The scary thing is that France team isn't even really playing to its potential. They're winning, but they're not even really firing on all cylinders offensively.
Agreed. They were my favourite to win the tournament before it started but they sort of half-assed it through the group stage and really haven't seemed to be challenged until today and they were still running through Belgium's defense in the second half.
That said, how the hell is Chadli a first-team selection for Belgium? He's pretty good at tracking back defensively but good God is he atrocious going forward.
Agreed. They were my favourite to win the tournament before it started but they sort of half-assed it through the group stage and really haven't seemed to be challenged until today and they were still running through Belgium's defense in the second half.
That said, how the hell is Chadli a first-team selection for Belgium? He's pretty good at tracking back defensively but good God is he atrocious going forward.
Or Witsel, he's played in the Russian and Chinese leagues! How does that guy have 95 caps?
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Watching the Oilers defend is like watching fire engines frantically rushing to the wrong fire
I think Belgium missed Meunier today, he was a threat down the flanks and was getting quality crosses in when he got opportunities. But you just gotta tip your cap to that France CB duo, Suarez and Lukaku both barely got a sniff the last two games.
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"Think I'm gonna be the scapegoat for the whole damn machine? Sheeee......."
Tomorrow's match should be a good one - expecting a few more goals than we saw today given the fluid way both teams approach the game.
My adoptive Croatians (Davor Suker was once my favourite player) vs. my closest surviving soccer relatives, the English. I've been cheering for Croatia thus far and have the jersey to match, but never honestly expected England to get this far. I'll be happy no matter who wins so long as it's a good match and both teams play to their potential - though France-Croatia is the final I think will be the better show.
Favour them over the Croats because the British tabloids and twitter etc will be a goldmine of Napoleon and WW2 references in the upcoming days.
Obviously I'd prefer to see Croatia go through, it will be a good game though.
England really havent shown me much in this tournament but I am concerned that Croatia peaked against Argentina and have been in decline since, so advantage England on that score.
But ultimately, I watched the French sleepwalk their way through one of the most talented teams in the world and it really looks like they've easily got another couple of gears to grab at exactly the right moment.
I definitely pegged them as underachieving due to Deschamps, but they are rolling on.
Barring something major, this is France's Cup to lose. Come on Croatia, prove me wrong!
__________________ The Beatings Shall Continue Until Morale Improves!
This Post Has Been Distilled for the Eradication of Seemingly Incurable Sadness.
The World Ends when you're dead. Until then, you've got more punishment in store. - Flames Fans
If you thought this season would have a happy ending, you haven't been paying attention.
It would make me feel better if I knew a few of you were cheering for Croatia.
I'm not. But if England loses, I'll be very happy for Croatia too. I actually happen to like all semifinalists this year, which makes for a unique and pretty relaxed football watching experience
I'm pretty calm today. England has already exceeded the expectations I've had for them, everything else is just a bonus now.
This is why I kinda wanted to see Russia-England, so we could see Harry Kane and Pickford get red cards within the first 10 minutes of the match.
"Oh....the 4th official is taking them down the tunnel....and....England are being told that they're not allowed to sub on replacements, they're down to 9 men!
Delli Ali has gone for a dive in his own box! I dont think he realizes that hes the Goalkeeper now!"
Oh what could have been!
__________________ The Beatings Shall Continue Until Morale Improves!
This Post Has Been Distilled for the Eradication of Seemingly Incurable Sadness.
The World Ends when you're dead. Until then, you've got more punishment in store. - Flames Fans
If you thought this season would have a happy ending, you haven't been paying attention.