Author Topic: World Cup 2018 (Read 39882 times)

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **on:** June 11, 2018, 07:02:46 pm »

I'm going to start out rooting my ass off for Panama. I don't think it will do any good. Some tough first round matches for the teams I might be likely to gravitate towards, like Portugal (Spain) or normally hated Mexico (Germany). England should get past Tunisia. France past Australia.

HudsonHawk · « **Reply #1 on:** June 11, 2018, 09:23:06 pm »

Viva Espana!!!

chuck · « **Reply #2 on:** June 11, 2018, 09:27:55 pm »

Thank you. We need all the help we can get. It could be worse, but we find ourselves in a group with Belgium, a team with a very real chance to win the whole thing. They played Costa Rica today, Costa Rica, the best team in CONCACAF, and Belgium casually spanked them 4-1. I live in terror that Belgium will give my guys a sickening World Cup welcome (we play them first in group stage) that will leave the team paralyzed going forward and result in total disaster in the other two games.

You never know, though. We turned in perfectly respectable games for the most part against Argentina and Chile two years ago, so I guess anything's possible. But I don't see it. Belgium is going to win the group with nine points and a goal differential of 15, maybe more.

Our team is a weird mix of a core of guys in their mid to late 30's with 100 caps each and an assortment of young guys, some very young, with limited to virtually no international experience at all.

Bench · « **Reply #3 on:** June 12, 2018, 09:25:00 am »

Colombia has a fun and talented team and I'm looking forward to watching them. It would be a shame if they didn't make it out of their group considering their competition is Senegal and Poland.

Group G will be interesting but Panama has a tough row to hoe. Belgium are obviously world class and the younger, deeper England team seems better constructed to not flame out in the traditional manner.

It should be a fun tournament until the Germany-Brazil final again.

BudGirl · « **Reply #4 on:** June 12, 2018, 10:01:37 am »

Quote from: Bench on June 12, 2018, 09:25:00 am

Colombia has a fun and talented team and I'm looking forward to watching them. It would be a shame if they didn't make it out of their group considering their competition is Senegal and Poland.

Ugryź mnie

Limey · « **Reply #5 on:** June 12, 2018, 11:03:57 am »

Panama may get a gift if England slips on the banana skin that is its opening fixture against Tunisia (something England has a storied history of doing at international finals tournaments). If Tunisia wins that game, it blows the whole group wide open for everyone. Belgium is very, very good.

The Portugal / Spain / Iran / Morocco group is the closest we have to a “Group of Death” this time around. Iran and Morocco purport to be hard to break down, so the one of the big two might take out the other in their head to head if they fail to put the minnows to the sword.

VAR is likely to be a disaster as it’s been a disaster already and many of the match officials at the tournament have never used it in a live game. The VAR officials in the booth in Moscow - the Varistas? - will be wearing full kit, however, so that’ll help.

drew corleone · « **Reply #6 on:** June 12, 2018, 11:38:07 am »

Teams I'm cheering for, in order:

Argentina
Iceland
England
Belgium

None of those four are going to win, but Argentina or Belgium could make a run.

Meanwhile Panama will get stomped in all three games and that will really take the sting out of the US not qualifying. Sigh.

Great resource for brushing up on some of the guys you may not know, especially if, like me, you really just watch EPL and Champions League.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2018/jun/05/world-cup-2018-complete-guide-players-ratings-goals-caps

chuck · « **Reply #7 on:** June 12, 2018, 02:49:04 pm »

I invite everyone to spend a few minutes watching this, especially anyone with an interest in English football.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2018/jun/08/the-former-millwall-coach-behind-panamas-journey-to-the-world-cup-video

It's funny that Stempel says that going from Milwall in the '80s to Panama was 'natural.'

Lefty · « **Reply #8 on:** June 12, 2018, 04:17:02 pm »

Vamos las Polakas!

VirtualBob · « **Reply #9 on:** June 12, 2018, 06:10:35 pm »

Quote from: Lefty on June 12, 2018, 04:17:02 pm

Vamos las Polakas!

chodź polaky

BlownRanger · « **Reply #10 on:** June 13, 2018, 09:06:08 am »

Spain cans their manager a day before the tournament.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/2018/06/13/spain-julen-lopetegui-fired-world-cup/697166002/

Limey · « **Reply #11 on:** June 13, 2018, 10:44:39 am »

Quote from: BlownRanger on June 13, 2018, 09:06:08 am

Spain cans their manager a day before the tournament.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/2018/06/13/spain-julen-lopetegui-fired-world-cup/697166002/

This is seriously crazy. And I say this as a fan of Crystal Palace, who has made a habit of such things.

MusicMan · « **Reply #12 on:** June 13, 2018, 12:01:32 pm »

Quote from: BlownRanger on June 13, 2018, 09:06:08 am

Spain cans their manager a day before the tournament.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/2018/06/13/spain-julen-lopetegui-fired-world-cup/697166002/

#JurgenParaEspana

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Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #13 on:** June 15, 2018, 01:45:57 pm »

Christiano Ronaldo is pretty good. Two goals so far today. Portugal leads Spain 2-1 at the half.

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #14 on:** June 15, 2018, 02:50:22 pm »

Spain scores 2 early in the second half to take a 3 to 2 lead.

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #15 on:** June 15, 2018, 02:52:10 pm »

Christiano Ronaldo curves a penalty kick into the goal for a hat trick and a tie game.

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #16 on:** June 15, 2018, 02:53:32 pm »

And it finishes as a tie game.

doyce7 · « **Reply #17 on:** June 15, 2018, 02:55:38 pm »

Quote from: Sphinx Drummond on June 15, 2018, 01:45:57 pm

Christiano Ronaldo is pretty good. Two goals so far today. Portugal leads Spain 2-1 at the half.

Ronaldo 3 Spain 3

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MusicMan · « **Reply #18 on:** June 15, 2018, 02:57:34 pm »

Hello! My name is Cristiano Ronaldo. You fined me $22M. Prepare to die!

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Limey · « **Reply #19 on:** June 15, 2018, 03:11:18 pm »

Quote from: MusicMan on June 15, 2018, 02:57:34 pm

Hello! My name is Cristiano Ronaldo. You fined me $22M. Prepare to die!

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Bet they wish they’d jailed him now.

chuck · « **Reply #20 on:** June 15, 2018, 03:26:51 pm »

Trump's trying to figure out how to pardon him.

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #21 on:** June 16, 2018, 09:56:18 am »

Iceland! 1-1 draw with Argentina.

Limey · « **Reply #22 on:** June 16, 2018, 10:07:45 am »

Quote from: Sphinx Drummond on June 16, 2018, 09:56:18 am

Iceland! 1-1 draw with Argentina.

[~~Golf~~ Viking Clap]

doyce7 · « **Reply #23 on:** June 16, 2018, 10:25:30 am »

Quote from: Sphinx Drummond on June 16, 2018, 09:56:18 am

Iceland! 1-1 draw with Argentina.

I love it. I hope Iceland makes it through the group

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Bench · « **Reply #24 on:** June 16, 2018, 11:17:10 am »

Quote from: doyce7 on June 16, 2018, 10:25:30 am

I love it. I hope Iceland makes it through the group

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It's amazing that a country with the population of greater Corpus Christi can put together a world class team.

chuck · « **Reply #25 on:** June 16, 2018, 03:42:17 pm »

Quote from: Bench on June 16, 2018, 11:17:10 am

It's amazing that a country with the population of greater Corpus Christi can put together a world class team.

Intriguing. I chose that exact city for the exact same comparison earlier today.

HudsonHawk · « **Reply #26 on:** June 16, 2018, 04:34:39 pm »

I'm making paella and sangria in honor of the old country.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #27 on:** June 17, 2018, 07:17:34 am »

Quote from: HudsonHawk on June 16, 2018, 04:34:39 pm

I'm making paella and sangria in honor of the old country.

Poland?

doyce7 · « **Reply #28 on:** June 17, 2018, 12:18:51 pm »

Mexico just beat Germany. I cant believe that just happened

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austro · « **Reply #29 on:** June 17, 2018, 01:05:28 pm »

Quote from: doyce7 on June 17, 2018, 12:18:51 pm

Mexico just beat Germany. I cant believe that just happened

Germany looked slow against the Mexico counter. If Mexico could finish they would have had three or four goals. Neither team showed very good finishing skills.

austro · « **Reply #30 on:** June 17, 2018, 03:54:13 pm »

Some years the group matches are real snoozers, but we've been treated to some really entertaining matches so far.

chuck · « **Reply #31 on:** June 17, 2018, 04:05:53 pm »

Quote from: austro on June 17, 2018, 03:54:13 pm

Some years the group matches are real snoozers, but we've been treated to some really entertaining matches so far.

