FIFA World Cup 2018

Really enjoyed the game last night and nothing beats a 90th minute winner. Obviously should have been three or four up and I've also no idea how VAR didn't award us a penalty, but winning the game in that way will have a much bigger impact on the squad than a simple 2-1 win would have. Thought everyone (except one player) played well though was a couple of mistakes at the back when trying to play out, but I don't mind that as shows the players have the confidence to try and play football. As for that player I wasn't impressed with and thats once again Raheem Sterling, I've said it so many times in the past but I've just no idea how he scores the goals he does at City because he is possibly the least technically gifted player I have ever seen at this level. I do feel sorry for Rashford being on the bench but I can understand the thinking as he will make an impact when coming on and that's what you want your subs to do.

After yesterday I'd probably make one change to the starting line up.

I don't want to see Ashley Young in an England shirt again! I thought he was dreadful last night! Get rose out there, he'll do the job. Would also prefer to see Rashford start up top instead of Alli.

I was aware some Argentina fans weren't exactly looking forward to this after losing the World Cup Final and then 2 Copa Americas, but I doubt anyone anticipated such a messy rabble.

Find it strange that on the leaked team sheet Delph is alongside Lingard.

Surely they're not considered interchangeable?

>Ali

obv fake

Had Hazard as first scorer, won that then did Lukaku as second scorer. Sadly only a couple of quid both times but still money won.

Getting Boateng sent off and changing to 2 at the back seemed to be the cue for the most coherent football Germany have played all tournament. Also its a hell of a kick from Kroos at the end, and an utter kick in the pants for a Swedish side that had defended so well.

Can't believe the Swedish sub gave that free kick away, terrible lunge in the very last minute. Germany will be fine to go through now, as runners-up though most likely so they could well be facing Brazil.

So Poland crashed out last night following a heavy defeat from Colombia! Group H is all to play for between the three remaining teams left in, Senegal and Japan on 4 points and Colombia on 3 points. Colombia face Senegal whilst Poland play Japan last game.

Sure Poland won't want to finish on 0 points, I'd like to see Senegal and Colombia head through personally.

England did alright yesterday, didn't they?

Meanwhile the end of Group B has been magnificently farcical. Makes the VAR trial... interesting.

Lets just hope we don't get any injuries as no one last night staked any kind of a claim for a start against Columbia. Rose was probably the best but did allow the very one footed Januzaj on to his stronger foot to score. Eric Dier offered nothing whatsoever to the team as usual, other than being very capable at passing the ball backwards. I thought Delph's workrate was superb, but him and Loftus-Cheek never really linked with the front two, though the two upfront didn't work for me as both players are very similar and Rashfords miss was awful.

I guess overall it probably works out slightly better for us but I'd have much preffered to see us win and top the group with 9pts going into the Japan game full of confidence feeling we can beat anyone.

tl;dr Iberians are shite, French aren't half bad, and Russians may or may not be on drugs

Huh England won a penalty shoot-out. That's new.

GOD WHAT A NIGHT TO BE ALIVE!

- and that was on the Round of 16!

Only the 3rd time in my life we've won a knockout game at the world cup.

Same, crazy.

Sweden will be another tight game I think. Could be 1-0 either way via a set-piece.

Roberto Martinez in the World Cup semi-finals... bit of a leap forward from when he got fired by Everton two years ago shortly after a mauling by Sam Allardyce's Sunderland.

"Do you Harry Edward Kane know it's coming home?"
"I do" pic.twitter.com/Gb1y8xNZFW

— SportsJOE (@SportsJOE_UK) July 3, 2018

One of the most emotionally draining nights of my life. Atmosphere was incredible. Fucking love you, @England. #Believe pic.twitter.com/srN4CP2EMK

— Jamie 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (@Tarrantino_) July 4, 2018

Scenes from where I watched the Colombia game in Clapham.

Same tomorrow please, England!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3SsM1RYdI4

I know he's top scorer but Kane has actually been pretty shite.

Pickford, Trippier, Stones & Maguire probably only ones that have had very good tournaments. Being biased but Hendo hasn't been bad either and for all the hate Sterling seemed to have been causing problems.

Sterling was absolutely awful all tournament, he simply cannot control a ball without it bouncing 2ft away from him and looks to have absolutely no idea what he is doing when he manages to keep it at his feet.

Sterling was England's third/fourth best player in the tournament imo. Without him we looked absolutely horrific in open play, he caused absolute havoc for the Croats yesterday.

I was at the game yesterday, as soon as they scored 1 I knew it was over. Especially with Raheem off the pitch who is the only one able to do anything with a football in that attacking triumvirate.

Well there you go, fourth place and I think that flatters us.

Today showed how lucky we have been with the draw and what a difference it can make. We lack creativity in the centre of the pitch, relying on Henderson to send long, hopeful balls up the pitch. Think it is time to bench the 352 system as well, would be tempted by an old school diamond!

Bit of an odd final, but I think France are fair value for tournament winner. Thought they half-arsed the group stage but they controlled all their knockout games, including today, very well.

Well, VAR had to be involved in the final didn't it? Still think that was a case of ball to hand and shouldn't have been given. Even without that helping hand it was a deserved victory for the French, most people's pre-tournament favourites and eventually living up to it. As you say, they didn't seem to have arrived in the group stages!

Did that mistake by Lloris cost him the goalkeeper award? Either way, at least the English won something - the golden boot going to Harry Kane not to be sniffed at even if he didn't get many chances at goal after the Tunisia game except from the penalty spot. Mbappe got the young player award and is highlighting his credentials to challenge the thrones of Ronaldo and Messi, replacing Neymar as that hopeful in my opinion.

Now that's over, roll on the domestic season and crank up the activity in the transfer window!