The Official Football Thread

[Guido]

The match Russia vs. Croatia played bland for most of the regular time. Both teams didn't show that spark of ambition to open the score until the first half when Cheryshev scored first for Russia then eight minutes later Kramaríc followed suit for Croatia.

To be honest I fell asleep for most of second half regular time due that action in the game was lacking, however, by extra time the adrenaline levels rose.

First half extra time Vida seemed to end it all with the second goal for Croatia, nevertheless, the Russians wouldn't budge and Fernandes at second half extra time netted the equalizer. Hence, once again everything settled in the penalty shootouts.

And, my respects to the Croatian team, since their players became physically and mentally drained resisting playing extra time all the way through with several of their players suffering lesions and sprains, particularly their goalkeeper Sukovic.

Nonetheless, Croatia passed over Russia through another tough trial, earning themselves the right to play the semi-finals after 20 years in World Cup history.

Russia 2 - 2 Croatia
Penalties (3 - 4)

[Haak]

I can hear idiots outside my house screaming "Football's coming home" at 00:40 when I'm trying to sleep. Dickheads...

[Renegade334]

Halftime for France-Belgium. 0-0.

EDIT: and France wins, 1-0.

[Der Langrisser]

France won 1-0 against the waffles

[Sheba]

Lemme talk about our Lord and Savior Lloris.

[James Rye]

God damn it! Now Croatia has to win for my hopes of somebody winning the cup who hasn't had it yet.

[grecefar]

belgium nooooo ;A;

[Guido]

The probability for the crowning of a brand-new champion in this World Cup has been reduced now to 25%.

[Toukairin]

Originally Posted by Sheba

Lemme talk about our Lord and Savior Lloris.

So far, he really raised his game like never before.

For long spells of the match, I thought Belgium would find a crack somewhere. Fortunately for les Bleus, goalkeeper and defenders were very resilient when it was time to be.

Originally Posted by James Rye

God damn it! Now Croatia has to win for my hopes of somebody winning the cup who hasn't had it yet.

As much as I genuinely enjoyed Croatia's resilience in this tournament, especially when they delivered the beating to Argentina, I don't think they can beat England. The match against Russia will leave several marks, namely injured players like Subasic and Vrsaljko, tired legs like Mandzukic's, and having a 3-day break instead of a full week.

edit: In other news, Cristiano Ronaldo signed for Juventus today. Seriously, what kind of a move is that?

[Eisdrache]

One out of three probably doesn't equal 25%.

Today's match wasn't really that exciting. Listened to it on the side and barely turned in. Either way I'm not to big on Croatia even if they have been playing well. A France - England final would be pretty hype.

[Toukairin]

Originally Posted by Eisdrache

Today's match wasn't really that exciting. Listened to it on the side and barely turned in. Either way I'm not to big on Croatia even if they have been playing well. A France - England final would be pretty hype.

To be honest, it was more like an old school battle between 2 sides that didn't want to leave anything to the opposition. Except for the woeful finishing on both sides, it was a physical battle between men like people want to see.

[Eisdrache]

What do you understand as physical battle? I'd rather have more technical football with creative ideas to pass the ball into open spaces and some amazing dribblings rather than two hunks trying to push each other out of the way.

[Der Langrisser]

Croatia won in prolongation 2-1. Guess it's not coming home...

[Sakuratsuki]

England played bad don't know what they even doing on a world cup. I called it last time but seems some neglected it, well here you go. The level of this world is just depressingly bad. Sorry for sounding negative but it's the reality. Don't know how Europe managed to be the only one left in this tournament. Because other teams from other continents deserved it more comparing how this semi finalists performed.
I think luck was the key for them advancing and not because of great football.

This is a world cup I will forget about very fast.

[James Rye]

yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They did it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Sheba]

So there is this Chinese guy

I don't know why, but every Miku I drew (except France) was eliminated. I'm going to draw my last World Cup Miku, lets see if that team will get eliminated too.

At this point I am expecting the curse to catch up to France and Croatia to win.

[James Rye]

Well, England lost again. 2:0 again Belgium. Grats to Belgium for 3rd place. Shame you didn't made it to the finals, would have loved to watch a Belgium vs Croatia final.

[Guido]

Originally Posted by James Rye

Well, England lost again. 2:0 again Belgium. Grats to Belgium for 3rd place. Shame you didn't made it to the finals, would have loved to watch a Belgium vs Croatia final.

The feeling is mutual.

BTW, from the beginning of the match the Belgian team went out full throttle with visible enthusiasm to play their way through to earn third place, whereas the English team's disillusionment, for having failed to reach the finals, became evident as the match went on.

Belguim was shaping up as favorite to win the World Cup. Either Belgium or Croatia, however, I'm glad the Belgians said good-bye to Russia winning third place.

Now, either an old champion is going to harvest its second title or a new champion will be crowned tomorrow in World Cup history.

[germanturkey]

belgium croatia would have been a wonderful final. that being said, i don't really care who wins now, since i'd be happy with either.

on another note, i'm so happy england lost. the three games they played against actual opposition resulted in them losing, kane got the golden boot because of penalties, and they had as many chances on goal from open play as iran. tells you all you need to know.

[Haak]

Croatia playing really well. Gutted with the own goal from a harshly given set piece but they equalised. Hope they win.