Quarter Finals

[BoyBrumby]

Portugal or Colombia was always a toss-up and you would still have a minimum of 4 group winners eliminated by this stage.

I mean, Colombia are ranked top ten currently anyway, aren't they?

Actually, on checking, they're 11th, but my point about them being a national side of the non-shite variety stands.

 

[Tom Flint]

I mean, Colombia are ranked top ten currently anyway, aren't they?

Actually, on checking, they're 11th, but my point about them being a national side of the non-shite variety stands.

also the rankings change during the tournament, so before it started they could have been lower

 

[Agonizingly Awkward]

This is a weird prospect for me. The wife is Moroccan, while 80ish% of my crew at work are Columbian. Its either happy at work, sad at home, or vice versa. We start early, so id put it on the depot tv but make them all wear red and green and support morocco.

Good. This makes me want that final even more.

 

[Molehill]

also the rankings change during the tournament, so before it started they could have been lower

They were 13th before the start (Portugal 5th).

Norway (31) are by some margin the lowest ranked team into the QF. Although, hard to explain how the likes of Austria, Algeria, Iran, Turkey, Canada and S Korea were previously ranked higher on what they've shown here.

 

[Chin Music]

They were 13th before the start (Portugal 5th).

Norway (31) are by some margin the lowest ranked team into the QF. Although, hard to explain how the likes of Austria, Algeria, Iran, Turkey, Canada and S Korea were previously ranked higher on what they've shown here.

Because most of them had been to previous tournaments, either their own continent's tournaments or the previous world cups as well. That would have got them ranking points.

 

[BoyBrumby]

That, or FIFA's ranking system is balls.

Think it's fair to say Japan and, especially, South Korea underperformed this time around though.

 

[Molehill]

Because most of them had been to previous tournaments, either their own continent's tournaments or the previous world cups as well. That would have got them ranking points.

True, Norway now up to 19th.

That, or FIFA's ranking system is balls.

Think it's fair to say Japan and, especially, South Korea underperformed this time around though.

A bit harsh on Japan. Finished in their expected group slot and only done by a late winner against Brazil (who admittedly now look a very questionable 5th in the rankings).

 

[BoyBrumby]

Yeah, maybe. They're a serious team now though, IMHO.

If they hadn't shook hands on the mutually beneficial draw with Sweden in the last group game they might've had a cushier R2 game though.

 

[Molehill]

Yeah, maybe. They're a serious team now though, IMHO.

If they hadn't shook hands on the mutually beneficial draw with Sweden in the last group game they might've had a cushier R2 game though.

They'd have needed to win by 3 clear goals to put pressure on the Netherlands goal difference. And even then, they'd have got Morocco in the Round of 32 anyway. They got a shite draw really.

 

[Furball]

That, or FIFA's ranking system is balls.

This is the correct answer. A system which had Belgium as number 1 in the world for 4 years is obviously a crock of shite.

 

[Pothas]

I think the cannon fodder has actually made it more predictable. It's not impossible that we will have ****ed around for a month and we'll end up with the top 4 seeds in the semis. The dilution of the groups made it easier for the top seeds to win them and go into their expected pathway. Basically, only Portugal ****ed up.

These would be the best semi-finals though and it is not like Argentina and England have not both had huge amounts of drama on the way.

 

[Pothas]

They have been a decent side for ages but Switzerland being in the quarters is still just so dull. Colombia would have been way more fun.

 

[Molehill]

They have been a decent side for ages but Switzerland being in the quarters is still just so dull. Colombia would have been way more fun.

Having watched last night's game, I didn't see Colombia being significantly less dull. I guess a S American derby would've been entertaining as they could've potentially kicked the **** out of each other.

On paper, the closest match up of the quarters is France/Morocco.

 

[social]

Hate to say it but I reckon that England should be disappointed unless they at least make the final

Haaland & Odegaard are obviously great but are pretty much cancelled out by Kane & Bellingham while the Argies & the Swiss both have weaknesses

Would be really cool to see Norway go all the way as I can imagine Haaland telling Trump to suck a big one on the podium

 

[Silver Silva]

Haaland trying out Texan hats in Dallas , this was posted just 4 days ago

His YouTube channel is really funny.

 

[Furball]

Just want an England v Argentina semi final.

 

[Molehill]

Just want an England v Argentina semi final.

Who would you want to win?

Having seen how susceptible Argentina were to a swift counter attack yesterday, I'd fancy our chances now, definitely a strength of ours.

But a fair bit of football to be played first......although I reckon Norway will cause England more problems than the Swiss will to Argentina, just looks an ideal match up now.

 

[Furball]

Who would you want to win?

Obviously Argentina.

 

[GotSpin]

Who would you want to win?

Having seen how susceptible Argentina were to a swift counter attack yesterday, I'd fancy our chances now, definitely a strength of ours.

But a fair bit of football to be played first......although I reckon Norway will cause England more problems than the Swiss will to Argentina, just looks an ideal match up now.

Surely Argentina would adjust their strategy though. They overcommitted against teams just sitting and parking the bus all game

 

[Silver Silva]

France vs Morocco

All the referees for that game are Argentinian ..interesting!