Marking the move of freebasing to a more structured deliberate 'forum' approach, a topic for World Cup 2022 discussion

A couple of days to it all kicks off...

BBC summary

The World Cup starts in Al Khor's Al-Bayt Stadium on Sunday and finishes at Lusail Iconic Stadium in Doha on 18 December.

Thirty-two teams will contest the tournament, which will be played out in 64 matches over 28 days, including hosts Qatar, holders France and five-time winners Brazil.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup

 

 

 

Best team through, should have been in 90mins, but Argies showed great character to boss extra time and pens, with momentum, and the support, Argies are traditionally dangerous, we're 50/50 tomorrow, got a hunch we might edge the French, by any means necessary, no great teams here today,  fitness, athleticism and organisational nous is cancelling out a lot of the games,which all teams at this level have now, mistakes, or the odd glimpse of genius are deciding games, it's anybodies, there is no back line like Italy 2006 (Nesta, Cannavaro, Chielini, Zambrotta, Grosso, Buffon) no midfield, Spain 2010, (Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets, Silva) no frontline Brazil 2002, (Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho) really enjoying it though 

Kev

I am beginning to think Morocco might win in now. 

They look more resilient and determined than anyone and with all the local support. 

Its all pretty open. 

Been an excellent tournament imo...Opposite of what I predicted.

Its been great watching matches on a cold, wet December evening. When it's on during a hot, June afternoon, you dont really want to be sat inside watching telly with the curtains shut. 

England had the players to win this tournament, an average France team missing 5 certain starters and Morocco in the semis. Southgate was everything I expected of him... Clueless. Desperate for a goal with grealish and madders available,no let's put a jet lagged sterling on , one of the most overrated players I've ever seen. We needed a lion leading us and had a pussy cat. End of rant come on premier League.

Boo hoo ... 

 

Great to see the England cricket team performing so well over in Pakistan ... 

15 minutes ago, Woodbutcher said:

Boo hoo ... 

 

Great to see the England cricket team performing so well over in Pakistan ... 

No boo hoo from me , couldn't care less about England football team I'm lcfc first second and third, just stating some truths. Yes the cricket team doing excellent 👍.

1 minute ago, Leicester Boy said:

No boo hoo from me , couldn't care less about England football team I'm lcfc first second and third, just stating some truths. Yes the cricket team doing excellent 👍.

It was a general "Boo hoo" not specifically aimed ... 

I detest football and what it's become and was amused yet again by the reactions to the result , especially after telling the onlookers last night that the penalty was going wide just by reading Kane's eyes ... thankfully it was a civilised soul-do crowd so no lynching occurred ...  

24 minutes ago, Leicester Boy said:

No boo hoo from me , couldn't care less about England football team I'm lcfc first second and third, just stating some truths. Yes the cricket team doing excellent 👍.

Couldn't care less, after ranting about their performance?? 🤔

1 minute ago, Modularman said:

Couldn't care less, after ranting about their performance?? 🤔

You want to get glasses mate didn't rant about the team, just the manager is that clear enough for you.  Or do you want it in pictures.😂

3 hours ago, Leicester Boy said:

You want to get glasses mate didn't rant about the team, just the manager is that clear enough for you.  Or do you want it in pictures.😂

You yourself said "rant over", after slagging the manager and players off. Want to borrow my glasses? 😂

6 minutes ago, Modularman said:

You yourself said "rant over", after slagging the manager and players off. Want to borrow my glasses? 😂

It was a rant about the manager and one over rated player but whatever keeps you happy big boy.👍

Now , now ladies ... play nicely ...  just put your Morocco shirts on and start enjoying yourselves ...  

Just now, Woodbutcher said:

Now , now ladies ... play nicely ...  just put your Morocco shirts on and start enjoying yourselves ...  

Yea Christmas is coming 🤣👍

52 minutes ago, Leicester Boy said:

It was a rant about the manager and one over rated player but whatever keeps you happy big boy.👍

I thought you weren't ranting, make your mind up! 😂😂

I think the lady doth protest too much!

one of my kids brought me back a Tagine from holiday 10 years back...so as far as i'm concerned that makes me part Moroccan.

Come on the Atlas lions 😀

back on it

Semi-final fixtures

Tuesday December 13
Argentina vs Croatia - Kick-off 7pm

Wednesday December 14
France vs Morocco - Kick-off 7pm

after the two quarters tonight's looking like it could be a feisty one

Argentina to win in 90 is my take (early payout feature in the quarters was a lifesaver for me)

any takes?

