DolmanGaz

also, did I miss the FIFA directive that encourages play acting and diving, and if the ref spots it, you are no longer at risk of a booking?  terrible dive then, ref did well to spot it and wave play on, but why no booking? making me shout at the telly!!!

i underestimated Croatia, more fool me, but their keeper is playing a blinder too!

I fancy Netherlands to edge past Argentina in a high scoring classic, but think Brazil will have too much for Croatia. Not fussed who gets through today, just looking forward to, hopefully, two good games. Hoping Croatia can at least give Brazil a game!!

Just need to try and get my work for the week done by 3!!

6 genuine contenders, one surprise package (Morocco) and one making up he numbers (Croatia)... shaping up to be a fantastic end to this WC

Swiss defence has more holes in it than their cheese!

Ramos... does what Ronaldon't

1 minute ago, Peter1450 said:

2002 is moderate to me!

haha wow - diving to the ground holding your face after the ball is passed to you at knee-level is pretty bad for me

Just now, Peter1450 said:

Great at football but why the faking of the face injuries, it’s such a crap part of the modern game

Rivaldo says 'hi' from 2002 haha... S American teams been cheating like this for a long while

15 minutes ago, Open End Numb Legs said:

The ref needs to shorten the goal celebrations too before they start bringing on a marching band, high trapeze and the dancing girls. But it is Brazil so they will get away with it.

I watched a documentary the other night on the Brazil 2002 win. Annd wow... 3 or 4 criminal decisions in their favour, including being given a pen for a foul 5 yards outside the box, perfectly good goals against them ruled out for no reason at all, opposition players sent off following embarrassing (Rivaldo) cheating and play acting - should have been a red for Rivaldo not the poor Turk. The ref's don't half give them every chance!!!

Jude Bellingham... wow. WHAT a player he is, peak Viera at only 19!!! Said it before, I like a midfield 3, Rice and Henderson (Philips?) giving him the licence to roam around and influence the game. Superstar in the making

the rules say that feinting to kick the ball once the kicker has completed the run-up is an offence, but feinting in the run-up is permitted. I don't know if that has changed, but there you go.

6 minutes ago, Malago said:

Apparently Southgate is dropping Rashford for Saka.  

i heard dropping Foden for Saka (and Walker for Trippier)... it's like trying to pick a Lee Johnson tombola lineup with England, but sort of in a good way!!

France Poland... can't see beyond a France win here but fingers crossed.

Robyn Cowen commentating, so 5live it is. Here voice when anything exciting happens is like claws on a chalk board for me!!

Aus having a bloody good go!

3-1 far more likely, but you never know!

1 minute ago, Midred said:

Can you imagine a team with both him and Ronaldo playing and competing for egos and respect?

haha, those 2 playing either side of Ibrahimovic

Just now, miketh2nd said:

I agree , USA need to pivot better between attack and defence ... 

that was going to be my next one haha

Just now, BCFC Rich said:

One of them is actually called Rachel. 

US defense were 'on a break' for those Dutch attacks...

OK enough bad Friends puns

1 minute ago, pillred said:

Joey or Chandler?

Ross. Some Dutch bloke ate his sandwich!

hope so. it's a terrible idea

i can't help but think more teams at the next WC. not just diluting the quality, but 3 teams in a group and 2 going through, we will lose all of this gameweek 3 drama we have had all week! shame... won't be the same without all of the teams in each group playing at the same time and all these ever-changing permutations! plus a third of the teams will only play 2 games, whereas now the half that get eliminated at least have 3 games...

so glad i turned over to the Serbia game at 1-1. proper cup tie feel

shame Neymar injured... imagine how many dives and rolls he wound have managed in 90 mins against Cameroon, who do like to put the boot in a bit

this is beautiful...

1 minute ago, Super said:

Guessing it was handball? Watching with sound down!

handball in build up, but ref seemed to decide fair (just!) tackle as defender got a marginal touch on the ball before taking the man