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World Cup 2018

I did like Gary Linekers smile at the end!! And well done Korea and Sweden as top of the group lol

Defending champions Germany have been eliminated from the World Cup at the group stages following defeat by South Korea, in one of the biggest shocks in the competition's history.

The four-time winners crashed out in ignominious fashion - conceding twice in injury time as they pressed for the goal which would have sent them through.

In an astonishing and enthralling end to the match, Kim Young-gwon's 92nd-minute goal - which was initially ruled out for offside before being awarded after a video assistant referee decision - left Germany on the brink of elimination.

Worse was to come for the world's number one ranked side, however, when deep into stoppage time and appearing increasingly desperate, goalkeeper Manuel Neuer lost possession in the opponents' half.

Ju Se-jong launched it forward where Son Heung-min tapped into an empty net to score the second.

That prompted jubilant celebrations from the South Koreans, while some Germany fans inside the shocked stadium were left in tears four years after watching their national team lift the trophy in Rio; a competition in which they beat the hosts Brazil 7-1 in the semi-finals.

It is the first time since 1938 that West Germany or the unified Germany team has not advanced beyond the first stage of the tournament - Joachim Low's side finishing bottom of Group F in this edition.

Wednesday's defeat followed their opening loss against Mexico, while it took a dramatic late winner from Toni Kroos to earn them their only points of the group stage against eventual group winners Sweden.

Where did it go wrong for Germany?
Manager Low, who took Germany to World Cup glory in Brazil four years ago, will face strong questions over his selections both for this match and this squad.

He left out Manchester City forward Leroy Sane out of his squad, despite the 22-year-old playing a major role in helping City win the Premier League title, while Mario Gotze, who scored the winner in the 2014 final against Argentina, also missed out.

Against South Korea, Low made five changes, including recalling Arsenal's Mesut Ozil and dropping Thomas Muller, although the Gunners' midfielder did not justify his selection with a poor performance that repeatedly saw him give the ball away.

Low has been in charge of Germany since 2006, taking them to the final of the 2008 European Championships when they lost to Spain and then to become world champions in 2014 as they thrashed hosts Brazil 7-1 in the semi-final before beating Argentina 1-0 in the final.

However, questions will remain over Low's future as well as the international careers of some of their key players.

Neuer is 32, Sami Khedira, 31 with both Ozil and Marco Reus 29 and this may have been the final matches at a World Cup finals in their illustrious careers.

Wasteful Germany's missed chances cost them
With Sweden winning 3-0 against Mexico in the other Group F game, and it being goalless in Kazan, Germany knew they had to score in a frantic finish.

A win for Germany would have edged Mexico out on goal difference - but the drama came at the other end as Kim put the ball into the net, although it was initially ruled out for offside.

However, the VAR review showed the ball had deflected into Kim's path off of a German player - Toni Kroos - and the goal was given.

With Germany desperately looking for a goal to get back in the match, Neuer joined the attack.

But he was caught out as a long ball left Tottenham forward Son with the simple task of walking the ball into the net to spark jubilant celebrations among the Asian side, even though their elimination had already been confirmed.

The Germans will regret their wastefulness in front of goal when the game was goalless.

South Korea's goalkeeper Cho Hyeon-woo made a fine one-handed save from Leon Goretzka's header and Timo Werner volleyed wide from near the penalty shot.

Mats Hummels headed over the top when unmarked six yards out in the closing stages, before South Korea's two late goals.

It means Germany's hopes of becoming the first team to retain the World Cup since Brazil's victories in 1958 and 1962 ended in embarrassing fashion.

South Korea out, but still celebrate a memorable win
South Korea went into the match with no points from their opening two games after losing 1-0 to Sweden and 2-1 to Mexico.

However, they had a mathematical chance of qualifying for the last 16 for only the third time in 10 competition appearances, although they needed Mexico to beat Sweden.

South Korea had the first chance when Jung Woo-young's free-kick was fumbled by Neuer, who punched clear bravely as Son tried to convert the rebound.

The Tottenham forward also lashed a volley wide when it was goalless, before being booked in the second half as referee Mark Geiger thought he had dived in an attempt to win a penalty.

Even though the score in Ekaterinburg ended South Korea's hopes of going through, they still sensed a memorable win over Germany.

The team ranked 57th in the world achieved that victory thanks to the two late goals, both of which were celebrated as if they had qualified themselves.

'This will fall on Joachim Low' - analysis
Football journalist Archie Rhind-Tutt on BBC Radio 5 live

This will fall on Joachim Low for the way he organised the team," said Rhind-Tutt. "There was no real balance to the side. The players will take a hammering but most of it will be for Low.

I think they underestimated South Korea and it didn't make sense to put Sami Khedira and Mesut Ozil back in. A terrible day for Germany."

