Russia knocks out Spain in penalties! What a crazy tournament this has been!
This Argentine roster was weak and the coach was a clown. They had 5 world class players, all attackers, who couldn't all play at the same time. Messi, Aguero, DiMaria, Higuain, and Dybala. The midfield, backs, and goalies are super weak. Having a 34 year old Mascherano (in poor form) playing a key central midfield role is all you need to know. Either they have good younger midfield and defensive players and just refused to select or play them or they have none. For their sake, I hope it's the former.NatePait94 said:Ripper said:
Argentina is in bad need of a post-Messi reboot. Most of their starters are in their early 30's. First, they need to hire a normal, highly qualified coach and technical director. The current guy is a clown. He looks like an extra from The Jersey Shore. Then they need to build the team around Paolo Dybala and Mauro Icardi, and usher in a new generation of players.
You will see that in the next world cup but the current t roster is necessary. They are still the best starters for their country. Experience and skill.
It was one of the better World Cup matches I have ever seen.Ripper said:
Japan-Belgium second half was unbelievable.
The semifinals of the World Cup. I think you have to give England credit now.Postalwolf said:
I'll wait til England actually plays somebody.
Rob McLamb said:The semifinals of the World Cup. I think you have to give England credit now.Postalwolf said:
I'll wait til England actually plays somebody.
England cannot control that variable. It really is not their problem in regards to who they play, other than finding a way to win. It is easy to bash Sweden but they are the reason Italy did not make it.Postalwolf said:Rob McLamb said:The semifinals of the World Cup. I think you have to give England credit now.Postalwolf said:
I'll wait til England actually plays somebody.
I hear ya. Semi finals is great and nothing to sniff at, but come on, Tunisia, Panama, Colombia on penalties, and Sweden(weakest team left)? That's and ridiculously easy draw. I actually love England and the Premier League. I'd love to see them win, just not a fan of Southgate.
I cringed at the idea of the USA making it to a World Cup in Russia for political reasons. The American team also would have been thrashed. It might have been 1998 World Cup-level bad. There is no way they advance past the group stage.Ripper said:
This World Cup is awesome. Great games. A part of me is glad we didn't qualify with Arena as coach. Can you imagine Besler, Gonzalez, Zusi and the other MLS flunkies trying to play these teams. I cringe at the roster that Arena would have selected. Many of our talented young guys would have been on the bench or not selected at all.
Ripper said:
Bobby Wood staying in the Bundesliga with Hannover 96. A fresh start or re-boot may do him good and by extension help with USMNT. Erik Palmer-Brown and Andrija Novakovich both moving up to the Eredivisie. Lots of young US talent playing in good Euro leagues this upcoming season.
Vive la France. One-half of the way there, and agree that would be an incredibly exciting match-up for geographical and historical reasons, not to mention how good both teams have looked at times in this tournament.Rob McLamb said:
What I like best about international soccer is, for me at least, it combines sport with geography and history. For that reason, I would love to see an England-France final.
LOL, which side has to roll around on the floor holding their head, shoulder, arm, leg, or arse acting like their wound was the worst experience of their careers? Winner, loser, or both?NatePait94 said:
My coworker and I have a friendly wager on the match. I have Croatia winning, they have France. Loser has to purposefully poop their pants at work. I'm excited to say the least.
My heart say both, but my brain says the French...PackFansXL said:LOL, which side has to roll around on the floor holding their head, shoulder, arm, leg, or arse acting like their wound was the worst experience of their careers? Winner, loser, or both?NatePait94 said:
My coworker and I have a friendly wager on the match. I have Croatia winning, they have France. Loser has to purposefully poop their pants at work. I'm excited to say the least.
Your brain is smarter than your heart.NatePait94 said:My heart say both, but my brain says the French...PackFansXL said:LOL, which side has to roll around on the floor holding their head, shoulder, arm, leg, or arse acting like their wound was the worst experience of their careers? Winner, loser, or both?NatePait94 said:
My coworker and I have a friendly wager on the match. I have Croatia winning, they have France. Loser has to purposefully poop their pants at work. I'm excited to say the least.
Rob McLamb said:
Croatia actually did some good things stat-wise. I think France and Croatia will probably both play a big part in the Euro 2020 as well. Both national teams are on the rise.