Quite a few experienced pundits including Big Sam and Stuart Pearce saying we should make wholesale changes for Wales .. one ex player ( name escapes me ) said to play the other guys to give them a boost and see who impresses plus it protects Kane and the others who Southgate worships . It’s extremely unlikely that the talented bench will lose more than 3:0 so what is there to lose ?
Only Iran has won. Qatar and Saudi Arabia have lost. And I have a tough time accepting Australia is part of Asia.
From Argentina's POV, a Poland-Saudi draw would have been ideal. Irregardless, they won't be eliminated if they draw against Mexico. Lose and they're officially eliminated. (Both Poland and Mexico would be on 4 points) Massive game for La Albiceleste.
But they have the little magic man. Messi finally arrives with a massive goal. This game needed a goal, and Leo delivers.
Argentina was good in the second half with Messi’s great goal bolstering their confidence. Enzo Fernández makes the midfield much better.
I now wonder if Griezmann would have thrived with us more as a midfielder in the Iniesta mold than as a LF or whatever we did with him.
All Japan... and Costa Rica takes the lead in the 81st minute. Totally against the run of play. Incredible!
Great result for Germany. They can even lose to Spain and still have a good chance to advance. And then get Morocco in the R16.
So who is the fittest , strongest best organised team in the competition?? I need to put a bet on them to win the whole thing ..
So if Spain beat or draw Japan, they will probably be lined up to play Brazil in the quarters, but if they throw that match they may get a significantly easier bracket, including maybe Morocco in the second round. But the picture will be alot clearer when their third match kicks off. Croatia also looks like a team to avoid.