I loved the moment when Fagner earned a goal kick when he kept pace with the attacker and slid in at the right moment. His teammates' reactions were excited and lifting him up. Watching things like that and G Jesus working together with Firmino when everyone is calling for one to replace the other show a team united for the right reasons, unlike some in the recent past.
The good part is we may have an easy opponent in final. If someone takes out Croatia then we may have an easy ride.....2 more tough matches to go.
Watching the game again and I must say that Neymar's move on the first goal where he drags the entire Mexican defense into the middle and then passes the ball to Willian is truly the creation of a genius. One can say, and I hope you all forgive, that it was "Maradonaesque." Sometimes it takes a genius to score in a difficult game and that's what Neymar is and what he did today.
Mexico started very well, but as long as they didn't score, it was obvious to me they were going to gas out. After the first 20 mins, they looked done. I still think they found too much space early on, but we took control of the game. They had a good spell after we went up 1 x 0 and I do wish our passing was crisper at times, but it was a solid performance. The first goal came from basically us breaking our shape in attack and going for the "improviso". Neymar ran to the right dragging players with him which typically I don't like and Willian crossed behind him. Props to Neymar, he made the difference.
Casemiro is out of the qf...Is there any other player who will be penalized because of yellow card ? Is neymar and coutinho's yellow card from earlier matches wiped off ? Can anyone please confirm ?
I still have the same stance as I had on it before. I prefer Firmino coming off the bench. Yeah, Jesus is capable of more but it's not like he hasn't done a thing for us. We need to find a way to get him a goal because it's a confidence thing.
Here's to wishing you "survive" the Uruguay match. No, no, I mean it. It is going to be interesting seeing Mbappe with an Uruguay defender on him. Also, i don't think Mbappe will be making many galloping runs against the Uruguayans.
Uruguay vs france is 50-50. France has defeated a crappy Argentina. They also conceded in that process. Uruguay is always difficult opponent
I think you guys get through as well, but Mbappe won't be getting the same space. Honestly I expect Uruguay to go close to full bunker mode specially even Cavani is out. Having said that, he has other skills like the first goal he scored vs Argentina. That was no break away goal. And you guys have enough other threats to beat them IMO.
Each game is a different story. I think Argentina scoring 3 wasn't indicative of France's defensive quality. Di Maria's goal was a belter and the 2nd goal was a deflection.
I don't get surprised anymore. This whole world cup has been weird. Buckle up and sit tight, no team is safe now!
My GOD what a day. Just catching my breath and catching up with all messages. Willian terrific but Neymar MOM. One goal and one assist and tactically perfect.