Official World Cup 2022 Thread

[Bob's Orange]

With the second round of fixtures complete, I think it gives a lot of context to England's uninspiring performance vs the US - only three sides (Brazil, France, Portugal) have two wins from two, and I think there are issues with all those sides. Spain look the best team so far, and yet dropped two points to Germany who got beaten by Japan who in turn were beaten by Costa Rica. It just seems that the fast turnarounds are causing some fairly unpredictable results, it'll be really interesting to see if the final round of fixtures sees the best teams really assert themselves or not.

As for today's games, Group A at 3pm - Ecuador vs Senegal is essentially winner goes through, loser goes out, with Netherlands playing Qatar meaning they really should top the group.

Then Group B at 7pm - on paper, almost an identical set up as Group A as Iran v US should be two relatively evenly matched sides going head to head for second. The Wales/England rivalry factor certainly adds a complication though. I'm not an England fan who dislikes the Welsh at all, I wish they could somehow progress along with us, but dispassionately, this isn't anything like the Wales team of four years ago who really could have given a good account of themselves. England should win comfortably, but it doesn't always work that way.

Looking even further ahead, let's assume we finish top of the group and avoid the Dutch (who haven't been that great themselves either) we face either Ecuador or Senegal. Based on what i've seen I think i'd rather play Senegal, I think Ecuador could be tricky. If we turn up then we 'should' be good enough to beat either side and progress into the 1/4 finals.

Thoughts?

[horlock07]

Looking even further ahead, let's assume we finish top of the group and avoid the Dutch (who haven't been that great themselves either) we face either Ecuador or Senegal. Based on what i've seen I think i'd rather play Senegal, I think Ecuador could be tricky. If we turn up then we 'should' be good enough to beat either side and progress into the 1/4 finals.

Thoughts?

Is Valencia fit? Ecuador* look a much poorer side without him on the pitch.

* I assume I am not the only one who has to say Ecuador in this style whenever I say it.

[Bob's Orange]

Is Valencia fit? Ecuador* look a much poorer side without him on the pitch.

* I assume I am not the only one who has to say Ecuador in this style whenever I say it.

haha - you are not alone!

Enner Valencia is a real menace. I've read he has recovered from his injury but will be watching today and without wishing injuries on players I agree that he would be a big miss from that side.

[Nemo]

Looking even further ahead, let's assume we finish top of the group and avoid the Dutch (who haven't been that great themselves either) we face either Ecuador or Senegal. Based on what i've seen I think i'd rather play Senegal, I think Ecuador could be tricky. If we turn up then we 'should' be good enough to beat either side and progress into the 1/4 finals.

Thoughts?

In theory Ecuador or Senegal are beatable, but then it's brick wall territory with a probable run of France in the quarters, Germany/Portugal in the semis and Spain/Brazil in the final.

That Spain/Brazil quarter looks absolutely delicious.

Whatever happens, it's hard to see an easy route to the final. Which is how it should be!

[horlock07]

Jesus was it 24 years ago, https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/football/63788467

[Sippo]

I am glad the game is on the beeb, and not the shit ITV. Cannot stand some of those pundits and co-commentators.

[Nemo]

I am glad the game is on the beeb, and not the shit ITV. Cannot stand some of those pundits and co-commentators.

Just Dixon and Matterface who are terrible, no? It's odd that ITV are using them as their A team when Champion/McCoist and Hutchinson/Townsend are much more enjoyable. Studio pundits I haven't seen much of.

[Bob's Orange]

As it stands, the Netherlands win group A and Senegal will go through as runners-up.

[Jimmy HaveHave]

Prefer the BBC commentators but ITV have better pundits.

[Bob's Orange]

Just Dixon and Matterface who are terrible, no? It's odd that ITV are using them as their A team when Champion/McCoist and Hutchinson/Townsend are much more enjoyable. Studio pundits I haven't seen much of.

Yeah, I'd pretty much agree with that re your analysis of the commentators. I hate the buildup/punditry etc so turn on just in time for the anthems and then kick off and then go and find something to do for 20 minutes over half time.

[Wobbly Bob]

Won't be easy for England should they meet Senegal.
I had Senegal down as an outside bet to make good progress but that was before they lost Mané.

Their fans are great.
Slap a coat of red & white paint on 4D and the gang and maybe they could do a similar job in the Town End.

Andros Townsend has done a good job on co-comms so far.

[4D]

I had red and white face paint on at the Sunderland play off game, ended up blending in and I looked flushed/embarrassed 

[Jimmy HaveHave]

I was wearing my "we are Ozzie's red & white army" T shirt😀

[Bob's Orange]

Ecuador and Senegal now 1-1

Edit - now Senegal 2-1.

[Nemo]

Ecuador and Senegal now 1-1

I went to the loo and missed two goals!