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.
Germany score !
Belter of a finish from Füllkrug. What a season he's having.
We’ve seen them given week-in-week-out in the Prem in fairness
I question the timing of that Spanish substitution. Balde(2nd cap) hadn't a clue, didn't get a chance to settle in. Probably on the field 20 seconds and Germany score down Balde's side.
great tackle
England must be sick at missing out on him, then again he's too good a footballer for GS to play,he's definitely stood out in both German games
Don't know why he didn't shoot instead of trying to go around the keeper
The referee blowing up early. Must have German relations and/or friends.
Brilliant game.
Enjoyed that game. Two quality sides. Musiala had some great moments, and Germany look a different outfit with Sane involved. I'd like to see Morata start for Spain from now on.
As expected,the game of the tournament so far
It's been the best quality clash so far, agreed. And yes, Musiala is unreal, no fear.
Definitely a place on the England bench for that musiala lad
More confident now of Germany winning the tournament than I was at the start. Coming along under the radar nicely!
I got 20 quid on them even though I didn't really think they could do it. I still don't. But they showed a bit of character tonight. And they're still in with a chip and a chair.
It's all about attitude really. With todays attitude they would have won the Japan game no bother.
Can someone tell RTE that Germany are not out if this happens
"A group that's end for a thrilling final day. Germany need a win on Thursday combined with Spain beating Japan if they are to go through."
This group could well come down to goals scored.
I thought at the start they'd grow into the tournament, which they are now, and that game will bring them on hugely. Their confidence, team unity and workmanlike approach is back, which was lacking under Lowe for several tournaments. Had that been a knock-out game, Germany had them beat all ends up.
It's a marathon, not a sprint, and like Italy in tournament football, Germany grow into it. What both do best is go under the radar and turn over flaky favourites, which is what this tournament is full of...Brazil, Spain, Argentina, France etc. Would you really back against Germany turning them over in a battle of attrition in extra time when it really matters?
Germany have been better than their one point suggests and have been a tad unlucky so far, but they'll continue to improve, coming in unfancied. This is what Germany do best, just watch the grinding unfold!
All you say is true*. And I wish I could believe it.
*except maybe France being flaky, they look some quality
Germany, like Italy, carry something that is priceless. A winners belief and mentality no other team carries. Brazil of course often win as they were so far ahead quality wise at times, but when they aren't, their confidence looks shot.
Germany and Italy have a culture of winning and it's ingrained in the national psyche. How many times have they been up against it and outplayed, but were the team still standing? History doesn't lie. These two teams carry a belief passed on for generations, that they'll win. Doesn't always happen, but more often than not they will win.
The German squad deep down really believe they can win it, like Italy at the Euros, and are quietly confident. I look at the other teams and I don't think they can say the same, I see doubt and hope in most, don't genuinely carry that winners mentality and steadfast confidence.
Make no mistake, when it really matters Germany will be in the mix. Not even Brazil can match them in consistency at the world cup. This is what Germany do, again and again!
I see huge doubt in both Brazil and Argentina. This Brazil team complete spoofers in particular
I actually think that this Brazil team looks pretty strong. Perhaps they are at their weakest in defence, but they have their choice of great keepers. From midfield on they are more than a match for anyone.
The fact that they have real quality off the bench as well could swing games late on. I had them down to face Argentina in a semi-final, wholly dependent upon both winning their groups. They are definitely a last 4 pick, and possibly better, for me.
Richarlison, who selection was mocked, will score again against Switzerland.
How is Busquets still getting a game for Spain, the mans legs went around 3 years ago.
He will be exposed badly against a fast attack.
In fairness, people have been saying that about Busquets for years.
Positioning always beats pace, and Busquets is the embodiment of that.
This sums him up to perfection:
Also a backer of germany and this results puts them in a good position to be on the better side of the draw obviously world cup knokouts arent easy but there route to the final if the can get out of the group is preferable.
A surprise japan win does still put them out of course (barring a massive germany victory) but looking much better then it did this yesterday at least
Positioning beats pace up to a point.
He has been caught very badly out of position for Barcelona over the last few seasons and he doesn't even bother to try and get back.
Its obviously not as noticeable in a side like Spain who dominate possession and try to pass teams to death.
Reminds of Brian Kerr's 'endorsement' of Glenn Whelan: "He sort of fills a space"...
I always thought his job was to get away with fouling people but also roll around like a baby at the slightest touch to himself.
Serbia should be 2-0 up, missed a couple of great chances. Instead they're 1-0 behind from a silly corner they needlessly conceded.
What is the name of the Cameroon fella in the RTE studio? Joey something? He was very good anyway going through the team.
Serbia level. 1-1. Deft header from a free kick placed in the upper left hand corner.
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