Special Event: World Cup 2018 - Matchday 2
June 19, 2018 3:03 PM - Subscribe
2018 World Cup football tournament livewatch and discussion continues in here!
Apologies this post is a bit late going up, so discussion of a few games was in the Matchday 1 thread.
Apologies this post is a bit late going up, so discussion of a few games was in the Matchday 1 thread.
Heh.
I missed two of today's games for other commitments, hoping I can make time to watch either Portugal-Morocco or Iran-Spain tomorrow.
posted by ardgedee at 3:13 PM on June 19, 2018 [1 favorite]
I missed two of today's games for other commitments, hoping I can make time to watch either Portugal-Morocco or Iran-Spain tomorrow.
posted by ardgedee at 3:13 PM on June 19, 2018 [1 favorite]
I can't watch anything live til the weekend, which is a bummer. Enjoying everyone's comments! Really looking forward to the weekend, especially South Korea vs Mexico and Japan vs Senegal.
posted by the primroses were over at 3:19 PM on June 19, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by the primroses were over at 3:19 PM on June 19, 2018 [1 favorite]
predicting Own Goal to continue to lead scoring.
posted by the man of twists and turns at 4:00 PM on June 19, 2018 [4 favorites]
posted by the man of twists and turns at 4:00 PM on June 19, 2018 [4 favorites]
predicting Own Goal to continue to lead scoring.
I'm guessing that penalty shots side-footed to the right while the goaltender jumps to the left are second in scoring.
posted by clawsoon at 4:18 PM on June 19, 2018 [1 favorite]
I'm guessing that penalty shots side-footed to the right while the goaltender jumps to the left are second in scoring.
posted by clawsoon at 4:18 PM on June 19, 2018 [1 favorite]
Sometimes this working from home thing really pays off, such as when there are wall to wall football games scheduled for US east coast working hours. Too bad I scheduled a family vacation for next week. I'm sure they'll have fun without me.
posted by mollweide at 4:25 PM on June 19, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by mollweide at 4:25 PM on June 19, 2018 [2 favorites]
An Exorcism 40 Years in the Making
For years, Osorio, a headstrong and eloquent Colombian, had kept experimenting, switching his players around, placing them in unfamiliar positions, insisting on formations that seemed ill-suited for Mexico’s talents, changing the whole team from one game to the next. Osorio’s extravagance, many of us thought, was not a sign of some hidden genius but rather the mark of a suave, snake-oil salesman. It all just seemed too much like déjà vu, as if we were headed for disaster once more. The Germans probably thought so, too. Turns out, we all were wrong—all of us except Osorio, at least.posted by clawsoon at 5:00 PM on June 19, 2018 [5 favorites]
What a game it was! It became apparent fairly quickly that Osorio had figured out the Germans as no one else had in a long, long time. He made life impossible for Toni Kroos, probably the best organizing midfielder in the world, and forced the Germans to build with Boateng rather than Hummels. By isolating German creativity at the feet of their least talented player, Osorio opened the door to the prodigious second act of his Moscow coup.
I thought this was pretty interesting re: Mexico v Germany
The idea that Germany didn't tend to attack through Plattenhardt and basically ignoring him lent Mexico an effect man advantage elsewhere rings true.
posted by juv3nal at 5:50 PM on June 19, 2018 [3 favorites]
The idea that Germany didn't tend to attack through Plattenhardt and basically ignoring him lent Mexico an effect man advantage elsewhere rings true.
posted by juv3nal at 5:50 PM on June 19, 2018 [3 favorites]
Bought a falafel tonight and the place was replaying the Japan - Columbia game.
The guy saw me watching and asked who I supported. I told him Mexico and he said he was pulling for Argentina and we had a good chat about how Argentina is going to die in a dumpster fire and Mexico is going to win the whole thing.
I love the way this game brings people together.
posted by 256 at 7:32 PM on June 19, 2018 [4 favorites]
The guy saw me watching and asked who I supported. I told him Mexico and he said he was pulling for Argentina and we had a good chat about how Argentina is going to die in a dumpster fire and Mexico is going to win the whole thing.
I love the way this game brings people together.
posted by 256 at 7:32 PM on June 19, 2018 [4 favorites]
Senegal’s Alou Cisse : cool coach or COOLEST coach?
posted by fifteen schnitzengruben is my limit at 8:16 PM on June 19, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by fifteen schnitzengruben is my limit at 8:16 PM on June 19, 2018 [3 favorites]
Aliou Cissé is also widely admired for his response, as captain of the Senegalese national team, to the Joola ferry disaster. Grief of the Lions (the team is known as the Teranga Lions) is an article from 2002 about that. Here’s an excerpt:
It wasn't until the day after that Aliou Cissé heard the earth-shattering news about his family.posted by Kattullus at 11:37 PM on June 19, 2018 [1 favorite]
Sitting in his new flat in south-east Birmingham, late at night and more than 24 hours after a ferry, Le Joola, had gone down at the cost of more than 1,000 lives, Cissé's phone rang.
'I was watching television, and it was very late in the evening,' the Senegal captain and Birmingham City midfielder said in Dakar last week. 'Then I got a call from a friend in England, who told me the ferry had sunk.'
At first, Cissé did not realise the pictures of a slowly overturning boat he had been watching minutes earlier signalled the death of 11 members of his own family.
In theory, all the games today should be one-sided, but conversely a case can be made for all of them featuring upsets.
Morocco were desperately unlucky to lose against Iran. Not only did they concede a ludicrously unlikely own goal but we’re also unlucky not to score two or three against Iran. The Portuguese defense isn’t what it was two years ago, so if Morocco’s luck turns Portugal could be in for a rude awakening. On the other hand, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Saudi Arabia were absolutely dreadful against Russia, but Uruguay weren’t too impressive against a very limited Egypt. If Uruguay start to get frustrated and make a mistake or two, the ball could bounce Saudi Arabia’s way. That said, if the forward line isn’t doing the job, the Uruguayan defense is perfectly capable of finishing the job, as they did against Egypt. Oh, and Saudi Arabia looked dreadful against Russia, really, really dreadful.
On paper Spain should bulldoze Iran, but the Iranians have a canny, meticulous coach in Carlos Queiroz, and they know that if they get something out of today’s match they’ll have an excellent chance to go through to the second round for the first time in their history. They will be playing for their lives. But Spain have approximately a million different ways to hurt them.
In sum it should be an absolutely fascinating set of games but I’ll miss at least a part of all of them, and possibly all of Portugal-Morocco. On the other hand, it could be three comfortable wins for the favorites.
posted by Kattullus at 1:08 AM on June 20, 2018 [1 favorite]
Morocco were desperately unlucky to lose against Iran. Not only did they concede a ludicrously unlikely own goal but we’re also unlucky not to score two or three against Iran. The Portuguese defense isn’t what it was two years ago, so if Morocco’s luck turns Portugal could be in for a rude awakening. On the other hand, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Saudi Arabia were absolutely dreadful against Russia, but Uruguay weren’t too impressive against a very limited Egypt. If Uruguay start to get frustrated and make a mistake or two, the ball could bounce Saudi Arabia’s way. That said, if the forward line isn’t doing the job, the Uruguayan defense is perfectly capable of finishing the job, as they did against Egypt. Oh, and Saudi Arabia looked dreadful against Russia, really, really dreadful.
On paper Spain should bulldoze Iran, but the Iranians have a canny, meticulous coach in Carlos Queiroz, and they know that if they get something out of today’s match they’ll have an excellent chance to go through to the second round for the first time in their history. They will be playing for their lives. But Spain have approximately a million different ways to hurt them.
In sum it should be an absolutely fascinating set of games but I’ll miss at least a part of all of them, and possibly all of Portugal-Morocco. On the other hand, it could be three comfortable wins for the favorites.
posted by Kattullus at 1:08 AM on June 20, 2018 [1 favorite]
That was a nice set piece. Defense lost track immediately after the short corner.
posted by lmfsilva at 5:06 AM on June 20, 2018
posted by lmfsilva at 5:06 AM on June 20, 2018
I have an irrational hatred for Cristiano's little celebration jump thing. If only he would stop scoring goals, I wouldn't have to watch it.
posted by ceejaytee at 5:06 AM on June 20, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by ceejaytee at 5:06 AM on June 20, 2018 [1 favorite]
Have to miss the Portugal-Morocco game, and judging by The Gaurdian’s liveblog, I’m missing a lot just in the first five minutes. Argh.
posted by ardgedee at 5:06 AM on June 20, 2018
posted by ardgedee at 5:06 AM on June 20, 2018
I'm not sure if the guy that was knocked out in the first game should be playing. Yeah, he plays in the flank, but that rugby helmet will do little if he faceplants again.
posted by lmfsilva at 5:13 AM on June 20, 2018
posted by lmfsilva at 5:13 AM on June 20, 2018
If you can find it for your area, the radio broadcasts are free and available on the Internet. Canada (only works for me in Explorer or Edge with no ad-blocker), UK.
posted by clawsoon at 5:17 AM on June 20, 2018
posted by clawsoon at 5:17 AM on June 20, 2018
Ronaldo scores 4th.
Portugal continues to bumble along.
posted by chavenet at 5:36 AM on June 20, 2018
Portugal continues to bumble along.
posted by chavenet at 5:36 AM on June 20, 2018
As far as I can tell from scrolling through the Guardian liveblog, and from what I saw of the Spain game, Portugal at the World Cup is the opposite of Portugal at Euro 2016. Now Cristiano is carrying the team, but two years ago the team carried him to the title.
posted by Kattullus at 5:51 AM on June 20, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Kattullus at 5:51 AM on June 20, 2018 [1 favorite]
Yeah, every team that has a big star on the squad has been accused at some point of being a one-man team. But so far this tournament, Portugal is the only team that's actually playing like one.
posted by 256 at 5:54 AM on June 20, 2018
posted by 256 at 5:54 AM on June 20, 2018
Portugal is playing as bad as it did 4 years ago, the only difference is that Ronaldo isn't completely knackered and now plays mostly as a goal-poacher instead of trying to do it all.
In a way, it's less of a one-man team as it used to be (~2008 to 2014). For instance, Ronaldo now no longer backtracks to demand the ball and try a FIFA dribble until he's able to shoot, and the midfield and wide players are the ones tasked to push the ball forward, and Ronaldo is a lot more static uo front and often backtracks just to shake the marking away for a bit and create space.
It is, however, fully dependent on Ronaldo tapping those balls in to get results. Trading one vice for the other.
posted by lmfsilva at 6:07 AM on June 20, 2018 [3 favorites]
In a way, it's less of a one-man team as it used to be (~2008 to 2014). For instance, Ronaldo now no longer backtracks to demand the ball and try a FIFA dribble until he's able to shoot, and the midfield and wide players are the ones tasked to push the ball forward, and Ronaldo is a lot more static uo front and often backtracks just to shake the marking away for a bit and create space.
It is, however, fully dependent on Ronaldo tapping those balls in to get results. Trading one vice for the other.
posted by lmfsilva at 6:07 AM on June 20, 2018 [3 favorites]
The referee is American. This is fine.
W3 MAD3 THA W0RLD CUP AFTER ALL!!1!
U-S-A! U-S-A!
posted by Huffy Puffy at 6:33 AM on June 20, 2018 [4 favorites]
W3 MAD3 THA W0RLD CUP AFTER ALL!!1!
U-S-A! U-S-A!
posted by Huffy Puffy at 6:33 AM on June 20, 2018 [4 favorites]
Glad I didn't bother watching that one; seems to have been a snoozer, and I wouldn't have enjoyed seeing Cristiano's celebration jump thing.
> The referee is American. This is fine.
Are referees not supposed to come from countries whose teams didn't make the Cup? Not snarking, I don't see what the problem is.
posted by languagehat at 6:56 AM on June 20, 2018
> The referee is American. This is fine.
Are referees not supposed to come from countries whose teams didn't make the Cup? Not snarking, I don't see what the problem is.
posted by languagehat at 6:56 AM on June 20, 2018
The refereeing in this game was ... eccentric.
But no it doesn't matter where he's from.
Portugal's not going to get much further if they don't get their act together. You could tell from the coach's face that he is not happy with his boys, not happy at all.
Morocco played their little hearts out.
posted by chavenet at 7:02 AM on June 20, 2018
But no it doesn't matter where he's from.
Portugal's not going to get much further if they don't get their act together. You could tell from the coach's face that he is not happy with his boys, not happy at all.
Morocco played their little hearts out.
posted by chavenet at 7:02 AM on June 20, 2018
Ah, gotcha. Didn’t watch the game, so didn’t know about the refereeing.
posted by languagehat at 7:21 AM on June 20, 2018
posted by languagehat at 7:21 AM on June 20, 2018
Heh, playing to the opponent's level won Euro 2016. However, with today's performance, Portugal would have been beaten or at least tied like 7 out of 10 times. Literally saved by a couple of wild shots a better forward would have less problems putting them in and a magnificent save by Patrício.
posted by lmfsilva at 7:25 AM on June 20, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by lmfsilva at 7:25 AM on June 20, 2018 [1 favorite]
suarez's Face of Outrage is so delightful to me.
posted by poffin boffin at 8:15 AM on June 20, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by poffin boffin at 8:15 AM on June 20, 2018 [1 favorite]
Chewie! (Sorry, that's what my Barcelona-supporting family calls Suarez, for obvious reasons.)
posted by ceejaytee at 8:25 AM on June 20, 2018
posted by ceejaytee at 8:25 AM on June 20, 2018
So, if Uruguay wins this (which seems likely), Russia is through to the round of 16. (As is Uruguay, with Monday's game deciding who wins the group).
posted by 256 at 8:27 AM on June 20, 2018
posted by 256 at 8:27 AM on June 20, 2018
Oh and, interestingly, barring a Uruguay win margin of 6+ goals today (which is not looking very likely at this point), Russia will only need a draw on Monday to win the group.
posted by 256 at 8:30 AM on June 20, 2018
posted by 256 at 8:30 AM on June 20, 2018
This game bites.
posted by lmfsilva at 8:41 AM on June 20, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by lmfsilva at 8:41 AM on June 20, 2018 [2 favorites]
not in the last 4 years!
posted by poffin boffin at 8:42 AM on June 20, 2018 [6 favorites]
posted by poffin boffin at 8:42 AM on June 20, 2018 [6 favorites]
OMG, I was wondering where you guys were! I miss one day of action and you move to the next thread!
What's happening, fellow kids? Help your friend who can't stream at the office.
posted by nubs at 9:25 AM on June 20, 2018
What's happening, fellow kids? Help your friend who can't stream at the office.
posted by nubs at 9:25 AM on June 20, 2018
URU and KSA are playing a mind-boggling you dull game.
posted by languagehat at 9:27 AM on June 20, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by languagehat at 9:27 AM on June 20, 2018 [1 favorite]
Uruguay is up 1-0 but hasn't looked particularly threatening, Saudi Arabia is a different team than the one that got destroyed in its opener against Russia but haven't yet found the net.
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 9:28 AM on June 20, 2018
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 9:28 AM on June 20, 2018
Oh, URU are ahead 1-0. Embarrassing for them, I presume, considering Russia got five.
posted by languagehat at 9:29 AM on June 20, 2018
posted by languagehat at 9:29 AM on June 20, 2018
if the result holds this will make today 2/2 in the higher quality teams barely show up, yet somehow squeak by with three points. . .
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 9:29 AM on June 20, 2018
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 9:29 AM on June 20, 2018
Don’t know how that “you” got in there. Ignore it.
posted by languagehat at 9:30 AM on June 20, 2018
posted by languagehat at 9:30 AM on June 20, 2018
It sounds amazingly exciting on the radio.
posted by clawsoon at 9:35 AM on June 20, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by clawsoon at 9:35 AM on June 20, 2018 [1 favorite]
KSA attack completely fizzles out.
posted by languagehat at 9:44 AM on June 20, 2018
posted by languagehat at 9:44 AM on June 20, 2018
WTB a last minute equalizer. That would entirely redeem this match and make Monday's matches very interesting.
posted by 256 at 9:45 AM on June 20, 2018
posted by 256 at 9:45 AM on June 20, 2018
KSA don’t seem aware that they need to score in the next couple of minutes.
posted by languagehat at 9:49 AM on June 20, 2018
posted by languagehat at 9:49 AM on June 20, 2018
Uruguay are a notoriously cautious team in the World Cup. They have like five wins by more than a single goal margin since their last title in 1950, and three of them were in 1954. And this is a team that regularly makes it into the knockout stages, at least the times they survive the South American battle royale.
So, we might them vs Portugal, a team that always plays down (or up) to the opponents in the R16. Prepare your (stimulant-powdered) popcorn for that game, because it's going to be a doozy.
posted by lmfsilva at 10:19 AM on June 20, 2018 [3 favorites]
So, we might them vs Portugal, a team that always plays down (or up) to the opponents in the R16. Prepare your (stimulant-powdered) popcorn for that game, because it's going to be a doozy.
posted by lmfsilva at 10:19 AM on June 20, 2018 [3 favorites]
as an aside, how is each stage going to look when they increase the number of teams to 48 in 2026? is it basically the same except with an additional round before what we have now with 32? i can't picture the brackets with 3 teams in a group and it's frustrating.
posted by poffin boffin at 10:47 AM on June 20, 2018
posted by poffin boffin at 10:47 AM on June 20, 2018
poffin boffin, it seems very much up in the air - this article does a good job laying out the problems with 3 team brackets. They tabled talks recently to expand the 2022 Cup to 48 teams, though that might be more because of stadium space than the rule changes?
We had a bit of discussion about the possibilities and alternate models in the first matchday thread, and lmfsilva had a good response to what I thought was a possible solution (also proposed in the article above) - 12 groups of 4, with the top two from each advancing, along with the 8 best 3rd place teams as "wild cards". I've seen other sports in North America use that "wild card" model and it seems to add excitement to a league season, but what I had not thought about was the nature of the group draw at the WC, and how the relative luck of the draw would have huge impact on those 8 spots in the short opening stage.
So yeah, complicated question, and I'm sure that FIFA have their top men on it. Top. Men. Who are focused on the purity of the game and competition and not anything to do with money.
posted by nubs at 11:02 AM on June 20, 2018 [1 favorite]
We had a bit of discussion about the possibilities and alternate models in the first matchday thread, and lmfsilva had a good response to what I thought was a possible solution (also proposed in the article above) - 12 groups of 4, with the top two from each advancing, along with the 8 best 3rd place teams as "wild cards". I've seen other sports in North America use that "wild card" model and it seems to add excitement to a league season, but what I had not thought about was the nature of the group draw at the WC, and how the relative luck of the draw would have huge impact on those 8 spots in the short opening stage.
So yeah, complicated question, and I'm sure that FIFA have their top men on it. Top. Men. Who are focused on the purity of the game and competition and not anything to do with money.
posted by nubs at 11:02 AM on June 20, 2018 [1 favorite]
Anyways, I have my radio streaming issues figured out - between my adblocker needs and the various work-related filters - so I can at least listen to this next game.
posted by nubs at 11:03 AM on June 20, 2018
posted by nubs at 11:03 AM on June 20, 2018
This is turning out to be a terrible World Cup for Arabic teams. First three teams to go out are from Arabic-speaking countries, and Tunisia is in a precarious position. There probably will be an interesting conversation about football in the Arabic world after this tournament.
I caught the last fifteen minutes of Portugal-Morocco and the latter were clearly a good team who lacked someone to put away the chances. Saudi Arabia were a bad team, but gave at least a better account of themselves.
So far no upsets on the second matchday, if Russia beating Egypt comfortably doesn’t count. Ramos has only played one game in this tournament and he’s already thrown one team out of the tournament. Speaking of teams who come up against Ramos, I hope Iran can keep the party going. But I bet all Iranian Liverpool fans are preparing their “marg bar Ramos” chants.
posted by Kattullus at 11:10 AM on June 20, 2018
I caught the last fifteen minutes of Portugal-Morocco and the latter were clearly a good team who lacked someone to put away the chances. Saudi Arabia were a bad team, but gave at least a better account of themselves.