And then you'll have tomorrow's games.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #32 on:** June 17, 2018, 05:33:41 pm »

Switzerland-Brazil tie is a shocker too. South America is reeling.

Bench · « **Reply #33 on:** June 17, 2018, 06:10:55 pm »

Quote from: chuck on June 16, 2018, 03:42:17 pm

Intriguing. I chose that exact city for the exact same comparison earlier today.

Arlington is a more accurate, but less evocative, comparison.

chuck · « **Reply #34 on:** June 17, 2018, 07:44:52 pm »

I was not at all shocked by the draw today. In fact, I half expected a Swiss win.

MusicMan · « **Reply #35 on:** June 17, 2018, 09:31:43 pm »

Quote from: chuck on June 17, 2018, 07:44:52 pm

I was not at all shocked by the draw today. In fact, I half expected a Swiss win.

Well, the Swiss do have a better flag, which is a big plus.

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chuck · « **Reply #36 on:** June 17, 2018, 09:55:04 pm »

Quote from: MusicMan on June 17, 2018, 09:31:43 pm

Well, the Swiss do have a better flag, which is a big plus.

That's an under-appreciated element of this entire spectacle. I bought a cheap string of the flags of all the participating nations. They're everywhere here, these little packets of flags, and ubiquitously displayed. I've noticed that oddly the flags are arranged in a totally random manner. That is, the one I bought has a sequence totally unlike any other one I have ever seen. I brought it home and immediately went about stringing it across the living room. As I was doing so the cat decided to attack it and my son immediately went to the Panamanian flag and began inspecting it closely.

It's been useful to me because some of the flags are confusing to distinguish. Iceland from Denmark, for example, and Serbia from Croatia. You'd think that some of these countries would go to some length to differentiate themselves symbolically from their neighbors but apparently that was not a primary concern of the Balkan Betsy Rosses.

Yes, the Brazilian flag is pretty shit. But I do like that it contains the words Ordem e Progresso. Ordem is not necessarily the first thing that springs to mind when I think of Brazil.

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #37 on:** June 18, 2018, 07:53:34 am »

Chuck, I'm wearing my Club Deportivo Centenario jersey for the Panama vs Belgium match up since it's the closest thing I have to a Panama team jersey.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #38 on:** June 18, 2018, 07:53:52 am »

Quote from: chuck on June 17, 2018, 09:55:04 pm

... Ordem is not necessarily the first thing that springs to mind when I think of Brazil.

But "progresso" is??

chuck · « **Reply #39 on:** June 18, 2018, 09:35:20 am »

Quote from: Sphinx Drummond on June 18, 2018, 07:53:34 am

Chuck, I'm wearing my Club Deportivo Centenario jersey for the Panama vs Belgium match up since it's the closest thing I have to a Panama team jersey.

I'm proud to know it. If I'd known you were going to ride this train I would have made arrangements to have your kit more up to date.

BlownRanger · « **Reply #40 on:** June 18, 2018, 10:28:18 am »

Quote from: Bench on June 16, 2018, 11:17:10 am

It's amazing that a country with the population of greater Corpus Christi can put together a world class team.

Does every single person in Iceland have a last name ending in "SON", or is that just a requirement to play on their national team?

subnuclear · « **Reply #41 on:** June 18, 2018, 10:47:48 am »

Quote from: BlownRanger on June 18, 2018, 10:28:18 am

Does every single person in Iceland have a last name ending in "SON", or is that just a requirement to play on their national team?

According to Wikipedia - "In Iceland, patronymics or matronymics are still used as last names and this is in fact compulsory by law, with a handful of exceptions."

HudsonHawk · « **Reply #42 on:** June 18, 2018, 12:29:53 pm »

Quote from: BlownRanger on June 18, 2018, 10:28:18 am

Does every single person in Iceland have a last name ending in "SON", or is that just a requirement to play on their national team?

Not every person, just every male. Females' names end in "dottir"

Knoxbanedoodle · « **Reply #43 on:** June 18, 2018, 02:06:28 pm »

Just son or dottir, ey? Retro!

chuck · « **Reply #44 on:** June 18, 2018, 02:23:44 pm »

I was sort of half rooting for Iceland since they're the other WC debutantes but if they don't guarantee patronymic equality for the non binary community, fuck them.

drew corleone · « **Reply #45 on:** June 18, 2018, 03:55:40 pm »

Harry Kane came up big for the Brits today.

I know they were only playing Panama (a team that qualified over the US, of course) but Belgium looked sensational. I am surprised that they didn't put 3-4 more goals on the board. KDB is one of my favorites so I'd love to see them make a deep run.

MusicMan · « **Reply #46 on:** June 18, 2018, 03:59:31 pm »

Quote from: MusicMan on June 17, 2018, 09:31:43 pm

Well, the Swiss do have a better flag, which is a big plus.

Seriously, no one sees what I did there?

Bench · « **Reply #47 on:** June 18, 2018, 04:36:20 pm »

Quote from: MusicMan on June 18, 2018, 03:59:31 pm

Seriously, no one sees what I did there?

Happy father's day.

Knoxbanedoodle · « **Reply #48 on:** June 18, 2018, 05:56:11 pm »

Quote from: MusicMan on June 18, 2018, 03:59:31 pm

Seriously, no one sees what I did there?

[Standing ovation]

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #49 on:** June 18, 2018, 06:44:11 pm »

Quote from: MusicMan on June 18, 2018, 03:59:31 pm

Seriously, no one sees what I did there?

I was too busy trying to figure out why the Brazilian flag was so damn awful.

chuck · « **Reply #50 on:** June 18, 2018, 09:05:26 pm »

Quote from: drew corleone on June 18, 2018, 03:55:40 pm

I know they were only playing Panama (a team that qualified over the US, of course) but Belgium looked sensational. I am surprised that they didn't put 3-4 more goals on the board. KDB is one of my favorites so I'd love to see them make a deep run.

If you want to narrow it to one team, it was Honduras that qualified in the stead of the US.

Our first half was about as good as you could have hoped for, and I'd like to think that the performance will inspire some confidence going forward. In the second half we made a couple of costly mistakes and Belgium's overwhelming superiority finally took hold. Their roster arguably has more elite players than any other in the tournament. Cast an eye over where their guys play club football and where our guys play and you'll wonder a) How did Panama keep this anywhere on the horizon of respectable? and b) Where the fuck is Bucaramanga?

There is no sane person on planet Earth that thought we could win this game. Ideally, it would have been a 2-1 final, something like that. And a 2-1 sort of game was well within reach. I was seriously concerned that we'd suffer a legendary beatdown, and to walk out of there with our heads up was great.

MusicMan · « **Reply #51 on:** June 19, 2018, 11:25:26 am »

Poland just got screwed with their pants on.

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #52 on:** June 19, 2018, 11:27:41 am »

Quote from: MusicMan on June 19, 2018, 11:25:26 am

Poland just got screwed with their pants on.

Senegal is pretty good at that.

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #53 on:** June 19, 2018, 11:36:02 am »

Quote from: Sphinx Drummond on June 19, 2018, 11:27:41 am

Senegal is pretty good at that.

Well, not so much "that." but they are pretty good. Poland needs to score for 'that' to matter beyond goal differential.

MusicMan · « **Reply #54 on:** June 19, 2018, 11:56:11 am »

Quote from: Sphinx Drummond on June 19, 2018, 11:36:02 am

Well, not so much "that." but they are pretty good. Poland needs to score for 'that' to matter beyond goal differential.

And boom, there it is.

Lefty · « **Reply #55 on:** June 19, 2018, 01:07:57 pm »

Quote from: MusicMan on June 19, 2018, 11:25:26 am

Poland just got screwed with their pants on.

Just got home, what happened?

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #56 on:** June 19, 2018, 01:38:07 pm »

Quote from: Lefty on June 19, 2018, 01:07:57 pm

Just got home, what happened?