Former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton on 5 live

I did not see it coming. I thought Germany would've brought the momentum from the Sweden game into today, but they started so slowly without any intensity.

Why was Manuel Neuer ahead of two forwards for the second goal? He is a loose cannon. What was he doing playing on the left wing? He is a goalkeeper, why is he in that position? It was an open goal for Son and the Germans have got what they deserve.
 
from BBC

Germany manager Joachim Low says his side deserved to go out of the World Cup after they crashed out in the group stage in "historic" fashion.

The defending champions finished bottom of Group F after losing 2-0 to South Korea, the first time Germany have gone out in the first round of a World Cup since 1938.

"This is something for us to reckon with," Low said.

"This is historic. I am sure this will create some public uproar in Germany."

Sweden won the group with a 3-0 win over Mexico at the same time, which meant Germany needed to win their game in Kazan.

"We saw Sweden had taken the lead so we needed to keep the pressure up but our team was missing the ease of play and the classiness we usually have. So, we deserve to be eliminated, yes," said Low, who has been in charge for 12 years.

"At this tournament we didn't deserve to win again or move to the round of 16. We were eliminated not because we didn't want to win but we never had the chance to take a lead at any point - we were always lagging behind, trying to keep up."

Both of the South Korean goals came in injury time. Kim Young-gwon scored from close range, a goal initially disallowed for offside but then awarded after video assistant referee consultation.

And with goalkeeper Manuel Neuer losing the ball in South Korea's half, Ju Se-jong found Son Heung-min with a long ball and the Tottenham forward tapped into an empty net.

Germany's seismic exit
  • This is only the second time that Germany have been eliminated in the first round at a World Cup, with the last occasion back in 1938 before the tournament introduced group stages
  • Germany had reached at least the semi-final in their last four World Cups - getting to the final twice
  • This is only their third time not reaching the last four since 1978, with quarter-final exits in 1994 and 1998 their worst runs in the following 40 years
  • Germany are the fourth defending champions to be eliminated from the group stage at the World Cup in the last five tournaments (also France 2002, Italy 2010, Spain 2014)
  • This is the first time Germany have not beaten an Asian team in the World Cup, winning the previous five meetings by an aggregate scoreline of 19-3
 
Gareth Southgate: Should England manager make changes?

I want to see Kane play so he gets a chance to score more goals as i want anyone and anbody and kane in particular to win the Golden Boot and keep it from smug Ronaldo who should have been sent off in his last game if the referee had any guts! And he should play a strong team.

England confirmed their place in the World Cup last 16 with the emphatic 6-1 win over Panama in Nizhny Novgorod - and will be joined by Belgium from Group G.

The two sides meet in the final group game in Kaliningrad on Thursday to decide who will top the table, with the result mapping out their subsequent routes through Russia.

It is not a dead rubber - but will England manager Gareth Southgate be tempted to make wholesale changes after opening the World Cup campaign with wins against Tunisia and Panama?

Should Gareth Southgate stick?
Striker Marcus Rashford (left) is one option for Southgate against Belgium
There is an unquestionable temptation to rotate an England team that has played two games in searing heat in Volgograd and Nizhny Novogorod and has also picked up knocks along the way.

England, however, are picking up momentum and confidence from those two opening victories so Southgate might risk disturbing those key elements should he shuffle his pack.

And momentum is a key factor in tournament football. History is littered with teams who have picked up momentum continuously throughout World Cups and Euros and charted a path to glory.

England also have a rhythm about their play that should only increase with selection consistency. These players are at home with each other and important details like England's set-pieces, such a rich source so far here in Russia, are superbly grooved.

The biggest decision Southgate may have to make is over Harry Kane, who has emerged as England's most significant figure, an inspirational captain who is currently the tournament's leading goalscorer with five goals.

Kane is England's talisman and he is highly unlikely to want to sit out the game with Belgium given its importance and also his desire, stated openly with great confidence before the game with Tunisia, to claim the Golden Boot as the World Cup's top marksman.

He also only played 63 minutes against Panama in the taxing temperatures, removed and replaced by Jamie Vardy after completing his hat-trick, so it is highly unlikely Kane will be jaded or feeling the pace.
The other factor in the equation is the next step on the road to Moscow in this World Cup - with some discussing whether England might be better off finishing second in some sort of bizarre race to the bottom against an under-strength Belgium.

If England draw in Kaliningrad, the table-toppers will be decided by the countries' respective disciplinary record, with Belgium on three yellow cards compared to the Three Lions' two. If this is level lots will be drawn.

If Brazil win their group, and Germany finish second in Group F, they will meet in the last 16 - the winners would then face England if Southgate's team win both their group and their last 16 tie. Finish second and the likes of Switzerland and Mexico come into the equation.