So far no upsets on the second matchday, if Russia beating Egypt comfortably doesn’t count. Ramos has only played one game in this tournament and he’s already thrown one team out of the tournament. Speaking of teams who come up against Ramos, I hope Iran can keep the party going. But I bet all Iranian Liverpool fans are preparing their “marg bar Ramos” chants.
posted by Kattullus at 11:10 AM on June 20, 2018
i can't picture the brackets with 3 teams in a group and it's frustrating.
It shouldn't be too hard. Ultimately, World Cup brackets comes down to "the even group winners go into left bracket and they play the second place teams of the next odd group, and on right bracket it's the opposite" Basically, with 16 groups, A to P, round of 32 would be 1A-2B, 1C-2D, 1E-2F, 1G-2H, 1I-2J, 1K-2L, 1M-2N and 1O-2P. For the other side, swap the numbers (1B-2A, 1D-2C, 1-2E, etc).
posted by lmfsilva at 11:17 AM on June 20, 2018
It shouldn't be too hard. Ultimately, World Cup brackets comes down to "the even group winners go into left bracket and they play the second place teams of the next odd group, and on right bracket it's the opposite" Basically, with 16 groups, A to P, round of 32 would be 1A-2B, 1C-2D, 1E-2F, 1G-2H, 1I-2J, 1K-2L, 1M-2N and 1O-2P. For the other side, swap the numbers (1B-2A, 1D-2C, 1-2E, etc).
posted by lmfsilva at 11:17 AM on June 20, 2018
35 minutes in and so far Spain seem content to simply grind down Iran until they’re impatient and nervous.
posted by ardgedee at 11:36 AM on June 20, 2018
posted by ardgedee at 11:36 AM on June 20, 2018
Of course, this assuming two teams qualify, which I think it's a mistake. As I mentioned previously, I'd rather only one team qualified and with three teams on each group, I'd have the Pot 1 team play the Pot 3 on Matchday1, Pot 2 vs Pot 3 on M2, and what would almost certainly be the case, a winner takes all Pot 1 vs Pot 2 on M3, as the odds of a Pot 3 team advancing wouldn't be that great: we're talking about teams on Saudi Arabia levels of "well, it's already great we came here".
If two teams advance, the Pot 1 team could have a few additional days of rest by ordering the games 1-2, 1-3, 2-3.
It's been a while since I did tournament brackets (I mean, I've spent most of my childhood into mid mid-20s doing them for table football on my own) , but if I'm bored tomorrow, I can probably whip out a 48 team, 3 team calendar.
posted by lmfsilva at 11:42 AM on June 20, 2018
If two teams advance, the Pot 1 team could have a few additional days of rest by ordering the games 1-2, 1-3, 2-3.
It's been a while since I did tournament brackets (I mean, I've spent most of my childhood into mid mid-20s doing them for table football on my own) , but if I'm bored tomorrow, I can probably whip out a 48 team, 3 team calendar.
posted by lmfsilva at 11:42 AM on June 20, 2018
The radio announcers are casting this as a David against Goliath match, with David hanging on.
posted by nubs at 11:42 AM on June 20, 2018
posted by nubs at 11:42 AM on June 20, 2018
Goliath is getting really frustrated. A very different one from the match with Porto.
Also, vuvuzelas. The sound of hell ripping through into our dimension erasing all peace and harmony.
posted by From Bklyn at 11:48 AM on June 20, 2018
Also, vuvuzelas. The sound of hell ripping through into our dimension erasing all peace and harmony.
posted by From Bklyn at 11:48 AM on June 20, 2018
Announcers just taught me a Russian proverb - if Iran had scored off that call, it would have been "like letting the goat into the vegetable garden".
posted by nubs at 11:50 AM on June 20, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by nubs at 11:50 AM on June 20, 2018 [2 favorites]
The radio announcers are casting this as a David against Goliath match, with David hanging on.
They are taking considerable delight in the possibility that David might win, and in the certainty that Iran's psychological games are getting under Spain's skin. It might be more entertaining than the game itself.
posted by clawsoon at 11:51 AM on June 20, 2018
They are taking considerable delight in the possibility that David might win, and in the certainty that Iran's psychological games are getting under Spain's skin. It might be more entertaining than the game itself.
posted by clawsoon at 11:51 AM on June 20, 2018
Yeah, I can't tell if the game is any good or if the announcers are just having so much fun with the idea of Iran frustrating Spain and maybe winning that it sounds like a good game. I guess that's a skill.
posted by nubs at 11:55 AM on June 20, 2018
posted by nubs at 11:55 AM on June 20, 2018
Aww, Spain still haven't played the Republican kits*, I kinda wanted to see the phalangists losing their shit over it. What is weird is that while Spain is the designated away team, Iran usually plays white, so, are Spain actually avoid playing that kit?
*basically, the kit uses the same adidas style of thin lines of blue (and yellow) on the side of the jersey, which as you can imagine, looked republican purple on the early photos, and some people were not amused.
posted by lmfsilva at 12:03 PM on June 20, 2018
*basically, the kit uses the same adidas style of thin lines of blue (and yellow) on the side of the jersey, which as you can imagine, looked republican purple on the early photos, and some people were not amused.
posted by lmfsilva at 12:03 PM on June 20, 2018
Iran being in Red and Spain being in white is proving very confusing to me. I keep assuming anyone in a red shirt is Spain.
posted by yasaman at 12:10 PM on June 20, 2018
posted by yasaman at 12:10 PM on June 20, 2018
lol they were straight up scared into making that goal by iran's incredibly close near miss
posted by poffin boffin at 12:14 PM on June 20, 2018
posted by poffin boffin at 12:14 PM on June 20, 2018
since im thinking "this will be an exciting final 30 mintues" I fully expect spain to score 3 or 4 in the next 5 mins.
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 12:20 PM on June 20, 2018
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 12:20 PM on June 20, 2018
wait are they calling it back????
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 12:21 PM on June 20, 2018
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 12:21 PM on June 20, 2018
*hysterical laughter*
posted by Bloxworth Snout at 12:22 PM on June 20, 2018
posted by Bloxworth Snout at 12:22 PM on June 20, 2018
Oh hang on the ref’s reviewing it
posted by Bloxworth Snout at 12:22 PM on June 20, 2018
posted by Bloxworth Snout at 12:22 PM on June 20, 2018
what is happen
posted by poffin boffin at 12:22 PM on June 20, 2018
posted by poffin boffin at 12:22 PM on June 20, 2018
this is, unquestionably, the worst part of the VAR process.
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 12:22 PM on June 20, 2018
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 12:22 PM on June 20, 2018
fora de joc
posted by poffin boffin at 12:23 PM on June 20, 2018
posted by poffin boffin at 12:23 PM on June 20, 2018
wow, I guess they got the call correct in the end but heartbreaking for Iran.
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 12:23 PM on June 20, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 12:23 PM on June 20, 2018 [1 favorite]
Well, it was definitely offside, but damn that hurts.
posted by ceejaytee at 12:24 PM on June 20, 2018
posted by ceejaytee at 12:24 PM on June 20, 2018
Disallowed!
Also, from the liveblog:
posted by fifteen schnitzengruben is my limit at 12:26 PM on June 20, 2018 [2 favorites]
Also, from the liveblog:
“What would Hitchcock’s movies have sounded like had Bernard Hermann had access to 40,000 vuvuzelaists?”One of the earliest Android apps I ever downloaded was a vuvuzela noisemaker. It was the worst/best thing ever. I cannot imagine it in said film score and retain sanity.
posted by fifteen schnitzengruben is my limit at 12:26 PM on June 20, 2018 [2 favorites]
Spain not looking that solid in the back. If Iran holds on defense, can totally see them sneaking one in.
posted by lmfsilva at 12:28 PM on June 20, 2018
posted by lmfsilva at 12:28 PM on June 20, 2018
This is ... impressive.
posted by From Bklyn at 12:35 PM on June 20, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by From Bklyn at 12:35 PM on June 20, 2018 [1 favorite]
If the game ends 1-0, Portugal and Spain will have identical records, the tiebreaker being number of cards. Morocco will have nothing to play for against Spain but their pride. Unless Morocco beat Spain by two goals or more, a draw will do Iran absolutely no good, so they will need to beat Portugal to advance to the second round. A draw, meanwhile, will suffice for Portugal, but Cristiano Ronaldo has his eye on the Golden Boot, so Iran-Portugal has a chance of being a splendid match.
posted by Kattullus at 12:42 PM on June 20, 2018
posted by Kattullus at 12:42 PM on June 20, 2018
This is utter shite. If Rick Wakeman was a Spanish player he’d have ordered a curry by now.
posted by daveje at 12:44 PM on June 20, 2018
posted by daveje at 12:44 PM on June 20, 2018
can't wait to watch both games simultaneously in different languages and have a nervous breakdown again.
posted by poffin boffin at 12:46 PM on June 20, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by poffin boffin at 12:46 PM on June 20, 2018 [1 favorite]
The fluidity of the Spanish team congealed when Iniesta went off. Same thing happened in their game against Portugal. Considering he can’t last a whole game, that should worry the Spanish.
posted by Kattullus at 12:48 PM on June 20, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Kattullus at 12:48 PM on June 20, 2018 [1 favorite]
I have to admit that seeing Queiroz, who has been one of the worst coaches for the NT in both his passages here, knock out Portugal would amuse me for the rest of the Summer.
posted by lmfsilva at 12:48 PM on June 20, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by lmfsilva at 12:48 PM on June 20, 2018 [1 favorite]
Just sat down with the build up to Denmark Australia. I didn't catch the first Australia game, but Denmark did not play well against Peru, so I'm slightly dreading it.
posted by Dysk at 4:39 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by Dysk at 4:39 AM on June 21, 2018
Anyone else think the Aussies mistimed singing to the anthem? Felt a beat or so out to me. (GO SOCCEROOS regardless.)
posted by freethefeet at 4:58 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by freethefeet at 4:58 AM on June 21, 2018
Off-key or off-time. You must choose at least one.
posted by ardgedee at 5:00 AM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by ardgedee at 5:00 AM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
To be fair, if soccer was judged by singing prowess, Sweden could end up dominating the sport.
posted by ardgedee at 5:01 AM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by ardgedee at 5:01 AM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
An interesting data analysis via The Guardian's liveblog: Russia's players are displaying some statistical anomalies. Cue the inevitable "Yeah but everybody dopes" contrarians.
posted by ardgedee at 5:05 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by ardgedee at 5:05 AM on June 21, 2018
More stats, via the same liveblog: "normal" goals are unusually rare this tournament.
posted by ardgedee at 5:07 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by ardgedee at 5:07 AM on June 21, 2018
Beautiful Danish goal!
posted by needled at 5:08 AM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by needled at 5:08 AM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
That was a lovely pass, and a great strike! Looking a lot more positive than against Peru.
posted by Dysk at 5:09 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by Dysk at 5:09 AM on June 21, 2018
Australia very much playing to type: mostly OK, occasional defensive lapse, can never find the crucial ball into the box.
posted by hawthorne at 5:15 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by hawthorne at 5:15 AM on June 21, 2018
I'm not sure if I entirely agree with the penalty call, but I don't think it's criminal either. Australia have been looking a lot better on attack, so if they score this it'll be deserved at least.
posted by Dysk at 5:38 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by Dysk at 5:38 AM on June 21, 2018
Right- penalties have been the only goals Socceroos have scored this World Cup.
posted by freethefeet at 5:40 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by freethefeet at 5:40 AM on June 21, 2018
So the straight red for Colombia yesterday was because it was an intentional hand ball in the box vs this incidental contact for a yellow?
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 5:41 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 5:41 AM on June 21, 2018
Heh Dysk, the Aussies spent ages lamenting the VAR penalty goal after the France game- so it's nice to get one the other way. :) (Both have been hand ball goals too, come to think of it.)
posted by freethefeet at 5:41 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by freethefeet at 5:41 AM on June 21, 2018
I can't really say it was an unfair decision entirely, though it looked very unintentional to me, the ball did come off Jørgensen's arm as he was trying to whip it out the way, and that ball was otherwise heading at least vaguely in the direction of the net.
It's been a really good game, lots of attacking football, and it's only just started getting scrappy, it's been pretty clean most of the first half.
posted by Dysk at 5:45 AM on June 21, 2018
It's been a really good game, lots of attacking football, and it's only just started getting scrappy, it's been pretty clean most of the first half.
posted by Dysk at 5:45 AM on June 21, 2018
I'm not sure why Hareide still lets Poulsen near the box - last game he had a couple of plays that could have turned into penalties, and well, here we are now.
posted by lmfsilva at 5:55 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by lmfsilva at 5:55 AM on June 21, 2018
So torn. I would love to stay up and watch (especially with the lovely fan-fare company!) But I think my full on day of Year 7 & 8 tomorrow requires a bit more sleep. Enjoy!
posted by freethefeet at 5:55 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by freethefeet at 5:55 AM on June 21, 2018
So if Tim Cahill comes on and heads in a winner in the 85th minute, that means he gets to board the White Ship and sail off to the Undying Lands forever, right?
posted by robocop is bleeding at 6:15 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by robocop is bleeding at 6:15 AM on June 21, 2018
(It was indeed Poulsen's arm, not Jørgensen's, that was the cause of the penalty. Whoops.)
Australia are looking the more dangerous side so far in the second half. I'm almost reduced to hoping Denmark can hold on for the draw.
posted by Dysk at 6:19 AM on June 21, 2018
Australia are looking the more dangerous side so far in the second half. I'm almost reduced to hoping Denmark can hold on for the draw.
posted by Dysk at 6:19 AM on June 21, 2018
What a freak injury. Didn't even looked like he put a lot of weight of that shoulder.
posted by lmfsilva at 6:32 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by lmfsilva at 6:32 AM on June 21, 2018
SBNation: What is an Absolute Unit? Big Beefy Boys of the World Cup, Explained
posted by everybody had matching towels at 6:33 AM on June 21, 2018 [4 favorites]
posted by everybody had matching towels at 6:33 AM on June 21, 2018 [4 favorites]
As the British commentators and analysts continue to argue about the penalty call, I think the scoreline is essentially a fair reflection of the game. And it was exciting to watch!
posted by Dysk at 6:53 AM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Dysk at 6:53 AM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
Young Arzani is a big plus for Australia - refreshing to have someone who looks to attack rather than potter about at the edge of the area.
posted by hawthorne at 6:57 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by hawthorne at 6:57 AM on June 21, 2018
A friend wrote about Senegal and football for the NY Review of Books' series of essays on the World Cup that is quite lovely. There are also essays currently up about Brazil, Mexico, England, Peru, and Argentina, and they are all lovely.
posted by ChuraChura at 7:50 AM on June 21, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by ChuraChura at 7:50 AM on June 21, 2018 [3 favorites]
Nobody watching France-Peru?
posted by languagehat at 8:22 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by languagehat at 8:22 AM on June 21, 2018
No score yet, but lots of action.
posted by languagehat at 8:23 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by languagehat at 8:23 AM on June 21, 2018
Fox Sports says France is missing some "va-va-voom". I can't dispute that. They don't seem as sharp as they should.
posted by ceejaytee at 8:31 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by ceejaytee at 8:31 AM on June 21, 2018
Peru almost scored — great save!
posted by languagehat at 8:32 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by languagehat at 8:32 AM on June 21, 2018
Mbappe missing the artistic shot, and makes the most of a broken play to tap in the first.
Good game so far.
posted by lmfsilva at 8:34 AM on June 21, 2018
Good game so far.
posted by lmfsilva at 8:34 AM on June 21, 2018
Pogba to Mbappe, boom, 1-0 France!
posted by languagehat at 8:35 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by languagehat at 8:35 AM on June 21, 2018
Reading the ticker at work. It's... not the same. Allez les Bleus!
posted by Capt. Renault at 8:53 AM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by Capt. Renault at 8:53 AM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
France with the advantage at half-time, but nothing seems settled. France still looks a bit shaky and open themselves to counterr attacks.
posted by lmfsilva at 9:01 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by lmfsilva at 9:01 AM on June 21, 2018
What a bend on that shot. So close to being back level.
posted by lmfsilva at 9:11 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by lmfsilva at 9:11 AM on June 21, 2018
I'm signed up to one of those score prediction leagues and it is changing my perspective on following some of the afternoon games. For the record, the 1-0 suits me very well this afternoon.
I plan on watching a whole lot more in the next 2 weeks as holiday begins, been too much to get done this week for appropriate levels of lazing around in bars.
posted by biffa at 9:14 AM on June 21, 2018
I plan on watching a whole lot more in the next 2 weeks as holiday begins, been too much to get done this week for appropriate levels of lazing around in bars.
posted by biffa at 9:14 AM on June 21, 2018
Another dangerous play by Peru. Deschamps looking very concerned.
posted by lmfsilva at 9:33 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by lmfsilva at 9:33 AM on June 21, 2018
France shouldn’t be wasting so much time at this point in the game.
posted by Liesl at 9:35 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by Liesl at 9:35 AM on June 21, 2018
Poor Peru are playing their hearts out but not getting any breaks.
posted by languagehat at 9:39 AM on June 21, 2018 [4 favorites]
posted by languagehat at 9:39 AM on June 21, 2018 [4 favorites]
So if France wins this, then the France-Denmark game becomes a worrying collusion temptation, since both teams would clearly benefit from a draw, right?
posted by 256 at 9:47 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by 256 at 9:47 AM on June 21, 2018
hisss
posted by poffin boffin at 9:53 AM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by poffin boffin at 9:53 AM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
France has advanced. Peru eliminated. Denmark needs a draw or better on Tuesday in order to be safe from being overtaken by Australia.
posted by 256 at 9:55 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by 256 at 9:55 AM on June 21, 2018
I'm not sure how France benefit from a draw? I can see how they'd be happy to settle for one, but surely winning would be even better?
posted by Dysk at 9:59 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by Dysk at 9:59 AM on June 21, 2018
I want a vote down option for the statement "Peru eliminated".
posted by Quasirandom at 9:59 AM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Quasirandom at 9:59 AM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
I'm vaguely rooting for France to win the Cup because France would spend the next year being about 6% less racist, and the world could use whatever breaks it can get. That said, this sucks so hard for Peru. I hate watching a team play so hard and go out during the group stage -- especially knowing that several dull, lackluster teams will advance.
posted by grandiloquiet at 10:01 AM on June 21, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by grandiloquiet at 10:01 AM on June 21, 2018 [3 favorites]
(And assuming Australia beat Peru and France beat Denmark - which I probably consider the most likely outcomes - then it's down to goal difference for Australia and Denmark for who goes through? Matchday 3 is going to be tense!)
posted by Dysk at 10:02 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by Dysk at 10:02 AM on June 21, 2018
I'm not sure how France benefit from a draw? I can see how they'd be happy to settle for one, but surely winning would be even better?
France is already through, but if Denmark somehow beats them on Tuesday then Denmark gets the top spot and Australia likely ends up facing Argentina in the Round of 16, which they would rather avoid. (Although Argentina winning Group D is far from guaranteed at this point thanks to Iceland).
A draw guarantees France the top spot and is 100% as good for them as a win at this point, as far as actual tournament results are concerned.
In practise, I expect France to play for the win anyway because they likely aren't scared of Denmark.
posted by 256 at 10:05 AM on June 21, 2018
France is already through, but if Denmark somehow beats them on Tuesday then Denmark gets the top spot and Australia likely ends up facing Argentina in the Round of 16, which they would rather avoid. (Although Argentina winning Group D is far from guaranteed at this point thanks to Iceland).
A draw guarantees France the top spot and is 100% as good for them as a win at this point, as far as actual tournament results are concerned.
In practise, I expect France to play for the win anyway because they likely aren't scared of Denmark.
posted by 256 at 10:05 AM on June 21, 2018
The biggest risk for Australia as far as collusion goes is France giving the first team stars a rest, particularly if first place doesn't mean avoiding Argentina in the R16.
posted by lmfsilva at 10:18 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by lmfsilva at 10:18 AM on June 21, 2018
In the case of France, giving the first team a rest means that all the other players who want to prove themselves will go all out to secure first team status. Considering who’s been stuck to bench for France, that’s not much of an advantage, and probably the opposite, for Denmark.
