Day 18: Croatia vs Brazil | Netherlands vs Argentina (QF 1&2)

Argies are still celebrating on the pitch, spinning their jerseys over their heads and jumping around in huddles.

Absolute nailed on that Croatia will do them.
 
Don’t quote get this level in the CL. The fact the World Cup is only every four years really adds a insane amount of tension.

It is the history and significance of the moment, in the CL you will likely get another chance next year. Most players get one shot at a WC in their prime years, knowing the whole world is watching and judging. The quality was really poor tonight but it was a still a great game. That doesn't make sense to read but anyone who watches football understands it.
 
Why stop with the pumping it long tactic when it was clearly causing havoc ffs?

The Netherlands have only themselves to blame
 
Glad Argentine went through. Wouldn't have stomached 2 teams who got outplayed going through.

Just like with Croatia, Netherlands only shots on goals resulted in goals. Croatia went through penalties after scoring from their only(deflected) shot on goal and Netherlands almost pulled it off which would have just been annoying to me.
 
VVD trying to be the hero by picking side and going first (instead of giving the responsibility to Argentina to go first) backfired immensely. He froze as soon as he stepped onto the penalty spot.
 
2 teams shithousing their way to the semi-final would've been too much for me today.

Argentina fully deserved the win.
 
Looking forward to distasteful the sun first page in case of England vs Argentina
 
Still left in the tournament

Group A:
Group B: England
Group C: Argentina
Group D: France
Group E:
Group F: Morocco, Croatia
Group G:
Group H: Portugal

If Morocco pull through tomorrow it would suddenly look like Belgium were not so bad after all, just a case of Group of Death. Would also be good for the WORLD cup overall if 1 south American, 1 African, 2 European teams make the semis, not a fan of all the last 4 being European like the last world cup.

But then again Portugal looked really good last game with Ramos up front instead of Ronaldo so it will be a touch ask.
 
I'd be back to starting Lautaro based off that penalty alone. Make or break for him... Alvarez is a great sub too for Croatia's tired defence.

But Argentina have to be like 3-0 up to be secure :lol:
 
No.

Even if Portugal win, Ronaldo has been on the sidelines. Argentina never make it this far without Messi. That match is over.
Does not matter, if Portugal won it even with Ronaldo on the bench, the GOAT narrative will shift to him, just like when Portugal won the Euro while Argentina lost the Copa
 
It is the history and significance of the moment, in the CL you will likely get another chance next year. Most players get one shot at a WC in their prime years, knowing the whole world is watching and judging. The quality was really poor tonight but it was a still a great game. That doesn't make sense to read but anyone who watches football understands it.
Yep completely agree. It’s still by some distance the biggest sporting event in the world.
 
Will any player be suspended for the Croatia match?
 
We have no chance vs Argentina. Messi is protected by the ref and can do what he wants and other players know every dirty trick known.
Nasty team to play against.
 
Van Dijk was both always going to a) go to that side and b) miss from his body position.

Irritated Argentina still ended up going through.
 
France and England are comfortably better than anything this side of the draw.

England have the best squad at the tournament. France the best player.

I don't want it but I wouldn't be surprised in the slightest if England beat France.
 
Does not matter, if Portugal won it even with Ronaldo on the bench, the GOAT narrative will shift to him, just like when Portugal won the Euro while Argentina lost the Copa
Who cares? Anyone who watched them in this WC and understand a bit about the game, will know who was the most influential. Messi carried Argentina (I doubt they'll make it to the final tbh) and the other has not only been but a hindrance for Portugal but also a right prick on top of that.
 
Van Dijk was both always going to a) go to that side and b) miss from his body position.

Irritated Argentina still ended up going through.
Interestingly, I thought both Van Dijk and Berghuis took good pens. Just unfortunately Martinez guessed right both times and made great saves
 
VVD trying to be the hero by picking side and going first (instead of giving the responsibility to Argentina to go first) backfired immensely. He froze as soon as he stepped onto the penalty spot.

Going first is big statistical advantage. You have to score first though to put the pressure on... he got it half right...

Parades should have been sent off, definitely for two yellows if not a straight red for kicking the ball in to the bench. More obvious decision than the pen. Referee was awful.
 
Van Dijk was both always going to a) go to that side and b) miss from his body position.

Irritated Argentina still ended up going through.
Both Netherlands first pens were good. Martinez guessed right and saved them. You can't pin the defeat on them.