World Cup 2018

The tournament is so open. Has there ever been a World Cup before that was as open as this?

One of the semi-finalists is going to be Sweden / Switzerland / Colombia / England.

Why do I now get this horrible Feeling that the semis & Final will be straight shootouts between European and Central & South American sides?
THE TOP HALF
With the top half heavily in favour of the Americas my gust instinct one semi could be Brazil V Uruguay.

I think Mexico will have to do something v special to beat Brazil and I certainly don't think France can handle Argentina. I know both sides haven't impressed me in group stages, but expect Argentina to steam roller
France for a Quarter final v Uruguay
Portugal V Uruguay will be possibly be the closest game in the top half of the second round with Uruguay winning on penalties
A Quarter Final BETWEEN Argentina & Uruguay should be one to savour with Uruguay coming out on top
we should see the second Quarter Final play out Between Brazil & Belgium but Brazil in top gear will be too much and a step too far for Belgium.

SO SEMI 1 IS: URUGUAY V BRAZIL

THE BOTTOM HALF
I'm going for a Colombia Vs Russia semi sadly.
I cannot see us coping with Colombia and beating them. Colombia & Russia have been a little more outstanding than us and both will be too strong for whoever they face.
We need to be at our v disciplined best on Tuesday in Moscow but it should again be close but we will have to bow to the inevitable penalty shootout.
Russia should pretty much stream roller their way through their passage easily enough crushing both Spain & Denmark in the process.
Colombia having disposed of England should have no problem disposing of either Sweden or Switzerland in their Quarter final game

SEMI FINAL 2 IS: RUSSIA V COLLMBIA

(28-06-2018 22:31 )papahet3969 Wrote:  id have taken japan over colombia any day

I know we have beaten Brazil in friendlies in the past but I don't think we came as close to beating them in a WC as we did in 2002. and don't forget Brazil haven't hit even hit top gear yet

(28-06-2018 22:31 )papahet3969 Wrote:  id have taken japan over colombia any day

Agreed. But then you'd face Brazil. Arguably Colombia and Switzerland/Sweden is the easier route.

No World Cup football today!

This is my favourite moment of the tournament so far, Korea's first goal aginst Germany.

My top 3 moments so far.

1. Panama cheekily kicking off and trying to score against England, whilst England players were still celebrating their 3rd goal.

2. Michy Batshuayi smashing the ball off the post and into his own face as he celebrated Belgium's goal against England.

3. Milad Mohammadi of Iran in their match against Spain completely failing in his attempt at a somersault throw-in.

FIFA have released the VAR stats for the 48 matches of the tournament's group stage.

Penalties awarded by VAR: 6
Free kick outside the box upgraded to penalty: 1
Penalties cancelled: 2
Goals reinstated after being disallowed for offside: 2
Red cards downgraded to yellow: 2
Yellow card given to a different player (mistaken identity): 1

Total number of decisions changed: 14

That's an interesting stat the last one but does that mean that VAR overruled the referee's decision or is it the other way around?

Isn't it more about informing than overruling, as the refs have a choice still, depending on how obvious something is, don't they?

Argies to stuff the Frogs!!