Special Event: World Cup 2018 - Round of 16
June 30, 2018 12:00 AM - Subscribe

Knockout rounds begin! Here's a thread for all your livewatching and discussion needs.

Previous threads -
Matchday 1
Matchday 2
Matchday 3
posted by LobsterMitten (949 comments total) 5 users marked this as a favorite
 
@SidLowe:
“La Liga goals scored by tomorrow's World Cup forwards over last four years:
Griezmann 19, 16, 22, 22
Messi 34, 37, 26, 43
Suarez 25, 29, 40, 16
Ronaldo 26, 25, 35, 48
463 goals.
Bonkers.”
posted by Bloxworth Snout at 2:32 AM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


For anyone curious, that works out at 29 league goals per person per year, despite Griezmann dragging down the average with a paltry 20 goals a season.

So nil-nils all round, probably.
posted by Bloxworth Snout at 2:59 AM on June 30, 2018 [2 favorites]


Just about the only part of the French team which hasn’t underwhelmed so far is the defense. Varane and Kante in particular, though Pavard deserves a shout too. It’ll be interesting to see how they handle Messi and co.
posted by Kattullus at 3:03 AM on June 30, 2018


Arguably the path to victory for France begins with pressuring Argentina's midfield and force Messi to be more involved in early build-up and as far away from the edge of the box as possible.

I'm a bit confused over what Argentina is planning to do: Higuain is out (not that he was "in") and Pavón with Di Maria on the wings and Messi on the middle. Are they going to pull a false 9 with Messi (leaving poor Mascherano alone in the retirement home again), or have Banega and Messi feeding long passes to the back of the defense?
posted by lmfsilva at 6:56 AM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


Oid mortales el grito sagrado! Argentina!!
posted by languagehat at 6:57 AM on June 30, 2018


I don’t like taking Higuain out, but we’ll see.
posted by languagehat at 6:58 AM on June 30, 2018


Terrible cross from Di Maria.
posted by languagehat at 7:05 AM on June 30, 2018


That was a cross? He looked like he tried to get a corner and failed at that.
posted by lmfsilva at 7:07 AM on June 30, 2018


Argentina have showed up so far. I thought having Higuain, di Maria, and Messi together last game were the best Argentina have looked all tournament and I don't get leaving him out either.

This is the ultimate hype game...in that neither France nor Argentina have lived up to pre-tournament hopes so far. I'm hoping this is more exciting!
posted by grandiloquiet at 7:07 AM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


Oh shit.
posted by languagehat at 7:07 AM on June 30, 2018


Whew!!
posted by languagehat at 7:09 AM on June 30, 2018


Whew. I should also say I'm hoping France don't score first, because Argentina does not seem capable of getting up from behind
posted by grandiloquiet at 7:09 AM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


Doink
posted by lmfsilva at 7:10 AM on June 30, 2018


Uh-oh...
posted by languagehat at 7:12 AM on June 30, 2018


Oof sorry languagehat
posted by grandiloquiet at 7:13 AM on June 30, 2018


Well, lack of speed will kill you on the counter.
posted by lmfsilva at 7:13 AM on June 30, 2018


Shit. Down 1-0 on a PK.
posted by languagehat at 7:14 AM on June 30, 2018


Well, that puts all the pressure onto ARG.
posted by nubs at 7:15 AM on June 30, 2018


The seven-year-old newly-minted-soccer-fan French kid in my house is losing his shit right now.
posted by Liesl at 7:15 AM on June 30, 2018 [3 favorites]


On the replays, it looked if Rojo avoided that last push, he might have gotten away with a free kick right outside the box where he shoved Mbappe.
posted by lmfsilva at 7:15 AM on June 30, 2018


I should say at this point that I will not be even a little bit surprised if Argentina lose this game. I’m just hoping for a miracle.
posted by languagehat at 7:16 AM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


Also, Mbappe is amazing.
posted by languagehat at 7:17 AM on June 30, 2018 [2 favorites]


Fucking hell.
posted by languagehat at 7:20 AM on June 30, 2018


Wow, Mbappe giving them problems
posted by nubs at 7:20 AM on June 30, 2018


I'd like to see Argentina win, but I'd like to see them play like a team that could win first.
posted by Homeboy Trouble at 7:20 AM on June 30, 2018 [2 favorites]


Whew again. But Mbappe is going to win this for France.
posted by languagehat at 7:21 AM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


He reminds me of Maradona in his glory days.
posted by languagehat at 7:22 AM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


My allegiances are cheap and faithless, I will support whoever delivers the most dramatic game.
posted by grandiloquiet at 7:23 AM on June 30, 2018 [4 favorites]


Wouldn't be surprised if Mbappe got a defender sent off before the end of the half unless they react faster to counter attacks.
posted by lmfsilva at 7:25 AM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


Yup. Argentina look slow and feckless and all they can do is foul.
posted by languagehat at 7:28 AM on June 30, 2018


France seems relaxed, Argentina nervous...
posted by progosk at 7:29 AM on June 30, 2018


You’d be nervous too!
posted by languagehat at 7:30 AM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


Graun: “This system isn’t working for Argentina.” Ya think??
posted by languagehat at 7:34 AM on June 30, 2018


Three nicer initiatives from Arg; finding their form?
posted by progosk at 7:38 AM on June 30, 2018


Maybe at halftime Sampaoli can shoot them up with whatever the Russian players are getting.
posted by languagehat at 7:41 AM on June 30, 2018


What a bomb!
posted by progosk at 7:41 AM on June 30, 2018


GOOOL DI MARIA!!!
posted by languagehat at 7:41 AM on June 30, 2018


Di Maria with the Sensible Soccer shot outside the box.

So, France imploding in the second half?
posted by lmfsilva at 7:45 AM on June 30, 2018 [2 favorites]


From your mouth to the ear of La Mano de Dios!
posted by languagehat at 7:46 AM on June 30, 2018


Just as I was about to say France’s central defence is going well they just stood off. But that was a fair strike. Good for the match though.
posted by hawthorne at 7:47 AM on June 30, 2018


Peep! I’m much happier than I expected to be at halftime!
posted by languagehat at 7:48 AM on June 30, 2018


Well, you see what happens when I go in the kitchen to whip up some eggs?
posted by nubs at 7:51 AM on June 30, 2018 [2 favorites]


Why are they bringing in Fazio?
posted by languagehat at 8:04 AM on June 30, 2018


Unbelievable!
posted by nubs at 8:06 AM on June 30, 2018


oh what a good time to turn on the game
posted by poffin boffin at 8:06 AM on June 30, 2018 [2 favorites]


what a clever little play by Arg!
posted by progosk at 8:06 AM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


GOOOL!!!!
posted by languagehat at 8:06 AM on June 30, 2018


Messi and Mercado looking as surprised as everyone else at that goal haha
posted by grandiloquiet at 8:07 AM on June 30, 2018 [2 favorites]


Was that an intentional redirect?
posted by nubs at 8:07 AM on June 30, 2018


Why are they bringing in Fazio?
Subbed for Marcos Rojo, who was carded? Or maybe found injured during the interval.
posted by progosk at 8:09 AM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


Are cards from the group stage wiped out at this point?
posted by nubs at 8:11 AM on June 30, 2018


This game is getting quite lively.
posted by languagehat at 8:12 AM on June 30, 2018


Was that an intentional redirect?
It will be.
posted by hawthorne at 8:12 AM on June 30, 2018 [2 favorites]


This game is getting quite lively


I see drama ahead!
posted by nubs at 8:13 AM on June 30, 2018


Apparently 35.000 Arg fans present, vs 4.000 French. You can really hear it now.
posted by progosk at 8:14 AM on June 30, 2018


Whew if that misfired I didn't think there was another alternate Argentina goalkeeper...
posted by grandiloquiet at 8:14 AM on June 30, 2018


Jesus. Fazio almost really fucked things up.
posted by languagehat at 8:14 AM on June 30, 2018


Oops, Fazio mistook which side he’s on...
posted by progosk at 8:14 AM on June 30, 2018


Oh!
posted by nubs at 8:15 AM on June 30, 2018


OH SHIT!!
posted by languagehat at 8:15 AM on June 30, 2018


Oh, cracking
posted by hawthorne at 8:16 AM on June 30, 2018


I can't begrudge this team of French 12-year-olds anything, that was great
posted by grandiloquiet at 8:16 AM on June 30, 2018 [2 favorites]


Wowza - Favard flew that in! Game’s looking up!
posted by progosk at 8:16 AM on June 30, 2018


Stunner! Nice shot
posted by nubs at 8:16 AM on June 30, 2018


What a game this is turning out to be!

Two absolute worldies of a goal!
posted by Kattullus at 8:16 AM on June 30, 2018 [2 favorites]


Ooh, my seven-year-old is learning a lot of choice words in French!
posted by Liesl at 8:18 AM on June 30, 2018 [3 favorites]


If I don’t make it through the game, tell them I died for Argentina.
posted by languagehat at 8:18 AM on June 30, 2018 [4 favorites]


A handful of glorious and/or ridiculous goals is exactly what I was hoping for.
posted by Homeboy Trouble at 8:18 AM on June 30, 2018 [3 favorites]


C'est le but!
posted by nubs at 8:21 AM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


This game is nuts
posted by nubs at 8:22 AM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


OH SHIT AGAIN
posted by languagehat at 8:22 AM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


More glory, Mbapé this time!
posted by progosk at 8:22 AM on June 30, 2018


!!
posted by From Bklyn at 8:23 AM on June 30, 2018


Mbappé deserved that goal after his performance today. He’s really driven this previously sluggish French team forward.
posted by Kattullus at 8:23 AM on June 30, 2018 [2 favorites]


Next time I should probably be more specific when I pray the game be decided by the genius play of #10 splitting the other team open.
posted by Homeboy Trouble at 8:24 AM on June 30, 2018 [2 favorites]


The cameras love that Messi head in hand thing...
posted by progosk at 8:24 AM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


Yeah this feels like the France I heard described (but in no way witnessed) pre-Cup
posted by grandiloquiet at 8:24 AM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


What a great game. Mbappé!
posted by Special Agent Dale Cooper at 8:25 AM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


Also, holy fucking shit this match is just all kinds of nuts. I have no idea how this game ends, to be honest.
posted by Kattullus at 8:25 AM on June 30, 2018


Again!
posted by nubs at 8:26 AM on June 30, 2018


oh my god what is happening
posted by poffin boffin at 8:26 AM on June 30, 2018


holy motors...
posted by progosk at 8:26 AM on June 30, 2018


Mbappe takes the defenders away from the ball with the right, then drives it with the left. It probably could have been saved, but heh. Dry, driven low shot. A lot of goalkeepers would have been floored looking at it go by.
What a game.
posted by lmfsilva at 8:27 AM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


Poof. Bravo Mbappé!
posted by From Bklyn at 8:27 AM on June 30, 2018


OK, this is ridiculous.
posted by languagehat at 8:27 AM on June 30, 2018


Holy WHAT
posted by Special Agent Dale Cooper at 8:27 AM on June 30, 2018


How was Mbapé left open/alone like that??
posted by progosk at 8:27 AM on June 30, 2018


I’m supporting France, but my heart broke for Argentina there.
posted by Kattullus at 8:28 AM on June 30, 2018


I'd offer to go make more eggs, languagehat, but I'm all out now
posted by nubs at 8:28 AM on June 30, 2018 [4 favorites]


And now I'll do my best Partridge and say "and another"
posted by lmfsilva at 8:28 AM on June 30, 2018


What a game !
posted by motdiem2 at 8:28 AM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


This was the French team I was imagining might show up. If they can keep it together... there will be many good matches ahead.
posted by From Bklyn at 8:28 AM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


Finally some Pogba, too...
posted by progosk at 8:29 AM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


Nice finish but great build up to that 4th.
posted by hawthorne at 8:29 AM on June 30, 2018


Now I’m hoping for a hat trick.
posted by Special Agent Dale Cooper at 8:31 AM on June 30, 2018


Future teams should try to defeat France by letting them hold possession?? They're so fast
posted by grandiloquiet at 8:32 AM on June 30, 2018


I'd offer to go make more eggs, languagehat, but I'm all out now
The soccer gods provisionally accepted your sacrifice, but have realized now that it was not quite actually chicken, and have turned hard the other way.

France is the closest thing to an African team left in the tournament so I'm OK with this development.
posted by zjacreman at 8:33 AM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


Paul Pogba has such a dainty way of running with the ball. He’s such a charming player.
posted by Kattullus at 8:34 AM on June 30, 2018


yes it is extremely graceful i support him
posted by poffin boffin at 8:37 AM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


They're all a bit dainty! Except Your Best Friend's Cool Older Brother Olivier Giroud, I guess
posted by grandiloquiet at 8:37 AM on June 30, 2018 [3 favorites]


Toothless shot on goal from Messi.
posted by languagehat at 8:43 AM on June 30, 2018


He’d turned too far even for himself.
posted by progosk at 8:45 AM on June 30, 2018


This is basically A Tale of Two Halves for France. They’re just running things now.
posted by Special Agent Dale Cooper at 8:46 AM on June 30, 2018


Its not over!
posted by nubs at 8:50 AM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


Great pass from Messi.
posted by hawthorne at 8:51 AM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


Seriously!?!!
posted by Liesl at 8:51 AM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


Goal! Meaningless but I’m glad.
posted by languagehat at 8:51 AM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


Stop fighting, Argentina, you don't have time for this
posted by grandiloquiet at 8:51 AM on June 30, 2018 [2 favorites]


That makes it two excellent assists by Messi.
posted by progosk at 8:51 AM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


Well, that was an amazing game
posted by nubs at 8:53 AM on June 30, 2018 [3 favorites]


My heart is beating so fast I think it would just register as one long heart beat per minute.
posted by Kattullus at 8:54 AM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


Great game! I know soccer works on bitter recrimination, but I don't think Argentina should be ashamed of losing to the France that we saw today. I'd be happy to see them win it all
posted by grandiloquiet at 8:54 AM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


Wow ! That second half was great !
posted by motdiem2 at 8:55 AM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


And we’re done. Allez les bleus!
posted by Special Agent Dale Cooper at 8:55 AM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


Well, that was worth waking up on a Saturday for. Pity Argentina didn't have what it takes, but it's hard to argue the better team lost. France are looking pretty scary.
posted by Homeboy Trouble at 8:55 AM on June 30, 2018 [3 favorites]


will suarez take a tiny nibble of ronaldo this afternoon? anything can happen in this extremely exciting cup.
posted by poffin boffin at 9:02 AM on June 30, 2018 [3 favorites]


It should always sting being knocked out after scoring three goals, but this kinda ends up being a mirror of Argentina so far: enough, but too far apart. Maybe with more five minutes they could do it, but they ran out of time this time around.
posted by lmfsilva at 9:11 AM on June 30, 2018 [2 favorites]


I'd feel a lot worse about this loss if Mbappé hadn't been in the game. Can Argentina make him a citizen before the next Cup?
posted by languagehat at 9:12 AM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


I think that according to the rules, it’s not enough that Mbappé becomes a citizen, but France needs to stop existing as a national team. So I guess Argentina are just going have to go and annex France.
posted by Kattullus at 9:20 AM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


Also, to add to the craziness of this beautiful match, my three-year-old wanted to play rocket-and-astronaut, so for most of the first half I was running around my living room making rocket noises with my son on my back. Second half needed no added craziness.
posted by Kattullus at 9:22 AM on June 30, 2018 [2 favorites]


I am hereby switching my support to Mexico for the remainder of the Cup or until Argentina annexes France, whichever comes first.
posted by languagehat at 9:25 AM on June 30, 2018 [2 favorites]


anything can happen in this extremely exciting cup.

Unfortunately what I expect will happen is a wildly cynical 0-0 dive-off. I'd be happy to be proven wrong, or for Ronaldo to suffer somehow. Mostly the latter, if I can only choose one.
posted by Homeboy Trouble at 9:45 AM on June 30, 2018 [2 favorites]


I'm not an Uruguay fan, but I am on Team Celeste today because they wiped the smirk off of Russia's collective face and we all owe them something for that.

Vamos chicos, that I may drink of Ronaldo's savory tears.
posted by zjacreman at 10:01 AM on June 30, 2018 [2 favorites]


Cédric not playing, so that increases the odds of Portugal a bit. Ricardo is a winger who plays on defense, however, so while an upgrade, I'm not sure if Santos can do the let the other team play in the knockouts thing again.
posted by lmfsilva at 10:34 AM on June 30, 2018


Both of these teams are perfectly capable of one-nilling their way to the final. I say this partly because I believe it, but also because I said the same about France earlier today so I’m just checking if I have some kind of opposite result juju going on today.
posted by Kattullus at 10:46 AM on June 30, 2018 [2 favorites]


I'm too worn out to watch another game today, so I'm relying on you fine people for my game updates and biting/preening reports.
posted by languagehat at 10:53 AM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


Go Portugal!
posted by chavenet at 10:55 AM on June 30, 2018


Every time I see Ronaldo, I think of that terrifying bronze bust and wonder why Portugal doesn't bring a giant version of it to games in order to terrify their opponents.
posted by fifteen schnitzengruben is my limit at 10:56 AM on June 30, 2018 [4 favorites]


Hey guys, I'm at a wedding but I watched the game and heard parts of it on the radio. What a fantastic display - this is why I love the world cup. Messi deserved a better exit from the cup, but at least it was a fantastic game. Allez les bleus!
posted by ersatz at 11:02 AM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


I am rooting for drama. Let the lord of chaos reign!
posted by nubs at 11:03 AM on June 30, 2018 [2 favorites]


Uruguay!
posted by nubs at 11:07 AM on June 30, 2018


Uh oh
posted by chavenet at 11:07 AM on June 30, 2018


What a cross. That was a heatseeker
posted by lmfsilva at 11:08 AM on June 30, 2018


That's a beautiful goal.
posted by Rumple at 11:08 AM on June 30, 2018


Nice ball in for that header
posted by nubs at 11:09 AM on June 30, 2018


Cavani you beautiful man
posted by needled at 11:11 AM on June 30, 2018 [2 favorites]


As delightful as a chivito sandwich on the streets of Montevideo! (Chivitos are especially delightful - who else thinks "you know what this steak sandwich needs? A bunch of pork, a fried egg and cheese.")
posted by Homeboy Trouble at 11:12 AM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


Man, it’s just amazing goal after amazing goal today. Loving it.
posted by Special Agent Dale Cooper at 11:12 AM on June 30, 2018 [2 favorites]


Also, ooooooh Ronaldo, what IS that thing on your face?
posted by Special Agent Dale Cooper at 11:15 AM on June 30, 2018 [2 favorites]


Cavani is quite the player. Always slightly underrated, always bringing it.
posted by ersatz at 11:15 AM on June 30, 2018 [3 favorites]


CR's letting that peach fuzz grow for as long as Portugal's in the cup
posted by chavenet at 11:19 AM on June 30, 2018


¡Vamos Caníbales!
posted by Special Agent Dale Cooper at 11:21 AM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


Portugal needs to get mad and organized now
posted by chavenet at 11:22 AM on June 30, 2018


Rui Patrício is a hell of a goalkeeper. He’s the reason Portugal is still in this World Cup, just as much as Ronaldo.
posted by Kattullus at 11:24 AM on June 30, 2018


Uruguay's playing Portugal's game for them. Sloppy defense and fast break offense.
posted by chavenet at 11:28 AM on June 30, 2018


And Portugal's keeping the ball in uruguay's side but faffing around and failing to convert
posted by chavenet at 11:30 AM on June 30, 2018


This match is Suárez and Cavini vs Ronaldo and Patrício... everyone else seems content to let them slug it out...
posted by Seeba at 11:32 AM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


I've seen rugby players, who have to kick an egg into high winds, do less posturing than Ronaldo to kick directly at a wall.
posted by lmfsilva at 11:34 AM on June 30, 2018 [2 favorites]


What a beautiful recovery from a miffed setup by Uruguay...
posted by Seeba at 11:35 AM on June 30, 2018


I like how, before that kick, Ronaldo made sure that his shorts were tucked in a way to highlight just how awesome his quads are.

