How about a thread! I’m in an Irish pub in Holland this evening watching on the big screen. Anyone else taking a peek? I’m guessing a good proportion rooting for Croatia?

Come on you Croats

Argentina, for me. Usually back the underdog and a Croatia - Morocco final would be amazing. But it's Messi, and a World Cup winners medal for the best ever would be very apt. That said, can see Croatia doing it tonight.

Completely lost interest now so not watching! Though I'd like a Croatia Morocco final, can't abide Argentina and their antics, and France weren't much better on that front either.
Messi could have had several yellow cards but they wouldn't do that to the golden boy would they!

Messi confirming GOAT status with a trophy here

Can you win a trophy in a semi final?

An early goal will help things....

Why commentator said Croatia were semi finalists in 2018? I thought they lost to France in the final. Non of the other commentators called him out for it either.

I have Argentina in the sweep at work. Other than getting a few quid back, means sod all and I won't be watching as usual.

KRBFC wrote: ↑

Tue Dec 13, 2022 7:08 pm

Why commentator said Croatia were semi finalists in 2018? I thought they lost to France in the final. Non of the other commentators called him out for it either.

Would they not have to be semi finalists in order to get to the final?

I can't believe no team has scored against Morocco yet in this world cup so far that's quite unbelievable

Messi must have hurt his hamstring diving......limping.

Why have Croatia changed their strip from Red/white to blue, it was hardly a colour clash

gtclaret wrote: ↑

Tue Dec 13, 2022 7:23 pm

Why have Croatia changed their strip from Red/white to blue, it was hardly a colour clash

Messi probably wanted it

KRBFC wrote: ↑

Tue Dec 13, 2022 7:08 pm

Why commentator said Croatia were semi finalists in 2018? I thought they lost to France in the final. Non of the other commentators called him out for it either.

Well to make the final they had to be "Semi-finalists"

Sorry couldn't resist ... I know what you mean though why did no-one point out they were Finalists last time out v France

AGENT_CLARET wrote: ↑

Tue Dec 13, 2022 7:19 pm

I can't believe no team has scored against Morocco yet in this world cup so far that's quite unbelievable

Their manager was appointed on 31st August, since then he has won 5 games and drawn 3 with only one goal conceded, against Canada in the group stage in a 2-1 win and that goal was an own goal.

Moroccan media and fans were unimpressed with his appointment and nicknamed him "Avocado Head", I am sure they have different feelings now.

Whilst Morocco achieved the feat of being the first African semi finalists, Walid Regragui achieved his own personal feat by becoming the first African manager to qualify for a World Cup Quarter Final and now gone one better with a semi final.

If Morocco do win this World Cup where would it feature in football shocks, the biggest ever?

Don’t want the Argies or Messi who could rival Tom Daley to win.

Will be as funny as Ronaldo getting put out when Messi gets sent home aswell.

A Croatia, Morocco final for me would be lovely. A Morocco win for extra brucie bonus points.

Also find it hilarious that some people have suddenly lost interest in the WC.

Bad luck, Messi scores

Hoping for Croatia or Morocco to go all the way be nice to see a new name on the trophy for a change.

Not sure how the keeper could get out of the way.

No way was the Arg forward getting to his own flick on

Messi pen

ClaretEngineer wrote: ↑

Tue Dec 13, 2022 7:33 pm

Not sure how the keeper could get out of the way.

No way was the Arg forward getting to his own flick on

Agreed

another ridiculous pen given to Argentina, tell me again how FIFA and Qatar aren't in bed together to get a PSG big boy final

Come on chaps let’s not be silly about it, that was as clear as penalty as you’ll see.

claretburns wrote: ↑

Tue Dec 13, 2022 7:25 pm

Their manager was appointed on 31st August, since then he has won 5 games and drawn 3 with only one goal conceded, against Canada in the group stage in a 2-1 win and that goal was an own goal.

