I think I'd rather play Germany in the final again. Mexico worries me a little bit... they have thought of nothing but Chile since the 7-0 and will probably play the match of their lives to regain some honour for their fans against a Chile team that just went the extra time plus penalties against Portugal. Whatever happens, lets at least hope they also go to extra-time.
Ronaldo must be disappointed to not win another trophy with Portugal, especially given that winning the CC is easier than the WC. Also his striking rate at this tourney isn't great either, 2 goals in 4 games with 1 goal being a penalty. I do wonder with only 3 matches left. Who would even win the Golden Ball? I can't think of any standout player of the tournament yet.
That's how it was done in the 'old' days. But it seems since the turn of the century teams save the best for last (of fifth, anyway). Especially at club level.
I'm late to the Cameroon conversation, and apologies if I'm reopening a closed topic. However, 2 points: 1. As a white German (Canadian now by choice) I agree that (black) African teams suffer from a preconception of being overly physical, clumsy, and aggressive, and are therefore probably carded more frequently for the same offences than European or South American teams. Some people bristle at calling that racism because of the implicit suggestion of personal views on the part of the ref, but I think it's indisputable that that preconception comes out of a historical canon of racist ideas about Africans, however directly or indirectly. 2. The foul on Can was not in any way such a case. That was as clear a red card as I have ever seen. No hint of the ball, studs-first into the side of the knee. In such a situation neither intent nor any other factor matters at all.
I think like most stereotypes there are some truth to them in general. That is why they become stereotypes. But let's talk about Mexico-Germany. Germany has what it takes to win but I think Osorio can also pull a rabbit out of his hat. I see a close match that can go wither way, but i favor Germany. (You almost always have to.)
Its only a WC dress rehearsal for the host nation to get some of the logistics that come with hosting ironed-out, as I understood. That is if we really buy the "dress rehearsal" excuse in the first place and don't just think its all about money.
...I want to talk about the match but I'm still fuming about VAR. I feel I have been betrayed for defending it. Can I join the conspiracy groups in this sub? VAR good enough to call our goals offside, but not penalties against us? Racism towards Chileans? Where is my tinfoil hat.
But then he can't be the "hero". Or at least it makes it very unlikely that he will take the winning PK. Anyway, who wants to bet CR7 still wins the golden ball for this tournament?
Minor pointer, but a PK is not a 100% goal. So Chile would have likely won the game in extra time, but its not assured. All in all Chile deserved to go through, but that was a pretty ardous journey for neutrals.
I believe it is also a dress rehearsal to apply new rules that will be used in the World Cup. New rules like VAR and the 4th substitution rule that is applied once Extra periods are played.
I would take Mexico. Unlike against Germany, the ref might actually be neutral. I think a "ankle breaking" type tackle from behind by a Mexican would get a red card, unlike the no call against Germany on Sanchez's goal. Also, like Portugal, Germany will likely be able to foul Chile in the box with impunity, without the ref even checking VAR.
You can imagine how I feel. At least this ref was giving yellows for late challenges to both Portugal and Chile. I feel that if this guy had been in the match against Australia they would have had a couple of red cards.
Man... I hope we at least get a couple of freebie "get out of the red card" fouls in the final after this. Vidal or Medel will probably need one.
Telemundo just pointed out that Germany defeated Mexico June 29th in 2005 within the Confederations Cup. Germany also defeated Mexico June 29th 1998 to eliminate them from the World Cup. Hmmm
I think Vidal has a lock on the golden ball so far, unless one of the German players stand out in the next 2 games.
I dunno. If CR7 scores 2 or 3 goals on Sunday and Portugal finish 3rd in a tournament consisting of 4 good teams, it would be epic! [/CR7's PR machine]