World Cup 2022 - Team and Match Discussion

Definitely off when the balls kicked.

In fairness people from the UK are our biggest immigrant group. Same as most English pubs with TVs would show our game over a US game.

With Stephanie Roche on punditry would you blame him?

Why would you mess around like that at the back? You're asking for trouble and Spain nearly paid the price for it. Boot it up the field next time.

Lovely finish from Morata.

What a chance for Musiala. Simon did well.

Is that not a peno for handball?

Germany score !

We’ve seen them given week-in-week-out in the Prem in fairness

great tackle

Don't know why he didn't shoot instead of trying to go around the keeper

Brilliant game.

As expected,the game of the tournament so far

Definitely a place on the England bench for that musiala lad

I got 20 quid on them even though I didn't really think they could do it. I still don't. But they showed a bit of character tonight. And they're still in with a chip and a chair.

It's all about attitude really. With todays attitude they would have won the Japan game no bother.

I thought at the start they'd grow into the tournament, which they are now, and that game will bring them on hugely. Their confidence, team unity and workmanlike approach is back, which was lacking under Lowe for several tournaments. Had that been a knock-out game, Germany had them beat all ends up.

It's a marathon, not a sprint, and like Italy in tournament football, Germany grow into it. What both do best is go under the radar and turn over flaky favourites, which is what this tournament is full of...Brazil, Spain, Argentina, France etc. Would you really back against Germany turning them over in a battle of attrition in extra time when it really matters?

Germany have been better than their one point suggests and have been a tad unlucky so far, but they'll continue to improve, coming in unfancied. This is what Germany do best, just watch the grinding unfold!

Germany, like Italy, carry something that is priceless. A winners belief and mentality no other team carries. Brazil of course often win as they were so far ahead quality wise at times, but when they aren't, their confidence looks shot.

Germany and Italy have a culture of winning and it's ingrained in the national psyche. How many times have they been up against it and outplayed, but were the team still standing? History doesn't lie. These two teams carry a belief passed on for generations, that they'll win. Doesn't always happen, but more often than not they will win.

The German squad deep down really believe they can win it, like Italy at the Euros, and are quietly confident. I look at the other teams and I don't think they can say the same, I see doubt and hope in most, don't genuinely carry that winners mentality and steadfast confidence.

Make no mistake, when it really matters Germany will be in the mix. Not even Brazil can match them in consistency at the world cup. This is what Germany do, again and again!

I actually think that this Brazil team looks pretty strong. Perhaps they are at their weakest in defence, but they have their choice of great keepers. From midfield on they are more than a match for anyone.

The fact that they have real quality off the bench as well could swing games late on. I had them down to face Argentina in a semi-final, wholly dependent upon both winning their groups. They are definitely a last 4 pick, and possibly better, for me.

Richarlison, who selection was mocked, will score again against Switzerland.

In fairness, people have been saying that about Busquets for years.

Positioning always beats pace, and Busquets is the embodiment of that.

This sums him up to perfection:

Positioning beats pace up to a point.

He has been caught very badly out of position for Barcelona over the last few seasons and he doesn't even bother to try and get back.

Its obviously not as noticeable in a side like Spain who dominate possession and try to pass teams to death.

I always thought his job was to get away with fouling people but also roll around like a baby at the slightest touch to himself.

What is the name of the Cameroon fella in the RTE studio? Joey something? He was very good anyway going through the team.

Pavlovian response to that ball into the box from big lad Pavlovic

Within a minute or two, Serbia now lead 2-1. Too easy.