Morocco v France

[Swizzlestick]

Senegal played well for half an hour, didn’t score, and we ended up winning comfortably - the rewriting of history by Southgate’s detractors is par for the course though, so there’s no point even carrying on the debate.

[Rileybobs]

FWIW I fully expect Zaroury to make his debut for Morocco on Saturday.

If he doesn't, then he should refuse to ever be selected again!

Really?

[Tall Paul]

FWIW I fully expect Zaroury to make his debut for Morocco on Saturday.

If he doesn't, then he should refuse to ever be selected again!

He's already made his debut, in a pre-WC friendly.

[Cirrus_Minor]

I will be glad when the whole thing is over.

[CrosspoolClarets]

England would have beaten this Morocco side fairly easily. The French defenders panic, as against us, which gave them a chance, but in other games they have sat back and relied on a defensive system with fast break aways. England would have kept the ball, starved them of it, and because we don’t go gung ho they wouldn’t have rampaged all over us on the break. The times they would have got chances they aren’t good at finishing. We’d have just picked them off.

At the end of the day our squad is worth about 5 times what theirs is.

[Hibsclaret]

My Mrs just said that France are like the new Germany. Find a way with more than a touch of luck. I’d say that’s pretty much it tbh. Hopefully the Messi genius will sort them at the weekend.

[NRC]

Zaroury should come back to the Belgian team if he doesn't get a game on Saturday.... be part of their new generation

[Hbclaret007]

France have ridden their luck tonight and against England. All the bounces have gone their way. Both goals tonight perfect examples.

110 percent! There have been too many lucky teams, Liverpool in the 80s, Man U in the 90s, Germany, Italy and Brazil. Football is all about luck and until we start producing some, we will win nothing. If Kane hadn't been unlucky, we would have won the world cup...

[fidelcastro]

Really?

I'm not sure which bit you're chortling at.

Is it it because you don't expect him to play? Or is it because I don't see what benefit he gets from being an unused sub for an entire tournament?

[fidelcastro]

He's already made his debut, in a pre-WC friendly.

I'll take your word for it... And belatedly amend my post to World Cup debut!

[Rileybobs]

I'm not sure which bit you're chortling at.

Is it it because you don't expect him to play? Or is it because I don't see what benefit he gets from being an unused sub for an entire tournament?

He was called up as the 26th member of a squad. 3 other players also didn't play. It seems like he's had a whale of a time. Why on earth would he refuse to ever be selected again if he's not picked for the 3rd place play-off? Surely you don't behave this irrationally when things don't go exactly to plan in your life?

[Tribesmen]

I’m going for Argentina to see the greatest ever lift the trophy

That has already happened with Diego

[tiger76]

Strange game last night France 2nd best for large periods again, but just like against England they rode their luck and scored at vital moments.

Not really fussed about who wins between Argentina and France.

Hopefully AZ may get some gametime in the 3rd/4th PO, even if that's a pointless game normally.

[fatboy47]

England would have beaten this Morocco side fairly easily. The French defenders panic, as against us, which gave them a chance, but in other games they have sat back and relied on a defensive system with fast break aways. England would have kept the ball, starved them of it, and because we don’t go gung ho they wouldn’t have rampaged all over us on the break. The times they would have got chances they aren’t good at finishing. We’d have just picked them off.

At the end of the day our squad is worth about 5 times what theirs is.

A bit like injured Burnley midfielders, this England side gets way better with every game it doesn't play.

[fidelcastro]

He was called up as the 26th member of a squad. 3 other players also didn't play. It seems like he's had a whale of a time. Why on earth would he refuse to ever be selected again if he's not picked for the 3rd place play-off? Surely you don't behave this irrationally when things don't go exactly to plan in your life?

I don't see what's irrational about going to a world cup and not playing a single minute, even in a relatively unimportant 3rd/4th place game, especially when he could be at home playing for his club where he was playing extremely well.

It's all academic if he does play on Saturday, but if he doesn't, surely he has to wonder when he ever will!

[Rileybobs]

I don't see what's irrational about going to a world cup and not playing a single minute, even in a relatively unimportant 3rd/4th place game, especially when he could be at home playing for his club where he was playing extremely well.

It's all academic if he does play on Saturday, but if he doesn't, surely he has to wonder when he ever will!

I think that's being very premature. I'm sure Zaroury has had a great experience whether he gets on or not. And I don't think the Moroccan's will be treating the 3rd place play off as unimportant.

[claretonthecoast1882]

If James Maddison announced today that he is retiring from International football he would be labelled a smacked arse and a quitter.

Due to it suiting us a player should announce he isn't available for selection due to not getting any game time after being called up as a last minute replacement.

[Ric_C]

Another WC gone begging for England. It was there for the taking, as was the Euros.

Never thought I'd say this but I want Argentina to win the final, as it would be a fitting end to an amazing career for Messi, and it would massively **** Ronaldo off

[tiger76]

Another WC gone begging for England. It was there for the taking, as was the Euros.

Never thought I'd say this but I want Argentina to win the final, as it would be a fitting end to an amazing career for Messi, and it would massively **** Ronaldo off

Definitely agree with you on the Euro's, and the last 2 World Cups have also seen many favoured struggle to make the expected impact.

England have improved under Southgate, however it's taking that final step to actually lifting a trophy that's still proving elusive, despite international football lacking many nations of genuine quality these days.

This French side with the expectation of 2-3 players are ordinary, however they have a winning mentality which England don't yet possess and possibly never will.

Regarding the Messi/Ronaldo debate this WC has seen one drag his side to the final virtually single-handedly, while the other has managed to fall out with his international coach and seen himself consigned to the bench.

[CleggHall]

Ronaldo and Bale had shocking world cups whilst Maguire hit his peak!

[CoolClaret]

There is no such thing as luck.

[RVclaret]

There is no such thing as luck.

Of course there is.

We were lucky to not have a penalty awarded against us in the first minute the other day, we were also lucky to gain a fk that resulted in our goal.

What else would you call it?

[dougcollins]

Of course there is.

We were lucky to not have a penalty awarded against us in the first minute the other day, we were also lucky to gain a fk that resulted in our goal.

What else would you call it?

It's definitely the kind of 'luck' we never used to get in the PL.

[RVclaret]

It's definitely the kind of 'luck' we never used to get in the PL.

Agree!

[CleggHall]

It was not luck but poor decision making by the referee, there’s a lot of it about!

[RVclaret]

It was not luck but poor decision making by the referee, there’s a lot of it about!

Correct, but it’s by definition lucky for the team that decision favours.

Likewise, if a team misses 5 open goals and loses a game 1-0, its shocking finishing by this team, but you’d also say the other team got quite a lucky win.

[CoolClaret]

Correct, but it’s by definition lucky for the team that decision favours.

Likewise, if a team misses 5 open goals and loses a game 1-0, its shocking finishing by this team, but you’d also say the other team got quite a lucky win.

It's not a real thing, it isn't quantifiable in anyway shape or form... At best's as you described it's a way of summarising likely/unlikely outcomes/events but it's all probability & chances.

There are some folk that genuinely believe in 'luck' as though it's some sort of hidden/magical power