[World Cup 2018] Group D (ARG - CRO - ISL - NGA)

[Giggles]

Actually there was a 4-4-4-4 in 94. :D

Two 6-6-6-0s as well.

That was ours. D was 6-6-6-0.

[Bernanke]

https://www.reddit.com/r/chelseafc/comments/54f3sn/only_two_players_carvalho_and_modric_showed_up_to/

Modric. :wub:

[John]

https://www.reddit.com/r/chelseafc/comments/54f3sn/only_two_players_carvalho_and_modric_showed_up_to/

Modric. :wub:

That's ruined my night.

[nukem]

haha can't believe i found tth, i thought everyone's moved on from tth

[Baz]

:wave:

[niko_cee]

That was fairly glorious.

Messi should have accepted his certain fate as a Spaniard long long ago. Would have been better for all concerned.

The state of that Argie manager. A surprising number of their players are absolutely godawful as well, do they pick them out of local partisanship or do they just have no functioning players in those positions (wherever that Meza guy plays, the left midfielder [Acuna?], at least a few of the defenders)?

[nukem]

baz, mike/mark's brother right? :D

[Baz]

baz, mike/mark's brother right? :DIndeed. Mike is still here too.

[Boydy]

That was fairly glorious.

Messi should have accepted his certain fate as a Spaniard long long ago. Would have been better for all concerned.

The state of that Argie manager. A surprising number of their players are absolutely godawful as well, do they pick them out of local partisanship or do they just have no functioning players in those positions (wherever that Meza guy plays, the left midfielder [Acuna?], at least a few of the defenders)?

I was talking to a guy in work today who has an Argentinian friend. He said his friend said the national team's really corrupt and they get bribed to play players who are looking for big money moves to Europe.

Not sure how true that is but I wouldn't be surprised if it was the case.

[Bernanke]

http://digitalspyuk.cdnds.net/17/48/768x554/gallery-1512144994-diego-maradona.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/2IJcjTi.gif

:eyemouth:

[Jimmy Floyd]

No wonder they're terrible when that fucking tosser is their national icon. Look at the state of him.

[Boydy]

:D

Bernanke.

[Lewis]

Croatia getting their good performance in I see. Have their odds shortened since as all the MUGS take it to heart?

[Giggles]

1009887666081615874

[Kikó]

I nearly got into a Falklands moment with an Argie on the bus to the game but thought better of it. I had the last laugh after that game. Argentina are like England used to be - lots of good players who can't play with each other. Albeit their good players are superstars. Modric was an absolute delight.

The atmosphere from the Argies was great as well but their Messi Maradona song ended up a bit flat.

[Pepe]

Messi should be dropped for the last match.

[Yevrah]

Part of me feels he's being made a scapegoat. Ok, he's been absolute bilge, but he's getting triple teamed almost every time he gets the ball while the rest of the useless fucks in the team do nothing to make the most of the space that should create.

[Lewis]

And at the same time they don't create any space for him because they are shit and not worth marking, which is part of what enabled his peak seasons at Barcelona.

[Pepe]

It's ok to play poorly, but the fucker isn't even putting any effort in. That's what's inexcusable.

EDIT: I don't think the poor results are his fault, the whole team is trash. He has the worst attitude of the whole squad though.

[ItalAussie]

It's ok to play poorly, but the fucker isn't even putting any effort in. That's what's inexcusable.

EDIT: I don't think the poor results are his fault, the whole team is trash. He has the worst attitude of the whole squad though.

Unfair. He was easily the main attacking threat against Iceland, until everyone realised you can just triple mark him out of the game and the rest of the squad is a waste of space, aside from the odd piece of magic from Aguero.

[John Arne]

Mascherano and Messi literally just standing there for Croatia's last goal. Embarrassing.

https://gyazo.com/5ed82084e4cabedf24bbd20e35b0edc3.jpg

[mugbull]

I'd much rather see Ronaldo's Portugal die a delightful death than Messi's Argentina, but I'm fine with this timeline as well

[Baz]

Part of me feels he's being made a scapegoat. Ok, he's been absolute bilge, but he's getting triple teamed almost every time he gets the ball while the rest of the useless fucks in the team do nothing to make the most of the space that should create.If it’s that easy to nullify a teams only attacking threat, howcome Ronaldo has 4 goals in 2 games?

[Byron]

If it’s that easy to nullify a teams only attacking threat, howcome Ronaldo has 4 goals in 2 games?

