Croatia 1-0 Aus, not a bad performance by any means by us. Croatia have some brilliance though, I genuinely believe they can give Brazil a good run in the first game and could even beat them. They have experience at the back with players like Srna, Corluka and Pranjic with a decent centre back in the shape of Lovren. One of the best central midfield pairings in the tournament with Modric and Rakitic and an excellent finisher and poacher in the shape of Mandzukic up front. I'd love to see this side take down Brazil in the opening game.
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Croatia are strong enough to give every 1st tier team a run for their money imo. Almost made it through their group last EURO with Italy and Spain, with a friendlier draw they would've made it 'till the quarters or semis.
I'd say this is the best Croatia side since France '98. It'd be great to see them replicate that performance this time.
Lukaku is reported to be looking to leave Chelsea after the world cup, makes me think "WELL WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR ARSENE?" but let's not get too hasty. Aside from that we're after Lorenzo Insigne and it'd be an absolute delight if we could land him thought it'll take some serious money to persuade Napoli to sell him.
Lukaku is reported to be looking to leave Chelsea after the world cup, makes me think "WELL WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR ARSENE?" but let's not get too hasty. Aside from that we're after Lorenzo Insigne and it'd be an absolute delight if we could land him thought it'll take some serious money to persuade Napoli to sell him.
Two days ago, he said he will compete to play under Mourinho. Now, he apparently requested to leave. Either he is having a memory issue or there is something wrong with his interview.
Actually, all of Chelsea Belgian players has been very weird with their interviews. Hazard made his own transfer saga before joining and KDB + Lukaku + Courtois made several interviews that contradicts themselves within a day or two. It's really annoying and I don't know why this is keep on happening. Is there some kind of Belgian tradition I'm not aware of?
Actually, all of Chelsea Belgian players has been very weird with their interviews. Hazard made his own transfer saga before joining and KDB + Lukaku + Courtois made several interviews that contradicts themselves within a day or two. It's really annoying and I don't know why this is keep on happening. Is there some kind of Belgian tradition I'm not aware of?
Stunning news with Marco Reus confirmed to be out of the world cup due to the ankle injury he sustained in the friendly game against Armenia. Oxlade-Chamberlain will be given until 24 hours before the commencement of the world cup to prove that he's fit to play and let's hope he doesn't suffer the same fate as poor Reus. Germany still have options though with players like Gotze, Muller and Draxler. The only positives that I can take from these recent injuries is that we'll be able to see more obscure talents that haven't established themselves.
germany in theory has so many players that can replace reus.
given the fact that reus is godlike that says a lot. problem is that özil and götze (the two logical choices) were pretty bad in recent performances :/
given the fact that reus is godlike that says a lot. problem is that özil and götze (the two logical choices) were pretty bad in recent performances :/
The depth in the German squad is probably their greatest strength.
United will need 60m quid to land Paul Pogba from Juve, apparently they're also after Kevin Strootman. If United land any two of Strootman, Pogba and Fabregas they will be fearsome next season, Van Gaal definitely knows what's up.
Also a nice article about misconceptions in Brazilian football.
United will need 60m quid to land Paul Pogba from Juve, apparently they're also after Kevin Strootman. If United land any two of Strootman, Pogba and Fabregas they will be fearsome next season, Van Gaal definitely knows what's up.
Also a nice article about misconceptions in Brazilian football.
World cup starting in less than 24h, all the hype.
Can't wait for the opening game, I've literally got a scheduled planned out of what matches to watch in the group stage. I'd be able to watch more if it wasn't for this accursed time difference.
Predictions for the opening game? I think 2-2, players will cancel each other out, midfield will be tight and packed with the ball staying in the middle of the park most of the game but the few opportunities that are produced will result in goals due to the mediocre defenses of the two teams.
Predictions for the opening game? I think 2-2, players will cancel each other out, midfield will be tight and packed with the ball staying in the middle of the park most of the game but the few opportunities that are produced will result in goals due to the mediocre defenses of the two teams.
I'll be using this to follow the Worldcup http://pocketworldcupschedule.info/index.html
i predict a 3-0 off of brazil. i think they will manhandle the groupstage.
I'd disagree with you about our defense being mediocre, but after watching the Brazil/Serbia game I am seriously worried about it. David Luiz is the only player who actually brings some security for the defense.LaVolpe024 wrote:
Can't wait for the opening game, I've literally got a scheduled planned out of what matches to watch in the group stage. I'd be able to watch more if it wasn't for this accursed time difference.
Predictions for the opening game? I think 2-2, players will cancel each other out, midfield will be tight and packed with the ball staying in the middle of the park most of the game but the few opportunities that are produced will result in goals due to the mediocre defenses of the two teams.
Oh, I'm going to the Netherlands vs. Australia game on 18/06 btw 
for gladi and lavolpe <3
for gladi and lavolpe <3well i obviously was wrong with my confidence.
lol Marcelo..
that goal was so important for brazil. my family joked about it, but it really was.
also my mom saying brazil plays like shit when they were busy dominating croatia.
also my mom saying brazil plays like shit when they were busy dominating croatia.
lol marcelo best player
dude give the guy a break. the thing wasn't exactly his fault.
i know but his goal was really funny
gg marcelo
Neymar please.
Not sure Brazil would nick that without that dubious penalty, but if any team deserved the win it was them.
Also great goal by Oscar.
Also great goal by Oscar.
I was only able to watch the first half. Brazil defense seemed to be in a rush to move the ball forward while keeping it low, and that made them fragile over Croatias pressure from their forwards. They almost gave away a goal because of that. Fortunately, Brazil started to just take their time and Croatia had to give up on pressuring.
