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2018 FIFA World Cup |OT| Go big and get VAR'd!
- Thread starter GoldenEye98
- Start date
S
SLoWMoTIoN
Unconfirmed Member
England wins!
Croatia struggling to balance their offence with having to keep up with the much faster English forwards on any counter.
They had some good chances around the 30-40 minute mark but England did as well.
This could very well have been 3-0 had English strikers been more aggressive.
It took Kane awhile to realize the ball was still in play with a wide open net after the first Subacic block and that cost him the easiest goal to make.
The current goal early on is regrettable, but far more troubling are the turnovers and panic against the English runners.
Croatia isn’t out yet though conceding another goal to the English will seal the deal.
They had some good chances around the 30-40 minute mark but England did as well.
This could very well have been 3-0 had English strikers been more aggressive.
It took Kane awhile to realize the ball was still in play with a wide open net after the first Subacic block and that cost him the easiest goal to make.
The current goal early on is regrettable, but far more troubling are the turnovers and panic against the English runners.
Croatia isn’t out yet though conceding another goal to the English will seal the deal.
England came apart in the second half. No true ideas since Croatia equalized with the excellent long cross and the Croatians gained a morale boost. Were it not for that shot just bouncing off of the post, England would be out right now.
Croatia is still playing too recklessly , to Modric’ chagrin with all those out of bounds crosses, but they’re attacking constantly and they’re already used to playing 120 minute soccer as opposed to 90.
Hopefully Croatia scores before it gets to PKs...
Croatia is still playing too recklessly , to Modric’ chagrin with all those out of bounds crosses, but they’re attacking constantly and they’re already used to playing 120 minute soccer as opposed to 90.
Hopefully Croatia scores before it gets to PKs...
Hissing Sid
Member
Oh dear, it seems traditional England has gone and turned up. Yet another match you can barely watch from between your fingers.
Time to get the Rennies out.
Time to get the Rennies out.
Hissing Sid
Member
Although I occasionally watch the big tournaments I’m not really that into footy, probably because when I was a kid I had all the athletic prowess of a ships anchor.
So bearing that in mind I find myself a tad confused by tonights result, perhaps someone who’s more versed in the rules of the beautiful game could clear this up for me....
Does this mean that football is in point of fact, NOT coming home??
....
Just askin.
I can see the headlines already. ‘England Hero’s Beaten But Unbowed!’
Because at this stage taking a bit longer to be knocked out than usual = Victory.
On the bright side at least the Shite music will finally stop and fuck face Teresa May won’t be able to leech any glory for PM’s questions.
So bearing that in mind I find myself a tad confused by tonights result, perhaps someone who’s more versed in the rules of the beautiful game could clear this up for me....
Does this mean that football is in point of fact, NOT coming home??
....
Just askin.
I can see the headlines already. ‘England Hero’s Beaten But Unbowed!’
Because at this stage taking a bit longer to be knocked out than usual = Victory.
On the bright side at least the Shite music will finally stop and fuck face Teresa May won’t be able to leech any glory for PM’s questions.
JimboJones
Member
Thank fuck lol. Good job Croatia.
Dee Dah Dave
Member
Probably a fair result in the end. England not good enough in possession through the midfield, and not clinical enough up front. Walker has also been the weak link of the defence. A decent tournament run though for a young team, but they should have put this game to bed in the first half.
Hopefully Croatia now go on and win it. Good luck!
Hopefully Croatia now go on and win it. Good luck!
Hahahahahahahahahaha!
Congratulations Croatia for a hard won victory and true grit. England had speed but no stamina and as the game wore on, the Croatian team ended up being faster. Kudos for Croatia for keeping the action up until the last moment instead.
This will teach all those English announcers a lesson about needlessly praising England and putting down Croatia as if they’re a speed bump.
Look whose coming home now!
Congratulations Croatia for a hard won victory and true grit. England had speed but no stamina and as the game wore on, the Croatian team ended up being faster. Kudos for Croatia for keeping the action up until the last moment instead.
This will teach all those English announcers a lesson about needlessly praising England and putting down Croatia as if they’re a speed bump.
Look whose coming home now!
The yobs will likely end up taking it out on their wives or girlfriends.
