The problem for Morocco is that they thought they deserved it too, and played like it today. Whiny bunch of pricks.
I don’t recall many complaints then, but keep in mind that was a very different era with far less soccer coverage here is the US. The US had only qualified for three world cups since 1930 (‘30, ‘50, ‘90, not including ‘94 since qualified as host nation, not merit). Other countries may have complained, but those opinions were difficult to access. The US was probably in favor as the expansion made it more likely to qualify in the future.
Not sure who is fit and who isn't for France, but I find myself wondering whether Saliba is called upon for the final. All off the French center backs have been mentioned as far as who has been sick for France, except for Saliba. I guess we'll find out on Sunday.
I don't remember any complaints and Europe was happy for the extra spots as well. I think all the Federations were happy with the extra spots and it made a natural bracket. I do remember all the complaints when the US was awarded as host since they hadn't qualified forever but it was quelled mostly when they qualified for '90 on merit.
That's because he's immune to all diseases. He'll probably play both CB positions and hold ARG scoreless and score the winner on a bicycle kick from his on box catching the keeper off his line.
I would not have expected Argentina to start this match with so much attacking possession in the first five minutes. Already two shots on goal.
Did they talk about the pitch at all during the pre game? Part of the turf in front of Lloris' goal looks like it was replaced. Haven't really seen any of the opposite goal on TV yet, which speaks to how attacking focused Argentina is playing.
ARG are dominating in all ways so far. But to go 1-0 up by way of a PK (a legit PK but not the biggest foul you'll ever see) is great if your an ARG fan, but that's not how most of us would like to see this huge game settled. Let's hope there's much more to come than that! And that FRA gets properly in to this match.
Winning the golden boot on the back of 4 PKs, too. This is his 3rd PK in the knockout stages alone. Probably shouldn’t expect anything else. This is a FIFA tournament, after all.
I was quite surprised to see Di Maria start after not really playing (much) in this tournament. I guess we're now seeing why? Whoa! FRA is shell shocked.
PK was a joke, no lower body contact, called on Dembele's "shove" that was really soft. Second goal was legit brilliant. France making 1st half subs shows how wrong they were to keep riding with the same lineup. Edit: Giroud is not the reason they are down 2-0, weird sub.
Wow. Giroud & Dembele taken off at 41'. Deschamps making a huge statement? Or illness? (I've been wondering if FRA as a squad are suffering from that bug that hit their camp)
France need to completely set the tone of the 2nd half in the first 5 minutes or this is over. Argentina just threw everything they had at them in the first half. I'm not saying they don't have another 45 minutes in them, but France needs to come with 3 times the passion Argentina just showed If they want to win this game. Not sure they have that in them, but we'll see.
Yeah that's what I'm wondering about FRA, if it's more physical than mental, maybe because of the illnesses they don't really have 100% fitness to give? Largely speculation on my part since I've only heard vague-ish info about what's been happening in their squad in recent days. If that's all wrong, and they're fully fit, then this has been an utterly and completely pathetic game for FRA so far.
They must've heard you. 3 chances in the box in the last few mins. Not really close mind you, but rare shows of danger from FRA.
Wow. Now Griezman and Hernandez taken off at 71'. Two absolutel stalwarts for them in this WC. Griezman had been discussed as player of the tournament. DD forced to roll the dice with more youngins.
Ooh another soft-ish foul that leads to a PK. At least it evens up that prior PK earned by Di Maria. Emi gets fingers to it, but it was TOO forceful. 2-1. Game on?????
Disagree, first was soft, second one was fine to me. Otamendi knew he was beat. Difference between them was the 2nd penalty he was kicked in the back of the ankle. First one was only a "shove", which di Maria embellished.