According to 'Arry' Panama and Tunisia are L1. Against the Belgium reserves our reserves looked like every England team that's played against organised opposition. I think we'll know a lot more about our chances Tuesday evening.
If England go out on Tuesday, then the press will lambast Southgate in particular for this perceived arrogance/planning and 'under-estimating' Colombia. Yes, England clearly didn't go all-out to win, but I really don't think there was a pre-meditated plan to lose. Those accusing England of belittling Colombia are themselves belittling Belgium, who were always favourites to top the group and who actually made even more changes themselves (very nice goal from Januzaj too). I think the team and the coaching staff will be well aware of the threat Colombia pose. Falcao, though not as mobile as he used to be is still a deadly finisher and Cuadrado lurches between the poor and the sublime. James Rodriguez being an injury doubt is certainly good news, but they have other dangerous players too - Yerry Mina is a defender not long signed by Barcelona who has headed two winning goals already. Very fine margins in this one - strangely the bookies (English ones at least) have us at almost evens to win, with Colombia 3/1, but I would've thought it should be a bit closer than that. This is where it gets exciting, terrifying and frustrating almost in equal measure, but it's part of what makes the World Cup so great! Some tasty last 16 games coming up - France vs Argentina is good on paper, though a slightly underwhelming France should still do away with the mis-firing Argies, though a Messi-inspired wonder goal could easily come to pass. I reckon Uruguay will knock Portugal out, unless Ronaldo repeats his Spain exploits. Spain should get past Russia fairly comfortably and I think Croatia will continue to impress by knocking out Denmark. Brazil will be heavy favourites to beat Mexico, but maybe, just maybe there's the potential for a shock there? Neymar's trying too hard and disrupting the team as a result, whilst Coutinho continues his Liverpool trend of shooting on sight, meaning he's quite hot and cold. Belgium should flatten Japan, but Sweden vs Switzerland is close one to call and potentially one of great interest to us if we can get past Colombia.
France's 4th goal reminded me a bit of Carlo Alberto's goal in 1970. Today's game was great advert for the World Cup.
And still only 19, think it’s going to be a bright future for this player. Like Redprint started that forth goal reminded me of the famous Brazil goals. Pity this World Cup and last one we can only remiss of Brazil teams previously because like last time this team is not exciting me like they used too.
I think because many other teams have become so much better, not so easy for the likes of Brazil.. I agree with Nick, stunning world cup even with VAR.. One thing I do hate, is all the play acting, not touched, but go down like they've been snippered!!
Contrast to the Portugal game, thought Spain were dreadful against Russia, all tip tap without progression which became boring. great defending by Russia, but another big gun gone!
Really feel for Schmeichel - great personal performance but not enough to make up for him teammates' England-like penalties! I think it's more likely than not that England won't go all the way to the final, but there's rarely been as good an opportunity. Between two poor/average opponents & a B international friendly, we still don't actually know what this England side is capable of. Beat Colombia soundly & hope can justifiably grow - worried that someone like Falcao will shoot us down though. France have put down a marker, though Uruguay also looked strong & Belgium & Brazil both have the potential. Maybe we'll end up with one of the weakest winners for many a year, but the spectacle has been close to unrivalled in my eyes.
Be interesting how Brazil perform tomorrow. I think it's been a great world cup but without any team looking to run away with it....yeah, thought France looked good, but against a very poor Argentina.. With nearly all of the big guns gone, would be really nice if England could pull their act together.....I'm not sure, with the route to the final on offer, we will EVER have a better chance.......(not in my lifetime)
Colombia is going to be such a massive test and a huge buzzkill if we lose. But if we win, well... we can genuinely begin to get pretty excited...
At the time of writing Japan 2-0 up against Belgium! Always knew they were very good technically, but never envisaged this! Belgium are playing the wrong way - they need raw power. Pump crosses in for Lukaku & Fellaini and they won't likely to be able to compete.
This isn't meant to sound sexist, although I suspect it will no matter how I phrase it, but I really don't enjoy the TV panellists in the studio having women amongst them.
Not long now until kickoff - anyone want to say how they think the England players are overpaid w*nkers who only care about money now, or wait until the full-time score before they decide? I expect a toughie - England should have more possession and possibly more shots, but Colombia maybe have more players likely to smash in a thunderbolt from absolutely nowhere. I think England win this game 2 times out of 3, let's hope tonight isn't the 1...
