from Germany and Spain? Will they be up to France?
Germany is ranked #11 in the world, Spain #7, and Belgium is #2, and all three are certainly on par with #4 France - but any of them can be surprised by lower-ranked opponents who are juiced to be representing their countries on the big stage, (see Saudi Arabia), or teams that are better than what their FIFA rank may indicate (see Canada)
The Belgians are an older team with many of their stars past their prime. Canada has two exciting and fast young players who could be the difference. Germany also relying upon some older players and took a hit with the loss of Timo Werner prior to WC. Werner had speed and when away from the craziness of Chelsea is a quality player. This should be a very good day of football.
Thanks for overview of Germany, Belgium and et al. Seems that the Cup is perhaps a little more open for the taking this time around by the "hot team." The usual suspects are there of course.
that a lot of people think Canada might surprise, but I don't see it yet. Belgium isn't likely to win the Cup, but they still have the best playmaker in the game with Kevin de Bruyne and one of the best keepers.
David and Davies give teams something to account for when playing Canada, but the rest of their roster is not going to cause too many advantages.
Thanks for overview of Germany, Belgium and et al. Seems that the Cup is perhaps a little more open for the taking this time around by the "hot team." The usual suspects are there of course.
I agree - any one of 8-12 teams could win depending on who gets hot, and also depth will be a factor in later rounds when yellow cards accumulate
Thanks for overview of Germany, Belgium and et al. Seems that the Cup is perhaps a little more open for the taking this time around by the "hot team." The usual suspects are there of course.
I agree - any one of 8-12 teams could win depending on who gets hot, and also depth will be a factor in later rounds when yellow cards accumulate
It has never happened, and I don't think it's possible this time around.
Brazil, France, Argentina, England, Germany and Portugal are the strongest. Netherlands and maybe Belgium also have a shot but that's it, imv of course.
Thanks for overview of Germany, Belgium and et al. Seems that the Cup is perhaps a little more open for the taking this time around by the "hot team." The usual suspects are there of course.
I agree - any one of 8-12 teams could win depending on who gets hot, and also depth will be a factor in later rounds when yellow cards accumulate
It has never happened, and I don't think it's possible this time around.
Brazil, France, Argentina, England, Germany and Portugal are the strongest. Netherlands and maybe Belgium also have a shot but that's it, imv of course.
FWIW, I did not mean Canada could win the Cup. Just that they could play well enough to advance a round. It will be won by one of the usual suspects.
I suspect Netherlands and England will do the usual foldo. I am hoping the US can tie England and beat Iran to advance.
Thoughts on Ronaldo aside, as he is a polarizing player, Portugal just seems loaded (I mean absolutely stacked) with talent. I guess the question is whether it’s just a collection of stars/talent or can they play together as a team?
the hell was Neuer doing? Asano had a terrible angle. His only chance was to roof the shot into a very narrow space. It looked like Landon Donovan's goal in the WC in 2014 IIRC.
the hell was Neuer doing? Asano had a terrible angle. His only chance was to roof the shot into a very narrow space. It looked like Landon Donovan's goal in the WC in 2014 IIRC.
How do you expect him to save a ball that’s blasted over his head? Attackers usually shoot high in situations like that.
from Germany and Spain? Will they be up to France?
Germany is ranked #11 in the world, Spain #7, and Belgium is #2, and all three are certainly on par with #4 France - but any of them can be surprised by lower-ranked opponents who are juiced to be representing their countries on the big stage, (see Saudi Arabia), or teams that are better than what their FIFA rank may indicate (see Canada)
Egypt played Belgium on Friday in Kuwait in a friendly. Egypt won 2-1 with Salah playing. Belgium didn't look like anything special. They can be beat, just like Germany is gonna be right now.
Thoughts on Ronaldo aside, as he is a polarizing player, Portugal just seems loaded (I mean absolutely stacked) with talent. I guess the question is whether it’s just a collection of stars/talent or can they play together as a team?
