Cameroon now need to beat Brasil to progress... Switzerland? We'll see but at worst they likely now need a draw vs Serbia.
Pressing more is exactly what France did against Denmark in Nations League and they got caught by lethal Danish passes on the back of French defence afterwards. There are very good qualities in that Danish midfield, it shouldn't be underestimated. This being said, I agree France has weaknesses. I'm only answering to that specific point.
I can not revise my predictions. Once you predicted something you gonna stick to that until the very end. But I would lie if I would say that my confidence has risen in the Dutch. I'm a bit less confident now but let's see. I see still at least an opening for the Dutch to reach the semi-finals.
Argentina though looking good again to win group... They should crush Poland. That means Argentina en route to semis
Let's wait how the Netherlands look like in the first knockout stage game. It's too soon to write them off.
The betting companies agree that the Netherlands haven't made any case whatsoever so far to win this World Cup. Their odds to go all the way have risen from 13 to 17.
Yes, I noticed this against Italy on EURO 2021. But, this is their last World Cup for several players. They don't won't miss the chance to be at least in Quarterfinals. Technically, they can pull that out. You think that Croatia will win? Croatia has 2 main problems: goalkeeper Livakovic and Sosa, Juranovic are weaker in defensive roles as LB and RB positions. But their team spirit is enormous. Also last World Cup for Perisic and Modric. People laughed at me, when I said about the qualities of Morocco. Now they are silent. Bunch of players who passed French, Dutch football schools. You see the quality of Ayew (entire family plays well, Abedi Ayew Pele indoctrinated them with football), Moting, Castelletto, Jakobs, Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy, Bronn, Sliti, Drager, Mazraoui, Hakimi, Harit, Toko Ekambi...
Netherlands aims results, they won't sacrifice themselves in beauty. Van Gaal is a smart figure. Three lost finals, just so that some clowns in bars say: "Oh, great Dutch team, they played well, Ajax, Feyenoord, PSV schools". The result matters only. Reporter mentioned today Korean results. Fourth place in 2002, elimination of Portugal, Italy and Spain. We all know what happened there. But result remained. You admire too much to European teams. Better European teams mostly have players of African origins. Africa rules with this World Cup. This time for Africa.
"Underwhelming" would be the perfect word to describe the Netherlands' campaign so far. They do only just enough to get by. This worked in a rather easy group but they won't get anywhere with that if they keep playing in the same vain. I'm highly awaiting the Netherlands - USA Round of 16 clash. It is now make or break for the Netherlands. If they play like in the group stage the USA have a historical chance on hand to make a statement by beating a powerhouse in a knockout stage game. Since I tipped the Dutch to go alll the way I hope the Netherlands have an extra gear to them and I hope they'll take off now. Am I confident they will? Not necessarily. The poor club form of some players seems still to hinder the Orange squad to reach its potential.
If Pulisic is in shape US can give Netherlands a tough match. They are not the same without him, it's like they all rely on him to have confidence in their way to play.
There are no invincible teams in this tournament and none that can't be stopped in their track by the right combination of tactics, determination, and a bit of luck. The best bets could be Brazil, Spain or France, but the winner could be almost any side still left in the competition. It could be any of the pre-tournament favorites (even Argentina, England or maybe even Germany), or a high ranking contender such as Portugal or Croatia (or even Belgium), or any of the outsiders with the requisite class (e.g., Morocco, Senegal, USA). It is only Australia or Poland among them that will literally shock me if they end up anywhere close to the trophy.
Lol. You mentioned 14 teams and no word on the Netherlands? They can still spoil the party and stun everybody. I will keep believing in them until proven wrong. They are that beast hidden in the dark nobody speak about. Once they let the shackles off they will be a very tough team to play against.
Carlos Queiroz could be another African born coach who ended in the knock out stage. At the end, Iran couldn't make it.
The only thing I blame Queiroz for against the US was not going with all the fresh and equally/more meritorious choices he had on his bench. He could and IMO should have fielded the fresh legs that experienced and very good players like Kanani, Shoja Khalilzadeh, Amiri, Moharrami, Jalali and Torabi. If I were him, in fact, I would have used the exact same starting lineup in this particular game as the one against Uruguay in September, except with Azmoun not fit, starting Taremi instead and with Jahanbakhsh suspended, using Gholizadeh: Iran v Uruguay lineup -- the ones in red available fresh legs who didn't start against the US and Jahanbakhsh suspended: Beiranvand -- Moharammi, Kanani, Khalilzadeh, Jalali - Ezatollahi - Jahanbakhsh, Ghodoos, Hajsafi, Torabi -- Azmoun The idea that we would leave out 7 players from our most successful friendly match, when 6 of them were available and fit, while among the 4 we kept, 2 were doubtful due to fitness (Beiranvand, Azmoun) is one of those peculiar decisions that only a coach who takes 25 players (including 4 keepers) when he could have taken 26 can explain and defend.
WC Winner 1978 Argentina - missed a penalty in the 3rd Game WC winner 1986 Argentina - missed a penalty in the 3rd Game 2022 Argentina missed a penalty in the 3rd Game
The only thing I will say to this is that we have had to play a lot of games without him due to injuries this cycle so there has been a lot of opportunities to not rely on him and find ways to get results. But yes, missing the marquee star player is something I'd rather not go through in a big match.
1978: Argentina and Peru game was rigged, ending on Peru losing 6-0 to Argentina which eliminated Brazil. Years later the Peruvian Senator admitted the game was rigged. 2022: Looks like FIFA is doing everything they can to benefit Messi’s team. Two ridiculous penalties were given (Saudi Arabia and Poland). Any dubious call is given in favour of VARgentina. Those 2 penalties would never be given to any other team.
Cristiano would have gotten those. Seriously, the first one against Saudi Arabia the defender had his hands on the offensive player all the way to the ground. The Poland one he got hit in the face by the keeper which is a foul.