Well, that game was rather boring. Not nearly as exciting as the previous matches. Hope Croatia England tomorrow is better.
France was impressive. They've always had the talent but their teamwork is finally matching the skill. Sad to see Belgium go out. They were my preferred team.
Not uncommon for a semifinal--too much pressure, often, and fear of making a mistake keeps the play close to the vest.
Hull City wins their first preseason game of the year and you people are talking about some second rate tournament? Wow. Just wow.
I didn't notice until just now that you congratulated someone else on cleaning up your mess. How generous of you!!!!
One of the patrons at the bar just said, "England... They're the little team that could!" I appreciate the enthusiasm.
England controls early, can't put shots on target and lets Croatia back in the game. Why does this sound familiar?
My prediction for the final was correct....to bad I dont get anything for that. Going into the tourny, the way Croatia is built they remind me of the successful Italian teams. Solid D, really good Midfield, and Target/Poacher goal scorers. I really wanted to see a Belgium v Croatia.....and the England v France was also tempting.
Bummer for the English. Though they cruised to the semis without having beat a team in FIFAs top 20. Croatia and France have been dominant all tournament.
I do wonder if the extra day of rest for France, plus three extra time matches in a row for Croatia, will play any role on Sunday. As a neutral, I love this final match-up.
Wasn't impressed with England this tournament; thought they were just above mediocre. It's crazy to think this team made it all the way to the semi's given all the absolutely loaded England teams in the 2000s that struggled to win their group or were bounced early in the knockout rounds. Croatia has played well the entire tournament. I would've been disappointed if they'd lost today, so I am happy they won. I imagine they'll rest their legs as much as possible the next three days given they've practically played 4 full matches in roughly the same span of time France has played 3. Can they beat France? It's one match; anything can happen.
I agree that Croatia looked good in the group games and benefitted nicely from an easy run in. Croatia have beaten only 1 team in the top 20 and haven’t won any of their knockout games. That’s not really dominant using your own metrics to hen comparing to England
You may be right I don’t know but for fifa rankings only the 90 minute score determines the “result” I was using that
I disagree with just one aspect I think England have played above expectations, and actually have contributed positively to the tournament. It was a team that was greater than the sum of it's parts and a coach that fostered a team spirit, the 2000's teams were individuals, round pegs in square holes and full of internal cliques. Agreed on Croatia, they have been my pick of the teams on this side of the bracket and deserve to be in the final. How then managed to turn the screw on England throughtout the second half is a credit to the talent they have. I think they will struggle against France but I am glad they made it, especially for a relatively new nation
Being that I'll grow old and die before Slovenia make it to a WC final, Croatia will just have to do.