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.
More Messi magic
brilliant by Messi
He gets beaten in the air regularly.
Against the star defender of the World Cup too
Great strength from Messi to keep going in all that. Most attackers would have taken a fall.
Messi with the Assist of the Tournament.
Obstruction is where there is a coming together from a player who has NOT actively impeded the man in possession. Where they're not in the way as a result of trying to play the ball, but end up in the way due to circumstance. The only reason the keeper in this instance is in the way is because he's actively out trying to play the ball. If you hit a man because of your actions trying to win the ball, it's just a regular old fashioned foul.
Gvardiol shocking
Anyone else notice the blonde Argentinian fan jumping up and down in the crowd giving it socks?
One of the highlights of the tournament.
You would say that. More like you talking absolute pish on Boards.ie.
Very poor wall. Right through the middle.
It'll be a sad day when Messi's no longer playing. What a player. Felt sorry for Gvardiol there!
Should take Messi off and protect him.
Her jersey is very durable, its under some strain!
In slow mo was even better. Rarely have seen a goal like that Messi one with so many changes of pace.
Pure brilliance from Messi.
Possibility of no European teams in the final for first time in years, since the earliest world cups.
Is that you, Darragh? 😂
Martinez up for it with positioning and fearlessness though.
That's the reason you let him wander around not doing much on defence, he can't play like he's 25 for 90 minutes anymore but if he can do it when needed you'll make a lot of sacrifices to have it.
While Argentine deserve to be ahead the ref has had a bit of a shocker. Argentina should have had about 10 yellow cards. What does Messi have to do to get a yellow? He pulled the attacker back which is a yellow every time yet the ref appears to defer to him and not give him a yellow. Leaves a bad taste. There too much room for the interpretation of multiple variables by one person (the ref) which may suit the Sunday leagues but surely not a semi final of a World Cup.
and while I wouldn’t go so far to say it’s a form of cheating, Argentina have had a considerable unfair advantage throughout the game due to the (non) performance of the referee. Along with goals the refs decisions change games and that’s a fact. I hope they sort it out for the euros. Multiple umpires on the pitch to help the head referee.
Last time we see Modric for Croatia?
I just don't get this criticism the referee is favouring Messi.
3rd/4th place play-off is on Saturday so I'd imagine that will be his final game.
It comes from the last game. He ran into players and was getting frees. He was protected by the ref more than anyone else. Didn’t see too much of the same this game.
Unfortunately it probably is.
Committed to Nations league finale next summer according to itv commentator
Dood point
Did not know that
Alvarez looking like the forward Argentina really needed Higuain to be in 2014.
Well done Argentina. Heavily inspired by Messi.
