ponsaelius

Glad about that. Mexico offered nowt other than violence so great to see a couple of bits of quality to win the game. Winning by two clear goals means there is actually a relatively good chance a draw against Poland will get them through (only a Saudi win would realistically put them out in that scenario - as can't see this Mexico side running up a 3 or 4 goal win).

Messi can barely run anymore, mind. It's sad to see. But glad to see him have another great moment.

Geeeeet in

Even that was just annoying tbh because of the lack of cutting edge. That's been another thing too. There seems to have been loads of skied shots and 50p heed headers in good positions. I don't know if that's a result of the lack of chances so when they come they're skewed, but definitely feels particularly infuriating to me.

Martinez is a great striker but it's hardly his fault in this game. They've not been able to get the ball anywhere close to attacking areas.

There's just so many spoiling sides that have the mid-season match fitness to pull it off. Mexico are usually a good watch but they've got very little quality up top by their standards so have been instead been extremely good at nullifying this game completely through intensity and physicality.

If it stayed like this Argentina would go into the last game needing to win by two clear goals to get through. Which seems highly unlikely.

Add to this a system that requires good full backs but having two crap ones.

After everything Argentina honestly look barely any different to the last World Cup. A stodgy and static midfield, Messi barely involved, and Di Maria going on the odd random forage. Easy to nullify. Can see a red card and a loss today.

Rabiot has been great for the last couple of months for Juve too but he was bad for ageeeees before that. He's a player who saves his best form for when his contract is running out (end of this season) and for that reason I am skeptical. He's also a bit of a renowned knobhead.

Honestly think Lucas H injury is a blessing in disguise because it has forced Deschamps to play one of France's best players in his brother. Lucas is fine but always feels like a CB playing wide to me.

It's the same for US last night. A draw actually did nothing for them in the grand scheme of things. A draw is a good result for France in the same way it was for England - it's worth basically nothing for Denmark. They're better off giving it a go and trying to to win which leaves them only needing a draw in the last game.

But that's going to be exactly the same scenario if they lose. There is literally no benefit whatsoever to Denmark getting a draw here.

Just don't see what this does for Denmark though. A point leaves them needing to beat Australia the same way a loss does. It's basically a free hit to try and get a victory and make their last game easier.

The lack of first half goals has been unreal in this tournament, especially considering the endless added time.

This game at the last tournament was one of the worst games of all time (and that competition's only 0-0). Hoping for more as a draw does absolutely nothing for Denmark.

Obviously some credit to Poland for not conceding and putting the ball in the net but I absolutely hate this way of playing.

Poland are the ultimate party pooper side at this tournament. Rubbish football, missing penalties, saving penalties.

Tunisia desperately poor. No idea why they waited until 85 minutes to give it any kind of go.

Having watched AFC and CONCACAF in the past footballing culture of Middle East teams and Central America is honestly surprisingly similar. There really is a lot of gamesmanship and pushing the boundaries to win. I think if he had caveated it with 'footballing culture' it would be fine.

I agree the inability to put pressure on their defence was the most frustrating thing. Even from set pieces. Were never able to overcome their intensity in midfield.

Plus evening games on a weekend are horrific for travelling fans too. Obviously midweek it can't be avoided. There's a reason why football has historically been played at 3pm on a Saturday.

They definitely don't like. It was painful during COVID having every game televised and 10am games would be dreadful for travelling supporters.

Also club football is about building a style, fluidity and intensity over that extensive period. Over years and year even. I'm always amazed people watch international football and expect the same thing. It simply doesn't happen from any of the teams really. They're a bunch of players hoyed together. You will always get duff performances.

Yup. Through unless we get howked.