The NotsoWorld Cup.
- Thread starter Spurf
- Start date
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The only plausible explanation as to why that wasn't a penalty is that Mbappe has very discreetly just signed for Spurs.
I’ve only just realised that Nabil Bentaleb is playing for this Algeria team. I had no idea he suffered a cardiac arrest and has come back from that. His career drifted after a wonderful start at Spurs, but what a story for him to come back from that and be starting at a World Cup.
I really thought the world was at his feet after that first Poch season, but I’m glad to see him back in the big time.
I really thought the world was at his feet after that first Poch season, but I’m glad to see him back in the big time.
Argentina look the business, from the fancied teams I’ve seen so far. What sets them apart from Spain is that they have a clear structure and more star power in the inevitable Leo Messi. What separates them from France is that while they’re also a team of superstars, they also have that workhorse mentality. But even those water carriers - the Rodrigo De Paul’s of the world - are excellent footballers. And they all work like mad for the team, and are all completely understanding of, and bought into, their roles.
Algeria look a handy team. Mahrez and Aouar didn’t start and between them and the likes of Ait Nouri, there’s some really good footballers in there. Argentina’s spirit and the enduring quality of Messi are what made this a 3-0.
I’ve enjoyed all the matches so far at this World Cup. Bring on England tomorrow.
Algeria look a handy team. Mahrez and Aouar didn’t start and between them and the likes of Ait Nouri, there’s some really good footballers in there. Argentina’s spirit and the enduring quality of Messi are what made this a 3-0.
I’ve enjoyed all the matches so far at this World Cup. Bring on England tomorrow.
France's selection of attackers should be illegal.
We didn't bail them out of two world wars just to let them have that array of talent.
The League of Nations should do something about this.
No one wants to be remembered as the referee who sent Messi off in his last World Cup. Also no question the TV moguls have given very clear instructions that him and Ronaldo are to stay on the field under all circumstances.
Solid performance from Big Kev when he came on for Austria. 
A strong show from Vuskovic tonight will maybe throw a spanner in the works for our defensive plans for next season. If he can perform at WC Finals level against England then he is surely ready to start in the PL?
A strong show from Vuskovic tonight will maybe throw a spanner in the works for our defensive plans for next season. If he can perform at WC Finals level against England then he is surely ready to start in the PL?
Kane has been amazing for England but could have been even more so. I don't think the team have played to his unique strengths of dropping deep and superb passing and more. In fact I've heard the so-called experts many times get upset by his dropping deep and insisting he should be playing as a "proper" No.9. But he's so much more than that. Unfortunately he's been playing with people that while are excellent players ("X and Y must be in the team....") may not be the people to play with Kane. I think, although it's hard to imagine, his stats could be even better if the team had really been built to his strengths. I've always thought that people like Stirling very much did their own thing - I don't think he provided many assists for Kane for example. Tuchel may be changing this - lets hope. But again the so-called experts are intent on stuffing as many flair players into the "team" without much thought about what makes the best team. Again, there are signs Tuchel is different in this respect.
Whether Bellingham is the right player for Kane I am waiting to be convinced. He could be. He has huge talent. I also think he might get sent off. I do know that when talking about Bellingham, all I hear from the pundits is about his skill and who he plays for etc. I do not dispute this. What I never hear is whether he is the best person to play with Kane. Let's hope he is.
Whether Bellingham is the right player for Kane I am waiting to be convinced. He could be. He has huge talent. I also think he might get sent off. I do know that when talking about Bellingham, all I hear from the pundits is about his skill and who he plays for etc. I do not dispute this. What I never hear is whether he is the best person to play with Kane. Let's hope he is.
It would have been a penalty by the usual interpretation of the Laws but I think a legalistic reading would say it shouldn't be. The Senegal player slides between Mbappe and the ball and Mbappe trips over him. What offence defined in the Laws has the defender committed?
Haven’t watched a minute of the World Cup yet, just hasn’t appealed to me at all.
48 teams is way too many. Should be 32 in the group stage and then to last 16 (top 2)
This format removes jeopardy early on and a lot of the games feel pointless.
48 teams is way too many. Should be 32 in the group stage and then to last 16 (top 2)
This format removes jeopardy early on and a lot of the games feel pointless.
Why is jeopardy a good thing though? If that is the ideal an unseeded straight knockout would be the best format. Surely it's not good that the best team gets eliminated early?
I agree with your sentiment but despite that I have watched some games and so far the games have been very good. Referees have been far superior to the PL IMO. They will not tolerate all the holding and pushing in corners. The games have flowed and the cynical fouling you see in almost every game in the PL is almost non existent. VAR has hardly been used or needed and I am glad the Australian ref. stuck to his guns and declined to give a penalty for what was for me Mbappe looking for one. The highlights for me have been Morroco v Brazil with Brazil lucky they have Vinisicius Jnr. and Netherlands v Japan, just a great game. Depite thinking as KingHotspur, that 48 teams is too many, when you actually see teams like Cape Verde enjoying the moment my stance on that softens.
I say this despite the fact I don't think the WC should be held in the USA right now and hydration breaks are clearly America trying to change the game to suit their advertising commitments.
When you think back to some Euro and WC tournaments in the past and the entirely negative football that took place, this tournament so far has been a far more positive experience. Despite gritted teeth, that it is taking place in Trump's America.
The WC refereeing for me clearly shows that it is the FA instructions to PL Refs that is spoiling the game in England.