FIFA World Cup 2018 | July 7 | Day 24 | Discussion Thread (2 matches)

[AssassinatedDevil]

Sweden vs England

Russia vs Croatia

[Abdullah719]

[Syed1]

Rooting for Sweden.... Can't stand the English side.



My prediction: Belgium vs Croatia final

[Swashbuckler]

I sure as hell hope England gets a hiding tonight, their antics against Colombia were unbearable, full cheating mode by the match officials to give them an ill deserved win.

[Markhor]

I sure as hell hope England gets a hiding tonight, their antics against Colombia were unbearable, full cheating mode by the match officials to give them an ill deserved win.

I'm no England fan but the Colombians were dirty as hell.

However the hypocrisy by the English football media is unbearable - they make such an ordeal of playacting yet Henderson (who's my club captain no less) goes down like a sniper victim when one of their defenders brushes him with his head.

[kaayal]

Come on Sweden, destroy this English side.

[Syed1]

The English have been fighting with everyone all throughout history... I won't be surprised if they have fought many wars with Sweden as well. I want the Swedes to absolutely smash them into next week.

[Syed1]

The wingback formation allows width and attacking prowess but often leaves the defense weak on the wings I hope Sweden exploit and hit 4-5 goals

[Syed1]

England deserve to go home just for playing a guy like Ashley Young

[Syed1]

Dele Alli obviously playing on minority quota

[Markhor]

Like watching a Championship game so far.

[Syed1]

What a boring match all thanks to England

[Syed1]

They have already started to dive

[Syed1]

They are crossing it straight to the keeper hahahhahaa

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Dele Alli obviously playing on minority quota

You obviously know nothing about him, he's one of England's brightest talents, although he's had a poor world cup so far.

[Syed1]

England attacking strategy: pass it around from wing to wing and then throw in a weak cross

[Syed1]

Sweden obviously the better side... It's like Pakistan vs Bangladesh out there.

[Markhor]

Hardly any pressing, no prolonged spell in possession, no chances created.

Seems like England are waiting for another flukey set piece goal.

[Markhor]

Best move of the game there. Kane probably ought to have got that on target.

[Syed1]

Almost a fluke goal by England

[Syed1]

England should just give up football

[MMHS]

@Saz619 - any issues with Pickford’s fitness - he is not taking goal kicks

[Syed1]

England attacking strategy: give it to the keeper

[Markhor]

England should just give up football

They'd produce the same amount of significant tournament performances as Canada - nonexistent.

[Syed1]

They'd produce the same amount of significant tournament performances as Canada - nonexistent.

Atleast we are hosting the WC after next when was the last time England hosted

[Syed1]

What defense by Sweden... England cannot defend like that even if they had 15 men

[Markhor]

Atleast we are hosting the WC after next when was the last time England hosted

Remember the original purpose of the ICC Champions Trophy ? It was to promote cricket in minnow, underdeveloped nations.

That's what FIFA are doing with the WC.

[Markhor]

Haha of course English goal comes from a set piece.

[Syed1]

What a fluke

[MMHS]

Another set piece goal - Southgate has done wonders with dead ball strategy.

[Syed1]

The only way this minnow side could have scored

[srh]

England has become deadly on corners

[MMHS]

Remember the original purpose of the ICC Champions Trophy ? It was to promote cricket in minnow, underdeveloped nations.

That's what FIFA are doing with the WC.

Most likely England will host 2030 WC - it’s Europe’s turn and now not many European countries can host a 48 team WC. Since England hosted, Germany has hosted twice; France, Italy, Spain, Russia once. It’s going to be England or joint hosting by Turkey/Greece; Holland/Denmark/Belgium - most likely England & rightly so.

[Syed1]

Can't figure out what quota Pickford is on

[srh]

wish Switzerland had won against Sweden; Switzerland would be a more challenging opponent of England; their captain's suspension in match against Sweden hurt them the most and stop them to proceed

[Syed1]

Ref wanted to help England again with that lame offside call

[Syed1]

Hahahahahaha Sterling

[Markhor]

Far better football than the turgid rubbish in the first 20.

[James]

England seem comfortable, Sweden look very short on ideas. England need a second goal early in the latter half however, otherwise Sweden will push them deeper and deeper and create pressure, which is what eventually caused England to unravel against Colombia.

Sterling has looked the liveliest England player in this game, but he screwed up at the end of the half and should have scored.

Ashley Young is having his best game of the tournament so far.

[srh]

England is all over Sweden; should have been 3-0 by now

[irfan]

good save from Pickford, Trippier has been brilliant so far.

[srh]

This is a mismatch

[MMHS]

Alli is having his game of the tournament. Finally fulfilling his potential at international level. Dissapointing show from Sweden today. Pickford had the most crucial save of the game, may be WC for England.

[shaz619]

Like watching a Championship game so far.

Just how I like it

Beyond the first 25/30 min or so the action has improved, but we can't expect them to take too many risks in open play when they just don't have the natural ability of other teams; set pieces are their strengths and the goal is to win by any means necessary even if it is ugly.

If I can look past my hate for Liverpool and cheer on Henderson there you can support England to

[Markhor]

How are Sweden quarter finalists of a World Cup and Germany, Spain and Argentina not.

There's no pace in the team.

[shaz619]

Alli is having his game of the tournament. Finally fulfilling his potential at international level. Dissapointing show from Sweden today. Pickford had the most crucial save of the game, may be WC for England.