England's catastrophe under then manager Roy Hodgson at Euro 2016 will still be fresh in the memory. One of the big turning points in France was his inexplicable decision to make six changes for the final group game against Slovakia - England's failure to win meant Wales topped the group and went on to the semi-finals.

If Southgate sticks, he is putting down a marker that England mean business and there will be no slackening of the pace. It will send out the strongest message that he believes this is an England team for all occasions.

And there is room for Southgate to make sensible changes rather than wholesale alterations and still field a strong England side.

And this is why "stick" is surely Southgate's best option.

Should Southgate twist?
Southgate's side will take top spot in Group G with victory over Belgium
England's squad has plenty of talent that has yet to be used and game time might be vital for each member of the squad as the World Cup progresses.

Southgate has stressed how keen he is to keep all squad members involved and spirits will certainly be lifted by giving players on the margins an even bigger feel of the World Cup environment by rewarding them a starting place.

For all the talk of England's great unity within the squad, and this is definitely the case, there is no doubt playing actual matches is what they are here for. Every player wants more than the role of cheerleader and will be desperate to grab any chance they can, perhaps even staking a claim for the later stages.

Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold has shown superb temperament and it makes sense for him to replace the outstanding Kieran Tripper, who had his thigh strapped after he was substituted against Panama.

Trippier has been a real success story out here and he will be vital in the knockout stages. No risks there.

Eric Dier may also be needed as a second midfield pivot alongside Jordan Henderson against better opposition so Southgate might welcome the chance to play him in. Gary Cahill would represent little risk of weakening the side in central defence while Danny Welbeck has proved he can score goals at England level - even if he does not pose the same threat as Kane.

And while Kane will want to be in from the start with his form so good and his ambition so high, there is a real temptation for Southgate to want to keep some gas in the tank.

Ashley Young, at 32, has a strength-sapping role as wing-back on the left side so it might be prudent to rest tired legs there and give Danny Rose, who had a truncated season at Tottenham, valuable game time.

Southgate will also have the long game in the back of his mind so will be considering the dangers of over-exertion, even if every player will be desperate to play every game they can.

It is a very delicate balance and one Southgate will have weighed up with his trusted England backroom team before deciding which way to go.
 

Trick-or-Treat Stevens

'The Lovely Michelle'
Who do you think will win? Germany
drapeaugermany.gif

Shows what little this American knows. :fp:

Good win today for Sweden.
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Emelee

Telly Talk Warrior
It's the curse! Almost every team that won the previous World Cup gets eliminated in the group matches.

Whoever wins this World Cup: prepare for a bad tournament in 2022!
 
What a great young player he is and what a future he looks set to have, very imoressive

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44439354

Kylian Mbappe announced himself on football's biggest stage with two fine goals that gave France victory in a classic World Cup encounter with Argentina, and a place in the quarter-finals.

Though much of the focus before the game was on Argentina superstar Lionel Messi, it was Mbappe who produced a brilliant performance that will linger long in the memory.

Mbappe's second-half double turned the game decisively in France's favour, and inflicted more pain on Argentina in what may be their final chance to win the World Cup during Messi's prime.

In doing so, the 19-year-old became the first teenager to score two in a World Cup match since Pele netted twice for Brazil against Sweden in the 1958 final.

Antoine Griezmann had already hit the bar with a free-kick by the time he put France ahead from the penalty spot in the ninth minute, following a searing Mbappe run that was ended by a clumsy Marcos Rojo foul.

Argentina looked unable to reply for much of the first half, until Angel di Maria hauled his side level with a stunning long-range curler shortly before the break.

Gabriel Mercado diverted a Messi shot past Hugo Lloris to give Jorge Sampaoli's side the lead.

But Benjamin Pavard's stunning strike levelled the scores, and 11 minutes later Mbappe had scored twice - two clinical finishes that ensured the 2014 beaten finalists would be going home at the last 16.

For the first he swept body and ball into space before driving past Franco Armani to score, while the second was swept in crisply at the end of a counter-attack as Argentina chased another leveller.

Substitute Sergio Aguero did get a late consolation - a low header from a pin-point Messi cross in the 93rd minute.

But this defeat will raise many questions, including about Messi's international future, and that of manager Sampaoli.

France, meanwhile, will go on to play Uruguay or Portugal, who meet in Sochi on Saturday at 19:00 BST.

Les Bleus warming to Russia after sluggish start
Despite their obvious attacking talent, there were still plenty of questions around this France team after a group phase during which they never really hit their stride.

Les Bleus qualified comfortably as Group C winners but laboured to a win over Australia, beat Peru unconvincingly then played out a dire draw with Denmark, the only 0-0 of the tournament so far.

They must have just been waiting for the knockout stage to start, because here we finally witnessed the kind of blistering display many expected sooner, with Mbappe the embodiment.

His run for the penalty was sensational, pure athleticism coupled with bravery and belief as he drove past defender after defender; all Rojo could do was haul him down. His two goals were not bad either.

