I have a big bet on Spain and i wouldnt swap it, Belgium are strong but might bottle it. The draw looks like it could well be Brazil v Germany R2. England being 2nd in the group gives them a nice looking run.
I've backed France and although not been great they have quite a tricky group and still have 2 wins. Before the tournament started I had it between Spain, Germany, France and Argentina. Argentina are ****ed but the other 3 could still do it but regardless I'm loving the fact of how competitive this world cup is and that the so called 'obvious' teams are being made to work and challenged
Panama to park the bus Mourinho style. England have to find a way to break it down, an early goal will help. Lingard 1st goal for me, England win to nil. Good luck all
Problem is it is essentially a dead rubber, Belgium i think have said they are resting players, England will make changes too.
Even as a staunch and virtually life long (since 1963) 'ABE' fellow I have to say that you can only beat, or in this case f**k, the opposition in front of you!
Both will want to finish 2nd in the group, the winner goes into the top half of the knockout with France, Brazil and probably zee Germans
Serious question. Are England good enough? I suppose we will find out on Thursday against Belgium. We have beaten 2 poor teams.(I know you can only beat whats put in front of you). Are we (England fans) building ourselves up for a big fall? I hope not but I’m old enough to know what happens
Once you get into the knock out rounds there is a great deal of good fortune involved. Also the more players you have in your pool that can pull off single pieces of genius the better chance you have to progress. For example last nights match involving Germany, although not actually a knock out round game, was probably decided by Neuer's save just before half time.
England, are they good enough? yes, but so are 5 or 6 others and on the day it is who performs and who gets that bit of luck. Tournament football means the best team most often does not win it. I think England fans are enjoying it but understand we are 4th or 5th favourites. I think defensively we are not good enough and the keeper is not strong.
Cannae hear any big party going on with my Polish neighbours yet; with the great weather up here I would not be surprised if they set up a 'bar' in the back garden!
