2018 World Cup in Russia

Post by **mathusalah80** » July 8, 2018, 1:06 pm

Unfortunately I cannot find Statts post giving his usual unbiased opinion upon Pickford's performance against Sweden last night! :-"

If anyone can find it, please repost for my benefit, as I am most anxious to read of any further Pickford weaknesses, perceived by Statts, during this match, justifying his replacement for the semi final against Croatia!

$\:D/$ $\:D/$

Post by **747man** » July 8, 2018, 1:50 pm

mathusalah80 wrote: ↑
July 8, 2018, 1:06 pm
Unfortunately I cannot find Statts post giving his usual unbiased opinion upon Pickford's performance against Croatia last night! :-" If anyone can find it, please repost for my benefit, as I am most anxious to read of any further Pickford weaknesses, perceived by Statts, during this match, justifying his replacement for the semi final against Croatia! $\:D/$ $\:D/$

Mat,It's because Pickford is an EX Sunderland Man & Now plays for Everton,Statts hates BOTH Of those teams,I Wonder why ??

Post by **747man** » July 8, 2018, 1:52 pm

stattointhailand wrote: ↑
July 7, 2018, 8:40 pm

stattointhailand wrote: ↑
June 27, 2018, 8:57 pm
Whats going on with Thai TV?

All channels working except the three that are licensed to show the World Cup which have bank screens?
They are at it again ...... Thai footie channels all blank again ........ thank god for live streaming

It's On C 34 Amarin with ENGLISH Commentary......

Post by **stattointhailand** » July 8, 2018, 3:58 pm

Having re booted and sat through yet another update (do not switch off your STB) period Channel 34 made a welcom return prior to the England game =D>

As Mat seems so keen to receive an unbiased opinion on Pickfords performance ... here gos

Working on the basis that Steve McMannaman said that he made 3 "great" saves I will look at each individually.

First save had him diving to his left to turn aside a header from near the top of the penalty area. My first reaction was that this was indeed a good save, until you re assessed the facts. The replay on Thai TV showed it from behind the goal and they kindly measured the distance from Pickford to the goal post (2 metres) Given that the ball went closer to Pickford than to the goalpost means that it was under 3 feet to his left or in other words it would have taken half a step to his left to enable him to catch it comfortably and yet Paparazzi Pickford (yet again) had to make a spectacular looking dive..
The second save was in deed a good save low down to his right but even then he pushed it back into the danger area (thankfully cleared by a defender rather than punished by a forward) and to be honest the guy taking the shot should never have given him a chance to make any type of save.
The third and last of his "great" saves was to push a ball that was was already going over the crossbar even further over it

Post by **arjay** » July 8, 2018, 6:17 pm

It seems to me that Pickford along with other members of the English team are continuing to mature and are rising to the occasion very well, quite to the contrary of the criticisms of a certain person!

And may they continue to do so.

Post by **GT93** » July 9, 2018, 7:38 am

I'm thoroughly sick of the sight of highly paid businessmen in shorts moaning at the referees. I'd love to see the refs kicking some arse.

Post by **Laan Yaa Mo** » July 9, 2018, 9:45 am

mathusalah80 wrote: ↑
July 8, 2018, 1:06 pm
Unfortunately I cannot find Statts post giving his usual unbiased opinion upon Pickford's performance against Croatia last night! :-" If anyone can find it, please repost for my benefit, as I am most anxious to read of any further Pickford weaknesses, perceived by Statts, during this match, justifying his replacement for the semi final against Croatia! $\:D/$ $\:D/$

I thought England plays Croatia later in the week. I guess Mathusalah knows something the rest of us don't.

Post by **mathusalah80** » July 9, 2018, 11:13 am

arjay wrote: ↑
July 8, 2018, 6:17 pm
It seems to me that Pickford along with other members of the English team are continuing to mature and are rising to the occasion very well, quite to the contrary of the criticisms of a certain person! And may they continue to do so.

Well written Arjay. At the commencement of the tournament, I wrote that, overall, Southgate had made a fair fist of the difficult task of selecting the English squad. Interestingly, his two major critics, in that regard, and although invited to do so, steadfastly refused to state who THEY would select, preferring to wait until Southgate announced his squad, before voicing their criticisms of his selections! So it has continued with the individual team selections; Pickford being a case in point, where his No.1 critic carefully avoids stating which of the other two goalkeepers HE would select. Of course that would prove embarrassing should HIS choice commit a major error, costing England the game! $\:D/$ Easy to be wise after the event.

