I don't want to get bogged down in politics but does anyone know why Croatians would be aligning themselves with Ukraine? I know Serbia is a traditional ally of Russia and it could just be my enemy's friend is my enemy. Is there anything more to it than that? What I really don't want is for Croatia to see themselves as being victimised. Modric was apparently a refugee during the wars in the former Yugoslavia. The match doesn't need Croatia to be in an overly nationalist mood.
We got it, guys...It's coming home... these Croatians are exhausted 2 in a row with extra time and penalties
If this guy can start to perform for England as he can for his club it might make a big difference... https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...nd-croatia-world-cup-nutmeg-modric-semi-final He's seriously under-performed so far IMO, compared to how he CAN play. He also played a significant part in spurs 3-1 defeat of Madrid not that long ago, scoring 2 and playing a part in the other.
On the other hand it might push the russkies in the crowd to support us so there's that. But, as you say, NOT what's needed
Yeah, heard that also, that many local Russians in the stadium will support England rather than Croatia. I wonder if they know the words to ‘ Rule Britannia ‘
I have to say I would be VERY surprised if England got any 'local' support. 'Johnny Foreigner' loathes the English football team, LOATHES it, not sure why to be honest. I remember the Scots wearing Argentinian shirts in 86 JUST 4 YEARS AFTER THEY WERE AT WAR WITH THEM! I reckon if there was an Adolf Hitler 11 that threatened mass human genocide if they beat the English out there people would still want them to win against the English national team! :-D.
Surpisingly enough, the Russians are actually behind the squad. The PL is the most watched league in Russian and they love Harry Kane. Russians have been supporting us in every match in the stands so far. Plus, given Croatia's history with Russia AND the fact Croatia knocked them out of their own world cup, I think it's pretty much a given they will be supporting us. Hi all btw, long time lurker.
It is only really the rest of western Europe, most of South America, some North Americans and much of Africa that hate us. That Thai kid who was stuck in the cave wearing the England shirt isn't unique in liking us.
WATCH: The Russian fans are in fine voice outside the England team hotel as they believe football is coming home. pic.twitter.com/hlJVf4nm8z— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 10, 2018
Talking about the England greats... gascgione, scholes, beckham, and the rest. They failed for a variety of reasons but namely their teams had faults that were exploited. It makes no sense to say "they are rather ordinary, excluding Kane". How many greats do you expect to have on a single team?
Exactly! I'm no mathematician but I'm guessing that's gotta be... what... 25% 30% Something like that. Not too shabby
So many of the England players are in their early 20's and have very few caps, why are so many people so sure the likes of Lingard and Dele won't be big names in the future. That's what I think when so many people say you've only got Kane. The most star studded English team I've ever see was in 04 with an old David James in goal and Darihs Vassal the first of the bench in many ways this squad is stronger. Btw @lanman Thank you for the ELO posts, I think it's more astonishing that this is the first time since 1990 that a WC draw has opened up for us.
We've actually been very close to having easy World Cup draws in the past. 2002: If we had beaten Nigeria or Sweden: Senegal Turkey Brazil Germany 2010: If Landon Donovan doesn't score that goal against Algeria or Rob Green doesn't let that goal in: Ghana Uruguay Netherlands Spain
Wait, do you think the latter would have been easy?! 3 of the 4 were actually stronger than that England team, and I'm not sure Ghana were easy too.
Whoever wins this semi , must go on to win the title. Pre tournie I dont think many would tip us or Croatia to get this far .