World Cup 2022 - Team and Match Discussion

jacool

Messi is one of the greatest 2 natural talents I have ever seen play football, but I really wish he wasn't surrounded by the shi*housery of De Paul, Romero, Acuna etc. They got away with a lot from this referee, no Argentineans booked, despite a two-footed lunge from Romero early on, and several leaving the foot down on the other player's boot from Acuna. De Paul got a dressing down for not taking the throw ins quick enough, but no cards. Otamendi was all over Soutter for a corner, but once the Australian got his header away, Otamendi tried to claim that he had been fouled.

This ref must have his eye on getting another game later. They are like a second grade Uruguay but have much better-quality players. Despite all that though, they are just a Messi injury away from being ordinary. I wonder could the Dutch channel the "spirit" of the 2010 team, that decided that violence was preferable to football and kicked Spain up and down the pitch for 120 minutes? Eight of their starting 11 got booked that day. It could switch the balance in their favour if they could nobble the Albiceleste talisman early doors.

Before I hear that all teams are at it - I'll have to look for the team that does it least!

gormdubhgorm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119953929#Comment_119953929

I would agree with that, although not spectacular the Dutch seem to have a solidity about them that the the Argentines don't as you say. Plus don't they say every Dutch player is basically a manager on the pitch? I am not sure many of the Argentines are like that. Holland are extremely adaptable tactically. And LVG will have some plan no doubt.

fyfe79

Christ I'd forgotten that Netherlands performance in the 2010 final. Shocking stuff. I'd say a few of the Spanish players get a bit stiff in their ankles in cold weather these days because of that game.

gormdubhgorm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119954020#Comment_119954020

The Dutch damn near won it by playing 'total' dirt as well. It would have been awful if they won it like that.

fyfe79

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119954028#Comment_119954028

Nigel de Jong one of the main culprits as I remember. He now has a handy gig on Bein Sports sitting in between Richard Keys and Andy Gray. Fitting, really!

theoneeyedman

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119954089#Comment_119954089

Fitting punishment.

MisterAnarchy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119953977#Comment_119953977

Argentina are now second favourites to win the tournament outright at 5/1

They are hot favourites to beat the Netherlands which I find very odd.

If Messi plays well they have a good chance, if he doesnt they will be well beaten.

crossman47

A comment on something that bugs me - the stupidity of players taking off their shirts and getting a yellow card. I don't know the yellow card count between Cameroon and Switzerland but qualification would have come down to that if Serbia equalised and the Cameroon goal scorer got a yellow for removing his shirt in injury time. He would have been a real prat if it cost them.

Damien360

It’s been a rule to get a yellow card for time wasting by taking off your shirt since 2004. Pre-dates most of the current players starting of their careers, so there is no excuses.

chicorytip

Argentina look vulnerable defensively, particularly Otamendi and the goalkeeper Martinez of Aston Villa. I think they will beat the Dutch but Brazil look the most impressive side in the tournament -overlooking the dead rubber tie against Cameroon. They look very solid at the back and the goals will come.

trashcan

I think I still fancy France. They are at least as solid as Brazil I think, and they have Mbappe. I don’t think anyone has looked the outstanding team yet, but I think France will be hard to beat.

Loafing Oaf

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119954089#Comment_119954089

He'd definitely smash it. If 'it' is the ribcage of a Spanish midfielder...

BorneTobyWilde

I think it will be a Poland v Senegal quarter final, Poland to cause an upset, Senegal to beat England

jacool

The BBC trying to wind people up again!

"Netherlands and Argentina won on Saturday to set up the first quarter-final on Friday, but who will join them? Two more of football's powerhouses in France and England will try to on Sunday, but will they succeed?"

France World Cups 2, European Championships 2

England World Cups 1

Maybe they were using the Netherlands (1 win also) to squeeze in England there!

Xander10

The BBC seemed to go totally overboard on the Argentina performance. I found the game a bit boring. Rio Ferdinand described Messi's performance as one of the greatest individual performances ever. Do I need to re-watch the game for bits I seemed to missed or are the BBC being a bit OTT?

gormdubhgorm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119954960#Comment_119954960

Messi was very quiet for most of the game the RTE line was he was conserving energy. Not closing down etc. Especially in the first half bar his piece of magic.

Then second half last part he really switched it on and was a major part in getting Argentina over the line.

gormdubhgorm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119954452#Comment_119954452

Only thing that can stop France is complacency. Game looks too easy for them at times and they get bored-switch off.

They could be caught by that late goals conceded or something after coasting. But I can’t see Deschamps letting that happen if he does his job. This France team look even better than the 2018 side.

theoneeyedman

Are people really taking Rio in particular and the BBC panel seriously?

Their job is to troll, get a reaction, get an online hit for their opinions and witty bants.

They are in no way insightful or informative.

ShamoBuc

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119954606#Comment_119954606

A lot of people will follow you on that I reckon, over 70/1 double.

Poland should be well and truly Battered today and I hope they are as they have really offered very little entertainment value so far. They have played with their main man completely on his own up front with no support. When they do decide to move forward, their defence is shown up. Couple of early French goals today would be nice and force Poland out of their defensive shell, thus leading to more French goals probably.

