I wonder if Germany will become the new Italy. Champions, then two first round kos back to back. then bow out of the WC finals entirely.
Me as a German... I hope so. With their sheer arrogance seen in the match against Japan (scene with Rüdiger). I wish them a beat up against spain
Getting ready for USA vs England. What a match this will be. Iran with a huge 2X0 win today over Wales both goals in overtime is putting pressure on US. They must tie today and beat Iran in final group match to advance- uphill battle.
Halftime between Argentina and Mexico. The former pressured from the start but appeared quite "pilhados;" they are hungry, but they demonstrate they know the pressure they are under and that pressure is likely affecting their play. A few rough fouls from both, but the ref appears to be going easy on Argentina. Mexico shows no fear, has marked Argentina up front similarly to what Saudi Arabia did and for at least the first 30 minutes, created more chances. Argentina began to create more as the Mexicans tired. Yellow cards issued for each team. This game is likely to result with at least one team down to 10 men. Barring something special, I don't see the deadlock being broken.
Damn that was a nice goal from Messi and then Enzo . As I said previously, I think Argentina will still top this group .
They could certainly slip against Poland but I also had them winning the group after the opening upset. Still favorites to go through in first. Even with Denmark not impressing yet, that would be a tough match up in the second round.
Mexico is still very much in it - If Poland beats Argentina and Mexico beats Saudi then Mexico goes through. If Poland ties Argentina then Mexico and Argentina will each have 4 points and Mexico will need to beat Saudi by minimum 2 goals to advance in goal differential. Very possible.
Mbappe was the best performer. He could very well pass Klose and R9 in all time WC scoring record if he stays healthy for next WCs.
Costa Rica just gave Germany a huge lifeline. Even if Germany loses to Spain today, Germany would have a chance to go through in the final group stage game. All that would need to happen is Spain beating Japan and Germany beating Costa Rica in the final day. Which is honestly very possible unless Spain take their foot off the gas in their final game. GD would obviously be a factor ... so if Germany loses today, they'd want to keep it to a minimum score line.
Japan's loss makes the group more exciting, but honestly who cares about that! Really disappointing result to wake up to. Morocco with a deserved win over Belgium. Canada have now scored their first ever World Cup goal!
And Costa Rica who had lost 7X0 to Spain beats Japan who had beat Germany. My GOD nothing in this sport is predictable.
I am really cheering for Costa Rica or Japan to advance who I would much rather meet next round over Spain or Germany.
It's not difficult to imagine but it hasn't happened before, at least not in the current format. If Spain wins all games (currently winning today's match, have to beat Japan too) then they have 9 points and the other teams could all get 3 points each: Costa Rica beats Japan (already happened), Japan beats Germany (already happened), Germany beats Costa Rica (could easily happen) then all those teams have 3 points and one of them gets to go through on tiebreaker.
Please ban players laying behind the wall. I never realized it was legal in the first place, but it looks ridiculous.
Germany scores the equalizer. I reckon they will settle for the draw now and molest Costa Rica in their final group match .
Well 1x1 means there won't be a crazy 3 way the on 3 points in the group. Japan could actually win the group if they pull off an upset against Spain. And Germany could beat Costa Rica and still be eliminated on goal difference. Tons of possible scenarios.
Ecuador had victory within its grasp. This Netherlands is nowhere as strong as what I have seen in younger years. As for the English, that they couldn't finish off Team USA (which is not a bad team) does make me wonder how much of a threat England can be in the knockout rounds. Then again, each game is unique. Japan lost that game for one simple reason. During the passing near its net which resulted in the Costa Ricans getting possession and scoring, they were displicentes - they apparently thought they'd keep the football easily and not give it up to Costa Rica. The goalkeeper was also a bit far from the line - he was caught unaware. The Japanese created many chances; the subs did well again, but this time, not well enough. As for Belgium, it does appear that the team which killed our hopes in 2018 is done. They are a lot worse this year. Morocco beat them fairly, and it was their first World Cup win since.... France '98! Croatia took care of business. I feel bad for the Canadians, but they're hosting in 2026 and they do show promise.