Then he just belted it into the wall. What a waste.
posted by fifteen schnitzengruben is my limit at 11:38 AM on June 30, 2018 [3 favorites]


I'm convinced Portugal is going to win this whole thing with a goal by Guedes, because that lame-ass is making Éder look like peak Maradona.
posted by lmfsilva at 11:43 AM on June 30, 2018 [2 favorites]


Uruguay is also competing with Portugal for the acting Oscar
posted by chavenet at 11:46 AM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


Hating Ronaldo is embarrassingly gratifying: before this game I was thinking about how I couldn’t decide if I wanted Portugal to lose or maybe just for Suárez to flip and chomp Ronaldo badly enough that Ronaldo would have to sit out a game or two.
As it’s developing it is, the reality of it, very satisfying. I like Portugal as a team, despite Ronaldo, but I hate Ronaldo enough that the idea of his getting kicked out is very appealing
posted by From Bklyn at 11:52 AM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


Watched first half in a packed restaurant; everyone started giggling and cheering when Ronaldo pulled his shorts up to take the kick. The appreciation was about 50% sarcastic/50% sincere, from everyone.
posted by grandiloquiet at 11:54 AM on June 30, 2018 [3 favorites]


Sorry can't hate Ronaldo. The boy's good.
posted by chavenet at 12:01 PM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


It's gonna be weird when the World Cup is over. Maybe the Tour de France will compensate for the absence somewhat.
posted by needled at 12:02 PM on June 30, 2018 [2 favorites]


I regret to say I had dozed off and missed the great Renaldo shorts adjustment.
posted by nubs at 12:04 PM on June 30, 2018


I swear to Cruyff that Cavani is playing in every position on the field. He’s like a one man total football revival.
posted by Kattullus at 12:09 PM on June 30, 2018 [4 favorites]


I can entirely understand why Ronaldo’s theatricality annoys people, but I enjoy it. Maybe it’s because I have fond memories of his time at United, maybe it’s because he backs it up with hard work and results, but for me it just adds to the joy of the game. He’s like a great sitcom character.
posted by Bloxworth Snout at 12:09 PM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


Tied!
posted by nubs at 12:13 PM on June 30, 2018


Pepe unmarked for the header
posted by nubs at 12:14 PM on June 30, 2018


Speaking of the great sitcom characters of football, Pepe does a goal.
posted by Kattullus at 12:14 PM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


Pepe proves he's Portugal's MVP
posted by chavenet at 12:15 PM on June 30, 2018


This defense can be breached, it can be broken
posted by nubs at 12:15 PM on June 30, 2018


Damnit Portugal!

This should be Ronaldo's statue in bronze one day
posted by Rumple at 12:16 PM on June 30, 2018 [3 favorites]


Are Portuguese fans copying Iceland's "Skol" clap??
posted by dry white toast at 12:17 PM on June 30, 2018


Cavani!

...
posted by From Bklyn at 12:21 PM on June 30, 2018


Cavani!
posted by nubs at 12:21 PM on June 30, 2018


Cavani! You beauty.
posted by Rumple at 12:22 PM on June 30, 2018


Two goals thanks to Pepe headers in 8 minutes!
posted by Homeboy Trouble at 12:22 PM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


Ouch.
posted by chavenet at 12:22 PM on June 30, 2018


Cavani was so wide open!

I'll buy that man a chivito any time.
posted by needled at 12:22 PM on June 30, 2018


Yes, that was very sloppy by Pepe
posted by nubs at 12:23 PM on June 30, 2018


woof
posted by Bloxworth Snout at 12:23 PM on June 30, 2018


That was quite the goal. Reminiscent of Mbappé’s second today. Good day for PSG forwards.
posted by Kattullus at 12:23 PM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


Now that's how you do the fast break
posted by chavenet at 12:23 PM on June 30, 2018


Cáceres is having an impressive game.
posted by Rumple at 12:27 PM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


I swear to Cruyff that Cavani is playing in every position on the field. He’s like a one man total football revival.

One of the things that pissed me off the most about Neymar was him throwing a fit to be the penalty scorer ahead of Cavani. He's one of the most selfless forwards around and will do what is required of him, at least let him have that.
posted by lmfsilva at 12:29 PM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


Wow lucky break for Uruguay in front of the Uruguayan goal.
posted by needled at 12:30 PM on June 30, 2018


That look on Ronaldo’s face. “What can you do?”
posted by Special Agent Dale Cooper at 12:30 PM on June 30, 2018


Is Ronaldo looking a bit limpy?
posted by Bloxworth Snout at 12:33 PM on June 30, 2018


I am very concerned about Cavani's health.
posted by needled at 12:40 PM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


Of Ronaldo and Suarez, I have been most impressed by Cavani. Hope he's alright.
posted by nubs at 12:46 PM on June 30, 2018 [3 favorites]


He was wrapping his shin in Saran Wrap. He'll be fine.
posted by chavenet at 12:46 PM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


Do players use the referee to set picks?
posted by Rumple at 12:48 PM on June 30, 2018


We're really seeing the lax officiating showing in lots of little ways: little shoves and risky challenges.
posted by firechicago at 12:48 PM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


Everyone fall down in the box!
posted by nubs at 12:54 PM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


Are we just playing until Portugal ties it, what is going on
posted by zjacreman at 12:55 PM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


Its over
posted by nubs at 12:55 PM on June 30, 2018


Clusterfuck city
posted by chavenet at 12:56 PM on June 30, 2018


Cavani is man of the match, no doubt about it.
posted by needled at 12:56 PM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


Messi and Ronaldo out on the same day, this is an interesting cup
posted by zjacreman at 12:56 PM on June 30, 2018 [7 favorites]


URUGUAY!!!!
posted by juice boo at 12:57 PM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


What a finish! I couldn’t resist turning it on about a quarter of an hour ago (you guys made it sound so enticing), and what a ride!
posted by languagehat at 12:57 PM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


Everyone fall down in the box!

Yeah, what was up with the turf? For much of the second half it felt like we were watching World Cup on Ice
posted by firechicago at 12:58 PM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


I’m happy, because I decided I could cut Suarez some slack—it’s been four years, after all—and I want the Americas to beat Europe.
posted by languagehat at 12:59 PM on June 30, 2018 [3 favorites]


Buyer’s remorse: now that Ronaldo is actually out... maybe that’s not what I really wanted after all... no, no I did want him out. Good bye CR. You are back to being the second greatest player of your generation and the second greatest of all time.
posted by From Bklyn at 1:02 PM on June 30, 2018


Everyone fall down in the box!
Yeah, what was up with the turf


It’s quite a thing this time around, haven’t read about it, but it’s happening a lot.
posted by progosk at 1:04 PM on June 30, 2018


Aw, I wanted Portugal to pass so France would have the pleasure of sending Ronaldo home. But I’ll take this result.
posted by Liesl at 1:05 PM on June 30, 2018


Also Cavani is such a class act I almost don’t want to know if it’s true that the extra n in his first name was a registry error by his folks at birth...
posted by progosk at 1:13 PM on June 30, 2018


It’s a pity to lose the two biggest stars from the tournament, but at least it might spare us round 6,427 of the most boring conversation in football, Ronaldo vs Messi.
posted by Bloxworth Snout at 1:32 PM on June 30, 2018 [1 favorite]


Well, and this just goes to show that Ronaldo and Messi, as special as they are, would win fuck-all without the massive talent on midfield and attack that do all the hard work to make them shine at club level. Bernardo Silva, João Mário, Adrien and William aren't Kroos, Modric and Casemiro, neither Banega, Mascherno and Enzo Perez are Iniesta, Rakitic and Busquets.

As for Portugal, you don't get that lucky twice. Outplayed when it mattered, and some of those casting choices bit us in the ass, not to mention after a while the only thing they did was forcing all plays through Ronaldo, who lost possession easily.
I hope Cavani's injury is not serious. A lot of what Uruguay can do depends on his ability to pester the defense from left to right.
posted by lmfsilva at 2:01 PM on June 30, 2018 [6 favorites]


Uruguay will have a tough match against France. The French team is young and fit and Uruguay mainly depends on Cavani/Suarez, who are at the end of their careers.
posted by Pendragon at 2:15 PM on June 30, 2018


Well, it's the quarter finals and no game is easy by then. I think France might have a tougher time to score because Uruguay won't leave so much space in their backs, and playing into that won the game for France.
posted by lmfsilva at 2:41 PM on June 30, 2018


I've heard an argument that the turf is always terrible at the world cup because no one ever finishes stadiums early enough for the grass to get settled.
posted by grandiloquiet at 3:05 PM on June 30, 2018


Yup. For Euro 2004, we had our stadium ready in November 2003. However, the grass was so soft we played in the old stadium until February, and it still was a bit too soft for the competition. The 2 or 3 times it was replanted were less problematic, because it is done during peak Southern European Summer (early June to mid-August) and the company doing it already has all data to make it good before it starts raining.
posted by lmfsilva at 3:33 PM on June 30, 2018 [3 favorites]


Oh, yeah, and in a few cases where the stands were carefully rebuilt and added better roofs, it's possible the groundskeepers are still struggling with the new sunlight/humidity conditions - for instance, San Siro had in general terrible grass because the renovations done for the 1990 World Cup, which included a third tier in the stands and a roof, left the parts of the playing surface without enough sunlight to dry and to allow the grass to grow - only in 2011 or 2012, when they started using grow lights and a hybrid pitch it stopped being a problem.
posted by lmfsilva at 4:36 PM on June 30, 2018 [2 favorites]


Mmm-bop, eh?
posted by clawsoon at 6:00 AM on July 1, 2018


White Russians vs los Rojos
posted by progosk at 7:01 AM on July 1, 2018


(In case you’re puzzled by Mario Fernandes, he’s originally Brazilian, turned Russian since 2016.)
posted by progosk at 7:06 AM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


The referee should start using his whistle.
posted by ersatz at 7:11 AM on July 1, 2018


Brilliant!
posted by nubs at 7:11 AM on July 1, 2018


And gol!
posted by ersatz at 7:11 AM on July 1, 2018


Oh, its an own goal - I thought the Spanish player had snuck his foot through
posted by nubs at 7:12 AM on July 1, 2018


Own Goal is having a spectacular tournament.
posted by daveje at 7:12 AM on July 1, 2018 [2 favorites]


Own Goal going to beat Fontaine's record.
posted by lmfsilva at 7:14 AM on July 1, 2018


If any team is going to give Ramos the shoeing he deserves surely it's the Russians.
posted by biffa at 7:14 AM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


I can't say it better than Paul Doyle doing the liveblog on the Guardian:
Some own goals are unfortunate: that one was ludicrous. Ignashevich was not even looking at the ball nor trying to challenge for it fairly: he was intent solely on dragging Ramos to the ground and got what he deserved. Imagine trying to get the better of Ramos through skulduggery.
posted by Homeboy Trouble at 7:21 AM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


Russia looking really comfortable with losing. Almost no pressure up front.
posted by lmfsilva at 7:28 AM on July 1, 2018


Spain looks as bored playing this game as I am watching it. Absolute minimum energy expenditure and it's still making Russia look sluggish.

And, well, good. Russia doesn't deserve to have nice things, like a dignified exit from their own cup. Not in 2018.
posted by zjacreman at 7:38 AM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


Finally a push for Russia and Own goal almost strikes again...
posted by Seeba at 7:39 AM on July 1, 2018


Penalty!
posted by nubs at 7:39 AM on July 1, 2018


I spoke too soon...

Is that ball to hand? I mean. He couldn’t have even seen it...
posted by Seeba at 7:40 AM on July 1, 2018


You can’t leave your hand up like that in the box, asking for trouble
posted by daveje at 7:40 AM on July 1, 2018 [2 favorites]


Russia has tied it
posted by nubs at 7:41 AM on July 1, 2018


Well that shows the true value of dominating possession.
posted by hawthorne at 7:42 AM on July 1, 2018


For sport where the ball is kicked by feet, and without even having eyes on it... I’d figure the air is a safe place for it...
posted by Seeba at 7:42 AM on July 1, 2018


Oh good, maybe that will wake Spain up. I missed yesterday's great games to go to a keeping families together event, so I'd appreciate a little excitement in today's games.
posted by the primroses were over at 7:43 AM on July 1, 2018 [2 favorites]


(I’ve no dog in the fight, and wish there was a way they could both lose, just curious as to the rule)
posted by Seeba at 7:43 AM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


I really don't know what was Pique thinking. Unacceptable at this level.
posted by lmfsilva at 7:44 AM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


You can get away with ball to hand if the arm is down and close to the body, but above your head it can easily interfere with play, and Pique is too experienced a defender not to know this.
posted by daveje at 7:45 AM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


I just wanted to tell Pique to shut up when he kept arguing with the referee.
posted by needled at 7:46 AM on July 1, 2018


Commentators here pointing out Spainish goalkeeper has given up six goals on 7 shots in the tournament. That seems problematic...
posted by nubs at 7:46 AM on July 1, 2018


Spain just don't trust Asensio to do anything, do they? Might as well shove him into the centre of the park for all the good he's doing out on the right.
posted by juv3nal at 7:49 AM on July 1, 2018


Halftime and this game so far is very disappointing compared to yesterday's matches.
posted by needled at 7:49 AM on July 1, 2018


I follow Roddy Doyle on facebook - this afternoon he posted this:

-Oh, Jesus – look over there.
-Where? Oh, fuckin’ hell - .
-Is that who I think it is?
-I think so.
-It’s Lionel Messi.
-Yeah.
-An’ that’s - .
-It’s fuckin’ Ronaldo. Sittin’ there with him.
-What’re they doin’ in here?
-Well, they both got knocked out yesterday.
-So, they’re on their fuckin’ holidays?
-Yeah.
-In here?
-A bit of ordinary livin’. It has its attractions, I’d say – the pressure they’re always under.
-In here, but. It’s not exactly the Cliffs o’ fuckin’ Moher.
-Messi’s havin’ a pint.
-I’d have expected tha’.
-An’ what’s tha’ Ronaldo’s drinkin’? It looks like gin – there’s fuckin’ cucumber floatin’ in it.
-I’d have expected that as well.
-I felt sorry for them yesterday.
-Great World Cup, but, isn’t it?
-Fuckin’ sensational. Tha’ kid, Mbappe.
-What a player.
-I’ve got grandkids that are older than him.
-It’s funny tha’, isn’t it? How we age durin’ the World Cup.
-Messi’s gettin’ up – look. He must be goin’ to the jacks.
-He’s headin’ straight to the women’s – look.
-Yeah – no. Jesus – what a swerve.
-Brilliant – amazin’. He had us all fooled. Fuckin’ hell - did yeh see tha’?
-He got into the men’s without openin’ the door!

posted by From Bklyn at 7:51 AM on July 1, 2018 [4 favorites]


I have high hopes for drama in the 2nd half
posted by nubs at 7:52 AM on July 1, 2018


I'm on WhatsApp with my sister-in-law in Barcelona (I'm in Toronto). it may be a boring game but we are tense as hell.
posted by biggreenplant at 8:13 AM on July 1, 2018 [2 favorites]


I'm on WhatsApp with my sister-in-law in Barcelona (I'm in Toronto). it may be a boring game but we are tense as hell.

Yeah, this is me in Madrid and my brother in the US. It's not a very satisfying game, but jesus is it nerve-wracking
posted by lollymccatburglar at 8:18 AM on July 1, 2018 [2 favorites]


I wonder if leaving Cheryshev out of the starting eleven and then bringing him on at the hour mark was part of some kind of deliberate tactical plan. Weird otherwise to leave your highest scorer off the field. Mind you, it’s kind of a weird plan, if it’s a plan.
posted by Kattullus at 8:19 AM on July 1, 2018


I was at a coffee shop getting a late breakfast when the woman sitting next to me SHRIEKED.