Deciding upon which of his three goalkeepers, all seemingly of equal merit, should be his number one,was Southgate's first major test; which I suggest he has come through with flying colours. Additionally, Maguire, (very particularly), Stones, (surprisingly, perhaps), and Lingard, have matured & progressed, beyond recognition, and I consider to be outstanding successes. Trippier & Walker have confirmed their world class status, continuing to perform to a level equal to that of any other players, in the tournament, playing in similar roles. Henderson is, well, just Henderson, and has performed neither better nor worse, than would be expected of him.
On the debit side, I remain firm as regards the areas in which my opinions differ from those of Southgate. So, I consider Sterling to have been, to date, by far the worst performing English player, and an embarrassment, Similarly, I rank Alli as the most consistently anonymous, laziest & ineffective member of the team, when he has played. That these two players should receive priority of selection over, exciting new discoveries, Loftus-Cheek, and Rashford , is something only Southgate can explain. Similarly, given his well earned reputation as one of the best wing backs in the world, and Young's mediocre and tired looking performances in England's last two games, I consider the continuing omission of Rose in favour of Young, arguably, the most inexplicable of Southgate's selections.
No point in discussing Kane who, as usual runs himself into the ground in every game and, forlornly, continues to hope to maybe just once, at some time during the tournament, receive a pass providing him with even half a chance of scoring!!! No evidence to date that any such pass is likely to be forthcoming from Sterling or Alli. Incidentally, Sterling had two opportunities, in each of the last two games to make that pass, but selfishly chose to go for personal glory. Decisions which I suspect would have been different had Loftus-Cheek or Rashford, been involved instead of Sterling. We will never know.
I think Southgate will use his heart, not his brain, to select his team for the semi final. I suspect he will think along the lines of, well. yes, I know there are changes I could make to England's benefit, but I don't have the heart to disappoint them by replacing any of my 'favourite' eleven, at this late stage. So, same old eleven, subject to any injuries.
So, here is hoping Southgate, and his merry gang of warriors can surmount the last two hurdles, to enable them a triumphant return home as Champions, against all the odds. =D> =D> =D>

Post by **caducus** » July 9, 2018, 11:16 am

I am writing (before the identity of the finalists is known) to ask for suggestions as to the best place in urban Udon Thani to watch the World Cup final on Sunday. I would like, if possible, to replicate the atmosphere of the stadium, and that means that I am seeking a place with a truly international and bi-partisan crowd.

Earlier this year, wishing to watch the Premiership, I found that UD Town had the best atmosphere. There was also a rock band playing at the same time, and I found their music far preferable to listening to a commentator telling me the name of each player as he kicked the ball, especially as all players had their names on their backs and I am able to read.

Post by **mathusalah80** » July 9, 2018, 11:43 am

caducus wrote: ↑
July 9, 2018, 11:16 am
I am writing (before the identity of the finalists is known) to ask for suggestions as to the best place in urban Udon Thani to watch the World Cup final on Sunday. I would like, if possible, to replicate the atmosphere of the stadium, and that means that I am seeking a place with a truly international and bi-partisan crowd.
Earlier this year, wishing to watch the Premiership, I found that UD Town had the best atmosphere. There was also a rock band playing at the same time, and I found their music far preferable to listening to a commentator telling me the name of each player as he kicked the ball, especially as all players had their names on their backs and I am able to read.

Caducus, given viewing is free on Thai TV, and the immense interest of the Thai fans in the Tournament, (or maybe the gambling opportunities $\:D/$ $\:D/$ $\:D/$ ), I feel certain you will be able to watch the final at any number of places in your preferred location of UD Town.
There are also three ex-pat venues in soi Sampan, certain to be showing the final.
Happy viewing.

Post by **mathusalah80** » July 9, 2018, 12:39 pm

stattointhailand wrote: ↑
July 8, 2018, 3:58 pm

As Mat seems so keen to receive an unbiased opinion on Pickford's performance ... here gos
Working on the basis that Steve McMannaman said...........

=D> Statts, yet another of your master classes in evasive non response responses. =D>
Thank you for your unsought critique of McManaman's opinion. But,there still remains missing, YOUR opinion of Pickford's OVERALL performance, against Sweden, and indeed Colombia; which, of course, you have not the slightest intention of providing.
So moving on with the obvious queries, which again, you will ignore or prevaricate upon. With which of the other two goalkeepers in the squad would YOU choose to replace Pickford for the semi final, and why?

Perhaps if you refrained from trying to watch three different TV screens, plus all those beautiful young girls [-o< , while imbibing alcohol, as well as trying to play pool, in the Day & Night, you might acquire a kinder and truer perspective of Pickford's abilities! $\:D/$ Just a thought.

Post by **Drunk Monkey** » July 9, 2018, 12:55 pm

DM is heading off so heres a quick early prediction for the semis .

Belg to beat France .... tight call single goal to win it , could well go to extra time as well ??
Eng to beat Croats ...... 3 - 1 to Engerland

Final Belg v Eng ????????????????????????? wait see who is still available for selection after the semis , could make a big difference if yellow cards are dished out tin the semis .

