ponsaelius

Iran and Morocco were both absolutely great value in this group, in completely different ways.

The correct decision.

Seems so. It's a bit forced. Fair enough during a last minute winner, but not when the 5th goes in from the penalty spot against Panama.

Winning the group would likely be terrible, if it gives us Colombia and then Germany. Finishing 2nd could mean Japan then Mexico. Don't buy into this 'got to play the big teams eventually' stuff. Yes you do, but ideally you'd play less of them. Italy won in 2006 partly because they had Australia and then Ukraine to make the semi-finals.

wat wtf

If they are all drugged up to the eyeballs like DDR Shotputters then it just adds another string to this tournament's bow. It's got the lot.

Was with Sweden until the red card and they still sat back clinging on. Bad bunch of meffs. Glad they're going home.

Want this tournament intravenously injected into my veins.

Well part of Sarajevo is Republika Srpska. That was more likely what he is referring to.

What an amazing game. I'm finished off.

Hopp Schwiiz!

Forza Svizzera!

Argentinians will complain about Messi not running too. Their football culture is utterly mangled. Obsessed with 'grinta' over actually playing football.

The only thing I can possibly think was he thought it wasn't worth trying to compete in that area. Some of the worst tactics and coaching I've ever seen at the top level.

Without doubt the worst performance I've seen from a team at this tournament relative to the quality of the squad. Have absolutely no idea what Sampaoli is playing at with this system or the way they're trying to play. Shambolic stuff.

Enzo Perez wasn't even in the original squad now he's starting centre mid in a 3-4-3. I just don't even know.

Yeah I'm just chatting shit tbh. Still don't get what he's doing with this Argentina team whatsoever.

Sampaoli doesn't seem to have a clue. Lived off Bielsa's legacy as Chile manager.

They were the better side. Denmark been one of the most disappointing and lucky teams in the tournament for me. Rubbish considering some good players.

Same Was a great decision too. I've been doing 7am starts for the last 2 weeks to escape for 4pm kick offs.

Agreed. It seems absurd to have two world class players in Dybala and Messi and not find a way to get them in the same team, playing together. Messi is fine on the right. Let the playmaking responsibilities be shared, especially when there is a lack of it from central midfield.

The hysteria about how dangerous Russia would be was so overplayed. It is largely a safer country than the last two hosts, and the one big potential issue for ruining the tournament (hooliganism) was always likely to be pretty ruthlessly negated by police restrictions.

Yes that's exactly it. That's the difference between why I found the Uruguay game unwatchable, but thoroughly enjoyed that one. Wasting great players with negative tactics is far worse than raising a shit team with them.

Iran are one of the best coached teams in the whole tournament considering their available players. Lots of enjoyable committed challenges, and some decent play when they actually had possession. I thoroughly enjoyed the game and the destructive tactics. It was far better than watching them play openly and losing 5-0.