Turns out she's a Russian student at the conservatory across the way, and Russia just made their penalty kick.
posted by ChuraChura at 8:23 AM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


Similar but different is leaving Iniesta on the bench. I wonder if Spain is going to pull it together with him on the field...
posted by From Bklyn at 8:24 AM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


I was wondering if my decision to make French toast this morning would impact the game in any way. It appears not.
posted by nubs at 8:27 AM on July 1, 2018 [2 favorites]


Spain struggles when Russia puts some pressure and speed out of nowhere. Not sure if that's their plan, but Spain does not look comfortable in this game.
posted by lmfsilva at 8:28 AM on July 1, 2018


Russia seem to be trying to execute the same plan as France did against Argentina: sit back and try to win the ball in their own half and then spring forward. The difference is that Spain are a lot better at keeping the ball than Argentina and Russia are a lot slower and less incisive than France. But Spain are also quite a lot less toothless in attack than Argentina.
posted by Kattullus at 8:33 AM on July 1, 2018


I miss the Xavi-Iniesta glory days of yore; this is both tense and tiresome.
posted by karayel at 8:33 AM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


This game is literally killing me with boredom. As my wife said, “oh good. Let’s watch Spain kick the ball around the midfield for another 10 minutes.”
posted by Special Agent Dale Cooper at 8:39 AM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


I miss the Xavi-Iniesta glory days of yore; this is both tense and tiresome.

And I can't believe de Gea is the best goalkeeper to be had in all the length and breadth of the land
posted by lollymccatburglar at 8:40 AM on July 1, 2018


Russia at least has a game plan. I don’t think Spain has one, unless it’s pass the ball around for a bit and hope someone does some bit of magic.
posted by daveje at 8:41 AM on July 1, 2018


Also I just realized both goals in the game so far have been the result of ineptitude: an own goal and a (suspiciously) flagrant handball.
posted by Special Agent Dale Cooper at 8:45 AM on July 1, 2018


I mean...de Gea is the best goalkeeper to be found in the land of Manchester, but it doesn't seem to be working well for Team Spain.

I could only watch the first half of this game, but it doesn't seem like I'm missing out. TBH I've never been enraptured by Spain's style of play, not even when everyone else was thrilled by the induce-passing-stupor-then-strike thing.
posted by grandiloquiet at 8:46 AM on July 1, 2018


Gah. No extra time please! Someone end this
posted by nubs at 8:47 AM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


grandiloquiet: TBH I've never been enraptured by Spain's style of play, not even when everyone else was thrilled by the induce-passing-stupor-then-strike thing.

It worked and was nice to watch when they had strikers who fit the system. Now they have Costa, who’s neither nice nor fits the system.
posted by Kattullus at 8:49 AM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


Yeah, a goal for either team would do.
posted by ersatz at 8:49 AM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


I miss the Xavi-Iniesta glory days of yore; this is both tense and tiresome.

iniesta's like 50 now, look at him, he's so tired, let him rest.
posted by poffin boffin at 8:50 AM on July 1, 2018 [5 favorites]


That game should go straight to penalties.
posted by ersatz at 8:53 AM on July 1, 2018


Oh no, we're going to have more of this!
posted by doublenelson at 8:53 AM on July 1, 2018


iniesta's like 50 now, look at him, he's so tired, let him rest.
Yeah, in the last game I was like wtf is Iniesta still doing playing football he should be dandling nietos on his knee, and then I read his wiki and he's only a month older than me 😓
posted by lollymccatburglar at 8:54 AM on July 1, 2018 [5 favorites]


Extra time. Yay. Can’t we just decide this one with a coin toss?
posted by Bloxworth Snout at 8:54 AM on July 1, 2018


nubs, make more French toast, do something!
posted by needled at 8:55 AM on July 1, 2018


Yeah, early thirties is a rough time to watch the world cup. Every time I think a player is impossibly old, I look it up and find that he's my age.
posted by grandiloquiet at 8:56 AM on July 1, 2018 [8 favorites]


Though in fairness, I would not recommend myself for a national soccer team
posted by grandiloquiet at 8:56 AM on July 1, 2018 [2 favorites]


Of all the matches this WM.

This is the one for longer time?


Bollocks.
posted by Seeba at 8:57 AM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


nubs, make more French toast, do something

The French toast was ineffective! I may start drinking
posted by nubs at 8:59 AM on July 1, 2018 [3 favorites]


Is it next goal wins, or do they have to play the full extra time?
posted by clawsoon at 9:00 AM on July 1, 2018


iniesta's like 50 now, look at him, he's so tired, let him rest.

I know, the poor man keeps playing like Xavi's still there to pass to and it's like the dog in futurama that keeps coming back faithfully to the pizza place; I can't take it.
posted by karayel at 9:01 AM on July 1, 2018 [2 favorites]


Full extra time.

You’re welcome, Oliver Bierhoff.
posted by Seeba at 9:02 AM on July 1, 2018


The French toast was ineffective! I may start drinking

I'm opening a beer!
posted by lollymccatburglar at 9:03 AM on July 1, 2018


Not enough movement from Spain, too many players just hanging around near the box.
posted by daveje at 9:04 AM on July 1, 2018 [2 favorites]


Full extra time.

Nooooooooooooooooooooo!
posted by nubs at 9:05 AM on July 1, 2018


Spanish commentator just said this was the worst game he's seen from Spain in two years.
posted by lollymccatburglar at 9:05 AM on July 1, 2018 [2 favorites]


I’m opening a beer!”

Your internet-buddy four Gouden Carolus’s in welcomes you to this round of “never thought I’d be looking so forward to Croatia-Danmark.”
posted by Seeba at 9:06 AM on July 1, 2018 [3 favorites]


this is the game that never ends, yes it goes on and on my friends
posted by poffin boffin at 9:08 AM on July 1, 2018 [5 favorites]


Ugggghhhhhh. So that whole ‘Iniesta will pull them together’ idea seems to have been pretty damn wrong
posted by From Bklyn at 9:08 AM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


Isn't De Gea regarded as not being on top form this year? I don't watch the mancs often enough to know. I do know he has been shit hot in previous years.
posted by biffa at 9:09 AM on July 1, 2018


At this point, they should pull 11 random supporters of each side from the crowd and put them on the pitch. It would be more exciting than this...
posted by nubs at 9:10 AM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


Well, I feel pretty happy I went back to bed in the 30th minute and got another 90 minutes of sleep, even if I did miss 700 Spanish passes.
posted by Homeboy Trouble at 9:10 AM on July 1, 2018 [4 favorites]


Am I the only one here who’s worried that if Russia advances on penalty kicks after an own goal and a controversial hand ball, that it’s somehow a vindication of the Putin-Trump agenda?

I should probably expose myself to something besides soccer and politics this weekend.
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 9:10 AM on July 1, 2018


I have great admiration for the hair products these players are using, their coifs remain pristine even in extra time!
posted by needled at 9:13 AM on July 1, 2018 [3 favorites]


Announcers here just declared the game "like War and Peace; a thick tome of page after page...with no idea of how or when it might end"
posted by nubs at 9:14 AM on July 1, 2018 [2 favorites]


But if Spain go through it validates the Ramos-Costa alliance of evil, so six of one, half a dozen of the other.
posted by biffa at 9:14 AM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


Spain has made 1029 passes so far.
posted by needled at 9:16 AM on July 1, 2018


Yeah, I hope Spain wins because I live here but Ramos looks like an Ultra so I'd also love to see him cry. In short, this is a game of many contrasts
posted by lollymccatburglar at 9:17 AM on July 1, 2018 [2 favorites]


I have great admiration for the hair products these players are using, their coifs remain pristine even in extra time!

I convinced my kids to go to the barber with me yesterday to “go get their soccer cuts”. The 9year old went for a Griezmann, the 6 year old a Gerard Pique. (I got your standard Beckham). The boys have applied two different kids of pomade at least 6 times in the last 24 hours.
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 9:18 AM on July 1, 2018 [10 favorites]


Holy wow, this game! Those guys must be SO tired. What a save by RUS there.
posted by gemmy at 9:19 AM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


the 5 digit time on the clock is making me so tired, those are Too Many Numbers
posted by poffin boffin at 9:21 AM on July 1, 2018 [2 favorites]


Those guys must be SO tired.

I'm so tired now!
posted by lollymccatburglar at 9:22 AM on July 1, 2018 [3 favorites]


The strategy seems to have been to wait until the last ten minutes of extra time, then mount attacks
posted by nubs at 9:22 AM on July 1, 2018


I hope nobody gets hurt here. The combination of pouring rain and tired bodies seems like a recipe for injuries.
posted by gemmy at 9:26 AM on July 1, 2018 [2 favorites]


I sincerely hope Spain wins though it does not feel like they deserve it. They deserve to be forced to watch their own game played back to them.
posted by From Bklyn at 9:28 AM on July 1, 2018 [4 favorites]


collective punishment is outlawed by the geneva conventions
posted by poffin boffin at 9:29 AM on July 1, 2018 [6 favorites]


"Looks like this will go to a penalty shootout, for which Russia appears to be have playing since yesterday"
posted by nubs at 9:31 AM on July 1, 2018 [2 favorites]


Ahhhhhh jesus penalties nooooooo
posted by lollymccatburglar at 9:32 AM on July 1, 2018


On to penalties, as we all knew would happen.
posted by the primroses were over at 9:32 AM on July 1, 2018


They should just use fair play to pick the winner, if it's fair enough for Senegal, why not Russia?
posted by Homeboy Trouble at 9:34 AM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


Ah good the first match of the cup to be decided by Mario Party minigame
posted by theodolite at 9:34 AM on July 1, 2018 [5 favorites]


Jonathan Wilson on Twitter: “Vladimir Granat has been on since half-time. He's attempted four passes and completed none of them. One of the great World Cup performances.”
+
“Granat attempted another pass in the 112th minute. Never fear, though; not completed.”
+
“All over: in 75 minutes plus injury time, Granat Vladimir attempted five passes and completed none of them. Rock.”
posted by Kattullus at 9:36 AM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


Ok, Iniesta is the one guy I didn't want to miss. Anything else goes.
posted by ersatz at 9:37 AM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


Spain with the first miss
posted by nubs at 9:38 AM on July 1, 2018


Normally I’m quite anxious during a shootout, as by the end of extra I’ve spent the equivalent of a long movie getting invested in a group of characters. Now, I couldn’t care less who goes through.
posted by Kattullus at 9:38 AM on July 1, 2018


idk i want russia to lose to people who speak spanish because of the possibility that it will make trump feel angry and flaccid
posted by poffin boffin at 9:40 AM on July 1, 2018 [4 favorites]


Can we just eliminate both teams?
posted by nubs at 9:40 AM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


Russia through
posted by nubs at 9:41 AM on July 1, 2018


That was a spectacular save by Akinfeev!
posted by Kattullus at 9:41 AM on July 1, 2018 [2 favorites]


meh
posted by poffin boffin at 9:41 AM on July 1, 2018


Saved by a foot
posted by nubs at 9:41 AM on July 1, 2018


Chapeau for the save.
posted by From Bklyn at 9:42 AM on July 1, 2018


Ok, I'm actually quite relieved I don't have to watch Spain play anymore.
posted by lollymccatburglar at 9:43 AM on July 1, 2018 [2 favorites]


The game left me feeling neither side deserved to go through.
posted by needled at 9:43 AM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


dayum.
posted by biggreenplant at 9:43 AM on July 1, 2018


Ah good the first match of the cup to be decided by Mario Party minigame

Ha.
posted by Fizz at 9:45 AM on July 1, 2018


I predict the western bracket winning the Cup (the eastern teams don't even have LeBron).
posted by ersatz at 9:45 AM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


I'm just glad Ronaldo is out. The rest of this World Cup is just icing on the cake...
posted by Fizz at 9:47 AM on July 1, 2018


my favourite is Mexico so onto that game! but I do feel sorry for my in-laws.
posted by biggreenplant at 9:51 AM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


Who will I pull for now that Spain's out? It has to be someone worthy of my time and love (as Spain was NOT).
posted by lollymccatburglar at 9:57 AM on July 1, 2018


Mexico.
posted by languagehat at 9:58 AM on July 1, 2018 [4 favorites]


EL TRI
posted by poffin boffin at 9:58 AM on July 1, 2018


Mexico!!

(But also, and I feel terrible saying this, but maaaaybe have a second choice just in case.)
posted by grandiloquiet at 10:03 AM on July 1, 2018


This was my up to recent ordering:
Mexico -> Colombia -> Uruguay -> Spain -> Croatia -> Brazil

I'm now:
Mexico -> Colombia -> Uruguay -> Croatia -> Brazil
posted by lizarrd at 10:11 AM on July 1, 2018


Neither Russia nor Spain deserved to go through, that was atrocious. Good for Russia though, I guess.

Now come ON Denmark! I loveloveloved them in the 1986 Cup (when I think I watched every game), and have had a soft spot for them since. I'd be OK if Croatia won, though. Going outside into the heat, so I'll miss this one.
posted by gemmy at 10:15 AM on July 1, 2018


I think it's unanimous! See y'all tomorrow, then.
posted by lollymccatburglar at 10:15 AM on July 1, 2018


Normally I’m quite anxious during a shootout, as by the end of extra I’ve spent the equivalent of a long movie getting invested in a group of characters. Now, I couldn’t care less who goes through.

This game was like World War I. In the beginning it seemed important and about something, a place where heroes would be made. By the end it was a meaningless slog over a hundred yard of soggy turf and I’m just glad it’s over and we can go home. I’ll be wearing a white poppy all day for the casualties who gave everything and gained nothing.

Let’s never forget, lest we repeat.
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 10:30 AM on July 1, 2018 [6 favorites]


So uh Spain took money to throw that game, right? Somebody threatened their families? Their powerade was drugged?
posted by zjacreman at 10:51 AM on July 1, 2018 [3 favorites]


Spain needs more than passing and passing and passing and passing. They were easily one of the most boring Euro winners in 2012 when the flaws with the flaws with the tiki taka were becoming more apparent. Unless they have players who can deliver a well-timed through ball or break through the defensive lines and a forward capable of putting the ball in, it's time to change it. If Russia didn't pressure for most of the game, neither did Spain, looking also pretty happy with Piqué and Ramos passing to each other - Ramos broke the record on passes completed at a World Cup, but the vast majority of them were little sideways passes with little effect.

De Gea will get some shit after this, too. I think he let in far more goals that saves made, and in the penalties had two chances to make a stop but didn't.
posted by lmfsilva at 10:52 AM on July 1, 2018 [3 favorites]


Well that was quick.
posted by clawsoon at 11:03 AM on July 1, 2018


And so was the next one!
posted by daveje at 11:04 AM on July 1, 2018


And that was quick, too.
posted by clawsoon at 11:05 AM on July 1, 2018


This game went off the rails quickly.
posted by ardgedee at 11:05 AM on July 1, 2018


If they keep scoring at the same rate, this will finish 18-18
posted by daveje at 11:07 AM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


They know the UFWC belt is on the line. The stress must be getting to them.
posted by lmfsilva at 11:10 AM on July 1, 2018 [3 favorites]


This game is more like it, eh? *literally making popcorn*
posted by ersatz at 11:12 AM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


If this game ends 1-1 and is settled by penalties, I’m gonna be SO pissed.
posted by ardgedee at 11:13 AM on July 1, 2018 [7 favorites]


Curious why the Danish #21 had his hands behind his back while his teammates were covering their crotches when lined up for the free kick.

This is a game full of mysteries.
posted by needled at 11:17 AM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


lmfsilva: They were easily one of the most boring Euro winners in 2012 when the flaws with the flaws with the tiki taka were becoming more apparent

That was true for most of Euro 2012, but in the final they were flawless. It was the best performance that the 2008-12 Spanish national side ever put together, with perhaps the exception of the 3-0 semifinal victory over Russia at Euro 2008.
posted by Kattullus at 11:17 AM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


> If they keep scoring at the same rate, this will finish 18-18

I'd much rather have this than whatever it was Spain was doing in their match - over 1000 passes and their only score was from a Russian own goal???
posted by needled at 11:18 AM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


Popcorn is ready, you can keep on scoring, guys.
posted by ersatz at 11:21 AM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


Is this game the antitode to this mornings tiki-taka-travesty?
posted by nubs at 11:24 AM on July 1, 2018


After the initial flurry, things have settled down a bit. Croatia have been making rockstar goal attempts but nothing more has gone through yet.

It looks like Croatia’s game to lose right now, though. They’ve been playing much better as a team.
posted by ardgedee at 11:31 AM on July 1, 2018 [2 favorites]


The BBC radio announcer just corrected his pronunciation of "hands" from "hahnds" to "haands". WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
posted by clawsoon at 11:31 AM on July 1, 2018 [2 favorites]


At least both teams seem interested in actually directing the ball towards the goal
posted by nubs at 11:37 AM on July 1, 2018


zjacreman: So uh Spain took money to throw that game, right? Somebody threatened their families? Their powerade was drugged?

They didn’t play much better during the group phase, except for flashes during the Portugal game. And it’s very difficult to bribe 23 multimillionaires to forfeit their opportunity for lasting glory.

Also, if the result of the game had been known beforehand, Putin would’ve been there to share in the glory :-)
posted by Kattullus at 11:43 AM on July 1, 2018 [2 favorites]


Half-time mission for you folks - help Wordshore with his cake problem:
https://ask.metafilter.com/323895/Overcake-how-long-will-238-pieces-of-cake-last
posted by needled at 11:49 AM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


Yeah, Spain played like crap and Russia was opportunistic.
posted by nubs at 12:00 PM on July 1, 2018


Just turned on tv after an evening stroll and for a horrible moment thought they were repeating the Russia game.
posted by biffa at 12:03 PM on July 1, 2018


Yeah, this game has really slowed down
posted by nubs at 12:24 PM on July 1, 2018


If the Russians had been as lively during the first twenty-five minutes of the second half as the Danes have been, there would have been no end of doping jokes. It’s like night and day, Denmark has been so much more energetic than Croatia during the 2nd half.
posted by Kattullus at 12:27 PM on July 1, 2018


Someone should tell Croatia the game has resumed. Good showing by the Danes though and seeing a Schmeichel defend the goalposts makes me feel younger.
posted by ersatz at 12:32 PM on July 1, 2018 [2 favorites]


It's fun seeing Mefite's emailed comments showing up in the Guardian live blog - pretty much every recent game.
posted by Rumple at 12:39 PM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


That's odd. Seeing a Schmeichel in net, looking him up and discovering not only is he the son, but he's 31 has made me feel immeasurably older.

