The 2022 World Cup

[Wadda We Sing 10,685]

38 minutes ago, Winners at last said:

Australia 1 - Denmark 0 .... Socceroos through to round of 16 !!!

Wow !!!

 

....now for the opponent !??

[Macca 17,032]

The team we'd prefer to avoid in the round of 16 would be Argentina as they'd be hard to beat

But Poland, the Saudi's or Mexico hold no such fears.  In fact, we could beat any of those 3 teams given the nature of how we've won our 2 games in the group

Ideally the Poland/Argentina game ends in a draw or a win to Poland.  If that happens, Argentina can't win that group

[Wadda We Sing 10,685]

Argentina go ahead 1-0

[Macca 17,032]

Looks like we're playing Argentina

*Shudder*

[layzie 33,991]

We've done it! These last two games have really typified what this Soccer's team is about, relentless work rate and working to a plan. Matthew Leckie has been a great contributor for so long and his beautiful goal was reward for his work so far in this tournament. Once we scored that and went to 5 at the back you knew they were ready to bite down and put in a good shift for the rest of the game.

It's the World Cup people, anything can happen. Dare to dream!

[Macca 17,032]

9 minutes ago, layzie said:

We've done it! These last two games have really typified what this Soccer's team is about, relentless work rate and working to a plan. Matthew Leckie has been a great contributor for so long and his beautiful goal was reward for his work so far in this tournament. Once we scored that and went to 5 at the back you knew they were ready to bite down and put in a good shift for the rest of the game.

It's the World Cup people, anything can happen. Dare to dream!

Dream on layz haha

We've got about a 3% chance of getting past Argentina

However, to make it this far is a monumental achievement.  And we should be incredibly proud

A motley crew of no-names makes the round of 16.  Incredible!

But as you said, dare to dream and I'm reminded that one of the worst teams in history (New Zealand) went undefeated in the world cup in South Africa

So I suppose anything is possible!

[Rab D Nesbitt 8,493]

i wish the commentator would pronounce Harry Souttar's name properly. He comes from a village between Aberdeen and Dundee and his brother plays for Rangers. His surname is pronounced soo - ter without any emphasis on either syllable. Not soo TAAR. 

[layzie 33,991]

32 minutes ago, Macca said:

Dream on layz haha

We've got about a 3% chance of getting past Argentina

However, to make it this far is a monumental achievement.  And we should be incredibly proud

A motley crew of no-names makes the round of 16.  Incredible!

But as you said, dare to dream and I'm reminded that one of the worst teams in history (New Zealand) went undefeated in the world cup in South Africa

So I suppose anything is possible!

I'll take 3% at this point!

Second time ever in the round of 16, it's a great feeling!

[Wadda We Sing 10,685]

Argentina lost to Saudi Arabia so its not a totally impossible dream.

Messi had a good game though. Need to stop/tag/block him all day - all night and we might have a chance. Penalty shoot out perhaps? Bring on the mighty Redmayne!!

Will be a great game whatever happens.

 

[Macca 17,032]

3 minutes ago, layzie said:

I'll take 3% at this point!

Second time ever in the round of 16, it's a great feeling!

We're currently paying 16-1 (up to 25-1 might be available) so at those odds, it's worth a wager that won't hurt the hip pocket

#GambleResponsibly

Argentina looked awesome this morning and they could go a long way in this tournament.  They completely dismantled Poland

We'll do well to limit the damage but if we can somehow hold them scoreless to half time, the pressure will mount on them.  Big ask though

But in all reality, I'm immensely proud of our team and a good comparison are the Demon teams of '88 & 2000

Those disappointed with those GF losses can only be described as supreme optimists.  In my view, we did extraordinarily well to get that far

Much like Australia in this group (and in the qualifying for the tournament)

No one gave them a chance

[layzie 33,991]

8 minutes ago, Macca said:

We're currently paying 16-1 (up to 25-1 might be available) so at those odds, it's worth a wager that won't hurt the hip pocket

#GambleResponsibly

Argentina looked awesome this morning and they could go a long way in this tournament.  They completely dismantled Poland

We'll do well to limit the damage but if we can somehow hold them scoreless to half time, the pressure will mount on them.  Big ask though

But in all reality, I'm immensely proud of our team and a good comparison are the Demon teams of '88 & 2000

Those disappointed with those GF losses can only be described as supreme optimists.  In my view, we did extraordinarily well to get that far

Much like Australia in this group (and in the qualifying for the tournament)

No one gave them a chance

Argentina look to be hitting their straps. Messi was brilliant, give him the tiniest amount of space and he'll burn you. Di Maria is another one who seems to have a free role out on the right moving in and out, hard to pick up. 