Also, poor Peru. Worse teams than them will advance to the second round.
posted by Kattullus at 10:27 AM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
Also, poor Peru. Worse teams than them will advance to the second round.
posted by Kattullus at 10:27 AM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
Argentina vs Croatia Guardian live updates
Argentina v Croatia Washington Post live updates
Argentina went into this tournament as one of the favourites to win the whole shebang. Hey, if you’ve got Lionel Messi in your side, it’s not the wildest notion. But if, for a while, it became easy to forget how they scraped through qualifying, their turgid performance against Iceland served as a sharp reminder that this isn’t the greatest vintage of the Albiceleste. Suddenly you wonder: the two-time winners and five-time finalists couldn’t crash out in the groups, could they?Argentina v Croatia Telegraph live updates
There’d be a fair chance of that happening if they don’t do the business against Croatia tonight. The Croats eased past the much-heralded Nigerians in their opening game, and any team with Luka Modrić pulling the strings is going to pose problems. Especially if you’ve got a rickety defence. So, this is potentially highly interesting, the first case of big-team jeopardy at the 2018 World Cup.
Both of these teams look their happiest when going forward. Accordingly, you’d think both will go in search of the win: Croatia because they’ll qualify for the next round with one, Argentina because they kind of need it. Should be a cracker, then. It’s on!
Argentina v Croatia Washington Post live updates
Pregame thoughtsposted by the man of twists and turns at 10:27 AM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
What a treat this match should be. This Group D contest pits Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi of Argentina and Ivan Rakitic of Croatia. It’s the first meeting of the teams at the World Cup since 1998, where Argentina edged Croatia, 1-0. Argentina finds itself needing a victory after conceding a draw to Iceland in its first match. Croatia looked solid as it took care of Nigeria, 2-0. Both teams feel very comfortable playing with possession of the ball, which means counterattacks and set pieces will matter. Also, fouls: Messi missed a penalty, which led to that disappointing result against Iceland. Luka Modric finished his penalty attempt against Nigeria.
Speaking of Group D, today's final game is going to tell us a lot. All logic suggests that Argentina should win, but given how much they struggled against Iceland (and Croatia's performance against Nigeria), anything is possible
If Argentina wins handily, it will be a sign that things are starting to make sense again, but a draw would blow the group wide open, with every team in the group still having a shot at the top spot.
posted by 256 at 10:29 AM on June 21, 2018
If Argentina wins handily, it will be a sign that things are starting to make sense again, but a draw would blow the group wide open, with every team in the group still having a shot at the top spot.
posted by 256 at 10:29 AM on June 21, 2018
In other words, the same sentiments express in TMOTAT's links, which I would have known if I had used preview.
posted by 256 at 10:36 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by 256 at 10:36 AM on June 21, 2018
Considering who’s been stuck to bench for France, that’s not much of an advantage, and probably the opposite, for Denmark.
That depends a bit if the changes are drastic, and the players used to playing together. I've seen a few cases where players were really going for it, but didn't have a lot of game time together and struggled with timing throughout the match.
I do agree it wouldn't make a lot of difference against Denmark. They're not playing great.
posted by lmfsilva at 10:44 AM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
That depends a bit if the changes are drastic, and the players used to playing together. I've seen a few cases where players were really going for it, but didn't have a lot of game time together and struggled with timing throughout the match.
I do agree it wouldn't make a lot of difference against Denmark. They're not playing great.
posted by lmfsilva at 10:44 AM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
I don't have a good feeling about this for Argentina. I want my man Messi to go all the way, but Argentina doesn't really seem to have good teamwork, certainly not the way Messi has with Barcelona. And Croatia looked very good in their last game.
posted by ceejaytee at 10:53 AM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by ceejaytee at 10:53 AM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
OK, who's going to win this match? Note: Answers other than "Argentina" will not be accepted.
posted by languagehat at 10:58 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by languagehat at 10:58 AM on June 21, 2018
I’ve seen my share of teams play Iceland in recent years and Argentina have been one of the best. Croatia didn’t play nearly as well against Iceland. I think Argentina will probably win tonight.
posted by Kattullus at 10:59 AM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Kattullus at 10:59 AM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
> OK, who's going to win this match? Note: Answers other than "Argentina" will not be accepted.
Do you mind if I think it over for a couple hours before answering?
posted by ardgedee at 11:00 AM on June 21, 2018
Do you mind if I think it over for a couple hours before answering?
posted by ardgedee at 11:00 AM on June 21, 2018
You just got quoted in the Guardian liveblog again, Kattullus
posted by nubs at 11:01 AM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by nubs at 11:01 AM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
Do you mind if I think it over for a couple hours before answering?
I’ll take that as an “Argentina.”
posted by languagehat at 11:03 AM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
I’ll take that as an “Argentina.”
posted by languagehat at 11:03 AM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
I want a draw. Let's blow this group open for matchday 3.
posted by nubs at 11:04 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by nubs at 11:04 AM on June 21, 2018
Dammit, Messi.
posted by languagehat at 11:12 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by languagehat at 11:12 AM on June 21, 2018
At least Argentina are showing some life.
posted by languagehat at 11:13 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by languagehat at 11:13 AM on June 21, 2018
I will never tire of watching strong athletic grown ass men weep inconsolably at having had their padded shins lightly tapped by a passing foot.
posted by poffin boffin at 11:13 AM on June 21, 2018 [4 favorites]
posted by poffin boffin at 11:13 AM on June 21, 2018 [4 favorites]
stressed out about how stressed Human Golden Retriever Lionel Messi looks today; someone please tell him he is a good boy
posted by karayel at 11:15 AM on June 21, 2018 [4 favorites]
posted by karayel at 11:15 AM on June 21, 2018 [4 favorites]
the goodest boy, my tiny son
posted by poffin boffin at 11:16 AM on June 21, 2018 [5 favorites]
posted by poffin boffin at 11:16 AM on June 21, 2018 [5 favorites]
Argentina are alive but feckless.
posted by languagehat at 11:22 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by languagehat at 11:22 AM on June 21, 2018
Argentina's defense don't look happy dealing with how far forward Croatia are playing...
posted by Dysk at 11:22 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by Dysk at 11:22 AM on June 21, 2018
OK, who's going to win this match? Note: Answers other than "Argentina" will not be accepted.
posted by the man of twists and turns at 11:23 AM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
H R V A T S K A
V A T R E N I posted by the man of twists and turns at 11:23 AM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
Honestly, the way the Argentine defenders go after Mandzukic it’s as if he sold them all fake chocolate to give their mothers on mother’s day.
posted by Kattullus at 11:24 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by Kattullus at 11:24 AM on June 21, 2018
Croatia are having far too easy a time getting into Argentine territory.
posted by languagehat at 11:24 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by languagehat at 11:24 AM on June 21, 2018
That Argentina throw takes them into the top spot for Loosest Interpretation of Where the Ball Crossed the Line.
posted by Dysk at 11:25 AM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Dysk at 11:25 AM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
> H R V A T S K A
V A T R E N I
I'm counting those as "Argentina."
posted by languagehat at 11:26 AM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
V A T R E N I
I'm counting those as "Argentina."
posted by languagehat at 11:26 AM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
Dammit, Perez!!
posted by languagehat at 11:29 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by languagehat at 11:29 AM on June 21, 2018
that was baffling and also stressful
posted by poffin boffin at 11:31 AM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by poffin boffin at 11:31 AM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuugh
posted by the man of twists and turns at 11:31 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by the man of twists and turns at 11:31 AM on June 21, 2018
WTF
posted by languagehat at 11:33 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by languagehat at 11:33 AM on June 21, 2018
"Lovren hesitates and falls over"
Never a finer epitaph written.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 11:33 AM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
Never a finer epitaph written.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 11:33 AM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
Glad that head missed that ball, but how weird can this get?
posted by languagehat at 11:34 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by languagehat at 11:34 AM on June 21, 2018
That’s for sure.
posted by languagehat at 11:36 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by languagehat at 11:36 AM on June 21, 2018
not to grotesquely pun but it is a messy game. everyone is a mess who loves drama.
posted by poffin boffin at 11:40 AM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by poffin boffin at 11:40 AM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
OK, now it’s getting ugly.
posted by languagehat at 11:40 AM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by languagehat at 11:40 AM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
I’m trying to plan dinner while the game’s on, and tbh it’s a little distracting.
Good on Rebic to get a yellow, he’s been playing like an enforcer today as it is.
posted by ardgedee at 11:40 AM on June 21, 2018
Good on Rebic to get a yellow, he’s been playing like an enforcer today as it is.
posted by ardgedee at 11:40 AM on June 21, 2018
listening to the announcers watch the replay over and over again is quite the roller coaster . . . that would have been shitty red card to give.
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 11:40 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 11:40 AM on June 21, 2018
I disagree, Rebic is a fucking thug.
posted by languagehat at 11:44 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by languagehat at 11:44 AM on June 21, 2018
ok that ankle stomp was definitely worth tears, i support this man if he needs to weep.
posted by poffin boffin at 11:45 AM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by poffin boffin at 11:45 AM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
You know, I don't feel Messi will have to chance to lose his fourth consecutive final this Summer.
posted by lmfsilva at 11:46 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by lmfsilva at 11:46 AM on June 21, 2018
Whew.
posted by languagehat at 11:47 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by languagehat at 11:47 AM on June 21, 2018
Argentina haven't disgraced themselves, but they're sure not looking like a world champion.
posted by languagehat at 11:48 AM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by languagehat at 11:48 AM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
(With the figure Argentina’s coach cuts, I wouldn’t find him out of place on the bench at Hamburg’s “rebel” club - which would be fun to say.)
posted by progosk at 11:49 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by progosk at 11:49 AM on June 21, 2018
> I disagree, Rebic is a fucking thug.
Sorry, basically I was saying “congratulations for getting busted, Rebic.” A red card would’ve made me happier but I can see why the ref didn’t do it.
posted by ardgedee at 11:49 AM on June 21, 2018
Sorry, basically I was saying “congratulations for getting busted, Rebic.” A red card would’ve made me happier but I can see why the ref didn’t do it.
posted by ardgedee at 11:49 AM on June 21, 2018
And that's that for now. It may be a goalless draw so far, but it's an interesting game.
How did you start supporting Argentina, lh?
posted by ersatz at 11:49 AM on June 21, 2018
How did you start supporting Argentina, lh?
posted by ersatz at 11:49 AM on June 21, 2018
Predictions on whether the second half will continue the current trend of getting gradually uglier, or the teams will both come out after halftime feeling refreshed and a little more sportsmanlike?
posted by ardgedee at 11:51 AM on June 21, 2018
posted by ardgedee at 11:51 AM on June 21, 2018
Messi, when he's on his game, is the most entertaining player in the world to watch play. He also seems like a very good dude. That on its own is enough for me to always pull for Argentina at least a little as long as Messi is on the team.
posted by 256 at 11:53 AM on June 21, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by 256 at 11:53 AM on June 21, 2018 [3 favorites]
> How did you start supporting Argentina, lh?
Spent my crucial high school years there. That's where I discovered pizza (best in the world), wine, and fútbol. And going back to the US in 1968 didn't exactly give me much opportunity to change my allegiance. Mind you, if the US is in it, I root for them (and hope they don't come up against the albiceleste), but my heart belongs to ARG. And they have a much better anthem!
posted by languagehat at 11:54 AM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
Spent my crucial high school years there. That's where I discovered pizza (best in the world), wine, and fútbol. And going back to the US in 1968 didn't exactly give me much opportunity to change my allegiance. Mind you, if the US is in it, I root for them (and hope they don't come up against the albiceleste), but my heart belongs to ARG. And they have a much better anthem!
posted by languagehat at 11:54 AM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
> Sorry, basically I was saying “congratulations for getting busted, Rebic.” A red card would’ve made me happier but I can see why the ref didn’t do it.
Wasn't responding to you but to Exceptional_Hubris, who said it would have been a shitty red card to give.
posted by languagehat at 11:56 AM on June 21, 2018
Wasn't responding to you but to Exceptional_Hubris, who said it would have been a shitty red card to give.
posted by languagehat at 11:56 AM on June 21, 2018
Not a bad list of things to discover! Never tried Argentinian pizza, but I just had my slices.
Speaking of discovering things, Emmanuel Macron visited Greece some time ago and along with other dignitaries, they invited a Greek poet. Macron asks him about his experiences in France and he replies 'I discovered political freedom, intellectual freedom, and love. And then Macron and his wife said he should have led with his discovering love.
More politicians should invite poets.
posted by ersatz at 12:03 PM on June 21, 2018 [3 favorites]
Speaking of discovering things, Emmanuel Macron visited Greece some time ago and along with other dignitaries, they invited a Greek poet. Macron asks him about his experiences in France and he replies 'I discovered political freedom, intellectual freedom, and love. And then Macron and his wife said he should have led with his discovering love.
More politicians should invite poets.
posted by ersatz at 12:03 PM on June 21, 2018 [3 favorites]
It’s a joy to have more than one country, no? But no offence to those who don’t, I should like to think every quantum of soil contains infinite riches, and 2 x Aleph null is still Aleph null. More important than all my
pseudo-philosophy: one day I’d love to have the chance to buy LH a beer and have a chat with the fella! Ideally: at the pub, watching some football! :-)
posted by the quidnunc kid at 12:05 PM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
pseudo-philosophy: one day I’d love to have the chance to buy LH a beer and have a chat with the fella! Ideally: at the pub, watching some football! :-)
posted by the quidnunc kid at 12:05 PM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
I miss Maradona, dammit.
posted by languagehat at 12:05 PM on June 21, 2018
posted by languagehat at 12:05 PM on June 21, 2018
And likewise, quiddy.
posted by languagehat at 12:06 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by languagehat at 12:06 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
languagehat: Mind you, if the US is in it, I root for them (and hope they don't come up against the albiceleste), but my heart belongs to ARG
Yeah, it’s weird when the teams you have allegiances to come up against each other. I lived in France as a kid and have supported them fiercely in sports since. Iceland always used to be terrible at football, but I did attend a game where they drew in 1998. That result was just perfect for me. The 4-2 loss at the Euros was a rollercoaster of strange emotions.
posted by Kattullus at 12:06 PM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
Yeah, it’s weird when the teams you have allegiances to come up against each other. I lived in France as a kid and have supported them fiercely in sports since. Iceland always used to be terrible at football, but I did attend a game where they drew in 1998. That result was just perfect for me. The 4-2 loss at the Euros was a rollercoaster of strange emotions.
posted by Kattullus at 12:06 PM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
why this
posted by poffin boffin at 12:10 PM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by poffin boffin at 12:10 PM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
oh no
posted by languagehat at 12:10 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by languagehat at 12:10 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
Oh Willy
posted by ersatz at 12:10 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by ersatz at 12:10 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
why this
I guess this is where I discover that my feed is second behind?
What a shock, what a shot.
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 12:11 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
I guess this is where I discover that my feed is second behind?
What a shock, what a shot.
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 12:11 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
What were you thinking, Caballero??
posted by languagehat at 12:11 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by languagehat at 12:11 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
I do love a good goalkeeper cock-up.
posted by Bloxworth Snout at 12:12 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Bloxworth Snout at 12:12 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
Whaaaaaat??! That is not how I expected scoring to open.
posted by Dysk at 12:12 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Dysk at 12:12 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
nooo this is very upsetting and I don't like it at all
posted by karayel at 12:12 PM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by karayel at 12:12 PM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
Oh ho!!! That was nicely taken from a poor bit of keeping, huh!
posted by the quidnunc kid at 12:12 PM on June 21, 2018
posted by the quidnunc kid at 12:12 PM on June 21, 2018
Ooof. That was a good shot, but not the guy I would have wished to make it.
posted by ardgedee at 12:12 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by ardgedee at 12:12 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
🎆
posted by the man of twists and turns at 12:12 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by the man of twists and turns at 12:12 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
I miss Sergio Romero so so much. At least, they can't blame Messi for this one.
posted by ceejaytee at 12:12 PM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by ceejaytee at 12:12 PM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
Exceptional_Hubris: Me too. Except about a minute behind for me. Saw all those comments come in and was like "time to watch closely for a minute!"
posted by 256 at 12:13 PM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by 256 at 12:13 PM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
But the goal may motivate ARG a bit more? We still got a game, nil deperandum an’ all that ...
posted by the quidnunc kid at 12:13 PM on June 21, 2018
posted by the quidnunc kid at 12:13 PM on June 21, 2018
Hm, yeah what I'm listening too is apparently a little behind as well.
posted by nubs at 12:14 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by nubs at 12:14 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
At half time I almost wrote a prediction that the second half would start with a quick goal by Croatia, followed by about 40 minutes of Argentinian panic culminating in a last-minute Messi equalizer.
That's still what I'm feeling.
posted by 256 at 12:16 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
That's still what I'm feeling.
posted by 256 at 12:16 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
Nil - unum, quid
posted by ersatz at 12:16 PM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by ersatz at 12:16 PM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
Is "River Plate" in the English pronunciation as offensive to all of your ears as it is to mine? not nearly as endearing as when I think it was Jorge Perez Navarro kept calling throw-ins "handballs"
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 12:18 PM on June 21, 2018
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 12:18 PM on June 21, 2018
it's painful because it means silver but english speakers have historically never been able cope with a word that looks familiar not meaning the thing they think it means.
posted by poffin boffin at 12:21 PM on June 21, 2018
posted by poffin boffin at 12:21 PM on June 21, 2018
No, that’s its name. It would sound kind of silly to say it with a Spanish accent in English.
posted by languagehat at 12:21 PM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by languagehat at 12:21 PM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
In Argentina, as in many countries, the first teams were started by Englishmen and have English names.
posted by languagehat at 12:23 PM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by languagehat at 12:23 PM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
It’s why AC Milan is “Milan” and not “Milano”. Internazionale, however, are Milano.
posted by Kattullus at 12:25 PM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by Kattullus at 12:25 PM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
fair enough on the team name - can anyone tell me if "handball" is a common translation of throw-in or if that was an announcing idiosyncrasy?
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 12:26 PM on June 21, 2018
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 12:26 PM on June 21, 2018
It will blow y’all’s mind to know how they pronounce “Milan” in Michigan.
posted by ardgedee at 12:27 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by ardgedee at 12:27 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
What a shambles.
posted by languagehat at 12:30 PM on June 21, 2018
posted by languagehat at 12:30 PM on June 21, 2018
Pass to... nobody.
posted by languagehat at 12:31 PM on June 21, 2018
posted by languagehat at 12:31 PM on June 21, 2018
Sampaoli’s head is slowly disappearing into his neck.
posted by Kattullus at 12:33 PM on June 21, 2018
posted by Kattullus at 12:33 PM on June 21, 2018
this reffing is Not. Good.
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 12:33 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 12:33 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
This is an incredible mess.
posted by languagehat at 12:34 PM on June 21, 2018
posted by languagehat at 12:34 PM on June 21, 2018
Chile was playing better than Argentina under Sampaoli. Their lines are too disconnected.
posted by ersatz at 12:35 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by ersatz at 12:35 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
My goodness, everybody is doing their level best to turn this match into a shitshow.
posted by the painkiller at 12:35 PM on June 21, 2018
posted by the painkiller at 12:35 PM on June 21, 2018
remember a week ago when i was like wow the cup will be a nice distraction from the stressful horrors of current everyday life
hubris
posted by poffin boffin at 12:37 PM on June 21, 2018 [3 favorites]
hubris
posted by poffin boffin at 12:37 PM on June 21, 2018 [3 favorites]
No Argentine player attacked a perfectly serviceable cross just now. This is getting weird.
posted by Kattullus at 12:37 PM on June 21, 2018
posted by Kattullus at 12:37 PM on June 21, 2018
Pass to... the goalkeeper.
posted by languagehat at 12:37 PM on June 21, 2018
posted by languagehat at 12:37 PM on June 21, 2018
GOOD LORD
posted by poffin boffin at 12:37 PM on June 21, 2018
posted by poffin boffin at 12:37 PM on June 21, 2018
Well, you could see that coming a mile away. Fuck.
posted by languagehat at 12:38 PM on June 21, 2018
posted by languagehat at 12:38 PM on June 21, 2018
well then.