I had a bit of work to do this weekend, something fairly mindless but where the computer runs for 20 seconds at a time. This was an excellent game to do that to -- not deadly dull but you don't feel like you're missing too much at half attention either.
posted by Homeboy Trouble at 12:42 PM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


It's 1999 and I haven't got a care in the world - I don't know what you're talking about ;)
posted by ersatz at 12:49 PM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


Sorry for jinxing the match.
posted by ardgedee at 12:55 PM on July 1, 2018


Today feels like we're paying for yesterday's games being so good.
posted by grandiloquiet at 12:58 PM on July 1, 2018 [4 favorites]


Someone in Denmark should put Fischer on the game and tell him it's FIFA 13. This would be over in an instant.
posted by lmfsilva at 12:59 PM on July 1, 2018


If they keep scoring at the same rate, this will finish 18-18

SIGH.
posted by Special Agent Dale Cooper at 1:10 PM on July 1, 2018 [4 favorites]


I’d still rather these teams going through than either of the teams from the last game. Never thought I’d say that about a team with Iniesta in it.
posted by daveje at 1:14 PM on July 1, 2018


I missed most of the game and just tuned in for extra time. Based on the first 90, who deserves this more?
posted by 256 at 1:14 PM on July 1, 2018


Croatia were better in the first half. Denmark have been better since halftime.
posted by Kattullus at 1:15 PM on July 1, 2018


> Based on the first 90, who deserves this more?

Iceland.
posted by ardgedee at 1:17 PM on July 1, 2018 [7 favorites]


I can asure you that neither team is going to be the next world champion.
posted by Pendragon at 1:24 PM on July 1, 2018 [2 favorites]


Seems unfair that's a penalty; in hockey a penalty on a clear breakaway on an empty net is just given as a goal
posted by nubs at 1:25 PM on July 1, 2018


Holy Molly, that... He didn't get a red?
posted by ersatz at 1:25 PM on July 1, 2018


But this isn’t hockey.
posted by Pendragon at 1:26 PM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


How was that not offsides?
posted by ardgedee at 1:26 PM on July 1, 2018


Is this a PK for Croatia?

I'm still watching in Dutch, so I have no idea what's going on.
posted by 256 at 1:26 PM on July 1, 2018


No red card because he touched the ball.
posted by Pendragon at 1:26 PM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


Saved by Denmark!
posted by the man of twists and turns at 1:27 PM on July 1, 2018


No, its not hockey, and somehow Denmark get out of that without giving up a goal
posted by nubs at 1:27 PM on July 1, 2018


Yep. PK. And.... Saved!
posted by 256 at 1:27 PM on July 1, 2018


That's one way to make your dad happy.
posted by biffa at 1:29 PM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


Holy Molly, that... He didn't get a red?

Rules changed, it's only red if the player makes no discerning attempt to play the ball. If he didn't clipped the studs, it might not have been a penalty at all, since it kinda looks he got to the ball first.
posted by lmfsilva at 1:31 PM on July 1, 2018


Ball through the legs though?
posted by biffa at 1:33 PM on July 1, 2018


No pressure Luka.
posted by biffa at 1:35 PM on July 1, 2018


Played the ball. That was kind of an epic save/blunder of a PK.
posted by From Bklyn at 1:35 PM on July 1, 2018


Modric looks like he wants the earth to swallow him whole. I hope that if he takes a penalty he scores. Poor guy.
posted by Kattullus at 1:35 PM on July 1, 2018


Eh, I wouldn't say he went for the ball in good faith. More like crash the guy before he scores.
posted by ersatz at 1:36 PM on July 1, 2018


Fuck sake
posted by daveje at 1:39 PM on July 1, 2018


I don't think I've ever seen 3 PK saves in a game
posted by nubs at 1:39 PM on July 1, 2018


Honestly, do keepers have any chance to react to what is happening during a PK, or is it just guesswork?
posted by 256 at 1:39 PM on July 1, 2018


Guys, a penalty went in!
posted by ersatz at 1:40 PM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


Modric with some redemption
posted by nubs at 1:42 PM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


Thank goodness Modric scored. The weight of the world just lifted from his shoulders.
posted by Kattullus at 1:43 PM on July 1, 2018


Well that took some spuds from Modric.
posted by biffa at 1:43 PM on July 1, 2018


The drama waited until late for this game
posted by nubs at 1:44 PM on July 1, 2018


Not cool bringing up his unfortunate choice of clubs ;)
posted by ersatz at 1:44 PM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


My god - the goalies are winning
posted by nubs at 1:45 PM on July 1, 2018 [5 favorites]


What a shootout!
posted by ersatz at 1:46 PM on July 1, 2018


... so this is it...
posted by From Bklyn at 1:46 PM on July 1, 2018


nubs: The drama waited until late for this game

The drama showed up early, was so mortified that it had blown its entrance that it left quietly and only snuck back in at the very end.
posted by Kattullus at 1:46 PM on July 1, 2018 [8 favorites]


Football, bloody hell
posted by daveje at 1:46 PM on July 1, 2018


That was nuts, but it's still a stupid way to decide the game.
posted by COD at 1:47 PM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


Schmeichel was amazing there, Subasic too. Denmark was mostly better, but after that AET penalty, I'm glad Croatia progress.
posted by ersatz at 1:48 PM on July 1, 2018 [2 favorites]


So. That was a lot of ball kicking.
posted by ardgedee at 1:48 PM on July 1, 2018


Ohhhh! By a hair, Croatia!
posted by the man of twists and turns at 1:49 PM on July 1, 2018


Schmeichel Sr. looks grim.
posted by needled at 1:49 PM on July 1, 2018


I am happy to see Croatia go on. Croatia v Russia should be a VERY interesting game.
posted by 256 at 1:50 PM on July 1, 2018


Well done Croatia.
I came in hoping they would win, having missed all Denmark’s group phase games and having watched a bunch of Croatia’s team in league games. Denmark played really really well though and at the end it didn’t feel like either had beat the other, not significantly.

Tomorrow is Brazil v. Mexico which hopefully will be good/great.
posted by From Bklyn at 1:54 PM on July 1, 2018


I honestly don't think I'm ready for Mexico v Brazil. Like, I need margaritas and tacos to hand, and I don;t know what else. I know Mexico can win this game if all the players show up. And if they win this game they can win the cup. I am so anxious...
posted by 256 at 1:56 PM on July 1, 2018 [3 favorites]


What an exciting finish!

There was a quick but hilarious shot of Subašić on the shoulders of one of his teammates, cheering the fans after the game, then taking a tumble backwards.
posted by Homeboy Trouble at 1:56 PM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


When Eriksen stepped up to take that first penalty I was reminded that he was still on the field. He was really off the boil tonight. I wondered if he was carrying an injury, even his dead ball deliveries were not anywhere near his standard.
posted by Kattullus at 1:58 PM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


Well, Croatia will try to return to the semi finals for the first time since 1998, Russia since 1966 (as the Soviet Union). On the other end, Uruguay was in 2010, France in 2006.

I think Mexico, Japan, Switzerland and Colombia are the only teams still in competition that never reached the semi finals.
posted by lmfsilva at 2:00 PM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


I'm petty enough that I wanted Croatia to win because, based on observed performance, they're more likely to beat Russia than Denmark. But on balance, I'm glad I didn't see most off today's games. They sounded dismal.
posted by grandiloquiet at 2:02 PM on July 1, 2018


I will be having croissants for breakfast tomorrow, in my ongoing experiments of breakfast foods influencing the game. For the record, so far: eggs produced a brief rally by Argentina; French toast had no effect on the game between Russia and Spain.
posted by nubs at 2:08 PM on July 1, 2018 [5 favorites]


Yikes
Spain completed passes in 1 game v Russia: 1,029
Russia completed passes in 4 games in whole #worldcup so far: 1,029
240 v Saudi Arabia
289 v Egypt
296 v Uruguay
204 v RussiaSpain


You pass, you pass, you pass, and you fold.
posted by lmfsilva at 3:39 PM on July 1, 2018 [4 favorites]


I need margaritas and tacos to hand, and I don;t know what else

tostones of course

i can't bring myself to order anything tomorrow morning when by rights everyone at the taco place will be listening to or watching the game, so it is tacos for me tonight i guess
posted by poffin boffin at 3:44 PM on July 1, 2018 [1 favorite]


Brazil-Mexico is 10 AM local time, which is very inconvenient for any kind of lunch plans since it will end a little before noon, meaning that unless I have all the fixings at hand and the halftime break to prepare an early lunch there won't be any tacos during the game. In a just world, where Hillary Clinton took the Presidency and we have taco trucks on every corner, fresh delicious tacos would be a couple dozen meters from my front door and this (among so very many other things) would not even be a problem.
posted by ardgedee at 4:53 AM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


Ugh, I was so tempted to take the morning off work to watch Mexico-Brazil, but 1/4 of my office is already off today and we have tons of appointments. I do not have the will power to just ignore the internet and watch it unspoiled later, so I will sneak glances at the score and think happy Mexico victory thoughts.
posted by the primroses were over at 6:34 AM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


Vamos México!
posted by Seeba at 6:55 AM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


I see some players have a case of the Romanias.
posted by lmfsilva at 7:01 AM on July 2, 2018


god 8 minutes in and i am already ANXIETY
posted by poffin boffin at 7:08 AM on July 2, 2018 [2 favorites]


playing fast & hard, both sides
posted by progosk at 7:09 AM on July 2, 2018


Given that Marquez started, I think that Osorio is betting Mexico can keep Brazil from scoring more than one. But if Brazil score early, Mexico might have to throw what little caution they have to the wind, but Brazil possess enough individual talent to win a game like that. I’m rooting for Mexico, so I’d be happy to watch a tense affair with an underdog victory, but if not I hope the world can enjoy a ding dong battle even if the expected winner wins.
posted by Kattullus at 7:09 AM on July 2, 2018


Nine minutes in, and more energy than in both of yesterday's matches.

Alisson wants to be a libero, the distance he comes out of the box...
posted by Seeba at 7:10 AM on July 2, 2018


chicharrito tried there
posted by progosk at 7:12 AM on July 2, 2018


super work from the back by Mexico so far.
posted by progosk at 7:15 AM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


and again, amazing long passes
posted by progosk at 7:18 AM on July 2, 2018


Great play on the counter, but Brazil locked down their goal.
posted by lmfsilva at 7:19 AM on July 2, 2018


10:20 local time. Opening a Tecate.
posted by 256 at 7:19 AM on July 2, 2018 [4 favorites]


This is the first of Mexico’s matches that Perez-Navarro and Trujillo are not calling. Which is a damn shame because the guys Fox is using now are unable to find anything to say during some plays and are mysteriously distracted by stats and factoids during some of the attacks.
posted by ardgedee at 7:22 AM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


Brilliant poise by Herrera with the pause before kicking. Pity there were 4 Brazilians within 1,5m...
posted by Seeba at 7:22 AM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


one of them also referred to the ball landing as a TOUCHDOWN and I can't stop cackling.
posted by poffin boffin at 7:23 AM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


a moment’s hesitation.. but still México is dominating, feels as though they just know Brazil’s game, and are being wonderfully lighfooted and confident about it. (Except at the clinch, for now.)
posted by progosk at 7:24 AM on July 2, 2018


I hope Mexico doesn’t wear themselves out because they’re providing a hell of a game right now.
posted by ardgedee at 7:25 AM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


Neymar briefly activated...
posted by progosk at 7:26 AM on July 2, 2018


This is gonna kill me, soccer is bad for your health
posted by grandiloquiet at 7:27 AM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


This is a commendably action-packed game.
posted by languagehat at 7:28 AM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


Even if it kills grandiloquiet.
posted by languagehat at 7:29 AM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


Apparently Mexico is playing better? Just arrived. Vai Brasil!
posted by ersatz at 7:30 AM on July 2, 2018


Mexico are just not afraid, and also pretty together.
posted by progosk at 7:31 AM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


What a save!
posted by 256 at 7:33 AM on July 2, 2018


Holy crap this is great
posted by From Bklyn at 7:33 AM on July 2, 2018


I love that ten seconds of passing in the backfield and the whistles are already starting.

Any doubt that either of these sides would already be up 3-0 against any of the four from yesterday?
posted by Seeba at 7:34 AM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


Okay, that's more like it!

I like Mexico too, but I have a clan of in-laws who'd be crushed to see Brazil bow out.
posted by ersatz at 7:34 AM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


So, I hate Brasil forever today, but Willian has just been incredible so far this match. Some of his touches look like magic.
posted by 256 at 7:36 AM on July 2, 2018 [2 favorites]


true
posted by progosk at 7:37 AM on July 2, 2018


Somebody must’ve cranked up the gravity in the stadium a couple minutes ago.
posted by ardgedee at 7:38 AM on July 2, 2018


Really frustrated to discover that - despite it being a holiday - the local channel isn't showing the games today, like they did all weekend. Since I've cut the cord, I can't watch the sports channels. So, yeah. My crossiants from the local bakery are now a small consolation prize.
posted by nubs at 7:38 AM on July 2, 2018


Alvarez doesn’t seem arsed to even feign contrition for that hack on Neymar.
posted by ardgedee at 7:39 AM on July 2, 2018


"What? I got the ball before his knee..."
posted by Seeba at 7:40 AM on July 2, 2018


My Tecate is empty. it seems a bit early to open a second. But, I mean, what other option is there?
posted by 256 at 7:40 AM on July 2, 2018 [2 favorites]


Brutal hit there. Also, I can’t tell Neymar at a glance anymore now that he doesn’t have the half blonde hair.
posted by Special Agent Dale Cooper at 7:40 AM on July 2, 2018


nubs, you might try watching on telemundo.com. There's a 30-minute limit on the free player, but you can delete the page cookies to reset the timer.
posted by JohnFredra at 7:41 AM on July 2, 2018


> I see some players have a case of the Romanias.

Neymar, by contrast, has black dyed over the bleached fade he’d been wearing for the first round.
posted by ardgedee at 7:41 AM on July 2, 2018


(Also - though I don’t know whether it’s geoblocked...- sportmediaset.mediaset.it, you just need to create a user.)
posted by progosk at 7:44 AM on July 2, 2018


If you have a VPN there’s a slew of places to watch it online. I’m watching via ZDF.de (though I am also in Germany)
posted by From Bklyn at 7:45 AM on July 2, 2018


For a nil-nil first half, that was a corker.
posted by ardgedee at 7:46 AM on July 2, 2018


I think this is the first time I have ever seen time called when the clock still read 44:xx
posted by 256 at 7:46 AM on July 2, 2018 [2 favorites]


Yeah, this game has been intense. I'm a make some tacos real quick during halftime.
posted by 256 at 7:47 AM on July 2, 2018


Saved from death by Ochoa, Mexico is so lucky to have him. (The Sweden game wasn't his fault!!!)
posted by grandiloquiet at 7:47 AM on July 2, 2018


Yeah that was weird, not even a minute of added time? Maybe the refs were also traumatized by yesterday
posted by grandiloquiet at 7:48 AM on July 2, 2018 [2 favorites]


i am still traumatized by yesterday and i slept through the majority of it.
posted by poffin boffin at 7:49 AM on July 2, 2018 [6 favorites]


Very balanced so far. Both teams had chances to score, but Ochoa is doing a great job and Brazil respects Mexico enough not to be exposed by those counter-attacks.

Neymar, by contrast, has black dyed over the bleached fade he’d been wearing for the first round.
As he should. That was more embarrassing than Ronaldo's GOATee, which says a lot.
posted by lmfsilva at 7:53 AM on July 2, 2018


Brazil are really predictable in attack without Marcelo. His runs and dribbles create passing angles that are hard to defend against. As it is Brazil have been reliant on dead ball situations for their best chances.
posted by Kattullus at 8:00 AM on July 2, 2018


Thanks for the streaming suggestions! Nothing working for me yet (geoblocked from sportmedia, and telemundo is just a spinning circle) but worth the attempt
posted by nubs at 8:01 AM on July 2, 2018


Another fine Ochoa save!
posted by languagehat at 8:04 AM on July 2, 2018 [2 favorites]


So close!
posted by ersatz at 8:04 AM on July 2, 2018


what a mex effort!
posted by progosk at 8:06 AM on July 2, 2018


Finally a shot on goal — too high...
posted by languagehat at 8:06 AM on July 2, 2018


...and Neymar scores!
posted by languagehat at 8:06 AM on July 2, 2018


oh no
posted by poffin boffin at 8:06 AM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


Gooooooooooooool!
posted by ersatz at 8:06 AM on July 2, 2018


Well, not much you can say to that, heel&all...
posted by progosk at 8:06 AM on July 2, 2018


Braziiiiiiiiiiiiiilllll!!
posted by ardgedee at 8:07 AM on July 2, 2018


I’m rooting for Mexico, but that was a great goal.
posted by languagehat at 8:07 AM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


Sitting down to eat now, let me know if it changes anything in the game
posted by nubs at 8:07 AM on July 2, 2018


(Nothing against Brazil, but they don’t need a sixth just yet.)
posted by languagehat at 8:09 AM on July 2, 2018 [3 favorites]


That was awful defending.
posted by ersatz at 8:09 AM on July 2, 2018 [2 favorites]


This might be my fault, I'm making chilaquiles
posted by grandiloquiet at 8:09 AM on July 2, 2018 [2 favorites]


Fox’s color commentator just said, with his own mouth, these words: “We haven’t seen much of Willian in this game,” leading me to wonder whether he’s actually bothering to watch the game he’s announcing.
posted by ardgedee at 8:12 AM on July 2, 2018 [3 favorites]


class Ochoa stuff
posted by progosk at 8:15 AM on July 2, 2018


Mexico seems to be falling apart.
posted by languagehat at 8:15 AM on July 2, 2018


Except for Ochoa, of course.
posted by languagehat at 8:16 AM on July 2, 2018


Ochoa can't do all the defense by himself, dammit. (Though I can respect how hard he's trying.)
posted by grandiloquiet at 8:16 AM on July 2, 2018 [2 favorites]


Oh so close!!
posted by languagehat at 8:16 AM on July 2, 2018


Rumours of Mexico's​ demise are exaggerated.
posted by ersatz at 8:17 AM on July 2, 2018


Mex just don’t have closing skills like Brazil.
posted by progosk at 8:17 AM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


Ochoa saves them again. He must be getting tired of this.
posted by languagehat at 8:19 AM on July 2, 2018


That would have been one for the highlight reel — well done Ochoa!
posted by ersatz at 8:20 AM on July 2, 2018


(I mean, Ochoa does, but different kinda closing...)
posted by progosk at 8:20 AM on July 2, 2018


Whew.
posted by languagehat at 8:23 AM on July 2, 2018


That should have gone in! Very nice offense by Brazil.
posted by ersatz at 8:24 AM on July 2, 2018


Ohhhhh, Neymar is down hard, what happ-------... oh. ... ... well. That'll do it...