Because the rest of the Portuguese team understand that their only role is to create space for Ronaldo.

[Ian]

Messi seemed to spend most of the Iceland second half turning his nose up at actual passes in the interests of finding an Icelandic to kick it at.

[Kikó]

Argentina have zero centre midfield ability and Messi just ends up drifting about trying to make something happen. It was the same for Aguero and any player they brought on.

[Jimmy Floyd]

It's not so much what Messi does on the pitch that makes him a disgrace as what he clearly does off it. How can Messi 'not liking' someone influence national selection? I'm sure the great German teams have all hated each other for a start.

[Shindig]

If it’s that easy to nullify a teams only attacking threat, howcome Ronaldo has 4 goals in 2 games?

Ronaldo's not on the ball as much. He's not the greedy winger he was as a youth. He's gravitated to a player who wants to move into positions, rather than create.

[Max Power]

It's not so much what Messi does on the pitch that makes him a disgrace as what he clearly does off it. How can Messi 'not liking' someone influence national selection? I'm sure the great German teams have all hated each other for a start.

I don’t know for sure but I don’t think Messi is some tyrant declaring who and who should play for Argentina. It’s just that they are all so in deference to him that anytime he offers an opinion they cow to it.

Messi says he feels he and Dybala operate in the same space on the pitch and it doesn’t quite work and Dybala simply doesn’t play and it’s Messi who dropped him.

They need a strong federation and a strong coach to actually pick a functioning team. If Messi uses that as a reason to retire then sobeit.

[Kikó]

By the way - amazing stadium
https://thumb.ibb.co/dbmTfT/IMG_20180621_200751.jpg

[SincereTheRebel]

I would seriously consider dropping Messi for the next the game. This nonsnece about not liking Dybala is madness. Once Dybala came on, he stayed wide right and operated fine. Messi clearly plays like he does not give a fuck. I understand they try and limit his defensive responsilbilty but clearly has not worked in the past two games. I would play him much further forward or drop him all together.

[Pepe]

Unfair. He was easily the main attacking threat against Iceland, until everyone realised you can just triple mark him out of the game and the rest of the squad is a waste of space, aside from the odd piece of magic from Aguero.

You would expect 'the best player in the world' to be a bit of an attacking threat. He covered less distance than pretty much everyone else in both matches. Maybe if he moved around a little bit more, it wouldn't be so easy to 'triple mark him out of the game.' He clearly looked like he couldn't be arsed in both matches. He missed a penalty in the first match. He was completely anonymous in the second one.

Again, I am not saying they are shit because of him. All I am saying is that if a player can't be bothered playing, then he shouldn't play. Like that player from Croatia who was sent back home for refusing to play. Maybe they should do the same to Messi, since he also refused to put any effort in last night. It's ok to play poorly (although when you are 'the best player in the world,' expectations are a bit higher than for some 20 years old from Boca) but moping around on the pitch, that's unacceptable.

Isn't he the captain too? I wonder what's the hit on morale on the team for having a captain with such a shit attitude. 10%? 15%?

[Pepe]

I'd strip him off his citizenship while we're at it. He left the country too young and clearly doesn't feel the shirt. He probably wanks himself to sleep on a Catalan flag.

[SincereTheRebel]

There is something about Messi in an Argentina shirt. It was either the two Copa America finals or the World Cup when Argentina where having a passionate team talk in extra time or before penalties. Messi was just walking around, not even participating in the team talk or anything. He moves and acts like he does not give a fuck.

[Max Power]

Three Leicester players in the Nigerian starting 11. Come on the Super Eagles.

[Pepe]

I like both of these teams. Not sure who I'd prefer to win.

EDIT: Whichever results makes Argentina going home more likely is the right result.

[Adramelch]

I like both of these teams. Not sure who I'd prefer to win.

EDIT: Whichever results makes Argentina going home more likely is the right result.

Iceland win here essentially means Argentina are out, especially if it's by a couple of goals.

[Pepe]

This is very, very bad.

[Adramelch]

Typically you'd say that this game needs a goal, but I somehow feel that it'll become even worse if either of them scores.

[CJay]

This is your 0-0.

[Jimmy Floyd]

They both need to win this really but not sure either will be brave enough to act on that.

[-james-]

Nigeria might be the worst side in the tournament.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Dullest maybe. No one is worse than Saudi Arabia.