I was about to type that a second for Croatia seemed more likely than an equalizer . . . and then it happened.
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 12:38 PM on June 21, 2018
I was about to type that a second for Croatia seemed more likely than an equalizer . . . and then it happened.
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 12:38 PM on June 21, 2018
i'm going back to bed
posted by karayel at 12:38 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by karayel at 12:38 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
Poor Argentina
posted by From Bklyn at 12:39 PM on June 21, 2018
posted by From Bklyn at 12:39 PM on June 21, 2018
Hooooooly what
posted by the painkiller at 12:39 PM on June 21, 2018
posted by the painkiller at 12:39 PM on June 21, 2018
Argentina’s defense is just not doing its thing tonight is it?
WTF the Fox Sports announcer calling Croatia’s play “a touch of class”
posted by ardgedee at 12:39 PM on June 21, 2018
WTF the Fox Sports announcer calling Croatia’s play “a touch of class”
posted by ardgedee at 12:39 PM on June 21, 2018
Well. This is disappointing. I guess I'm for Mexico or Iceland now. Luka Modric makes Messi's life miserable at Real Madrid too.
posted by ceejaytee at 12:40 PM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by ceejaytee at 12:40 PM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
This is not the game I expected
posted by nubs at 12:40 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by nubs at 12:40 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
Nery Pumpido where are you now.
posted by Kattullus at 12:40 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Kattullus at 12:40 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
I want to give poor Lionel Messi a hug right now.
posted by 256 at 12:40 PM on June 21, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by 256 at 12:40 PM on June 21, 2018 [3 favorites]
Modrić is world class. I can't stand the clubs he's played for, but he's so good.
posted by ersatz at 12:41 PM on June 21, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by ersatz at 12:41 PM on June 21, 2018 [3 favorites]
The officiating here has not been good but tbh I don’t think Argentina has a right to blame the score on that. They’re just plain not keeping up.
posted by ardgedee at 12:41 PM on June 21, 2018
posted by ardgedee at 12:41 PM on June 21, 2018
welp that was totally unexpected
posted by poffin boffin at 12:42 PM on June 21, 2018
posted by poffin boffin at 12:42 PM on June 21, 2018
but really only a yellow?
posted by poffin boffin at 12:42 PM on June 21, 2018
posted by poffin boffin at 12:42 PM on June 21, 2018
And now we get the fight.
posted by languagehat at 12:42 PM on June 21, 2018
posted by languagehat at 12:42 PM on June 21, 2018
I was kind of expecting that shoving match to happen before now. The final few minutes are gonna be ugly.
posted by ardgedee at 12:43 PM on June 21, 2018
posted by ardgedee at 12:43 PM on June 21, 2018
that's gotta be a retro-red if he gets to stay in this game (which he shouldn't, bc VAR)
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 12:43 PM on June 21, 2018
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 12:43 PM on June 21, 2018
The officiating here has not been good but tbh I don’t think Argentina has a right to blame the score on that. They’re just plain not keeping up.
The Guardian just called them "a little short of appalling"
posted by nubs at 12:44 PM on June 21, 2018
The Guardian just called them "a little short of appalling"
posted by nubs at 12:44 PM on June 21, 2018
them being the refs or argentines?
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 12:44 PM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 12:44 PM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
I REALLY thought that was about to become a full on brawl.
posted by 256 at 12:44 PM on June 21, 2018
posted by 256 at 12:44 PM on June 21, 2018
Sampaoli's extensive vocabulary of facepalms is the only thing left to enjoy here
posted by karayel at 12:45 PM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by karayel at 12:45 PM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
Porque no los dos?
posted by Capt. Renault at 12:45 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Capt. Renault at 12:45 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
I suspect at this point Argentina is thinking they may as well get their hits in, the yellow cards aren’t going to matter soon anyway.
posted by ardgedee at 12:45 PM on June 21, 2018
posted by ardgedee at 12:45 PM on June 21, 2018
them being the refs or argentines?
Argentina, but give me a moment to scroll through and I'll see if they've dunked on the refs somewhere...
posted by nubs at 12:46 PM on June 21, 2018
Argentina, but give me a moment to scroll through and I'll see if they've dunked on the refs somewhere...
posted by nubs at 12:46 PM on June 21, 2018
I suspect at this point Argentina is thinking they may as well get their hits in, the yellow cards aren’t going to matter soon anyway.
They have the subs, is there a compelling reason NOT to bring in a guy deep off the bench to send a message that you wont let them hurt your guys?
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 12:47 PM on June 21, 2018
They have the subs, is there a compelling reason NOT to bring in a guy deep off the bench to send a message that you wont let them hurt your guys?
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 12:47 PM on June 21, 2018
I AM CRYING WHAT IS HAPPEN
posted by poffin boffin at 12:48 PM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by poffin boffin at 12:48 PM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
is this brazil-germany, have i traveled back in time
posted by poffin boffin at 12:49 PM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by poffin boffin at 12:49 PM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
Well, you could see that coming a mile away.
posted by languagehat at 12:49 PM on June 21, 2018
posted by languagehat at 12:49 PM on June 21, 2018
When a Brazilian says qué vergonha Argentina, things are not good.
posted by ersatz at 12:49 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by ersatz at 12:49 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
Yeah, I can't emphasize how deeply unimpressed I am that a team two goals down would spent all their time getting in fights instead of trying to score. What a shameful defeat.
posted by grandiloquiet at 12:50 PM on June 21, 2018
posted by grandiloquiet at 12:50 PM on June 21, 2018
Messi with his face in his hands during the anthem was clearly a prophetic gesture
posted by karayel at 12:50 PM on June 21, 2018
posted by karayel at 12:50 PM on June 21, 2018
I think they're limited to 3 substitutions each, and maybe a 4th in extra time.
posted by the man of twists and turns at 12:50 PM on June 21, 2018
posted by the man of twists and turns at 12:50 PM on June 21, 2018
What a disaster.
posted by languagehat at 12:50 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by languagehat at 12:50 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
that last goal had the look of when a large animal knows its going to kill something but has decided to play with it for a few moments first.
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 12:50 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 12:50 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
VATRENI !
posted by the man of twists and turns at 12:51 PM on June 21, 2018
posted by the man of twists and turns at 12:51 PM on June 21, 2018
Welp, I'm out in the office pool. Thanks, boys.
posted by Capt. Renault at 12:51 PM on June 21, 2018
posted by Capt. Renault at 12:51 PM on June 21, 2018
Caballero doesn't deserve (all/much of) the blame here. Croatia played really well (their defense was fierce) and Argentina didn't have much doing. ..
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 12:52 PM on June 21, 2018
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 12:52 PM on June 21, 2018
Messi has stalked off the field without the usual post-game handshakes and hugs.
posted by ardgedee at 12:53 PM on June 21, 2018
posted by ardgedee at 12:53 PM on June 21, 2018
he needs to have a nice lie down and a cup of tea
posted by poffin boffin at 12:54 PM on June 21, 2018
posted by poffin boffin at 12:54 PM on June 21, 2018
Argentina progressing is still very plausible because of how weird this group has been. They probably going to want a nice big goal differential over Nigeria though. And theteam we saw today can't do that.
posted by 256 at 12:55 PM on June 21, 2018
posted by 256 at 12:55 PM on June 21, 2018
Eh, if he hadn't handed the first goal maybe Argentina would have been more compact. Although that defensive performance was all but.
posted by ersatz at 12:55 PM on June 21, 2018
posted by ersatz at 12:55 PM on June 21, 2018
So, while the focus will largely be on Argentina's poor play, is there something to be said for Croatia playing very well?
posted by nubs at 12:55 PM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by nubs at 12:55 PM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
I don’t think a single game I’ve watched has gone as expected. I kinda thought Croatia would be tough (Modric and Mandjukic at least are world class), they played really tight as a team and just took Argentina apart kind of similar to Germany’s loss to Mexico.
Kind of got the feeling Messi doesn’t like his team.
posted by From Bklyn at 12:57 PM on June 21, 2018 [4 favorites]
Kind of got the feeling Messi doesn’t like his team.
posted by From Bklyn at 12:57 PM on June 21, 2018 [4 favorites]
The second goal was almost as good as the one Eriksen scored for Denmark earlier. Almost. I do find it hard to commend the rather dirty play that Croatia leaned on throughout.
posted by Dysk at 12:58 PM on June 21, 2018
posted by Dysk at 12:58 PM on June 21, 2018
My sadness at Argentina's loss is mitigated slightly by my joy that a Blaugrana had such a great game and scored a great goal. Congratulations to Rakitic.
posted by ceejaytee at 12:59 PM on June 21, 2018
posted by ceejaytee at 12:59 PM on June 21, 2018
languagehat: I guess I'm for Mexico or Iceland now.
Not to rob us of a potential supporter, but if Iceland draw or lose tomorrow, Argentina will still have every chance to get through to the second round.
For me I’ve got conflicted feelings. I want Iceland to get through comfortably, but on the other hand... Messi has brought me such a lot of joy through the years.
posted by Kattullus at 1:00 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
Not to rob us of a potential supporter, but if Iceland draw or lose tomorrow, Argentina will still have every chance to get through to the second round.
For me I’ve got conflicted feelings. I want Iceland to get through comfortably, but on the other hand... Messi has brought me such a lot of joy through the years.
posted by Kattullus at 1:00 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
Kattullus, I'm torn. I really have respect for Iceland, but, you know, Messi.
posted by ceejaytee at 1:02 PM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by ceejaytee at 1:02 PM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
Even if Iceland wins tomorrow, Argentina can still progress as long they beat Nigeria by enough, no? So long as Iceland loses to Croatia.
posted by 256 at 1:03 PM on June 21, 2018
posted by 256 at 1:03 PM on June 21, 2018
> languagehat: I guess I'm for Mexico or Iceland now.
Not to rob us of a potential supporter, but if Iceland draw or lose tomorrow, Argentina will still have every chance to get through to the second round.
That was ceejaytee, not me. I'm not giving up on Argentina until they get on the plane home.
posted by languagehat at 1:05 PM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
Not to rob us of a potential supporter, but if Iceland draw or lose tomorrow, Argentina will still have every chance to get through to the second round.
That was ceejaytee, not me. I'm not giving up on Argentina until they get on the plane home.
posted by languagehat at 1:05 PM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
Wah! Sorry, languagehat and cejaytee. I have no idea how I confused the two of you. I blame the shock.
posted by Kattullus at 1:11 PM on June 21, 2018
posted by Kattullus at 1:11 PM on June 21, 2018
Yeah, sorry languagehat. I'm not giving up, I'm just despairing. Poor Messi. And this is probably the last match I will see. I'm going on a family vacation tomorrow. It was a bad match to end on.
posted by ceejaytee at 1:17 PM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by ceejaytee at 1:17 PM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
anyway i am extremely angry at having to wake up for the 8am game tomorrow, for REAL this time
posted by poffin boffin at 1:18 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by poffin boffin at 1:18 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
Permutations on tomorrow:
Iceland wins: Nigeria is out. Argentina can still progress if and only if Croatia beats Iceland on matchday three while Argentina simultaneously beats Nigeria AND also passes Iceland in goal differential.
Iceland-Nigeria draw: Things get very interesting. We now go into matchday three in a situation where an Iceland win guarantees them a spot and an Iceland loss means that the winner of the other game goes through. If either game draws then we can potentially get into a goal differential situation.
Nigeria wins: Argentina can breath again. If they beat Nigeria on day 3 they are very likely to progress (though it could still come to goal differential if Iceland beats Croatia). On the other hand, Nigeria will be playing their hearts out because a win puts them through.
No matter what, Croatia progress, though they may not top the group.
posted by 256 at 1:19 PM on June 21, 2018 [3 favorites]
Iceland wins: Nigeria is out. Argentina can still progress if and only if Croatia beats Iceland on matchday three while Argentina simultaneously beats Nigeria AND also passes Iceland in goal differential.
Iceland-Nigeria draw: Things get very interesting. We now go into matchday three in a situation where an Iceland win guarantees them a spot and an Iceland loss means that the winner of the other game goes through. If either game draws then we can potentially get into a goal differential situation.
Nigeria wins: Argentina can breath again. If they beat Nigeria on day 3 they are very likely to progress (though it could still come to goal differential if Iceland beats Croatia). On the other hand, Nigeria will be playing their hearts out because a win puts them through.
No matter what, Croatia progress, though they may not top the group.
posted by 256 at 1:19 PM on June 21, 2018 [3 favorites]
90 in 90: Argentina vs. Croatia | 2018 FIFA World Cup™ Highlights
posted by the man of twists and turns at 1:51 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by the man of twists and turns at 1:51 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
Kind of got the feeling Messi doesn’t like his team.
The AFA has been coasting on Messi for most of the last 10 years or so. Wouldn't be surprised if the changes they promised him after he quit following the Copa Centenario (where he allegedly had to pay from his own pocket additional recovery sessions because the federation didn't want to pay physios full-time) were all already broken.
posted by lmfsilva at 1:52 PM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
The AFA has been coasting on Messi for most of the last 10 years or so. Wouldn't be surprised if the changes they promised him after he quit following the Copa Centenario (where he allegedly had to pay from his own pocket additional recovery sessions because the federation didn't want to pay physios full-time) were all already broken.
posted by lmfsilva at 1:52 PM on June 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
rewatching that 90 in 90 "highlight" im struck by how horribly awful Mascherano's response to the final goal was. Admittedly the game was over by then but he gets beat, complains about an offside, and is still complaining about it, just standing there barely inside the 18 yard box, when the rebound is passed behind him onto the spot for the score.
I don't teach kids soccer, but if I did id show them that as a terrible example of ballwatching and complaining about a call when the player needs to be engaged in the play.
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 2:34 PM on June 21, 2018 [3 favorites]
I don't teach kids soccer, but if I did id show them that as a terrible example of ballwatching and complaining about a call when the player needs to be engaged in the play.
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 2:34 PM on June 21, 2018 [3 favorites]
I will say that, despite appearances, today's result in the ARG-CRO game is actually pretty worrying for Iceland. ISL played great in their first match and forced a draw with a powerhouse. But I think that has a lot of people thinking that Iceland are a lot better than anyone suspected, when today is suggesting that probably Argentina are just a lot worse than anyone suspected.
Oddsmakers currently have Iceland and Nigeria as essentially a coin flip, but a strong Iceland win would show us that in fact maybe Iceland is better than we thought AND Argentina worse.
I'm very excited for this game.
posted by 256 at 3:20 PM on June 21, 2018 [4 favorites]
Oddsmakers currently have Iceland and Nigeria as essentially a coin flip, but a strong Iceland win would show us that in fact maybe Iceland is better than we thought AND Argentina worse.
I'm very excited for this game.
posted by 256 at 3:20 PM on June 21, 2018 [4 favorites]
Every time I watch that third Croatian goal, I wonder what the hell the Argentinian defenders were doing, throwing up their hands and stopping running. Not that they would have necessarily done anything, but it could have been 5 defenders to counter 3 attackers in front of the goal instead of 1, but they just threw up their hands and did nothing. Pitiful.
Maybe this time when Messi quits in a huff, it will stick.
posted by fifteen schnitzengruben is my limit at 11:55 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
Maybe this time when Messi quits in a huff, it will stick.
posted by fifteen schnitzengruben is my limit at 11:55 PM on June 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
Fox commentators are sniping about how bad one of the players’ haircuts is, but I didn’t get to hear whose.
posted by ardgedee at 5:04 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by ardgedee at 5:04 AM on June 22, 2018
Ah. They might have been snarking on Neymar’s hair, it looks like he’s had a trim since Brazil’s last game, and it’s not a great look right now.
posted by ardgedee at 5:18 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by ardgedee at 5:18 AM on June 22, 2018
I should be in a graveyard taking pictures of a skeleton, but instead here I am. #worldcupproblems
posted by robocop is bleeding at 5:19 AM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by robocop is bleeding at 5:19 AM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
Costa Rica seems to have taken a page from Serbia’s playbook. Several players have gone for Neymar’s feet rather than the ball already, and they don’t look like they’re interested in letting up despite the ref’s calling them out on it. This might have something to do with Brazil’s apparent inability to score on set pieces making the penalties kind of toothless.
posted by ardgedee at 5:21 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by ardgedee at 5:21 AM on June 22, 2018
For those keeping count, Costa Rica’s made seven fouls in the first 20 minutes, three of them on Neymar, putting them on a pace to exceed Serbia’s count of ten fouls on Neymar, and exceed the record of 11 on a single player (which Fox thought was important enough to highlight in a vignette box when the game started).
posted by ardgedee at 5:24 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by ardgedee at 5:24 AM on June 22, 2018
I should be in a graveyard taking pictures of a skeleton
Yesterday's game's postmortem, eh?
posted by ersatz at 5:25 AM on June 22, 2018
Yesterday's game's postmortem, eh?
posted by ersatz at 5:25 AM on June 22, 2018
Yeah, I realize “getting physical” is Part of the Game, but it’s not much fun to watch.
posted by languagehat at 5:31 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by languagehat at 5:31 AM on June 22, 2018
im awake and i dont like it
posted by poffin boffin at 5:38 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by poffin boffin at 5:38 AM on June 22, 2018
and also who amongst us has not at some point wished to foul upon neymar
posted by poffin boffin at 5:39 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by poffin boffin at 5:39 AM on June 22, 2018
It seems like the teams with the star strikers are, with the exceptions of Portugal and Croatia, underperforming. Which teams have star defensive backs? Are they doing any better?
posted by clawsoon at 5:40 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by clawsoon at 5:40 AM on June 22, 2018
Neymar once saved my grandmother’s precious porcelain sugar bowl from a charging bull by skillfully yet delicately juggling it with his feet and head while running at a breakneck speed around the front yard. I’d treat him to churrasco.
posted by ardgedee at 5:44 AM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by ardgedee at 5:44 AM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
Mid field. Star midfielders (Croatia yesterday) and also a tactical plan going into the game.
Costa Rica’s goalie plays for Real Madrid and is among the very best goalies playing.
Willian doesn’t seem quite up to the task. But they need an option besides Neymar, who is getting let us say aggressively played.
If C.Rica can find an offensive strategy they stand a chance. But only a chance.
posted by From Bklyn at 5:46 AM on June 22, 2018
Costa Rica’s goalie plays for Real Madrid and is among the very best goalies playing.
Willian doesn’t seem quite up to the task. But they need an option besides Neymar, who is getting let us say aggressively played.
If C.Rica can find an offensive strategy they stand a chance. But only a chance.
posted by From Bklyn at 5:46 AM on June 22, 2018
Croatia has star midfielders, no? Modrić and Rakitić seem more influential than Mandzukić.
posted by ersatz at 5:47 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by ersatz at 5:47 AM on June 22, 2018
i'm just still sad bc he left barca tbh
posted by poffin boffin at 5:47 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by poffin boffin at 5:47 AM on June 22, 2018
A moment of excitement!
posted by languagehat at 6:05 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by languagehat at 6:05 AM on June 22, 2018
Another moment of excitement!
posted by languagehat at 6:14 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by languagehat at 6:14 AM on June 22, 2018
what a chance for Bolaños; and then another fine save from Navas...
posted by progosk at 6:14 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by progosk at 6:14 AM on June 22, 2018
I love me a failed overhead kick.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 6:17 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by robocop is bleeding at 6:17 AM on June 22, 2018
Just listening the game through the radio, but Brazil seems to be dominating the game, but creating a good chance maybe every 10 minutes or so. Not sure if that is going to be enough.
posted by lmfsilva at 6:34 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by lmfsilva at 6:34 AM on June 22, 2018
... and as I finish typing that, a penalty for Brazil.
posted by lmfsilva at 6:35 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by lmfsilva at 6:35 AM on June 22, 2018
... and as I finish typing that, VAR reverses the penalty.
posted by lmfsilva at 6:35 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by lmfsilva at 6:35 AM on June 22, 2018
But no!
posted by languagehat at 6:36 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by languagehat at 6:36 AM on June 22, 2018
Good reversal.
posted by languagehat at 6:36 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by languagehat at 6:36 AM on June 22, 2018
As much as Brazil are dominating the game, they aren't finishing their drives. And they've had some really really good ones.