Those spikes went in deep...
posted by Seeba at 8:27 AM on July 2, 2018


Ochoa’s getting angry about his lack of team support. I don’t blame him.

I don’t really have a side in this match though sentimentally I think I’d like to see Mexico advance. On the other hand, I think Brazil has a better chance of knocking Russia out in the next round, and that would please me.
posted by ardgedee at 8:27 AM on July 2, 2018


What the hell is Ney on about?
posted by progosk at 8:27 AM on July 2, 2018


oh, ok, a step too far.
posted by progosk at 8:28 AM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


He got step-and-pressed with spikes to his ankle after going down.
posted by Seeba at 8:29 AM on July 2, 2018


One of Mexico’s players drove his cleats into the top of Neymar’s foot, I think.
posted by ardgedee at 8:29 AM on July 2, 2018


Why the hell wasn’t Layun sent off? That was incredibly vicious.
posted by Kattullus at 8:30 AM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


I’m stunned the dude didn’t get ejected for that. It was a thug move.

And, basically, Brazil is not going to stand up to Russia without Neymar. So.
posted by ardgedee at 8:30 AM on July 2, 2018


Because Neymar tried to make it like he was fed feet first into a woodchipper.
posted by lmfsilva at 8:31 AM on July 2, 2018 [4 favorites]


It was his operated leg according to Brazilian Twitter. But yeah, surprised there was no card.
posted by ersatz at 8:31 AM on July 2, 2018


I know it's naive to speak of sportsmanship, but I'd really like to see refs come down much harder on intentional injuries.
posted by Liesl at 8:33 AM on July 2, 2018 [4 favorites]


What I think is pretty low is that they don't push him to stop an attack, but they go for the legs.
posted by ersatz at 8:34 AM on July 2, 2018


he's not going to be able to walk by the time he's 40 tbh.
posted by poffin boffin at 8:37 AM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


My sympathies have completely reversed after that stamp by Layún, coupled with the endless fouling of Neymar. It’s reminiscent of when Mexico kicked seven bells out of Cobi Jones in the second round game against the US in 2002. At least Márquez is no longer on the field to headbutt Neymar.
posted by Kattullus at 8:38 AM on July 2, 2018 [2 favorites]


Totally should have been carded for that. Neymar is a bit squeely but he could have maybe gotten Layún a red card and that would have been worth the effort
posted by From Bklyn at 8:39 AM on July 2, 2018


i'm dead
posted by 256 at 8:43 AM on July 2, 2018


I CRY
posted by poffin boffin at 8:44 AM on July 2, 2018


Or they could have looked at the picture where Layún stepped on Neymar. Tbh México would have had better chances if the game went on without constant breaks for fouls. And now a second!
posted by ersatz at 8:44 AM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


And that’s it. 2-0 Brazil.
posted by languagehat at 8:44 AM on July 2, 2018 [2 favorites]


That was an absolutely brilliant run. Well done.

Ballgame.
posted by Seeba at 8:44 AM on July 2, 2018


Mexico’s coach is going to get an aneurysm like that.
posted by ardgedee at 8:44 AM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


They deserve this win.
posted by languagehat at 8:45 AM on July 2, 2018 [2 favorites]


Another impeccable set, that.
posted by progosk at 8:45 AM on July 2, 2018


That was... pretty amazing
posted by GenjiandProust at 8:45 AM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


Credit to Mexico for not giving up even this late, but the way they’re not giving up is not doing themselves any favors.
posted by ardgedee at 8:49 AM on July 2, 2018 [2 favorites]


Jesus. Brazil have allowed four shots on goal in four games.
posted by languagehat at 8:49 AM on July 2, 2018


I'm very disappointed but not actually surprised... Mexico can't quite find their way around a good defense, and their own defenders disappear under pressure. But thanks, Mexico, for a very exciting group stage!

(And someone in EPL please sign Ochoa, it's the only league I regularly watch.)
posted by grandiloquiet at 8:53 AM on July 2, 2018 [2 favorites]


> Jesus. Brazil have allowed four shots on goal in four games.

What do Fox’s announcers mean by that? Per the Guardian’s liveblog, Mexico had eight shots on goal in this game alone.
posted by ardgedee at 8:53 AM on July 2, 2018


i will now lay facedown on the floor until colombia tomorrow
posted by poffin boffin at 8:54 AM on July 2, 2018 [2 favorites]


which, lbr, will also be a tragedy but whatever
posted by poffin boffin at 8:54 AM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


Maybe they mean on target? Mexico kept getting in the vicinity of the goal and getting shut down.
posted by grandiloquiet at 8:54 AM on July 2, 2018


And that's that. Belgium - Japan next?
posted by ersatz at 8:55 AM on July 2, 2018


> Maybe they mean on target?

The liveblog says Mexico made 8 shots on target, 4 shots off target. Which looks bad next to Brazil’s 14 shots on target, but it still means Brazil was letting more balls near the goal than Fox’s commentators claim.
posted by ardgedee at 8:57 AM on July 2, 2018


Who you gonna believe, FoxSports or your own lyin’ eyes?
posted by From Bklyn at 8:59 AM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


Fox's commentators are ear cancer and I miss the free Telemundo streaming
posted by zjacreman at 8:59 AM on July 2, 2018 [2 favorites]


England aren't bad this time around, but they have to lose or they may go up to the final and then the rest of the world will never hear the end of it. Also, how can one not root for James Rodríguez?
posted by ersatz at 9:00 AM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


i love him he is perfect
posted by poffin boffin at 9:02 AM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


Yeah, the easiest explanation is that Alexi Lalas or whoever doesn't know what they're talking about. I'm happier having switched to Telemundo (where I only catch every third word, but usually the slowest comments are the most parenthetical, and I like parenthetical comments, maybe you can tell).
posted by grandiloquiet at 9:02 AM on July 2, 2018


...yeah, if I start to think about it, I get very worried about James Rodriguez's health/fitness! That said, Cuadrado has been wonderful so far. I'll cheer for Colombia just for him.*

*I'll cheer for Colombia regardless because I don't want England to win, I'm sorry England, this is just how I feel
posted by grandiloquiet at 9:06 AM on July 2, 2018


Good first half, but in the second half Brazil completely took over the game, and Mexico did little more than try to hang on.

Mexico with the seventh consecutive R16 elimination. That takes some fantastic consistency on being "just a bit above average, but not too much". They were knocked out by Bulgaria, Germany, US, Argentina (twice in a row), the Netherlands and now Brazil.

Maybe they mean on target? Mexico kept getting in the vicinity of the goal and getting shut down.
Yeah, some stats don't consider blocked shots (ie: what are not goalkeeper saves or goals) as shots on goal and are tallied on a different stat.
posted by lmfsilva at 9:07 AM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


I am just absolutely gutted. Mexico looked so strong in the first half and I held the faith right up until that second goal.

I do agree though that Layun absolutely deserved a red card for trampling Neymar, and that really took the shine off of the match as a Mexico supporter. At the same time, I think that Neymar is reaping a little bit of his just boy-who-cried-wolf desserts in having the refs not believe him when he has been legitimately fouled.

I need to figure out who I'm rooting for now. I was going to root for Japan, but my Chinese wife has forbidden it.
posted by 256 at 9:25 AM on July 2, 2018 [2 favorites]


I don't think you have much to fear from England. The Panama result flattered to deceive. Our only tactic against Tunisia was to run it into the corner and cross pretty blindly into the box (straight into their back four) then hope for set pieces and that Kane would get on the end of one. Not sure we had much more of a plan against Belgium and that didn't end well. We're not going to get past any team which can defend a set piece and can stitch a few passes together upfront.

It would be nice if we did win mind.

256: I nominate Uruguay. Attacking. Not evil. What more could you need?
posted by biffa at 9:30 AM on July 2, 2018 [3 favorites]


I need to figure out who I'm rooting for now.

when i doubt i go with whichever country has fewer human rights violations and then me and my cousin argue loudly and in public about how far back it is reasonable to go; our sole point of agreement in this matter is that it is unfair to hold modern day italy responsible for the crimes of the roman empire.
posted by poffin boffin at 9:38 AM on July 2, 2018 [8 favorites]


Bleh, do you really want to root for Sweden?
posted by grandiloquiet at 9:40 AM on July 2, 2018


our sole point of agreement in this matter is that it is unfair to hold modern day italy responsible for the crimes of the roman empire.

That’s a pretty forgiving metric. I thought people took grudges seriously in the world of football.
posted by GenjiandProust at 9:48 AM on July 2, 2018 [5 favorites]


Italian tv is saying they reckon there is an 83% chance of Belgium winning this game.
posted by biffa at 9:58 AM on July 2, 2018


It would seem reasonable to go as far back as the invention of soccer. Which is still a pretty flexible period of time.
posted by Liesl at 9:58 AM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


I was rooting for Japan* before the Poland game, but after that farce and how they got to the knockout stage, I’ll be okay with Belgium spanking them hard.

* I’m Korean and i was rooting for Japan because I wanted an Asian team to make it through. The World Cup truly makes for some strange bedfellows, at least in terms of fan allegiances.
posted by needled at 10:08 AM on July 2, 2018 [2 favorites]


Obvs I want France to win, it's practically in my marriage contract, but if not, then Belgium looks promising. Otherwise I'm holding out for Brazil.
posted by Liesl at 10:12 AM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


grandiloquiet: Bleh, do you really want to root for Sweden?

At one point or another during their history they fucked over every part of the Baltic, not to mention taking over Norway essentially because they decided to give their kingship to a French general who needed to legitimize his rule through conquest. They also made an attempt to get in on the slave trade but lost their slave colony to the Danes. Admittedly they’ve been pretty inoffensive in the greater scheme of things during the last 100 years.
posted by Kattullus at 10:38 AM on July 2, 2018 [4 favorites]


Also, if the Vikings had pushed further south in England then maybe we wouldn't have Cumberbatch. (Were they Swedish or the other scandi-flavours?)
posted by biffa at 10:42 AM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


"What makes a man turn neutral ... Lust for gold? Power? Or were you just born with a heart full of neutrality?"
posted by Huffy Puffy at 10:43 AM on July 2, 2018 [2 favorites]


Whoops, no Sweden then. Maybe go for most recently improved, and recognize Colombia's efforts to reduce the power of drug traffickers and make peace with FARC?
posted by grandiloquiet at 10:43 AM on July 2, 2018


It would seem reasonable to go as far back as the invention of soccer.

This overlooks grudges inspired by the Treaty of Westphalia, which seems very un-MetaFilter.
posted by GenjiandProust at 10:44 AM on July 2, 2018 [6 favorites]


I realize it seems barbaric to kick around the head of one’s fallen adversary, but to be fair that adversary is known for diving.
posted by Huffy Puffy at 10:46 AM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


Flicking through the channels on Italian tv there is what looked like horse racing from Siena but turns out to be very competitive failure to start a horse race. I am trying my best to make this sound more interesting than it is.
posted by biffa at 11:01 AM on July 2, 2018 [2 favorites]


Nice seeing Kagawa having a good time!
posted by ersatz at 11:04 AM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


When has Kagawa not been having a good time? He’d be the life of the party at his own funeral.
posted by Kattullus at 11:07 AM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


Shoulda gone for the bicycle kick
posted by grandiloquiet at 11:18 AM on July 2, 2018


Belgium doing a lot worse than I expected. De Bruyne needs to step up.
posted by lmfsilva at 11:24 AM on July 2, 2018


Belgium are so undermanned in midfield. Whenever the ball is in the middle of the field, it looks like there are two Japanese players for every Belgian. Then in attack the defenders don’t push up so the Belgian attackers are also facing twice their number.
posted by Kattullus at 11:25 AM on July 2, 2018


My SO is determined to see this fricking horse race so I have missed all the footie so far.
posted by biffa at 11:25 AM on July 2, 2018 [2 favorites]


I don't understand how Belgium haven't scored in the last five minutes.
posted by grandiloquiet at 11:27 AM on July 2, 2018


Whatever high-risk stuff Japan was doing for the first 15 minutes has dried up. Belgium is simply batterring them now.
posted by daveje at 11:29 AM on July 2, 2018


Since I wrote my comment the Belgian defenders have started to push up to help out in attack. I didn’t know Roberto Martínez was a MeFite.
posted by Kattullus at 11:29 AM on July 2, 2018 [3 favorites]


While I wouldn’t begrudge Japan a goal, nor indeed a victory (as much as I’d rue not seeing Belgium vs. Brazil) but I’m glad that Courtois didn’t fumble the ball into his own net, like he almost did towards the end there.
posted by Kattullus at 11:48 AM on July 2, 2018


Well Il Drago won in Siena, just in time for me to see the last kick of the half. It took at least an hour to run a 90sec race and Siena is off my bucket list. Did I miss anything?
posted by biffa at 11:50 AM on July 2, 2018


I really don’t understand what the Belgian wingbacks are supposed to be doing. They’re so far out on the touchlines that they’re barely on the field. Yet the Belgian back three almost never try to release them with a long pass. Sometimes it’s like Japan are playing against nine men.
posted by Kattullus at 12:02 PM on July 2, 2018


Seems not, biffa. Fun fact for your SO - that horserace will be run again in a month and a half...
posted by progosk at 12:02 PM on July 2, 2018


Oh now the cat is among the pigeons. What a well worked goal.
posted by Kattullus at 12:05 PM on July 2, 2018


Sugoi!
posted by ersatz at 12:06 PM on July 2, 2018


Game on!
posted by daveje at 12:07 PM on July 2, 2018


Belgium have woken up. I thought that shot by Hazard was going in, but Japan was saved by the post.
posted by Kattullus at 12:07 PM on July 2, 2018


This is a pretty interesting world cup for viewers and a bad one for big teams.
posted by ersatz at 12:07 PM on July 2, 2018 [5 favorites]


OH
MY
GOODNESS
posted by Kattullus at 12:09 PM on July 2, 2018


I love this World Cup!
posted by ersatz at 12:10 PM on July 2, 2018 [3 favorites]


I did not see this coming! Neither did poor Belgium...
posted by grandiloquiet at 12:11 PM on July 2, 2018 [2 favorites]


Wow, that first goal was a bit nice.

SO delivered background colour: the Belgians speak English in the changing room to overcome their language divide.
posted by biffa at 12:15 PM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


Not sure if this Belgium squandering their best team since the early 90s, or they just are massively overrated. Japan looks more comfortable here than in any of their games so far.
posted by lmfsilva at 12:20 PM on July 2, 2018


This has been a great game so far. I expected a completely opposite result of what we're seeing so far, but I'll take it.

I did see an early version of the Japan kit that had numbers consisting of scenes from various anime films and I really want one of those now.
posted by fifteen schnitzengruben is my limit at 12:20 PM on July 2, 2018


For Japanese-speakers in this thread, the Guardian has a Japanese-language liveblog and the writer, Ben Mabley, seems to be rather excited by this turn of events, as is to be expected.
posted by Kattullus at 12:21 PM on July 2, 2018


You realise this means Southgate is a strategic genius?
posted by biffa at 12:22 PM on July 2, 2018


I can only conclude that the Woofing Gods are listening and will smile upon whichever side I declare would be lucky to avoid an embarrassing loss.

Let me know if you want me to badmouth your team. Checks and PayPal accepted.
posted by needled at 12:27 PM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


Not sure if this Belgium squandering their best team since the early 90s, or they just are massively overrated.

Bit of both? They have a lot of great players, but a bunch of great players don't make a great team or even a good one. At least teams with a more modest ceiling know they have to play their hearts out.

PS Poor Japan.
posted by ersatz at 12:27 PM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


Or did I speak too soon?
posted by needled at 12:29 PM on July 2, 2018


That was a beautiful header by Vertonghen.
posted by Kattullus at 12:30 PM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


This is bonkers. The players have less of an idea what’s happening than we do.
posted by Capt. Renault at 12:30 PM on July 2, 2018


Superb defending from Japan throughout.
posted by Capt. Renault at 12:31 PM on July 2, 2018


And the worst player ties it.
posted by ersatz at 12:32 PM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


Fellaini! Feckin-hell-a-ini!
posted by Kattullus at 12:32 PM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


WHAT
IS
HAPPENING
posted by Capt. Renault at 12:33 PM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


You spoke too soon there perhaps, they seemed to have lost composure after the first and Were wide open there, no cover for the ball from wide with a stack of open Belgians.
posted by biffa at 12:34 PM on July 2, 2018 [2 favorites]


It’s my power to jinx a game.
posted by Capt. Renault at 12:36 PM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


This is not the game that I was expecting to be today’s end-to-end thriller.
posted by Kattullus at 12:38 PM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


I love these fanfare threads y'all.
posted by ersatz at 12:40 PM on July 2, 2018 [4 favorites]


Join me in urging the Japanese team on by drinking this fine Japanese whisky. I say join me, my SO is having yours.
posted by biffa at 12:43 PM on July 2, 2018


Kawashima, bloody hell. Great double save!
posted by ersatz at 12:44 PM on July 2, 2018 [5 favorites]


OH MY HEART
posted by Capt. Renault at 12:44 PM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


Oh. The Japanese goalkeeper is good and Belgiums is like me playing the piano - not much good there.
posted by From Bklyn at 12:45 PM on July 2, 2018


That free kick is in Keisuke Honda territory.
posted by Kattullus at 12:50 PM on July 2, 2018


Fucking bollocks.
posted by biffa at 12:52 PM on July 2, 2018


Poor Japan. So close, yet...