Our side deserves a lot of credit though. Not the biggest fan of Arnie but one thing he's a big believer in is the mental side and has obviously put a lot of work into this kind of preparation, our side looks fearless. 

[Macca 17,032]

3 minutes ago, layzie said:

Argentina look to be hitting their straps. Messi was brilliant, give him the tiniest amount of space and he'll burn you. Di Maria is another one who seems to have a free role out on the right moving in and out, hard to pick up. 

Our side deserves a lot of credit though. Not the biggest fan of Arnie but one thing he's a big believer in is the mental side and has obviously put a lot of work into this kind of preparation, our side looks fearless. 

For the life of me I don't understand the criticism of Graham Arnold

We're are not a good team so it wouldn't matter who is/was in charge.  Talent generally wins out and we don't possess much talent. Alex Ferguson in his prime couldn't do much with this Aussie team

That's why this team getting to the round of 16 is a minor miracle.  And I'm a total realist so I'm as surprised as the next person (even though I never ruled out the possiblility of making it this far ... because of the nature of the sport)

But holding out against a revitalised Argentina for 90 minutes?  Keep your fingers crossed, layz! 

[dl4e 5,851]

15 hours ago, Macca said:

Yeah I came to terms with Qatar hosting early on ... money talks but that's the world we live in (and it's nothing new)

Out of last night's games I feel that Senegal could trouble England but by contrast, I reckon the Dutch should be able to take care of the Americans

Be interested in the thoughts of your good self and others on those same 2 upcoming round of 16 games ... @Grapeviney @Winners at last@hardtack@roy11@Demonland@dl4e@Wadda We Sing

@Dee Zephyr@Jumping Jack Clennett

Tonight's games are interesting as well which includes the biggie ... Australia vs Denmark 2.00am (I expect Argentina to to beat Poland tonight and they probably have to, as the Saudi's can beat Mexico and snare a spot in the next round)

I picked the Germans at the start but getting on to something more relevant I would love to beat Argentina just to see those twits in Buenos Aires rioting.

[Macca 17,032]

17 minutes ago, dl4e said:

I picked the Germans at the start but getting on to something more relevant I would love to beat Argentina just to see those twits in Buenos Aires rioting.

I'm on Brazil but only because Betr gave me 100-1 odds (for 10 bucks) a while back

But I genuinely think they can win along with 8-9 other teams.  Even England!

As for our match against Argentina, we'll go in with nothing to lose but they are an awfully good team

To be honest, being matched up and in the conversation against a team led by the great Messi is quite a thrill

I'm lapping up the opportunity! (and I'm sure the team will as well)

[layzie 33,991]

You're right Macca, it wouldn't matter who was in charge of this team. Which is why they should all be very proud.

My criticism of Arnie is more in general and his coaching over the journey. When I was younger and playing I liked the philosophy of 'pass and move' football I felt that Australia needed to be teaching kids this from the grass roots level, because of this I'm more of an Ange fan and really like his philosophy. Arnie's approach is quite dour with a strong reliance on a strong central midfield and I feel that there's quite a few coaches in this country like that whereas Ange's teams could do that but with a bit more 'tiki-taka'. 

The beauty of this sport is there are different ways to play it and I certainly don't hate the dour, sit back and try to nick one on the counter style, especially if it's winning us games!

[Macca 17,032]

2 minutes ago, layzie said:

You're right Macca, it wouldn't matter who was in charge of this team. Which is why they should all be very proud.

My criticism of Arnie is more in general and his coaching over the journey. When I was younger and playing I liked the philosophy of 'pass and move' football I felt that Australia needed to be teaching kids this from the grass roots level, because of this I'm more of an Ange fan and really like his philosophy. Arnie's approach is quite dour with a strong reliance on a strong central midfield and I feel that there's quite a few coaches in this country like that whereas Ange's teams could do that but with a bit more 'tiki-taka'. 

