It's a fair point although not the same writer. I don't think I'm wrong, but let's not labour the point. I apologise for sidetracking the topic.

I actually fancied Croatia to turn over the Argies but they were comprehensively outsmarted and ultimately dismantled, with, almost inevitably, Messi treating the football world to more decisive flashes of genius.

Croatia, a lot of old legs who had played a lot of minutes in the last few weeks. Tough for Modric to create with his team so lacking in pace.

Argentina do appear to be improving as well. Saving their best to last?

Quite nervous about the semi final.  I really hope that France don't underestimate the Moroccans. They are an excellent team who defend well and play good football.  Better than the Greek team who won the Euros back in 2004 for example so they absolutely can go all the way.  It will be a proper test and France will need to be at their best to win.

Yes, France can't just turn up and expect Mbappe, Griezmann and Giroud to win the game for them - they must factor in counter-measures against an extremely confident Moroccan side who have applied themselves superbly in this tournament.

Enjoyed last night's game. That was the climax of the tournament for me to be honest; I can't in good faith ascribe any legitimacy or importance to the rest of the games. I'll probably watch one or both but they're essentially friendlies to me.

To those of you who feel differently - enjoy the showbiz.

Quote from: Slim on December 14, 2022, 01:59:23 PMEnjoyed last night's game. That was the climax of the tournament for me to be honest; I can't in good faith ascribe any legitimacy or importance to the rest of the games. I'll probably watch one or both but they're essentially friendlies to me.

To those of you who feel differently - enjoy the showbiz.

It's as valid a tournament as any other even the one (in 82 I think) where  West Germany beat Austria 1 - 0 to ensure that both qualified - a game with 0 corners and only the 1 attempt on goal.  Or in '66 when a team were awarded a goal when the ball didn't cross the line.

And if you really want injustice, see this

https://www.planetfootball.com/nostalgia/a-forensic-analysis-of-byron-morenos-refereeing-in-italy-v-south-korea-2002/

After this game, there was worldwide condemnation of the referee, even though the underdog was the team that benefitted, today's cries of injustice for the England France didn't match the levels back then.

The admittedly poor referring in the  England France game didn't even BEGIN to come close to that!

Enjoy the games then. By the way as far as I remember that Austria / W Germany was played - and officiated - quite correctly and to the letter of the rules of the game.

Quote from: Slim on December 14, 2022, 03:44:28 PMEnjoy the games then. By the way as far as I remember that Austria / W Germany was played - and officiated - quite correctly and to the letter of the rules of the game.

The conduct of the players brings the tournament into question though

especially as the German goalkeeper in that game later deliberately seriously injured a player in the semi final of the same tournament and didn't even  have a free kick as penalty.

Both Upamecano & Rabiot are out of the semi tonight to be replaced by Konate and Fofana.  Upamecano struggled at times in the quarter so maybe its not a bad thing. Rabiot was getting better by the game though so its a pity he's out.  Also a pity though that Saliba didn't get the nod.  I think he would have acquitted himself well.

I don't think the referee in the England France game was biased, just poor. And unfortunately those poor decisions affected England. I'm sure there were bad decisions he made that helped England at times, but just not at crucial moments.

As much as I dislike the ITV punditry I have to agree with them that the Argentinian penalty wasn't a penalty. In fact it could have gone to Croatia, in the way the forward took out the goalie. I know they went to an observing referee who said it was 100% a penalty, then to me the rules of the game are wrong if something like that can be given. I've watched it over and over and I simply don't get it at all. Why doesn't VAR step in in these situations?

This is a good game. France ahead but Morocco very much in it.

It is a good game, better than yesterdays.

Credit to Morocco, they were excellent. France saved their best defensive for today and just as well. Just as with England, France probably weren't the better team but were more clinical.

Argentina do have better individual quality with Messi and Alvarez than Morocco possess but I'm not sure they are a better team than the lions

Morocco were very entertaining to watch and their desire and application was rousing and plain for all to see; they will have gained many admirers from their performances in this tournament.

But France - bloody hell, they did it again; finding a way to win, with it struck me a fair amount of luck with the bounce of the ball in the box.  I suspect that may run out against the Argentinians, who will find the French out.

By the way, I thought Mbappe's melodramatic reactions when he was on the end of some robust but fair tackles were dreadful, particularly his little cynical looks to the referee to see if his pathetic con act had been successful. 

That's one of the reasons why this will be remembered as Messi's tournament.