Portugal is stacked and deep, but some say that CR7 and Bruno Fernandes are defensive liabilities, and coach Santos hasn’t kept up with modern tactics and formations, although he did lead them to win the Euro in 2016.
Thoughts on Ronaldo aside, as he is a polarizing player, Portugal just seems loaded (I mean absolutely stacked) with talent. I guess the question is whether it’s just a collection of stars/talent or can they play together as a team?
Portugal is stacked and deep, but some say that CR7 and Bruno Fernandes are defensive liabilities, and coach Santos hasn’t kept up with modern tactics and formations, although he did lead them to win the Euro in 2016.
Expect Leao to explode.
RE: France are the strong favorites barring any serious injuries
Their second half game plan and substitutes ran the German defense into the ground.
IMV, Asano’s game winner was awesome and Neuer had no chance. That’s a goal 9 out of 10 times
Thoughts on Ronaldo aside, as he is a polarizing player, Portugal just seems loaded (I mean absolutely stacked) with talent. I guess the question is whether it’s just a collection of stars/talent or can they play together as a team?
Portugal is stacked and deep, but some say that CR7 and Bruno Fernandes are defensive liabilities, and coach Santos hasn’t kept up with modern tactics and formations, although he did lead them to win the Euro in 2016.
Their second half game plan and substitutes ran the German defense into the ground.
IMV, Asano’s game winner was awesome and Neuer had no chance. That’s a goal 9 out of 10 times
That was tenacity fighting thru the defender and placing an accurate ball just under the bar with such a narrow view of the goal.
Should be a fun match
Hard to say how good Spain is versus a team like Costs Rica
We will know more about Spain next match
Having said that Spain is stacked with quality and depth
Their second team could probably qualify for the WC on their own merits
I have a new fav player in Gavi. OMG is he talented
It was exposed in a couple of games 2018, Portugal? Löw knew it was time yet even he stayed a cycle too long.
Belgium v CAN should be interesting from tactical perspective, skill v physicality, aging v youth. Belgium probably has too much experience. I wouldn't put too much credence in the exhibition with Egypt: is it known how many of the first 11 played substantial minutes?
is trying to run Belgium off the field. It's creating some counterattacking opportunities for Belgium, but I love the aggressive strategy to take it right to them.
Based on that half of football? Biggest fraud team around with their #2 FIFA ranking.
You could put any of the top 8 teams, maybe 10, in almost any position in the rankings. Perhaps Brazil is a solid #1, but Argentina is #3 - based on having Messi?
played a very high line in the first half, pushing players forward to try and dominate the ball and wear out Belgium. It left them a little exposed at the back. That plus a nice play over the top by Belgium and a terrific finish produced the goal.
Canada is faster and stronger than Belgium, but they aren't converting the chances their speed and strength are creating.
has used a very good gameplan, but their thought was that this strategy would have caused several errors and led to a goal by now. Belgium has withstood the pressure because they have several players who have patience and are good on the ball and Canada will likely be gassed by the 75th minute.
You see it often when high pressure is applied for this duration.
If you're going to go balls out like Canada did in the first half you need to get something for all that effort. That missed penalty is brutal. But they do get five substitutions, and this being the first game they are likely at their healthiest and fittest right now. Belgium is also an older team.
FIFA rankings are always over the place, but not sure questioning Canada at 41 based on a close loss is really all that legit. They have two world class players and they played scrappy, but Saudi Arabia is the 51st ranked team and they actually won their match.
At the end of the day, Canada's chances to advance out of their group aren't good right now - they will need a win at minimum to advance. FIFA's rankings are all over the place based on the criteria they use but teams like Canada often struggle to rise until they actually put together some decent wins - especially on the world stage.
Germany is ranked #11 in the world, Spain #7, and Belgium is #2, and all three are certainly on par with #4 France - but any of them can be surprised by lower-ranked opponents who are juiced to be representing their countries on the big stage, (see Saudi Arabia), or teams that are better than what their FIFA rank may indicate (see Canada)
Germany-Japan starting now but we have
-- Saudi Arabia 2-1 Argentina and then the Athletic posts an article detailing Messi's financial dealings with the Saudi government.
