The 2022 World Cup Thread

[Goldhawk-Road]

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[colognehornet]

The key difference was Messi never left Barcelona to prove himself in another country. Playing in a great side in which really is a 2 horse race in Spain, is always gonna make you look fantastic. What Maradona did at Napoli was a miracle, and something which if Messi had done would've automatically made him number 1. Both exceptional players, and hard to choose between them and Ronaldo but for that reason I'd go Maradona. Such a difficult question though, I never got to see Di Stefano or Puskas or Duncan Edwards. Who can really tell who the greatest is or could've been ?

Hard to compare players from different eras. Messi wins it in as much as he has been doing the same things for 20 odd years week in week out whereas Maradona was at his best for a much shorter time. Also his influence is not based on speed like Ronaldo. Messi's football education was gained courtesy of the academy and ideas laid down by Johann Cruyff (just as so many players and managers have been touched by his philosophy of football) - so if the question is ''Who has had the most influence on football'' ? As player, as manager, and as thinker. It would have to be Cruyff.

 

[Kilburn]

Not the start Morocco would have hoped for although they almost just equalized with a great shot, but nobody there to pick up the rebound off Lloris. Rooting for Morocco as the underdog, but their damn whistling fans drive me nuts everytime France has possession!

 

[Trammers]

Good game so far.......

 

[Kilburn]

Good game so far.......

Yes it is, lucky for Morocco that Giroux hit the post.

 

[rangercol]

Mbappe and Giroux both miss relatively easy chances.

 

[Kilburn]

......and another let off as Giroux misses.

This is the first WC since I retired where I have watched every match so far which I appreciate but not necessarily the two other ladies in my household (my partner who has mild tintinitis and a 90 year old who likes American Football and has missed her games due to WC).

 

[rangercol]

Morocco are playing really well. Lloris is inspired for France.

 

[Trammers]

Chances at both ends, Morocco applying a decent bit of pressure but France don't really look to be in a lot of bother and look to break quickly at the other end.

Fine effort by the Moroccan lad with the over head kick and LLoris looks to be in commanding form......

Very decent game but Morocco have to score next......

 

[Hammersmith bookie]

Get Chair on ffs, he must be chomping at the bit

 

[daverangers]

A three minute walk from home and I pass a brasserie with French flags plastered all over the walls, directly opposite a computer shop that I've been in a few times, and a bakery I go into everyday...the computer shop and bakery are both run by Algerians who really want Morocco to win this one. Quite a divisive match in Paris.

 

[Kilburn]

Already a great game, but much better if Morocco score next. Hope it doesn't play out like Argentina v Croatia yesterday.

 

[rangercol]

France hanging on a bit.

 

[Trammers]

Morocco building up a head of steam.........

 

[rangercol]

Mbappe is a diving twat.

 

[rangercol]

I think this is the best African team I've seen.
Just lacking that real quality in front of goal.

 

[daverangers]

Mbappe is a diving twat.

He does seem very entitled...wants every decision to go his way and throws a strop if he doesn't get it...the Moroccans aren't letting this get away from them, and they certainly aren't allowing themselves to be bullied out of the game.

 

[rangercol]

I actually think that Morocco are blowing a bit now.
Their chance may have gone.
Never know while it's only 1-0 though.

 

[Trammers]

Griezmann has become a very accomplished midfield player covering acres of ground at both ends of the pitch......

 

[Trammers]

Ilias not getting a look in........