Moroccan media and fans were unimpressed with his appointment and nicknamed him "Avocado Head", I am sure they have different feelings now.

Whilst Morocco achieved the feat of being the first African semi finalists, Walid Regragui achieved his own personal feat by becoming the first African manager to qualify for a World Cup Quarter Final and now gone one better with a semi final.

If Morocco do win this World Cup where would it feature in football shocks, the biggest ever?

One heck of a job the Moroccan coach is performing in such a short spell in charge.

The only 2 international triumphs that would remotely rival Morocco winning the World Cup are Denmark )1992) and Greece (2004) lifting the Euro's.

That’s a penalty all day long. I’d be apoplectic if we didn’t get that.

That was a great 2nd goal by Alvarez, long way back for Croatia now.

do Croatia know they are allowed to tackle ?

Comedy defending.

arise_sir_charge wrote: ↑

Tue Dec 13, 2022 7:38 pm

That’s a penalty all day long. I’d be apoplectic if we didn’t get that.

where exactly did you expect the keeper to go ? just because there is contact doesn't mean it's a foul

Argentines a step ahead!

Nori1958 wrote: ↑

Tue Dec 13, 2022 7:16 pm

Would they not have to be semi finalists in order to get to the final?

The commentator reeled off their previous WC finishes and said 2018 semi finalists not finalists.

That’s one of the luckiest goals I can remember. He’s had about 4 perfect bounces go for him in a row there.

That second goal was minging why don’t we get luck like that, bobbles and bounces

Chaotic defending. Pathetic stuff

Croatia need half time, they're falling apart here.

Burnley1989 wrote: ↑

Tue Dec 13, 2022 7:42 pm

That second goal was minging why don’t we get luck like that, bobbles and bounces

Cos of Soufgate.

I wonder why Croatia aren’t playing in their home strip?, it’s not going to clash with Argentina! I suppose it helps shirt sales.

Vegas Claret wrote: ↑

Tue Dec 13, 2022 7:40 pm

where exactly did you expect the keeper to go ? just because there is contact doesn't mean it's a foul

He cleaned him out without getting the ball and Alvarez did try to run round him. It’s 100-% a penalty.

jos wrote: ↑

Tue Dec 13, 2022 7:45 pm

I wonder why Croatia aren’t playing in their home strip?, it’s not going to clash with Argentina! I suppose it helps shirt sales.

Very smart top

arise_sir_charge wrote: ↑

Tue Dec 13, 2022 7:47 pm

He cleaned him out without getting the ball and Alvarez did try to run round him. It’s 100-% a penalty.

he didn't though, keeper doesn't need to get out of the way and had no option to either. Doesn't matter anyway Argentina are battering Croatia tbh

It's never a penalty in a million year's

Never a penalty for me. Where is the keeper meant to go? Alvarez momentum takes him into him. He’s never getting to the ball and the defender clears it.

Peter Walton having an absolute mare.

seems the experts in the studio agree, no surprise Peter Walton disagrees though as he's a ******* clown

It's a penalty all day every day. Asking where the keeper is supposed to go is a stupid question, if he doesn't want to foul him he has to win the ball.

the goalkeeper was stationary when the forward ran into him, walton said the keeper ran into him, no penalty for me.

That was brilliant from Peter Walton and I never thought that’s something I’d be saying in my life. Stood his ground superbly there.

daveisaclaret wrote: ↑

Tue Dec 13, 2022 8:00 pm

It's a penalty all day every day. Asking where the keeper is supposed to go is a stupid question, if he doesn't want to foul him he has to win the ball.

But he’s just stood still? He is allowed to try and make a save. Alvarez’s momentum is what makes it look like a foul.

Vegas Claret wrote: ↑

Tue Dec 13, 2022 7:57 pm

seems the experts in the studio agree, no surprise Peter Walton disagrees though as he's a ******* clown

The “experts” have let themselves down badly there. One glance at social media will tell you that.