A harmonic convergence of questionable officiating and serendipitous timing for Senegal. The refs allowed a Senegal substitution just as the Poland team was kicking the ball back to their goalie, presumably to restart their attack. The Senegalese player ran on to the field just in time to intercept the ball, side step the onrushing goalie and kick the ball in to the goal for an easy open netter.

Lefty · « **Reply #57 on:** June 19, 2018, 02:04:53 pm »

Quote from: Sphinx Drummond on June 19, 2018, 01:38:07 pm

A harmonic convergence of questionable officiating and serendipitous timing for Senegal. The refs allowed a Senegal substitution just as the Poland team was kicking the ball back to their goalie, presumably to restart their attack. The Senegalese player ran on to the field just in time to intercept the ball, side step the onrushing goalie and kick the ball in to the goal for an easy open netter.

Well that shit ain't right.

MusicMan · « **Reply #58 on:** June 19, 2018, 02:19:39 pm »

Does the USA 2026 Cup come with as easy a draw as Russia got?

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Lefty · « **Reply #59 on:** June 19, 2018, 02:35:33 pm »

Quote from: MusicMan on June 19, 2018, 02:19:39 pm

Does the USA 2026 Cup come with as easy a draw as Russia got?

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For which country?

chuck · « **Reply #60 on:** June 19, 2018, 02:59:04 pm »

Quote from: MusicMan on June 19, 2018, 02:19:39 pm

Does the USA 2026 Cup come with as easy a draw as Russia got?

Uruguay is good and Egypt was supposed to be better than Russia.

Saudi Arabia sucks. And they're, you know, fasting.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #61 on:** June 19, 2018, 02:59:18 pm »

Quote from: Sphinx Drummond on June 19, 2018, 01:38:07 pm

A harmonic convergence of questionable officiating and serendipitous timing for Senegal. The refs allowed a Senegal substitution just as the Poland team was kicking the ball back to their goalie, presumably to restart their attack. The Senegalese player ran on to the field just in time to intercept the ball, side step the onrushing goalie and kick the ball in to the goal for an easy open netter.

That sucks.

chuck · « **Reply #62 on:** June 19, 2018, 03:02:14 pm »

To be fair to the Senegalese guy, he covered a lot of ground. It's not like he just popped out from behind the goal line where no one was looking.

Still, it was a bit reckless of the 4th official to send him in right then.

MusicMan · « **Reply #63 on:** June 19, 2018, 04:41:07 pm »

Quote from: chuck on June 19, 2018, 03:02:14 pm

To be fair to the Senegalese guy, he covered a lot of ground. It's not like he just popped out from behind the goal line where no one was looking.

Still, it was a bit reckless of the 4th official to send him in right then.

Referee waived him on. He owns the cluster.

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Lefty · « **Reply #64 on:** June 19, 2018, 04:44:55 pm »

Quote from: MusicMan on June 19, 2018, 04:41:07 pm

Referee waived him on. He owns the cluster.

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Yeah, the goalie was already way out by that time.

austro · « **Reply #65 on:** June 19, 2018, 06:55:11 pm »

No credit for the back who kicked the blind, half-assed pass back in the direction of the keeper? That was pretty weak.

I'm wondering how the far-right white-nationalist faction of the Polish fandom is wearing the loss.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #66 on:** June 20, 2018, 06:17:36 am »

Quote from: MusicMan on June 19, 2018, 04:41:07 pm

Referee waived him on. He owns the cluster.

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Exactly.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #67 on:** June 20, 2018, 06:18:26 am »

Quote from: austro on June 19, 2018, 06:55:11 pm

I'm wondering how the far-right white-nationalist faction of the Polish fandom is wearing the loss.

That is a foul and deserves at least a yellow card.

MusicMan · « **Reply #68 on:** June 20, 2018, 09:37:04 am »

Quote from: austro on June 19, 2018, 06:55:11 pm

I'm wondering how the far-right white-nationalist faction of the Polish fandom is wearing the loss.

"Womp womp"

Lefty · « **Reply #69 on:** June 20, 2018, 10:06:39 am »

Quote from: VirtualBob on June 20, 2018, 06:18:26 am

That is a foul and deserves at least a yellow card.

Gotta admit, you know they're having "fun" with all the far-right assholes from all the other European countries. It's a real shame the Hungarians aren't there in force.

chuck · « **Reply #70 on:** June 20, 2018, 11:56:37 am »

Quote from: MusicMan on June 20, 2018, 09:37:04 am

"Womp womp"

There's a lot of shit that people do that although I myself would never do it, I can more or less understand why others do. And then there's shit that people do that I absolutely cannot penetrate.

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #71 on:** June 21, 2018, 02:16:41 pm »

The Argentina goalie just put the ball on a tee for Coatia and Croat Rebic says, thank you and gives his team a 1-0 lead 13 minutes in to the second half. Major dickstepping.

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #72 on:** June 21, 2018, 02:40:11 pm »

Argentina quit trying at the 80 minute mark. Croatia now leads 2-0/

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #73 on:** June 21, 2018, 02:51:04 pm »

3-0 Now. Argintine fans in the stands are crying. Maradona is crying.

chuck · « **Reply #74 on:** June 21, 2018, 03:10:31 pm »

Quote from: Sphinx Drummond on June 21, 2018, 02:51:04 pm

3-0 Now. Argintine fans in the stands are crying. Maradona is crying.

He's got a lot of emotion, you have to hand it to him.

BlownRanger · « **Reply #75 on:** June 21, 2018, 03:31:04 pm »

I've been a fan of Modric since he was with Spurs. Most fans are familiar with him, but he still doesn't get the pub he probably should. Dynamite midfielder.

subnuclear · « **Reply #76 on:** June 21, 2018, 03:43:40 pm »

Quote from: austro on June 19, 2018, 06:55:11 pm

No credit for the back who kicked the blind, half-assed pass back in the direction of the keeper? That was pretty weak.

I'm wondering how the far-right white-nationalist faction of the Polish fandom is wearing the loss.

Probably celebrating with the Croatian branch of the organization.

Limey · « **Reply #77 on:** June 21, 2018, 03:54:03 pm »

Quote from: Sphinx Drummond on June 21, 2018, 02:51:04 pm

3-0 Now. Argintine fans in the stands are crying. Maradona is crying.

Sorry I missed that. Fuck that stumpy cheat.

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #78 on:** June 21, 2018, 04:23:59 pm »

Quote from: subnuclear on June 21, 2018, 03:43:40 pm

Probably celebrating with the Croatian branch of the organization.

Don't think the Croats have one. They're happy not having to share a country with Serbs and Bosnians.

drew corleone · « **Reply #79 on:** June 21, 2018, 06:36:56 pm »

Shameful performance from Argentina. Croatia has a good team but Argentina half-assed it and then pretty much quit late in the game.

Also, even speaking as a City fan, Otomendi can be a little bit of a bitch.

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #80 on:** June 23, 2018, 11:05:09 am »

Mexico scored early and leads S. Korea at the half 1-0.

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #81 on:** June 23, 2018, 11:26:20 am »

Chichirito scores a goal at the 66 minute mark, to give Mexico a 2-0 lead. His 50th for the Mex Ntl Team. It was a knuckler, not a solid shot.

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #82 on:** June 23, 2018, 11:51:36 am »

S Korea scores two minutes in to the added extra 5.

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #83 on:** June 23, 2018, 11:53:47 am »

Mexico hangs on to win 2-1 over S Korea.

Bench · « **Reply #84 on:** June 23, 2018, 12:30:44 pm »

Quote from: Sphinx Drummond on June 23, 2018, 11:53:47 am

Mexico hangs on to win 2-1 over S Korea.

What a great start for El Tri.

Navin R Johnson · « **Reply #85 on:** June 24, 2018, 01:56:54 am »

And now El Tri has to beat/tie Sweden to advance. What an entertaining group. Fuck El Tri

Navin R Johnson · « **Reply #86 on:** June 24, 2018, 02:03:36 am »

So I’m team Belgium. One of my best friends is from there, I have visited his family there, and they love beer.

Got up at 545 am to make it to the bar at for their match. This is a really enjoyable team to root for. So.id keeper, and three legit attacking guys, KDB, Hazard, Lukaku. Stinks that Panama is in the same group, cause for Chuck reasons, I’m rooting for them too.

