2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia (Maidenfans WC Pool inside)

@dr.
Agree on both points. Portugal seem better at getting the best out of Ronaldo compared to Argentina/Messi. Maybe, also, Spain tried to play their own game more and didn't focus so much on the danger man as Iceland did. And Iceland didn't tire as much as I thought they might, the defending got a bit shakier and Messi definitely had more of the ball in more space towards the end but Iceland had enough commitment to see it out.
RE diving. I also have no sympathy but if refereeing is done right then surely its the contact that counts and not the diving, especially in this case when it wasn't exactly a Neymar level of play acting and there was contact. Ref really should have went to VAR and gave the pen. But, aye, certainly no sympathy and glad Iceland got the result. If I was a ref and thought there was an extra bit of a jump or dive, I'd go with the defender. Still want Messi to lift the trophy though.
 
LooseCannon said:
A draw with a team that should be as outclassed as Iceland certainly bodes poorly for Argentina's "all Messi, all the time" strategy.
Click to expand...
Well, Iceland lost no games in the group stage of the Euros two years ago, so "should be outclassed" is only part valid. They've become a very solid team. Sure, they don't have the finesse of Spain or the pace of France, but they have some really good players and a very strong and hard working collective.
 
The reason Messi has a hard time is because the team completely depends on him as the creative force. He's the sole playmaker out there and the defense just collapses on him in the middle. That makes it difficult for him to roam the pitch, which hinders his goalscoring opportunities.

For a supposed contender for the title, Argentina's midfield is remarkably weak. They have nothing creativity wise.
 
The Flash said:
Single-handedly dragged Argentina to the World Cup. They were atrocious in the qualifiers, Messi saved their asses in the last match by scoring a hat-trick.

He also single-handedly got them out of the Group Stage in the previous World Cup.
Click to expand...

I'm wondering if I am leaning out too much if I say that the reason Germany won last time was because they were a team, instead of a backdrop to show off one striker. There were a lot of one man shows last world cup, and Brazil showed dramatically what could happen when that one guy breaks down. Spain last night was a team as well, and that's how they could even out with Ronaldo.
 
I don't think that's wrong. The Germans built an efficient team that wasn't based on a single player, although Müller is a world class talent, he wasn't the be-all and end-all. It makes me worry for Belgium as well, who seem to rely quite a lot on Hazard.
 
The Flash said:
The reason Messi has a hard time is because the team completely depends on him as the creative force. He's the sole playmaker out there and the defense just collapses on him in the middle. That makes it difficult for him to roam the pitch, which hinders his goalscoring opportunities.
Click to expand...
Exactly.

Perun said:
I'm wondering if I am leaning out too much if I say that the reason Germany won last time was because they were a team, instead of a backdrop to show off one striker. There were a lot of one man shows last world cup, and Brazil showed dramatically what could happen when that one guy breaks down. Spain last night was a team as well, and that's how they could even out with Ronaldo.
Click to expand...
We saw the same in 1998. Brazil's Ronaldo was not in form for the final, he was ill the night before, and France dominated them in the final.
 
Perun said:
I'm wondering if I am leaning out too much if I say that the reason Germany won last time was because they were a team, instead of a backdrop to show off one striker. There were a lot of one man shows last world cup, and Brazil showed dramatically what could happen when that one guy breaks down. Spain last night was a team as well, and that's how they could even out with Ronaldo.
Click to expand...

No, it's a correct assessment. Spain should've been the winners yesterday as well. Portugal's goals came from a penalty, a De Gea mess up and a free-kick. Spain dominated the actual gameplay.
 
The Flash said:
No, it's a correct assessment. Spain should've been the winners yesterday as well. Portugal's goals came from a penalty, a De Gea mess up and a free-kick. Spain dominated the actual gameplay.
Click to expand...
I don't think it's wrong to say that Spain ran into one of the greatest single-player performances of all time yesterday, though the team was enabling it correctly.
 
Isn't it true though that Messi's performances for Argentina always pales in comparison to the ones for Barcelona?
 
LooseCannon said:
I don't think it's wrong to say that Spain ran into one of the greatest single-player performances of all time yesterday, though the team was enabling it correctly.
Click to expand...

I know what you mean to say, but if we're going to pull this card, then Ronaldo will always be a poor man's Maradona.
 
I think Peru might kick some ass. They did not lose a match since 2016 I think. Very passionate hymn singing as well. Farfan is very good. What a moment, finally a World Cup, after 36 years.
 
Iceland are certainly a well drilled, competent outfit. I hope Peru and Denmark aren't so good and maybe we will see some proper Messi. But after that today, I don't rate my chances of seeing Messi lift the trophy. Still wouldn't bet against them getting to the latter stages
 
Last edited:
Forostar said:
I think Peru might kick some ass. They did not lose a match since 2016 I think. Very passionate hymn singing as well. Farfan is very good. What a moment, finally a World Cup, after 36 years.
Click to expand...
Definitely supporting Peru. Their promo video is rousing stuff.
Its a shitty group in that theres 3 teams I would like to see go through. Nothing against Denmark (even though they spanked Ireland in the play-offs) but I just don't 'like' them for any reason. Different story when Big Pete was in the stick.
Also, saw a Christen Erikssen interview and he said "if they give me the ball quick, we will be ok." Not lacking confidence, then!
 
Speaking of Perun, I'm afraid your sheet disappeared from the game. Or it is some odd mobile phone presentation fooling me or something.
 
Ariana said:
Isn't it true though that Messi's performances for Argentina always pales in comparison to the ones for Barcelona?
Click to expand...

Argentina is nowhere near as good as Barcelona, so it's kind of a "D'uh" statement to make. Ronaldo was nowhere to be found playing for Portugal between 2008 and 2014, simply because the team around him wasn't good.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top