Good game the Japan German one. The Japanese harried the German team and wouldn’t let them settle into their slower passing game. Wouldn’t give them any time on the ball. Even the pk didn’t stop that. The German team were credited with 75% possession but couldn’t do anything with that time. Then what we’ve seen in 3 games already, the “Lessor” team started to come out in the second half and make breakout attempts and won two nicely taken goals. the US and Argentina fell to almost the same plan. Rope a dope first half. Sting like a bee, second.
Impressive performance from Spain. Germany are up shitcreek now. So long as Japan beat Costa Rice they’re going to need to beat Spain to progress.
This Costa Rica team used to be quite good. Now they have just all aged at the same time. Alot of the team are in the 30+ bracket.
Japan v Costa Rica is before Germany V Spain on Sunday so Germany could be eliminated at the full time whistle. If both those results happen it’s even worse for them than last time where they still had a chance of progressing in the final match.
I know. It’s hard to see Japan falling to beat them. Belgium also have 6 over 30’s starting tonight but their bench is mostly younger.
Canada have been the most interesting international team for a few years. Very adventurous and talented up top.
I think the one love armband was just the icing on the cake for many European Countries! The long term corruption associated with FIFA has taken its toll! I mean look at Infantino now, he’s standing again and will win as he’s unopposed.
Belgium's side very much looking their age these days, they do have some interesting prospects come through although i'd be surprised if they're considered contenders again for a good while. Still expect them to probably win today mind you, Canada can't keep this press up, much like the US couldn't. And De Bruyne will exploit those spaces that begin opening up.
Yeah, he’s been brought up a few times. Would be interesting. Really impressive to make the switch from the women’s game. So many unique differences when crossing over.
Canada have been great to watch. They don’t deserve to to be behind. Belgium’s defence will surely struggle badly against certain teams playing like that.
This isn’t the best model but gives some idea HT: Belgium (0.66) 1-0 (2.34) Canada— The xG Philosophy (@xGPhilosophy) November 23, 2022 Belgium have a habit of doing this at tournaments. Against Brazil at the last World Cup and Denmark at the Euros they managed to win whilst being firmly second best.
Statsbomb have one of the best models, considers defensive pressure, goalkeeper position and many other things. They have Belgium on even lower xG. Fair to say #CAN are unlucky to be behind so far.#BELCAN | #WeCAN | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/dbauywLVyv— StatsBomb (@StatsBomb) November 23, 2022
Seems like a lot of the smaller football national are going with a high press and getting very good results. It'll be interesting to how England would fare against a high press.
Uruguay v S Korea. No slow passing the ball around the back for these two. Bam! a frantic pace right from the start, open and up and down the pitch. Lots of niggly fouls that the ref ignored and let the game go on. Couple of close misses but no score for either. Pretty fair result Good to see the Prem players and ex Prem out there.
Saying this after a Ghanaian guy stupidly touches CR in the area. Giving him time to pick a soft spot to fall on. But they come back with a nice goal. 1-1