Spain are an embarrassment in and of themselves, so losing to them will always be shameful. Props to Cape Verde for having dignity.
So many draws last night …. So far only top 10 Fifa ranked team to win is germany Go Senegal , Go Algeria , Go DRC , Go Croatia.
A little to early, but I wouldn't be surprised. I think we're seeing a shift in soccer power. Asian or more likely African teams are getting stronger. I think its a consequence of more Asian and African players playing in Europe and possibly investing in soccer programs. Pehaps some COMNEBOL nations are failing behind, just like Germany did in the late 90s, early 200s when our youth development was sub par. Constant investigation and implementation of new techniques, training, etc. will be required for competetive soccer progams, IMHO. Can't just live off past glory.
Shame Klose couldn't have come out of retirement for this tournament. Could have added a couple more goals to his record v Curacao lol. The extra match plus group stages being weaker then before is going to help players get a lot more WC goals now and in the future, Someone like Gerd Müller got 14 in just 13 matches which is more impressive imo.
France looked impressive in the second half yesterday, my worry if we play them is tracking their runners, we obviously won't play as high a line but we can't afford to switch off at any time.
Also Gerd Mueller only played in 2 World Cups, Messi is into his 6th World Cup and has only just passed him. Not to mention only 1 of Mueller's goals is from a penalty, i think Messi had 4 penalties alone just from the last World Cup.
Fully deserved point for DR Congo, although they didn't have much possession they restricted Portugal to very few clear chances and carried a threat on the counter. This match showed the potential issues we will face v Ivory Coast, very well organised teams with strong athletic capabilities and pace on counters can cause the supposed favourites a lot of problems.
Croatia have excellent young defenders in Gvardiol and Vuskovic, as well as Baturina in AM who has done very well for Como. Their main issue is their older golden gen like Modric, Perisic and Kovacic are now past their best.
It was judged that GK stepped off the line just before Kane took the penalty. Because it was saved a retake was ordered. Do you guys get highlight summaries on YouTube? Mine are from TSN, but they only have Canadian broadcast rights, so it may be blocked in other countries.
Let's have some controversy: i didn't watch the game but apparently Messi stepped on the back of the calf of a Congolese player, and didn't get a yellow card, or possibly a red card. Special Messi rule?