Heading to a polish place in Spring Branch to watch Poland tomorrow. I love the World Cup.

chuck · « **Reply #87 on:** June 24, 2018, 04:29:03 am »

I'm trying to figure out whether I should go to sleep for an hour or so or just ride it out.

Belgium is no joke. They might win it all. In fact, I hope they do.

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #88 on:** June 24, 2018, 07:20:11 am »

I'm rooting for Panama. Sorry Limey, I naturally go for the underdog.

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #89 on:** June 24, 2018, 07:24:55 am »

Well shit, now it 2-0 England.

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #90 on:** June 24, 2018, 07:27:53 am »

Quote from: Navin R Johnson on June 24, 2018, 01:56:54 am

And now El Tri has to beat/tie Sweden to advance. What an entertaining group. Fuck El Tri

Or Germany lose or tie S Korea.... I normally hate El Tri but this is a little different with no USA team. I have foound myself rooting for Mexico. I've got a lot of Mexican friends.

Ty in Tampa · « **Reply #91 on:** June 24, 2018, 07:28:33 am »

Quote from: Sphinx Drummond on June 24, 2018, 07:24:55 am

Well shit, now it 2-0 England.

On a set piece and a penalty kick.

Ty in Tampa · « **Reply #92 on:** June 24, 2018, 07:35:57 am »

Oh man...3-0 England.

Ty in Tampa · « **Reply #93 on:** June 24, 2018, 07:39:48 am »

Jeez...

austro · « **Reply #94 on:** June 24, 2018, 07:42:04 am »

The Panama defense is completely unorganized. Uncovered attackers everywhere you look.

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #95 on:** June 24, 2018, 07:42:21 am »

Wow. 4-0

Ty in Tampa · « **Reply #96 on:** June 24, 2018, 07:47:50 am »

And...5-0

Limey · « **Reply #97 on:** June 24, 2018, 08:17:30 am »

I’m sorry for Chuck that this is unfolding the way it is, but Panama’s tactics have been Neanderthal and ugly.

MusicMan · « **Reply #98 on:** June 24, 2018, 08:25:24 am »

Throw the damn towel, Panama.

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austro · « **Reply #99 on:** June 24, 2018, 08:29:26 am »

Just saw a replay of the sixth goal. That pretty much sums up the match.

chuck · « **Reply #100 on:** June 24, 2018, 08:30:22 am »

Go fuck yourselves, both of you.

chuck · « **Reply #101 on:** June 24, 2018, 08:45:21 am »

Gol de Baloy, bien merecido. Chupalo bien duro, papa, ustedes son unos imbeciles. Uno es un pajon total que dice maricadas a cualquier oportunidad, el otro es un ahuevado que ve pero no entiende, chucha.

Miren a la emocion en las gradas tras de un gol solo. Y ustedes quieren criticar y hablar paja.

chuck · « **Reply #102 on:** June 24, 2018, 09:27:46 am »

I'm watching interviews with Panamanians leaving the stadium and all of them are ecstatic for the experience, for the goal that we eventually scored, for the way that we played and for the possibility of success in the next and final game.

I am equally ecstatic.

Some of you who have commented in a negative manner, today and earlier - all of you can eat my dick. You either know nothing about international futbol despite talking a shit ton of bullshit about it, or you know nothing about anything, despite talking a shit ton of bullshit about everything.

So fuck you.

For those of you who have been helpfully supportive of a team that has no player in a decent league, thank you. I hope that we will turn in a decent performance in our final game, and I am quite sure that the team will play as hard as they can, and that the fans in the stadium and beyond will be loud and proud.

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #103 on:** June 24, 2018, 09:38:21 am »

I was happy that Panama scored a goal. They tied Belgium in the first half and England in the second half.

doyce7 · « **Reply #104 on:** June 24, 2018, 10:33:41 am »

Quote from: Sphinx Drummond on June 24, 2018, 07:27:53 am

Or Germany lose or tie S Korea.... I normally hate El Tri but this is a little different with no USA team. I have foound myself rooting for Mexico. I've got a lot of Mexican friends.

The wife is from mexico so I have no choice but to root for El Tri, unless I want sleep on the couch

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austro · « **Reply #105 on:** June 24, 2018, 11:03:33 am »

I hadn't noticed this before, but the jerseys have the match-up (e.g., SEN-JPN) embroidered/printed on the front up around the neck.

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #106 on:** June 24, 2018, 02:47:05 pm »

Columbia now leads Poland 3-0. Also Carlos Valderrama and Rene Higuita haven't changed their hair styles in 28 years.

HudsonHawk · « **Reply #107 on:** June 24, 2018, 04:20:40 pm »

So how would they break a tie in a group should two teams have the same record, having tied each other, the same number of goals scored, goals allowed and goal differential? I’m looking at Spain and Portugal in particular. I know they each have another group match, but what if they both win 1-0?

austro · « **Reply #108 on:** June 24, 2018, 04:42:37 pm »

Quote from: HudsonHawk on June 24, 2018, 04:20:40 pm

So how would they break a tie in a group should two teams have the same record, having tied each other, the same number of goals scored, goals allowed and goal differential? I’m looking at Spain and Portugal in particular. I know they each have another group match, but what if they both win 1-0?

Apparently, it works its way down to yellow cards and red cards, and then to a random draw.

https://www.sbnation.com/2018/6/21/17484912/world-cup-tiebreakers-group-stage-goal-differential-fair-play-rule

Limey · « **Reply #109 on:** June 24, 2018, 04:47:15 pm »

Quote from: HudsonHawk on June 24, 2018, 04:20:40 pm

So how would they break a tie in a group should two teams have the same record, having tied each other, the same number of goals scored, goals allowed and goal differential? I’m looking at Spain and Portugal in particular. I know they each have another group match, but what if they both win 1-0?

Here's the full list of tie-breakers, but after goal difference, goals scored etc., they look at the disciplinary records of the teams - which is why England top Ground G currently - and then draw lots if still tied.

In both the Spain-Portugal and England-Belgium situations, both teams have qualified for the knockout stages so it's all about seeding in the Round of 16. There's a debate that England might want to tank the Belgium game because they would thus avoid Brazil or Germany in the quarters (overlooking, of course, Colombia - probably - in the Rof16, which worked so well against Iceland in the Euros) but they way games are going, it's impossible to predict outcomes. The advantage for England and Belgium is that they play last of all the groups, so they will be able to strategize their match accordingly if they so choose.

I think you just win, baby, and let the chips fall where they may. Germany look beatable, Brazil look beatable and, avoiding them puts you in the bracket with Mexico, who look pretty fired up. Be careful who you wish for...

HudsonHawk · « **Reply #110 on:** June 24, 2018, 08:44:13 pm »

Quote from: Limey on June 24, 2018, 04:47:15 pm

In both the Spain-Portugal and England-Belgium situations, both teams have qualified for the knockout stages so it's all about seeding in the Round of 16. ...

Correct me if I’m wrong, but Iran is still in the mix in Group B, no? Neither Spain or Portugal have secured an advance yet. One of them has to, but neither are guaranteed.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #111 on:** June 24, 2018, 09:24:46 pm »

Quote from: HudsonHawk on June 24, 2018, 08:44:13 pm

Correct me if I’m wrong, but Iran is still in the mix in Group B, no? Neither Spain or Portugal have secured an advance yet. One of them has to, but neither are guaranteed.

That is the way I read it. Iran would have to beat Portugal, though. Any other result leaves them out.

Nate in IA · « **Reply #112 on:** June 24, 2018, 10:35:52 pm »

Columbia sending Poland packing...

Limey · « **Reply #113 on:** June 25, 2018, 06:53:35 am »

Quote from: VirtualBob on June 24, 2018, 09:24:46 pm

That is the way I read it. Iran would have to beat Portugal, though. Any other result leaves them out.

Iran can qualify from Group B with a tie with Portugal, if Spain loses to Morocco. Unlikely, but still a permutation. To complicate it further, the Iran tie scenario also requires Spain to lose by 2 goals or, if it's only by 1, Iran has to score 3 goals more than Spain today. So, yeah, Iran has to beat Portugal.

In the other Group being decided today, Group A, there are two dead rubbers. Uruguay and Russia are both through, and play each other for the somewhat meaningless privilege of topping the group. They match up against the qualifiers from Group B (above), so they will play either Spain or Portugal, and they cannot tell who that will be as the order of that group won't be decided until later in the day. I.e. don't bother watching any of this morning's games.

