Meh despite all the early setbacks looks like parity is being restored... so far seems like the usualy big gun UEFA + Conmebol teams going through. However, Japan and/or Morocco may be able to do something in the next few days.
Mind you when it comes to my "personal predictions", we're guaranteed one surprise quarter-finalist of Japan-Croatia. Despite the Croats making the final last time around
I was about to post the same thing. And while I haven't followed Senegal closely, I wouldn't be surprised if depth/fatigue issues are also playing a role in how this game has gone so far.
That second goal (and entire England possession) came after 47 minutes. If I were a Senegalese player/fan, I'd be kind of upset.
yeah i saw that; time should have been stopped after 47min once england touched the ball; i understand it was breakaway but Senegal committed players higher because they also thought thaat would be the last touch; interesting ref decision.
For sure. But the half should've been called. It seemed inconsistent with what we've seen in this WC.
Southgate even said something about that after the game, didn’t he? To the effect of “they ran a lot more than us, let’s see how that plays out for them later.”
The US had nothing left in the tank for the Holland game. Not sure if that’s what is going on with Senegal.
yeah hence the reason how importance of the first game (esp a limited squad like USA); Japan actually rotated 5 starters from Germany to Costa Rica; definitely made a difference Spain game; In meantime, Croatia didnt rotate much so tomorrow game going be interesting.
I didnt't see that quote, but it would be correct. And on top of being able (unlike us) to take their foot off the gas at times during the group stage, England had the luxury of playing Jordan Henderson and Phil Foden for only about half an hour each over their first two games. Both have been excellent today. I suspect that having the tournament in the middle of the European club season makes depth/fatigue even more impactful than usual.