Interesting match - Croatia is considered by a slight favorite yet Japan finished 1st in a tough group. Samurai Blue are underdogs again, and I think they like it that way. Link - ( New Window )
We know what the Japanese are going to do (create turnovers and counter) and so does Croatia. I thought Croatia would get past them a few days ago and still do now, but would certainly not be surprised to see the Japanese win today. In the end, I think Modric and the Croatian side's experience gets them through to the Quarterfinals to play against a dominant Brazilian side (assuming they beat S. Korea later on today of course first).
Here's a link to the Japan-Croatia match starting in about 5 minutes:
over 120 minutes IMO. So, a fair outcome even though I'd have liked to see Japan go through just for geographic variety in the final 8. As to which, Brazil-South Korea coming up next. Brazil is favored, of course, but that's why they play the games. SoKor has some good players too.
over 120 minutes IMO. So, a fair outcome even though I'd have liked to see Japan go through just for geographic variety in the final 8. As to which, Brazil-South Korea coming up next. Brazil is favored, of course, but that's why they play the games. SoKor has some good players too.
Without a doubt. Looks like it'll be them playing Brazil with Neymar just converting that penalty to give them a 2-0 lead over the South Koreans less than 15 minutes into the first half.
To bad the other side of the bracket is so top heaviy. Arg v Ned and Fra v Eng. those two games will be real World Cup games. I don’t see Por or Spain beating Brazil.
route is on. It looks like the Germany Brazil semifinal from 2014, when Germany won 7-1.
+1
I remember watching that game at a McGettigan's in Abu Dhabi. Utter embarrassment on the Brazilian end. This might be the last embarrassing result of this tourney though.
They're the number one team in the world for a reason. They need to avoid injuries and yellow cards, while continuing to do what they're doing. I wouldn't start subbing until a few minutes pass in the second half. As it goes on though, both sides will empty their respective benches. Let's see if Neymar can match Reynaldo for 2nd place on the WC goal list with another one in this game (8).
They're the number one team in the world for a reason. They need to avoid injuries and yellow cards, while continuing to do what they're doing. I wouldn't start subbing until a few minutes pass in the second half. As it goes on though, both sides will empty their respective benches. Let's see if Neymar can match Reynaldo for 2nd place on the WC goal list with another one in this game (8).
Like them or not, it’s a treat to watch greatness at work.
To bad the other side of the bracket is so top heaviy. Arg v Ned and Fra v Eng. those two games will be real World Cup games. I don’t see Por or Spain beating Brazil.
Brazil would play Arg/Ned, and Fra/Eng would play Por/Spain
To bad the other side of the bracket is so top heaviy. Arg v Ned and Fra v Eng. those two games will be real World Cup games. I don’t see Por or Spain beating Brazil.
Brazil would play Arg/Ned, and Fra/Eng would play Por/Spain
Yes, the format of that bracket is a little confusing; I read it wrong at first too. Usually it's the left hand side against the right hand side, but in this layout the winner of the top group plays the winner of the bottom group in the final. Also, the original post refers to this as the quarterfinals, but that's the next round. We're still in the round of 16.
They're the number one team in the world for a reason. They need to avoid injuries and yellow cards, while continuing to do what they're doing. I wouldn't start subbing until a few minutes pass in the second half. As it goes on though, both sides will empty their respective benches. Let's see if Neymar can match Reynaldo for 2nd place on the WC goal list with another one in this game (8).
Like them or not, it’s a treat to watch greatness at work.
Round of 16 ends tomorrow, then we're down to the nitty gritty with the Quarterfinals on Friday and Saturday.
Morocco and Spain play first tomorrow, followed by Switzerland and Portugal. Morocco will have a lot of support tomorrow. It won't be enough in all probability against an outstanding opponent, but keep that in mind if the game is closer than usual.
Interesting match - Croatia is considered by a slight favorite yet Japan finished 1st in a tough group. Samurai Blue are underdogs again, and I think they like it that way.
Link - ( New Window )
Japan vs. Croatia - FX Sports U.S. broadcast feed - ( New Window )
Japan is so interesting to watch play. They are not easy to play against
Livakovic, 3/4 stops, incredible
Brazil vs. South Korea - Fox Sports U.S. broadcast link - ( New Window )
Without a doubt. Looks like it'll be them playing Brazil with Neymar just converting that penalty to give them a 2-0 lead over the South Koreans less than 15 minutes into the first half.
that's your jogo bonito
+1
I remember watching that game at a McGettigan's in Abu Dhabi. Utter embarrassment on the Brazilian end. This might be the last embarrassing result of this tourney though.
Like them or not, it’s a treat to watch greatness at work.
Brazil would play Arg/Ned, and Fra/Eng would play Por/Spain
Quote:
To bad the other side of the bracket is so top heaviy. Arg v Ned and Fra v Eng. those two games will be real World Cup games. I don’t see Por or Spain beating Brazil.
Brazil would play Arg/Ned, and Fra/Eng would play Por/Spain
Yes, the format of that bracket is a little confusing; I read it wrong at first too. Usually it's the left hand side against the right hand side, but in this layout the winner of the top group plays the winner of the bottom group in the final. Also, the original post refers to this as the quarterfinals, but that's the next round. We're still in the round of 16.
Quote:
They're the number one team in the world for a reason. They need to avoid injuries and yellow cards, while continuing to do what they're doing. I wouldn't start subbing until a few minutes pass in the second half. As it goes on though, both sides will empty their respective benches. Let's see if Neymar can match Reynaldo for 2nd place on the WC goal list with another one in this game (8).
Like them or not, it’s a treat to watch greatness at work.
Indeed.
Friday's quarterfinals are as follows now:
*Croatia vs. Brazil in the first match.
*Holland vs. Argentina in the second match.
Saturday's quarterfinals are as follows:
*Spain/Morocco vs. Portugal/Switzerland.
*England vs. France in the second match.
Round of 16 ends tomorrow, then we're down to the nitty gritty with the Quarterfinals on Friday and Saturday.
Morocco and Spain play first tomorrow, followed by Switzerland and Portugal. Morocco will have a lot of support tomorrow. It won't be enough in all probability against an outstanding opponent, but keep that in mind if the game is closer than usual.
World Cup bracket 2022: Knockout stage - ( New Window )
2. Argentina (familiarity)
3. Spain (style of play)
The Croats will be their usual tough selves on Friday, but it won't be enough against the canary yellow and blue.