The beauty of this sport is there are different ways to play it and I certainly don't hate the dour, sit back and try to nick one on the counter style, especially if it's winning us games!

Good post layz

I don't mind low scoring games in certain sports (notably baseball, soccer and in the NFL)

It comes from playing defence when I played sport (those days are done!)

But oddly enough, I don't like low scoring games of footy

With soccer, goals are hard to score and the goals are golden.  That's the essence of the sport!

Much like many others, I've seen many great games that finish nil-nil

So we are playing the way we are because that's our best option.  If not, we'd probably get smashed

[layzie 33,991]

12 minutes ago, Macca said:

Good post layz

I don't mind low scoring games in certain sports (notably baseball, soccer and in the NFL)

It comes from playing defence when I played sport (those days are done!)

But oddly enough, I don't like low scoring games of footy

With soccer, goals are hard to score and the goals are golden.  That's the essence of the sport!

Much like many others, I've seen many great games that finish nil-nil

So we are playing the way we are because that's our best option.  If not, we'd probably get smashed

Yeah and that's the thing, we're playing a style that really suits the players we have and they've clearly bought into it.

I don't mind it either to be honest. I do think it can be hard for a lot of people who were brought up on AFL or 'scoring' sports to change their mindset when it comes to Soccer so I see that side. 

For me though I love the beautiful twinkling feet of Messi as much as watching the big strapping Centre Forward like Shearer rise up and head it in from a corner 🙂

[Diamond_Jim 12,628]

Got to admire the fans that made it to the games in Qatar. The accommodation and travel logistics encountered by most made Russia look like a breeze.

Getting to the round of 16 match will be another level of difficulty again

[roy11 3,893]

I'm very critical of Arnie, especially his tactical inflexibility. He coached the last 2 games well i will give him that. 

Tournament football is a unique beast. You can afford to play a low block and rely on on occasional transition and try steal a goal which we have done the last 2 games.

Just wish he had reacted sooner vs France. Definitely helps Denmark weren't at the their best, but can only beat who is front of you.

 

 

 

 

[hardtack 10,626]

An astounding result considering the fact that for the first twenty or so minutes we were lucky not to have been scored against at least twice.

I think the occasion possibly got to the players as they seemed to be doing uncharacteristic things such is running into each other and clearing the ball in a fairly haphazard way.  After that, something clicked and we started to put together longer strings of possession.  Our defence was magnificent.

The goal was a thing of beauty… it was strange to watch as there was very little pace on the ball, and it seemed to pass the keeper in slow motion.

I haven’t seen all of the goals scored in the event, but apart from Richalison’s bicycle kick, my favourite has been Guesung’s header to get S Korea’s second goal… incredible.

Edited December 1, 2022 by hardtack

[Macca 17,032]

Tonight's games are full of intrigue ... Germany need to win against Costa Rica (they should do) and if they do that, they should advance as long as Japan doesn't beat Spain (unlikely)

In the other group Belgium will need to defeat Croatia as a draw will see them fall short as Morocco will probably get at least a point against Canada

But Croatia need to at least draw with Belgium to advance otherwise a loss could see them go from top of the group to out!

[Jibroni 5,009]

Would love to see the Germans get eliminated tonight buts its hard to see Japan getting the result needed against Spain.

Still cant believe were playing Argentina in 3 days, amazing achievement.

[Macca 17,032]

Germany out of the world cup (despite beating Costa Rica 4-2)

Japan are through after a great win over Spain.  Who would have thought?

Earlier, Belgium failed to qualify for the round of 16 after not being able to defeat Croatia

Morocco won that group but their opponent in the round of 16 will be the 2nd placed team in Group E (Spain)

Croatia & Japan will meet in the other round of 16 match-up

That was a wild morning! 

 

[Dee Zephyr 19,268]

Indeed a wild morning Macca, it was terrific entertainment.  Lukaku was one angry man at the finish, he missed some chances in the second half. For a few minutes there Spain and Germany were both out when costa Rica were leading 2-1.

Edited December 1, 2022 by Dee Zephyr

[roy11 3,893]

Had Germany in a sweep, spewing, think they made a look overlooking Hummels, I know he's not the future but they looked a bit sloppy at at times in the back