US is out so I don’t care as much. But, it is great to see this WC unfold as a neutral. Morocco will be a tough match for anyone, France included. In a way, they remind me of the Greece team that won the Euros so many years ago. Great support, organized, well-coached and don’t lose concentration when they do not have the ball, which is most of the time.
France will get punished because Mbappe won’t defend. Saka showed how to do it. Too bad Kane blasted his PK though. Ziyech is not Saka, but good enough to cause trouble.
On the other side, I want Messi to win a WC. Him acting like a dikkhead after the game against NED was a tough pill to swallow. I guess this is what happens when you spend time in Paris? lol.
Why was Ronaldo on the bench? Has he gotten too old to make the starting roster? I haven’t followed soccer in a while, so I was surprised to see him on the bench.
Ronaldo is 37 years old. So, he’s about 10 +/- years older than one’s theoretical physical peak in soccer.
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He also was sassy after being subbed in an earlier game so I think coach was yanking his chain.
At this point I’m rooting for a Croatia v Morocco final.
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Ronaldo is having a similar problem as Russell Westbrook has right now in the NBA.
A once-upon-time NBA All Star and MVP, whose skills have diminished with age, but still believes he’s an elite player in the NBA.
Ronaldo was also released by Manchester United just before the WC started—similar issues, I believe, becoming a part-time player at his age and whining about it.
What’s interesting is that Ronaldo looks like he’s done, while Messi is dangerous everytime he gets the ball, even at his age. Ronaldo should try to grab some $$$ in the MLS, like Beckham did.
Ultimately, it really doesn’t matter to me, but I’m going to go with the established favorites of France and Argentina to move on to the Final.
And I’d like to see Messi win it in his final WC attempt.
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Does anyone understand what is going on with the US team? With Gio and the coach? Do you think the coach is going to to be replaced?
Argentina up 1-0 on Messi PK.
The Croatia keeper took out an Argentine player who got behind the Croatia D and then was 1v1 with the keep.
I’m not a huge soccer fan, but I’ve enjoyed this World Cup. I have no strong feelings about any particular team but can appreciate Messi’s contributions to the sport.
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The counter has proved lethal in this World Cup – Argentina with goal #2 off a fast break. Croatia with 60% possession, but nothing to show for it yet.
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I want Messi’s core strength.
Core strength I have. But THOSE ball skills are what I would love to have. 3-0 now. An amazing display of ball skills by Messi on the assist.
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The school of Messi is in session.
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How can you not root for him? He’s just so good. I so want a Messi vs Morocco final.
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How do you not have two or more defenders on him, when he is near or in the box?
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Because he dances around them. 2 or 3 defenders can’t hold him.
I dearly would have loved to have seen Spain’s young midfielders take him on between the boxes. But Spain pulled a Spain…
Second WC final for Messi. I remember the one against Germany. The assist today was next level.