The lad won't be at Everton for too long

[shaz619]

How are Sweden quarter finalists of a World Cup and Germany, Spain and Argentina not.

There's no pace in the team.

And remember Germany were able to score just one goal vs Sweden in 90 minutes !

[Markhor]

And remember Germany were able to score just one goal vs Sweden in 90 minutes !

They're a limited team in that they're set up to defend deep, be physical and compact - but if the game opens up and are forced to attack they are badly exposed.

[Markhor]

Pickford adding a few mil to his future transfer fees.

What's with the Pakistan flag behind the England goal ? @shaz619

[shaz619]

Pickford adding a few mil to his future transfer fees.

What's with the Pakistan flag behind the England goal ? @shaz619

Having an identity crisis mid way during the match

[shaz619]

There were some clips during half time of fans celebrating the first goal, fans in various cities were throwing their drinks but in other places they were more reserved; so don't make generalisations guys because I wouldn't do that with my can of coke

[srh]

Pickford adding a few mil to his future transfer fees.

What's with the Pakistan flag behind the England goal ? @shaz619

English goalie is playing like a cornered tiger

[shaz619]

The 2nd half has been more enjoyable for sure

[Markhor]

English goalie is playing like a cornered tiger

Nice !

We do know a thing or two about winning a knockout game...

[Cpt. Rishwat]

How are Sweden quarter finalists of a World Cup and Germany, Spain and Argentina not.

There's no pace in the team.

Germany, Spain and Argentina were all rubbish to be honest, living on past reputations.

[MMHS]

Congrats to all English fans - dominating, impressive performance to win by clear margin against another very good European side. They have really surprised me today - never looked like losing today.

Looks like old enemies might meet again in finals & no new champions😩

[James]

Pickford and Trippier were absolutely excellent, good team performance and a deserved win. Looking forward to Wednesday evening.

[Hasan123]

Congrats to all English fans - dominating, impressive performance to win by clear margin against another very good European side. They have really surprised me today - never looked like losing today.

Looks like old enemies might meet again in finals & no new champions��

What did I tell you bhai? Even said Ali and sterling were due a good game .

[Hasan123]

Always was for Pickford selection and he proved me right today. Brilliant performance by England. 2 games away from glory now.

[Hasan123]

Looking forward to the game. Be interested to see who we play.

Would prefer to play Russia but whoever we get it won't be an easy game. Croatia are favourites for this game due to their attacking quality but Russia with home advantage and their spirit, they won't be easy to beat. Croatia should win if they take the lead.

[James]

Always was for Pickford selection and he proved me right today. Brilliant performance by England. 2 games away from glory now.

Pickford’s second save when he got down to his right was sensational, I used to play in goal and those are extremely difficult saves (and it will have hurt him all over to make it).

[KingKhanWC]

A brilliant win for England making the semifinals!

Sweden's tactics are fine unless they go behind but credit to Harry Maguire for an oustanding header. From then on Sweden were lost until the last 10 mins when they created a few chances.

The best game England have played in this World Cup.

[KingKhanWC]

Russia seem to be lining up a lot more open against Croatia.

Croatia if they play well are a brilliant team and should win this one.

[MMHS]

What did I tell you bhai? Even said Ali and sterling were due a good game .

Ali had a great game, his best in WC. Streling missed a golden chance to score. It'll be a great SF for sure and ENG actually can make the Final now.

[MMHS]

WC is unique and hosts can surprise many better teams. Sweden made Final in 1958, S Korea ended 3rd in 2002 - Russia can surprise all of us.

[srh]

No. 19 of Russia looks like a desi

[MMHS]

The lad won't be at Everton for too long

Read Bayern is interested, but he'll have to be on bench at least for 2 more years, Neuer is only 32. Apart from that who else among big guns - Juve, Dortmund, but their domestic resources are too good to block one foreign spot. Only place I see (as a promotion) is Liverpool, but Everton might not allow him to cross the Stanley Park. May be, if DDG leaves, JoMou might call him.

[KingKhanWC]

Poor quality from both sides so far, neither willing to up the pace.

Russia will be happy for penalties again even though they are up against a very good keeper this time.

[KingKhanWC]

A moment of pure genius by Cheryshev! He started the move, great pass, movement and a perfect finish.

1-0 Russia.

[MMHS]

Russia scores one of the goal of WC - Cheryshev won't be in Villarreal next season.

[srh]

great goal

[James]

Magnificent goal, had us on our feet at home.

[srh]

Croatia is playing far below its level today

[James]

Croatia is playing far below its level today

They did against Denmark as well. Perhaps they peaked too early at this tournament when they walloped Argentina.

[srh]

good comeback

[KingKhanWC]

Finally Croatia play some football and easily open up Russia.

1-1

[ssuhaide]

Don't get the hate for England's campaign. They won when they've had which more than can be said for the big guns in the tournament. It's been a fantastic tournament full of great goals and upsets. Regardless of who you beat a semi final in a major tournament is a very good achievement.

[MMHS]

Croatia actually is a far better team than Russia - if it wasn't in Russia, it won't have been a decent contest (Actually Russia won't have been in QF, unless they were host).

[Hasan123]

Pickford’s second save when he got down to his right was sensational, I used to play in goal and those are extremely difficult saves (and it will have hurt him all over to make it).

Looked like a difficult save.

[Hasan123]

Ali had a great game, his best in WC. Streling missed a golden chance to score. It'll be a great SF for sure and ENG actually can make the Final now.

Ali played well. Finally he stepped up.

Yes we can make the final. From there anything can happen.