TOPIC:

Bazza wrote: France v England on the cards now in WC Final, could be biggest WC Final in decades if that turns out.

France v England? France just booked a spot in the final against Croatia.

So far seems like the Poms have behaved themselves but can they keep it up? It's the fans I'm talking about. Will the soccer hooligans grab the headlines? I wonder how strongly the Russian immigration Dept have vetted the tourists coming in. Hopefully everyone just enjoys the spectacle of the game.

It goes to show how important it is to represent your country we don't hear of these huge clubs showing concern for players injury risks to protect their own interests. It's a pity our AFL clubs don't have the foresight to see how important it is to showcase the best talent on a higher level and support state of origin football.

DD wrote: So far seems like the Poms have behaved themselves but can they keep it up? It's the fans I'm talking about. Will the soccer hooligans grab the headlines? I wonder how strongly the Russian immigration Dept have vetted the tourists coming in. Hopefully everyone just enjoys the spectacle of the game.

It goes to show how important it is to represent your country we don't hear of these huge clubs showing concern for players injury risks to protect their own interests. It's a pity our AFL clubs don't have the foresight to see how important it is to showcase the best talent on a higher level and support state of origin football.

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The Guardian has reported that England's traveling support as down on numbers for a variety of reasons. With regards to hooligans unsurprisingly taking on the Russians is not the dernier cri.

Croatia and England were not expected to get this far into the tournament either.
Belgium awaits the loser of this match to play in the game for third place I think.

Well England came to a massive stop last night , watched it and after getting an early goal, went into Socceroos mode and tried to defend a 1 nil lead for an eternity, they had about 25 minutes to ride it out when Croatia snagged a goal, after that it was really all them dominating and looking the better team going forward.
Another disappointing exit for them.

Ti Em wrote:

DD wrote: So far seems like the Poms have behaved themselves but can they keep it up? It's the fans I'm talking about. Will the soccer hooligans grab the headlines? I wonder how strongly the Russian immigration Dept have vetted the tourists coming in. Hopefully everyone just enjoys the spectacle of the game.

It goes to show how important it is to represent your country we don't hear of these huge clubs showing concern for players injury risks to protect their own interests. It's a pity our AFL clubs don't have the foresight to see how important it is to showcase the best talent on a higher level and support state of origin football.

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The Guardian has reported that England's traveling support as down on numbers for a variety of reasons. With regards to hooligans unsurprisingly taking on the Russians is not the dernier cri.

yeah, I've been surprised by how small the following was, they looked out numbered against teams much further away like Columbia.

The third place play-off will be played on Saturday and advertised for 10pm. I think Belgium will sneak over the line in this match.
The Final will be played Sunday night but not sure of kick off time. Croatia aren't experienced enough in Finals and can see France taking the trophy. It will be a good match.

Yep, don't ever get to excited fort he 3rd place play off, but Belgium might do England.

Can't see Croatia troubling France to much at all, they were outplayed in the first half v England, if they do that v France they will be 3 down at half time. Croatia came back in the second half far better, well they had to , 1 nil was never going to be enough to ride out 45 minutes, England were 20 minutes away from their first ever WC Final since 66, when Croatian work paid off, thought the reffing was pretty ordinary let a lot of crappy things go which favoured the Croats, England didn't have the quality mids to finish the job, Henderson started to really struggle and up front Im at a loss why Southgate is so obsessed with Sterling, he had been woeful for the entire tournament and just goes to pieces when he has chance to finish.

Predictably Belgium bowled England over. Even though England seemed to have plenty of the ball, they seemed flat. The Final of France and Croatia kicking off tonight at 2300 Perth time. I think France will prevail in this match. Although Croatia has done well to get to the big game that matters.

Congratulations France.

A comprehensive victory, 4 2 , would of been 4 1 had it not been a stupid goalie gimme.

Only downer for me was the two best sides didn't make the Final should of been France v Belgium.

Anyway, overall I think this WC has been one the best in many decades, organisation wise it was outstanding, fantastic venues, great crowds and atmosphere. I doubt Qatar will live up to it.