What's new
Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

***Official*** 2018 World Cup thread (and Drinking Guide) (2 Viewers)

This is a fun final four, and I would be happy with any combination for the final.

In the end I think Belgium takes this thing.  We all need and deserve World Champion Fellaini in our lives

 
Last edited by a moderator:
NewlyRetired said:
I assume this is a straight red card

=========

Bill Edgar‏Verified account @BillEdgarTimes 3h3 hours ago

World Cup red cards for serious foul play/violent conduct

1998: 16

2002: 11

2006: 8

2010: 6

2014: 7

2018: 0 (after 60 of 64 games)
Click to expand...
Also with the qualifier of being for violent conduct.  Carlos Sanchez was sent off on a straight red for a DOGSO in the Japan game. 

 
I think today's game might disappoint.  I don't think Belgium will be able to counter with Kante cleaning up every mess.  

Even taken in the context of all the other ####ty takes in my previews, the call that I didn't know if Kante could play as the deepest midfield is looking particularly stupid.  He's been the best player in the tournament for me.  

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Ramsay Hunt Experience said:
I think today's game might disappoint.  I don't think Belgium will be able to counter with Kante cleaning up every mess.  

Even taken in the context of all the other ####ty takes in my previews, the call that I didn't know if Kante could play as the deepest midfield is looking particularly stupid.  He's been the best player in the tournament for me.  
Click to expand...
yeah, it's between him and Putin at this point. 

 
Ramsay Hunt Experience said:
Also with the qualifier of being for violent conduct.  Carlos Sanchez was sent off on a straight red for a DOGSO in the Japan game. 
Click to expand...
I can't remember.  Did this change come fairly recently (red card for DOGSO) or has it been in the rules for a while?

Speaking of DOGSO, it has had some very inconsistent interpretations in the tournament.

 
NewlyRetired said:
I have to look this up but I believe not only is this his first start, I think he has only one sub appearance late in the second half of a group stage game.
Click to expand...
It looks like he played the game v England that essentially didn't count, as both teams played backups.

 
i am rooting for belguim because i have always been a waffle man screw you pancakes take that to the bank bromigos 

 
Belgium played in the semi-finals in 1986, the first world cup that I watched with any real interest and knowledge, while living in Germany. The same day Maradona scored two of the most famous goals in world cup history to beat England (which I watched at my own surprise birthday party at the home of my Argentinian girlfriend - a story I've told too many times here), Belgium got past Spain on penalties.  3 of the 4 quarterfinal games went to penalties that year, which was considered a terrible shame.

I only remember two players for Belgium that year - Jean Marie Pfaff (who was Bayern Munich's keeper) and a young sensation named Scifo, who turned out to be one of the greatest Belgian players ever.

After scoring both goals to beat England (each was a tremendous goal in its own right), Maradona scored two more incredible goals to beat Belgium 2-0.  The first was a great outside boot touch / chip type goal that was perhaps somewhat lucky, but still incredible. The second was one of those goals where he dribbled seemingly the entire Belgian team, working his way on a solo run from midfield through the box to score, very similar to his second goal against England a few days earlier. That game produced this famous photo. *

Although he didn't score in the final, he was responsible for at least 2 of the goals, including a great defense-splitting pass to put Burruchaga through for the game winner.  That summer, and watching highlights from his games at Napoli that year, is the reason I still consider Maradona the best player of my lifetime.

* wait, I think I'm wrong on this.  It was not from the '86 semi final. Still, awesome photo with some great 1980s looks.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
The Gator said:
And let's not forget, he's not good at it. They've sucked in the first half of games. 
Click to expand...
And they were really, really fortunate against Brazil.  One expected goal measure had it like 3.2 for Brazil to .5 for Belgium.  Now that excludes the own goal and Lukaku and KDB deserve credit for producing something magical out of what was really only a half chance (and Coutrois deserves credit for being excellent in goal), but that was in no way, shape or form a tactical master class.  That was riding some big performances in key spots and a lot of luck.

 
Ramsay Hunt Experience said:
And they were really, really fortunate against Brazil.  One expected goal measure had it like 3.2 for Brazil to .5 for Belgium.  Now that excludes the own goal and Lukaku and KDB deserve credit for producing something magical out of what was really only a half chance (and Coutrois deserves credit for being excellent in goal), but that was in no way, shape or form a tactical master class.  That was riding some big performances in key spots and a lot of luck.
Click to expand...
Wi 'gan picking on this guy?

 
Kafka said:
Wi 'gan picking on this guy?
Click to expand...
Habit, I suppose.

I will give Martinez credit.  His players are playing for him.  He's getting the best out of Lukaku and Hazard (and when not playing him deep, KDB) which is something Wimots really couldn't manage.  But Belgium's weaknesses are apparent for everyone to see.  The trick is exposing them and getting ahead before an individual moment of privilege put Belgium ahead. Because then the game changes and you play right into their wheelhouse.

 
Ramsay Hunt Experience said:
I think today's game might disappoint.  I don't think Belgium will be able to counter with Kante cleaning up every mess.  

Even taken in the context of all the other ####ty takes in my previews, the call that I didn't know if Kante could play as the deepest midfield is looking particularly stupid.  He's been the best player in the tournament for me.  
Click to expand...
Good call-  Kante has been amazing. That and those CBs seem like they are big, strong and fast enough to handle lukaku.

Should still be a lot of fun with so many fantastic players in the field...at least one or more will bound to step up. Speaking of, Griezmans had a sleepy by his standards tournament.

 
El Floppo said:
And that back line of Belgium will be susceptible to those frenchies... If said frenchies step up.
Click to expand...
Pfffttt...put Vermaelan on & he'll have Mbappe in his back pocket.  Book it.

 
Worthy children of Low Countries
Whom a fine passion has aroused,
To your patriotic fervour
Great successes lie in store.
Remain under arms, so that naught shall change!
Let us keep to the same will,
And we shall see Orange bloom anew
Upon the tree of Liberty.

 
clearly wrong thread but does Henry have any full time coaching aspirations?

Asking for some one who needs a national team coach.............................. :)

 
Sebowski said:
I love how the fox team thinks Martinez is a genius for inventing game planning for an opponents weakness. 
Click to expand...
You forget, these guys had to interview Jurgen  "we need to score a goal!" Klinsmann in the past. 

Martinez must look like Bill James to them :)

 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

D
EURO 2024: Reigning champions Italy, get dealt Group of Death.
Replies
16
Views
969
El Floppo
El Floppo
jcameronolson
12-team Euro 2016 Pool for Bragging Rights
Replies
0
Views
412
jcameronolson
jcameronolson
Brady Marino
European Women (dug from archives)
Replies
2
Views
615
SaintsInDome2006
SaintsInDome2006

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 2 (members: 0, guests: 2)
Back
Top