-- Manchester United announces Ronaldo won't return and then finally announces exploring a sale of the club.
-- Harry Kane scan on the ankle
-- and then the usual smorgasbord of issues with Qatar as host.
Be Champions!
Thanks for overview of Germany, Belgium and et al. Seems that the Cup is perhaps a little more open for the taking this time around by the "hot team." The usual suspects are there of course.
David and Davies give teams something to account for when playing Canada, but the rest of their roster is not going to cause too many advantages.
Germany will now have a penalty to take the lead
Thanks for overview of Germany, Belgium and et al. Seems that the Cup is perhaps a little more open for the taking this time around by the "hot team." The usual suspects are there of course.
I agree - any one of 8-12 teams could win depending on who gets hot, and also depth will be a factor in later rounds when yellow cards accumulate
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surprise.
Thanks for overview of Germany, Belgium and et al. Seems that the Cup is perhaps a little more open for the taking this time around by the "hot team." The usual suspects are there of course.
I agree - any one of 8-12 teams could win depending on who gets hot, and also depth will be a factor in later rounds when yellow cards accumulate
It has never happened, and I don't think it's possible this time around.
Brazil, France, Argentina, England, Germany and Portugal are the strongest. Netherlands and maybe Belgium also have a shot but that's it, imv of course.
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In comment 15918692 section125 said:
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surprise.
Thanks for overview of Germany, Belgium and et al. Seems that the Cup is perhaps a little more open for the taking this time around by the "hot team." The usual suspects are there of course.
I agree - any one of 8-12 teams could win depending on who gets hot, and also depth will be a factor in later rounds when yellow cards accumulate
It has never happened, and I don't think it's possible this time around.
Brazil, France, Argentina, England, Germany and Portugal are the strongest. Netherlands and maybe Belgium also have a shot but that's it, imv of course.
FWIW, I did not mean Canada could win the Cup. Just that they could play well enough to advance a round. It will be won by one of the usual suspects.
I suspect Netherlands and England will do the usual foldo. I am hoping the US can tie England and beat Iran to advance.
In a group with Spain, Germany is on the outside looking in right now.
I wish the USMNT plays with this intensity on Friday
How do you expect him to save a ball that’s blasted over his head? Attackers usually shoot high in situations like that.
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from Germany and Spain? Will they be up to France?
Germany is ranked #11 in the world, Spain #7, and Belgium is #2, and all three are certainly on par with #4 France - but any of them can be surprised by lower-ranked opponents who are juiced to be representing their countries on the big stage, (see Saudi Arabia), or teams that are better than what their FIFA rank may indicate (see Canada)
Egypt played Belgium on Friday in Kuwait in a friendly. Egypt won 2-1 with Salah playing. Belgium didn't look like anything special. They can be beat, just like Germany is gonna be right now.
Portugal is stacked and deep, but some say that CR7 and Bruno Fernandes are defensive liabilities, and coach Santos hasn’t kept up with modern tactics and formations, although he did lead them to win the Euro in 2016.
FWIW, I did not mean Canada could win the Cup. Just that they could play well enough to advance a round. It will be won by one of the usual suspects.
I suspect Netherlands and England will do the usual foldo. I am hoping the US can tie England and beat Iran to advance.
This I agree.
Germany and Argentina losing, this is looking incredibly well for me (Brazilian). Only France and England have shown great football so far.
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FWIW, I did not mean Canada could win the Cup. Just that they could play well enough to advance a round. It will be won by one of the usual suspects.
I suspect Netherlands and England will do the usual foldo. I am hoping the US can tie England and beat Iran to advance.
This I agree.
Germany and Argentina losing, this is looking incredibly well for me (Brazilian). Only France and England have shown great football so far.
My pop picked Brasil to win the WC this year. I picked Argentina (lol).