Domestic violence goes up by about 38% when England lose in a World Cup tournament.
demigod
Member
England definitely gassed out. I knew they were done when it went to overtime. Should've taken Lingard out. Missed opportunities by Kane on the 2nd shot that he was called offsides on. Would've been up 2-0.
Scopa
The Tribe Has Spoken
Thank god we don’t have to listen to insufferable England fans for the next 4 years.
I’ve never seen a nation’s group of fans/media get so far ahead of themselves every.single.time. Without fail.
Normality has returned.
Would be an amazing turnaround if Croatia win a World Cup.
I’ve never seen a nation’s group of fans/media get so far ahead of themselves every.single.time. Without fail.
Normality has returned.
Would be an amazing turnaround if Croatia win a World Cup.
Chairman Tickles
Banned
Yeye go Hrvatska my home country. Must beat france, france does not deserve victory. It's not even a french team. They just threw money at the problem.
Azurro
Banned
Oh God, this is amazing, I am a bit sick so I kind of passed out, only to wake up and see this result. This is incredible, both teams heavily made up of Premier League players are out, while Serie A is represented quite nicely in the final. I hope for Mario Mandzukic that Croatia wins it, though I think France is going to take it.
As for England, weren't they way too overhyped? The times they actually ran into tough opposition they folded. Colombia was not really quality this year aside from a couple of players, and yet pundits and such already had them in the final.
As for England, weren't they way too overhyped? The times they actually ran into tough opposition they folded. Colombia was not really quality this year aside from a couple of players, and yet pundits and such already had them in the final.
Dirk Benedict
Gold Member
Damn. Guess I'll go for Croatia, then. They did beat England, which I was also rooting for, mind you.
take_it_easy
Banned
That was such a stressful game. So glad Croatia won.
S
SLoWMoTIoN
Unconfirmed Member
RIP England heh.
Desmond Sultana
Member
So does Croatia have a realistic shot of beating France?
longdi
Banned
Croatia gameplan is pressing high up the field, since they played all 3 ko games till extra time, i doubt they have the legs to chase France.
Unless France is the perennial loser and they stumbled to Portugal 2.0. Croatia need lots of luck and an early goal.
Oh well the UKers generally lacked a few top talents, they played as a good team (spurs) and they lost as a 2nd tier team(spurs). If only they have a prime Rooney instead of sterling. The guy is so bad with the ball. Im surprised Pep is keeping him around.
Scopa
The Tribe Has Spoken
I think so. France haven’t been overly impressive imo, except for that really fast player (I forgot his name).
I said at the start that this was anyone’s World Cup, because the traditional powers were all off their game.
Croatia could easily win it. It’d be good to have a new champion.
Russo
Member
Everyone wants a new world champion, but it will be very difficult for Croatia.
France is extremely fast than Croatia.
Scopa
The Tribe Has Spoken
That is true. Croatia have very smart and very experienced attacking players though, that play in very technical leagues and all you need is one chance. I still think it’s a 50/50 game.
Russo
Member
They played carelessly in the second half and also in extra time.
Croatia was fantastic at that time.
ruvikx
Banned
England needed a Steven Gerrard in midfield last night. The stars didn't align on that front, i.e. the 'golden generation' of ten years ago had a weak backbone & shit goalkeeper, whereas this team had a strong backbone, strong keeper, yet not enough match winners who could save the team when shit hit the fan.
Boss Mog
Member
I was 4/4 on the quarters and 2/2 on the semis
See, I told you @SecretOfEvermore. But now I'm sorry to tell you that I predict France winning 3-1 in the final.
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ruvikx
Banned
They're all douche bags, Croatia included. We're talking about self-serving millionaire footballers here who're interested in two things in life: themselves & the money they'll earn in their careers. Griezmann aired a one hour (no kidding) documentary before the world cup called 'the decision' in which he revealed whether he'd sign for Barcelona or stay at Atletico Madrid. He chose the latter (stating financial reasons, aka nearly 20 million euros a year salary), but the entire oeuvre was a masterclass in narcissism.
In terms of the overall picture & 'impact' of the world cup, suppressed national pride has found an escape route in football & every 4 years lots of people lose their minds. The actual football itself is of little concern to most people watching, i.e. they're just interested in seeing their nation 'win'. Within one week no one will give a fuck (just like for Germany, Spain, Italy, Brazil & France before).
