FIFA World Cup 2018

[Lorac]

So Russia through to the last 16 - amazing after their preparations for the torny were less than impressive!!

Well mathematically they could be squeaked out - but I doubt it!!

 

[Buzz]

But the bad news is they most likely will play either Spain or Portugal

 

[SHARPIE]

But the bad news is they most likely will play either Spain or Portugal

I doubt either team will be stressing out.

 

[Buzz]

There are videos going around Colombian social media/WhatsApp of Colombian fans being impressed with Japanese fans picking up garbage at the stadium before leaving. Given that in the Colombian league people throw bottles and urine and picking litter is unheard of, the people making the video were rather blown away and super impressed by the Japanese fans.

So many own goals in this tournament! Nightmare for Egypt.

The BBC has a story on this.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-44492611

 

[oleada]

In the meantime, the Colombian Cancillería (not sure what the translation of that is) had to make an anti racism/sexism statement after videos went around of a Colombian fan being racist, mysoginist asshole to a Japanese fan We’re not all like this, I swear.

 

[Buzz]

Here we go! Morocco v Portugal

 

[Buzz]

Ronaldo scores! It’s 1-0!

 

[Lorac]

Ronaldo wants that golden boot.

 

[allezfred]

There are videos going around Colombian social media/WhatsApp of Colombian fans being impressed with Japanese fans picking up garbage at the stadium before leaving. Given that in the Colombian league people throw bottles and urine and picking litter is unheard of, the people making the video were rather blown away and super impressed by the Japanese fans.

Apparently, Senegalese fans did this as well.

Japanese schools don't employ janitors so all cleaning is done by students and staff. Makes all the difference to a society when you're the one who has to clean up if a mess is made from an early age.

 

[Buzz]

Home in time to see Iran v Spain!

 

[Lorac]

Spain are struggling to get past Iran!!

 

[Lorac]

Finally Spain get a breakthrough - with a bit of luck!!

 

[Buzz]

Spain finally gets one! 1-0 Spain!

 

[Lorac]

OK - was not expecting that - an equaliser!!! Or is it?!!?

 

[Buzz]

Iran has equalized! It’s 1-1! Or is it...

 

[Lorac]

VAR disallows the Iranian equaliser for offside!!! WOW!!

 

[alexikeguchi]

Iran is really not that bad, not on a KSA level, but Spain is just not playing their game of old. 2008-2012 was their golden era, and their stars are either retired or have lost a few steps.

ETA wow, Spain dodged a bullet there.

 

[Lorac]

Iran is really not that bad, not on a KSA level, but Spain is just not playing their game of old. 2008-2012 was their golden era, and their stars are either retired or have lost a few steps.

ETA wow, Spain dodged a bullet there.

Sacking their manager on the eve of the WC hasn't helped!!

 

[Buzz]

Bummer for the Iranians.

 

[Buzz]

This Iranian side deserves to get something out of this match.

 

[Lorac]

Portugal struggled against Morocco after getting the early goal that proved the winner - and to be honest deserved an equaliser - and Spain are struggling with Iran - who are also playing well enough to get an equaliser!! To be honest Russia will fancy their chances against either of these 2 at the moment!

 

[Lorac]

Well Spain win - but it wasn't easy. So Portugal and Spain are dead even at the top of their group!!

ETA: Actually Spain are top as they have had less bookings so are top on the fair play rule - never heard of that but there you have it

 

[Buzz]

Never heard of it either until now.

 

[Lilia A]

Yes, it's the 7th tie breaking criteria. It's new. Previously, criteria #7 was drawing slots, which is now #8 (and last).
Interesting, neither Spain nor Portugal can take it easy next match. If Portugal lose, they're out (unless Spain also lose by a greater goal difference or same goal difference but score fewer goals OR get more cumulative bookings than Portugal). If Spain lose and Portugal win, they're in. If Spain lose and Portugal and Iran draw (or the scenarios mentioned before happen), Spain are out. No one is safe in group B. Morocco are out. Everyone else is still fighting and no one is guaranteed anything.
Group A has been decided. Now we need to see who qualifies first and who qualifies second. I wonder if Uruguay will take it easy in order to save energy for the knockout stage. Uruguay needs to win to take #1, Russia needs to draw or win to take #1.

 

[Buzz]

Female Iranian fans are able to watch their team play live for the first time.
https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-4...-at-world-cup-stadium-to-watch-men-s-football

 

[Lilia A]

Looks like Denmark-Australia will end in a 1-1 draw. If France wins next (very likely), they automatically advance.

 

[Lara]

TSN noted that at least one French player wasn't born the last time France won the World Cup in 1998. #feelingold

 

[Buzz]

Argentina needs a win but at half time the score is 0-0

 

[Buzz]

Croatia 1-0!

 

[alexikeguchi]

That was a howler. Goalkeeping has been atrocious on both sides.