HudsonHawk · « **Reply #114 on:** June 25, 2018, 08:14:13 am »

Quote from: Limey on June 25, 2018, 06:53:35 am

Iran can qualify from Group B with a tie with Portugal, if Spain loses to Morocco. Unlikely, but still a permutation. To complicate it further, the Iran tie scenario also requires Spain to lose by 2 goals or, if it's only by 1, Iran has to score 3 goals more than Spain today. So, yeah, Iran has to beat Portugal.

In the other Group being decided today, Group A, there are two dead rubbers. Uruguay and Russia are both through, and play each other for the somewhat meaningless privilege of topping the group. They match up against the qualifiers from Group B (above), so they will play either Spain or Portugal, and they cannot tell who that will be as the order of that group won't be decided until later in the day. I.e. don't bother watching any of this morning's games.

I won't be watching. But I will be pulling for Spain. And I mean that non-euphemistically.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #115 on:** June 25, 2018, 08:31:07 am »

Quote from: Limey on June 25, 2018, 06:53:35 am

Iran can qualify from Group B with a tie with Portugal, if Spain loses to Morocco. Unlikely, but still a permutation. To complicate it further, the Iran tie scenario also requires Spain to lose by 2 goals or, if it's only by 1, Iran has to score 3 goals more than Spain today. So, yeah, Iran has to beat Portugal.

Since Spain beat Iran head to head I thought that would settle it. They would both have 4 points while Portugal would have 5. What did I miss?

Limey · « **Reply #116 on:** June 25, 2018, 09:31:52 am »

Quote from: VirtualBob on June 25, 2018, 08:31:07 am

Since Spain beat Iran head to head I thought that would settle it. They would both have 4 points while Portugal would have 5. What did I miss?

They look at goal difference and goals scored before they look at the head-to-head. Spain's GD is +1 while Iran's is 0, so if Spain lose by 2 goals, they will have 4 points while their GD drops to -1. If Iran ties Portugal, whatever the goal tally, they get to 4 points while their GD stays at 0, beating Spain on that measure.

If Spain loses by 1 goal, they will have 4 points and a GD of 0, same as Iran if Iran ties Portugal. So the next tie-breaker is goals scored, which Spain has 4 (plus whatever they score today) and Iran has 1. So, to win the goals scored tie-breaker, Iran will need to score 3 goals PLUS match Spain's tally today. So we're looking at a 3-3, 4-4 or more tie with Portugal, which is inconceivable; if they score that many goals they really should be winning that match (and the Portuguese should throw themselves into the Volga in shame).

Iran loses the next tie-breaker regardless (head-to-head) so, barring a major collapse by Spain against Morocco (who are better than their zero points suggest), Iran's goose is cooked.

Limey · « **Reply #117 on:** June 25, 2018, 09:39:47 am »

Russia appears to be suffering from a bad case of ~~roid rage~~ the Mondays, as they implode against Uruguay, who are beating them 2-0 with Russia shortly thereafter reduced to 10 men. About an hour left to play.

Russia has qualified anyway, and being runner up they get to play their next game in Moscow against either Spain or Portugal, so it's not such a bad thing. The suspension of their first choice right back may hurt them, though, and they're also being shown perhaps to have flattered to deceive against Saudi and Egypt who, as it turns out, are both pants.

Limey · « **Reply #118 on:** June 25, 2018, 09:43:57 am »

The red-carded Russian was Smolnikov; which makes me want to have a bloody mary.

Limey · « **Reply #119 on:** June 25, 2018, 09:59:15 am »

Russia has thrown in the towel, subbing off their best player and letting Uruguay play keep-ball. Saudi Arabia has been awarded two penalties and has scored one, currently tied with Egypt who were given a 1-0 lead by Mo Salah.

Limey · « **Reply #120 on:** June 25, 2018, 01:16:22 pm »

And would you believe it, Spain are losing!

Limey · « **Reply #121 on:** June 25, 2018, 01:22:01 pm »

Quote from: Limey on June 25, 2018, 01:16:22 pm

And would you believe it, Spain are losing!

And then they aren’t! 1-1 after a stonking goal by Isco.

chuck · « **Reply #122 on:** June 25, 2018, 03:31:45 pm »

Quote from: Sphinx Drummond on June 21, 2018, 04:23:59 pm

Don't think the Croats have one. They're happy not having to share a country with Serbs and Bosnians.

Speaking of Serbians, they seem like a group of charming individuals.

https://theintercept.com/2018/06/25/swiss-world-cup-stars-kosovo-roots-fined-celebrations-serbia/

Lefty · « **Reply #123 on:** June 25, 2018, 04:42:33 pm »

Quote from: Sphinx Drummond on June 21, 2018, 04:23:59 pm

Don't think the Croats have one. They're happy not having to share a country with Serbs and Bosnians.

Oh they most certainly do.

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #124 on:** June 25, 2018, 04:53:20 pm »

Quote from: Lefty on June 25, 2018, 04:42:33 pm

Oh they most certainly do.

Well, if you say so.

Limey · « **Reply #125 on:** June 26, 2018, 08:33:50 am »

Here's a handy primer on the group qualification permutations.

This morning, Australia could pip Denmark to the 2nd spot behind France who are already through, if they can beat Peru and hope that France can be bothered enough to beat Denmark.

This afternoon is much more interesting. Croatia, on the back of their 3-0 thumping of Argentina, have qualified, while the other three teams are in the hunt for the other spot. Nigeria appears to be in the driver's seat, needing a mere point, but I'll quote the above-linked primer to explain the chaos:

Quote

A draw against Argentina will be enough for Nigeria, provided that Iceland don’t beat Croatia. Iceland need Argentina and Nigeria to draw, and then if they can beat Croatia by two goals or more they can just about edge out Nigeria. Argentina need to win, and hope Iceland don’t beat Croatia. If Iceland and Argentina both win, it would come down to goal difference between the pair. Get the abacus out.

Limey · « **Reply #126 on:** June 26, 2018, 11:19:19 am »

Quote from: Limey on June 26, 2018, 08:33:50 am

This morning, Australia could pip Denmark to the 2nd spot behind France who are already through, if they can beat Peru and hope that France can be bothered enough to beat Denmark.

No dramas this morning: France and Denmark played to the tournament's first 0-0 draw, which confirmed them both through, while Australia made that moot by losing 2-0 to Peru.

Interestingly, France may have just booked themselves a Rof16 date with Argentina, which may or may not be a good thing depending on which (and if) Argentina shows up. We will find out later today...

Limey · « **Reply #127 on:** June 26, 2018, 02:58:33 pm »

Iceland went down to Croatia, meaning that the 2nd slot was down to the Nigerians and Argentinians. Could Nigeria avoid its 5th successive World Cup defeat to Argentina? No.

In a wild game, in which Argentina played with passion and their boots on the wrong feet, while Nigeria were full of running and woeful finishing (save Moses' ice cold penalty), it ended 2-1 Argentina, with Rojo sealing the win with a blast of a volley as the clock ticked towards full time.

Nigeria got one penalty, could have had a few more, but really only have themselves to blame as they missed a boat load of opportunities. Argentina got a moment of sheer brilliance from Messi for their first goal and a fine finish against an absent defense for the winner.

#drama

doyce7 · « **Reply #128 on:** June 26, 2018, 03:07:49 pm »

I was watching both games and really wanted Iceland to get the second goal and boot Argentina from the tournament but it just wasn't to be. Croatia still looks like one of the best teams at the tournament. Argentina will be playing France in the knockouts and I cant see them getting past the French, I'd predict 3-1. Croatia will now play Denmark, I think it'll be a tight croatia win, I could see a 1-0 here

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Limey · « **Reply #129 on:** June 26, 2018, 03:15:22 pm »

Quote from: doyce7 on June 26, 2018, 03:07:49 pm

I was watching both games and really wanted Iceland to get the second goal and boot Argentina from the tournament but it just wasn't to be. Croatia still looks like one of the best teams at the tournament. Argentina will be playing France in the knockouts and I cant see them getting past the French, I'd predict 3-1. Croatia will now play Denmark, I think it'll be a tight croatia win, I could see a 1-0 here.