 

7 hours ago, Source said:

back on it

Semi-final fixtures

Tuesday December 13
Argentina vs Croatia - Kick-off 7pm

Wednesday December 14
France vs Morocco - Kick-off 7pm

after the two quarters tonight's looking like it could be a feisty one

Argentina to win in 90 is my take (early payout feature in the quarters was a lifesaver for me)

any takes?

 

Enjoyable watch

GOAT ? - Yep

Penalty ? - Yep

Say I

 

 

 

 

 

 

39 minutes ago, Source said:

Enjoyable watch

GOAT ? - Yep

Penalty ? - Yep

Say I

 

 

 

 

 

 

Messi is almost certainly the best ever IMO.

Definitely a penalty too.  It's ok Neville saying what could the keeper do, the keepers actions caused a foul.  Anywhere else on the pitch by any other player and it would have been a foul.  How the attacker was supposed to avoid him I'm not sure.

Shame for Modric mind, one of the greatest ever, but Croatia were pretty poor.

11 hours ago, Chalky said:

Messi is almost certainly the best ever IMO.

Definitely a penalty too.  It's ok Neville saying what could the keeper do, the keepers actions caused a foul.  Anywhere else on the pitch by any other player and it would have been a foul.  How the attacker was supposed to avoid him I'm not sure.

Shame for Modric mind, one of the greatest ever, but Croatia were pretty poor.

the test for Messi will be if they do indeed face France in the final. Right now, I wouldn't put Messi in my top 6 for this World Cup, but recognize his past performances in other competitions and at club level. 

Enjoyed the game last night Croatia were poor but Argentina seem to get better each game , Messi has been sensational in the last few games so too has Alvarez who will give Guardiola a nice selection headache when he gets back to Manchester.

I would like to see Messi get his hands on the trophy and to see Ronaldos face if he does.

 

 

 

Subjective, when rating player's contributions, or placing them in order, don't agree with Ken, but hey, that's just me, everything, barring that 1 penalty miss, Messi touches, turns to gold, the descriptives "great" "genius" "legend" are used fleetingly in sport, but any superlative attached to Messi is justified,  his movements are economical, at 35, that's understandable, he's taking everything in, surveying the field, finding the pockets, which is an art in itself, considering the attention from the opposition, then choosing the moment to explode, people think he's just walking around, how wrong they are, incredible football brain to go with unrivalled command of a football, Player of the tournament by a country mile for me, and hopefully, the GOAT in waiting, come Sunday

Kev 

6 hours ago, Kev Cane said:

Subjective, when rating player's contributions, or placing them in order, don't agree with Ken, but hey, that's just me, everything, barring that 1 penalty miss, Messi touches, turns to gold, the descriptives "great" "genius" "legend" are used fleetingly in sport, but any superlative attached to Messi is justified,  his movements are economical, at 35, that's understandable, he's taking everything in, surveying the field, finding the pockets, which is an art in itself, considering the attention from the opposition, then choosing the moment to explode, people think he's just walking around, how wrong they are, incredible football brain to go with unrivalled command of a football, Player of the tournament by a country mile for me, and hopefully, the GOAT in waiting, come Sunday

Kev 

He's the greatest ever for me now mate.  Like you say the attention paid to him by the opposition is usually three or four players and still he is leaving them bewildered.  For a 35 year old he still has that ability to get away form the attention, his ability to slow the defender down then speed away simply amazing to watch.  To go round and through 3 or 4 players, there is no one like him and that includes Mbappe.

Has he played every minute so far?  I don't recall him being subbed?  Pretty amazing at his age.

Like youn say his footballing brain is on another level compared to others, he is three steps ahead at least and he makes it all look simple.  Definitely player of the tournament so far.

25 minutes ago, Chalky said:

He's the greatest ever for me now mate.  Like you say the attention paid to him by the opposition is usually three or four players and still he is leaving them bewildered.  For a 35 year old he still has that ability to get away form the attention, his ability to slow the defender down then speed away simply amazing to watch.  To go round and through 3 or 4 players, there is no one like him and that includes Mbappe.

Has he played every minute so far?  I don't recall him being subbed?  Pretty amazing at his age.

Like youn say his footballing brain is on another level compared to others, he is three steps ahead at least and he makes it all look simple.  Definitely player of the tournament so far.

Despite my complete lack of interest in the game these days I often find myself watching Mr Messi's feats on YT ... with a big smile on my face ... undeniably the most gifted individual to ever have set foot on a pitch ... 

