Group I's General Discussion Thread

It's a super important game for one of the reasons you cited. What message does a coach think he's sending his players admitting defeat essentially before the game even starts? It's completely terrible management. Not to mention they'll likely play Ivory Coast now when they could've played Sweden if they won. It's just a complete lack of respect, including to his own players. Insane stuff to me.

 

To me it just says the Norwegian manager just does not believe in his bench come knockouts.
That or he does not think his starters can handle the heat and weather and travel and grind of all the variables involved with the biggest tournament in history.

 

I would not be surprised at all if Norway doesn't go down to Ivory Coast in the Round of 32.

 

Even just one more goal for Senegal could be huge. Surely they aren't gonna mess this chance up(?)

 

They play again in 3 days, completely understandable decision to rest their players if they are already through. Plus there is no guarantee that they will beat France with their strongest squad

Norway was literally gassed at the end of their match vs Senegal. If they play against France with 100% they'll be gassed again for the knockouts

 

France could have scored 5 or 6 in the first half. They need to tighten things up in defense. I expect Haaland to come in at some point in the second half. An early France goal in the second half should be enough for the win.

 

History is replete with this strategy backfiring. These are professionals, they can handle it. Well-rested players who have their chemistry disrupted (crucial given how little they play together relatively) and their mental states, individual and collective, likely impacted from such an embarrassment of a loss and game approach are not in a better state to play the tournament.

 

Very uninspiring considering what is at stake. Perfect start with an early goal and Iraq red card, yet they kind of look like they dont care that much. Iraq seems to be putting in more effort.

 

I tend to agree with your philosophy.
That said, if Haaland or Odegaard or name your player gets injured in a game like this the Manager also would get a lot of heat and criticism.

 

Penalty

 

Saved

 

Terrible penalty.

Even if they brought on Haaland and nobody else at halftime we'd have a game now and Haaland would still be fairly rested.

 

If Norway's B team can plausibly get a 3-2 game against France, their A team would have been absolutely competitive.

 

That's what I mean, it's a penalty, so it should go in so for all intents and purposes, their B team can give France a real game thus their A team could actually win. Bum decision from their manager.

 

2-0 Senegal

 

He'd get zero heat for starting Haaland v France in a WC. Deschamps started Dembele who is more fragile and injury prone, and keeping him on when Cherki lurks on the bench.

 

If players get injured there’s always someone chirping saying did he really need to play? They were already qualified. Blah blah blah.

 

That puts them ahead of Korea. And also Uruguay if they lose to Spain.

 

3-0

 

Senegal should be good now.

 

Iraq have done 3 major defensive blunders/gifted 3 goals in 3 games. Nerves?