2018 World Cup

[Stout]

Mexico's done, now that we see it's a rampant Brazil they're to face.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

Mexico's done, now that we see it's a rampant Brazil they're to face.

Yep. They could have actually beaten Switzerland. Curse of the 5th game strikes again.

 

[Ronin]

HT
Sen 0
Colombia 0

 

[Ronin]

Japan/Poland are also scoreless at the half.

 

[Ronin]

Columbia! 1-0

 

[Dback Jon]

Poland up 1-0 This is getting intense for final two spots

 

[Stout]

Some tasty matchups setting up for the 2nd round. It'll be either England/Columbia or Belgium/Columbia.

Anyone else think that one Senegalese player must be on the take? On the corner kick goal, he's leaning lazily against the post, arms akimbo, and only moves his head to watch the goal go in right past him. He didn't even tense as if he would *try* to get to it, let alone actually *try*!

I've kind of been passively rooting for Japan, but after hearing how their coach just took it all for granted and made, what, six changes? After hearing that, I wanted them to lose. Stupidity should lose out. They pulled a Mexico, however, and advanced despite losing. Poor Senegal, to lose on a fair play tie breaker!

 

[Dback Jon]

First time in WC History a team has been eliminated using the Fair Play tiebreaker

 

[Stout]

First time in WC History a team has been eliminated using the Fair Play tiebreaker

If England/Belgium draw, and England gets one more yellow card than Belgium (and no one sees red), the winner of the group will be determined by the drawing of lots!

 

[Dback Jon]

If England/Belgium draw, and England gets one more yellow card than Belgium (and no one sees red), the winner of the group will be determined by the drawing of lots!

Wouldn't be an easier draw in the knockout stage to lose?

 

[Ronin]

Final
Columbia 1
Senegal 0

 

[SO91]

*COLOMBIA

 

[Stout]

Wouldn't be an easier draw in the knockout stage to lose?

No. The winner gets Japan, while the loser gets Colombia.

 

[Dback Jon]

No. The winner gets Japan, while the loser gets Colombia.

But then you have to face Brazil, then the winner of Portugal/France/Argentina/Uruguay

Loser gets Colombia, then Sweden/Switzerland then Spain/Russia/Croatia/Denmark. Seems a bit easier on that side of the bracket

 

[Kel Varnsen]

Love it.

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[Stout]

But then you have to face Brazil, then the winner of Portugal/France/Argentina/Uruguay

Loser gets Colombia, then Sweden/Switzerland then Spain/Russia/Croatia/Denmark. Seems a bit easier on that side of the bracket

I get what you're saying, but I think that's looking too far out. Japan would be WAY easier than Colombia, but Sweden/Switzerland would be WAY easier than Brazil. Portugal/France/Argentina, at this point, isn't any worse than Spain. So, one easier matchup a round earlier, or a round later? I get why people are saying what you said, but I wouldn't buy into it. Especially for England, who I don't see beating Colombia, but would probably beat Japan.

 

[Dback Jon]

I get what you're saying, but I think that's looking too far out. Japan would be WAY easier than Colombia, but Sweden/Switzerland would be WAY easier than Brazil. Portugal/France/Argentina, at this point, isn't any worse than Spain. So, one easier matchup a round earlier, or a round later? I get why people are saying what you said, but I wouldn't buy into it. Especially for England, who I don't see beating Colombia, but would probably beat Japan.

That's true - you can't get to the easier second round game until you win the first round The other side Spain does have a couple of chances to get upset, whlle on the other side no matter who comes out of the top quarter they will be tough.

 

[Lorenzo]

after tonight I am still very impressed with Belgium. We already know that Belgium's preferred lineup is more talented and more experienced than England's. their B side also looked a comfortable notch above England's B side. I think that it is pointless to look beyond the next match. For me this was a match that neither manager wanted to see a key player get injured or booked. So that's the first bit. but beyond that both sides should have been queueing up to play Japan. Belgium can go through either bracket to the final if they live up to their potential. For England it would be a shock to see them go that far because most feel they are 4 years away from serious contention. As far as avoiding Brazil? it's still a moot point for me, but playing red devils advocate, Belgium may be one of the only nations that can match Brazil's quality. for whatever reason not many are even giving Belgium a nod to go beyond the quarterfinal yet they have the talent and had a very nice run in Brazil 4 years ago when many of their stars were just getting their feet wet for the first time.

 

[Lorenzo]

*COLOMBIA

I wonder how serious James' injury is? I think they need him to have a serious run. they looked very positive with him in that second match. England will be a tough matchup if he is not fit.

 

[Lorenzo]

I get what you're saying, but I think that's looking too far out. Japan would be WAY easier than Colombia, but Sweden/Switzerland would be WAY easier than Brazil. Portugal/France/Argentina, at this point, isn't any worse than Spain. So, one easier matchup a round earlier, or a round later? I get why people are saying what you said, but I wouldn't buy into it. Especially for England, who I don't see beating Colombia, but would probably beat Japan.

It's split here on England's performance and decision to sit their players. but many English pundits are happy and believe England may be in the semi final based on the countries in their bracket. I think there are still some tough teams in that bracket. I would be very concerned with Colombia and Sweeden. Both can beat England. the "diffiucult" bracket is filled with big names, but many of those teams are not without problems.

 

[Milgod]

England can just as easily beat Colombia though.

Stupid decision to rest so many as momentum is huge for me, but there's no reason England can't go far. It's a very open tournament still.

 

[Stout]

England can just as easily beat Colombia though.

Stupid decision to rest so many as momentum is huge for me, but there's no reason England can't go far. It's a very open tournament still.

They're praying Rodriguez doesn't play. I don't see England beating them with him.

 

[Lorenzo]

England can just as easily beat Colombia though.

Stupid decision to rest so many as momentum is huge for me, but there's no reason England can't go far. It's a very open tournament still.

I agree totally here. I would have saw the opportunity to play Japan and would have went for blood. You are talking about a team in Japan that gave up on their last match in hopes of a result holding firm. A team that believes in itself does not do that. Beating Belgium would have been a huge morale boost, beat Japan, and then BRazil would be their final. Hindsight is 20/20 though.

For both sides of the bracket this is open, but especially that side of the bracket. I would not call it a weak bracket, I would call it unpredictable. England are happy because they feel they can beat anyone in that bracket, but I also feel Colombia, sweeden, swiss, spain, Croatia, etc, are all relieved to see England opposed to Belgium.

 

[Lorenzo]

They're praying Rodriguez doesn't play. I don't see England beating them with him.

I think that is a huge point. something special happens when that guy puts on a Colombia shirt. the question is was his injury a nagging one and he went off in precaution to extend his tournament? Or is he really injured to the point he can't go? we will see. without him I do think England will be through...just thinking logically. this match and Uruguay/Port are the toughest for me to call. Russia/Spain is also eating at me. I think Russia could be through. that could be the big upset for the first stage. Call me crazy, but I am not convinced by Spain's desire to get back and defend.

 

[Milgod]

Very overrated player. Still very good, but incredibly overrated.

It could go either way but Colombia will find it hard to deal with set pieces.