Brazil will get revenge.
posted by ersatz at 12:52 PM on July 2, 2018


Heartbreak for Japan! But they shouldn’t have given up possession so easily at that corner. Belgium vs. Brazil will be a hell of a game.
posted by Kattullus at 12:52 PM on July 2, 2018


ARGH! Oh man oh man oh man!
posted by Quasirandom at 12:53 PM on July 2, 2018


Woooooow. Oh Lukaku is all that.
posted by From Bklyn at 12:53 PM on July 2, 2018


Donovan vs. Algeria all over again.
posted by Huffy Puffy at 12:53 PM on July 2, 2018


Oh wow. Poor Japan. But Belgium — wow.
posted by Capt. Renault at 12:54 PM on July 2, 2018


That was an amazing play, and both teams should be praised for how this game went.
posted by Liesl at 12:55 PM on July 2, 2018 [6 favorites]


What a thrilling finish! But I'm superstitious enough to fear that this means that tomorrow's games will be terrible...
posted by grandiloquiet at 1:00 PM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


I had to sit through Spain-Russia yesterday and the exciting game happens while I’m at work?

Truly the football gods hate me.

I predict tomorrow’s England game will rival Spain-Russia in tedium. There.
posted by needled at 1:06 PM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


I don't watch lots of football, but I've never seen a more thrilling half - to see the tables turn like that was amazing! And Japan's keeper was truly brilliant - I feel like they couldn't have done anything else. Honestly, I thought I'd flick over before bed for a few minutes and here I am at 4:05 am Hong Kong time telling you all about the thing you just saw. Bedtime!
posted by mdonley at 1:07 PM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


All* the teams I've been rooting for so far have been knocked out, so since I don't have a particular allegiance to Sweden or Switzerland, let me know who you'd like to win and I'll root for the other team. This also means I'll be rooting for England, which solves the dilemma of me wanting to cheer for my second home (which I shall in earnest!), while also being greedy for more James Rodriguez (who is hopefully fit enough to play tomorrow!).

*except Uruguay, but I was undecided until about halfway through the match, so maybe that's how they escaped my curse.
posted by paisley sheep at 1:12 PM on July 2, 2018 [3 favorites]


Bah, I napped through the whole thing. It’s stupidly hot here, and who knew this game would be such a thriller?
posted by languagehat at 1:13 PM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


paisley sheep: I don't have a particular allegiance to Sweden or Switzerland, let me know who you'd like to win and I'll root for the other team

Stay neutral, it’s how they’d want it.
posted by Kattullus at 1:17 PM on July 2, 2018 [15 favorites]


Quoting Sir Alex, "Football, bloody hell".
posted by lmfsilva at 2:02 PM on July 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


Kylian Mbappé is fast. Nice piece by Brian Phillips.
posted by languagehat at 3:58 PM on July 2, 2018 [8 favorites]


So this is where the hell all y'all have been. I should look at FanFare more often.

Due to circumstances entirely beyond my control, I will not be able to watch the England-Colombia game live or find out what happened in it until very late at night. However, my fb feed is full of 40-something English expatriates who absolutely know better nonetheless predicting an easy run to the final. Sweet summer children. How easily they forget. Colombia 3-1.
posted by Errant at 9:16 PM on July 2, 2018 [4 favorites]


Okay, so after some soul searching, I have decided that I am simply rooting for any country that has never won the cup to win it.

So I'll be supporting Colombia today.
posted by 256 at 5:27 AM on July 3, 2018 [4 favorites]


Löw will continue as manager, which surprises me to a point. Likely because everyone had a hand on that shitshow and it's better not to start pointing fingers. Plus, there might have been political pressure to not punish Özil and Gundogan over the "my president" meeting.

Also, I've seen the Layun-Neymar incident again, and noticed Layun put most of the weight on the assistant referees foot, who didn't even flinch. If Neymar is really that touchy about the ankle injury, I'm not sure how could he run and kick a ball to begin with.
posted by lmfsilva at 5:44 AM on July 3, 2018 [2 favorites]


I have to say, watching Switzerland play a yellow-shirted team is bringing flashbacks to the worst match of all times, Switzerland-Ukraine in the 2nd round of the 2006 World Cup. Like most people who suffered through it, I can remember exactly where I was when I watched it. Though I’ll say that in these 9 minutes of relatively little incident, already more has happened than when Switzerland played Ukraine in 2006.
posted by Kattullus at 7:10 AM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


Can’t argue with the Graun: defensive errors, lively counterattacks and hideously poor shooting from both sides.
posted by languagehat at 7:27 AM on July 3, 2018 [2 favorites]


Sweden seems weirdly jittery. If they connect properly with just one of their chances it feels like they could really start bossing this game. But as is their period of dominance is leading to nothing.
posted by Kattullus at 7:31 AM on July 3, 2018


the shooting has been abysmal - also Rodriguez's set pieces are . . . not up to WC quarterfinal quality.
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 7:40 AM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


Great game for fans of blooper reels.
posted by lmfsilva at 7:41 AM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


I wasn't planning to watch this but there is a huge storm here with fat, fat rain so the waterfall walk is off and afternoon beer drinking is on. It looks like we are stuck with a 15" tv for the England game though. Does anyone have a list of countries where the bars have TVs (eg beautiful, sexy Portugal) and those where they don't (eg Belgium).

I note England is starting its knockout section of the world cup traditionally with the sun stimulating a request for an apology from the ambassador for our opponents.
posted by biffa at 7:42 AM on July 3, 2018 [2 favorites]


Switzerland - Ukraine was a most awful game indeed.
posted by ersatz at 7:45 AM on July 3, 2018


This is ridiculous. Real Keystone Cops stuff.
posted by languagehat at 8:08 AM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


I watched Switzerland-Ukraine in sweltering heat in the company of my landlady’s murderous terrorcat. As the game wore and the Univision commentators started to fall silent out of existential ennui, I slowly lost all will to live and silently beseeched the deathtom to end this for me, as he knew more ways to kill than his ex-military police owner, though she only used her skills in her war on the neighborhood ice cream truck drivers, but that’s another story. His self-appointed role in the universe was to extinguish all life, especially any belonging to his owner’s tenants. Except mine, oddly, he took a shine to me from the first moment, which is why I had Univision watching privileges in exchange for feeding him while she was away. The feline assassin caught my plainative stare in his pitiless gaze, placed a paw onto my thigh, just about where the artery is, and extended his claws so that they pierced my khakis. For about five seconds we sat like that until he withdrew his claws and curled up beside me and went to sleep. The game wound its way to the worst penalty shootout in World Cup history and life went on, though slightly drained of color compared to how it had been before.
posted by Kattullus at 8:18 AM on July 3, 2018 [4 favorites]


Deliver us, Sweden!
posted by ersatz at 8:23 AM on July 3, 2018


wait, has something actually happened? i think something actually happened. there is restrained hugging.
posted by poffin boffin at 8:23 AM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


Yay someone scored, go goals!
posted by grandiloquiet at 8:23 AM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


Oh poor Akanji! But thank goodness there’s been a goal.
posted by Kattullus at 8:23 AM on July 3, 2018


Oh man own goal strikes again
posted by grandiloquiet at 8:24 AM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


Of course even the goal had to be something you'd see on billiards.
posted by lmfsilva at 8:25 AM on July 3, 2018 [2 favorites]


Who’d be a goalkeeper? That was cruel.
posted by hawthorne at 8:25 AM on July 3, 2018


In my experience, kids who didn't wear glasses and adequately flinch at the ball for the first few practices
posted by grandiloquiet at 8:26 AM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


I think this is technically a goal by Forsberg, as it was on target, even though it never would’ve gone in except for the deflection.
posted by Kattullus at 8:26 AM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


So Own Goal gets robbed?
posted by languagehat at 8:28 AM on July 3, 2018 [3 favorites]


I would like an even number of more goals to be scored now, please.
posted by grandiloquiet at 8:29 AM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


I call it sheer prejudice against the O.G.!
posted by languagehat at 8:30 AM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


Wait that wouldn't help, would it? I just wanted to specify no overtime, if the soccer gods are listening.
posted by grandiloquiet at 8:30 AM on July 3, 2018


If this doesn't go to penalties what am I supposed to do with myself from 6-8?
posted by biffa at 8:37 AM on July 3, 2018 [2 favorites]


Count your blessings.
posted by Quasirandom at 8:38 AM on July 3, 2018 [3 favorites]


Guys I'm getting nervous
posted by grandiloquiet at 8:48 AM on July 3, 2018


Nice save. Swiss about out of time.
posted by languagehat at 8:48 AM on July 3, 2018


The last minute is the most exciting part of this game.
posted by languagehat at 8:50 AM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


And for the cherry on top, a red card.
posted by ersatz at 8:51 AM on July 3, 2018


From a quick skim of the Guardian liveblog, this game seems like it was tedium until the last minute or so.

From the 65th minute, just before Sweden scored: There seems to be a very real possibility that this match will go to a penalty shoot-out and an even more real one that neither team will actually score any of their spot-kicks.
posted by nubs at 8:52 AM on July 3, 2018 [3 favorites]


Somehow the Swedes both entirely deserved the win, and were outrageously lucky to actually win.
posted by Kattullus at 8:53 AM on July 3, 2018 [2 favorites]


I’m so happy I can die!! Yay Sweden.
posted by gemmy at 8:53 AM on July 3, 2018 [5 favorites]


Well, that was... something.
posted by languagehat at 8:53 AM on July 3, 2018


In 2006 that would have counted as thrill-ride.
posted by Kattullus at 8:55 AM on July 3, 2018


is that how people dance in sweden tell me right now
posted by poffin boffin at 8:55 AM on July 3, 2018


Northern European footballers in general. The video of the German team celebrating the 2014 World Cup win in Berlin is full of that kind of dancing.
posted by Kattullus at 8:58 AM on July 3, 2018


I am still not over Japan / Belgium. That was some game. I am going to watch that final goal again.
posted by shothotbot at 9:19 AM on July 3, 2018 [3 favorites]


It is extremely adorable and I support them.
posted by poffin boffin at 9:22 AM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


This game was such a bore that between the end of the game and rebooting the router until I got a signal, I forgot if I had any snide remarks over it.
posted by lmfsilva at 9:24 AM on July 3, 2018 [4 favorites]


I am "watching" the matches via this thread while I'm at work and greatly appreciating all of the contributions here, with nothing to add but hitting the favorite button. I know about the Guardian live stream, but that is a little too much for me to follow while working on other things. Thanks, keep up the good work!
posted by Fig at 9:26 AM on July 3, 2018 [3 favorites]


My girlfriend, who is Finnish, sat down for half a minute to watch the game and was treated to the build-up to, and scoring of, the goal. After it was over she asked me how it had gone and I told her that Sweden had deservedly won, but had also been extremely lucky to score. She said that was extremely Swedish, working hard and having all the luck.
posted by Kattullus at 9:26 AM on July 3, 2018


Anyway no pressure but if Colombia doesn't win I will end all life in this galaxy*

*eat cupcakes and cry
posted by poffin boffin at 9:26 AM on July 3, 2018 [7 favorites]


Report from Stockholm: city was energized, lots of jerseys, big screens set up everywhere, big crowds watching through the windows of bars. Very exciting.

Blågult!
posted by Chrysostom at 9:27 AM on July 3, 2018 [5 favorites]


Stockholm update: drunk guys outside singing We Are the Champions and Seven Nation Army.
posted by Chrysostom at 9:45 AM on July 3, 2018 [6 favorites]


James out again.
posted by lmfsilva at 10:04 AM on July 3, 2018


Sadly, Peter Crouch is now too old to dance for England.
posted by biffa at 10:09 AM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


Lmfsilva, please expand on your recent cryptic message re James.
posted by biffa at 10:13 AM on July 3, 2018


Didn't recover from injury and was not in the starting 11. Turns out, he's not even on the game as a substitute.
posted by lmfsilva at 10:14 AM on July 3, 2018


FYI, I tuned into the match at halftime and randomly decided to root for Sweden (the tipping factor was I liked their kits better). Thus supporting my hypothesis that deciding on a team halfway means that they'll make it through, whereas cheering for a specific team before the match starts spells doom.
posted by paisley sheep at 10:15 AM on July 3, 2018 [4 favorites]


Kit is a totally solid reason to choose a side in WC and one of its joys.
posted by shothotbot at 10:24 AM on July 3, 2018 [5 favorites]


I should have learned my lesson last night but flipping through the channels on Italian TV instead of leading to the Palio tonight led to an actual episode of Benny Hill, still surviving in the wild.

lmf: ta
posted by biffa at 10:25 AM on July 3, 2018


Also I'm crushed that James won't be playing, so now I'm rooting for England all the harder just to give Colombia a fighting chance.
posted by paisley sheep at 10:25 AM on July 3, 2018 [2 favorites]


Life got in the way of keeping up with the football, but I sat down and caught highlights of the knockout matches so far. Will be watching the England game tonight of course, because my boyfriend is English. Come on Colombia!

On the matches that I missed, France Argentina looked like a cracker from the highlights, and I see that Denmark are out as expected. Very close, but hard to be too upset about the result given that Croatia would've had an extra time goal but for a professional foul and an excellent save from Schmeichel - but hardly sporting, is it?
posted by Dysk at 10:33 AM on July 3, 2018 [2 favorites]


While Japan-Belgium was one of the most exciting matches of football I’ve seen (and enough with France-Argentina to make this second round a classic), and I really like Colombia, I’m still bitter that Senegal didn’t make it out of that group. Ah well, being an adult means coming to terms with contradictory feelings.
posted by Kattullus at 10:51 AM on July 3, 2018


That's a lot of Colombians singing the anthem!
posted by ersatz at 10:55 AM on July 3, 2018


Oh bless, there is an American at the world cup.
posted by biffa at 10:58 AM on July 3, 2018


Pekerman totally looks like an old leftist poet who spent the 70s and 80s traveling the world, from one revolutionary society to another.
posted by Kattullus at 10:59 AM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


Vamos, Colombia! Si se puede!
posted by Capt. Renault at 11:07 AM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


After an exciting first twenty minutes this game has become a bit of a porridge. It needs a few blueberries.
posted by Kattullus at 11:30 AM on July 3, 2018


What happened to the "shaving foam" they used at the last world cup to demarcate the 10 yard line on free kicks? All I can find through google is vague discussion of a possible patent infringement?
posted by Rumple at 11:31 AM on July 3, 2018


They’re still using it. It’s just so commonplace now that the cameras don’t linger on it.
posted by Kattullus at 11:32 AM on July 3, 2018


England were unsustainably hyperactive in the first 20 minutes.
posted by Rumple at 11:32 AM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


Oh I'll have to watch the ref more closely and/or get a better stream. Previously it was unmistakeable as a small wall of foam, maybe they have diluted the recipe.
posted by Rumple at 11:34 AM on July 3, 2018


Guys are you trying to provoke them into doing something, if so I approve.
posted by grandiloquiet at 11:35 AM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


Pekerman totally looks like an old leftist poet who spent the 70s and 80s traveling the world, from one revolutionary society to another.

If he looks like that and didn't spend time with Socrates at Corinthians, I'll be disappointed.
posted by clawsoon at 11:36 AM on July 3, 2018 [2 favorites]


Mostly England so far but even so Quintero looks like the most dangerous player.
posted by Rumple at 11:36 AM on July 3, 2018


Colombia have stepped up since the beginning, but they still can't reach the box. James would have helped.
posted by ersatz at 11:37 AM on July 3, 2018


Colombia has got some great flashy footwork and pop-up passes but at some point it needs to translate into an attack. Vaaamoooos
posted by zjacreman at 11:38 AM on July 3, 2018 [2 favorites]


My God he headbutted Henderson in his Gillette sponsored chin.
posted by biffa at 11:40 AM on July 3, 2018 [2 favorites]


That was needlessly stupid by Barrias. He was lucky to just get a yellow.
posted by Kattullus at 11:40 AM on July 3, 2018 [4 favorites]


Solid foam demonstration here.
posted by Rumple at 11:41 AM on July 3, 2018 [2 favorites]


There's your shaving foam, Rumple
posted by HandfulOfDust at 11:41 AM on July 3, 2018 [2 favorites]


Veeeeeeery lucky.
posted by lmfsilva at 11:41 AM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


After all that, it’s wide.
posted by languagehat at 11:42 AM on July 3, 2018


clawsoon: If he looks like that and didn't spend time with Socrates at Corinthians, I'll be disappointed.

Sadly no. He played in Argentina and Colombia before an injury cut short his career.
posted by Kattullus at 11:42 AM on July 3, 2018


What on earth is happening? i was rooting for columbia but after one of thier players blatatently headbutted an england player I am switching sides.

Yellow card my ass
posted by Faintdreams at 11:44 AM on July 3, 2018 [4 favorites]


I too have switched to England.
posted by languagehat at 11:45 AM on July 3, 2018 [2 favorites]


I have always been rooting for England
posted by HandfulOfDust at 11:46 AM on July 3, 2018


Colombia's bandwagon is dissipating, like weak foam at a boisterous free kick.
posted by Rumple at 11:47 AM on July 3, 2018 [4 favorites]


it’s ok because this way England can still lose to a Scandinavian country in the next round. Norway’s up in 2022; the winter scheduling for Qatar is right up their alley.
posted by Huffy Puffy at 11:54 AM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


Guardian liveblog is making the game sound like it's going to get nasty: ITV footage has just showed footage of a member of Colombia’s backroom staff nudging Sterling with his shoulder as the player ran off the pitch. The staffer then walked over to the fourth official and ordered him to keep an eye out for skulduggery. That’s brazen, and more evidence of the needle that has crept into this game.
posted by nubs at 11:59 AM on July 3, 2018


After Sweden’s win, I’m just watching the Eng-Col game to see what ethnic snacks we have to eat on Saturday.
posted by Rabarberofficer at 12:09 PM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


Radio announcers just said that Pekerman looks like a "Bill Nye-type figure".

