FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

[Alex79]

Fun fact. This is the first world cup where there has been no goals from outside the box by this point in the tournament.

That second Saudi goal was probably the closest, right on the line.

[ratsoalbion]

Iran's first.

[Alex79]

Shame for Wales, what a horrible end to the game! Also, never known a tournament have so much time added on to games!

[ratsoalbion]

It's a dictat from Collina. Long overdue as the ball is generally only in play for 30 minutes per half. He's insisted that additional time is properly observed and gets us closer to 45 minutes of actual play, and I'm all for it.

[Alex79]

Makes sense. More like Basketball where the clock literally stops every time the ball isn't in play, along with most US sports I think.

[ratsoalbion]

And rugby.

[Truk_Kurt]

The World cup of shocks continues with the Belgium vs Morrocco scoreline yesterday. I was reading an Athletic article suggesting that these shocks aren't good for the tournament as it will lead to a lesser quality knockout stage if the big teams aren't in it. After reading the piece I could understand the authors point but I still don't agree. If the group stages went as expected and we maybe got a more exciting knockout stage, that would have meant the group stages were boring.

[Alex79]

I'm thinking France or Spain for the trophy. I've got France in the work sweepstakes, so hoping I make a tidy £32

[markfm007]

The World cup of shocks continues with the Belgium vs Morrocco scoreline yesterday. I was reading an Athletic article suggesting that these shocks aren't good for the tournament as it will lead to a lesser quality knockout stage if the big teams aren't in it. After reading the piece I could understand the authors point but I still don't agree. If the group stages went as expected and we maybe got a more exciting knockout stage, that would have meant the group stages were boring.

I much prefer an unpredictable tournament to one where the top teams rise as expected. I see the argument, it's great watching top class teams clash, but after a while it feels like the same old story played out year after year. There's a lot of great matches between unfancied sides, such as Serbia - Cameroon today. I'd much rather see that and see some new sides get their turn in the sun.

[Truk_Kurt]

Great second half performance from England yesterday. Even if Wales weren't very good (possibly the worst team at the tournament after Qatar?). I particularly thought Rashfords second goal was really good, it's great to see him hit form.

[Alex79]

Feeling confident for the next match. I genuinely think we are in with a chance, but it's so unpredictable with England. I feel like the team can really turn it on at times, but a lot of it is so boring to watch, just passing it around the back four. The amount of times we've seen England almost at the opponents box before gradually passing it all the way back to Pickford. I know they're being patient and waiting for the right opportunities but I feel like they could take a few more risks.

But what do I know about football. I'm the worst kind of fan. The fan real fans hate. Here for the big international tournaments and nothing else. I've just got no interest in club football, but love the World Cup and the Euros.

[Truk_Kurt]

So that's it for another 2 years. I thought we matched France and it was just fine margins as to why we didn't go through. Personally I would keep Southgate in charge for the next tournament if he still wants to do it as I don't think there is anyone available right now who would do a better job. Not anyone who would leave their current job anyway.

[Will Marley]

I like Southgate but I feel he's taken the team as far as he can. It's very fine margins at this level but again, given a very favourable opportunity, England have lacked a big performance in the biggest games. Even had we beaten France, I don't think we would have beaten Argentina with the limitations of our current approach.

I'd get a foreign manager in, personally. I don't think the talent is there in English management.

[Truk_Kurt]

Well, that was some final. I recorded it as I was out so was watching it when I got home not knowing the result. At 80 minutes I was considering fast forwarding it to the end just to see the trophy lift as I thought France weren't getting back into it, but then they scored and the game became incredible.

[Alex79]

It was an absolute cracker of a game, really exciting for the last half an hour of the normal time onwards.

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Thank God I managed to watch this masterpice online live. I have been a football fan for over 20 years and must admit that it was tha best match ever, undoubtedly!

[Will Marley]

Same here!