World Cup Russia 2018

[tapid]

Always support the home nation in World Cup. Go USSR go.

[Marco]

I was away at the weekend, so missed some crucial games, although caught the highlights... Not surprised that France beat Argentina, in a 7-goal thriller, as they were (and still are) one of my tips for potential winners, and on that showing it looks like they're warming up for the task nicely!

I was also not surprised to see Uruguay beat Portugal, as they're perfectly equipped to go far in this tournament. I predicted at least to the semi-finals, and I see no reason to change my opinion on that.

However, I didn't foresee Russia putting Spain out, who I'd tipped to win it - that was a major surprise!

Hey ho... For me now, it'll either be Brazil or France who'll end up taking the trophy, but if England can beat Columbia, then who knows? It's the most wide open World Cup for years, and with many of the 'big-hitters' already out, England could surprise, however Columbia will prove a stern test.

I was also pleased to see Croatia win (by the skin of their teeth), on penalties, against Denmark. I have a soft spot for them, due to my wife's Croatian/German heritage, on her father's side, plus Modric is one of my favourite players, although that penalty he missed was shocking! They could also be dark horses, but they've never really handled pressure well when they most need to win.

Looking forward to watching Brazil later and seeing how 'at it' they'll be, in terms of their chances of winning the cup. I'm looking for a big performance from them against Mexico, similar to France's against Argentina, who really stepped it up when they needed to! And I suspect Belgium vs. Japan could produce some goals!

Marco.

[chris@panteg]

Not looking forward to any antics from Neymar, though I'm at work so won't be watching but Brazil are starting to click, could Mexico upset them? I really like the team spirit they seem to have, good luck to them I say.

Belgium to come out and really perform against Japan I think.

Not sure about England v Colombia, I just think Colombia are well capable of taking England apart if James is fully fit.

Sweden are going to be hard to beat but the Swiss have something about them in this tournament.

[Macca]

Can't believe Spain could not beat Russia. Another tenner down the grid.

[Jimbo]

Can't believe Spain could not beat Russia. Another tenner down the grid.

With Spain out and Germany it is proving a very difficult tournament to bet on?

[Macca]

It is, I've given up in fact.

The predictions I had for the first round of games were almost all spot on. if I'd have stopped there I would have made out like a bandit. For the second round everyone started playing tactically and I didn't take that into account. Live and learn, I suppose.

[Macca]

Japanese really giving the Belgians some grief.

[struth]

Good comeback by Belgium
3-2. Play Brazil next

[Marco]

Well, today's two games definitely didn't disappoint!

A goal and an assist (for Firmino), from Neymar, seals the win for Brazil, who I thought looked very professional throughout, and with their quality up front, did just enough to win. I've said before that this is an altogether more solid and disciplined Brazil side, compared with the more 'flamboyant' ones of the past, but still with talented players in key positions, and for me that makes them (along with France) very credible favourites to win the tournament.

As predicted, there were goals galore in the Belgium vs. Japan game, although, I didn't expect Belgium to make such heavy weather of getting their victory! However, coming back from 0-2 down, in the knockout stages of the World Cup, is no mean feat, and shows that the players have real desire and character, as well an abundance of skill.

The third goal they scored (by Nacer Chadli), in a breathtaking passing movement, direct from a Japan corner kick, was simply sublime! However, they took Celtic's Boyata out of their defence and promptly lost two goals However, more seriously, his replacement, Kompany, had a good game. He certainly doesn't lack stamina, returning from injury and playing like that.

However, credit also goes to Japan, who scored two cracking goals themselves and never gave up - at 2-2 they were still trying to win the game right up to the end, instead of playing for extra time like most teams do. In that respect, Japan always have a refreshing attitude!

So, onto tomorrow now, and the big one with England. However, before that it's Sweden vs. Switzerland.

I can see that one being quite tight, and have mixed feelings about who I'd like to win, as my favourite player of all time, Henrik Larsson, will be in the studio wanting Sweden to win, and Celtic's Mikkel Lustig will be in their starting line-up, whereas Shaqiri, another one of my favourite players, will be starring for Switzerland.

I'll side with wanting Sweden to win, but I feel that Switzerland might pinch it in extra time - or it could well go to penalties!

Marco.

[take5]

Great trolling by Eric Cantona re neymar and his acting/diving antics.

Love it

http://www.goal.com/en-om/news/i-cal...h100uklmu45ab3