DM

Post by **stattointhailand** » July 9, 2018, 1:09 pm

mathusalah80 wrote: ↑
July 9, 2018, 11:43 am

caducus wrote: ↑
July 9, 2018, 11:16 am
I am writing (before the identity of the finalists is known) to ask for suggestions as to the best place in urban Udon Thani to watch the World Cup final on Sunday. I would like, if possible, to replicate the atmosphere of the stadium, and that means that I am seeking a place with a truly international and bi-partisan crowd.
Earlier this year, wishing to watch the Premiership, I found that UD Town had the best atmosphere. There was also a rock band playing at the same time, and I found their music far preferable to listening to a commentator telling me the name of each player as he kicked the ball, especially as all players had their names on their backs and I am able to read.
Caducus, given viewing is free on Thai TV, and the immense interest of the Thai fans in the Tournament, (or maybe the gambling opportunities $\:D/$ $\:D/$ $\:D/$ ), I feel certain you will be able to watch the final at any number of places in your preferred location of UD Town.
There are also three ex-pat venues in soi Sampan, certain to be showing the final.
Happy viewing.

One of course hopes that whoever the head of Udons BIB currently is, has not had a bad day on the 3rd/4th playoff game the night before and ordered his "boys" to shut down all "entertainment" just as the final goes into extra time

Post by **stattointhailand** » July 9, 2018, 1:16 pm

Couple of "FACTS" that may have slipped past un noticed

Engerland have now scored 4 goals in these finals from corners ......... every other time in history a team has scored 4 or more they have won the competition.

This is the 5th time in World cup history that 4 European sides have contested the Semi finals of a world cup (1934/1966/1982/2006 being the other 4) and on every occasion the winner of the competition has been either Italy or Engerland ........ and Italy are watching on TV $\:D/$ $\:D/$ $\:D/$

Almost forgot .... 2010 Pep working in Spain who win world cup, 2014 Pep working in Germany who win world cup 2018 Pep working in England ...............

Post by **tamada** » July 9, 2018, 4:40 pm

TAXIfor7/11 wrote: ↑
July 8, 2018, 10:44 am
Have to agree with zid,easier than i imagined and if sterling was more clinical could of been a lot easier thought pickford played well,im sure he will go from strength to strength when he signs for a big club soon

Hopefully Stuttering Sterling will be less indecisive against the Croats... he'll need to be. I have seen EPL matches where these legends seem oblivious of anyone in a better position and take a wild belt, sending it wide, over and generally not even close. Against Sweden, it was very much the opposite with NOBODY really willing to let fly while buggering about trying to get a better angle. Then there was Sterling and (I think) Young playing, "You first. No, after you..." with an virtually open goal. Set pieces are nice when the ball finds the back of the net but makes for boring play in between IMHO.

Harry Kane was apparently forced to wear a Romulan cloaking device by the Swedish defence so here's hoping he gets out a bit more against Croatia. He's still leading the Golden Boot stakes and only Lukaku and possibly Griezmann or Mbappe have any chance of pipping him at the post.

Pickford saved at least a couple humdinger's from Berg and looked mature way beyond his years. I was impressed with his apparent retort to a reporter when asked before this game about a victory leading to England's first WC semi-final in 28 years. He commented that happened before he was even born so really couldn't relate. The only thing I didn't like was his penchant in the last 15 minutes or so to come way off his line and well outside the penalty area when the England forwards were pressing. Sweden only needed one of their quick breaks (and they did manage a few of those) and a deftly lobbed ball and he would have been stuffed. Croatia may have noted this too.

Anyhow, Southgate has a great young team and if it all comes together, we could see a rewarding 6 to 8 years of WC and Euro dominance from England and that's never a bad thing.

Post by **marjamlew** » July 10, 2018, 2:01 pm

Come on which one of you silly poms has jumped the gun a possibly mozzed the whole operation? = $\:D/$ $\:D/$

Post by **Zidane** » July 10, 2018, 3:03 pm

Belgium v France tonight,1am Wednesday morning Thai time.
Hazard,de Bruyne,Lukaku and Courtois up against Mbappe,Pogba,Kante and Lloris....promises to be a cracker,on paper anyway.

Post by **stattointhailand** » July 10, 2018, 3:59 pm

Funny how all the "Must have a winter break" junkies have all gone quiet when their one and only reason for having it is proven to be total b*llshit

Post by **stattointhailand** » July 10, 2018, 4:03 pm

Red square is full of Red Black & Gold today and its nothing to do with Belgium
25 planes arrived overnight with all the Germany fans coming for the Semi Final and Final (as they usually do)
They are currently wandering aimlessly around Moscow looking for their team

Post by **Zidane** » July 11, 2018, 10:56 am

France 1 Belgium 0
The match turned out to be a bit disappointing....not that that will bother the French ! Belgium had the majority of possession but failed to do anything with it.Hazard,de Bruyne,Lukaku all failed to rise to the occasion.
Although they only had 36% of the possession,the French had 19 shots at goal to Belgiums 9 but it was Umtitis towering header in the 51st minute that proved decisive.

Now in case anyone out there has forgotten

the second semi final is tonight....England v Croatia,kickoff 1am Thursday morning Thai time.
The main danger to England,as I see it,are Croatias star midfielders Modric and Rakitic.Let them dictate the play and Henderson could be very exposed as the defensive midfielder.Possibly Southgate might try to shore up the midfield by bringing Dier in.Personally,I'd leave out Sterling and push one of Lingard and Alli further up to support Kane.
Unlikely he'll do it....in Gareth we trust

…...hope everyone enjoys the game and we get the right result !

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