Shak

Aye and Di Maria is exactly the kind of player you'd want off the bench if you're chasing a game too.

Argentina manager deserves a lot of credit. Built a system that allows Messi to just walk around when they don't have the ball, the fact that a 35 year old man doesn't look at all jaded after 6 full games in three weeks is quite impressive.

Can't expect these guys to have your footballing brain and savvy, Kanji.

Wish Ireland could produce a player like Messi.

Think it would have been a red under the old rules, really good change. Jammiest goal ever

I didn't think Isak looked massively comfortable leading the line in the Palace or Bournemouth home games. Obviously he was still bedding into the team and both games we had Fraser on the left so hardly ideal in terms of creating chances but I can see an argument for him playing just off a main striker in some games. For a while, at least. The Liverpool game was the opposite because Liverpool were trying to take the game to us and Isak was able to find space and looked dangerous. Wouldn't be shocked if we saw him playing out wide with Wilson up top in games we're expecting teams to sit back a bit more, then Wilson going to the bench in away games.

Depends on what Howe's plans are for Isak, to some extent. Seems like he'll be the main man at CF eventually but from what we've seen of him so far I expect he'd be very useful in either of the wide roles too. Obviously off the left cutting inside on his preferred foot you'd expect him to be comfortable but given how advanced Trippier plays at RB the RW role could work too? Was a lot of talk that he'd take Almiron's place when he signed so I think they might have confidence he can pick up the slack if Almiron's form dips. Really do hope we get one first team player in quickly in January. Could be huge for the push for a CL spot. Happy to add youngsters as the depth for the most part but one player to be an immediate impact would be huge IMO. Personally think the ideal signing for us is a left footed striker who can also play out right if needed. Isak's injury lingering is a worry and obviously we know Wilson is always going to have us holding out breath so another player who isn't Chris Wood would be huge. A young Robin Van Persie type, ideally. If that's not too much to ask

My enduring memory of Luque will always be the debate on here about what exactly he was trying to express with the way he celebrated after scoring away to Sunderland.

Tempting fate a bit there, like

Aye, could see Howe turning Pulisic into an absolute force. Our system and style of play should really suit what he does best.

Is that a thing? Not taking two penalties in a game, I mean. Don't think I can recall ever seeing a player score a penalty then not take the next one when their team got a second.

Maybe Morocco deserve just a bit of respect?

Man, incredible stuff.

That accidental through ball was incredible

Cracking save aye but what a fucking hit on his weaker foot by Felix. Much as I like our plan to not spend huge money he'd be ace in that Miggy role if there's any truth go the recent rumours we're considering him.

One more pass and that was a goal, quality counter attack.

Aye, shame as he's actually very good. Looks dangerous every time the ball comes to him.

Watching here and thought my Sky Go is fucking way behind

That free kick was outstanding, so unlucky not to get a goal.

Seems a step in the wrong direction. Should be a straight red IMO, especially with VAR there to (theoretically) stop someone being sent off wrongly for it.

Has diving stopped being a bookable offence? If there's no pen there then surely it's a dive by Fernandes? Antony one yesterday was clear as day, ref clearly saw it as a dive yet no booking?

Think yesterday was a great example of how a bad referee can massively contribute to a game getting out of hand, dude basically just ran around the field for two hours pouring petrol on the bad atmosphere between the teams What did the Brazil v Croatia ref do? Can't say I noticed him a whole lot.

This has just made me want to play Sensible Soccer

"I don’t want to speak about referees because after they will sanction you. But people saw what happened. I think FIFA must take care of this. It cannot put a referee like that for a match of such magnitude, of such importance. The referee cannot fail to be up to the task," Messi said after the match. Hell a football suspension might not be enough, this could end up in The Hague.

It's weird as hell to me that people speak with such certainty on knockout games between lots of disjointed football teams. I'd agree they're not the favourites but to act like any of the other teams in the tournament are guaranteed to beat them is just daft.