Now I've no idea what to imagine.
posted by clawsoon at 12:12 PM on July 3, 2018 [2 favorites]


nubs: Guardian liveblog is making the game sound like it's going to get nasty

I’m guessing that the Colombians are taking umbrage at what they perceive to have been playacting by Henderson. To me it seemed like a normal reaction to an unexpected blow, but if reading about football on the internet has taught me anything, it’s that people expect football players to respond to pain in the stoic manner of an action movie star removing a bullet from his leg with his fingers.
posted by Kattullus at 12:14 PM on July 3, 2018 [4 favorites]


Penalty!!
posted by languagehat at 12:15 PM on July 3, 2018


TRAITORS the lot of you but also i fell asleep so i am the worst of all.
posted by poffin boffin at 12:16 PM on July 3, 2018 [2 favorites]


Everyone wants a piggyback
posted by Rumple at 12:16 PM on July 3, 2018


Get a grip, Ref
posted by HandfulOfDust at 12:17 PM on July 3, 2018


Hurrahhhhhhhhhh
posted by HandfulOfDust at 12:19 PM on July 3, 2018


1-0 England!
posted by languagehat at 12:19 PM on July 3, 2018 [2 favorites]


I don't think this is what the "Kane score a goal" kid had in mind, but sure.
posted by grandiloquiet at 12:19 PM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


Well, he seems happy?
posted by grandiloquiet at 12:19 PM on July 3, 2018


dislike
posted by poffin boffin at 12:20 PM on July 3, 2018 [3 favorites]


So is Kane ahead of Own Goal now?
posted by languagehat at 12:20 PM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


As if Ospina would catch a penalty. Also, autocorrect suggested Islington (hi, HoD)
posted by ersatz at 12:20 PM on July 3, 2018


Kane (penalty) for Golden Boot.
posted by lmfsilva at 12:21 PM on July 3, 2018 [2 favorites]


My girlfriend just went to sleep, saying: “So violent, both those teams.” Can’t disagree there.
posted by Kattullus at 12:22 PM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


Stones was lucky not to get booked for that boot to the head.
posted by Dysk at 12:22 PM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


if reading about football on the internet has taught me anything, it’s that people expect football players to respond to pain in the stoic manner of an action movie star removing a bullet from his leg with his fingers.

Like a hockey player then.
posted by nubs at 12:23 PM on July 3, 2018


I would settle for male football players responding to pain like female football players
posted by zjacreman at 12:24 PM on July 3, 2018 [13 favorites]


Not quite a rerun of the Battle of Nuremberg yet, but there’s still time
posted by daveje at 12:26 PM on July 3, 2018


This ref is an embarrassment to the United States
posted by zjacreman at 12:27 PM on July 3, 2018 [5 favorites]


This ref is fucking clueless. And I say that as an England fan.
posted by biffa at 12:27 PM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


james in the crowd looking lost, my infant child
posted by poffin boffin at 12:29 PM on July 3, 2018 [4 favorites]


The ref is totally not in control. The commentator here just mentioned it and how he felt bad for both teams.
posted by From Bklyn at 12:31 PM on July 3, 2018 [4 favorites]


I have no clue what’s going on in this game anymore.
posted by languagehat at 12:33 PM on July 3, 2018


Nor does the Ref
posted by HandfulOfDust at 12:34 PM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


The Italian commentators really need Maguire to be less involved, all they know about him is that he is from Sheffield and so is Jarvis Cocker.
posted by biffa at 12:36 PM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


Colombia, you're letting the whole world down here. Step it up please (the football, not the fighting).
posted by Dysk at 12:37 PM on July 3, 2018 [3 favorites]


Kane displayed some Crouchesque technique trying to reach that ball.
posted by lmfsilva at 12:38 PM on July 3, 2018


Jeezy Chreezy is Davinson Sanchez a brilliant tackler.
posted by Kattullus at 12:39 PM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


That was an embarrassing dive.
posted by lmfsilva at 12:41 PM on July 3, 2018


this is a hot mess and I don't think I've seen yellow cards appearing at this rate since the 2010 Final
posted by karayel at 12:43 PM on July 3, 2018 [3 favorites]


The Grauniad's minute-by-minute ticker is telling me nothing at all. So, thanks for updating here, everyone.
posted by Capt. Renault at 12:44 PM on July 3, 2018


Noooo! That was probably the best chance Colombia have had, and that was a waste of it.
posted by Dysk at 12:44 PM on July 3, 2018


God damn it Cuadrado
posted by zjacreman at 12:44 PM on July 3, 2018


Everybody fights me on this when I'm in Colombia, but Cuadrado: actually sucks
posted by zjacreman at 12:44 PM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


lmfsilva: That was an embarrassing dive.

I honestly don’t think Lingard was diving, but that Sanchez forced him to break his stride, throwing him off balance. He fell down, but wasn’t diving. I think the ref got this one right.
posted by Kattullus at 12:46 PM on July 3, 2018 [2 favorites]


Trying decide if I want Colombia to win enough to want to watch another half hour of this
posted by grandiloquiet at 12:48 PM on July 3, 2018 [4 favorites]


Looked like Lingard stubbed his toe badly, you can see his toes bend backwards. So not a dive really.
posted by Rumple at 12:49 PM on July 3, 2018


Yeah, on review seems like he thought Sanchez was a lot closer to him and did the defensive jump thing to avoid being rolled over or going studs first in his legs.
posted by lmfsilva at 12:50 PM on July 3, 2018


Five minutes?!?!?
posted by HandfulOfDust at 12:52 PM on July 3, 2018


Okay, Colombia just pipped Argentina'effort earlier in the tournament for the prize for Most Liberal Interpretation of Where the Ball Went Out For a Throw.
posted by Dysk at 12:53 PM on July 3, 2018 [3 favorites]


grandiloquiet: Trying decide if I want Colombia to win enough to want to watch another half hour of this

Whatever happens, we’ll have two days to try to forget this game. This is the worst game of the 2nd round by a mile. At least Spain-Russia had comedy moments.
posted by Kattullus at 12:53 PM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


I'm surprised the ref remembered his watch.
posted by biffa at 12:54 PM on July 3, 2018


Goooool
posted by motdiem2 at 12:54 PM on July 3, 2018


ohmy god another 30 min
posted by poffin boffin at 12:54 PM on July 3, 2018 [2 favorites]


Holy hell that was close!
posted by Dysk at 12:54 PM on July 3, 2018


are you kidding me
posted by languagehat at 12:54 PM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


like yay goal but honestly.
posted by poffin boffin at 12:55 PM on July 3, 2018 [3 favorites]


YEEEEEESSSS!!! 🇨🇴
posted by Dysk at 12:55 PM on July 3, 2018


That's England, lads
posted by HandfulOfDust at 12:55 PM on July 3, 2018 [3 favorites]


Wow.
posted by Rabarberofficer at 12:55 PM on July 3, 2018


Empateeeeee
posted by ersatz at 12:55 PM on July 3, 2018


sweet jesus
posted by karayel at 12:56 PM on July 3, 2018


We must be punished for our sins
posted by nubs at 12:56 PM on July 3, 2018 [4 favorites]


Agreed - I’m thinking of not watching extra time and come back for penalties
posted by motdiem2 at 12:56 PM on July 3, 2018


So I guess this means that England will be going out on penalties then.
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 12:56 PM on July 3, 2018


How many goals have been scored in extra time during this tournament?
posted by Liesl at 12:56 PM on July 3, 2018


The 'live updates' are not nearly as live as you fellas...
posted by Capt. Renault at 12:56 PM on July 3, 2018 [3 favorites]


I'm kind of happy, even if we have another half hour. I like when teams that have switched from trying to score to wasting time get punished for it.
posted by grandiloquiet at 12:56 PM on July 3, 2018 [5 favorites]


These matches are going wall-to-wall!
posted by the man of twists and turns at 12:57 PM on July 3, 2018


The announcer just answered my question: that was the 23rd goal this tournament scored after the 90 minute mark.
posted by Liesl at 12:58 PM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


Mina is rubbing his groin like a ^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H man with a groin pull. If he can't come back that's a big loss for Colombia
posted by Rumple at 1:01 PM on July 3, 2018


My girlfriend stuck her head out of the bedroom when she heard by the white noise emanating from the television that something had happened. I told her that Colombia had scored and it would probably go to extra time. Her response: “Good. These violent teams deserve each other.” That’s easy for her to say, as she’s not watching another half hour of this.
posted by Kattullus at 1:01 PM on July 3, 2018 [5 favorites]


i was RESIGNED, i had ACCEPTED DEFEAT and now this, this unbearable hope is forced upon me. what an ordeal.
posted by poffin boffin at 1:01 PM on July 3, 2018 [10 favorites]


I'll say, I've run out of beer and am having to go back on whisky.
posted by biffa at 1:03 PM on July 3, 2018 [3 favorites]


Yerry Mina has scored 3 goals this World Cup. Maybe Barça will actually let him play next season.
posted by ceejaytee at 1:03 PM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


Oh my God, the Colombian player had a picture of himself on his shinguard! What a cock.
posted by biffa at 1:05 PM on July 3, 2018 [3 favorites]


So it's looking like Sweden wins twice today?
posted by Capt. Renault at 1:06 PM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


Is "cock" slang for awesome person who knows their worth and celebrates it with personalized accessories? I can't tell...
posted by grandiloquiet at 1:07 PM on July 3, 2018 [4 favorites]


That Mina goal went in off Trippier's head on the goal line, should be an own goal? link.
posted by Rumple at 1:12 PM on July 3, 2018


Not an own goal because it was already going in and Trippier merely diverted it.
posted by Kattullus at 1:13 PM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


I guess narcissist is a desirable diagnosis somewhere.
posted by biffa at 1:15 PM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


Another opinion that is unpopular in Colombia: Falcao can't sink a header to save his goddamn life
posted by zjacreman at 1:18 PM on July 3, 2018


I have a much broader definition on what is an own goal than FIFA, and that wouldn't qualify even for me.
posted by lmfsilva at 1:18 PM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


The Guardian liveblog feels that England is on the ropes
posted by nubs at 1:20 PM on July 3, 2018


Well, yeah. They are.
posted by macapes at 1:22 PM on July 3, 2018


Colombia looking hungrier for this.
posted by biffa at 1:22 PM on July 3, 2018


Uh, Vardy is chewing gum.
posted by biffa at 1:23 PM on July 3, 2018


Falcao can't sink a header to save his goddamn life
Falcao was incredible going for crosses here, but the injuries (and age) robbed him of what he needed to actually get to them. He no longer has the speed and the ability to get away from defenders and jump on his own, and he's not tall enough to just hang around the defender.
posted by lmfsilva at 1:24 PM on July 3, 2018 [4 favorites]


zjacreman: Another opinion that is unpopular in Colombia: Falcao can't sink a header to save his goddamn life

The evidence would suggest you’re just plain wrong about that. Here’s a video from four years ago with 50 headed goals by Falcao.
posted by Kattullus at 1:24 PM on July 3, 2018


Ouch, what a miss!
posted by languagehat at 1:30 PM on July 3, 2018


Oof nice attempt there by Rose
posted by Rumple at 1:31 PM on July 3, 2018


And what a save!
posted by ersatz at 1:32 PM on July 3, 2018


Another wasted opportunity...
posted by languagehat at 1:33 PM on July 3, 2018


Rashford for walker!? Bit late to roll the dice? Just prepping for pens?
posted by biffa at 1:33 PM on July 3, 2018


Are these football players or rodeo clowns?
posted by GenjiandProust at 1:36 PM on July 3, 2018 [3 favorites]


Apparently, the airport in Bogota has been shut down, so all staff members can watch the end of the game? Not great, but surely better than operating an airport where no-one is paying full attention...
posted by Capt. Renault at 1:37 PM on July 3, 2018 [5 favorites]


I'm getting the impression I shouldn't be too disappointed I'm at work for this game.
posted by The Card Cheat at 1:37 PM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


And it’s pens.
posted by languagehat at 1:39 PM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


Oh Jesus Christ here we go
posted by HandfulOfDust at 1:39 PM on July 3, 2018


You've missed the jar jar binks of refereeing so there's that.
posted by biffa at 1:39 PM on July 3, 2018 [6 favorites]


Penalties. Always fun to watch England in a shoot out.
posted by macapes at 1:39 PM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


I had a busy busy day and this is my first chance to tune in. Good timing!

Ya vamonos Colombia!
posted by 256 at 1:43 PM on July 3, 2018


Jesus, I'd have more confidence if we had Karius in goal.
posted by biffa at 1:43 PM on July 3, 2018


And there by we go, penalty time. Penalties seem to go by really fast in this cup, but maybe it's due to the quality of some of the previous 120 minutes.
posted by ersatz at 1:45 PM on July 3, 2018


Well, Pickford is by far the more accomplished when it comes to penalty saves. I can’t remember the exact statistics but it’s something like Pickford has saved 15-20% but Ospina saved around 5%.
posted by Kattullus at 1:45 PM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


So, I realize that I have no idea how it's decided who gets to take tiebreak PKs. Do they submit a list before the match? Is it decided in the moment?
posted by 256 at 1:46 PM on July 3, 2018


Wouldn’t it be great if they go into extra extra time?

Whoops! Maybe I spoke to soon...
posted by From Bklyn at 1:49 PM on July 3, 2018


And Ospina did save a penalty!
posted by ersatz at 1:49 PM on July 3, 2018


fuckyes. brilliant.
posted by 256 at 1:49 PM on July 3, 2018


Crying Pékerman is a bit more than my heart can take.
posted by Kattullus at 1:50 PM on July 3, 2018


God I hope so, though I was looking forward to ... ohmygod he hits the fucking crossbar...
posted by From Bklyn at 1:50 PM on July 3, 2018


Two misses in a row!
posted by languagehat at 1:50 PM on July 3, 2018


Ospina! That was a good save.
posted by Dysk at 1:50 PM on July 3, 2018


My stream is slightly behind apparently! This is way too tense.
posted by Dysk at 1:51 PM on July 3, 2018


England (going through) ... oh! Wow!
posted by From Bklyn at 1:51 PM on July 3, 2018


Get in my son!!!!!
posted by HandfulOfDust at 1:52 PM on July 3, 2018 [2 favorites]


Okay. Let’s get this duel over with. I want to know who Sweden will meet Saturday.
posted by Rabarberofficer at 1:52 PM on July 3, 2018


Where's vardy?
posted by biffa at 1:52 PM on July 3, 2018


oh no. That was an amazing save.
posted by 256 at 1:52 PM on July 3, 2018


boooo
posted by poffin boffin at 1:52 PM on July 3, 2018


England!!
posted by languagehat at 1:52 PM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


Nevwrmind.
posted by biffa at 1:52 PM on July 3, 2018


I'm not even mad. That was delightful.
posted by 256 at 1:53 PM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


Oh no :(
posted by Dysk at 1:53 PM on July 3, 2018


England win in penalties. This world cup...
posted by ersatz at 1:53 PM on July 3, 2018 [4 favorites]


Bring. It. On.

Phew, I need a lie down
posted by HandfulOfDust at 1:54 PM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


i have to spend the next week supporting brazil, this is an attack on me personally.
posted by poffin boffin at 1:54 PM on July 3, 2018 [3 favorites]


Italian commentator: 'futbols coming home'
posted by biffa at 1:55 PM on July 3, 2018


Every fucking quarterfinal match is going to be amazing.
posted by 256 at 1:55 PM on July 3, 2018


Put me down for $20 on Team Ikea.
posted by Capt. Renault at 1:55 PM on July 3, 2018 [2 favorites]


Uruguay, Belgium, Croatia, England are my picks for the semis.
posted by 256 at 1:56 PM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


I went to therapy and it was 1-0 with not much time left!
posted by shothotbot at 1:56 PM on July 3, 2018


I, for one, never doubted England's ability to win on penalties.
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 1:58 PM on July 3, 2018 [4 favorites]


I'm so happy for Gareth Southgate, too. Twenty-two years of self-recrimination annulled.
posted by HandfulOfDust at 1:58 PM on July 3, 2018 [4 favorites]


Your therapist keeps score? Hope that's 1-0 in your favour.
posted by Rumple at 1:59 PM on July 3, 2018 [3 favorites]


Put me down for some of what 256 is having.
posted by biffa at 1:59 PM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


I heard cheering in the office so somebody must have put money on England.
posted by needled at 2:00 PM on July 3, 2018


Croatia will lose to Russia, playing just like Spain did, toothless and ineffective.
Because, and I’m calling it now - though it’s a crappy thing to say - the fix is in and Russia are going to go to semi final. I feel bad saying it but I’m saying it anyway.
posted by From Bklyn at 2:01 PM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


Maybe they were cheering for the ref...
posted by GenjiandProust at 2:02 PM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


Put me down for some of what 256 is having.

That would be cheap Spanish wine and ill-advised cigarettes.
posted by 256 at 2:03 PM on July 3, 2018 [3 favorites]


That'll do.
posted by biffa at 2:04 PM on July 3, 2018 [3 favorites]


Let's all take a moment to think about CR7, sitting at home, gutted that Kane is looking solid for the golden boot while his last world cup is done.

