Quote by Magical_felix
The penalties weren’t “clear”, they were hardly goal scoring chances. And really, that’s what happens when you’re a diving, time wasting, flopping, simulating team. You don’t get the benefit of the doubt.
Quote by seeker4
So, it'll be neighbours France and Belgium in the first semi (next Tuesday). Wonder what tomorrow will bring with the other quarters?
Quote by resurrected
France looks like a clear favourite of the teams remaining IMO. I think if Croatia beat Russia they will also take England who I think will take Sweden.
But that ref in the Belgium - Brazil game. Holy fuck. 2 pretty clear penalties overlooked for Brazil as well as Fergie time. Ludicrous
You can’t truly call yourself peaceful unless you are capable of violence. If you’re not capable of violence, you’re not peaceful. You’re harmless.
Quote by Magical_felix
The penalties weren’t “clear”, they were hardly goal scoring chances. And really, that’s what happens when you’re a diving, time wasting, flopping, simulating team. You don’t get the benefit of the doubt.
Quote by Ping
Agreed. That shit really takes away from the game. Those were some serious, potentially career ending challenges toward the end of the match too. I understand the pressure to win at all costs, but not at the cost of another player's health. I appreciate the Brazilian ball handling skills, and their swarming offence, but their sportsmanship was shit. I cannot respect that. Glad to see them gone.
That one touch on Neymar in the box was just that, a touch. Not interference. Not a push. His momentum appeared to be carrying him forward. I have mixed feelings on VAR, but from a novice's perspective, I felt the refs make the right call, most, if not almost all of the time.
I heard that this was the first time (in World Cup history? Uncertain) that neither Germany, Brazil, or Argentina have made the semi-finals. Good news, I think.
I can only imagine what the CCCR, er, I mean, the Russian security presence will be like around Russia's match tomorrow. Best no one within 2 km be carrying even nail clippers. Lots of shoveling to do in Siberia, I hear. Play well everyone.
Quote by seeker4
I've picked them, but won't be shocked if Sweden wins. In some ways, I almost hope for a Sweden-Croatia semi even though my picks are for the opposite. An England-Russia match could get nasty.
Quote by Magical_felix
The penalties weren’t “clear”, they were hardly goal scoring chances. And really, that’s what happens when you’re a diving, time wasting, flopping, simulating team. You don’t get the benefit of the doubt.
Quote by seeker4
Oh come on. It wouldn't be the World Cup if there wasn't some bitching about the refs.
Quote by theweeman
Whilst I agree that Neymar is too busy cheating and diving to be taken seriously, against Mexico he WAS stomped on and the Mexican should have seen a red card.
Russia have had the benefit of a few dodgy decisions so far - not least against Spain who were denied a clear penalty in the last minute of their match.
Croatia v Russia is about to start to complete the final 4.....hoping that Croatia win because Russia arent good enough to beat England in the semi...
This has been a fantastic world cup. It seems like every team in every game is out there to try and win...apart from that Denmark v France carve up in the group stages!
Quote by Magical_felix
If Neymar wouldn’t have been holding and shielding the ball between his legs wasting time then Layun wouldn’t have needed to go grab it from him. That was not a stomp, it was clearly accidental and there was no real downward pressure. His delayed reaction to the pain from it is evidence of that. He was wasting time and saw an opportunity to waste even more time. That’s why no red card was given. It was reviewed and the refs agreed it was just more anti-football nonsense from Neymar.
It was like this pretty much. Except no red card, rightly so.
Quote by Ping
Again, I totally agree. You are bang on with your assessment!
I was really bored during the Sweden-England match. If Russia wins today, I think you are right, again, and an England-Russia match will be a snooze fest. First goal wins kinda thing. Maybe they’ll play so conservatively that it will be decided by penalty kicks. But more likely, it will be decided by a mistake or own goal. Russian snipers will be in the vicinity protecting the fans and players from any terrorist threats. I wonder if that subtle reminder to Croatia will affect their game. Goodness. I’m sure there was a time and place (East Germany & USSR) that players could fear for their lives if they beat the home squad. Ugh.
Quote by clum
Belgium v. Croatia final. Would be lovely to see a team that's never won it before lift the trophy.
Quote by seeker4
I could get behind that myself. One of the nice things about having no national stake in the World Cup (My country, Canada, is rarely there and my wife's homeland, China, is much the same) is I can kind of pick and choose who to cheer for without upsetting any local patriots.
Quote by clum
Watched the Sweden v. England match yesterday. Not very interesting. The English commentators were insufferable, and kept referring the to England team as "we" and "us", on the BBC. People wonder why those of us from the rest of the UK get ticked off.
Maybe, go to a Croatian bar. Do those exist where you are going? Now that could be fun! Quote by Ping
That's hilarious! I missed that. That "we" and "us" usage reminds me of hockey moms here.
"We" played a great game. Did you now? I didn't see you on the ice.
Quote by Ping
I'm still mourning Russia's loss. Like Seeker, I really don't know who to cheer for. I just want good matches. Whomever wins, there will be a story spun to reflect how they overcame insurmountable odds. Yet, they surmounted them. Sounds sexual. Good stuff. Be safe. If you go to a pub and cheer for Croatia, you might not make it to your hotel room.
