2018 World Cup Thread + Predictions Game

[somberbostonian]

2-0 Limeys on their way to the semis—after beating Tunisia and Panama in the group stage, Colombia in PKs without their top player and an offensively-challenged Sweden team. Pickford got a hand on a couple of well-hit shots. But hoping Croatia can get by the Ruskies so we can see what England can do against a full-strength team that actually poses an attacking threat.

[somberbostonian]

Croatia was a few minutes away from a semifinal date with England and Russia slips in a tying header off a free kick. Croatian player committing that handball must feel like a dummy. Russia's luck has been fucking unreal.

[TheSaboteur]

Looks like England will finally have to play a decent opponent, though it's quite clear Croatia peaked in the group stage.

[somberbostonian]

Russia's run is done. Great extra time period. Looked like Croatia was running on fumes, but they found a way to survive. Modric and Rakitic should test England better than any full-strength team they've played so far, but who knows how much Croatia still has left in the tank after two straight 120+PK games.

[Shill Jackson]

Current standings.
House, need a third place pick, based on your current picks.

[lettherebehouse]

Current standings.
House, need a third place pick, based on your current picks.

Croatia

[PhutureDynasty]

Current standings.
House, need a third place pick, based on your current picks.

Croatia

[thatoothpick45]

Croatia...

[somberbostonian]

After a World Cup full of upsets, France-England is probably the closest we're going to get to a "glamour" matchup based on name recognition of the countries involved. But Belgium-Croatia would be interesting in its own right since we'd be assured of a first-time winner. Two countries with a COMBINED population smaller than the Greater LA area would be the "smallest market" final in tournament history. They're not blue-bloods that can easily reload like Brazil or Germany, so this crop of players will be the best shot both are going to get in a long time.

[gaskill15]

It’s a shame this Belgium-France matchup couldn’t come in the final game. Both these teams are so entertaining to watch.

[somberbostonian]

It’s a shame this Belgium-France matchup couldn’t come in the final game. Both these teams are so entertaining to watch.

The talent gap between the two sides of the bracket has been really noticeable throughout the knockout round and in this first half. Belgium controlling possession and getting in some dangerous crosses, but France with Mbappe on the counter looking just as lethal. Both GK's have had to make some highlight saves or we'd have a couple of goals on the board right now.

[TheSaboteur]

It’s a shame this Belgium-France matchup couldn’t come in the final game. Both these teams are so entertaining to watch.

Like the Western Conference Final, everyone acknowledges that this game is the real final, even if England or Croatia ends up winning.

[Robceltsfan]

Vive la France!

[gaskill15]

How the fuck you gonna miss that mugging on Hazard right outside the box in the 80th? It was right in from of him.

[gaskill15]

By the way both the goalies were fuckin incredible in that game. Coulda easily been a 3-2 type score.

[AbeVigodaLive]

How the fuck you gonna miss that mugging on Hazard right outside the box in the 80th? It was right in from of him.

That was awful.

That guy was really really good.

And I hate France. Dammit.

[somberbostonian]

Belgium will be wondering what if they had a couple chances to hit that free kick from outside the box on those missed calls. Interesting to see what happens with them 4 years from now. KDB and Hazard should still be good for one more run, but every field player that started in this game outside of Lukaku is already or will be on the wrong side of 30. France should now be the clear favorite against whoever they face between England and Croatia.

[somberbostonian]

I know a few people with UK ties and that #ItsComingHome tag has been annoying since the knockout round began. Put an end to this, Croatia!

[AbeVigodaLive]

Go Limeys!



[Note: I hope none of my Irish friends see this post...]

[somberbostonian]

Wow, 1-0 England 5 minutes in. On another set piece, of course.