We saw a masterclass from Kanté earlier. Modric went one better. What a fucking player.

Jens wrote:

Nigeria to advance from the group at 6/1. Any takers?

Don’t do it.

Rakitic was the clear MOTM for me. Croatia look very good so far, can see them go far if Rebic isn't injured pray to God

What's happened to Sampaoli? I really thought Argentina had finally hired a good manager, and then he goes and does this. A team known for having the best offensive players on the planet played with Salvio, Meza and Acuna. They also played without any offensive plan whatsoever despite Sampaoli having shown that he can do much better with lesser players.

And Jones said it best: I'll never understand how some people claim that if Higuain scored a couple more of his chances in the final Messi would be the GOAT, but that since he didn't he isn't.

jones wrote:

Rakitic was the clear MOTM for me. Croatia look very good so far, can see them go far if Rebic isn't injured pray to God

Think they’ve quite comfortably looked the best team so far.

Regarding Croatia’s first goal. I get the sense Caballero was told or encourage to try to play back to his CBS in the corner from back passes. He’d played that same ball earlier in the game once or twice, each time looking questionable.

He’s always been dodgy with his kicking

National villain now. Second only to Messi

Still remember Caballero had 2 stormers against us for City. Annoying

The real difference between Messi and Ronaldo at this world cup is that Portugal plays exclusively for Ronaldo. It's basically Ronaldo and 10 guys who pass the ball to him. If Argentina did the same, they would be in the next round already. What Sampaoli is doing is beyond me. I thought this guy was supposed to be kind of tactical mastermind.

Gurgen wrote:

The real difference between Messi and Ronaldo at this world cup is that Portugal plays exclusively for Ronaldo. It's basically Ronaldo and 10 guys who pass the ball to him. If Argentina did the same, they would be in the next round already. What Sampaoli is doing is beyond me. I thought this guy was supposed to be kind of tactical mastermind.

They tried that tactic against Iceland.

Not really, they ran around aimlessly instead of creating space for their best player.

They tried to give Messi the ball as much as possible but they executed it so poorly Messi had to come deep to collect the ball. The midfield duo of Biglia and Mascherano was hopeless at getting the ball to him.

But I agree with you Argentina have been a complete mess tactically.

Not impressed with Sampaoli either. He looked like a complete idiot on the sideline. Set his team up to play like idiots too. He just seemed lost.

I definitely think you can play good football with a national team. Just look at Germany prior to this tournament. You just need to make an effort to build something and then trust the experienced players who have taken you through the qualifiers. You forge a national team during several years, not with the final 23 man squad selection.

I do think a lot of national teams adopt a defensive or possession-controlling attitude because they switch coaches too many times and don't feel like they have a good, established identity to fall back on. Or, like France, because they try to push through a generational shift too early. But then again, the defensive tactics are so rarely successful that it would probably be better to go out swinging. At least people would give you credit for trying.

Clrnc wrote:

Tony Montana wrote:

Who do you want to win?

I have no preference, but I would like more underdogs in the latter stages. Mexico would be great

I think England fit the description of underdog.

Punting some money on Finnbogason to score today. Very underrated striker. Wouldn't look out of place in most Premier League clubs.

Iwobi benched.

For all the discussion of Ronaldo's "character", it's interesting to note it hasn't been mentioned with Messi.

What a goal

Musa you beauty