I don't care how we get to the final and win. I really don't.
We have had absolute heartache for so many years that in all honesty no England fan really gives a shit how we do it.
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We have had absolute heartache for so many years that in all honesty no England fan really gives a shit how we do it.
Exactly. Logically it would be better to let the big teams knock each other out and play who’s left as late as possible for all sorts of reasons - that’s if we’re trying to win it of course.
It’s funny, but you see the same people praying for lower league opposition when we play in the FA Cup. I don’t see anyone hoping for City away in the 3rd round. Weird.
Would tend to agree.
The objective isn't to beat Belgium. The objective is to win the World Cup. You do what you can to win the World Cup. The only doubt I have about the Belgium game is the power of momentum, does winning give you the momentum you need? Is momentum that important? Especially as you purposely throw the game, which means you have achieved what you set out to do. If you set out to win the game because winning it and topping the group meant a more favourable draw and you lost the game, then does this mean you lose momentum?
All I know is this one of these teams will 100% be in a World Cup semi-final: Switzerland, Belgium, Sweden, England, Senegal, Japan or Colombia. Just take a step back and look at those teams, now ask yourself do you improve your chances of winning the World Cup by losing against Belgium? Hell yeah!
Anyway, whatever our route, I have to say that I started out 10 days ago with a "who gives a fuck" attitude to the whole thing but I now definitely do give a fuck - a bit like the old days of watching England.
Partly because of the Kane effect but also because Southgate has, despite my scepticism, proved to be an engaging and competent national team manager - so nice to hear someone talking sense to the media and so much better than his fuckwit predecessors - I hope he stays on whatever happens.
Partly because of the Kane effect but also because Southgate has, despite my scepticism, proved to be an engaging and competent national team manager - so nice to hear someone talking sense to the media and so much better than his fuckwit predecessors - I hope he stays on whatever happens.
One game at a time.
I want us to win tonight and finish top. I understand the argument for being in the other half as it looks an 'easier' path to the final but not sure how we can play for it. Throw in a goal? Put in some naughty tackles?
Losing on purpose would be a disgrace, the most shameful moment in our entire football history. No, can't do that.
Some cheap yellow cards? These wouldn't be without risk. Cards are no longer rescinded at the end of the group stage but after the quarter-finals. Can easily see how this could bite one back on the arse!
Nah, play to win and see how the cards fall. We could end up playing Japan in the second round then face Mexico after they knocked out Brazil.
At the same time Colombia could beat Belgium in the second round as too many of their players lost momentum.
4 or 5 changes at most then let's go for the three points.
Come on England!
I want us to win tonight and finish top. I understand the argument for being in the other half as it looks an 'easier' path to the final but not sure how we can play for it. Throw in a goal? Put in some naughty tackles?
Losing on purpose would be a disgrace, the most shameful moment in our entire football history. No, can't do that.
Some cheap yellow cards? These wouldn't be without risk. Cards are no longer rescinded at the end of the group stage but after the quarter-finals. Can easily see how this could bite one back on the arse!
Nah, play to win and see how the cards fall. We could end up playing Japan in the second round then face Mexico after they knocked out Brazil.
At the same time Colombia could beat Belgium in the second round as too many of their players lost momentum.
4 or 5 changes at most then let's go for the three points.
Come on England!
Maybe Arty, but it's not the R16 match that's the issue (one of Japan, Senegal, Colombia - no big difference between them), it's the QF - who would you rather play, Sweden or Brazil?
Once we're into a semi then anything can happen.
Yep, I do have sympathy with the emotional argument of the 'national disgrace' analysis - I imagine we'd all feel similar, I'm just saying that no-one would remember that on the day of the final, and that's not how the Germans or Italians would play it - they would plot the best route to the final.
Belgium will definitely be playing to lose and if they do they’ll go further than us. Why must we be so gung-ho all the time? Beating a team who’s not trying to win means nothing anyway, apart from deliberately throwing yourself in the shark tank - which is what we’ll do. Let’s be cute for once.
Where's all this evidence of more savvy teams plotting their way to World Cup wins? Can't think of any times Italy, Germany or Brazil have thrown games.
Not thought that hard tbf, but still...
Not thought that hard tbf, but still...
One game at a time mate....you're only setting yourself up for disappointment...To answer your question though, I've been more impressed by Sweden, they won what should have been a very easy group....for Germany. Brazil? Paulinho has been one of their best players...let that sink in for a minute...
They don't worry about it, they just play whomever is next and plot how to beat them.
Perhaps Mexico will beat Brazil anyway and one could argue the best two teams are both in the bottom section; Spain and Croatia. Maybe better to avoid them.
Anyway, let's get tonight's game out of the way and let the chips fall where they may.
Well, yes - that's not a bad point. I'm not going to agree Arty, but I'm not disagreeing either!
They should have lost in the round of 16.
We were all over them on the brink of ET. Then Grosso dived and Totti from memory sunk the ensuing penalty. Yeah I am still bitter over it too.
Fuck Italy. Diving little cunts who play boring football.
Well we don’t have to worry about them this time.
Hope Gareth's listening....I'll tell you the perfect way....... 0-0 with 10 minutes to go...... Send on Pope to give away a penalty........ And get a red card..... That's security in case the gits miss the penalty......
Job done and all down The Winchester for a craft pint
Lose in last 16 .....