[CJay]

Twat!

[Pepe]

At least that goal was nice.

[Max Power]

Nice goal, love a swift counter attack. Musa has never controlled a ball like that for us though the chancer.

[Boydy]

Argentina are going to end up getting through, aren't they?

[Max Power]

Who is this imposter?

Ndidi typically great today.

[Waffdon]

That’s a lovely goal. Musa could get in behind that Argentina side for fun.

[Jimmy Floyd]

The little genius seizes control of Group D.

[Magic]

:harold:

[Waffdon]

The amount of penalties is obscene.

[Boydy]

What a fucking idiot.

[Boydy]

What has Aguero said about Sampaoli?

[phonics]

https://i.imgur.com/ux4tBAy.png

[Magic]

He's a classless cunt. Those tattoos are pathetic.

[Amigo]

Disappointing game.

The players looked knackered in the second half.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Ramifications?

How do Argentina finish third.

Fucking Icelandic pricks.

[Pleb]

Nigeria need a point to knock the Argies out I'm assuming?

[Boom-Boom-18]

Nigeria need a point to knock the Argies out I'm assuming?

You are correct.

If Argentina win then Iceland need to win by either the same score or by more goals (they are currently ahead on goal difference by one goal).

[Jimmy Floyd]

Argentina need:
- a win

AND
Iceland fail to beat Croatia
OR
Argentina's margin of victory is greater than Iceland's

[CJay]

Hope either Nigeria or Argentina go through. Can’t be having the European Championships for the last 16.

[CJay]

Also is Gylfi a national disgrace who doesn’t care for missing that penalty?

[Browning]

The Nigeria win really was the best result Argentina could have hoped for. They're going to shit their way through, unless Croatia are total heroes and just score own goals.

[Shindig]

Fuck that noise. Super Eagles are going through.

[Reg]

I don't think Sampaoli pandering to Messi has helped. When you're afraid to tell a player to run more it can't be good news. And then that shambles in the press.

Considering his high reputation and previous sides who were judged as tactically sound, they've looked a mess.

[Amigo]

Also is Gylfi a national disgrace who doesn’t care for missing that penalty?
Not at all. I haven't seen anyone criticize him for it.

He cares a lot, I think. He's just not the type of person to wear his heart on his sleeve.

[Serj]

I don't think Sampaoli pandering to Messi has helped. When you're afraid to tell a player to run more it can't be good news. And then that shambles in the press.

Considering his high reputation and previous sides who were judged as tactically sound, they've looked a mess.

I'm not actually sure he pandered to Messi here. As far as I've read Messi specifically asked for that 3-4-3 not to be played with Argentina because he felt it didn't complement his attacking movement or something to that effect. (Or did you just mean the post-game comments?)

He did obviously not run enough though.

[Reg]

Serj Oh that's true, I did hear about the 3-4-3. But I meant more in terms of not getting enough effort out of him, which is related to ego, and his press comments. Both suggest a wider approach/attitude of 'Messi is king'.

[Jimmy Floyd]

And it's the wider approach that is the problem, rather than anything Messi literally does or doesn't do on the pitch. It spreads through their entire team and attitude.

[Shindig]

Yeah, if the team were into it, they'd be running into space and providing Messi with options. They'd increase tempo as well. They look completely lost, like it's their first game together.

[Trancemeister]

1010868518676582400

If true :D

[Giggles]

I'd be surprised if he was ever picking it.

[Pepe]

They should collectively drop Messi.

[Jimmy Floyd]

They need to parachute Bielsa in for the third game.

How do 'the players' pick a team?

[Lewis]

'Sorry, Leo. You're out.'
'Lionel.'

[Pepe]

They need to parachute Bielsa in for the third game.

How do 'the players' pick a team?

Hold a vote for each position.

Direct democracy. :drool:

[Magic]

They need to parachute Bielsa in for the third game.

How do 'the players' pick a team?

No.

[Jimmy Floyd]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44594914

Does this fucking idiot not want to wind his neck in once in a while?

That said, the federation president having the haircut apparent in that picture suggests he may have a point about him.

[John]

There's a video of him getting rapturous applause for doing a shot off his arm with a massive bag of gear beside him.

[SvN]

Maradona really is a prize moron.

[Adramelch]

Kane has now scored as many World Cup goals as Messi.

[phonics]

Less World Cup finals though.

