The official FIFA World Cup 2018 thread

[TheVTCGuy]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

I don't think France will get shut out by the US. They'll score at least one.

Good one Abdullah, ironically, I’ll say “ touche “

[tudorbaja27]

Feel bad for Croatia. A bit of lack of discipline. France definitely more pragmatic. Historic run though for Hrvatska! Since we started with the beers early, might as well continue for the day! Cheers everyone to a tremendous WC. Looking froward to 2026 (2022 is of little interest) .

[superstarmar]

Originally Posted by warrior

That first French goal seemed a product of a dive

A good part of this tournament has been a dive...

[AK797]

Well done to the Blues, Croatia played well in midfield as usual, as did Belgium and even England at times, but it is all about taking your chances and getting results and France did that brilliantly today, so well deserved winners.

It's been a great WC, best one I've seen and so many exciting games, never thought I'd say this but well done Russia, I'll say Na Zdorovie as I have a beer with my steak.

[SpeakWithMichael]

Originally Posted by AK797

well done Russia

It was a well executed World Cup. The trophy celebration at the end seemed a bit lackluster with the respective politicians being the center of attraction, but the games seemed to have gone off without any major issues throughout the tournament.

Anyone else miss the vuvuzela sound from South Africa 2010? It did create a certain "buzz".

[superstarmar]

Originally Posted by SpeakWithMichael

It was a well executed World Cup. The trophy celebration at the end seemed a bit lackluster with the respective politicians being the center of attraction, but the games seemed to have gone off without any major issues throughout the tournament.

Anyone else miss the vuvuzela sound from South Africa 2010? It did create a certain "buzz".

I missed the trophy celebration. Turned off the TV after
the final results ...

[SpeakWithMichael]

Modric sports a BLNR.

[SpeakWithMichael]

In other top football news: Real Madrid and Chelsea agree a fee for Hazard.

Source: https://apple.news/AIY3ZBVYdTDeM4-JVOGH0yg

[OmegaJJH]

Originally Posted by SpeakWithMichael

In other top football news: Real Madrid and Chelsea agree a fee for Hazard.

Source: https://apple.news/AIY3ZBVYdTDeM4-JVOGH0yg

That’s a big loss for Chelsea!!


Sent from my iPhone

[AK797]

Good price for Real, thought could be 200 after his great WC, plus with Neymar staying at PSG.

[SpeakWithMichael]

Originally Posted by AK797

Good price for Real, thought could be 200 after his great WC, plus with Neymar staying at PSG.

Seems a bit high but I think Madrid has their back against the wall to keep the fanbase optimistic at nearly any cost necessary. There's probably another major signing that remains. Or a few more minor ones.

Liverpool is trying to get Mbappe but I strongly think that would be a big career mistake for Mbappe's marketing potential.

[tudorbaja27]

Hazard is no Ronaldo. Very good player - but a far cry.

[TheVTCGuy]

When does the US play?

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

When does the US play?

We beat France 10-1 the other day. Trophy was handed out in Helsinki. Can’t believe you missed all the hubbub.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by tudorbaja27

Hazard is no Ronaldo. Very good player - but a far cry.

Well he's much the better footballer now, Ronaldo is a better finisher only. All round I'd rather have Hazard, esp as the shine has come off Ronaldo's ability to turn tournaments.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by SpeakWithMichael

Seems a bit high but I think Madrid has their back against the wall to keep the fanbase optimistic at nearly any cost necessary. There's probably another major signing that remains. Or a few more minor ones.

Liverpool is trying to get Mbappe but I strongly think that would be a big career mistake for Mbappe's marketing potential.

If Neymar does stay then so might Mbappe. Not sure he wants to go to Barcelona with Messi there, and don't think he'll go to Man City or Liverpool.

[Zakalwe]

Atlético might be a good bet for La Liga. They’ll be third favourites so the odds will be decent.

In Oblak, Godin, Gimenez, Hernandez and Vrsaljko they have pretty much the best defensive unit in the World. Niguez and Koke in midfield are class and a front three of Lemar, Griezmann and Costa will trouble anyone. It’s a shame their squad isn’t a bit deeper as I see them winning their H2H’s with the big two.

I take Neil’s point about the relative merits of Hazard and Ronaldo. I just don’t see them replacing the 50 goals a season that Cristiano guaranteed them just like that.