World Cup Discussion

[Fal]

With the World Cup underway thought it might be good to have a thread where we can talk about it.

Great chance for Mexico just then, great atmosphere

Edit - 1-0 Mexico

[DearneValleyRover]

South Africa look very agricultural

[normal rules]

Unbelievable to think this ground is 2200m above sea level. By far the highest ground in the comp. By some distance . That’s going to a huge factor for teams playing here.  Mexico were faves to win this anyway . When I saw the stat about the height of the ground I couldn’t help but have a punt on Mexico .

[Rupee92ONLY]

Can see Mexico getting another couple before nights out. I would’ve preferred Czech South Korea game in this time slot, I’ve got £50 on Pavel Sulc to be Czech’s top goalscorer at 7’s.

[Fal]

It’s going to be at least 3-0, South Africa are terrible.

[glosterred]

Not watching the game, but if I was the South African number 13, I’d change my name


COYR

[normal rules]

I see the England game is a 9pm KO in Dallas. Where it’s likely to still be around 30 degrees.

[NickDRFC]

I see the England game is a 9pm KO in Dallas. Where it’s likely to still be around 30 degrees.

9pm for us, 3pm there!

[drfchound]

Not watching the game, but if I was the South African number 13, I’d change my name


COYR

He just got sent off.

[DearneValleyRover]

Mexico aren’t the first team to struggle against 10 but they look poor

[DearneValleyRover]

2-0 Mexico and best piece of play of the match

[Fal]

Madness those last 2 red card decisions, feels like this is going to be a tournament of sendings off at this rate of refereeing

[Pancho Regan]

Madness those last 2 red card decisions, feels like this is going to be a tournament of sendings off at this rate of refereeing

Yep, if that sets the standard we’re going to see a lot of sendings off.

[DearneValleyRover]

It will all go out of the window in the knockout rounds because the big nations will kick off

[MachoMadness]

It’s going to be at least 3-0, South Africa are terrible.

Wrong on the number of goals, right on red cards though.

[drfchound]

It will all go out of the window in the knockout rounds because the big nations will kick off

Yep, didn’t that happen a few years ago after lots of pens were awarded for wrestling in the box in the group games.

[Draytonian III]

I’ve got only a fiver on over 33 penalties and over 12 own goals, at 13/2

[drfchound]

I’ve got only a fiver on over 33 penalties and over 12 own goals, at 13/2

I’m thinking you will be picking up some winnings there.

[Scooter]

I thought Mexico were decent. Their defence was not tested at all. South Africa were dreadful. I doubt they will get any points playing like that. If that ref has set the standard most games will have a red card in

[talksbollox]

Surely it can’t be higher than the away end at Newcastle

[normal rules]

I see the England game is a 9pm KO in Dallas. Where it’s likely to still be around 30 degrees.

9pm for us, 3pm there!

Prob even hotter then

[glosterred]

I see the England game is a 9pm KO in Dallas. Where it’s likely to still be around 30 degrees.

9pm for us, 3pm there!

Prob even hotter then

Yep a little bit hotter


COYR

[TonySoprano]

Anyone else noticed just how little hype or build up there has been for this world cup?

Just zero excitement anywhere. Of course that might change if england go deep.

Is it because theres no southgate ? Or because its in the USA mostly ? Because of the stupid kick off times?

Personally I think its a combination, and I would have much preferred it to be all in Mexico, a proper football country.

[Rupee92ONLY]

Southgate not being gaffer will have nothing to do with it. We’ve got a far superior coach in charge now.

I think the hype/build up in this country feels a little less because our game has been a bit further away. Usually it starts and we play after a couple days but this time round it’s almost a week in when we appear. It will build, for sure.

[BillyStubbsTears]

That opening match immediately demonstrates why the expansion to 48 countries and 104 games is an awful decision.

That was a shocking standard. I'd expect the Rovers to put in a better showing than South Africa. And there's going to be 50+ games of that sort of standard. Just awful to watch.

It'll make Infantino a lot more money though. And that's what really matters.

[GazLaz]

That opening match immediately demonstrates why the expansion to 48 countries and 104 games is an awful decision.

That was a shocking standard. I'd expect the Rovers to put in a better showing than South Africa. And there's going to be 50+ games of that sort of standard. Just awful to watch.

It'll make Infantino a lot more money though. And that's what really matters.

SA were poor on the day but their performance wasn’t helped by their managers tactical decision to play 532 as opposed to their normal 451/433, that killed them.

SA also qualified out of a group containing Nigeria, it’s possible they would have qualified if there was fewer teams at the event.

That game also wasn’t helped by the fact the central/ South American teams often go in front and then play at walking pace on the half way line, knowing the opposition can’t press how they normally would in those conditions (heat and altitude).


Not sure if I’m pro or anti 48 teams yet. It does feel a lot of games to get 48 down to 32 but a lot of games can be a good thing!

[ChrisBx]

That opening match immediately demonstrates why the expansion to 48 countries and 104 games is an awful decision.

That was a shocking standard. I'd expect the Rovers to put in a better showing than South Africa. And there's going to be 50+ games of that sort of standard. Just awful to watch.

It'll make Infantino a lot more money though. And that's what really matters.

SA were poor on the day but their performance wasn’t helped by their managers tactical decision to play 532 as opposed to their normal 451/433, that killed them.

SA also qualified out of a group containing Nigeria, it’s possible they would have qualified if there was fewer teams at the event.

That game also wasn’t helped by the fact the central/ South American teams often go in front and then play at walking pace on the half way line, knowing the opposition can’t press how they normally would in those conditions (heat and altitude).


Not sure if I’m pro or anti 48 teams yet. It does feel a lot of games to get 48 down to 32 but a lot of games can be a good thing!

My biggest frustration with the expansion to 48 teams is that it makes progressing from the groups significantly easier. You can now finish 3rd in a weaker group and progress.

[TonySoprano]

Southgate not being gaffer will have nothing to do with it. We’ve got a far superior coach in charge now.

I think the hype/build up in this country feels a little less because our game has been a bit further away. Usually it starts and we play after a couple days but this time round it’s almost a week in when we appear. It will build, for sure.

im not disputing whether southgate is s superior to cosch to tuchel or not. ( tuchel has a lot to live up to)
Im saying with southgate there was a familiar, feelgood "one of us " type of aura, you simply dont get that with tuchel.

[drfchound]

That opening match immediately demonstrates why the expansion to 48 countries and 104 games is an awful decision.

That was a shocking standard. I'd expect the Rovers to put in a better showing than South Africa. And there's going to be 50+ games of that sort of standard. Just awful to watch.

It'll make Infantino a lot more money though. And that's what really matters.

Nice that I can agree with bst on something here.

[TonySoprano]

That opening match immediately demonstrates why the expansion to 48 countries and 104 games is an awful decision.

That was a shocking standard. I'd expect the Rovers to put in a better showing than South Africa. And there's going to be 50+ games of that sort of standard. Just awful to watch.

It'll make Infantino a lot more money though. And that's what really matters.

Nice that I can agree with bst on something here.

Strange feeling agreeing with BST !
Although im still puzzled how Matty Craig hasn't gone to the WC given how hes better than Pele !