2026 FIFA World Cup Final 8 Matches (Quarterfinals-Semifinals-Consolation-Championship Games)

It has been pretty fun to watch the Doku v Lamal matchup, which Lanal has been bossing.

 

Tim Ream watching Pau Kubarsi get abused by de Keteleraere on the Belgium goal: "Yep, that's the guy that got me, too."

 

At least Belgium has done something no one else could so far in this World Cup - score against Spain.

 

I don't really enjoy watching Spain play. Their games, at least the ones I have seen, have rated high on the boring scale.

 

The substitute goalie couldn't hold on to it

Spain 2-1 Belgium

 

Another goal off of a GK spill. Harsh for Lammens, who really is a great GK.

 

That was the first time he was tested as well.

 

It's tough enough for a backup keeper to come in during a regular season match with lots of games remaining on the schedule. Coming in late in a tied WC knockout match is rough.

 

Looks like we will have the French flair against the Spanish snorefest

 

Both Spanish CBs got yellows today. If they get a yellow in the semifinal with France but advance, do they miss the final?

 

No. This is the Michael Ballack rule at work. After 2002, FIFA decided it didn't want a yellow card in the semifinal to keep a player from being eligible for the final. Since then, there's also been an amnesty after the Quarterfinals. Any second yellow or straight red picked up in the Quarterfinal will lead to a suspension for the Semifinal - but the player will be eligible for a Final (excepting of course a particularly awful red card with a multi-match ban).

 

The Trump/Messi Corollary would indicate wait until the day before the final to be sure.

Thx,

Jay!

 

KDB turned back the clock today. He'd be a great signing for a MLS team looking for a highly intelligent and technical creative midfielder.

 

******** it all.

 

This game is seriously dragging.

 

And it's only 91°F.

 

I am neutral on this game and enjoying it, but the next one VAMOS ARGENTINA

 

This is how England normally play under Tuchel.

 

Nobody wants to give up the first goal, but I think this one will open up as soon as a shot finds net.

EDIT: Like that one

 

Gooooooool

 

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

 

********. Don't do this to us refs. Don't overthink it. Not a foul.

 

Goal stands!

 

Christina Unkel says she played it back and forward a few times, the Norwegian player got the ball cleanly, nothing even close to a foul.