The Italian world cup analysis show is basically wetting itself that Ronaldo is moving to Juve.
posted by biffa at 2:12 PM on July 3, 2018 [2 favorites]


Sweden 13-1 over England.
posted by Chrysostom at 2:14 PM on July 3, 2018 [5 favorites]


Croatia are a lot more direct than Spain, and Russia are less likely to huddle in their third of the pitch. I hope Russia receive a savage pummeling.
posted by daveje at 2:15 PM on July 3, 2018 [1 favorite]


Do not taunt the Woof Gods, puny mortal.
posted by needled at 2:15 PM on July 3, 2018


Well, Dier came here with his parents while they worked at Euro 2004, where England got beat on penalties, and now here he is, scoring the deciding penalty on England's first shootout win since 1996.
So maybe this is proof we are living on a simulation out of whack, or Dier just closed the circle and now things will return to normal.
posted by lmfsilva at 2:29 PM on July 3, 2018


Russia, Croatia, Sweden or England to be in the final. Gosh. Really, when you think of it like that it has to be England doesn't it?
posted by biffa at 2:31 PM on July 3, 2018 [2 favorites]


Russia.
posted by Rumple at 2:50 PM on July 3, 2018


I’m surprised people were blaming that ref for not controlling the game more; I was pissed at the players for continually surrounding him and trying to bully him. These are adult men, it’s not like it’s okay to act like an ass unless someone adequately “controls” you.
posted by JenMarie at 6:51 PM on July 3, 2018 [3 favorites]


He tried many times to tell them to walk away, I’m sure he wished he had a taser at the time.
posted by JenMarie at 6:52 PM on July 3, 2018


I dunno...I'm always a little surprised when soccer players start pushing and screaming in a ref's face. But they're young and in the middle of physical/psychological stress -- sometimes the shouting and shoving from the match carries over. Refs certainly can punish that behavior, even when the player is quite famous and the game is very important. That doesn't excuse the players, but the ref has the tools to deal with it. If the ref thinks the players are coming on too strong, he should warn them. And if they're still being aggressive or wasting too much time on objections...he should start throwing out cards. Players will get the message, and modify their behavior very quickly.
posted by grandiloquiet at 9:50 PM on July 3, 2018 [2 favorites]


It wasn't just that though, he was throwing out cards but without consistency and for player interaction of very different standards. It incentivised players to play to the ref instead of trying to perform. At one point he allowed himself to be persuaded to move the spray on 10 yard line for a free kick. That's a basic failure in terms of establishing authority.
posted by biffa at 12:43 AM on July 4, 2018 [5 favorites]


Good God. After spending most of the week looking out for a good sized telly for the England game without luck we settled for sitting v close to the 15" screen in our holiday apartment. Today we go for lunch and are seated so that I have to rewatch the game on a 40" tv about 2ft behind my partner's head. I'm sure it's a punishment for something.
posted by biffa at 4:55 AM on July 4, 2018 [4 favorites]


Brian Phillips on Neymar: "If Lionel Messi is a key, and Cristiano Ronaldo is a battering ram, then Neymar is a lock-pick. ... He flirts his way through impenetrable formations, he slinks, he charms the ball into the goal. Messi looks like he was born on the soccer pitch. Ronaldo looks like he spent a lot of money to buy it. Neymar lacks that air of easy belonging..."
posted by languagehat at 5:36 PM on July 4, 2018 [1 favorite]


I made a front-page post for The Quarter-Finals
posted by the man of twists and turns at 11:49 PM on July 4, 2018 [1 favorite]


Some analysis of VAR, fouls, etc in games so far.

I'm not seeing that quarter final page. Link comes back to this thread.
posted by biffa at 12:16 AM on July 5, 2018


Aha, It's on top in the blue!
posted by biffa at 12:19 AM on July 5, 2018


Link
posted by biffa at 12:36 AM on July 5, 2018


Just discovered this thread and excited to not be alone come Friday’s matches!
posted by herda05 at 1:44 AM on July 5, 2018 [3 favorites]


Herda, I think there will be a new thread in Fanfare for the quarter finals, keep an eye out. Hopefully it will be linked here too.
posted by biffa at 2:51 PM on July 5, 2018


I accidentally promised to read poetry at the same time as the second half of France-Uruguay is playing. I thought it was much earlier in the day. You might think this isn't so bad, that I'll only miss half an hour at most, but no... this is way out in the woods so I have to leave before kickoff to get there and even if I left as soon as I was done, which I won't because that's rude to everyone else, I wouldn't get back to watch anything even if it goes to extra time and penalties.

Anyway, the last five games between France and Uruguay have featured a grand total of one goal (that's four nil-nils and one single goal victory by the Uruguayans), so this is one is bound to be a nine-goal thriller, which will go down in the annals as one of the absolute greatest World Cup games.
posted by Kattullus at 1:34 AM on July 6, 2018 [3 favorites]


So, wait is the FRA-URU livewatch gonna be here or here?
posted by progosk at 6:37 AM on July 6, 2018


I think we’re trying to contain the live watches to FanFare
posted by nubs at 6:58 AM on July 6, 2018


Here's fine for me; maybe a dedicated quater-finals FF post would be doable by tonight's BRA-BEL game.
posted by progosk at 7:01 AM on July 6, 2018 [1 favorite]


Dumb tendon stomp; expectable, but not the best omen for this specific game...
posted by progosk at 7:03 AM on July 6, 2018


WTF, URU?! You needed to score there!
posted by languagehat at 7:04 AM on July 6, 2018


And there too!
posted by languagehat at 7:05 AM on July 6, 2018


The French are kindly allowing you the use of their goal area and you’re just diddling around!
posted by languagehat at 7:07 AM on July 6, 2018


Can someone not on their phone make a new post for the quarterfinals? I tried but my phone failed.
posted by ersatz at 7:07 AM on July 6, 2018


Unable to watch this morning, but enjoying languagehat’s play by play very much
posted by nubs at 7:09 AM on July 6, 2018 [1 favorite]


Game started lively. I was expecting more of a slow burn.
posted by lmfsilva at 7:09 AM on July 6, 2018 [2 favorites]


high energy charges from both camps, but some closing confusion for both too...
posted by progosk at 7:10 AM on July 6, 2018


I assume LM will be making a post.
posted by languagehat at 7:12 AM on July 6, 2018


My impression is that both teams have put on at least a couple of blistering performances in the tournament so far, but I'll admit that it's all getting blended together in my brain.
posted by clawsoon at 7:12 AM on July 6, 2018


Neymar would probably duck and roll to the corner flag after that foul.
posted by lmfsilva at 7:12 AM on July 6, 2018 [1 favorite]


wonderfully expressive gesticulating from the ref
posted by progosk at 7:13 AM on July 6, 2018 [1 favorite]


That save was pretty dangerous. Interesting game so far.
posted by ersatz at 7:14 AM on July 6, 2018


Announcers are congratulating Suarez on not biting anyone.
posted by languagehat at 7:14 AM on July 6, 2018 [3 favorites]


Yet.
posted by clawsoon at 7:15 AM on July 6, 2018 [1 favorite]


Mbappe heads the ball just over the goal!
posted by languagehat at 7:15 AM on July 6, 2018


Day is early yet. Biting is maybe more of a late game strategy.
posted by nubs at 7:16 AM on July 6, 2018 [2 favorites]


I’m rooting against France, but god is he fun to watch.
posted by languagehat at 7:16 AM on July 6, 2018 [1 favorite]


Iirc biting has mostly been a late-second-half strategy.
posted by ardgedee at 7:16 AM on July 6, 2018 [1 favorite]


Ooooh, Mbappe could even have tried to let the ball drop and hit a volley. Nobody near him.
posted by lmfsilva at 7:17 AM on July 6, 2018 [1 favorite]


tricky head chance for kylian, but no magic yet
posted by progosk at 7:17 AM on July 6, 2018


Graun: “There are bodies dropping all over the pitch as various players continue their introductions to each other.”
posted by languagehat at 7:19 AM on July 6, 2018 [1 favorite]


There's something hospital gown-y about the French kits.
posted by lmfsilva at 7:20 AM on July 6, 2018


I've been cheering for both teams, so I guess I'm just cheering for Goals today. It's very calming! And it might've made me more observant -- or maybe I watched previous France games on worse TVs -- because I never noticed the subtle lines of color on the white French kits. What unexpected beauty!
posted by grandiloquiet at 7:21 AM on July 6, 2018 [1 favorite]


Beautiful hospital gowns!
posted by grandiloquiet at 7:22 AM on July 6, 2018 [1 favorite]


iirc Suarez has no prior knowledge of how tasty French footballers may be and I bet it haunts him.
posted by poffin boffin at 7:25 AM on July 6, 2018 [5 favorites]


france piling on pressure...
posted by progosk at 7:26 AM on July 6, 2018


wait, did braid-head try a nibble of kylian's ribs in that tangle?
posted by progosk at 7:28 AM on July 6, 2018


I got a haircut today but didn’t consider the “extra from the matrix reloaded” look.
posted by hawthorne at 7:29 AM on July 6, 2018 [2 favorites]


Yup!
posted by languagehat at 7:29 AM on July 6, 2018


Kick the ball in!
posted by ersatz at 7:30 AM on July 6, 2018


Yup for braid-head. Suarez has clearly been giving lessons.
posted by languagehat at 7:30 AM on July 6, 2018


mbappé is too fast for the rest of his own side...
posted by progosk at 7:35 AM on July 6, 2018


another quick moment for uruguay, but no cigar.
posted by progosk at 7:35 AM on July 6, 2018


Finally a shot on goal... but stopped by keeper.
posted by languagehat at 7:36 AM on July 6, 2018


URU playing well but sloppily. I have fears.
posted by languagehat at 7:37 AM on July 6, 2018


And now a dumb foul, a yellow card, and a free kick for France.
posted by languagehat at 7:39 AM on July 6, 2018


uh oh
posted by poffin boffin at 7:39 AM on July 6, 2018


Allez!
posted by ersatz at 7:40 AM on July 6, 2018


And there it is. 1-0 FRA.
posted by languagehat at 7:40 AM on July 6, 2018


griezmann + varane, who'd have thunk.
posted by progosk at 7:40 AM on July 6, 2018


That was a very nice move by Varane. Came out of nowhere.
posted by lmfsilva at 7:40 AM on July 6, 2018 [2 favorites]


Clinical goal.
posted by hawthorne at 7:41 AM on July 6, 2018


That looks like an own goal.
posted by ardgedee at 7:41 AM on July 6, 2018


Not...how I was expecting that to happen for France. I mean, it's fine. I guess I should've been more specific in my goal request.
posted by grandiloquiet at 7:41 AM on July 6, 2018 [1 favorite]


I mean that the last touch before the ball went in looks like it was off an Uruguayan’s head.
posted by ardgedee at 7:42 AM on July 6, 2018


URU continue their enthusiastic but feckless attacking.
posted by languagehat at 7:43 AM on July 6, 2018


And a very nice save. The game is on!
posted by ersatz at 7:43 AM on July 6, 2018


WHAT a save by Lloris
posted by progosk at 7:43 AM on July 6, 2018 [2 favorites]


Great save by Lloris!
posted by languagehat at 7:44 AM on July 6, 2018


Lloris with one of those saves that are almost like scoring a goal.
posted by lmfsilva at 7:44 AM on July 6, 2018


and WHAT a missed chance by Godin...
posted by progosk at 7:44 AM on July 6, 2018


Oh damn, so close to a quick equalizer!
posted by ardgedee at 7:44 AM on July 6, 2018


That was brilliant!
posted by herda05 at 7:44 AM on July 6, 2018


Free kick for URU goes nowhere.
posted by languagehat at 7:46 AM on July 6, 2018


Radio announcer just described a clearance as "very agricultural".
posted by clawsoon at 7:47 AM on July 6, 2018


Peep! What a game!!
posted by languagehat at 7:47 AM on July 6, 2018


Halftime, so I'll just leave this here: Watch the Football
posted by nubs at 7:51 AM on July 6, 2018 [2 favorites]


I start every World Cup mocking all the player Looks, but by the end I find myself honestly thinking that Disney Villain Scar As Soccer Player is a wonderful idea, so congrats to Giroud for pulling it off.
posted by grandiloquiet at 7:51 AM on July 6, 2018 [2 favorites]


(Having met him, Varane's a real gentle giant kind of guy - maybe his Caribbean laidbackness? - so good on him to have got one in.)
posted by progosk at 7:52 AM on July 6, 2018 [4 favorites]


Hi all - sorry to be late with this again -

New post for the quarterfinals
posted by LobsterMitten at 7:56 AM on July 6, 2018


Do we finish the current game here or all jump ship at once?
posted by Quasirandom at 8:01 AM on July 6, 2018


I vote for jumping ship.
posted by needled at 8:02 AM on July 6, 2018


Finish the current game here!
posted by weed donkey at 8:02 AM on July 6, 2018


I propose finishing this game here and then discussing the post-game there.
posted by ardgedee at 8:02 AM on July 6, 2018


That's my inclination, ardgedee.
posted by Quasirandom at 8:04 AM on July 6, 2018


Vote to jump ship to the lighter thread
posted by ersatz at 8:05 AM on July 6, 2018


Oh geez, I didn't realize URU was without Cavani for today. That's going to make this hard.
posted by nubs at 8:06 AM on July 6, 2018


Yes.
Watching this on FoxTV - the announcers are kind of hilariously ... chatty.
The lack of Cavanitude is really hurting Uruguay though they are a terrific team.
posted by From Bklyn at 8:07 AM on July 6, 2018


Boss is away for the weekend, but the work servers have had all streaming blocked. IT'S LIKE THEY KNEW I'D WANT TO WATCH FOOTY. The Graun's ticker just doesn't cut it.

*shakes fist at sky*
posted by Capt. Renault at 8:09 AM on July 6, 2018 [1 favorite]


Capt. Renault, I have similar problems - I'm listening to TSN radio via web browser.
posted by nubs at 8:11 AM on July 6, 2018 [1 favorite]


I think Cavani would have scored by now.
posted by ersatz at 8:14 AM on July 6, 2018


Suarez is starting to get that wild look. The Bite Clock may have to be reset by the end of this game.
posted by languagehat at 8:14 AM on July 6, 2018 [2 favorites]


someone has poked his bum, he's sharpening his teeth
posted by poffin boffin at 8:15 AM on July 6, 2018


URU continue enthusiastic but feckless.
posted by languagehat at 8:17 AM on July 6, 2018


wrist-twist for pogba...
posted by progosk at 8:18 AM on July 6, 2018


Oh my.
posted by lmfsilva at 8:18 AM on July 6, 2018


WELP
posted by poffin boffin at 8:19 AM on July 6, 2018


Oh wow
posted by ersatz at 8:19 AM on July 6, 2018


Allez allez allez allez!
posted by Liesl at 8:19 AM on July 6, 2018 [3 favorites]


Welp, I’m afraid that’s the game. 2-0 France.
posted by languagehat at 8:20 AM on July 6, 2018


pas de quoi from favard
posted by progosk at 8:20 AM on July 6, 2018


(ack, my stream was behind!)
posted by progosk at 8:20 AM on July 6, 2018


(oh, what, muslera??)
posted by progosk at 8:22 AM on July 6, 2018


"The day has gone under the cat's tail."

I hope someone is collecting all of the Russian idioms that the radio announcers have dug up.
posted by clawsoon at 8:23 AM on July 6, 2018 [1 favorite]


Uh-oh, Mbappe is down...
posted by languagehat at 8:25 AM on July 6, 2018


Super cool that we have to waste ten minutes fighting, at around 70 minutes in, for every freaking game.
posted by grandiloquiet at 8:26 AM on July 6, 2018 [1 favorite]


wow, the URU anger for Mbappé's "sarcastic" heel pass + hamming it up..
posted by progosk at 8:26 AM on July 6, 2018


Did anyone touch Mbappe when he fell?
posted by ersatz at 8:28 AM on July 6, 2018


I have a bad feeling that somebody’s going to be swinging fists before the end of this game.
posted by ardgedee at 8:28 AM on July 6, 2018


"Perhaps Mbappe was booked for 'trying to hang noodles off the referee's ears,' as they say in Russia."
posted by clawsoon at 8:28 AM on July 6, 2018 [3 favorites]


(To see URU up in arms because of "disrespect", honestly...)
posted by progosk at 8:28 AM on July 6, 2018 [1 favorite]


Did anyone touch M'bappe when he fell?

Rodriguez tickled him
posted by progosk at 8:29 AM on July 6, 2018 [1 favorite]


Nobody was even close to him, it was Costa Rica grade simulation
posted by zjacreman at 8:29 AM on July 6, 2018


Tolisso just a little too high...
posted by progosk at 8:30 AM on July 6, 2018


Woooow. I don't know what kind of relationship soccer stars have with their agents, but if I were representing him I'd be so stressed that he just changed his World Cup narrative from the Flash to "worse than Neymar."
posted by grandiloquiet at 8:32 AM on July 6, 2018 [3 favorites]


France currently being effortlessly suave...
posted by progosk at 8:34 AM on July 6, 2018


a lot of majestic carolingian profiles amongst les bleus
posted by poffin boffin at 8:34 AM on July 6, 2018 [3 favorites]


Mbappe and Neymar do play together, don't they?
posted by clawsoon at 8:34 AM on July 6, 2018 [1 favorite]


Another URU attack goes nowhere.
posted by languagehat at 8:34 AM on July 6, 2018


I just tuned in and sighed, because of course Uruguay is losing. I've been rooting for them since their last match.
posted by paisley sheep at 8:36 AM on July 6, 2018


I liked the first half better.
posted by languagehat at 8:37 AM on July 6, 2018 [2 favorites]


Game is kinda broken now. France just has to hold on for 13 minutes or so and Uruguay is playing too direct.
posted by lmfsilva at 8:39 AM on July 6, 2018 [1 favorite]


Not having Cavani is really hurting them. They can get to the box, but it just peters out...
posted by herda05 at 8:41 AM on July 6, 2018


Yeah, France are content to play keepaway now and Uruguay are tired.
posted by ardgedee at 8:41 AM on July 6, 2018


Yup. Looking increasingly aimless.
posted by languagehat at 8:41 AM on July 6, 2018


Great read by France defense there.
posted by herda05 at 8:42 AM on July 6, 2018 [1 favorite]


Yeah, Uruguay won't catch up this late against a team where the average age is a sprightly 15...
posted by grandiloquiet at 8:42 AM on July 6, 2018


just a double flash of clever URU thinking, but again, in the end, no dice...
posted by progosk at 8:42 AM on July 6, 2018


Arguably the game would be better if Uruguay scored first and France (the better team) had to go all in for a win.
posted by lmfsilva at 8:43 AM on July 6, 2018 [1 favorite]


(finally some pogba in france's game this time...)
posted by progosk at 8:46 AM on July 6, 2018


And les bleus do it. I would have liked to see this game with Cavani though.

Off to the new thread for the next game.
posted by ersatz at 8:54 AM on July 6, 2018 [5 favorites]


anyway. away to the new thread for this afternoon then.
posted by poffin boffin at 8:54 AM on July 6, 2018


New thread.
posted by ardgedee at 8:55 AM on July 6, 2018


« Older Movie: West Side Story...   |  Movie: Tau... Newer »

You are not logged in, either login or create an account to post comments