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World Cup 2018

  • Thread starter Thread starter Deleted member 16999
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Liverpoolphil said:
Varane must have big pockets to fit Lukaku in

France just snuffed out there threat , Fellani went back to his normal self

But Mbappe is the star - don’t see how either Croatia or England are going to stop him
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Whilst Lukaku was well marked at times, Varane lost him a few times and Lukaku should’ve scored at least twice. It was Lukaku being crap, not Varane being that good.
 
Total performance from France snuffed Belgium’s main threat.
England can beat them but we will have to be at our best.
Maybe one chance and we need to take it but we can win this!
 
Dan2501 said:
He was in my squad and first XI. Don't know how you can't pick him.
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Because I've never seen him play. I wasn't going to chuck someone in on the basis of reputation and a couple of YouTube clips. I put players in that I've watched in my lifetime.
(Pele that is, since it's not in the quote.)
 
Orikoru said:
Because I've never seen him play. I wasn't going to chuck someone in on the basis of reputation and a couple of YouTube clips. I put players in that I've watched in my lifetime.
(Pele that is, since it's not in the quote.)
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Believe me, the reputation was justified 👍
 
chrisd said:
Believe me, the reputation was justified 
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I'm sure, but in a totally different era of football, I can never say he was definitely better than say, Zidane for example. I can only say that I witnessed Zidane and he was incredible. Comparing players of different eras is a whole other kettle of fish anyway. The game was completely different 50 years ago.
 
Well, looking on the bright side...
The threatened beer shortage...
Doesn't appear to have come to pass...
So I should still be 'happy' by the end of the game irrespective of the result...

And, #itscominghome
 
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So England are playing in all white and Croatia in dark blue tonight. Bet you England fans prefer the red kit - red kits are supposed to convey fear into an opponent, all white is a bit sappy imo. Never did Real Madrid any harm I suppose.

Wish Croatia had that chequered flag red and white top, it's iconic.

Can Modric and Rakitic spoil the party? Coach says they're tired from 2 penalty shootouts - is he playing games though?:smirk:
 
maxfli65 said:
So England are playing in all white and Croatia in dark blue tonight. Bet you England fans prefer the red kit - red kits are supposed to convey fear into an opponent, all white is a bit sappy imo. Never did Real Madrid any harm I suppose.

Wish Croatia had that chequered flag red and white top, it's iconic.

Can Modric and Rakitic spoil the party? Coach says they're tired from 2 penalty shootouts - is he playing games though?:smirk:
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We need to stop those two from playing, Modric in particular. Tie him up and that is half the battle. The defence is good so they will not be easy to break down. I'm sure they look at England and think, nothing to fear other than at set pieces. I'm thinking nothing to fear if we stop Modric. Pretty even really.

They will only feel tired if we go 2-0 up. If they score first I expect them to shut up shop and their legs will be okay.
 
Lord Tyrion said:
We need to stop those two from playing, Modric in particular. Tie him up and that is half the battle. The defence is good so they will not be easy to break down. I'm sure they look at England and think, nothing to fear other than at set pieces. I'm thinking nothing to fear if we stop Modric. Pretty even really.

They will only feel tired if we go 2-0 up. If they score first I expect them to shut up shop and their legs will be okay.
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Henderson is the key player for us. We only win if we can bypass their midfield in possession, and stop their midfield when out of possession, and that all hinges on Hendo. His passing needs to be direct and on point to get it into Kane or out wide quickly. Hopefully them going to penalties twice will be a factor - I don't think Lovren will cause Kane too many problems, he never has before.
 
Orikoru said:
I'm sure, but in a totally different era of football, I can never say he was definitely better than say, Zidane for example. I can only say that I witnessed Zidane and he was incredible. Comparing players of different eras is a whole other kettle of fish anyway. The game was completely different 50 years ago.
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Well that rather depends on whether or not you witnessed football 50 or even 60 years ago and the present day.

The game is constantly changing and, therefore, you might just as easily question how you can compare players like Maldini or Zidane with those of today.
 
Orikoru said:
Henderson is the key player for us. We only win if we can bypass their midfield in possession, and stop their midfield when out of possession, and that all hinges on Hendo. His passing needs to be direct and on point to get it into Kane or out wide quickly. Hopefully them going to penalties twice will be a factor - I don't think Lovren will cause Kane too many problems, he never has before.
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I agree with this, but with a caveat that it depends on how he lines up Modric and Rakitic. I suspect he’ll play another CM more defensively and try to release them further forward, that’s when Henderson will be key, and the legs of alli and Lingard to get back in alongside him. However, if he plays them as a double pivot with a different 10 then that for me frees up sterling to cause havoc and occupy them.

It’s a cliche, but this will really be won in the middle. Our midfield 4 vs whatever 3 they go with will be a key battle. I think if alli and Lingard put in the hard yards and get plenty of the ball we’ll do it.

Oh and if they go zonal on set pieces that will be suicide.
 
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