The Official 2018 World Cup Thread...

[GoNolesTX]

Not saying that FIFA is dirty, but...

What if Uruguay pulls off the upset tomorrow before the Brazil/Belgium game? Does more of the flopping get called or no-called? I, honestly, think that France and Belgium should advance from tomorrow's matches, but there's no way that FIFA likes an all European final four, is there?

 

[SeaPA]

Not saying that FIFA is dirty, but...

What if Uruguay pulls off the upset tomorrow before the Brazil/Belgium game? Does more of the flopping get called or no-called? I, honestly, think that France and Belgium should advance from tomorrow's matches, but there's no way that FIFA likes an all European final four, is there?

**Looks at map**

 

[GoNolesTX]

**Looks at map**

Let me re-phrase. If France comes through, Belgium has very little shot from an officiating perspective... my speculation.

 

[LesClaypool]

Let me re-phrase. If France comes through, Belgium has very little shot from an officiating perspective... my speculation.

1. I can appreciate your concerns about Neymar diving. They're legitimate for sure.
2. Brazil is better than Belgium at ever facet of the game except possibly GK - better forwards, better midfield (barely), better defense. They should win.

 

[NolesOnTop]

1. I can appreciate your concerns about Neymar diving. They're legitimate for sure.
2. Brazil is better than Belgium at ever facet of the game except possibly GK - better forwards, better midfield (barely), better defense. They should win.

Better midfield? I am not so sure about that with Hazard and De Bruyne. I would say at worst, they are equal there. Belgium's back 3 is also very good. Where Belguim is weak though is at wingback, especially on the left. It is surprising given all the talent they have that they do not have even decent talent at those positions. Vertonghen is a left-footed centerback. He is very good in the box, but he is not the fastest person and does not like to cover out wide. Whoever is playing left wingback needs to track back and give cover on that side. I expect Brazil to have a lot of success going down the sides, especially the left.

 

[LesClaypool]

Better midfield? I am not so sure about that with Hazard and De Bruyne. I would say at worst, they are equal there. Belgium's back 3 is also very good. Where Belguim is weak though is at wingback, especially on the left. It is surprising given all the talent they have that they do not have even decent talent at those positions. Vertonghen is a left-footed centerback. He is very good in the box, but he is not the fastest person and does not like to cover out wide. Whoever is playing left wingback needs to track back and give cover on that side. I expect Brazil to have a lot of success going down the sides, especially the left.

Belgium’s midfield, b/c De Bruyne is in it, IS good. Hazard plays up top though, just he does at at Chelsea (in a 4-3-3/3-4-3) Not in midfield.

I agree w/you that Belgium’s wingbacks are a liability.

 

[NolesOnTop]

It’s looking more and more like Cavani will not play for Uruguay tomorrow. Damn shame because I thought they really had a shot to beat France and go all the way. We’ll see what happens but all the reports aren’t good.

It is too bad, but Uruguay can cope with it. They will just dig in harder on the defensive end and play for set pieces so they can bring the big center backs forward. The key for them is not to fall behind because they do not have the firepower to play catch up. They lack creativity in the midfield when they are chasing a goal.

 

[LesClaypool]

I’m not his biggest fan but I think Uruguay will desperately miss Cavani. His work rate is second to none.

I don’t know much about Christian Stuani, who’s expected to start in his place. Maybe he’s a worker too.

 

[NolesOnTop]

I’m not his biggest fan but I think Uruguay will desperately miss Cavani. His work rate is second to none.

I don’t know much about Christian Stuani, who’s expected to start in his place. Maybe he’s a worker too.

I didn't mean to imply he would not be missed. He is one of the best strikers in the world and his replacement will be a down grade. I also agree that Cavani's work rate is incredible. What is more incredible is that he can work that hard and still be lethal on the offensive end as well. Stuani is a capable striker but not nearly as lethal as Cavani. I expect him to work hard, because that's what everyone who plays for Uruguay does, but I expect he will give more on the defensive end than the offensive end.

 

[NoleLizards]

As someone without a strong rooting preference in this particular match, I'm just disappointed both sides won't be at full strength.

 

[LesClaypool]

I didn't mean to imply he would not be missed. He is one of the best strikers in the world and his replacement will be a down grade. I also agree that Cavani's work rate is incredible. What is more incredible is that he can work that hard and still be lethal on the offensive end as well. Stuani is a capable striker but not nearly as lethal as Cavani. I expect him to work hard, because that's what everyone who plays for Uruguay does, but I expect he will give more on the defensive end than the offensive end.

I didn't meant to suggest you implied that either. My bad.

I just think he'll be a huge loss. Suarez also plays off of him so well, ie Chemistry. I think that could be the biggest loss.

 

[NolesOnTop]

I didn't meant to suggest you implied that either. My bad.

I just think he'll be a huge loss. Suarez also plays off of him so well, ie Chemistry. I think that could be the biggest loss.

That's why I said they would play for set pieces. They are less likely to score from open play without both of them. But, here's the thing, they are totally comfortable with that. It will not be pleasing to watch, but they don't care. They understand what they are and what they need to do to win.

 

[funksouljon]

I didn't mean to imply he would not be missed. ......

I didn't meant to suggest you implied that either. My bad.
......