Neymar seems to be hiccuping when the last moment, the putting foot to ball, comes down.
I'm with the ref on that call.
posted by From Bklyn at 6:36 AM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
Neymar seems to be hiccuping when the last moment, the putting foot to ball, comes down.
I'm with the ref on that call.
posted by From Bklyn at 6:36 AM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
Even I’m fed up with Neymar; I can only imagine how fed up the referee is.
posted by languagehat at 6:40 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by languagehat at 6:40 AM on June 22, 2018
But I’m impressed with Navas.
posted by languagehat at 6:42 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by languagehat at 6:42 AM on June 22, 2018
I didn't catch it in Spanish. What was the Acosta yellow for?
posted by 256 at 6:43 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by 256 at 6:43 AM on June 22, 2018
I know the World Cup is a bit of a shop window for club transfers, but these guys, Messi yesterday and Neymar today, are doing themselves no favors with their play. I mean, who would want to go in for those guys after this display? /s
posted by robocop is bleeding at 6:43 AM on June 22, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by robocop is bleeding at 6:43 AM on June 22, 2018 [2 favorites]
Just caught the play on Reddit and... bloody hell, what was he thinking? Still had every chance of making a dangerous play from that position but decided to go down on the softest of touches.
posted by lmfsilva at 6:43 AM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by lmfsilva at 6:43 AM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
The FSN announcers are doodling Mr & Mr Keylor Navas on their official Ticos Trapper Keepers and I support them 100%.
posted by poffin boffin at 6:43 AM on June 22, 2018 [4 favorites]
posted by poffin boffin at 6:43 AM on June 22, 2018 [4 favorites]
Navas gives you the impression that he's always where he needs to be. Though maybe it's just Brasil shooting too straight...
posted by progosk at 6:44 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by progosk at 6:44 AM on June 22, 2018
I didn't catch it in Spanish. What was the Acosta yellow for?
Time-wasting
posted by progosk at 6:44 AM on June 22, 2018
Time-wasting
posted by progosk at 6:44 AM on June 22, 2018
Wow Marcelo w the hand to fist. This is a very good soccer team that it’s really pretty hard to like (and I was there for the us vs crc match at Red Bull arena during qualifying).
Shit I hope navas is okay.
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 6:45 AM on June 22, 2018
Shit I hope navas is okay.
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 6:45 AM on June 22, 2018
oh nooo
posted by poffin boffin at 6:47 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by poffin boffin at 6:47 AM on June 22, 2018
Welp, there it is.
posted by languagehat at 6:47 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by languagehat at 6:47 AM on June 22, 2018
Not surprising, but sad.
posted by languagehat at 6:48 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by languagehat at 6:48 AM on June 22, 2018
Yeah, ok, fine.
It was good, proper and etc. But you know, the announcer was commenting about Neymar's always being the first to complain about every call and man he is thin skinned and he must've had a crap week. Or maybe he just doesn't like his haircut...
posted by From Bklyn at 6:49 AM on June 22, 2018
It was good, proper and etc. But you know, the announcer was commenting about Neymar's always being the first to complain about every call and man he is thin skinned and he must've had a crap week. Or maybe he just doesn't like his haircut...
posted by From Bklyn at 6:49 AM on June 22, 2018
Navas made a solid attempt to save that with his nuts though.
posted by 256 at 6:49 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by 256 at 6:49 AM on June 22, 2018
Looks that way.
posted by languagehat at 6:51 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by languagehat at 6:51 AM on June 22, 2018
Yep (and Firmino's showing some nice skills/moves now...)
posted by progosk at 6:51 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by progosk at 6:51 AM on June 22, 2018
Welp.
posted by languagehat at 6:53 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by languagehat at 6:53 AM on June 22, 2018
nooooo redux
posted by poffin boffin at 6:54 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by poffin boffin at 6:54 AM on June 22, 2018
I'm checking my Scouse Aggrievement Meter (ScAM) to determine how I should feel about Barton calling Countinho a "former Liverpool player" whenever he missed, but swicting to "Barcelona Man" when he scored.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 6:54 AM on June 22, 2018 [4 favorites]
posted by robocop is bleeding at 6:54 AM on June 22, 2018 [4 favorites]
No. Not Neymar did not.
posted by From Bklyn at 6:56 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by From Bklyn at 6:56 AM on June 22, 2018
I'm checking my Scouse Aggrievement Meter (ScAM) to determine how I should feel about Barton calling Countinho a "former Liverpool player" whenever he missed, but swicting to "Barcelona Man" when he scored.
Ah, a new variety of the Andy Murray Nationality Conundrum.
posted by lmfsilva at 6:57 AM on June 22, 2018 [2 favorites]
Ah, a new variety of the Andy Murray Nationality Conundrum.
posted by lmfsilva at 6:57 AM on June 22, 2018 [2 favorites]
Now don't y'all bring out your toxic masculinity by complaining about Neymar crying.
posted by clawsoon at 6:57 AM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by clawsoon at 6:57 AM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
I mean he kind of deserved it for that absurd move in the corner.
Seeing him sobbing on the field is fascinating - to me it seems to demonstrate the incredible pressure he’s under. . . And giving zero fucks about showing it now that they got their three points
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 6:58 AM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
Seeing him sobbing on the field is fascinating - to me it seems to demonstrate the incredible pressure he’s under. . . And giving zero fucks about showing it now that they got their three points
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 6:58 AM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
he kind of deserved it for that absurd move in the corner.
(They call that a "bicycle" here, though it's not usually done with feet joined like that.)
posted by progosk at 7:04 AM on June 22, 2018
(They call that a "bicycle" here, though it's not usually done with feet joined like that.)
posted by progosk at 7:04 AM on June 22, 2018
It's funny; I was just thinking yesterday, as I was watching all the crowd reaction and player reaction shots that are inevitably shown after something interesting happens, that sports are one of few places where expression of a wider range of emotions is allowed for men. There's still some policing that goes on, though, as in the incredulous response to Neymar crying.
posted by clawsoon at 7:08 AM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by clawsoon at 7:08 AM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
(You might be right in calling me out, I guess some introspection is warranted on this, but I think my reaction stems from his pay grade, not his gender role...)
posted by progosk at 7:15 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by progosk at 7:15 AM on June 22, 2018
I've mostly felt calm about Iceland-Nigeria, until just about three minutes ago. Now I'm on the brink of panic. WHAT IF WE LOSE?! So close, yet so far!
AND WHAT IF WE WIN?! A lifetime of Icelandic sporting disappointment hasn't prepared me for national success at the World Cup.
AND WHAT IF WE DRAW?! Eh, I'll cope. Probably. BUT WHAT IF I DON'T?!
posted by Kattullus at 7:23 AM on June 22, 2018 [4 favorites]
AND WHAT IF WE WIN?! A lifetime of Icelandic sporting disappointment hasn't prepared me for national success at the World Cup.
AND WHAT IF WE DRAW?! Eh, I'll cope. Probably. BUT WHAT IF I DON'T?!
posted by Kattullus at 7:23 AM on June 22, 2018 [4 favorites]
Oh, and I'm out in the Finnish countryside, without wifi, so have to choose between being at a computer and watching the game. So don't worry if I don't comment during or after the game. I won't be dead from stress. Probably. Depending on the game.
posted by Kattullus at 7:25 AM on June 22, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by Kattullus at 7:25 AM on June 22, 2018 [2 favorites]
I will now worry about Kattullus for the entire game.
posted by nubs at 7:33 AM on June 22, 2018 [4 favorites]
posted by nubs at 7:33 AM on June 22, 2018 [4 favorites]
(You might be right in calling me out, I guess some introspection is warranted on this, but I think my reaction stems from his pay grade, not his gender role...)
It wasn't just your reaction - it was the radio announcers, too, and... well... my own initial reaction.
posted by clawsoon at 7:34 AM on June 22, 2018
It wasn't just your reaction - it was the radio announcers, too, and... well... my own initial reaction.
posted by clawsoon at 7:34 AM on June 22, 2018
Prepare for Nigeria-Iceland with the Super Eagles playlist!
posted by ChuraChura at 7:41 AM on June 22, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by ChuraChura at 7:41 AM on June 22, 2018 [2 favorites]
Apparently, Thiago Silva got a hard time when he dared cry on a football field.
posted by ersatz at 7:47 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by ersatz at 7:47 AM on June 22, 2018
The Guardian calls the Nigeria team “onderous.” They probably meant ponderous, but I like it.
posted by languagehat at 7:53 AM on June 22, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by languagehat at 7:53 AM on June 22, 2018 [2 favorites]
Onderous they might be, but that kit
posted by nubs at 8:03 AM on June 22, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by nubs at 8:03 AM on June 22, 2018 [3 favorites]
I feel like I'm the only person who doesn't like the Nigeria strip, reminds me too much of those horrendous early-mid 90s strips with arbitrary graphic detailing stuck on shoulders/sides/oxters/wherever.
posted by Dim Siawns at 8:40 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by Dim Siawns at 8:40 AM on June 22, 2018
Nigeria just not putting it together at the moment. Iceland don’t look much more than organised.
posted by hawthorne at 8:40 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by hawthorne at 8:40 AM on June 22, 2018
I'm skipping this game, so if anything exciting happens you folks will have to tell me about it.
posted by languagehat at 8:47 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by languagehat at 8:47 AM on June 22, 2018
been a weird game so far where Nigeria has had most of the possession and most of the attacks, but iceland is the only one who has actually come close to scoring.
0-0 at halftime.
posted by 256 at 8:49 AM on June 22, 2018
0-0 at halftime.
posted by 256 at 8:49 AM on June 22, 2018
Ha, at the moment the Guardian page is calling it 1-1. Don’t ever change, you Graun!
posted by languagehat at 8:57 AM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by languagehat at 8:57 AM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
They finally corrected it with numerous apologies after 7 minutes up. Long bathroom break?
posted by Quasirandom at 8:59 AM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Quasirandom at 8:59 AM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
Correction: Nigeria 0-0 Icelandposted by languagehat at 8:59 AM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
Apologies! Apologies! Apologies! Apologies! Apologies! Apologies! Apologies! Apologies! Apologies! Apologies! Apologies! Apologies! Apologies! Apologies! Apologies! Apologies! Apologies! Apologies! Apologies! Apologies!
This is my new World Cup chant.
posted by Quasirandom at 9:00 AM on June 22, 2018 [6 favorites]
posted by Quasirandom at 9:00 AM on June 22, 2018 [6 favorites]
instead of the giant #1 foam finger it's a giant foam facepalm
posted by poffin boffin at 9:02 AM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by poffin boffin at 9:02 AM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
Lovely run by Moses, and air-control and flying kick by Musa, straight in!
posted by progosk at 9:09 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by progosk at 9:09 AM on June 22, 2018
Lovely goal (sorry Kattullus)
posted by ersatz at 9:09 AM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by ersatz at 9:09 AM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
Is everyone seeing a huge colour balance difference between the overhead and pitchside cameras, or is it just the BBC? I get distracted by it every time they cut between them...
posted by Dysk at 9:22 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by Dysk at 9:22 AM on June 22, 2018
I'm cheering on Nigeria this round so super excited by their goal!
posted by biggreenplant at 9:23 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by biggreenplant at 9:23 AM on June 22, 2018
This is an ominous liveblog comment:
Ragnar Sigurdsson succumbs to the head injury he sustained as Ahmed Musa scored for Nigeria and is replaced by Sverrir Ingason.posted by ChuraChura at 9:25 AM on June 22, 2018
like does he have a headache or has he perished on the sidelines?
posted by poffin boffin at 9:26 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by poffin boffin at 9:26 AM on June 22, 2018
Is everyone seeing a huge colour balance difference between the overhead and pitchside cameras, or is it just the BBC?
Overhead cameras look a bit less washed out, not sure that’s what you’re referring to?
posted by progosk at 9:26 AM on June 22, 2018
Overhead cameras look a bit less washed out, not sure that’s what you’re referring to?
posted by progosk at 9:26 AM on June 22, 2018
missed the first half but tuned in just in time for that beautiful goal from Musa--and now another! someone on twitter just pointed out that Iceland's defenders are going to have to change their names to Ahmedsson
posted by karayel at 9:36 AM on June 22, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by karayel at 9:36 AM on June 22, 2018 [2 favorites]
Halldórsson was entirely let down by the last defenders.
posted by progosk at 9:37 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by progosk at 9:37 AM on June 22, 2018
oh man that was a painful miss
posted by poffin boffin at 9:41 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by poffin boffin at 9:41 AM on June 22, 2018
VAR redeems itself. Would've practically den criminal not to award that.
posted by Dysk at 9:42 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by Dysk at 9:42 AM on June 22, 2018
Yeah, they've not looked like they've had the heart since the second goal.
posted by Dysk at 9:43 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by Dysk at 9:43 AM on June 22, 2018
Damn. I was hoping this would cut differently.
posted by From Bklyn at 9:43 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by From Bklyn at 9:43 AM on June 22, 2018
Next week's Nigeria-Argentina match is going to be pretty intense!!!!!
posted by ChuraChura at 9:53 AM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by ChuraChura at 9:53 AM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
anyway time to sleep until mexico tomorrow
posted by poffin boffin at 9:55 AM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by poffin boffin at 9:55 AM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
Hows Kattullus?
posted by nubs at 10:12 AM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by nubs at 10:12 AM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
he ded. :(
posted by 256 at 10:13 AM on June 22, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by 256 at 10:13 AM on June 22, 2018 [3 favorites]
Well, that was slightly disappointing. At least we're alive until the last game. And maybe Argentina beat Nigeria. And maybe Iceland beats Croatia. Is this the hope that kills you?
posted by Kattullus at 10:14 AM on June 22, 2018 [4 favorites]
posted by Kattullus at 10:14 AM on June 22, 2018 [4 favorites]
Succumbed on the sidelines like Sigurdsson, then.
posted by nubs at 10:16 AM on June 22, 2018 [4 favorites]
posted by nubs at 10:16 AM on June 22, 2018 [4 favorites]
With the right referee, Iceland could end up with a man advantage fairly early on, which is sadly the only way I really see them winning it.
posted by Dysk at 10:17 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by Dysk at 10:17 AM on June 22, 2018
If Nigeria beats Argentina by a single goal, then they're through. Argentina and Iceland both have to be playing for goal differential though, since a win guarantees them nothing.
Croatia is playing for shits and giggles (or rather to avoid a likely R16 match against France).
posted by 256 at 10:17 AM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
Croatia is playing for shits and giggles (or rather to avoid a likely R16 match against France).
posted by 256 at 10:17 AM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
Is this the hope that kills you?
It’s no succour, I know, but: better to have hoped and dashed, than never to have hoped at all. Grief is a shadow, but one cast by love.
(Feel free to call me a tiresome wanker!)
posted by the quidnunc kid at 10:39 AM on June 22, 2018
It’s no succour, I know, but: better to have hoped and dashed, than never to have hoped at all. Grief is a shadow, but one cast by love.
(Feel free to call me a tiresome wanker!)
posted by the quidnunc kid at 10:39 AM on June 22, 2018
Croatia is playing for shits and giggles (or rather to avoid a likely R16 match against France).
I was mulling this over last night, and I think going against not-France is better than going against France. Unless Denmark beats France?
Maybe Croatia and Iceland will agree to a mannerly draw, and shut out Argentina....
posted by the man of twists and turns at 10:40 AM on June 22, 2018
I was mulling this over last night, and I think going against not-France is better than going against France. Unless Denmark beats France?
Maybe Croatia and Iceland will agree to a mannerly draw, and shut out Argentina....
posted by the man of twists and turns at 10:40 AM on June 22, 2018
boo hiss
posted by languagehat at 10:42 AM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by languagehat at 10:42 AM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
Is this the hope that kills you?
In general, it's hard-hitting reality that rests at the end of hope.
posted by lmfsilva at 10:43 AM on June 22, 2018 [2 favorites]
In general, it's hard-hitting reality that rests at the end of hope.
posted by lmfsilva at 10:43 AM on June 22, 2018 [2 favorites]
A Croatia-Iceland draw doesn't shut out Argentina (or Nigeria) though. Iceland needs a win (and ideally with a dramatic scoreline).
posted by 256 at 10:47 AM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by 256 at 10:47 AM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
Oh, and regarding the France thing, It occurred to me that France might actually think about how much they want the top spot.
It's still possible that Argentina finds their mojo over the weekend, in which case the very likely result of Group D is Croatia on top and Argentina in second. In this case, especially if Argentina is finally looking good, France might prefer the match-up against Croatia...
posted by 256 at 10:54 AM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
It's still possible that Argentina finds their mojo over the weekend, in which case the very likely result of Group D is Croatia on top and Argentina in second. In this case, especially if Argentina is finally looking good, France might prefer the match-up against Croatia...
posted by 256 at 10:54 AM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
If 20% of Iceland's population was in a stadium in Russia this afternoon, what has happened to the economy of Iceland? Is anything at all getting done?
posted by clawsoon at 11:00 AM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by clawsoon at 11:00 AM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
Nice quick goal, Serbia!
posted by the quidnunc kid at 11:05 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by the quidnunc kid at 11:05 AM on June 22, 2018
Hmm, red ‘n’ white vs. white ‘n’ red. This show needs a Nigerian fashion designer to improve the costumes!
posted by the quidnunc kid at 11:08 AM on June 22, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by the quidnunc kid at 11:08 AM on June 22, 2018 [2 favorites]
Ooh! Nope! Swiss remain score-neutral ...
posted by the quidnunc kid at 11:11 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by the quidnunc kid at 11:11 AM on June 22, 2018
oh, nice break Serbia, but no follow-through!
posted by the quidnunc kid at 11:15 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by the quidnunc kid at 11:15 AM on June 22, 2018
Don't worry, I got my skeleton pics - I call it "Icelandic Moods"
posted by robocop is bleeding at 11:16 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by robocop is bleeding at 11:16 AM on June 22, 2018
Overhead! ... and over goal. Ah well!
posted by the quidnunc kid at 11:19 AM on June 22, 2018
posted by the quidnunc kid at 11:19 AM on June 22, 2018
Unclear why I’m watching Serbian-Switzerland when I don’t particularly like either team. I guess it’s penance for missing Nigeria-Iceland, which sounded like a better match.
posted by ardgedee at 11:29 AM on June 22, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by ardgedee at 11:29 AM on June 22, 2018 [2 favorites]
There does seem to be a lot of flailing in this match. Also, the ref is doing a lot of dramatic mugging.
posted by GenjiandProust at 11:45 AM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by GenjiandProust at 11:45 AM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
1st half done, that was entertaining (to me)!
posted by the quidnunc kid at 11:48 AM on June 22, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by the quidnunc kid at 11:48 AM on June 22, 2018 [2 favorites]
It says something about my post-match daze that it took me fifteen minutes to realize that Serbia was in red and Switzerland in white.
posted by Kattullus at 11:50 AM on June 22, 2018 [4 favorites]
posted by Kattullus at 11:50 AM on June 22, 2018 [4 favorites]
The majority of teams in this tournament have red and white kit. You could probably have a betting pool on the colors most likely to reach each tournament round; betting on red and white would be a low payoff for the first few rounds.
posted by ardgedee at 12:07 PM on June 22, 2018
posted by ardgedee at 12:07 PM on June 22, 2018
Ok, that goal was entertainment.
posted by GenjiandProust at 12:11 PM on June 22, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by GenjiandProust at 12:11 PM on June 22, 2018 [2 favorites]
Xhaka with a massive shot. Crazy spin on that ball.
posted by lmfsilva at 12:11 PM on June 22, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by lmfsilva at 12:11 PM on June 22, 2018 [3 favorites]
Someone needs to produce a taxonomy of World Cup shrugs.
posted by GenjiandProust at 12:19 PM on June 22, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by GenjiandProust at 12:19 PM on June 22, 2018 [2 favorites]
> Xhaka with a massive shot.
Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra.
posted by languagehat at 12:32 PM on June 22, 2018 [3 favorites]
Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra.
posted by languagehat at 12:32 PM on June 22, 2018 [3 favorites]
Nearly an own goal!
posted by languagehat at 12:40 PM on June 22, 2018
posted by languagehat at 12:40 PM on June 22, 2018
I think he had it controlled, wasn't as close as it looked.
On the other hand, that's what most people who put backpasses and clearances into their own goal also think.
posted by lmfsilva at 12:46 PM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
On the other hand, that's what most people who put backpasses and clearances into their own goal also think.
posted by lmfsilva at 12:46 PM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
Goal Shaqiri!
posted by languagehat at 12:48 PM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by languagehat at 12:48 PM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
Wow, that was exciting.
posted by languagehat at 12:48 PM on June 22, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by languagehat at 12:48 PM on June 22, 2018 [3 favorites]
He tried for another one! And now it’s over.
posted by languagehat at 12:54 PM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by languagehat at 12:54 PM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
I had no interest in this match, but I'm glad I tuned in for the second half! Maybe it helps that I've missed all the first matches on weekdays, but so far this has been a really entertaining group stage.
posted by grandiloquiet at 12:54 PM on June 22, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by grandiloquiet at 12:54 PM on June 22, 2018 [3 favorites]
It's a shame Shaqiri has a bit of the same Quaresma complex where he's far more productive as a big fish in a small pond and disappears in more demanding leagues, because he can be a fantastic player.
(What I'm saying is that if we weren't so fucking broke, he'd fit right in here)
posted by lmfsilva at 12:54 PM on June 22, 2018 [2 favorites]
(What I'm saying is that if we weren't so fucking broke, he'd fit right in here)
posted by lmfsilva at 12:54 PM on June 22, 2018 [2 favorites]
> On the other hand, that's what most people who put backpasses and clearances into their own goal also think.
Yeah, it's like keepers wandering away from the goal: "I got this, it's under control, I'll just... wait, what... OH SHIT NO."
posted by languagehat at 12:58 PM on June 22, 2018 [3 favorites]
Yeah, it's like keepers wandering away from the goal: "I got this, it's under control, I'll just... wait, what... OH SHIT NO."
posted by languagehat at 12:58 PM on June 22, 2018 [3 favorites]
There are few sights in modern football as thrilling as Xherdan "Power Cube" Shaqiri at full tilt going for goal. I love him unreservedly as a player.
posted by Kattullus at 1:12 PM on June 22, 2018 [4 favorites]
posted by Kattullus at 1:12 PM on June 22, 2018 [4 favorites]
I watched the game on a ship, so no internet. After 1 - 1 it was clear Serbia had lost their cool.
posted by ersatz at 2:16 PM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by ersatz at 2:16 PM on June 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
The majority of teams in this tournament have red and white kit. You could probably have a betting pool on the colors most likely to reach each tournament round; betting on red and white would be a low payoff for the first few rounds.Trying to remember which game it was where the Guardian was using the same shade of red as the color for each team in their graphs. Massive circles of red with white numbers, very difficult to tell what was what. At least mix it up a little!
I still think the Nigerian and Japanese kits are the best of the tournament, though the Mexico 98 jersey is still my all-time favorite.
posted by fifteen schnitzengruben is my limit at 2:35 PM on June 22, 2018
Thought I’d drop some tactical analysis links in case anyone is interested
Tifo Football (youtube videos)
Coaches Voice
Michael Cox (Zonal Marking) at The Independent
posted by juv3nal at 8:04 PM on June 22, 2018
Tifo Football (youtube videos)
Coaches Voice
Michael Cox (Zonal Marking) at The Independent
posted by juv3nal at 8:04 PM on June 22, 2018
In the morning news: "Team Russia is not doping" says the man who would be held responsible if they were caught doping. And Team Mexico can finally eat red meat tacos without fear of accidentally doping, now that they're in Russia.
posted by ardgedee at 3:30 AM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by ardgedee at 3:30 AM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
Oh, you can't give the ball away there. Belgium has another. A positive goal fest.
posted by hawthorne at 5:50 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by hawthorne at 5:50 AM on June 23, 2018
Apparently the Serbian FA was not exactly thrilled with the Xhaka and Shaqiri celebrations, which featured the Albanian eagle hand symbol. In general, I think UEFA tries to overcompensate doing fuck-all on other cases by going overboard anytime something involves giving Serbia any kind of punishment, but this time however, haha, fuck off. You trash talked them for not playing for Kosovo, and then got done with two beautiful goals.
ALBANIAN WU-TANG!
posted by lmfsilva at 5:53 AM on June 23, 2018 [3 favorites]
ALBANIAN WU-TANG!
posted by lmfsilva at 5:53 AM on June 23, 2018 [3 favorites]
Tunisia is not ending this with 11 players standing on the pitch.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 6:21 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by robocop is bleeding at 6:21 AM on June 23, 2018
So Belgium is so far the only team pulling off convincing wins (even if the opposition isn't that strong)?
posted by ersatz at 6:50 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by ersatz at 6:50 AM on June 23, 2018
Tunisia can hold their heads high - they just never gave up.
posted by needled at 6:56 AM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by needled at 6:56 AM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
And that was the most goals scored in a game in this World Cup so far.
posted by needled at 6:59 AM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by needled at 6:59 AM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
Ok, rainy Saturday here, which gives me the perfect excuse to curl up on the couch for back to back football matches. I'm cheering for Mexico in this next match, but I hope South Korea makes them work for it.
posted by the primroses were over at 7:33 AM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by the primroses were over at 7:33 AM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
So my son just asked why they walk out with kids and what they do with them. I said that somebody needs to be sacrificed to the soccer gods. He looked at me and said "Dad, you're fake news."
posted by nubs at 7:55 AM on June 23, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by nubs at 7:55 AM on June 23, 2018 [3 favorites]
will there be another small local mexican victory earthquake i hope yes
posted by poffin boffin at 7:59 AM on June 23, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by poffin boffin at 7:59 AM on June 23, 2018 [3 favorites]
Might be one from the number of Mexican players being knocked down
posted by nubs at 8:04 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by nubs at 8:04 AM on June 23, 2018
Good, the ref is telling the Koreans to knock off that shit.
posted by languagehat at 8:12 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by languagehat at 8:12 AM on June 23, 2018
I feel like I'm watching this game out of obligation, where I'll be surprised if S. Korea wins and shrug if Mexico wins.
S. Korea seems to do well with a foreign coach (e.g. Guus Hiddink) and fall apart under domestic coaches.
Being an old fart I disapprove of the S. Korean goalie's hair.
posted by needled at 8:18 AM on June 23, 2018
S. Korea seems to do well with a foreign coach (e.g. Guus Hiddink) and fall apart under domestic coaches.
Being an old fart I disapprove of the S. Korean goalie's hair.
posted by needled at 8:18 AM on June 23, 2018
Nah, I love dumb soccer player hair. And it's always a great reminder of how ridiculously young most of the players are.
posted by grandiloquiet at 8:21 AM on June 23, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by grandiloquiet at 8:21 AM on June 23, 2018 [3 favorites]
they are all my tiny infant childs even grandpa greyhair iniesta who i hope is napping today
posted by poffin boffin at 8:23 AM on June 23, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by poffin boffin at 8:23 AM on June 23, 2018 [2 favorites]
Oh man, what a wasted opportunity!
posted by languagehat at 8:23 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by languagehat at 8:23 AM on June 23, 2018
And now GOOOOOOOL!!!
posted by languagehat at 8:26 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by languagehat at 8:26 AM on June 23, 2018
Mexico with all the pressure after that goal. Another great chance.
posted by nubs at 8:27 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by nubs at 8:27 AM on June 23, 2018
This is exciting!
posted by languagehat at 8:28 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by languagehat at 8:28 AM on June 23, 2018
Oh wow, that was close to being 2-0.
posted by the primroses were over at 8:28 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by the primroses were over at 8:28 AM on June 23, 2018
YEY
posted by poffin boffin at 8:28 AM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by poffin boffin at 8:28 AM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
So my son just asked why they walk out with kids and what they do with them. I said that somebody needs to be sacrificed to the soccer gods. He looked at me and said "Dad, you're fake news."
Give him the novelisation of the first international friendly, Achaeans United Vs Trojan Lookers aka The Iliad.
posted by ersatz at 8:28 AM on June 23, 2018 [2 favorites]
Give him the novelisation of the first international friendly, Achaeans United Vs Trojan Lookers aka The Iliad.
posted by ersatz at 8:28 AM on June 23, 2018 [2 favorites]
That unforgettable moment when Patroclus got the red card...
posted by languagehat at 8:31 AM on June 23, 2018 [4 favorites]
posted by languagehat at 8:31 AM on June 23, 2018 [4 favorites]
Damn!
posted by languagehat at 8:43 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by languagehat at 8:43 AM on June 23, 2018
Wish Chucky had made that goal...
posted by languagehat at 8:44 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by languagehat at 8:44 AM on June 23, 2018
This is going to be the most emotionally conflicted game for me, as these are the two teams I usually pull for every cup. Yet strangely, I am not finding it stressful. The truth is that, as long as it's not a slaughter, and as long as there is some good football, I'll be pretty happy with any result.
Korea was my team before Mexico was, and it was the Korean team that really got me into international soccer in the first place. I was living in a very heavily Korean neighbourhood in 2002 when the Korean team had their incredible run on home soil. The entire neighbourhood shut down every time Korea was playing, and the street party after each win lasted all day. It was impossible to live in the midst of that and not get caught up in it.
That said, the Mexico win over Germany in matchday one also has me really excited that it could finally be time for Mexico to make a solid run.
posted by 256 at 8:48 AM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
Korea was my team before Mexico was, and it was the Korean team that really got me into international soccer in the first place. I was living in a very heavily Korean neighbourhood in 2002 when the Korean team had their incredible run on home soil. The entire neighbourhood shut down every time Korea was playing, and the street party after each win lasted all day. It was impossible to live in the midst of that and not get caught up in it.
That said, the Mexico win over Germany in matchday one also has me really excited that it could finally be time for Mexico to make a solid run.
posted by 256 at 8:48 AM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
> Korea was my team before Mexico was, and it was the Korean team that really got me into international soccer in the first place. I was living in a very heavily Korean neighbourhood in 2002 when the Korean team had their incredible run on home soil. The entire neighbourhood shut down every time Korea was playing, and the street party after each win lasted all day. It was impossible to live in the midst of that and not get caught up in it.
That's what it was like for me living in Astoria, NYC, with the Brazilian team. I hadn't realized there was such a Brazilian presence until the Cup came along, and they all came out with the flags and the music and the cheers. Hard to resist!
posted by languagehat at 8:51 AM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
That's what it was like for me living in Astoria, NYC, with the Brazilian team. I hadn't realized there was such a Brazilian presence until the Cup came along, and they all came out with the flags and the music and the cheers. Hard to resist!
posted by languagehat at 8:51 AM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
Well, if i was going to sleep through one game today, I guess it shouldn’t have been Belgium-Tunisia. Damn.
posted by ardgedee at 8:56 AM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by ardgedee at 8:56 AM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
Wearing a DFB Trikot and walking into a Belgian pub here in Rotterdam... "Oh. Well. If I were looking to watch Germany, I'd need six hours of drinking to prepare, as well..."
Can't argue there. Bloody hell, Lukaku was fun to watch today though.
posted by Seeba at 8:59 AM on June 23, 2018
Can't argue there. Bloody hell, Lukaku was fun to watch today though.
posted by Seeba at 8:59 AM on June 23, 2018
Yeah, let's talk about Belgium-Tunisia.
Watching S. Korea play fills me with grar towards the coach.
posted by needled at 9:01 AM on June 23, 2018
Watching S. Korea play fills me with grar towards the coach.
posted by needled at 9:01 AM on June 23, 2018
Wow!
posted by languagehat at 9:14 AM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by languagehat at 9:14 AM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
Nice save!
posted by languagehat at 9:14 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by languagehat at 9:14 AM on June 23, 2018
Well deserved yellow.
posted by languagehat at 9:15 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by languagehat at 9:15 AM on June 23, 2018
Good shot, good save.
posted by the primroses were over at 9:16 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by the primroses were over at 9:16 AM on June 23, 2018
So, given that international football's officiating language is English, is it just part of the job as a top level footballer to learn decent English if you want to play on the national team? The players from most countries never seem to have any trouble getting into arguments with the refs.
And when, for example, Iran hires Carlos Quieroz as their head coach, I can't imagine that he showed up on day one speaking much Persian (nor the players Portuguese). Does this mean that, for the many teams with foreign coaches, the majority of coaching occurs in English? It seems like that would require pretty much total fluency.
posted by 256 at 9:19 AM on June 23, 2018
And when, for example, Iran hires Carlos Quieroz as their head coach, I can't imagine that he showed up on day one speaking much Persian (nor the players Portuguese). Does this mean that, for the many teams with foreign coaches, the majority of coaching occurs in English? It seems like that would require pretty much total fluency.
posted by 256 at 9:19 AM on June 23, 2018
If Mexico keeps attacking like that, they’re going to score again before long.
posted by languagehat at 9:19 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by languagehat at 9:19 AM on June 23, 2018
Oh, and this has been a very high-energy second half so far!
posted by 256 at 9:20 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by 256 at 9:20 AM on June 23, 2018
And there it is!!
posted by languagehat at 9:23 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by languagehat at 9:23 AM on June 23, 2018
Woo!
posted by the primroses were over at 9:23 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by the primroses were over at 9:23 AM on June 23, 2018
CHICHARITOOO
time for everyone to hug and cry
posted by poffin boffin at 9:23 AM on June 23, 2018 [2 favorites]
time for everyone to hug and cry
posted by poffin boffin at 9:23 AM on June 23, 2018 [2 favorites]
Chicharazo!
posted by languagehat at 9:25 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by languagehat at 9:25 AM on June 23, 2018
And getting more yellow cards.
posted by languagehat at 9:30 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by languagehat at 9:30 AM on June 23, 2018
I guess it's the Asian Games now if Son Heung-min hopes to avoid military service.
posted by needled at 9:31 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by needled at 9:31 AM on June 23, 2018
I'm not sure what I expected from the Korean team's play style, but "Wolverhampton Wanderers in Red" was certainly not it.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 9:32 AM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by robocop is bleeding at 9:32 AM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
memo throwing himself on the ball like me on the last cupcake
posted by poffin boffin at 9:33 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by poffin boffin at 9:33 AM on June 23, 2018
That was a weird little sequence...and then the thunderstorm knocks out the signal here...
posted by nubs at 9:33 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by nubs at 9:33 AM on June 23, 2018
Korea should have worn yellow today, wouldn’t clash so much with the ref
posted by nubs at 9:38 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by nubs at 9:38 AM on June 23, 2018
Nutmegged the ref!
posted by languagehat at 9:43 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by languagehat at 9:43 AM on June 23, 2018
Korea can’t control either the ball or their worst impulses.
posted by languagehat at 9:45 AM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by languagehat at 9:45 AM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
I would be pounding down soju right now if I had any in the house.
posted by needled at 9:49 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by needled at 9:49 AM on June 23, 2018
And suddenly it’s 2-1!
posted by languagehat at 9:50 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by languagehat at 9:50 AM on June 23, 2018
Oh, that was nice.
posted by the primroses were over at 9:51 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by the primroses were over at 9:51 AM on June 23, 2018
Fuck. Wolves couldn't do that.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 9:52 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by robocop is bleeding at 9:52 AM on June 23, 2018
And it’s over! What a game!
posted by languagehat at 9:53 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by languagehat at 9:53 AM on June 23, 2018
I'm really glad to see Korea score. I'm also really happy for Mexico to have come pretty close to locking up a progression.
posted by 256 at 9:55 AM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by 256 at 9:55 AM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
If Sweden beats Germany in the next game, then Sweden and Mexico advance.
If Sweden and Germany draw, then Mexico advances, Korea is out, and who advances between Sweden and Germany comes down to matchday three.
BUT HERE'S WHAT's REALLY GOING TO HAPPEN:
Germany beats Sweden by one goal. Then, on matchday three, Mexico beats Sweden, and Korea wins 10-0 over Germany. Mexico tops the group, and Korea advances on goal differential!
posted by 256 at 9:58 AM on June 23, 2018
If Sweden and Germany draw, then Mexico advances, Korea is out, and who advances between Sweden and Germany comes down to matchday three.
BUT HERE'S WHAT's REALLY GOING TO HAPPEN:
Germany beats Sweden by one goal. Then, on matchday three, Mexico beats Sweden, and Korea wins 10-0 over Germany. Mexico tops the group, and Korea advances on goal differential!
posted by 256 at 9:58 AM on June 23, 2018
Reading the Guardian for a preview of Germany-Sweden, I am delighted to learn that Ozil has “the body language of a dead frog.”
posted by nubs at 9:59 AM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by nubs at 9:59 AM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
Not that I really dislike Germany or even know who Ozil is, I just like the imagery.
posted by nubs at 10:00 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by nubs at 10:00 AM on June 23, 2018
Ozil has not been picked for the starting 11, which is a big deal. I’m guessing it’s his dead frog body language.
Stay with me for ongoing Ozil coverage!
posted by nubs at 10:18 AM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
Stay with me for ongoing Ozil coverage!
posted by nubs at 10:18 AM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
SVERIGE!!!!
posted by Chrysostom at 11:03 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by Chrysostom at 11:03 AM on June 23, 2018
everyone on sweden's team is so tall that i'm confused that the ball isn't orange.
posted by poffin boffin at 11:06 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by poffin boffin at 11:06 AM on June 23, 2018
Well, this isn’t dull!
posted by languagehat at 11:08 AM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by languagehat at 11:08 AM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
Several years of Arsenal fans somewhat unfairly savaging Ozil has left me irrationally defensive of the the highly-skilled multimillionaire (also I like that his bulgy eyes make him look Alexander the Great)
posted by grandiloquiet at 11:11 AM on June 23, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by grandiloquiet at 11:11 AM on June 23, 2018 [3 favorites]
Also, wow, yes, Germany starting this game like they mean to win it
posted by grandiloquiet at 11:12 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by grandiloquiet at 11:12 AM on June 23, 2018
Are you kidding me??
posted by languagehat at 11:13 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by languagehat at 11:13 AM on June 23, 2018
uhhh I might have cursed germany sorry germany
posted by grandiloquiet at 11:13 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by grandiloquiet at 11:13 AM on June 23, 2018
I was thinking more Caster from Fate Zero, and others agree with me:
https://twitter.com/lennnx/status/488232151578849280
posted by needled at 11:13 AM on June 23, 2018
https://twitter.com/lennnx/status/488232151578849280
posted by needled at 11:13 AM on June 23, 2018
That sure looked like a Sweden goal was imminent.
posted by languagehat at 11:14 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by languagehat at 11:14 AM on June 23, 2018
* close up shot of Thomas Müller running furiously for ten seconds *
* wide shot showing him having made it five yards *
posted by robocop is bleeding at 11:20 AM on June 23, 2018 [2 favorites]
* wide shot showing him having made it five yards *
posted by robocop is bleeding at 11:20 AM on June 23, 2018 [2 favorites]
Everyone seems to agree that it should have been a penalty and Boateng should have been booked. WTF.
posted by languagehat at 11:23 AM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by languagehat at 11:23 AM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
Much as I'd hate to see Germany go out of the tournament early, I think I have to be with the Swedes on this one. Great match to watch so far.
posted by Dysk at 11:24 AM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Dysk at 11:24 AM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
That’s some hockey level of bleeding, there.
posted by Huffy Puffy at 11:26 AM on June 23, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by Huffy Puffy at 11:26 AM on June 23, 2018 [2 favorites]
He ain't pretty no more.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 11:26 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by robocop is bleeding at 11:26 AM on June 23, 2018
Can someone explain to me what the purpose of VAR is at this point? Because it seems useless.
posted by nubs at 11:27 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by nubs at 11:27 AM on June 23, 2018
to catch accidental handballs?
posted by grandiloquiet at 11:28 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by grandiloquiet at 11:28 AM on June 23, 2018
The point of VAR is to make Neymar look like the simulator he is.
