NFT: **World Cup Quarterfinals Thread**

that became angry when a teammate scored. And he's done it two or three times. Just a huge asshole.

but by all accounts he's actually a pretty sporting guy who has done tons of charity, and overcame very humble beginnings to be were he's at. There's far worse people in sports.

In comment 14007654 Nitro said:

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but by all accounts he's actually a pretty sporting guy who has done tons of charity, and overcame very humble beginnings to be were he's at. There's far worse people in sports.

I agree. I’m not a fan of his persay, but when I read asshole I expect consistent dirty play, off field issues with the law (I know he’s working through tax stuff but it’s impossible to assess that situation so I won’t bother), etc. There’s plenty of athletes I can’t stand who aren’t assholes.

to know you're not going to change Terps mind when it comes to Ronaldo

In comment 14007645 Go Terps said:

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that became angry when a teammate scored. And he's done it two or three times. Just a huge asshole.

This is what will happen - Ronaldo wins the champions League with a 3rd team in Juve, then joins MLS in Miami and beats the Portland timbers in the MLS final.

Game, set, match.

There are plenty of genuine assholes in European soccer. Guys sleeping with teenagers, running prostitution rings, biggoted racists and homophobes. Renaldo isn't on the 2nd shelf of assholes.

He is in the box instead of flopping and looking for a PK

In comment 14007554 AcidTest said:

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with a fantastic strike into the side netting for a 2-0 lead. But it was Lukaku's strength in midfield that made it possible. Great counterattack by Belgium.

You can see in the replay how DeBruyne fooled the defender into thinking he would continue to dribble the ball looking for a pass and as the defender backs up one more time blows it past him and the goaltender. This after the talking heads were marveling the other night, after Brazil's win over Mexico, about how they move forward to defend, not backward.

it is fitting karma that Neymar's flopping probably made any close call in the box go uncalled. Hell, Neymar should've gotten a yellow for diving.

Belgium has so many weapons

In comment 14007555 spike said:

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Taking it to the favorites Brazil

That they will. I thought so coming out of the group stage.

As the resident Chelsea fans, I know this image offers a special twinge of pain for us both. I appreciate the commiseration.

Thanks, Jose. (Oh, and for Salah, too!)

I’ll always appreciate what Jose did for the club. But with hindsight, his second tenure, even with another league title, is turning out to be one of the most harmful things that could have ever happened to Chelsea.

Header by McGuire. Sweden just sitting back so far, maybe this will pull them out and the game will be more interesting

Harry Maguire, the Leicester central defender with a header off the corner

Sweden seems to be pushing up the field now that they are behind. This is creating chances for England, and they are pretty quick upfront.

Yikes

who was free and instead of a first time finish, he gets too cute and tries to round the keeper

They should swap out Sterling for Vardy, Rashford, Wellbeck (even Cheeks). Anyone.

Sterling tries several different moves and thinks too much instead of making the keeper panic

He just isn't a finisher. Rashford makes this game 2-0.

England was asleep coming out of the tunnel and almost paid for it

In comment 14007972 dpinzow said:

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Sterling tries several different moves and thinks too much instead of making the keeper panic

This. As a City supporter, this is my biggest criticism of Sterling. He’s at his best when he just reacts. Too much time to think in close doesn’t suit him. And it can’t be guaranteed Rashford scores there (and I’m civil enough to leave off the “T” preceding his last name). The United contingent here hasn’t impressed me any more than Sterling’s play (perhaps save some solid plays by Young).

Intense pressure by England

.

I wonder how much Everton is going to have to shell out to keep him

England has carried the play but Pickford when called on has been out of his mind

Henderson was MoTM for me. Just controlled the entire game

Still sticking with my England-Belgium final

May not be coming home yet but it is definitely googling flights!

Not a chance of that IMO coming into the tournament. It was more likely that they would be out in the round of 16 at the latest

Ian Wright says what we all are thinking - shame to see Sweden's female fan base depart. They should play in the 3rd place game.

In comment 14007993 Bobby Humphrey's Earpad said:

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Ian Wright says what we all are thinking - shame to see Sweden's female fan base depart. They should play in the 3rd place game.

Yep, this may be the alltime "ugly women" World Cup semifinals ever

In comment 14007988 PatersonPlank said:

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Still sticking with my England-Belgium final

Agreed. Glad my team has surprised me and got this far. NIce to see Dele wake up today

Are going to win the World Cup. Don’t know if it’s home cooking or doping or what, but it’s working.

who Vardy affectionately nicknamed 'Slabhead'.

In comment 14008057 Oscar said:

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Are going to win the World Cup. Don’t know if it’s home cooking or doping or what, but it’s working.

They have an institutional system for doping. Entire Olympic team was banned earlier this year. Hard to imagine they'd stop now.

But will it be enough?

ricochet off the post to keep it at 1-1.

.

.

There was a backup keeper warming up. Could be huge if the game goes to penalties

Great for England in 4 days

A header by Vida that slipped into the lower corner of the net after the screen by the substitute Corluka

...

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.

But am I wrong in saying this World Cup has been awesome?

has a gimpy GK.

This is like watching a slow pitch team keeping up with the an MLB team. I cannot believe Russia is taking them to penalties.

,

isn't soccer. It's billiards.