This Messi is overrated talk needs to get in the bin. Argentina's games are always awful because it's always going to be 10 men behind the ball and 3 of them on Messi. And they would have won the whole thing last time if Higuain wasn't a massive bottler.

[SincereTheRebel]

Argentina has a better team overall compared the likes of Portugal. Messi & Co have failed massively in every final they have been in. He is good in an Argentina shirt, but not good enough.

[Adramelch]

Less World Cup finals though.

This Messi is overrated talk needs to get in the bin. Argentina's games are always awful because it's always going to be 10 men behind the ball and 3 of them on Messi. And they would have won the whole thing last time if Higuain wasn't a massive bottler.

I'm not arguing he's overrated. Just shows how dysfunctional Argentina has been more than anything else. Argentina's games are always awful because Messi has 3 people on him all the time, yet the rest of the team don't take advantage of the space that's created.

[phonics]

Argentina has a better team overall compared the likes of Portugal. Messi & Co have failed massively in every final they have been in. He is good in an Argentina shirt, but not good enough.

Outside of the 600 forwards they have, who is good? You can't play a 2-2-2-4. At he back their biggest defender is Otamendi who's been a walking punchline for years and they don't have a goalkeeper who isn't second choice for whoever they play for.

How have they failed massively in finals? They've lost 2-3(can't remember) on penalty kicks and one to the last kick of the game in extra time.

[SvN]

They failed because they've lost them all.

[SincereTheRebel]

You can compare Pepe to an Otamendi sort of. But Argentina also has the Di Maria and Mascherano's the world. Portugal has nothing compared to those two. It's Ronaldo + 10.


Argentina has fucked up three finals. Unacceptable behaviour.

[phonics]

They failed because they've lost them all.

Thanks for ignoring the adjective there.

[phonics]

You can compare Pepe to an Otamendi sort of. But Argentina also has the Di Maria and Mascherano's the world. Portugal has nothing compared to those two. It's Ronaldo + 10.


Argentina has fucked up three finals. Unacceptable behaviour.

Defensive midfield extraordinaire Angel Di Maria and a 35 year old Javier Mascherano who's played CB for 6 years. Nice midfield you got there, would be a shame if anyone attacked it.

[SvN]

You're right, they're plucky upstarts who did well to qualify.

[phonics]

You're right, they're plucky upstarts who did well to qualify.

It's almost like there's something inbetween best team in the whole world and utter dogshit. All I said was the idea that this team that needs to 'drop Messi' in Sincere's words have achieved more than 99% of the countries out there in the last 4 years.

[SvN]

They've been total shit this tournament, mind. Messi is obviously undroppable (and rightly so) and there's still a decent chance they get it together for the last game and sneak through in second place.

[phonics]

They've been total shit this tournament, mind. Messi is obviously undroppable (and rightly so) and there's still a decent chance they get it together for the last game and sneak through in second place.

Exactly, total shit and yet they'll still probably qualify. The skies not falling.

[phonics]

Really good article from one of the Argentina 1986 squad.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/25/argentina-what-is-wrong-lionel-messi-football



Nor do I want to overlook something of great importance: the mediocrity of the debate, where a base crassness more suited to bad actors than good journalists bastardises the play and denigrates players. This infernal racket conditions everything, a deafening noise that surrounds everything and made the Argentinian people believe that if Messi does not win a World Cup (https://www.theguardian.com/football/world-cup-football) he will never be Maradona; that made Messi himself believe it.


Thirty-three titles later, Messi has taken that message to heart and when the World Cup starts he becomes a tortured soul who carries the fierce demands of 45 million people on his shoulders. And yet it’s not true: Messi has defended Argentina’s footballing pride like no one else for 15 years now and he has done so with an astonishing, scandalous consistency. But that perception became received wisdom and Messi is treated as if he was any old player by journalists who demand an excellence from him they cannot even dream of.

[niko_cee]

Aye, that's a good read, although I think you sell Valdano a bit short by describing him (merely) as one of the 1986 squad.

It's still a marvel they got to the final last time. I'm not sure I can recall the last time I saw them play well.

[Mazuuurk]

I'm seriously tempted to put in a bet on Argentina winning the whole thing.

Just because it would fuck everyone off. Even themselves, by the sounds of it.

Maradona to take full credit.

[randomlegend]

Defensive midfield extraordinaire Angel Di Maria and a 35 year old Javier Mascherano who's played CB for 6 years. Nice midfield you got there, would be a shame if anyone attacked it.

