Coffee_Johnny

Well we’ll never know and it isn’t something that can be reasoned out. Just saying, I personally think Joelinton’s style, his energy and persistence in breaking-up opposition play (in an Amrabat kind of way) would have potentially made a positive difference and perhaps the critical difference. Especially coupled with his Newcastle team mate alongside.

Can’t speak for @Kanji, or anyone else, and I appreciate you are far more knowledgeable about the assets and tactics within the Brazil squad, but I genuinely thought (black and white bias aside) that a Joelinton in ‘search and destroy mode’ would have really helped Brazil break-up the Croatian midfield possession and recover the ball for others to do their, potentially amazing, thing. He may not be among the top five or six available Brazilian midfielders, or there may be even more ahead of him, you tell me. But I think balance and complementary styles is what makes a great team. Not necessarily the most skilful 11 individuals.

Ah knaa, he’ll be well disqualified!

Yep, very congested in the middle bit of that league, but Sunderland are closer to relegation than automatic promotion.

Allan Samson-Maximin

I can remember doing it to Watson, thought it was Villa though, pretty sure he smiled/chuckled.

Think he would have been an ideal against Croatia.

Depending upon the timing of the first goal, this could be a classic final. Reckon they’re quite evenly matched. Both teams have brilliance within and both have vulnerabilities. For what it is worth, I would have back the England squad against either (particularly in a league).

Heard he’s in the bag. Been seen driving through Pilau.

Well this is a pisser, with a week’s notice. Luckily I can still make it back for the game, imagine many can’t.

As if I am going to whip away the mystical veil of my third eye (errr… it’s not Ramos) and the potential of a future ‘I told you so’ (even though I haven’t) as easy as that!

Well seems they have some winnable games coming up. Maybe all things red and white will be rosy again soon. So pleased it is not our team in that situation though. Scrabbling for the play-offs, in vain hope of promotion to a league they’ll massively struggle to survive in.

That make sense, kind of fits with what I would usually think, just have a sense that all things that glittered may not appear so golden to him now. Suppose, to some extent, and assuming he would be approached, it depends on how much he backs himself to succeed there and how it feels to be at that club.

My crystal ball, without any illusions to being ITK, says two players who went to the World Cup. A forward, who impressed, who can play anywhere across a front three and a midfielder, who didn’t feature, and wants to up his chances of featuring in future.

Not sure about that like, looks like Chelsea stint might end in tears at this rate. Get while the gettings good would be my advice.

Appropriate for a round the world footy tour!

Yep, might have seen his arse.

Penguins? black and shite, penguins?!? You’re fooling nee one ye jawdie basta!

Yep, plus nothing as commercially attractive as a super socceroo breaking into the world scene. A Bradman or Ablett, of this sport, would would do great things for the profile of the game and the interest triggered in young kids, who may be good at a range of sports. Here’s hoping Garang goes a step further/has an even better career than Tim Cahill.

Would love to be in Marrakesh for that!

1. Morocco 2. France 3. Messi 4. Croatia

I could get on board that particular rant.

I understand the disappointment, but it is ridiculous to be criticising Southgate for this loss. Hammer the ref if scapegoats are your thing.

Nobody would have picked these teams as the final four. Quite a positive for world football, I guess.

Boo to this shit. Did enough, bar the obvious, to win.