I wonder if sometimes the linesman is just bored and calls offside just to have done something.
Day 18: Croatia vs Brazil | Netherlands vs Argentina (QF 1&2)
- Thread starter Samid
- Start date
People complain about Anthony but to be honest I rate him higher than Raphinia. Might not be as direct but at least he offers an outlet upfront for keeping the ball up there under pressure.
Lads all I'm saying is, if Croatia can scrape this and England somehow make it past France, you best believe 
It's a tough game. I expect the same from all of the quarter final games.
In modern football, you won't get end to end spectacles
Neymar clearly not fit. Brazil should sub him out, he’s a wasted body out there.
Are you trying to jinx them?
Croatia is a good match for them today. Could go either way.
jinx them? I think everyone knows Brasil are the world champions already
congratulations Brazil
that would be the case if Brazil passed a lot and let the Croats run.
I under no circumstances can see Portugal beating Brazil in the semis...or vice versa....
Do they not play the winners of Arg-Ned?
The level of arrogance towards this game prior to kick off was staggering
I was seeing 4-0 predictions all over the place, incredible disrespect to a high quality Croatia team
I was seeing 4-0 predictions all over the place, incredible disrespect to a high quality Croatia team
I can definitely see Brazil beating Morocco in the semi final. Learn the fecking brackets FFS
They're on opposite sides of the draw.
Alex Scott is always glowing. Always.
I think the other poster was right that Modric now gets high praise regardless of performance. He's been alright but it's Croatias intensity and overall cohesiveness that's looked better than Brazil.
Brazil has been hyped to the moon but the first European team they face shows them how to control the pace of the game.
Ah feck I keep making that mistake
High quality is a gross exaggeration, they have been frankly poor for a while.
Could be wrong but I'm pretty sure Portugal are on the other side of the draw.
Lads all I'm saying is, if Croatia can scrape this and England somehow make it past France, you best believe
The winners of that game are going to be Champions for me, with Portugal the only alternative if they keep Ronaldo dropped and use Cancelo at LB.
Sell AWB, buy Juranovic.
Modric is such a class player, he hasn't been great in previous games but today against the best he has shone, such a joy to watch.
Nah Dalot new contract and spend that money where its really needed. Juranovic is fine but really nothing special.
Brazil very poor so far
So obvious they need another midfielder in there(Fred)
So obvious they need another midfielder in there(Fred)
So true. Although tbf we sacrified an attacker here bringing Pasalic in it to have even more options in the midfield. It is a good tactic because it allows us to have more control. Good half from us, but I think Brazil will up the tempo now.
Lads all I'm saying is, if Croatia can scrape this and England somehow make it past France, you best believe
In that imaginery scenario you best believe that it still wouldn't come home
You guys don't know how the bracket system works or what?
We know!
I disagree completely. He's well positioned, has made some important interceptions, has kept possession well, I haven't seen him misplace a pass. Overall Croatias midfield have ran the game but Modric is a key part of that.
Juranovic has been sensational.
Or they didn't look the brackets?
Would be good as a back-up option, no?
Ye they are. Portugal will play England/France in semis. The final will most likely be Brazil/Argentina or Holland against Portugal/ England/France.
He passed it right to a Brazil player in a dangerous area early in the game. The pass was so bad that the Brazil player wasn't expecting it and screwed his touch.
If I'm being picky, he was also robbed far too easily by Casemiro at one point which led to a Brazil chance.
Croatia like a well oiled machine quality control throughout every aspect of their structure. I feel like the highest level of Southgates management would reflect the way which Croatia play but the players at his disposal limit the pragmatism.
If Brazil up the intensity they will create more chances.
If Brazil up the intensity they will create more chances.
Oh definitely would be awesome but I'd be hoping Laird might make that role his own and save us some money but yeah Juranovic would be a great alternate for Dalot.
Well I did miss the first 10 minutes tbh. From what I've seen he's been brilliant.
EDIT: Just saw he did misplace 2 passes in the first half, both in the first 10 minutes, my bad.
Where are Serbia and Switzerland from?
No idea how anyone can watch that half and make a comment like this. Modric has been the most important player for Croatia in controlling the midfield battle. He's been excellent
Finely poised this, feel like Croatia have the battle of the midfield but Brazil are the ones more likely to score.