World Cup 2022 - Team and Match Discussion

Emilio is the real hero

I think Ronaldo has chosen longevity over commitment, while Messi gave his absolute all in this World Cup.

Suarez, facetime

He looks so happy for him

Just thinking about the peno's - incredible by Martinez. Saved in the Copa America semi vs Colombia, in the WC vs Netherlands and France. Meanwhile, Lloris saved nothing in their Euro '20 exit to Switzerland or today.

Martinez obviously has a few marbles lost but knows what he's doing in penalty shoot-outs and is the only keeper who has helped Messi lift the 2 international tournaments he's eligible for.

The lad behind him looks like he is fighting hard not to bite his lip and give a wink.

In a way fair play to him, but in the other hand, I think lloris and France deserve critism for failing to confront or prepare for Martinez antics.

His stick is trashtalking, dancing on the line and delaying the kicker by making him wait or kicking the ball away. 2 of these 3 can be dealt with by the kicking team.

Watch some of recent Liverpool shootouts. After the opponents kick, Allison will collect the ball and stand near the spot. He will then hand the ball to the next (Liverpool) kicker when he decides he's ready. He'll be the first and last friendly face the kicker sees as he approaches the spot, he'll act as a barrier between the opposition keeper and the kicker, and he'll talk to the kicker and reassure him before taking the shot.

It's actually quite effective - if the opponent wants to walk to the corner the locker will have Allison beside him for support until the opponent is back on his line, and prevents the likes of Martinez kicking the ball away like he did yesterday.

Instead, Lloris the supposed captain and leader was no place to be seen, on his hunkers hiding in the corner.

Take control of things! Everyone knew Martinez was gonna act up, prepare for it and deal with it.

Yeah Martinez antics going unpunished was weird. Keepers can and do use a certain amount but throwing the ball away should be a card.

All keepers must be a bit left of center to play that position.

The GOAT debate was settled, Mbappe has his career ahead of him and has already achieved alot but Messi at 35 just pulled his country through a world cup. I could list his other achievements all day long, no one comes close.

If Mbappe achieves what Messi does and at 35 can drag his country to a world cup, come back to me.

He's an incredible talent and has a great career ahead of him but its all ahead of him. Messi is the GOAT, throwing in a young player into the conversation who hasn't won a CL or Ballon Dor yet is nonsense is all im saying.

Does anyone else just absolutely fking hate the term "GOAT"

Don't mind a good debate about who the best ever is I just hate the acronym.

I just hate saying it, if I'm saying it I'll say "greatest of all time", if im typing it I'll put down GOAT

On this WC on RTE - I think there should be a shake up after this full time

1) Best analyst - Joey Ndoh - the fella is a legend as far as I am concerned had me in stitches great craic

2) Most improved analyst - Stephanie Roche and Stephen Kelly (nice delivery and good way about them)

3) Best co-commentator - Alan Cawley - kicks every ball no matter who is playing and really gets into it.

Mod Edit

Warning issued.