FIFA World Cup 2018 chat thread

[Arthur Crabtree]

Although I've said if England win tomorrow, in homeward bound. Can't.miss the semi party if we get there

Cars including an ambulance getting smashed up by fans celebrating by jumping on the roofs.

Came home from work this morning via the Co-op to find people carousing in the drinks isle topping up on booze at 8am. #it'scoming home.

Still, no one shooting their guns. Unless that's happening in rural areas.

[The Professor]

Revealed that Joe Hart missed the game v Sweden to turn out for his local cricket team.

Imagine that they had quite a few drop outs for that game.

[budgetmeansbudget]

I thought 90 was a good WC. But I think we misremember England's part in it because a lot of nostalgia has clustered around its campaign. England were second best in every game but against Egypt, where they were lacklustre. There were some exciting moments, but England only got as far as luck would let them. They were far better in 86 in my view, though they went out in the quarters. That side played some quality football.

In 86 they struggled in their opening two group games. I always had the impression that they didn't think they were good enough to beat Argentina irrespective of the hand of God.

In 90 you are right they did struggle, and ironically played their best football in the semi against West Germany.

[Gingerfinch]

I thought 90 was a good WC. But I think we misremember England's part in it because a lot of nostalgia has clustered around its campaign. England were second best in every game but against Egypt, where they were lacklustre. There were some exciting moments, but England only got as far as luck would let them. They were far better in 86 in my view, though they went out in the quarters. That side played some quality football.

Apart from maybe England vs Cameroon, I can't remember too many good games?

[Durhamfootman]

missed all the conversation with being away, but I was hoping for Croatia

for a few reasons, really... firstly Croatia will probably try to play football rather than park the bus and try and take the game to penalties, secondly there won't be a 'home' factor involved in the on field decision making process, and thirdly I'm trying to imagine how hostile the atmosphere might have been in an England -v- Novichok Utd semi final (or as the Russians would see it.... that nice Mr Putin XI -v- the *modded* English spin making liars XI) and I don't think I'm even capable of imagining anything horrible enough

be careful what you wish for, of course.... I may end up regretting celebrating Croatia's win, by Wed night

[Durhamfootman]

then again.... Timmy H had his best ever chance to win Wimbledon the year that Fed knocked out Sampras early, and the nations hopes were dashed by big Goran in the semi's

[yuppie]

then again.... Timmy H had his best ever chance to win Wimbledon the year that Fed knocked out Sampras early, and the nations hopes were dashed by big Goran in the semi's

Then Goran went on the beat the nicest man every to play Tennis in the final.

[st_brendy]

then again.... Timmy H had his best ever chance to win Wimbledon the year that Fed knocked out Sampras early, and the nations hopes were dashed by big Goran in the semi's

When Sue was discussing the impact of the rain delay on the Cilic match the other day, I felt sorry for Tim that it was him who she posed the question too.

[sussexpob]

then again.... Timmy H had his best ever chance to win Wimbledon the year that Fed knocked out Sampras early, and the nations hopes were dashed by big Goran in the semi's

When Sue was discussing the impact of the rain delay on the Cilic match the other day, I felt sorry for Tim that it was him who she posed the question too.

Tbf with Henmans record in big matches, he'd probably have lost quicker had it been dry. And he'd probably have lost to a multiple slam winner in the final anyway, it's not like rafter was a lame duck.

[mikesiva]

Umtiti!

[yuppie]

France the favourites through

Kylian Mbappe does not need to follow the Neymer model.

[Durhamfootman]

I went for Belgium, but France were the better team tonight. They looked more potent up front and they defended magnificently. Dembele was the worst player on the pitch by some margin and I was amazed it took so long to take him off. Gave too much away in defence and sucked the life out of anything going forward. Lukaku was hopeless tonight and de Bruyne was off it a bit, perhaps because he was out on the right. Even Edam struggled to get into the game for parts of the second half. Mbappe will doubtless get all the adulation, but Pogba was the man for me.... defended magnificently and snuffed everything out... always in the right place... and that through ball in the first half.... sumptuous! I've never really understood the whole Pogba thing, but I get it now

[Gingerfinch]

Varane was also superb. The best team won but they sat back a bit.

[Durhamfootman]

he was... kept Lukaku quiet all night.

I can't help but think that the loss of Meunier, and the subsequent shuffle around in midfield hurt Belgium tonight. Manager could have set them up better than he did, I think

apparently Southgate is older than Alf Ramsey was in '66..... seems a bit of a stretch, to me. Imagine looking like Sir Alf at 45/46.... *modded* me!

[bigfluffylemon]

Bit of a shame, if England couldn't win it, Belgium would have been my next pick. It is a golden generation from them, they'll probably never have a better chance and after knocking out Brazil, they must have thought it was destiny.

In a tournament of upsets, however, France have been quiet achievers. Australia gave them a bit of a scare in the first game, as did Argentina in the 2nd round, but they've progressed about as smoothly as they could have hoped. Whichever of England and Croatia gets through, France will be strong favourites for the final.