I don't honestly know what team they've been putting out, but I've just looked at their squad and they have players like Banega, Biglia and Mascherano who should be good enough to form a functioning midfield. They are definitely no worse than some of the dross Portugal field.

The defence admittedly is pretty thin, but again it's not like they are having to field conference players or some shit. Otamendi and Rojo should be a good enough centre-back pairing to easily get through their group.

I don't think they need to be playing these daft formations I understand they've been putting out.

Play something like:

GK: the coach is fat enough that he'd be better the Caballero
RB: Mercado
CB: Otamendi and Rojo
LB: Tagliatelle
DM: Banega and Mascherano
AM: Dybala
Forwards: Messi (right) Aguero (central) Di Maria (left)

I could win the world cup with that team easy.

(Inb4 that's the exact team they've been fielding)

[SincereTheRebel]

They have been starting with players in midfield, who are still playing in Argentina

[phonics]

Argentina have a player called Tagliatelle? How did I just learn this? Get him and Kevin Lasagne in the same team.

[Boydy]

You can't play some fucking pasta at left back, RL.

[Disco]

Now I want to do a food based XI, Nicky Banger up front.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Meza getting in ahead of Aguero/Dybala is criminal.

[Danny]

Now I want to do a food based XI, Nicky Banger up front.

With Dwight Yorkie or are puns not allowed

[phonics]

Brian Penis.

[randomlegend]

Argentina have a player called Tagliatelle? How did I just learn this? Get him and Kevin Lasagne in the same team.

*Tagliafico


You can't play some fucking pasta at left back, RL.

Do what I fucking want mate.

[Disco]

Brian Penis.

You want him in your food based team do you? Each to their own I suppose.

[phonics]

You want him in your food based team do you? Each to their own I suppose.

I'm a man of many cultures. I couldn't remember if there was someone with the last name 'Dog' or I would have put that one in.

[Pepe]

Valdano and Menotti are the two best football commentators I have ever heard. At some point they became too full of themselves and started waxing lyrical a bit too much, but I still rather listen to them than, well, anyone else. Worst I've heard was probably Zidane. Not because he was bad, but because he wouldn't say a thing.

[Adramelch]

Worst I've heard was probably Zidane. Not because he was bad, but because he wouldn't say a thing.

I'd reckon that's still better than others.

[Amigo]

Croatia making 9 changes, lol.

We'll lose this.

[Trancemeister]

Iceland XI: Halldórsson, Saevarsson, Ingason, R.Sigurdsson, Magnússon, Bjarnason, Gunnarsson, Hallfredsson, Gudmundsson, Finnbogason, G.Sigurdsson.

Croatia XI: Kalinić, Ćorluka, Jedvaj, Ćaleta-Car, Pivarić, Kovačić, Modrić, Badelj, Perišić, Kramarić, Pjaca.


Nigeria XI: Uzoho, Idowu, Ekong, Balogun, Omeruo, Ndidi, Etebo, Mikel, Musa, Moses, Iheanacho.

Argentina XI: Armani, Mercado, Tagliafico, Mascherano, Rojo, Otamendi, Banega, Di Maria, Perez, Higuain, Messi.

[Pepe]

I'd reckon that's still better than others.

Now that I think about it, that made him better than most.

[SincereTheRebel]

If Messi does not carry his team to victory, I think it could be the end of him.

[Waffdon]

Mikel to eat Messi’s tears again :drool:

[igor_balis]

Spaghetti starts for Argentina. These fancy dan cunts are ruining football, game's gone.

[randomlegend]

Argentina manager did alright with the back six and then he's gone full retard with the front 4. Some 32 year old centre-midfielder from River Plate on the right of midfield with Aguero and Dybala on the bench.

Put me in charge.

[SincereTheRebel]

Mikel to eat Messi’s tears again :drool:

Ive seen Messi tears before. We need Kane and Neymar tears at some point during this competition.

[Adramelch]

Nigeria do actually seem to want to win this game. Thought they'd sort of park the bus and look for any counters that came their way.

[SincereTheRebel]

But they cant defend. That touch control from Leo though :drool:

[Waffdon]

The accuracy of that pass from Banega was beautiful.

[Adramelch]

It was a great goal all around.

[Disco]

Ridiculous two touches to bring it under control.

[randomlegend]

Ive seen Messi tears before. We need Kane and Neymar tears at some point during this competition.