Yeah, even if Argentina get their shit together, I still think France will be too strong. Denmark was the best of three second choice teams in that group (or the one second choice with two third choice teams), and really don't look to have the chops to handle Croatia.

doyce7 · « **Reply #130 on:** June 26, 2018, 03:20:03 pm »

Quote from: Limey on June 26, 2018, 03:15:22 pm

Yeah, even if Argentina get their shit together, I still think France will be too strong. Denmark was the best of three second choice teams in that group (or the one second choice with two third choice teams), and really don't look to have the chops to handle Croatia.

I feel like Argentina is a team of great players that don't fit very well together, France wont have that problem. As far as croatia Denmark, Croatias depth will play a role I think, Croatia has the benefit of being able to bring impact players on off the bench. Denmark is a good team but I think croatia will wear them down over the course of 90 minutes

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Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #131 on:** June 27, 2018, 10:34:31 am »

Mexico is choking on Sweden's cock. 0-3

Limey · « **Reply #132 on:** June 27, 2018, 10:36:59 am »

Quote from: Sphinx Drummond on June 27, 2018, 10:34:31 am

Mexico is choking on Sweden's cock. 0-3

They need South Korea to hang on against the Germans, which they are doing (desperately) as I type. As it stands, Mexico are still in and Germany (and South Korea - who cannot go through now) are out; a German goal flips that.

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #133 on:** June 27, 2018, 10:44:56 am »

That German coach creeps me out.

Limey · « **Reply #134 on:** June 27, 2018, 10:45:25 am »

5 mins (plus stoppages) to play; Germany look likely to score at anytime, but also likely to concede one on the break. Everyone looks dead on their feet.

Limey · « **Reply #135 on:** June 27, 2018, 10:46:47 am »

Quote from: Sphinx Drummond on June 27, 2018, 10:44:56 am

That German coach creeps me out.

In which orifice is he jamming his fingers today?

Limey · « **Reply #136 on:** June 27, 2018, 10:51:27 am »

That. Is. A. Goal!

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #137 on:** June 27, 2018, 10:53:31 am »

And now it's 1-0 in favor of S Korea.

Bench · « **Reply #138 on:** June 27, 2018, 10:53:59 am »

Amazing!

Limey · « **Reply #139 on:** June 27, 2018, 10:54:27 am »

Quote from: Sphinx Drummond on June 27, 2018, 10:53:31 am

And now it's 1-0 in favor of S Korea.

VAR to the rescue; the video replay rightly reversed the offside call as the ball was played through to the Korean by a German.

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #140 on:** June 27, 2018, 10:56:47 am »

Germany pulls their goalie and S Korea subsequently scores an empty netter.

Limey · « **Reply #141 on:** June 27, 2018, 10:56:57 am »

Germany "pull" the goalie - pushing Nueur up front - and get caught. Son with the tap in for 2-0.

The reigning champs are out, Mexico go on.

Bench · « **Reply #142 on:** June 27, 2018, 10:57:32 am »

Quote from: Limey on June 27, 2018, 10:56:57 am

Germany "pull" the goalie - pushing Nueur up front - and get caught. Son with the tap in for 2-0.

The reigning champs are out, Mexico go on.

Mexico go on likely to play Brazil.

doyce7 · « **Reply #143 on:** June 27, 2018, 10:58:56 am »

Ho lee shit. I cant believe that just happened. Wow

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MusicMan · « **Reply #144 on:** June 27, 2018, 11:05:41 am »

The last time Germany went out in the first round was 1938. Thank God nothing had followed that.

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Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #145 on:** June 27, 2018, 11:06:15 am »

Quote from: Limey on June 27, 2018, 10:56:57 am

Germany "pull" the goalie - pushing Nueur up front - and get caught.

In hockey or soccer, I don't recall having ever seen that work to the advantage of the "pulling" team. Most of the time it backfires.

drew corleone · « **Reply #146 on:** June 27, 2018, 11:19:08 am »

It definitely works sometimes in hockey, though I have no data on the actual success rate, and I am certain it's far lower than the percentage of empty net goals surrendered.

I can't remember seeing it in soccer before, at least not with the keeper that far forward. Mexico used to move their keeper up to midfield back in the 90s (forget his name) and sometimes substitute in net so that he could attack full-time late in games, IIRC.

doyce7 · « **Reply #147 on:** June 27, 2018, 11:34:17 am »

Quote from: Sphinx Drummond on June 27, 2018, 11:06:15 am

In hockey or soccer, I don't recall having ever seen that work to the advantage of the "pulling" team. Most of the time it backfires.

It can work but usually not in the way Neuer did. You'll often see a keeper come up on corners just to have an extra tall guy in the box. In this game Germany really had nothing to lose. 2-0, 1-0, 1-1 are all basically the same thing

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Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #148 on:** June 27, 2018, 11:43:57 am »

Quote from: drew corleone on June 27, 2018, 11:19:08 am

I can't remember seeing it in soccer before, at least not with the keeper that far forward. Mexico used to move their keeper up to midfield back in the 90s (forget his name) and sometimes substitute in net so that he could attack full-time late in games, IIRC.

Rene Higuita of Columbia was well know for doing that in the 90s.

Limey · « **Reply #149 on:** June 27, 2018, 11:49:42 am »

Quote from: Sphinx Drummond on June 27, 2018, 11:06:15 am

In hockey or soccer, I don't recall having ever seen that work to the advantage of the "pulling" team. Most of the time it backfires.

Dunno about hockey, but in futbol, it's almost always a non-event. I think I've seen marginally more empty-netters than I've seen goals resulting from having a goalie marauding forward.

Limey · « **Reply #150 on:** June 27, 2018, 11:51:16 am »

Quote from: drew corleone on June 27, 2018, 11:19:08 am

It definitely works sometimes in hockey, though I have no data on the actual success rate, and I am certain it's far lower than the percentage of empty net goals surrendered.

I can't remember seeing it in soccer before, at least not with the keeper that far forward. Mexico used to move their keeper up to midfield back in the 90s (forget his name) and sometimes substitute in net so that he could attack full-time late in games, IIRC.

The difference is that, in hockey, they add an extra outfield player; in soccer, it's just the goalie loafing around trying to occupy a defender and otherwise be a nuisance.

Limey · « **Reply #151 on:** June 27, 2018, 12:28:31 pm »

Fate, it seems, is not without a sense of irony.

On this day in 2010, Germany put England out of the World Cup when this goal was chalked off by a ~~corrupt~~ myopic referee. At that point in the match, Germany had taken a 2-goal lead, England pulled one back and that that "goal" would've been England's second in as many minutes.

The momentum was all with England at the time, and the waiving off of that goal - at 2-1 - killed England's mojo. Germany eventually ran out 4-1 winners, but there is no doubt that this moment made an immense difference in how the rest of the match played out.

Today, Korea (and Mexico) almost suffered the same fate, as the on-field officials were about to chalk off a perfectly good goal. VAR reversed the call on the pitch, and the rest - along with Germany's 2018 World Cup - is history.

Limey · « **Reply #152 on:** June 27, 2018, 01:08:31 pm »

Football, especially the World Cup, makes for strange bedfellows. I have no reason to like Serbia as a team or as a country, except...

1) They're playing Brazil, and who wouldn't want to be in the position of being in a tournament from which Germany and Brazil have already been eliminated; and

2) Luka Milivojevic is the girded loins of my beloved Crystal Palace.

The only other thing that's Serbia-related that I've liked, is Man Utd's fans' chant for their thuggish Serbian defender Nemanja Vidić. To the tune of Dean Martin's "Volare", they sang:

Ne-man-ja, oh-oh-oh oh
Ne-man-ja, oh-oh-oh oh

He comes from Serbia
He'll fuh-king murder ya!

Repeat until bored or Vidić is sent off.

doyce7 · « **Reply #153 on:** June 27, 2018, 01:42:55 pm »

Quote from: Limey on June 27, 2018, 01:08:31 pm

Football, especially the World Cup, makes for strange bedfellows. I have no reason to like Serbia as a team or as a country, except...

1) They're playing Brazil, and who wouldn't want to be in the position of being in a tournament from which Germany and Brazil have already been eliminated; and

2) Luka Milivojevic is the girded loins of my beloved Crystal Palace.

