For a good twenty minutes Mexico/Poland were down to card points (or whatever they call it). Unbelievable games. Croatia/Belgium tomorrow. Morocco/Canada as well. I’m hoping Croatia and Morocco go through. Canada’s already eliminated and Belgium haven’t looked good. But Croatia has Modric and he’s always a joy to watch. The longer he plays the better off we all are.
Honestly the way Poland played to day I was actively rooting for Mexico. Poland played bunker park the bus from minute 1 and never changed. They looked worse then the Fire on their worst games minus the goalkeeper and did not frankly deserve shit. To me, they have had the worst three game group stage performance of all time to still advance to the knockout rounds...and I am a Polish supporter! Even my first gen Poland immigrant co workers were so exasperated they were rooting for one more goal by Mexico.
More news on the Iranians celebrating, including a fan shot by police. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-63805284
As I stated earlier in this thread, the Polish coach Michniewicz is taking a very pragmatic approach to the group stage. The point was to advance. If Poland tried to play Argentina yesterday they could have made it competitive, but they also could have opened themselves up and lost 4-0 and be out of the tournament. He did try to play more offensive after halftime but the goal they gave up immediately quashed that. In any case, it was super ugly, but he stuck to his guns and advanced. I doubt Poland will play this way against France. They have a goalie having the tournament of his life, while France will have to feel super confident coming into this game. Could be interesting.
Tata Martinez has been absolute garbage as head of Mexico and this elimination you could see coming for literally years. As my southern neighbor I was pulling for them but also wanted Tata out to rip off the bandaid so hopefully it will now be done. F*** that guy!
Mexico showed against Saudi Arabia why they’re always fun in this tournament. They love to attack and it’s always fun to watch (when it’s not against the US). I’d rather they went through than Argentina, but Poland over Mexico.
Croatia getting through by the skin of their teeth. Canada made a game of it but Morocco is the group winner. If it were up to me I would have Japan and Costa Rica winning.
Germany wins, but is out. Spain loses, but advances on goal differential. Germany Out! Belgium Out! Mexico Out! Denmark Out Japan tops the "group of death," with WINS over Spain and Germany.
Morocco on the surface is a surprise but when you get inside to the actual players it's not a surprise at all. Hakim Zayich has been the string puller for years at Ajax and was integral to their Champions League run a few years ago before moving to Chelsea. This guy is playing at a very high level and one of my favorite younger players. EDIT: I say "younger" but jeez he's 29. It's ME that's getting older so everyone seems "young".
Oh man. Three teams that could go through. Cameroon against Brazil is almost impossible. Switzerland and Serbia should be a great game. EDIT: Shaqiri with the start and almost an assist one minute in. Shit, and almost a goal.