Kane? Aren't you English? I've reported you to the internet police for treason.

[Browning]

Come on Iceland, for fuck sake. Nothing would be better than Messi winning this and going home anyway.

[SincereTheRebel]

The Messi goal in slow motion gets better and better. Man does not even break stride.

[Waffdon]

Is there no British referees here?

[Magic]

Is there no British referees here?

No.

[Waffdon]

Banega is running this :drool:

[Danny]

Ive seen Messi tears before. We need Kane and Neymar tears at some point during this competition.

We have seen enough Neymar tears too tbf

[Baz]

The Messi goal in slow motion gets better and better. Man does not even break stride.https://i.imgur.com/Y1bKO2s.gif

[Dark Soldier]

I like how Maradona is absolutely out of his fucking skull, adds to it

[Giggles]

You can have all the messing and surprises you like but nearly always, the expecteds go through. At least Argentina going through hopefully sends Iceland home.

[Reg]

This is about as an obvious and simple Argentina could have put together and they're 10x better. Di Maria, Banega and Messi all having very good games.

That Messi goal was sublime. Best of the tournament so far I reckon.

[Boom-Boom-18]

The state of Maradona. Imagine having that in charge of your national team.

[mugbull]

You can have all the messing and surprises you like but nearly always, the expecteds go through. At least Argentina going through hopefully sends Iceland home.

Like Spain, Italy, England, Portugal in 2014?

[Foe]

The state of Maradona. Imagine having that in charge of your national team.

Indeed. Managing out in some desert too. Imagine the interview process consisted of the oil baron asking for an autograph and trying not to see the bag of Coke that would inprison him for life.

[Pepe]

Just came back. 'mon Nigeria.

[Pepe]

:drool:

[CJay]

Well that’s a soft penalty.

[Browning]

Mascherano is completely finished on this evidence.

[Pepe]

VAR :drool:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Mascherano :lol:

[SincereTheRebel]

We have seen enough Neymar tears too tbf

I cant remember seeing him cry from a loss...


https://i.imgur.com/Y1bKO2s.gif

No stutter in his step. None.

[Max Power]

Mascherano turning in a retirement performance here. Fancy Nigeria to win it when Argentina push on for a winner

[randomlegend]

I'm glad they are clamping down on all the pulling bollocks at corners (other than in the England Tunisia game). There's so much of it goes on and frankly it's just blatant cheating.

[Trancemeister]

Croatia 1-0

[Pepe]

Now finish them off lads.

[Adramelch]

That was utter stupidity by Mascherano.

[CJay]

Shoehorning in that Made In Chelsea like. :sick:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Victor Moses :cool:

Hold on you pricks.

[Pepe]

Send him off!

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Dire Maria :harold:

Otamendi and Banega are out for blood there.

[Waffdon]

Sitter from Iceland, there. Mon you fucks.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Argentina third as it stands :drool:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Musa is shitting on Mascherano.

[randomlegend]

Mascherano has been absolute gash. Definitely shows he's been playing in a shit league.

[Adramelch]

Di Maria has been pretty bad. He did win that one foul but that's about it.

[Waffdon]

Someone needs to sign Mikel in England so I can watch him saunter about every week.

[Trancemeister]

Penalty Iceland

Goal Gylfi

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

fuuuuuu.

Argentina fourth, I need them to finish third.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

How the fuck did Ighalo miss that?

[Adramelch]

How the fuck did Ighalo miss that?

He was distracted by all the moaning he's been doing since coming on.

[Disco]

Wouldn't it be a shame if Argentina ended up bottom of the group.

[Adramelch]

I'd rather Nigeria go through but it would be funny if Argentina scored here and Iceland got an injury time winner.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Higuain :D

[randomlegend]

That's fucking awful. It's not an easy chance, but he's meant to be a top striker and he absolutely monged it.

[Adramelch]

Etebo has done nothing other than lose the ball all game long.

[Boom-Boom-18]

So many different ways this group could end, this is great entertainment. I love tournament football.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

HE'S BLEEDING AND STILL ON THE PITCH, EVERYONE WILL GET AIDS!!!!!


boop

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Fuck right off.

This is Ighalo's fault.

[Bernanke]

Diego. :D

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

'Mon Iceland.

[Trancemeister]

Gung-Ho now Iceland

[Waffdon]

That’s some finish. Broke TTH.

[Disco]

Fucking bastards.

