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.
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