I hope its Brazil.

[WrinkledMind]

Spare a thought for Oscar Tabarez. I don't know much about his ailment, but it's been quite journey for him as the manager from 2006 (his second stint as the manager of the Uruguayan national team). Hope he gets better.

[Stirchley]

10 minutes to the next game. Gonna be fun. Brazilian fans are fun to watch.

[hell_storm2004]

This is the big one today!

[hell_storm2004]

Brazil have started well. Lets hope we win.

[Chypmunk]

Brazil score first!!

in their own net :eek:

[Stirchley]

Frickin Fox has locked us out of the game. Some games they let us stream, some they don’t. So pissed.

[Chypmunk]

Two nil - great strike.

[hell_storm2004]

It was a great goal. This is going to be tough.

[Chypmunk]

Difficult to see Brazil going the 90 without scoring but their 'rock solid' defence isn't looking so good right now. I've just had a sneaky little tickle on Belgium winning 4-2.

[Tugg]

Belgium counter- attacks are savage!

[WrinkledMind]

Brazil need to bring on Bobby. Jesus looks out of form (criminally wasted a free header) and our Bobby offers much much more.
Brazil are also missing Casemiro.

[Stirchley]

Watching it now on Telemundo. Better than nothing. The commentators go bat**** when there’s a goal.

[hell_storm2004]

Need a goal quick. Belgium have become comfortable defending narrow.

[Nathaniel]

Lukaku has been utterly superb. Unplayable in this form.

Belgium's big three stepping up.

[resopamenic]

Now i dont think brazil could strive from this situation, premier league best eleven-literally- way too solid

Laugh when see felaini in line up but man showed he truly wild card with his presence and stature

[Chypmunk]

How is Neymar not booked for that? Never gonna stamp out all the simulation unless they start taking serious action against it, just not giving the penalty is not enough imo :(

[mariamjosephjr]

i dont think brazil is going to make it

[Chypmunk]

Ain't no chunky female warbler knocking one out yet.....

[mariamjosephjr]

75 minuets!!!! still no goal :(

[Nathaniel]

Coutinho's pass!

Subs have changed the game. Firmino & Costa playing well.

[hell_storm2004]

Game on again!

[Tugg]

Belgium goalkeeper has lots of work. The goal was coming!

[hell_storm2004]

If we got the penalty... we would have been in the lead by now! :mad:

[Chypmunk]

She's singing now!
Well done Belgium.

[resopamenic]

Courtois is MotM tonight.

[Nathaniel]

Happy for Belgium, maybe this is the year that the golden gen delivers.

Thibaut's reaction at the end was great.

[Stirchley]

Good game. Brazil missed a lot of chances at goal.

Telemundo commentators never stop talking for one second. Fatiguing to listen to them. Much prefer Derek Rae.

[hell_storm2004]

Fellaini/Witsel combo was excellent

[resopamenic]

Firmnho, douglas and Coutinho chances, The last shot from neymar, man still cant believe they are not make it into extra time

[Mr Minio]

Only European countries still in.

[resopamenic]

Fellaini/Witsel combo was excellentbrazil snipers have hard time 😂
https://static.videezy.com/system/resources/thumbnails/000/003/960/small_2x/palmtrees.jpg

[WrinkledMind]

I am not changing my team, and still backing Croatia,but the team that wins the France Belgium semifinal is now favourite to win this.

[Tugg]

The penalty wasn't given after replay because the ball had already left the playing field and Neymar had no control of the ball by the time he was cut.

[The Rodent]

Hehhehee!
Bye bye Neymar.
All you can do is fall over, roll around and scream... to the point even the referees ignore you completely now.


Go home and rethink your career because you obviously can't play football.

[hell_storm2004]

Oh well, we'll do it next time. At least no one is even close. England, France have one, all the others have none.

[mariamjosephjr]

Belgium knock Brazil out of the World Cup :(:(

[mariamjosephjr]

better luck next time :sick:

[Nausicaä]

Waa haa. :D

https://i2-prod.chroniclelive.co.uk/incoming/article14874047.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Funny-signs-for-Englands-World-Cup-clash-with-Sweden-were-put-up-in-the-Ikea-store-in-Gateshead-by.jpg

Although, like the Euro cup when we were knocked out by a Nordic team(Iceland), we are probably going to be knocked out by yet another Nordic team(Sweden) but I assume not as embarrassing this time... ;)

[Nathaniel]

Waa haa. :D

https://i2-prod.chroniclelive.co.uk/incoming/article14874047.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Funny-signs-for-Englands-World-Cup-clash-with-Sweden-were-put-up-in-the-Ikea-store-in-Gateshead-by.jpg

Although, like the Euro cup when we were knocked out by a Nordic team(Iceland), we are probably going to be knocked out by yet another Nordic team(Sweden). ;)

Glorious :rotfl:

They look much more confident than they did 2 years ago. I'm hoping they make it to the final and then get hammered as that would bring the most entertainment value.

[Stirchley]

we are probably going to be knocked out by yet another Nordic team(Sweden)

England’s not going to be knocked out tomorrow. Think positive!

[Yoda]

https://twitter.com/Billy_WHUFC/status/1014851187118616578

[Dani8]

Lol.
Very old joke but still...

[hell_storm2004]

West Ham... :D

[honeykid]

^^I love that joke.^^

About five minutes after the England win I thought it'd be pens against Sweden. Until today. Today I think it'll be 1-0 either way. But I'd love it if we won. I think the '04 Euros was the last time I was excited by an England team and, even then, I didn't really care much if they won or not. I think '86 was the last time I was this into England actually winning/doing well and I think that's mostly down to the team. They just don't seem to have any dickheads. They just seem nice. Hell, I even forgive Jesse Lingard flossing. :shrug:

[Cobpyth]

Crazy night for us Belgians!

[Yoda]

Yes, congratulations to the citizens of...Belgia? Yeah that sounds right. Congratulations Belgia!

[gandalf26]

Well I Hope England win despite being Scottish, if anything just to see the country go Bat**** crazy for the next week!

[Chypmunk]

Just realised my underpants are Blue and Yellow today so guess I'm supporting the Swedes today after all :eek:

Has all the atmosphere of a group match thus far, which is disappointing :shrug:

[Chypmunk]

Just what the game desperately needed - a goal!