Russia 2018 Finalists: International Friendlies (R)

Just back from the Colombia 0 Australia 0 game. Pretty entertaining and Colmobia should have won it about 2-0 in the end. Poor old Falcao looked like he did for MU and Chelsea, slow and totally ineffectual. Rodriguez played like a spoilt brat a times in the first half but once Falcao went off he was excellent.

Impressed by Australia as i expected a strong, hardworking side but no little skill either. Leckie was outstanding. Still same problem for them that without Cahill they have nothing up front.

 

Or maybe after the 6-1 tonight I might have to eat my words!

 

Iceland 1 – 3 Peru

 

Mexico 0 – 1 Croatia

 

Spanish football is at another level since twelve years ago, law of averages means they will not win every single tournament but they are the leading force in international football.

I think Argentina's only chance is if someone else somehow takes Spain out, and also managing to avoid Germany. Plus a complete revamp of the central midfield.

 

These friendlies can give you a signs but of course do not give you the whole story.

 

If form holds (i.e. Argentina, Spain and Germany all win their groups), Argentina will see Spain in the quarters and Germany in the semi-finals.

They will probably be better off coming in second in the group!

 

I strongly believe that at present times, Argentina should worry a little bit more on how they do vs. Nigeria, Croatia and even Iceland first, before even thinking whom else may take Spain or Germany out, before them.

 

Shouldn't you be on the Qatar 22 forum?

 

So France can take them apart?

 

Then Argentina should finish second in their group, because if they finish first, they likely would need to beat Spain and Germany just to make it to the final.

Edit: I see that somebody else beat me to it.

I wonder if we will see some "strategic" results in the final group games.

 

If form holds, Argentina won't even survive the group. They were completely outplayed, it was a catastrophe. Argentina will face Nigeria again and did concede 4 against them during the previous break. Sampaoli hasn't made much progress. If anything Argentina have regressed in the last year.

 

Why so ?......, regarding friendly matches played prior to the next WC, we've performed even better than many of the teams that currently will play next WC.


To certain extent, our involvement in these friendly matches helps Conmebol to retain the reputation it has at world level, and specially to cover up the embarrasment, the striped team from the eastern side of the andean mountains is showing at present times.

 

Hate to say it, but I agree completely.

Somehow it seems that Sampaoli tries to have them play as Chile did when he was in charge back here, where to his disappointment, argentine players simply can't do so on regards to the things we did well, but at the same time they are emulating greatly the things we did horrible (where our defense, conceded with extreme ease), back in the days.....

 

The proud Andean nation of Perú thanks you for gifting them 3 points, while taking 2 for your tally.
Chile certainly spared Conmebol of vodka-related incidents at Russia 2018.

 

It's not that they can't, they won't.

First day of training:

Sampaoli: ok guys_ let's go! We've got a lot of work to do... We'll be doing a lot of running and pressuring all over the field...
Messi: _What circus did this fvcking midget escape from? Hey Pipa tell him he's in Buenos Aires now

 

New calendar period for international friendlies is within a month already!

FIFA asks clubs to release WC players 1 month in advance.

Group A
Uruguay:
v Uzbekistan - June 7th
http://www.futbol.com.uy/Deportes/U...s-del-Mundial-sera-contra-Uzbekistan-uc677097

Group C
Peru:
v. Scotland - May 29th
v. Saudi Arabia - June 3rd
v. Sweden - June 8th
https://depor.com/futbol-peruano/se...mistosos-confirmados-mundial-rusia-2018-62805
http://www.the-afc.com/news/afcsect...fifa-world-cup-2018-preparations-against-iraq

Group D
Argentina:
v. Nicaragua - May 29th
https://www.tycsports.com/nota/sele...-el-amistoso-entre-argentina-y-nicaragua.html

Group E
Brazil:
v Croatia - June 3rd
v Austria - June 10th
https://globoesporte.globo.com/fute...roacia-e-austria-antes-da-copa-do-mundo.ghtml

Group H
Colombia:
v. unknown - May 25th
v. Egypt - June 1st
http://www.antena2.com.co/seleccion-colombia/noticias/selección-colombia-ya-tiene-sede-su-desp-0

 

Portugal's friendly on May 28 against Tunisia will be played in Braga. Portugal's June 7 friendly against Algeria will be at Estadio da Luz in Lisbon.

 

April 17:

Trinidad & Tobago 0 – 1 Panama

 

Saudi Arabia 2–0 Algeria.

 

S. Arabia 2 Greece 0 in Spain

Saudi using their full team against a Greek B squad. Greece played entire second half with a man down. Saudis dominated the entire match both before and after Greek player was sent off. Don't know how good a Greek B team is.

 

Saudi Arabia seems to be hitting form right on time.

 

Kuwait 1 Egypt 1

saw only from minute 10 onwards, Kuwait apparently scored in 7th minute.

Egypt starting with 4 first teamers. Controlled the first half without creating any chances. Kuwait was bunkering. Second half Kuwait played better, Egypt was still the better side but very sloppy and uninspiring. First teamers like Trezequet and Al Said introduced in second half.

Poor display from Egypt. Equalizer came with 10 minutes to go.

 

Korea Republic 2:0 Honduras

 

Nigeria - Dr Congo = 1-1