Or rather to punish (or at least not reward) him for it. It would have been a travesty if that penalty had been awarded yesterday.
posted by 256 at 11:31 AM on June 23, 2018
Or rather to punish (or at least not reward) him for it. It would have been a travesty if that penalty had been awarded yesterday.
posted by 256 at 11:31 AM on June 23, 2018
Goal Sverige!
posted by languagehat at 11:32 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by languagehat at 11:32 AM on June 23, 2018
OMG
posted by poffin boffin at 11:32 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by poffin boffin at 11:32 AM on June 23, 2018
Lovely!
posted by languagehat at 11:33 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by languagehat at 11:33 AM on June 23, 2018
Jaaaaaaaaaa!
posted by Chrysostom at 11:34 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by Chrysostom at 11:34 AM on June 23, 2018
Hah. The Swedes watched the Mexico game.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 11:34 AM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by robocop is bleeding at 11:34 AM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
Kom så Sverige! Fantastic pass, and lovely control from Toivonnen.
posted by Dysk at 11:34 AM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Dysk at 11:34 AM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
Incidentally, I also have some choice words in Spanish for whoever in the Telemundo graphics team decided to represent Germany with gold and Sweden with yellow in the stats for this game.
posted by 256 at 11:35 AM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by 256 at 11:35 AM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
Rummages in liquor cabinet for some celebratory aquavit, finds none, cries, makes do with with wine in a can.
posted by needled at 11:37 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by needled at 11:37 AM on June 23, 2018
I hope they say “The Germans aren’t panicking,” like they did in the Mexico game.
posted by languagehat at 11:37 AM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by languagehat at 11:37 AM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
Whew!!
posted by languagehat at 11:39 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by languagehat at 11:39 AM on June 23, 2018
Regards my earlier question about every country having to argue with the refs in English, that was pretty clearly a "That's Bullshit!" from the German player.
posted by 256 at 11:42 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by 256 at 11:42 AM on June 23, 2018
For a second, I mistook that plastic bag blowing across the field for the ball. This is why I'm not a professional footballer.
(yes, the only reason)
posted by 256 at 11:43 AM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
(yes, the only reason)
posted by 256 at 11:43 AM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
Hell, I thought they were going to get another one.
posted by languagehat at 11:44 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by languagehat at 11:44 AM on June 23, 2018
Damn, that was a near thing...
posted by languagehat at 11:48 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by languagehat at 11:48 AM on June 23, 2018
Even after the Mexico game, I was not expecting THAT. Germany need the half.
posted by grandiloquiet at 11:49 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by grandiloquiet at 11:49 AM on June 23, 2018
Heh, my bracket is going to be well and truly blown at this rate. Not that I expected it to be accurate, but I am delightfully surprised by the ways in which it is wrong.
posted by the primroses were over at 11:57 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by the primroses were over at 11:57 AM on June 23, 2018
Seriously. My bracket was a mix of Heart vs Head and Heart is winning out.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 11:59 AM on June 23, 2018
posted by robocop is bleeding at 11:59 AM on June 23, 2018
Oof, reading Korean coverage of the match today and S. Korean captain Ki Sung-yueng suffered a leg injury late in the Mexico game and might have to sit out the match with Germany.
posted by needled at 12:04 PM on June 23, 2018
posted by needled at 12:04 PM on June 23, 2018
Well, hell.
posted by languagehat at 12:05 PM on June 23, 2018
posted by languagehat at 12:05 PM on June 23, 2018
There is a woman at the end of the bar with a German colored Cat in the Hat hat that has been slowly wilting over the past hour.
I'll be damned if the thing didn't inflate by itself with that goal.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 12:10 PM on June 23, 2018 [4 favorites]
I'll be damned if the thing didn't inflate by itself with that goal.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 12:10 PM on June 23, 2018 [4 favorites]
Why do crowd reaction shots need to be in slow motion?
posted by nubs at 12:16 PM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by nubs at 12:16 PM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
Pretty ladies jumping.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 12:18 PM on June 23, 2018
posted by robocop is bleeding at 12:18 PM on June 23, 2018
Why is Werner being left all by himself on the left? He keeps getting balls in solitary comfort.
posted by languagehat at 12:23 PM on June 23, 2018
posted by languagehat at 12:23 PM on June 23, 2018
I feel like we are about due for Zlatan Ibrahimović rising up from under the turf to score the Swedish winner.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 12:25 PM on June 23, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by robocop is bleeding at 12:25 PM on June 23, 2018 [2 favorites]
"Well it doesn't say anywhere in the rule book that a fetch made of mud and ego can't play football!"
posted by robocop is bleeding at 12:31 PM on June 23, 2018
posted by robocop is bleeding at 12:31 PM on June 23, 2018
Sweden seems to have run out of gas.
posted by languagehat at 12:32 PM on June 23, 2018
posted by languagehat at 12:32 PM on June 23, 2018
Red!
posted by robocop is bleeding at 12:40 PM on June 23, 2018
posted by robocop is bleeding at 12:40 PM on June 23, 2018
Boateng is sent off!
posted by languagehat at 12:40 PM on June 23, 2018
posted by languagehat at 12:40 PM on June 23, 2018
oh. oh
posted by From Bklyn at 12:42 PM on June 23, 2018
posted by From Bklyn at 12:42 PM on June 23, 2018
C'mon Sweden!
posted by the primroses were over at 12:42 PM on June 23, 2018
posted by the primroses were over at 12:42 PM on June 23, 2018
I'm having a lot of feelings about Jimmy Durmaz and his beard. His dad is from Midyat! I suspect he might be the only Syriac/Assyrian player in this Cup.
posted by karayel at 12:45 PM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by karayel at 12:45 PM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
Huge save!
posted by the primroses were over at 12:45 PM on June 23, 2018
posted by the primroses were over at 12:45 PM on June 23, 2018
Hat Lady did not appreciate my clapping at the red. I would be wearing my Sweden Jersey but for an unfortunate chocolate incident. My true allegiance has been revealed!
posted by robocop is bleeding at 12:46 PM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by robocop is bleeding at 12:46 PM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
Even with ten, Germany look a little like that have Sweden on the ropes right now.
posted by Dysk at 12:48 PM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Dysk at 12:48 PM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
What a game!!
posted by languagehat at 12:50 PM on June 23, 2018
posted by languagehat at 12:50 PM on June 23, 2018
Properly desperate end to end stuff at the end here. Germany looking the more dangerous though.
posted by Dysk at 12:51 PM on June 23, 2018
posted by Dysk at 12:51 PM on June 23, 2018
Heartbreak!
posted by robocop is bleeding at 12:53 PM on June 23, 2018
posted by robocop is bleeding at 12:53 PM on June 23, 2018
Well, fuck.
posted by languagehat at 12:53 PM on June 23, 2018
posted by languagehat at 12:53 PM on June 23, 2018
!!!!!!!!!!!
posted by From Bklyn at 12:53 PM on June 23, 2018
posted by From Bklyn at 12:53 PM on June 23, 2018
That was a fucking gorgeous shot. Sad times for Sweden though.
posted by Dysk at 12:54 PM on June 23, 2018
posted by Dysk at 12:54 PM on June 23, 2018
wow! What a kick!
posted by the man of twists and turns at 12:54 PM on June 23, 2018
posted by the man of twists and turns at 12:54 PM on June 23, 2018
Wow, nice shot! Keeping the group interesting.
posted by the primroses were over at 12:55 PM on June 23, 2018
posted by the primroses were over at 12:55 PM on June 23, 2018
Hat Lady's son, who has blanked all my banter thus far, finally acknowledged my existence by roaring in my face.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 12:55 PM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by robocop is bleeding at 12:55 PM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
Too bad for Sweden, but I can't be mad at a 10-man German squad that pulled that off. And Jogi looks so relieved!
posted by grandiloquiet at 12:56 PM on June 23, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by grandiloquiet at 12:56 PM on June 23, 2018 [3 favorites]
Yeah. It was almost as good as the Eriksen goal against Australia. Almost.
Biased, me? Noooo....
posted by Dysk at 12:58 PM on June 23, 2018
Biased, me? Noooo....
posted by Dysk at 12:58 PM on June 23, 2018
Oh my word, that was a very good game. What a kick from Kroos!
posted by Homeboy Trouble at 12:58 PM on June 23, 2018
posted by Homeboy Trouble at 12:58 PM on June 23, 2018
I'm confused. In the first game, twenty-two men chased a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans lost. In this game, twenty-one men chased a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans won. Football, bloody hell.
posted by ersatz at 12:58 PM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by ersatz at 12:58 PM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
Matchday 3 for this group is going to be crazy. At this point we could see Mexico and Germany advance, Mexico and Sweden advance, Germany and Sweden advance, or even Mexico and Korea advance.
Every team except Mexico is going to need to be playing for goal differential. Mexico just needs a draw to guarantee their way forward.
posted by 256 at 12:58 PM on June 23, 2018
Every team except Mexico is going to need to be playing for goal differential. Mexico just needs a draw to guarantee their way forward.
posted by 256 at 12:58 PM on June 23, 2018
Germany beats Sweden by one goal. Then, on matchday three, Mexico beats Sweden, and Korea wins 10-0 over Germany. Mexico tops the group, and Korea advances on goal differential!
Oh, and I'd like to point out that the first stage of the prophecy has come to pass.
posted by 256 at 1:00 PM on June 23, 2018 [3 favorites]
Oh, and I'd like to point out that the first stage of the prophecy has come to pass.
posted by 256 at 1:00 PM on June 23, 2018 [3 favorites]
oh shiiiiiii
posted by robocop is bleeding at 1:01 PM on June 23, 2018
posted by robocop is bleeding at 1:01 PM on June 23, 2018
May have been mentioned by others, but am following much of the World Cup commentary pretty much through this twitter account.
posted by Wordshore at 1:06 PM on June 23, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by Wordshore at 1:06 PM on June 23, 2018 [2 favorites]
No one can deny that Germany has a sense of drama.
posted by GenjiandProust at 1:08 PM on June 23, 2018
posted by GenjiandProust at 1:08 PM on June 23, 2018
(As a matter of fact, if my math is right, South Korea only needs to beat Germany by one goal, so long as Mexico bests Sweden by two or more....)
posted by 256 at 1:13 PM on June 23, 2018
posted by 256 at 1:13 PM on June 23, 2018
What was all that brouhaha about officials fighting on the sidelines at the end of the game? They mentioned it but didn't really explain what was going on...
posted by fifteen schnitzengruben is my limit at 1:16 PM on June 23, 2018
posted by fifteen schnitzengruben is my limit at 1:16 PM on June 23, 2018
Das war ein Ding!
(as they say)
We‘re watching it on the Internet site of the local broadcaster and it’s been spotty for the last week. The last fifteen minutes - from Boateng’s ejection - the connection was worse and the tension commensurately elevated. You wonder if you’re watching the end of a bunch of careers. And what the hell are they doing even? Playing so casually? And yet so many very very close shots. (Gomez Brandt) when the very last penalty was called we whatched Kros set up and ...
*Buffering*
(Out on the street someone blows a trumpet/vouvouzela) (younger one says, I think they scored)
*buffering*
A pixelated image and shouting it’s back on! They did it! Please, resolve, image, a pixelated replay of the kick plays out and the inhuman cool of it comes through the digital haze. More shouting, then suddenly resolution and yet another replay where it’s aparent this was an epic shot, a magic trick, the culmination of a lifetime of practice and play... deeply satisfying end. They earned the win and seemed like they had taken a step in the right direction.
posted by From Bklyn at 1:23 PM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
(as they say)
We‘re watching it on the Internet site of the local broadcaster and it’s been spotty for the last week. The last fifteen minutes - from Boateng’s ejection - the connection was worse and the tension commensurately elevated. You wonder if you’re watching the end of a bunch of careers. And what the hell are they doing even? Playing so casually? And yet so many very very close shots. (Gomez Brandt) when the very last penalty was called we whatched Kros set up and ...
*Buffering*
(Out on the street someone blows a trumpet/vouvouzela) (younger one says, I think they scored)
*buffering*
A pixelated image and shouting it’s back on! They did it! Please, resolve, image, a pixelated replay of the kick plays out and the inhuman cool of it comes through the digital haze. More shouting, then suddenly resolution and yet another replay where it’s aparent this was an epic shot, a magic trick, the culmination of a lifetime of practice and play... deeply satisfying end. They earned the win and seemed like they had taken a step in the right direction.
posted by From Bklyn at 1:23 PM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
This was a fantastic match. Germany is not looking good, but 4 years ago they also looked iffy against Ghana and the US (although they started pretty well against Portugal that barely showed up). Except this time they don't have a Lahm to put back on the wings, and Muller seems to be in crappy Euro-form.
posted by lmfsilva at 1:26 PM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by lmfsilva at 1:26 PM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
Poor Sweden. If they'd drawn no one could have said they hadn't earned it. That Germany team is still a mess, but they muddled through and they'll probably muddle through against South Korea too.
posted by Kattullus at 1:26 PM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Kattullus at 1:26 PM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
Interestingly, FiveThirtyEight's statistical predictor now puts Germany as having a higher probability (87%) of making it through the group stage than Mexico (72%), even though Mexico goes into matchday three with 6 points and Germany just 3.
South Korea, they give a 1% chance of progressing.
In both cases, I think they are underestimating Korea.
posted by 256 at 1:27 PM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
South Korea, they give a 1% chance of progressing.
In both cases, I think they are underestimating Korea.
posted by 256 at 1:27 PM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
Incidentally, today did wonders for the goal average. It was approaching Italia '90, which has the lowest goal average of any World Cup at 2.21 goals per game, but it's shot up to 2.45. Tomorrow's games have goals in them too, I reckon. Goal average isn't a proxy for enjoyment, of course, though a bad game with goals is much better than a bad game without goals.
posted by Kattullus at 1:46 PM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Kattullus at 1:46 PM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
"Don't mention the VAR."
-The Guardian, on Sweden being denied a penalty
In the middle of a pretty dry play-by-play match analysis, guy just couldn't resist. Heh.
posted by kleinsteradikaleminderheit at 2:47 PM on June 23, 2018 [3 favorites]
-The Guardian, on Sweden being denied a penalty
In the middle of a pretty dry play-by-play match analysis, guy just couldn't resist. Heh.
posted by kleinsteradikaleminderheit at 2:47 PM on June 23, 2018 [3 favorites]
I happened to wander into a completely packed German-themed bar for the second half of today's last match and I think my ears are still ringing.
posted by theodolite at 6:00 PM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by theodolite at 6:00 PM on June 23, 2018 [1 favorite]
I'm a little wary of England's chances against Panama this morning. I know fuckall about world football matches, coaches, players, or anything else, but I do know that when England's journos are talking up their own team, a karmic adjustment will be due.
posted by ardgedee at 4:18 AM on June 24, 2018
posted by ardgedee at 4:18 AM on June 24, 2018
Woke up just in time for that penalty. 2-0 England. I'd like Panama to get in this game.
posted by the primroses were over at 5:25 AM on June 24, 2018
posted by the primroses were over at 5:25 AM on June 24, 2018
This game is nit going at all as I'd hoped :( The political situation rather forces me to be an ABE supporter, and England are playing better than they have in years
posted by Dysk at 5:34 AM on June 24, 2018
posted by Dysk at 5:34 AM on June 24, 2018
I’ve got no team in this tournament but I’m inclined against Panama just for bullshit like shoving opponents from behind during breaks in play for no discernible reason other than they found the opportunity to.
posted by ardgedee at 5:36 AM on June 24, 2018
posted by ardgedee at 5:36 AM on June 24, 2018
Oh! Lingard pulled off a beaut!
(And his celebration has a bit of ‘childish gambino’ choreography thrown in!)
posted by From Bklyn at 5:37 AM on June 24, 2018
(And his celebration has a bit of ‘childish gambino’ choreography thrown in!)
posted by From Bklyn at 5:37 AM on June 24, 2018
That third was a peach. Relaxed England (for now) put on a real show.
posted by hawthorne at 5:38 AM on June 24, 2018
posted by hawthorne at 5:38 AM on June 24, 2018
That was a really good goal. Panama need an actual miracle if they're going to get anywhere near back in this.
posted by Dysk at 5:38 AM on June 24, 2018
posted by Dysk at 5:38 AM on June 24, 2018
ALL SHALL KNEEL BEFORE JOHN STONES' MAGIC HEAD
posted by robocop is bleeding at 5:41 AM on June 24, 2018
posted by robocop is bleeding at 5:41 AM on June 24, 2018
If England keep scoring, they'll lose any chance at getting their fair play badges.
posted by ersatz at 5:41 AM on June 24, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by ersatz at 5:41 AM on June 24, 2018 [1 favorite]
Two goals are from set plays and one was a penalty shot. Panama would still have a viable stake in the game if they weren’t being so thuggish.
posted by ardgedee at 5:43 AM on June 24, 2018
posted by ardgedee at 5:43 AM on June 24, 2018
Another goal to England, also on a penalty kick. Panama are hanging themselves.
posted by ardgedee at 5:47 AM on June 24, 2018
posted by ardgedee at 5:47 AM on June 24, 2018
Yeah, I do hope Panama uses halftime to settle down a bit and realize the penalties aren't helping.
posted by the primroses were over at 5:49 AM on June 24, 2018
posted by the primroses were over at 5:49 AM on June 24, 2018
5-0 at half time. Christ. Unless Panama manage to provoke England into doing something that gets half the team red carded, it's Belgium and England playing for top of the group, both going through.
posted by Dysk at 5:51 AM on June 24, 2018
posted by Dysk at 5:51 AM on June 24, 2018
This is such a bizarre game. Panama have lost their shit completely. You have to start worrying about the players on both sides, because the next step after sniping on the field like this is picking fights.
posted by ardgedee at 5:55 AM on June 24, 2018
posted by ardgedee at 5:55 AM on June 24, 2018
However much you dislike England, I don't see how anyone can root for this Panama team, "filthy and incompetent" as the Guardian quite rightly calls them. They deserve to lose and lose badly.
posted by languagehat at 5:57 AM on June 24, 2018
posted by languagehat at 5:57 AM on June 24, 2018
I'm rooting for Panama to be less terrible in the 2nd half, not for them to win at this point.
I didn't see the Panama -Belgium game, is this how Panama played then?
posted by the primroses were over at 6:04 AM on June 24, 2018
I didn't see the Panama -Belgium game, is this how Panama played then?
posted by the primroses were over at 6:04 AM on June 24, 2018
Yeah, Panama are not covering themselves in glory, but the team doesn't deserve any further humiliation, and I feel for Panamanians watching. This must hurt really bad.
posted by Kattullus at 6:06 AM on June 24, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by Kattullus at 6:06 AM on June 24, 2018 [2 favorites]
> the team doesn't deserve any further humiliation
Oh, I think they do. The sad fans should encourage the players to stop playing like that, and losing 10-0 might drive home the idea.
posted by languagehat at 6:11 AM on June 24, 2018
Oh, I think they do. The sad fans should encourage the players to stop playing like that, and losing 10-0 might drive home the idea.
posted by languagehat at 6:11 AM on June 24, 2018
Panama players are still shoving and roughhousing for no good reason. I have a feeling things will deteriorate rapidly again.
posted by ardgedee at 6:17 AM on June 24, 2018
posted by ardgedee at 6:17 AM on June 24, 2018
Hat trick for Harry!
posted by languagehat at 6:20 AM on June 24, 2018
posted by languagehat at 6:20 AM on June 24, 2018
England seems to be taking out the players they want to protect from hits. Er, want to keep fresh for the third matchday.
posted by ardgedee at 6:22 AM on June 24, 2018
posted by ardgedee at 6:22 AM on June 24, 2018
Heh, ok, the deflection off the heel of Harry Kane for his hat trick was entertaining. Giving up on the rest of the match, I assume that'll be the highlight.