The only other thing that's Serbia-related that I've liked, is Man Utd's fans' chant for their thuggish Serbian defender Nemanja Vidić. To the tune of Dean Martin's "Volare", they sang:

Ne-man-ja, oh-oh-oh oh
Ne-man-ja, oh-oh-oh oh

He comes from Serbia
He'll fuh-king murder ya!

Repeat until bored or Vidić is sent off.

I'm in two minds when it comes to Serbia, as a Fulham fan, I love me some Mitrovic(was on loan at Fulham to help get promoted this season). On the other hand, if Serbia go far and he continues to play well, he will be much more expensive to sign permanently for next season. Everytime he scores for Serbia I just see dollar signs

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Limey · « **Reply #154 on:** June 27, 2018, 01:58:55 pm »

Serbia going out as it stands. They need to come from behind to beat Brazil to stay in (and put Brazil out).

Limey · « **Reply #155 on:** June 27, 2018, 07:29:44 pm »

So, tomorrow. Group G. Both England and Belgium are through; they play each other; and neither wants to win the group. England are top by dint of fewer yellow cards - 2 vs. Belgium's 3.

The tactics and shenanigans to avoid winning and/or picking up many, many yellow cards should make this a farce of a game. Comedy gold.

For the record, England's coach says he wants to win.

austro · « **Reply #156 on:** June 27, 2018, 08:46:40 pm »

Quote from: Limey on June 27, 2018, 07:29:44 pm

So, tomorrow. Group G. Both England and Belgium are through; they play each other; and neither wants to win the group.

Why is this? Certainly nobody in the other group against which they'll be matched in the next round is particularly frightening. Is it because the next round would feature a likely matchup with Brazil?

chuck · « **Reply #157 on:** June 27, 2018, 09:24:08 pm »

Quote from: austro on June 27, 2018, 08:46:40 pm

Why is this? Certainly nobody in the other group against which they'll be matched in the next round is particularly frightening. Is it because the next round would feature a likely matchup with Brazil?

The winner gets the runner-up in Group H, the runner-up the winner. There are three teams playing for two spots in Group H: Japan, Senegal and Colombia. I can easily envision scenarios where any two of those three would advance. Colombia is the team I would least wish to play, but it's still so up in the air that trying to game the outcome seems silly. Colombia could very well not advance. If I were in charge of either team I would rest my best players and anyone in card trouble, try to win, and go from there.

Limey · « **Reply #158 on:** June 27, 2018, 09:27:13 pm »

Quote from: austro on June 27, 2018, 08:46:40 pm

Why is this? Certainly nobody in the other group against which they'll be matched in the next round is particularly frightening. Is it because the next round would feature a likely matchup with Brazil?

One side of the draw - the side the Group G winner goes into - has France, Brazil, Argentina and Portugal. The other side has Spain.

doyce7 · « **Reply #159 on:** June 27, 2018, 09:57:48 pm »

Quote from: chuck on June 27, 2018, 09:24:08 pm

The winner gets the runner-up in Group H, the runner-up the winner. There are three teams playing for two spots in Group H: Japan, Senegal and Colombia. I can easily envision scenarios where any two of those three would advance. Colombia is the team I would least wish to play, but it's still so up in the air that trying to game the outcome seems silly. Colombia could very well not advance. If I were in charge of either team I would rest my best players and anyone in card trouble, try to win, and go from there.

Personally I would not want to play Senegal, inconsistent but deadly when they are on

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Limey · « **Reply #160 on:** June 27, 2018, 09:59:34 pm »

Quote from: doyce7 on June 27, 2018, 09:57:48 pm

Personally I would not want to play Senegal, inconsistent but deadly when they are on

For sure, no easy games (England made the mistake of looking past Iceland in the Euros in 2016), but much better to let the other major sides knock each other out and risk playing the wildcard... and Spain in the semis. Once you're in the final, anything can happen.

A win is a win. Although, it must be said, doing it the hard way - like going through Boston, NY and LA - lends more than a strong whiff of legitimacy to it.

chuck · « **Reply #161 on:** June 27, 2018, 10:13:14 pm »

Ideally both England and Belgium will come out strong tomorrow because I would like to have a better idea of what I'm looking at with both teams. I'm a believer in Belgium and have been very impressed with England but it's not as if they've been up against the stiffest competition so far.

Limey · « **Reply #162 on:** June 28, 2018, 06:18:10 am »

Quote from: chuck on June 27, 2018, 10:13:14 pm

Ideally both England and Belgium will come out strong tomorrow because I would like to have a better idea of what I'm looking at with both teams. I'm a believer in Belgium and have been very impressed with England but it's not as if they've been up against the stiffest competition so far.

I am with you on neither team yet being tested. Unfortunately, I doubt that today is going to show us anything. Still, I'll be watching it at a Twin Peaks, so if I get bored with watching a bunch of boobs running around, I'll be able to watch a bunch of boobs running around.

austro · « **Reply #163 on:** June 28, 2018, 06:21:13 am »

I understand that one side of the bracket has the more glamorous names, but based on what I've seen so far, people overlook Croatia (and even Sweden) at their own peril.

austro · « **Reply #164 on:** June 28, 2018, 06:52:12 am »

By the way, is there a yellow card reset coming? Or does a player move out of the danger zone after one or two matches without a subsequent card?

Limey · « **Reply #165 on:** June 28, 2018, 06:54:01 am »

Quote from: austro on June 28, 2018, 06:21:13 am

I understand that one side of the bracket has the more glamorous names, but based on what I've seen so far, people overlook Croatia (and even Sweden) at their own peril.

I am presuming that, after the Iceland debacle, England isn't overlooking anyone. Eh? Oh.

Lefty · « **Reply #166 on:** June 28, 2018, 07:58:17 am »

Quote from: austro on June 28, 2018, 06:52:12 am

By the way, is there a yellow card reset coming? Or does a player move out of the danger zone after one or two matches without a subsequent card?

There's a reset for the semifinals.

eta: Found this, if you're curious:

Which players are currently suspended?

Panama: Armando Cooper, Michael Murillo — Can’t play against Tunisia
Sweden: Seb Larsson — Can’t play against Switzerland
Mexico: Hector Moreno — Can’t play against Brazil
Switzerland: Stephan Lichtsteiner, Fabian Schär — Can’t play against Sweden
Russia: Igor Smolinkov — Can’t play against Spain (red card)

Players who will get suspended with their next yellow card

Argentina: Marcos Acuña, Gabriel Mercado, Nicolas Otamendi, Javier Mascherano, Ever Banega, Lionel Messi
Belgium: Kevin De Bruyne, Thomas Meunier, Jan Vertonghen
Brazil: Casemiro, Philippe Coutinho, Neymar
Colombia: Wilmar Barrios, James Rodriguez
Croatia: Mario Mandzukic, Ivan Rakitic, Ante Rebic, Sime Vrsaljko, Tin Jedvaj, Marco Pjaca
Denmark: Thomas Delaney, Pione Sisto, “Zanka” Mathias Jorgensen
England: Kyle Walker, Ruben Loftus-Cheek
France: Blaise Matuidi, Paul Pogba, Corintin Tolisso
Japan: Eiji Kawashima, Takashi Inui, Makoto Hasebe
Mexico: Hector Herrera, Jesus Gallardo
Portugal: Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Adrien Silva, Ricardo Quaresma, Cedric Soares, Raphael Guerreiro
Russia: Aleksandr Golovin, Fyodor Smolov, Yuri Gazinskiy
Senegal: Gana, Salif Sane, Cheikh N’Doye, Youssouf Sabaly
Spain: Sergio Busquets
Sweden: Viktor Claesson, Albin Ekdal
Switzerland: Valon Behrami
Uruguay: Rodrigo Bentancur

Limey · « **Reply #167 on:** June 28, 2018, 08:30:08 am »

The used to reset after the group stage, but the heartbreaking episode of a crying Gazza - having an on-field emotional meltdown for collecting the yellow card (courtesy of some fine exaggeration by a German) that would have seen him suspended for the final had England not lost on penalties (natch).

Limey · « **Reply #168 on:** June 28, 2018, 10:50:21 am »

Senegal is on the brink of being eliminated by dint of two yellow cards, picked up in time added on to the end of their game with Japan as they clung on to the tie with Japan going hard for the win. If so: (1) it seems a just result, if only by the thinnest of margins; but (b) Senegal would be the first team ever eliminated by the fair play tie-breaker.

