World Cup

[Stifler]

I didn't see morocco - portugal this morning so I can't comment on it, other than I'm happy for Morocco. There always seems to be one major surprise team, and they usually finish in the semi finals.

England - France was an entertaining match. Didn't have a preference for who would win, so it was a pleasant watch.

What on earth were England thinking letting Kane take the 2nd penalty kick. That was a big mistake in my opinion.

[ross10019]

I don't think that's a fair comment from you.

You ask if my stance on Canada has changed. It has not, Canada wasn't nearly good enough, and everyone knew that pre-tournament. Morocco is the surprise of the tournament, and realistically never expected to be in the semi finals. but in a sport where it isn't best of 7's, anything can happen.

So no, my take on Canada is still the same. They are lucky they scored at the tourney, and can be proud of their showing. They have a good foundation to build on, but at this tourney, they were never going to be a major player.

I also disagree that Canada's group was the toughest group. It most definitely wasn't.

But I'll accept we can have different opinions on this matter.

Apologies, it was a little snarky admittedly. Respect your opinion.

[rufio.85]

What on earth were England thinking letting Kane take the 2nd penalty kick. That was a big mistake in my opinion.

I'm not sure why it would be a mistake, since he scored the first one so emphatically.
He knows Lloris very well since they play in Tottenham together. It can go both ways you could say. But you rely on your captain and best goal scorer to take those penalties.

[Stifler]

I'm not sure why it would be a mistake, since he scored the first one so emphatically.
He knows Lloris very well since they play in Tottenham together. It can go both ways you could say. But you rely on your captain and best goal scorer to take those penalties.

In a game of this magnitude, against his own teammate. I would argue that it's too much pressure for Kane while there are numerous decent scorers that could have taken the second one. Personally, if I was the coach, I don't think I'd allow Kane in this instance to take the second one.

[ross10019]

In a game of this magnitude, against his own teammate. I would argue that it's too much pressure for Kane while there are numerous decent scorers that could have taken the second one. Personally, if I was the coach, I don't think I'd allow Kane in this instance to take the second one.

It’s a fair comment. But 9 times out of 10 I’m going Kane. He’s one of the best PK takers in the world, showing time and again a remarkable calmness and ability to execute (like that first unstoppable PK).

You can also look at it the other way - imagine the pressure on Rashford, Saka or any other guy replacing Kane? Remember v Italy in Euros?

UPDATE: Terrific article here, if a bit dated, for those who are Athletic subscribers.
https://theathletic.com/1734928/2020...shared_article

[Stifler]

It’s a fair comment. But 9 times out of 10 I’m going Kane. He’s one of the best PK takers in the world, showing time and again a remarkable calmness and ability to execute (like that first unstoppable PK).

You can also look at it the other way - imagine the pressure on Rashford, Saka or any other guy replacing Kane? Remember v Italy in Euros?

UPDATE: Terrific article here, if a bit dated, for those who are Athletic subscribers.
https://theathletic.com/1734928/2020...shared_article

yeah you're damned if you do and damned if you don't really.

[2014olympicgold]

If you don't question a decision like that when they score, it's typically not a bad choice.

Or if Saka takes it and misses and you think "why wouldn't they go with Kane", same idea for me.

[Feenom]

It is a ton of pressure to score again on PK's, but Kane is the man. On the field everything goes through him so do or die with him. Unfortunately for him it's home time. The only other guy might have been Henderson but if you're Southgate you go with your best. He did and lost. Even if he scored, he may have been called on for a 3rd PK in the shootout. Tough all around.

[ross10019]

Messi Messi Messi!

Wow what a display by Argentina, they just get better with every passing game. Would’ve said France should be the favorite but now I’m not so sure, assuming France progresses v morocco.

[Feenom]

Impressive game by Argentina. Croatia was overwhelmed and outplayed. I really hope it’s ARG v FRA. Messi is probably praying for Morocco.

[Stifler]

I hope France wins it all.

I can't respect Argentina and Messi any longer in this world cup. They're behavior is trash (purely my opinion), and I'm sick of seeing pity penalties awarded to them.

I also hope Morocco takes third. They showed well today and I'm happy they didn't park the bus. They deserve it to finish third.

[senryu]

My order of preferred results:

1. Canada
2. United States
3. Mexico
4. Other North/Central American team
5. A country that was a colony of the country it was playing
6. Lowest gross national product per capita in the match
700. Russia

Going with Argentina then.

[Feenom]

I hope France wins it all.

I can't respect Argentina and Messi any longer in this world cup. They're behavior is trash (purely my opinion), and I'm sick of seeing pity penalties awarded to them.

I also hope Morocco takes third. They showed well today and I'm happy they didn't park the bus. They deserve it to finish third.

Agreed.

[Dr.Brad]

I feel it’s like the NCAA basketball tournament. Early rounds, there’s an upset or two. Middle rounds, a Cinderella to root for. By the final, who cares? Not always even an entertaining match.

[rufio.85]

Feels like Messi will play the game of his life to end his WC career.
Argentina looks like a team of destiny but man their attitude is sh*t on the pitch.