Thread to discuss the football itself.
This is not a thread to discuss the hosting of the competition in Quatar.
You can discuss the hosting in the relevant thread.
I remember now, that was the talking point when the Brazil squad was named. Because Tite wanted to find a way to get Martinelli in.
I would like to see none of the big guns win it. It would be nice to get a first time winner.
That was a great performance from Brazil, solid at the back and very dangerous going forward. So many options in those attacking positions. Would love to see them win it outright. They're the best team I've seen so far but didn't see the Spain game.
I'll hold my hands up, that was a great 2nd half from Brazil.
But most of my comments were based up to half time, and to be fair they were pants to then.
Slow start but Serbia did a great job frustrating Brazil in that first half - really difficult to keep that up for 90 minutes though.
The second half was relentless stuff, especially after the goal went in. This is the most complete Brazil team in years, who thankfully aren’t over reliant on Neymar this time. Would love to see them go all the way.
Offensively they were for sure one of the best. I'd still be concerned about their defence.
My team for the first round of games (3-5-2):
G) Courtois (Belgium),
CB) Altambakti (KSA), Kim Min-jae (Korea Rep.), Marquinhos (Brazil),
DM) Casemiro (Brazil)
RM) Saka (England)
CM) Gavi (Spain), Rabiot (France)
LM) Mbappe (France)
ST) Giroud (France), Richarlison (Brazil).
Honourable mentions: Ochoa (Mexico), Aguerd (Morocco), Thiago Silva (Brazil), Itakura (Japan), Kanno (KSA), Torres (Spain), Morata (Spain), Taremi (Iran), Alshehri (KSA), Aldawsari (KSA).
I’d say Spain, England, and France as the most impressive, with Brazil just behind.
Yeah, that's why Chelsea and Arsenal were in for him before...Barcelona signed him for 55m. Must be rubbish.
It's only been one round, nothing is won in the first round, but all CAN be lost.
That thought Spain were excellent (notwithstanding the quality of the opposition).
What I pressed me most was that (Morata aside) every change they made made them stronger, they certainly didn't disrupt or weaken them.
France were good (again, opposition were poor), and never really broke a sweat.
It'll be interesting to see if Saudi and Japan in particular can back up good results in Round 1.
BTW that Portugal penalty decision was scandalous. The African and Asian teams will always claim they don't get a fair shake in these games, decisions like this certainly back this up.
I'm the same, would like to see either a new winner or even someone who hasn't won it in a while (Argentina, Uruguay) with the obvious exception of England! It would be a bit boring to see a 'usual suspect' like Brazil, France, Germany or Spain win it (I include the latter even though they've only ever won it once, they have had their fair share of success in the recent past).
Would I be right in saying that if Brazil and Spain top their groups, they won't be able to meet in a final?
Brazil played the best team of those 4, the other 3 played teams heavy favorites for the bottom of the groups.
Wouldn't be overly surprised if Serbia manger to squeeze out of the group still
Spain, Brazil, France and England looking good at this stage - however I don’t fancy England at all when it comes to games against the bigger teams. Southgate is by far the worst manager out of those 4 teams and presumably his lack of tactical depth will see him go overly cautious once again.
Ya even Canada yesterday could easily have had 2 and possibly 3 more penalties yesterday.
For one the ref hadn't a clue just stared over at the linesman looking for help got nothing and var didn't even get him to take a look
Going of memory here but I think Spain Brazil winning groups would be quarter's.
Just looked it up. You’re right.
Easier games for sure, but the assurance of Spain and France especially was just mind blowing... both teams looked like they had many more gears to crank into if required. Looked like they knew exactly what they wanted to do, and how they wanted to play, with both looking so effective. It won't be as easy against better teams, but I'd expect both to step up a level with the same style.
England I would say the same about, except I have no faith in Southgate holding firm on what's working... could easily see him baulking, and changing to a more defensive formation and losing that attacking quality. But if he can find a bit of bravery, they'll be very dangerous as well.
On the other side, I'd worry about Brazil with that formation against a better team. Looks like they'd need to change it a bit to be stronger in midfield, as a higher calibre of midfield would dominate. So they still have that one question mark for me.
France and England were not far off. Iran got nowhere near England till the game was over. France have questions at the back alright though.
Anyone else think the HD picture quality for the World Cup is poor ?
I cant seem to get a good picture, it just isnt sharp, and I have a good set and picture quality is normally excellent.
So Germany just being super-smart and making sure they don't win the group...
Is anyone playing the Predictor game on Fifa website?
On the opening day I got 3 correct scores and 4 correct outcomes, Should I have been awarded 4 extra points? or am I reading their rules wrong?
Sorry if this is not the correct thread to point in, it can move moved if needed.
Only one of today’s games have the potential of being any interest for the neutrals.
Senegal should beat Qatar handy enough.Netherlands v Ecuador similar . Maybe slightly more difficult - but I can’t see it being much of a match.
The last one Wales v Iran should be a fiery one, though.
I am not playing it, but the way I read it you have to get every ‘outcome’ spot on. Exact result home goals/away goals the whole lot.
I'm hoping against hope that England vs USA will be close.
If you look further up the points rules, they say outcomes is the result - not correct score.
But i'm also thinking when they say "Match Day" do they mean all the 1st games - so 12 games in total.
Carlos Queiroz looks like a fella named Paulie who sits outside one of those Mafia-ran gentlemen's clubs you see in every gangster film.
Is there anywhere to listen to commentary of live matches online ?
BBC Radio 5 live should do the job for you.
Just struck me watching these games how out of the ordinary international kits now look without advertising.
I'm sure it's only a matter of time before FIFA allow the kits to be sponsored. Its not like the associations would turn down the opportunity to bring in cash.
Livesport app
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