[Trancemeister]

2-1 Perisic, game over

[Adramelch]

Higuain could get a lesson or two in finishing from Rojo it seems.

[Giggles]

Croatia :drool: :chief:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Cock, cock, cock.

'Mon Nigeria.

[Adramelch]

Takes their best striker off when needing a goal with 2 minutes to go. Makes sense.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Fuck sake.

[Giggles]

Didn't everyone here have Iceland qualifying? :harold:

[Boydy]

Poor Nigeria. :(

Fuck Argentina.

[Adramelch]

Argentina played about 45 minutes of good football across 3 games. Nigeria probably deserved to go through but Ighalo had a different opinion clearly.

[Yevrah]

Messi. :cool:

[Yevrah]

Some cracking second round ties lined up already too.

[Baz]

Ighalo is a prat.

The rest of Nigeria seemed really likeable (even John Obi) but he is such a bellend, I’m glad they’re out.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Really not sure who I want to lose France v Argentina more, but the delicious thought that one of them will exit has cheered me right up.

[niko_cee]

France v Argentina is a heavenly match-up (a bit like Portugal v Uruguay and The Selecao v The Bosch), and much better for the tournament. No chance for at least one bunch of cunts to not go out in each. Maybe harsh on Brazil.

Ighalo is a disgrace, but that's not surprising.

Shame Mikel wasted his life at Chelsea, I too subscribe to the wish to have seen him saunter through a career bossing it like that rather than shitmunching.

[Amigo]

I ain't even mad.

Solid game against Argentina, a good half against Nigeria (and one shit half as well) and a very good performance tonight.

[-james-]

France and Argentina are both utter wank, and that game will be awful. Messi will decide it.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

France will win.

Argentina have been far too shit thus far.

[niko_cee]

This is France of VAR penalty, spawny deflection and another spawny deflection goal fame? They've been every bit as bad as Argentina, they just haven't played anyone half-decent.

[Adramelch]

This is France of VAR penalty, spawny deflection and another spawny deflection goal fame? They've been every bit as bad as Argentina, they just haven't played anyone half-decent.

I don't know, they were really impressive today. You don't get 61% possession against the mighty Denmark without playing good, right?

[Max Power]

France will be more impressive if teams open up against them, they could kill you on the counter attack. Still way less than the sum of their parts though.

[Trancemeister]

Read reports that Maradona been rushed to hospital.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

https://i.imgur.com/9kmxv.gif

[Max Power]

He look absolutely off his tits tbf

[niko_cee]

France will be more impressive if teams open up against them, they could kill you on the counter attack. Still way less than the sum of their parts though.

We'll play better against a better team . . .

Now, where have I heard that before?

[SincereTheRebel]

Maradonna was definitely on the ting. His jaw was moving all crazy

[Dark Soldier]

Well yeah check the fucker here:

https://twitter.com/emilioelmago/status/1011691506711891969

https://twitter.com/emilioelmago/status/1011707395649818624

No fucking idea where he is, the wee scamp

[Pepe]

Missed most of the match. While I would have LOVED to see the wankers eliminated, France vs Argentina is a million times more interesting than France vs Nigeria, so there is that. Pogba to put ten past 'Armani.'

[phonics]

So with it looking like every favourite is going to bounce back from a slow start and, outside of Argentina, finish where predicted. Would anyone like to rescind some of their analysis of teams not blowing everyone inferior to them away?

edit: Group H doesn't count because their was no favourite.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Germany and Brazil have got work to do yet.

[Magic]

Missed most of the match. While I would have LOVED to see the wankers eliminated, France vs Argentina is a million times more interesting than France vs Nigeria, so there is that. Pogba to put ten past 'Armani.'

It'll be a total shitfest.

[-james-]

So with it looking like every favourite is going to bounce back from a slow start and, outside of Argentina, finish where predicted. Would anyone like to rescind some of their analysis of teams not blowing everyone inferior to them away?

edit: Group H doesn't count because their was no favourite.


The only team that have surprised me have been Spain, who seem worse than anticipated. But they've got the best draw, so they're probably favourites.

Brazil are the best team in it.

[Adramelch]

The only team that have surprised me have been Spain, who seem worse than anticipated. But they've got the best draw, so they're probably favourites.

Brazil are the best team in it.

Spain do have the whole manager shenanigans and you'd assume that can't have helped. He also has a grand total of about 50 games in management.