PBP Match Thread: Brazil vs Costa Rica, 22 June 2018 [R]

Defending an onslaught like that takes a lot of bravery. There were a lot of blocked shots, saves and won headers to keep it at 0-0. But in football it's often the last 5 minutes that separate men from boys. Costa Rica crumbled under the weight of the moment.

 

This Brazil is trying to avoid Germany is nonsense. Liking playing Mexico who always gives us trouble is any better. I don’t think Tite cares who Brazil plays as long as we get out the group.

 

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It's like everyone expect the favorite to always win by three and keep 70% possession. It's not that easy especially not at this stage.

 

Brazil looking like a favorite, these difficult matches show the mettle of a winner.

 

Weren't Brazil not only guaranteed passage to the R16 but group winners even before that Norway match? So really wasn't much to play for to be honest. Norwegian fans still speak of that win and I'm always like, "Well Brazil were already through" and they hate it when I say that lol

 

They scored 2 goals by extra time lol. Brazil can most probably win the WC. They’ve been the most entertaining team so far along with Spain and Germany.

 

And Belgium.

 

Croatia aren't guaranteed 1st place though because there is still a stastical chance, albeit very small one that they can be overtaken by Nigera, but would require a huge goal difference shift. I think Brazil had 6 points going into that game with the other teams on 2,1,1 meaning it was not possible for them to lose top spot.

Anyhoo, 2nd round matchup of Brazil v Germany and Mexico v Switzerland would be very tasty indeed. Two very evenly matched games.

 

France vs Nigeria / Argentina would also be great.

 

If Argentina pulls it off, I just hope France doesn’t thrash us.

 

Argentina will be murdered!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Here's hoping I guess

I do think however that if Nigeria do beat (or draw) Argentina, France may actually be their easiest game yet.

 

You think France would be easy? They look like they can turn it up anytime to decide a close match.

 

I think Nigeria match up well with France. Much better than any other team. Various things come into play, but generally France match up poorly with a lot of African sides over the years, so there is no fear factor as with Brazil, Germany or even England, there is however the revenge factor, but the key thing is that Nigeria would perfectly counter their midfield advantage.

Nigeria outplayed France four years ago with a much weaker squad and I expect the same again if they meet up this time around. I am way more confident of a good result against France (unless the ref robs Nigeria again) than against Argentina.