Lefty · « **Reply #169 on:** June 28, 2018, 10:52:31 am »

Quote from: Limey on June 28, 2018, 10:50:21 am

Senegal is on the brink of being eliminated by dint of two yellow cards, picked up in time added on to the end of their game with Japan as they clung on to the tie with Japan going hard for the win. If so: (1) it seems a just result, if only by the thinnest of margins; but (b) Senegal would be the first team ever eliminated by the fair play tie-breaker.

Have you heard anything from across the pond about the beer rationing due to the lack of CO2? Not that there's ever a good time for that sort of thing, but I can't think of a worse one.

BudGirl · « **Reply #170 on:** June 28, 2018, 10:52:40 am »

Quote from: Limey on June 28, 2018, 10:50:21 am

Senegal is on the brink of being eliminated by dint of two yellow cards, picked up in time added on to the end of their game with Japan as they clung on to the tie with Japan going hard for the win. If so: (1) it seems a just result, if only by the thinnest of margins; but (b) Senegal would be the first team ever eliminated by the fair play tie-breaker.

the last 10 minutes of this game were boring.

Limey · « **Reply #171 on:** June 28, 2018, 10:53:31 am »

Quote from: BudGirl on June 28, 2018, 10:52:40 am

the last 10 minutes of this game were boring.

It's been posited that it would be fantastically ironic if Japan picked up a couple of yellow cards for time wasting as they try to see out this result.

Bench · « **Reply #172 on:** June 28, 2018, 10:56:48 am »

So Colombia tops the group? Loser of Belgium - England faces Colombia, winner gets Japan? That seems like something worth playing for.

jbm · « **Reply #173 on:** June 28, 2018, 10:58:09 am »

So wait, I don't follow Soccer, but was convinced to adopt Senegal as an underdog. I thought I was told this morning that if japan lost, Senegal was in. That was wrong?

Bench · « **Reply #174 on:** June 28, 2018, 11:03:05 am »

Quote from: jbm on June 28, 2018, 10:58:09 am

So wait, I don't follow Soccer, but was convinced to adopt Senegal as an underdog. I thought I was told this morning that if japan lost, Senegal was in. That was wrong?

They lost the yellow card tie breaker.

BudGirl · « **Reply #175 on:** June 28, 2018, 11:12:39 am »

Quote from: Limey on June 28, 2018, 10:50:21 am

Senegal is on the brink of being eliminated by dint of two yellow cards, picked up in time added on to the end of their game with Japan as they clung on to the tie with Japan going hard for the win. If so: (1) it seems a just result, if only by the thinnest of margins; but (b) Senegal would be the first team ever eliminated by the fair play tie-breaker.

the last 10 minutes of this game were boring.

Quote from: Bench on June 28, 2018, 10:56:48 am

So Colombia tops the group? Loser of Belgium - England faces Colombia, winner gets Japan? That seems like something worth playing for.

Except on the other side you get Sweden or Denmark. I'd rather go that side. I'll let England top the group.

Limey · « **Reply #176 on:** June 28, 2018, 11:49:59 am »

Quote from: BudGirl on June 28, 2018, 11:12:39 am

Except on the other side you get Sweden or Denmark. I'd rather go that side. I'll let England top the group.

Oi!

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #177 on:** June 28, 2018, 01:38:22 pm »

Goal! Panama takes the lead 1-0

MusicMan · « **Reply #178 on:** June 28, 2018, 01:44:54 pm »

I don’t care if they’re not moving on, a Panama win would be awesome.

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BudGirl · « **Reply #179 on:** June 28, 2018, 01:45:45 pm »

Quote from: Limey on June 28, 2018, 11:49:59 am

Oi!

There are some really nice looking futbal players on your team.

Limey · « **Reply #180 on:** June 29, 2018, 08:22:09 am »

Quote from: BudGirl on June 28, 2018, 01:45:45 pm

There are some really nice looking futbal players on your team.

Yep

Limey · « **Reply #181 on:** June 29, 2018, 08:27:44 am »

So the bracket is set. England avoided winning the group when it's B team lost to Belgium's B team. Belgium get to play Japan but are on the side of the bracket that also includes Brazil, France, Argentina and Portugal. England, conversely, have a tougher Rof16 opponent - Colombia - but have avoided most of the big names save Spain and Croatia, either of which they can face only in the semi-final.

No games today. Tomorrow sees France v Argentina in the morning and Uruguay v Portugal in the afternoon - both games are delightfully poised.

Limey · « **Reply #182 on:** June 30, 2018, 09:20:53 am »

Mbappe is donating his pay from the World Cup to charity. Which begs the question: Qui es mas charitable? Mbappe or this Argentinian defense?

Limey · « **Reply #183 on:** June 30, 2018, 10:24:23 am »

Who knows what the final score will be here. Both teams are wonderfully bad at defending.

jbm · « **Reply #184 on:** June 30, 2018, 10:26:50 am »

That’s probably true, but as a non soccer fan, it’s a pretty exciting game. And another as I type.

Limey · « **Reply #185 on:** June 30, 2018, 10:30:42 am »

Quote from: jbm on June 30, 2018, 10:26:50 am

That’s probably true, but as a non soccer fan, it’s a pretty exciting game. And another as I type.

Oh, don’t get me wrong. I am thoroughly enjoying this.

MusicMan · « **Reply #186 on:** June 30, 2018, 10:46:45 am »

Como se dice “Maginot Line” en espanol?

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Limey · « **Reply #187 on:** June 30, 2018, 10:50:45 am »

Quote from: MusicMan on June 30, 2018, 10:46:45 am

Como se dice “Maginot Line” en espanol?

Malvinas?

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #188 on:** June 30, 2018, 10:51:29 am »

Quote from: MusicMan on June 30, 2018, 10:46:45 am

Como se dice “Maginot Line” en espanol?

El Linea de Magino.

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #189 on:** June 30, 2018, 10:55:06 am »

Quote from: Limey on June 30, 2018, 09:20:53 am

Mbappe is donating his pay from the World Cup to charity. Which begs the question: Qui es mas charitable? Mbappe or this Argentinian defense?

Argentina. But good for the young man.

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #190 on:** June 30, 2018, 01:09:46 pm »

Uruguay take a quick lead on Portugal on a beautiful play.

austro · « **Reply #191 on:** June 30, 2018, 01:21:12 pm »

Quote from: Sphinx Drummond on June 30, 2018, 01:09:46 pm

Uruguay take a quick lead on Portugal on a beautiful play.

Early goals are great for keeping matches from turning into slogfests. But I have to say that this WC has featured a lot of attacking play. It's been very enjoyable.

austro · « **Reply #192 on:** June 30, 2018, 01:49:47 pm »

Suarez deserves a card for his incessant fakery.

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #193 on:** June 30, 2018, 01:56:52 pm »

Quote from: austro on June 30, 2018, 01:49:47 pm

Suarez deserves a card for his incessant fakery.

There appears to be no depth he won’t lower himself to

VirtualBob · « **Reply #194 on:** June 30, 2018, 06:08:36 pm »

Quote from: Limey on June 30, 2018, 10:50:45 am

Malvinas?

Well played.

Limey · « **Reply #195 on:** June 30, 2018, 07:04:10 pm »

Quote from: Sphinx Drummond on June 30, 2018, 01:56:52 pm

There appears to be no depth he won’t lower himself to

In moments of desperation, he has resorted to cannibalism.

Limey · « **Reply #196 on:** June 30, 2018, 07:06:11 pm »

Quote from: Sphinx Drummond on June 30, 2018, 10:55:06 am

Argentina. But good for the young man.

Agreed. Reminiscent of Michael Owen at that age.

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #197 on:** June 30, 2018, 08:45:12 pm »

Quote from: Limey on June 30, 2018, 07:06:11 pm

Agreed. Reminiscent of Michael Owen at that age.

Oh man, I remember that, was a sweet play.

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #198 on:** June 30, 2018, 08:50:07 pm »

Quote from: Limey on June 30, 2018, 07:04:10 pm

In moments of desperation, he has resorted to cannibalism.

He is a skillful player who uses his assets (including a tremendous overbite) to his best advantage. God gave him those choppers to use for more than just eating corn on the cob. Them chicklets will always be his dominant feature.

Limey · « **Reply #199 on:** July 01, 2018, 11:45:58 am »

Germany out. Argentina out. Portugal out. Now Spain out.

Wow!