Belgium are playing half a B team. Not sure which match to watch, to be honest. I suppose I should watch 'my' Russia...
I said on the original WC thread that this was too early for them and that we should really look out for them at Euro 2016. So far it looks like I'm right.
Algeria would have to win for that to happen, so they look safe. Not hit their straps yet, but that's not to say one moment of brilliance won't take them past a good team in the knockouts.
I think belgium just haven't been motivated enough yet. Yes it's the world cup finals but no disrespect, Russia Algeria and Korea aren't fantastic teams. I see it as a case of they're also being dragged down a level. Come the knockout stages I expect a different belgium team
Well, that's cooked South Korea's goose. For a team 10 minutes from elimination, the Russians aren't half looking unbothered. Very little attacking intent.
Russia's exit means only 6 of the 13 European teams have made it through. As poor as that is, it still matches the 2010 performance by Europe. In 2006 (in Germany), 10 out of 14 progressed, while in 2002 it was 9 out of 15.
Only in one group have both favourites progressed. This World Cup has been billed as a disaster for England but we're not alone in under-performing drastically for an early elimination. And we have an excuse being in the hardest/2nd hardest group out the lot, the only group unfortunate to end up with two 2nd pot teams in it. Worth noting that the other underachievers happen to be European.
I'd say 3 of those 6 have been the top 3 teams so far in the WC - Netherlands, Germany and France. Only 5 South American teams have got through to be fair.
Colombia, Switzerland and Chile have also looked very impressive when I've seen them. What about the mighty Costa Rica? I thought they were supposed to be one of the best teams in the world...?