1 hour ago, Woodbutcher said:

Despite my complete lack of interest in the game these days I often find myself watching Mr Messi's feats on YT ... with a big smile on my face ... undeniably the most gifted individual to ever have set foot on a pitch ... 

Have you watched the documentary onn BBC iPlayer?  simply called Messi.  Fascinating, he does things with the ball at 9 or 10 that adults can't do.

13 minutes ago, Chalky said:

Have you watched the documentary onn BBC iPlayer?  simply called Messi.  Fascinating, he does things with the ball at 9 or 10 that adults can't do.

Seen it Karl, awesome,  the two greatest players of all time imo, wear the No10 shirt,  and are from the same country 👍 

Kev

42 minutes ago, Chalky said:

Have you watched the documentary onn BBC iPlayer?  simply called Messi.  Fascinating, he does things with the ball at 9 or 10 that adults can't do.

No Karl I haven't  .... but in an hour I will have ... 

15 hours ago, Kev Cane said:

Seen it Karl, awesome,  the two greatest players of all time imo, wear the No10 shirt,  and are from the same country 👍 

Kev

I put one number 10 in third with one from Brazil above him 😉

5 minutes ago, Chalky said:

I put one number 10 in third with one from Brazil above him 😉

Yep, not my choice, but understand why people would agree 👍 

Preferences for the final?

I think I'm edging towards wanting Argentina to win. 

But mostly hoping for a good match. 

1 minute ago, Fish Fingers said:

Preferences for the final?

I think I'm edging towards wanting Argentina to win. 

But mostly hoping for a good match. 

Messi to go out a well deserved winner 🤞 

Hoping for a Argentina win mainly for Messi to win the greatest accomplishment in football , I am sure he would swap all his individual awards to hold aloft the trophy.

The goal he set up for Alvarez against Croatia deserves a medal for that skill alone.

On 11/12/2022 at 07:39, Leicester Boy said:

England had the players to win this tournament, an average France team missing 5 certain starters and Morocco in the semis. Southgate was everything I expected of him... Clueless. Desperate for a goal with grealish and madders available,no let's put a jet lagged sterling on , one of the most overrated players I've ever seen. We needed a lion leading us and had a pussy cat. End of rant come on premier League.

Clearly England didn't have the players to win the tournament. France are not an average team. How can they be with Griezmann and Mbappe in the side. The fact they were missing a number of first team players just shows their depth. I don't see Madison, a player with a couple of caps, as a player who can be a bench winner at international level whereas Sterling has eighty odd caps and twenty goals.

As for your comments about Southgate I also disagree. England were a shambles before he took over. They had an aging team that couldn't beat Iceland! Now they have a young skillful team with a potential World Class superstar in Bellingham with an immediate future built  on relative success. England were no hopers six years ago and now they go to major championships with a realistic chance of winning. Give Southgate another two years.

Besides right now how many English managers are there managing premier league teams? Graham Potter, Eddie Howe & Gary O'Neil are the only ones that spring to mind.

3 minutes ago, Dukeofburgundy said:

Clearly England didn't have the players to win the tournament. France are not an average team. How can they be with Griezmann and Mbappe in the side. The fact they were missing a number of first team players just shows their depth. I don't see Madison, a player with a couple of caps, as a player who can be a bench winner at international level whereas Sterling has eighty odd caps and twenty goals.

As for your comments about Southgate I also disagree. England were a shambles before he took over. They had an aging team that couldn't beat Iceland! Now they have a young skillful team with a potential World Class superstar in Bellingham with an immediate future built  on relative success. England were no hopers six years ago and now they go to major championships with a realistic chance of winning. Give Southgate another two years.

Besides right now how many English managers are there managing premier league teams? Graham Potter, Eddie Howe & Gary O'Neil are the only ones that spring to mind.

No need for me to comment if you think sterling is a good player. 

1 hour ago, Dukeofburgundy said:

Clearly England didn't have the players to win the tournament. France are not an average team. How can they be with Griezmann and Mbappe in the side. The fact they were missing a number of first team players just shows their depth. I don't see Madison, a player with a couple of caps, as a player who can be a bench winner at international level whereas Sterling has eighty odd caps and twenty goals.

As for your comments about Southgate I also disagree. England were a shambles before he took over. They had an aging team that couldn't beat Iceland! Now they have a young skillful team with a potential World Class superstar in Bellingham with an immediate future built  on relative success. England were no hopers six years ago and now they go to major championships with a realistic chance of winning. Give Southgate another two years.