Oscar won the ball and even managed to break away from two players. His passes didn't reach by a margin most of the time, but I could tell it was only a matter of time for them to score, and indeed Neymar pulled a great goal.
I expected them to win the second half if they just kept their game going, and they did win. I'm going to watch the second half to see how they won.
EDIT: Just saw the penalty call and damn that was weak. Sure Lovren had his hand on Freds arm, but come on.
EDIT2: Brilliant touch and a cross by Oscar. Luiz almost had it in with that. Oh man I'm going to miss Luiz, aren't I?
EDIT3: Perfect shot by Oscar, but I wish I had a closer look on Ramireses tackle. It looked quite dangerous.
Oscar won the ball and even managed to break away from two players. His passes didn't reach by a margin most of the time, but I could tell it was only a matter of time for them to score, and indeed Neymar pulled a great goal.
I expected them to win the second half if they just kept their game going, and they did win. I'm going to watch the second half to see how they won.
EDIT: Just saw the penalty call and damn that was weak. Sure Lovren had his hand on Freds arm, but come on.
EDIT2: Brilliant touch and a cross by Oscar. Luiz almost had it in with that. Oh man I'm going to miss Luiz, aren't I?
EDIT3: Perfect shot by Oscar, but I wish I had a closer look on Ramireses tackle. It looked quite dangerous.
That penalty call was terrible though. Not like it ended up mattering, but still.
The denied goal from Croatia was also complete bs. Croatia has been let down by the ref big time.Kanye West wrote:
That penalty call was terrible though. Not like it ended up mattering, but still.
This first match was terrible. Should've been a draw, but I guess homeside favorites always get the referee behind 'm.
I'm actually a bit conflicted with that case. I could see a foul if we look at how Cesar wasn't able to grab the ball due to his left arm being pressed down Olic. On the other hand, the striker was just jumping forward while Cesar accidentally leaned on him. If I had to choose, I would say it was the former case. The second case doesn't even make sense lol Anyway, I think the call was correct since Ceser had no idea Olic was charging in his way.
no it wasn'tGladiOol wrote:
The denied goal from Croatia was also complete bs.Kanye West wrote:
That penalty call was terrible though. Not like it ended up mattering, but still.
It would've been blocked anyway if the whistle wasn't blown.
The penalty call was definitely bs though.
No it would have been a goal. Rakitic or whoever it was took the ball that Luiz kicked away and the goal was wide open for him.
Japan 3 - 1 Croatia
not like it was his fault, but oh god this is the best image and it's not even fake
I think that penalty decision encapsulated all the poetic injustice in football. A common form of cheating in the shape of diving occurs and the bigger side, the favourites as well as the home side get the favouritism of the referee. I think Kovac was spot on with his comments. Another problem is that everyone will simply use "oh Brazil would've won anyway" and "but everyone wanted them to win in the opening game" as justification for these errors. Regardless it was a good match to watch, good effort by both sides and unlucky on Croatia's part.GladiOol wrote:
The denied goal from Croatia was also complete bs. Croatia has been let down by the ref big time.Kanye West wrote:
That penalty call was terrible though. Not like it ended up mattering, but still.
This first match was terrible. Should've been a draw, but I guess homeside favorites always get the referee behind 'm.
Looking forward to Australia and England's games in coming days.
Also Fabregas has officially signed for Chelsea.
My MoM would be Oscar and runner up for Olic. Both played so well and the only difference between those two was that ones effort came out with the better result.
Oscar was fantastic throughout the game, very good work rate, attracted opposition players like a magnet, good vision and positioning. He was playing on the right but for some reason looked like he was everywhere. Olic did extremely well considering his age, no idea how someone of 34 years of age manages to bomb down the left wing constantly, he must've lost some serious body-weight through all that sweat.
Kanye West wrote:
That penalty call was terrible though. Not like it ended up mattering, but still.
EDIT: Fred is also appealing for a penalty at the same time...
Fred did absolutely nothing except that dive lol
For the other topic, I can't understand Barcelonas transfer policy. After all those nagging, boy-must-come-home, and DNA banters, they spat him out. I don't even. Anyway, I welcome him and wish him to be the key player for our midfield we were weak on.
For the other topic, I can't understand Barcelonas transfer policy. After all those nagging, boy-must-come-home, and DNA banters, they spat him out. I don't even. Anyway, I welcome him and wish him to be the key player for our midfield we were weak on.
That image of Fabregas in a Chelsea shirt is quite possibly the most disgusting thing I have ever seen. This is particularly dangerous for our status and image considering the circumstances, if Cesc and Chelsea go on to win titles and we don't deliver with our current crop of players it'll be blamed almost entirely upon the decision to reject Cesc. I just hope that people come to their senses eventually and realise that he would've been a hindrance more than anything else in the long run for the squad and its players.
That aside, C'MON 'STRAYA. LET'S GIVE IT TO THEM LATIN CUNTS! If we come away with a draw, I'll be over the moon.
That aside, C'MON 'STRAYA. LET'S GIVE IT TO THEM LATIN CUNTS! If we come away with a draw, I'll be over the moon.
Best penalty ever..... And at 1-1 , the game was close....E s s a wrote:
Kanye West wrote:
That penalty call was terrible though. Not like it ended up mattering, but still.
EDIT: Fred is also appealing for a penalty at the same time...
Poor Arsenal :'(LaVolpe024 wrote:
Also Fabregas has officially signed for Chelsea.