See y'all for Japan-Senegal.
posted by the primroses were over at 6:26 AM on June 24, 2018 [2 favorites]
See y'all for Japan-Senegal.
posted by the primroses were over at 6:26 AM on June 24, 2018 [2 favorites]
languagehat: Oh, I think they do. The sad fans should encourage the players to stop playing like that, and losing 10-0 might drive home the idea.
Humiliation rarely brings betterment.
posted by Kattullus at 6:27 AM on June 24, 2018 [1 favorite]
Humiliation rarely brings betterment.
posted by Kattullus at 6:27 AM on June 24, 2018 [1 favorite]
I don't see how anyone can root for this Panama team
That's easy, I'm an EU citizen living in Britain.
posted by Dysk at 6:27 AM on June 24, 2018 [2 favorites]
That's easy, I'm an EU citizen living in Britain.
posted by Dysk at 6:27 AM on June 24, 2018 [2 favorites]
England do absolutely deserve this win though. The scoreline isn't even unfair.
posted by Dysk at 6:34 AM on June 24, 2018
posted by Dysk at 6:34 AM on June 24, 2018
15 minutes left in the match and Panama gets their first corner. A heartbreaker of a set piece for them, too.
posted by ardgedee at 6:34 AM on June 24, 2018
posted by ardgedee at 6:34 AM on June 24, 2018
OK, I can't begrudge Panama that pretty goal, and now their supporters will feel less sad.
posted by languagehat at 6:37 AM on June 24, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by languagehat at 6:37 AM on June 24, 2018 [1 favorite]
Good on Panama for making that free kick, but doesn’t it look a little like England was trying to concede them the goal? They only put one token player between the ball and the goalie.
posted by ardgedee at 6:37 AM on June 24, 2018
posted by ardgedee at 6:37 AM on June 24, 2018
Yeah! Fantastic set piece play, Panama's first World Cup goal!
posted by Dysk at 6:38 AM on June 24, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by Dysk at 6:38 AM on June 24, 2018 [3 favorites]
It's Panama's first time in the World Cup, good on them they got a goal. A very pretty goal, too!
posted by needled at 6:39 AM on June 24, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by needled at 6:39 AM on June 24, 2018 [1 favorite]
I think even the Guardian's MBM writer has lost interest in this game at this point.
posted by needled at 6:45 AM on June 24, 2018
posted by needled at 6:45 AM on June 24, 2018
Looks like this game will tie Belgium-Tunisia yesterday for most goals scored in a match so far in this World Cup.
posted by needled at 6:49 AM on June 24, 2018
posted by needled at 6:49 AM on June 24, 2018
This puts the teams in the England-Belgium match in the entertaining situation of wanting to play for second, or a draw at best.
posted by ardgedee at 6:55 AM on June 24, 2018
posted by ardgedee at 6:55 AM on June 24, 2018
Alexi Lalas is currently thumping on about how US should be ashamed that the US wasn’t good enough to beat Panama to get into the World Cup finals.
And yeah... he’s not wrong.
posted by ardgedee at 6:57 AM on June 24, 2018 [3 favorites]
And yeah... he’s not wrong.
posted by ardgedee at 6:57 AM on June 24, 2018 [3 favorites]
The Guardian, earlier, on the English coach behind Panama's World Cup dream.
What's a "Millwall", and does it have anything to do with the game today?
posted by clawsoon at 7:03 AM on June 24, 2018
What's a "Millwall", and does it have anything to do with the game today?
posted by clawsoon at 7:03 AM on June 24, 2018
Millwall is a club whose players and fans are (or were) renowned for their, er, physicality.
posted by Dysk at 7:06 AM on June 24, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Dysk at 7:06 AM on June 24, 2018 [1 favorite]
Millwall are a second tier community club based in working class south-east London, with an increasingly historical reputation for racist and violent supporters. (Their support was terrifying in the 80s, in the 90s they tried to reintroduce terracing at my club by throwing their seats at the home fans, nowadays mainly living up to some sort of panto villain status: "no one likes us, we don't care" is their second best song).
posted by bebrogued at 7:11 AM on June 24, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by bebrogued at 7:11 AM on June 24, 2018 [3 favorites]
The Panama coach did say that he felt right at home going from being a community outreach officer in Millwall to coaching in Panama.
posted by clawsoon at 7:38 AM on June 24, 2018
posted by clawsoon at 7:38 AM on June 24, 2018
Goal Senegal!
posted by doublenelson at 8:13 AM on June 24, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by doublenelson at 8:13 AM on June 24, 2018 [1 favorite]
Wow, that was a pretty blatant foul not to get called. You can't really grab someone's arm to keep them from running faster than you, can you?
posted by ChuraChura at 8:27 AM on June 24, 2018
posted by ChuraChura at 8:27 AM on June 24, 2018
Only if in the other hand the offending player is carrying a picnic basket.
posted by lmfsilva at 8:28 AM on June 24, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by lmfsilva at 8:28 AM on June 24, 2018 [1 favorite]
Equalizer for Japan
posted by the primroses were over at 8:34 AM on June 24, 2018
posted by the primroses were over at 8:34 AM on June 24, 2018
Wonder of wonders - Korean netizens are praising Japan's play.
They are ragging on Japanese goalie Kawashima's "oil hands" and comparing him to Korean goalkeeper Jung Sung-ryong, whose 2014 World Cup performance is still reviled by Korean netizens.
posted by needled at 9:10 AM on June 24, 2018
They are ragging on Japanese goalie Kawashima's "oil hands" and comparing him to Korean goalkeeper Jung Sung-ryong, whose 2014 World Cup performance is still reviled by Korean netizens.
posted by needled at 9:10 AM on June 24, 2018
That was a nice set up.
Morning everyone! I had a nice lie-in whilst England romped but managed to rouse myself for the second half of this.
posted by nubs at 9:18 AM on June 24, 2018
Morning everyone! I had a nice lie-in whilst England romped but managed to rouse myself for the second half of this.
posted by nubs at 9:18 AM on June 24, 2018
Whew!
posted by doublenelson at 9:30 AM on June 24, 2018
posted by doublenelson at 9:30 AM on June 24, 2018
That was some nice ball movement in the box on that goal, he observed to himself.
posted by nubs at 9:30 AM on June 24, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by nubs at 9:30 AM on June 24, 2018 [1 favorite]
Oh wow, tied up again! This game's been exciting.
posted by the primroses were over at 9:36 AM on June 24, 2018
posted by the primroses were over at 9:36 AM on June 24, 2018
Good position by Takashi to keep that ball alive and feed it back in
posted by nubs at 9:36 AM on June 24, 2018
posted by nubs at 9:36 AM on June 24, 2018
Argh!!!!
posted by ChuraChura at 9:36 AM on June 24, 2018
posted by ChuraChura at 9:36 AM on June 24, 2018
So angry with Senegal defence arrrrgh
posted by grandiloquiet at 9:37 AM on June 24, 2018
posted by grandiloquiet at 9:37 AM on June 24, 2018
Japan continues hanging in there.
Cautiously rooting for them at this point as they appear to be the only Asian team with a chance of making it to the knockout stage.
posted by needled at 9:42 AM on June 24, 2018 [1 favorite]
Cautiously rooting for them at this point as they appear to be the only Asian team with a chance of making it to the knockout stage.
posted by needled at 9:42 AM on June 24, 2018 [1 favorite]
A well deserved draw.
posted by languagehat at 9:51 AM on June 24, 2018
posted by languagehat at 9:51 AM on June 24, 2018
needled: Cautiously rooting for them at this point as they appear to be the only Asian team with a chance of making it to the knockout stage.
Still the possibility for an upset in the Iran-Portugal game, especially if Portugal underestimate Team Melli.
posted by Kattullus at 10:35 AM on June 24, 2018
Still the possibility for an upset in the Iran-Portugal game, especially if Portugal underestimate Team Melli.
posted by Kattullus at 10:35 AM on June 24, 2018
A disciplinary reminder for Russia 2018
- "As we approach the final decisive matches in the 2018 FIFA World Cup™ group stage, a number of players will have to exercise some caution. With some having already received a yellow card, another could mean suspension for the knockout stages. "
posted by the man of twists and turns at 10:49 AM on June 24, 2018
- "As we approach the final decisive matches in the 2018 FIFA World Cup™ group stage, a number of players will have to exercise some caution. With some having already received a yellow card, another could mean suspension for the knockout stages. "
posted by the man of twists and turns at 10:49 AM on June 24, 2018
Its just way too nice of a day to watch POL-COL
posted by nubs at 11:24 AM on June 24, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by nubs at 11:24 AM on June 24, 2018 [2 favorites]
TBH I'm finding myself very fond of any kit that is not red and white. I've been doing a lot of squinting-at-the-screen racial profiling to figure out sides this World Cup, and it feels pretty gross!
30 minutes into the game, and I'm cheering for Japan-Senegal.
posted by grandiloquiet at 11:30 AM on June 24, 2018
30 minutes into the game, and I'm cheering for Japan-Senegal.
posted by grandiloquiet at 11:30 AM on June 24, 2018
What a play by Cuadrado. Shame he kind dribbled himself out of an angle to do anything.
posted by lmfsilva at 11:37 AM on June 24, 2018
posted by lmfsilva at 11:37 AM on June 24, 2018
haha "Mina de oro" indeed! (Telemundo commentator on Mina's goal)
posted by needled at 11:57 AM on June 24, 2018
posted by needled at 11:57 AM on June 24, 2018
It's odd to me how defensively Colombia have set up. Without the ball they line up in a 5-4-1, which seems odd against a team like Poland, who aren't terribly fast. I worry this defensive outlook will come back to hurt them. Thought to be fair to them, based on the first half's evidence, Poland won't trouble them much.
posted by Kattullus at 11:58 AM on June 24, 2018
posted by Kattullus at 11:58 AM on June 24, 2018
I was just going to type, cuadrado has had a great match and it just got better! What a goal!
posted by dhruva at 12:35 PM on June 24, 2018
posted by dhruva at 12:35 PM on June 24, 2018
Happy for Cuadrado, he's been knocking on the door all game!
posted by grandiloquiet at 12:36 PM on June 24, 2018
posted by grandiloquiet at 12:36 PM on June 24, 2018
Heh Falcao having trouble attaching the captain's tape on James's sleeve.
posted by needled at 12:38 PM on June 24, 2018
posted by needled at 12:38 PM on June 24, 2018
Polish players looking like Nazgul chasing Frodo on the last goal
posted by grandiloquiet at 12:38 PM on June 24, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by grandiloquiet at 12:38 PM on June 24, 2018 [2 favorites]
Still hoping Japan and Senegal take the top spots in this group, but Colombia is having a great showing here.
Nothing against Poland, but Europe is already plenty represented in the round of 16, so I'm not sad to see them go.
posted by the primroses were over at 12:41 PM on June 24, 2018
Nothing against Poland, but Europe is already plenty represented in the round of 16, so I'm not sad to see them go.
posted by the primroses were over at 12:41 PM on June 24, 2018
Heh, show's what I know. Attacking with only three players is just fine when the opposition's defense is this poorly organized. The Falcao goal especially happened because the defenders weren't paying attention to where they were, and Falcao was onside in a position he really shouldn't be left onside in.
posted by Kattullus at 12:42 PM on June 24, 2018
posted by Kattullus at 12:42 PM on June 24, 2018
Huh. I’ve never seen an outfield player take a goal kick.
posted by Huffy Puffy at 12:47 PM on June 24, 2018
posted by Huffy Puffy at 12:47 PM on June 24, 2018
So Poland are out regardless of their match result with Japan, but if Japan loses their fate will depend on the result of the Senegal-Colombia match on Thursday. If both Japan and Senegal lose on Thursday then who gets through will depend on goal differential from their losses, or the number of yellow & red cards received by each team.
posted by needled at 12:55 PM on June 24, 2018
posted by needled at 12:55 PM on June 24, 2018
Of tomorrow's games, the only one that really matters is Portugal v Iran. We already know who's getting through in Group A, and the likelihood of Portugal and Spain (who are of relatively equal strength) getting out of Group B, means that it doesn't especially matter who tops the group.
As for Spain and Portugal, assuming they both get through, I guess they would prefer to play Russia rather than Uruguay, though it's hard to say for sure until we see the Russia v Uruguay game. Either way though, they are going to be matched against opponents that shouldn't pose a lot of threat in the Round of 16.
The Portugal v Iran match though, that has the possibility for an incredible upset, and that's inherently interesting.
posted by 256 at 1:13 PM on June 24, 2018 [1 favorite]
As for Spain and Portugal, assuming they both get through, I guess they would prefer to play Russia rather than Uruguay, though it's hard to say for sure until we see the Russia v Uruguay game. Either way though, they are going to be matched against opponents that shouldn't pose a lot of threat in the Round of 16.
The Portugal v Iran match though, that has the possibility for an incredible upset, and that's inherently interesting.
posted by 256 at 1:13 PM on June 24, 2018 [1 favorite]
Jonathan Wilson's grumbly article complaining about the lack of goals, already out of date when it appeared this morning, is even more so in the evening when the goal average has risen to 2.66 goals per game. Personally I'm really enjoying this World Cup. It's impossible to judge until it's all over, but the group stage has been largely wonderful.
posted by Kattullus at 1:19 PM on June 24, 2018 [4 favorites]
posted by Kattullus at 1:19 PM on June 24, 2018 [4 favorites]
I missed the POL-COL game because satan himself manifested inside my computer in the form of windows 10 updates and I am sad.
Anyway no one cares about simultaneous games in this thread tomorrow, right?
posted by poffin boffin at 1:33 PM on June 24, 2018 [1 favorite]
Anyway no one cares about simultaneous games in this thread tomorrow, right?
posted by poffin boffin at 1:33 PM on June 24, 2018 [1 favorite]
I think the plan is to have a separate Matchday 3 thread, to keep things speedy. I'll need you all to keep me updated on the score in Argentina-Nigeria, just so that hope can twist the knife in my heart most exquisitely.
posted by Kattullus at 1:41 PM on June 24, 2018
posted by Kattullus at 1:41 PM on June 24, 2018
I for one am going to watch Portugal v Iran and cheer for Iran with all my heart. FiveThirtyEight gives them a 15% chance of booking a win.
posted by 256 at 1:49 PM on June 24, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by 256 at 1:49 PM on June 24, 2018 [1 favorite]
poffin boffin: I missed the POL-COL game because satan himself manifested inside my computer in the form of windows 10 updates and I am sad.
There is only one thing which Satan respects, and that is money. If you tell Windows 10 that all of your connections are metered connections, it will respectfully wait to download updates until you say that it's okay.
posted by clawsoon at 1:54 PM on June 24, 2018
There is only one thing which Satan respects, and that is money. If you tell Windows 10 that all of your connections are metered connections, it will respectfully wait to download updates until you say that it's okay.
posted by clawsoon at 1:54 PM on June 24, 2018
For the next post -- I'll plan to put a Matchday 3 post up about 8 hrs from now, so post-mortems from today can stay in here mostly, and the new thread will go up closer to the time the games start. (If I'm understanding the schedule right?)
Let me know if I should do something different.
posted by LobsterMitten at 2:47 PM on June 24, 2018 [6 favorites]
Let me know if I should do something different.
posted by LobsterMitten at 2:47 PM on June 24, 2018 [6 favorites]
Sounds good to me.
posted by languagehat at 2:52 PM on June 24, 2018
posted by languagehat at 2:52 PM on June 24, 2018
That sounds awesome, LM. Thanks so much! The first matches start at 10am EST tomorrow and we often like to start banter an hour or so early, so I think your plan is perfect.
posted by 256 at 2:53 PM on June 24, 2018
posted by 256 at 2:53 PM on June 24, 2018
Is it me or have there been way more short corners this World Cup than in previous?
The ball doesn't seem to be a problem this time around, so I'm trying to figure out other reasons. Maybe just belting it into a wad of players isn't as favored as it once was...
posted by fifteen schnitzengruben is my limit at 5:29 PM on June 24, 2018
The ball doesn't seem to be a problem this time around, so I'm trying to figure out other reasons. Maybe just belting it into a wad of players isn't as favored as it once was...
posted by fifteen schnitzengruben is my limit at 5:29 PM on June 24, 2018
Yeah, I was really surprised by that too. I'm just so used to the aggressive and optimistic cross from the corner.
posted by 256 at 5:32 PM on June 24, 2018
posted by 256 at 5:32 PM on June 24, 2018
So far, the goals have seemed more likely to come from free kicks than corners, which I guess is pretty unexpected. (It certainly holds more visual appeal than a bunch of dudes hopping up and nodding their heads at the goal in unison.)
posted by grandiloquiet at 5:47 PM on June 24, 2018
posted by grandiloquiet at 5:47 PM on June 24, 2018
I feel like maybe everyone saw that Ronaldo free kick and was like: "I didn't know we could do that..."
posted by 256 at 6:28 PM on June 24, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by 256 at 6:28 PM on June 24, 2018 [1 favorite]
Here's the Matchday 3 livewatch thread!
posted by LobsterMitten at 12:06 AM on June 25, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by LobsterMitten at 12:06 AM on June 25, 2018 [3 favorites]
Hat trick for Harry!
Two late thoughts on that England performance:
Firstly, I often think it is the mark of a great player to give the impression of scoring a goal without trying (too hard). Mr. Kane’s third goal, however, gave the impression of him scoring without ... noticing! :-)
Secondly: as per tradition, those who score a hat-trick receive the match ball as a present. Given the particular context, should he not (also) have been gifted a certain ... hat? ;-)
posted by the quidnunc kid at 1:05 AM on June 25, 2018 [1 favorite]
Two late thoughts on that England performance:
Firstly, I often think it is the mark of a great player to give the impression of scoring a goal without trying (too hard). Mr. Kane’s third goal, however, gave the impression of him scoring without ... noticing! :-)
Secondly: as per tradition, those who score a hat-trick receive the match ball as a present. Given the particular context, should he not (also) have been gifted a certain ... hat? ;-)
posted by the quidnunc kid at 1:05 AM on June 25, 2018 [1 favorite]
I didn’t know that Lizzy Windsor got her crown for scoring a hat trick for England.
posted by Kattullus at 2:42 AM on June 25, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Kattullus at 2:42 AM on June 25, 2018 [1 favorite]
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#1 Russia vs #3 Egypt (Group A) - St Petersburg Russia wins 3-1
Wednesday 20 June
#2 Portugal vs #4 Morocco (Group B) - Moscow (Luzhniki)
#2 Uruguay vs #4 Saudi Arabia (Group A) - Rostov-on-Don
#1 Iran vs #3 Spain (Group B) - Kazan (I think this will be an exciting match!)
Thursday 21 June
#2 Denmark vs #3 Australia (Group C)
#1 France vs #4 Peru (Group C) - Ekaterinburg
#3 Argentina vs #1 Croatia (Group D) - Nizhny Novgorod (I think this will be an exciting match!)
Friday 22 June
#2 Brazil vs #4 Costa Rica (Group E) - St Petersburg
#4 Nigeria vs #2 Iceland (Group D) - Volgograd
#1 Serbia vs #3 Switzerland (Group E) - Kaliningrad
Saturday 23 June
#1 Belgium vs #3 Tunisia (Group G) - Moscow (Spartak)
#3 South Korea vs #2 Mexico (Group F) - Rostov-on-Don (I think this will be an exciting match!)
#4 Germany v #1 Sweden (Group F) - Sochi (I think this will be an exciting match!)
Sunday 24 June
#2 England vs #4 Panama (Group G) - Nizhny Novgorod - 1pm
#1 Japan vs #2 Senegal (Group H) - Ekaterinburg
#3 Poland vs #4 Colombia (Group H) - Kazan
posted by the man of twists and turns at 3:10 PM on June 19, 2018 [3 favorites]