Damn you two are so nice today! If everyone was this nice, tribe could come back and we could start talking politics!



Back to regular scheduled thread, really liking Uruguay over Portugal just cause.

 

[noleclone2]

 

[NoleLizards]

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The potential for NSFW fare is strong here.

 

[NolesOnTop]

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The Neymar drill by the little kids at the end was the best. The coach yells "Neymar" and all the kids fall to the ground and start flailing around. You have got to teach them all the fundamentals of the game.

 

[DDennis73]

I hate having days without games. Going to go through withdrawals when this is over. I enjoy the Euros but doesnt compare to the WC.

 

[NoleLizards]

I hate having days without games. Going to go through withdrawals when this is over. I enjoy the Euros but doesnt compare to the WC.

I'm just so glad the quarters will be on in the morning not too long after I get up. Not being able to work due to stroke has its positives, as well.

 

[LesClaypool]

Whew...after a 48-hour break...

 

[noleit]

I'll be cheering for Uruguay in the opening match. Not much of a French sports fan. Hopefully Suarez has a big day!

 

[LesClaypool]

I'll be cheering for Uruguay in the opening match. Not much of a French sports fan. Hopefully Suarez has a big day!

Me either. But Mbappe...I'm a fan of his. I'm hoping the opening match doesn't get too defensive, on Uruguay's part, though that is their calling card. I'd like to see a 2-1 match in regulation. No penalties today please!

 

[SeaPA]

My prediction for today's varsity games: France wins 1-0 on a 2nd half goal from MmmBop, Brazil wins 2-1. Not sure what to think in tomorrow's JV games.

 

[NoleLizards]

My prediction for today's varsity games: France wins 1-0 on a 2nd half goal from MmmBop, Brazil wins 2-1. Not sure what to think in tomorrow's JV games.

Too bad @dmm5157 isn't a footie fan...He could make a Mbappe highlight video from the Hanson song:

 

[SeaPA]

Too bad @dmm5157 isn't a footie fan...He could make a Mbappe highlight video from the Hanson song:

View embedded media

Sadly, it's all I can think of whenever I see his name. If he were a baseball player, it would surely be his walk-up song.

 

[kooterridesagain]

I know the smart money is always on the big teams at this point, but Ill go with who is playing better.
France(because Cavani injured), Belgium, Croatia and Sweden.
France over Croatia final

 

[LesClaypool]

No one is playing better than Brazil.

Smart money should be on them to beat Belgium.

 

[NolesOnTop]

Me either. But Mbappe...I'm a fan of his. I'm hoping the opening match doesn't get too defensive, on Uruguay's part, though that is their calling card. I'd like to see a 2-1 match in regulation. No penalties today please!

I am cheering for Uruguay, but I am hoping it is a defensive slogfest because the only way they are winning is by frustrating France with stifling defense. If Mbappe scores, France will win.

 

[LesClaypool]

Watching Uruguay defend as a team feels just like watching Atletico Madrid. Obviously no surprise since Godin & Jimenez are in both teams’ backlines.

It’s ugly, but it’s also strangely compelling.

 

[GoNolesTX]

I actually wouldn't mind either team winning the first game. Big fan of Mbappe's game and Pogba for ManU reasons, but Uruguay plays as a team and that's something I enjoy watching.

Would love for Belgium to take the result from Brazil. Again, Lukaku and ManU reasons, but I just think Belgium plays a fun style.

 

[cfbfan23]

I am hoping it is a defensive slogfest because the only way they are winning is by frustrating France with stifling defense.

A strategy first used by the Russians against France 206 years ago. Of course the "stifling defense" was actually the act of retreating. If only the pitch was 3000 miles long in this game.....

I've got France going to the Finals which means they will probably lose this game or the next. Go Uruguay!!!!!

 

[NolesOnTop]

Watching Uruguay defend as a team feels just like watching Atletico Madrid. Obviously no surprise since Godin & Jimenez are in both teams’ backlines.

It’s ugly, but it’s also strangely compelling.

The funny thing is Griezmann is on the other side today. I wonder if he has learned how to counteract that style.

 

[kc78]

My picks for the Semi-Finals will be France v Brazil and England v Croatia.

I think our final will be Brazil v Croatia with Brazil winning fairly easily.

 

[LesClaypool]

My picks for the Semi-Finals will be France v Brazil and England v Croatia.

I think our final will be Brazil v Croatia with Brazil winning fairly easily.

I like your picks. I think I'd go exactly the same.

 

[GoNolesTX]

Uruguay taking advantage of some sketchy French touches early and turning in to an offensive machine. Could get dicey if the match continues that way.

Anxious to see France do something dangerous here with the offensive possession though.

 

[LesClaypool]

GREAT save by Lloris! Wow!

 

[noleit]

Fairly even first half. Hopefully Uruguay can overcome this 1-0 deficit.

 

[LesClaypool]

Aww man...Muslera. Ouch!

 

[NoleLizards]

Aww man...Muslera. Ouch!

Whoopsie!

 

[GoNolesTX]

Ouch. Plenty of space and time to position himself... not sure what his plan was with the hands.

 

[ggmike1992]

I know very very little Spanish but I get a kick out of watching the Telemundo broadcast of these games.