Besides right now how many English managers are there managing premier league teams? Graham Potter, Eddie Howe & Gary O'Neil are the only ones that spring to mind.

I believe we do have the players to win a tournament if only we were set up right.  Foden the best player Pep has ever worked with, any other team would build their team around him and Bellingham.  Southgate has been pretty poor with his use of substitutes and often in the past not even using them.  He seems to use his subs juts to give players minutes and changing like for like.  There is no other plan (plan B) with him, he has rarely changed a match with his use of subs.  When we have got the ball to the likes of Foden and Bellingham they have been the best players by far.  Against France we only seemed to go down the right and missed the midfield out far too much.   Bellingham needs the players round him who will allow him to play.

Southgate has created a great spirit in the camp, more or less a club spirit but tactically he is still lacking.  We still have that English mentality of a lump at the back and up front, Kane for me not the right player in a three, he is rarely in position.  Our press is at times half hearted, our movement pretty poor and the transition from defence to attack far too slow with our four or five at the back content to play it between themselves which gives the opposition plenty of time to get into shape and defend, even Kane hangs on to the ball far too long and he wonders why he is fouled so much.

Edited December 15, 20222 yr by Chalky

Is there actually some written stipulation in football that states that the manager of an international team has to be from that country ?

In rugby there are numerous managers of different nationality to the team.

Edited December 15, 20222 yr by Woodbutcher
Spelling

2 hours ago, Leicester Boy said:

No need for me to comment if you think sterling is a good player. 

https://theanalyst.com/eu/2021/03/raheem-sterling-premier-league-great/

42 minutes ago, Dukeofburgundy said:

https://theanalyst.com/eu/2021/03/raheem-sterling-premier-league-great/

Yea right he's a premier League great.🤣🤣

It's only opinions,you rate him I don't. Cheers.

2 hours ago, Woodbutcher said:

Is there actually some written stipulation in football that states that the manager of an international team has to be from that country ?

In rugby there are numerous managers of different nationality to the team.

no...we have had foreign managers in the past

Sven and that Italian bloke that looked like Tommy Cooper. So good I have forgotten his name. 🤔

Had to Google it Fabio Capello. And he was a comedian 😀

37 minutes ago, Andy Cullup said:

Sven and that Italian bloke that looked like Tommy Cooper. So good I have forgotten his name. 🤔

 

34 minutes ago, Andy Cullup said:

Had to Google it Fabio Capello. And he was a comedian 😀

Oh yeah , I remember now ... !

Foreign Managers - Yes. 

Foreign players - No. 

.......unless they are really good and then you can look for any tenuous link to your country, to qualify them, in most sports. 

The big one today

SUNDAY 18TH DECEMBER 2022

FINAL

Argentina 15:00 France

rooting for France here, though regardless of the result it should in theory be a good one

who's tuning in?

 

Yep.... Looking forward to it. 👌

Its a lot less stressful being neutral!

Not too fussed either way, so let the best team win! 

If reports of the French squad being hit by a flu bug through the squad are true and several of their major players are effected then clearly it is Argentina to prevail.

Hopefully though there will be two fully fit squads on the pitch and a great game to watch. Both results shall be historic; France retaining the trophy vs Messi completing his personal medal haul.

Personally I prefer a France win; makes our quarter final exit less painful!!

Well from someone who hates football ... that was a great spectacle , great result but a crying shame it had to end in penalties.

Great drama  best side won though if Mbappe had not turned up for the final 15 minutes or so it would have been a bit of a damp squib for the French.

Argentina harried and never gave them a minute until then , great to see Messi get what his talent deserved. 

It’s a shame there had to be a but I guess the better team overall won.  France weren’t in the game and didn’t look like getting in it either until the penalty. The Argie boss’s substitutions have to be questioned.  He’s constantly taken the better players off as though the game was won and they have very nearly paid for it on at least two other occasions.

But the first French goal gave us a great ending and a brilliant game.

Nice to see the best player ever get his fitting finale. 

Probably the best World Cup overall I can remember

I will eat my words from the start of this World Cup. 

It's the best one I've ever seen for so many reasons (no fan trouble, no fake dives to name but 2). The actual football won over all the controversies. 

The match times and watching on a cold wet winter night have also added to it. Much better than watching on a hot June day. 

And then the most dramatic World Cup final I have ever seen. 

It has been epic.