ponsaelius

2014 wasn't as good as 2018 or this one imo. Group stages were great and the background was glorious technicolour but the knockouts were generally a big disappointment.

It doesn’t matter at all imo. It’s very much a good thing. Stops big countries hoarding loads of players and allows players to play for different set ups at youth level without feeling the need to commit at such a young age. Citizenship and national identity is very nuanced thing and shouldn’t be completely rigid. Obviously there is limits, like has been tried to exploit in the past. But generally now I think it is about right what is allowed and what isn’t.

A lot of it is down to FIFA significantly relaxing their nationality rules over the last couple or decades, too. It used to be that even U21 games tied you for good. Now full friendlies don’t lock players in and even players with competitive caps have been given amnesty to switch at times. It has contributed to much greater depth and more players able to play international footy in some form. Morocco have about half the squad drawn in from the diaspora - many of them key players.

First round of matches had some of the worst football I’ve ever seen. But it’s definitely been class from pretty much then on out.

Famous last words and hope I’m wrong but think it’ll be one game too many for Morocco. Likely both their CBs will be out.

Bobby Martinez hard done to. They had two superpowers in their group.

If it's a Croatia - Morocco final they should let Canada play Belgium in the 3rd place play off.

Very unlucky I think. Played well.

Think we've played ok tbh. France are fluid but we've had as much of the game. Ref is on smack.

Morocco have tried to get the World Cup a few times. It would be a great host country - genuinely mad for footy. Casablanca derby has always been one on my bucket list.

If Messi was to deliver, man

I keep saying it but it's great that it's not just an African team doing well but a team from MENA region with huge support. It's been great for the tournament.

Yessssssssss

What an absolute idiot.

He's so bad. Been banging them in in Serie B as well

Injury time Ronaldo pen is gonna hurt.

There will be loads of added time like.

All the creativity is off for Morocco. Holding on is their only option. What a save.

Yeah for all I critisized En-Nesyri, their backup is definitely much worse.

Leao to be the difference for Portugal against tired legs.

Yeah Morocco need one on the break. Feels like Portugal will definitely score.

Lovely little reverse jinx. Geet in.

Coisty is a treasure, man.

En-Nesyri is crap for me. He's Morocco's biggest weakness.

No Aguerd or Mazraoui for Morocco. Big blows.