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Thoughts on Ronaldo aside, as he is a polarizing player, Portugal just seems loaded (I mean absolutely stacked) with talent. I guess the question is whether it’s just a collection of stars/talent or can they play together as a team?
Portugal is stacked and deep, but some say that CR7 and Bruno Fernandes are defensive liabilities, and coach Santos hasn’t kept up with modern tactics and formations, although he did lead them to win the Euro in 2016.
Expect Leao to explode.
I think your opinion changes when Brazil plays tomorrow, I think them and France are both strong favorites over anyone else.
IMV, Asano’s game winner was awesome and Neuer had no chance. That’s a goal 9 out of 10 times
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In comment 15918749 section125 said:
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FWIW, I did not mean Canada could win the Cup. Just that they could play well enough to advance a round. It will be won by one of the usual suspects.
I suspect Netherlands and England will do the usual foldo. I am hoping the US can tie England and beat Iran to advance.
This I agree.
Germany and Argentina losing, this is looking incredibly well for me (Brazilian). Only France and England have shown great football so far.
My pop picked Brasil to win the WC this year. I picked Argentina (lol).
Hope he's right. And hope deep down in my heart you're wrong haha!
Last time Argentina lost to a non-EU in the WC was in 1990 1st game vs Cameron, they went on to play in the finals, so they're very dangerous yet.
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In comment 15918753 NJBlueTuna said:
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Thoughts on Ronaldo aside, as he is a polarizing player, Portugal just seems loaded (I mean absolutely stacked) with talent. I guess the question is whether it’s just a collection of stars/talent or can they play together as a team?
Portugal is stacked and deep, but some say that CR7 and Bruno Fernandes are defensive liabilities, and coach Santos hasn’t kept up with modern tactics and formations, although he did lead them to win the Euro in 2016.
Expect Leao to explode.
he’ll be a big factor tomorrow
IMV, Asano’s game winner was awesome and Neuer had no chance. That’s a goal 9 out of 10 times
That was tenacity fighting thru the defender and placing an accurate ball just under the bar with such a narrow view of the goal.
good call!
Nope. If you can understand Spanish, try to sync that audio from Chiringuito Inside on YouTube with the game. It’s a spectacle.
maybe show up? LOL
3-0 Spain
Hard to say how good Spain is versus a team like Costs Rica
We will know more about Spain next match
Having said that Spain is stacked with quality and depth
Their second team could probably qualify for the WC on their own merits
I have a new fav player in Gavi. OMG is he talented
Yup.
Belgium v CAN should be interesting from tactical perspective, skill v physicality, aging v youth. Belgium probably has too much experience. I wouldn't put too much credence in the exhibition with Egypt: is it known how many of the first 11 played substantial minutes?
Agree, Spain looked very, very good.
Ehh, save!
Yes Canada is forechecking well
It keeps Hazard and DeBruyner from making plays on the ball
So far they are withstanding the relentless pressure and have had a couple counters.
I guess stupidity on game threads is International.
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is an embarrassment.
I guess stupidity on game threads is International.
Ha...
Substitutions will be the key for Belgium as older players start to get tired
You could put any of the top 8 teams, maybe 10, in almost any position in the rankings. Perhaps Brazil is a solid #1, but Argentina is #3 - based on having Messi?
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is an embarrassment.
I guess stupidity on game threads is International.
On this and many other boards... LOL FMIC
Opening encounters in World Cups are often misleading.
Mind you, so are FIFA rankings.
Canada is faster and stronger than Belgium, but they aren't converting the chances their speed and strength are creating.
You see it often when high pressure is applied for this duration.
FIFA rankings are always over the place, but not sure questioning Canada at 41 based on a close loss is really all that legit. They have two world class players and they played scrappy, but Saudi Arabia is the 51st ranked team and they actually won their match.
At the end of the day, Canada's chances to advance out of their group aren't good right now - they will need a win at minimum to advance. FIFA's rankings are all over the place based on the criteria they use but teams like Canada often struggle to rise until they actually put together some decent wins - especially on the world stage.