Amazingly, France's win over Denmark raises the possibility of Australia finishing second in the group and progressing further at Denmark's expense. All it would take is a draw in their final match on Tuesday - can't see it happening, but I can dream.
I said to Matej, “I just can’t see Argentina winning the World Cup.” Two seconds later, two - Messi scores. A peach as well. Matej naturally and copiously took the proverbial, as one would when one’s Dad is proved to be an arse. And saying later that I stood by what I said, that just set him off again. Kids.
Japan doing what we do a lot . Fail to build on an excellent win by then messing up in the next game .
The Rising Sun quickly became the Setting Sun again. Didn't watch it, but I'd imagine the Japanese football fans are demanding the return of hara-kiri...
True but Costa Rica were poor. 1 shot on target in 2 games. I expect Spain to win today and then Germany will have to win their last game possibly quite big and hope Spain beat Japan.
This is the nature of some World Cup groups Chris - it's possible to go through with 3 points and also to go out with 6.
This attritional slow defensive football that the 'better' clubs seem to play is open to attack from the lesser sides and they can get goals
And apart from that it's boring. Yesterday's FA cup match between Forest Green and Alvechurch (who I'd never even heard of) may not have been technically excellent, but it was far more exciting than any of the Qatar games I've managed to endure.
Well us football fans always want the opposite! We want to see open attractive football but when we keep on losing we get upset and when the team tries hard but keeps it tight and gets a result we cheer and are happy. Then when we continue to play tight and boring football we get upset again. And repeat! So here at the World Cup we boo our players when they have as good as qualified from the group because fans want to see attractive and expansive football. Then if we do change style but then lose the fans will boo again! Fans are on the whole a negative force in English football. If only we all tried supporting the team (and that goes at Watford too) instead then it can be amazing what a team can achieve. Reference the wins by the less experienced nations this week. Do we want England to win the WC? If so we have to accept playing tournament style football where necessary.