England game is rather intriguing. England under pressure could very easily crumble but I'm not sure Senegal will be good enough to do that. I'm expecting a close game but England's quality is better overall, but Southgate might be uber defensive in his setup which would give Senegal a better chance. If they really go offensive they should win but he won't do that from the outset which should make it more of a game for neutrals to enjoy.

theoneeyedman

70/1....... So if you put on a fiver, you'll win nothing!

Zero chance I'd say, particularly with Poland who are a poor enough side. Functional enough, but with Lewa struggling without being surrounded by superstars they are not going to beat France.

Without Mane, I can't see Senagal beating England, but they will cause them trouble. I'd like to see Senegal go ahead to see how England react.

Like Holland, opinion seems to suggest that the team is being 'held back' by conservative coaching. That may be correct, but given the schedules of games maybe this slow, tempered approach is what's required? Even France are playing this approach, sitting in but with the explosivness of Mbappe.

It'll be a team with a big squad that wins it, so probably France or Brazil (no great insight there I know, really sticking my neck out )

Loafing Oaf

Most of the tips sites seem to be predicting a close game between Spain and Morocco, likely going to extra time.

I'd forgotten that they drew 2-2 in the group stages in 2018.

Maybe the hiding of Costa Rica has given us an inflated idea of Spain's capacities...

Mr.Nice Guy

I feel this game is trickier than a lot are predicting. I know Poland were bad against Argentina but surely there will be a reaction to that. It has the feel of that France/Switzerland game at the Euros where France got a surprise. I hope they don't think they just need to turn up to win. I'll go France to edge it after a scare or two along the way.

MisterAnarchy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119954960#Comment_119954960

BBC coverage is best avoided, its not sincere or genuine.

Their constant virtue signalling, lecturing and identity politics panels have destroyed their coverage.

I watched some of their analysis after the game and it was completely over the top, eulogising about Messi.

It was a poor match, apart from a few moments, and Argentina were hanging on in the end against a very limited Australian side.

Piers Morgan had a pop at Lineker and his chums

https://twitter.com/piersmorgan/status/1599149193204887553

MisterAnarchy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119954982#Comment_119954982

Messi hasnt closed down players in over 5 years, he usually covers the least amount of distance by any player on the pitch by a long way.

Thats how he plays now, in fits and bursts, most of the time he is just walking around .

I guess he thinks he only needs to switch on a few times in a game to make a difference.

DJIMI TRARORE

Poland to play 10 @the back,with lewi on the halfway line, hopefully a couple of early French goals

Quazzie

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119955714#Comment_119955714

Piers Morgan is only saying that because he has a new horn for his best buddy Ronaldo.

Esse85

Poor old Matty Cash has a tough time trying to stopp Mbappe.

Mr.Nice Guy

Big miss from Giroud.

sligeach

Frankowski very lucky there that France didn't score. Terrible first touch and then passed it straight to France.

trashcan

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119955639#Comment_119955639

The way it’s started is bearing this out. Bad miss by Giroud there. Poland very much in the game though

sligeach

What a series of chances for Poland. Should have been a goal. First shot straight at Lloris.

Mr.Nice Guy

They're making a game of it Poland. Don't know how they didn't score there.

Great goal line clearance from Varane.

TheRiverman

Am I the only one who thinks free kicks from outside the penalty area have been dreadful in this World Cup ? Another awful one so far in this game by Lewandoski.

martyos121

BBC comms fawning over that save from Lloris. It was literally straight at him.

If he doesn’t save that, they’d be calling it a howler.

Xander10

I did wonder how your man was getting away with the jewellery

sligeach

Now Poland have paid for those misses. Giroud, 1-0 France.

Mr.Nice Guy

Giroud with the breakthrough. Nice finish.

Esse85

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119955843#Comment_119955843

I just wonder does the wall really be 10 yards back. My guess is no.

Would love to see refs get stricter on this and see more goals from direct free kicks as a result.

Mr.Nice Guy

Lloris a lucky fella there. He's looked nervous. Not been a convincing display from France defensively.

Esse85

Lloris is so dodgy, surprised France haven't anyone better than him.

TheRiverman

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119955865#Comment_119955865

Shaving foam must scarce to mark the ground 😁.

BorneTobyWilde

Poland losing, but should be winning

gormdubhgorm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119955859#Comment_119955859

It was more surprising the extra time was only 2 minutes.

ShamoBuc

Poland beginning to come forward a bit more, France will surely be looking for a breakaway goal with the speed they have on the wings.

ShamoBuc

Whistle was a tad early, Lovely goal won't count.

Esse85

Lewandowski for me, has been as ineffective as the likes of Suarez, Ronaldo and Bale.

theoneeyedman

Very unfair on Suarez that.

He was brilliant in the Ghana game, led the line well and played hell, involved in both goals. He s like the others, he can't do it for 90min every few days, but he has something to offer, and when the chips were down he was good.

Not his fault that Uruguay were chasing goals with him, Nunez and De Arrascaeta watching on helplessly

Mr.Nice Guy

MBAPPE!

sligeach

2-0, Mbappe. That's probably it for Poland.

ShamoBuc

There it is. France 2-0.

Game over now, might see another few French goals now.