I mean if France wants to make their win in this tournament famous they'll have to give the final some panache (lots of goals, excitement etc.) because in this day & age of saturated entertainment & media, the next 'big thing' to keep the masses occupied is merely days (or hours) away.
Makariel
Member
While I think it would be good to have a new champion, I don't think Croatia could "easily" win this. The France that was playing against Belgium was more convincing than the France that played in the group stage (so I doubt they got really tested so far), while Croatia was on the brink of dropping out twice on the arguably weaker side of the knockout-table. However, my predictions were wrong 100% of the time so far, so if you are a betting man I recommend putting your money on Croatia
From earlier:
... so I predicted the correct final by assuming I was wrong, so this time I predict France to win hence I assume Croatia will be world cup winner 2018. There you have it.
Scopa
The Tribe Has Spoken
When I say “can easily win it”, I don’t mean they will win it easy, I mean they are every chance to win it, just as France are.While I think it would be good to have a new champion, I don't think Croatia could "easily" win this. The France that was playing against Belgium was more convincing than the France that played in the group stage (so I doubt they got really tested so far), while Croatia was on the brink of dropping out twice on the arguably weaker side of the knockout-table. However, my predictions were wrong 100% of the time so far, so if you are a betting man I recommend putting your money on Croatia
From earlier:
... so I predicted the correct final by assuming I was wrong, so this time I predict France to win hence I assume Croatia will be world cup winner 2018. There you have it.
It’s a World Cup final. All bets are off. Both teams go in equal. It’s a 50/50 game in my eyes.
Scopa
The Tribe Has Spoken
Odds are not foolproof. That’s why everyone is not a professional gambler. If it was that easy, we’d all do it. What were the odds for Hillary Clinton to win the U.S. election?
The euphoria of making their first World Cup final could very easily carry Croatia over the line. There are upsets in professional sport all the time.
Makariel
Member
Of course not, that's why they are called odds and not certainties. Doesn't change the fact that the chances are not 50/50.
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Scopa
The Tribe Has Spoken
You are really determined about this, lol. Are you French? Does the saying: “this is anyone’s game” exist where you’re from?
I just can’t fathom why you can’t see that two nations playing a cup final against eachother on neutral ground is an equal footing game. We’ll have to agree to disagree.
You obviously don't believe that a football game has 50/50 randomness (i.e. a coin toss) and that the outcome of two established teams cannot be studied and predicted to varying extents. That's what odds are.
Makariel is clearly not saying that Croatia cannot win because of the odds - but is instead pointing out that bookmakers and the betting public (who drive the changes in odds) have determined that France is more likely to win.
Being the underdog is a better place to be anyway. Makes winning all that much better.
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Scopa
The Tribe Has Spoken
I strongly believe all odds go out the window when it comes to a final. Following many sports for 30+ years has proven that to me.
What were the odds of Russia knocking out Spain? History proves my point time and time again.
Russo
Member
Mbappe has a long way to go. He is surrounded by an excellent team.
Makariel
Member
lol no I'm not French, but it strikes me that you don't quite grasp what probabilites mean? As B BadHand points out, nowhere was I saying Croatia can't win, as a matter of fact I wrote it in boldface type just a few posts earlier that I think Croatia will win, despite the odds. Are you actually reading what I write or do you just argue against what you mean that I mean??
So if "everything goes" all the time, how come in the history of the world cup there are only so few different winners, and so many of them repeat winners? You might recognise that apart from Italy the 7 previous winning nations have been present in the knockout stage this world cup as well. If the world cup was really as open to anyone as your 30+ years of sports-following experience would suggest, wouldn't we expect many more different winners?
I really don't understand what your problem is appreciating how impressive it is that Croatia has come all the way to the final, even though they are the clear underdogs in this final? In my view you downplay their efforts by saying that essentially everyone could win it at this stage, almost as if it doesn't matter that they beat a number of teams ranked well ahead of them. Anyway, if you really feel like mathematics is for losers I don't know how I should argue with that and concede. Have your wish, whatever that is (I'm not quite sure what you trying to prove anyway? That people who try to use maths to understand the world are idiots?).
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