Take a deep breath folks, and enjoy the last day of wall-to-wall football. There are (gulp) NO GAMES TOMORROW!
So what needs to happen today for a possible England v Brazil tie before the final? Quite fancy a repeat of 2002
With Brazil winning El Mundial!!! Seems OK to me!! Would be great if one of Senegal or Colombia could win the trophy!!
Apart from the Ronaldinho free kick, I would agree. We had the beating of them until that went in over Seaman’s head. In answer to your question, if we beat Belgium and then whoever comes second in Group H, we play Brazil in the quarter final, assuming they beat Mexico. If Belgium win, it gets complicated, but we could meet Brazil in the semifinal (I think).
It's simple for me, finish second and give ourselves the best possible chance, I'm not saying its going to be easy but if i was a betting man which I am i would be making our odds a lot shorter to win the whole thing if we finish second in our group.
If we end up 2nd in the group then we can't play Brazil until the final. If we finish 1st then we'll play them in the QFs if we both get there. I know winning games breeds confidence and all that but I'm firmly in the "lose and finish 2nd camp" for tonight as it means we won't have to play any of France, Argentina, Uruguay, Portugal, Brazil, Belgium (again) and possibly Colombia (if they finish 2nd in their group) until the final. Belgium have got to be thinking that 2nd is best as well so tonight could be down to who can pick up the least amount of bookings if both teams are trying not to win and it ends up a draw......
I think if things are looking like we’ll finish top Southgate will make a sacrificial substitute, say Nicky Pope as an outfield player, who runs on and immediately punches the ref in the face. That should do it.
Might see a few wild tackles if the match is still level in the second half, but not wild enough for a red card obvs...
Honestly though, i'd like to see us go for it because we would still probably have to play Spain in the Semis in the bottom half and going out in the Q/F or S/F makes no real difference to me, Spain are more likely to win the WC than Brazil IMO.
Sod it. I want to come top of the group. Playing teams like Brazil is what it is all about. Bring it on.
What price that today's match is a dress rehearsal for the final?...we could gain a psychological advantage if we beat them well....
