Another day in the GOAT race and another point for Messi, even though he came out of the bench with just 30 minutes to the end of the match. This time was his classic free kick around the box area. Argentina has an easy bracket ahead to reach semifinals where they could meet Brazil. They only need to beat Cape Verde in the next round.
Portugal only could get a draw against Colombia keeping alive the Simpsons' prophecy of a Mexico vs Portugal final as both teams are in different sides of the bracket.
England beat 2-0 Panama and secured the top spot in their group with Croatia ending in the second place and facing Portugal. Croatians are a tough group to play in a tournament. I know that some key players are getting older but still very competitive. This matchup is going to be really interesting.
Congo will face England in the last 32 round and Austria will play against Spain.
The knockout stage is all set. Top Europeans teams, not counting England, are in one side of the bracket. Then top South Americans are in the other side. Morocco and USA have allocated to the European side and most of African teams have gone to the South American side.
Having watched most of the teams at least once, these are my takes:
- France looks like to be a step ahead of all other teams. Dembele, Mbappe and Olise look terrific. If they have a good day, you can only say congrats and enjoy.
- Then a group of other teams such as Brazil, Argentina, England and Germany are situated a step behind. Rivals get tougher but they have enough assets to overcome difficult matches.
- Next step with a question mark upon them, Spain and Portugal. In the Spanish side, too many key players not at their peak form and some others with injuries. Spanish coach has been trying different players in the same position and not sure whether he has things clear. Portugal has a great team but have not performed well. Next two matches are going to be tough, Croatia first and Spain, most likely, waiting in the last 16 round.
- As possible surprises, USA, Mexico, Norway and Colombia. USA and Mexico as hosts are always a possibility. I can see Colombians in QFs against Argentina and I look forward to watching Brazil against Norway, if they manage to beat Ivory Coast.
- Morocco vs Netherlands: I think it's the most interesting in the last 32 round. The winner may play against France in QF.
Last 32 Round kicks off tonight with a South Africa vs Canada. Will the host beat South Africa and keep making history in real football?
Let’s go Canada!
Congrats!! Reaching last 16 round is a good outcome. Now it gets difficult for you. Either Netherlands or Morocco will be very tough.
Yes. I am happy with the round of 16. Let's see what happens. Maybe they can pull off a small miracle in the next round.
Cabo Verde is still undefeated. Just saying. :)
That's the reason why I wrote that. I still need to see Brazil beating Cape Verde.
5-1 day for the beautiful game, only Portugal got a boring Kickball point, mostly cuz I'm piss with them
How can the "best midfield " of the tournament be so flat, annoying
And the biggest surprise definitely this FrontPage
Brits hopping for more Merica in da Pitch
I hope that USA influences such as cooling breaks when temperature is not high will go away after World Cup. It looks like we are having quarters like in Basketball.
Cooling break should be use only on heat waves that's all, but the best is to prevent this shit and not put games on open stadiums at noon
Oh wait the final will be played midday at New Jersey 😂 🤣
But stuff i liked, anthem in the midfield with everyone, 8" punishment if ball goes out and the obvious one, we need the daylight offside rule to be official
While I agree tentatively, I still want to see their defense challenged. They may have to wait til the quarters or semifinals for that to happen though, unless the hailed German attacking wonderkids find their lost form in couch cushions. And in a hurry before they're sent packing even earlier.
That last 16 round matchup is going to be thrilling. I still think that France looks sharper than Germany. But who knows, perhaps the German coach chooses Undav as starter....
I couldn't agree more. Too many weak teams in the first round. The "real" WC starts in round 3, lol
Agreed. just like I predicted, muuuhaaaaa-haaaa
So much this. Holland particularly being slept on big time.
WC is slowly starting to get interesting. I found so many teams in the first round have no business there. Honestly, I miss the old format with 16 teams...
Wow! I didn’t think Messi would play at all