Responding to concerns about his team's style, manager Didier Deschamps had made the point that under his watch tournament progress is only building in momentum.

In 2014 there was the World Cup quarter-final loss to winners Germany, then the Euro 2016 final defeat by Portugal in extra time.

And the Portuguese could be next for a team looking very dangerous indeed.

What now for Messi and Sampaoli?
This is an Argentina team around which there seem to have been so many major issues, with rumours of dressing room discontent, reports Messi was calling the shots in team selection, and a sense they were simply not getting the best from the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.

During the nine minutes after the Mercado goal that put them ahead early in the second half, all was forgotten in the stands packed with light-blue-and-white striped shirts.

But Mbappe's brilliance - after Pavard's stunning equalising goal - brought them crashing back to reality.

That reality is this could well be the end for a generation that has failed to win a major title despite promising so much.

This last-16 exit follows three consecutive defeats in major finals - the World Cup in 2014, the Copa America in 2015, and the special centenary Copa America in 2016.

After that third final defeat, Messi announced his retirement, before changing his mind a month later. Six days ago he turned 31.

Following the final whistle here, all of the Argentina players lingered long on the pitch, only leaving after France had. Messi was first down the tunnel, with his head bowed and the captain's armband in his hands.

Man of the match - Kylian Mbappe (France)
upload_2018-6-30_18-13-46.gif
Kylian Mbappe became the first teenager to score multiple goals in a World Cup tournament since Michael Owen for England in 1998
'I won't decide my future today' - what they said
Argentina boss Jorge Sampaoli: "This is very painful, especially because the players have made a huge effort.

"It was a very difficult game but we have not achieved our goal here in Russia. I'm sad, I'm frustrated - I think that's quite normal.

"I won't decide my future today."

France boss Didier Deschamps: "Our team is much younger, but it's there. We answered the call, we have a lot of character and it was not easy as we were leading, then there was an equaliser, then we were 2-1 behind, but we kept fighting.

"There is an excellent mentality in this group and we did everything to go further. Since I am responsible for everything, particularly when it doesn't go well, I'm very proud."

Man of the match Kylian Mbappe: "It's flattering to be the second teenager to score twice in a World Cup match after Pele but let's put things in context. Pele is another category, but it's good to be among these people.

"As I've already and always said, at a World Cup you have all the top-level players, so it's an opportunity to show what you can do and what your abilities are. There's no better place than a World Cup."

Messi yet to score in World Cup knockout stage - the stats
  • Messi has played 756 minutes of football in World Cup knockout-stage matches, but has failed to score.
  • Messi is the only player to have delivered an assist in each of the past four World Cups.
  • This was just the fifth time Argentina have conceded four or more goals in a World Cup match, and first since losing 4-0 to Germany in the 2010 quarter-finals.
  • France scored with all four of their shots on target. They had scored three goals from 12 shots on target in the group stages.
  • There were eight yellow cards, equalling the most shown in a single game so far at the 2018 World Cup (also Belgium v Panama).
  • Seven of the eight shots on target were scored, with the exception Messi's in the 85th minute.
  • France have never lost an international match in which Griezmann has scored.
  • At 30.16 yards, Di Maria's equaliser for Argentina was the longest-range goal scored so far in the 2018 World Cup.
  • Pavard's goal was his first for France, in his ninth appearance.
 

Emelee

Telly Talk Warrior
Messi & Ronaldo out. Was this the last day they played in their national teams? Or at least, their last World Cup?

France is looking quite good, but can they keep it up?

Sweden, Switzerland, England & Colombia are in the "easy" group. 4 teams that are more like B-teams will fight for 1 spot in the semifinals. I think it will be between Switzerland & England.

1st quarterfinal match decided. France against Uruguay. But will Cavanni play that match? He was limping out today. Uruguay is much weakened without him. Meanwhile, France has a very play-happy M'bappé.
 

Emelee

Telly Talk Warrior
Spain is out after a seriously inefficient match against Russia. They had an 80% ball possession, but couldn't do anything with it. How deeply disappointing. :fp:

Only 2 of my favorite teams remain; Denmark & Sweden. I assume Denmark will lose against Croatia later tonight. :(

Who am I supposed to root for in the quarterfinals now??? France? Mbappé is a very interesting player.
 
I had Spain down as one to make the semis at least and im not sure how they didnt win given the amount of possession they had

hey ho! I havent a clue who will win it now!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44591345

Hosts Russia sprang a huge surprise as they beat 2010 winners Spain in the first penalty shootout of the 2018 World Cup to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in 48 years.

After extra-time ended with the score locked at 1-1, goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev was Russia's penalty hero, denying Koke and then Iago Aspas to spark scenes of delirious celebration at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium.

His opposite number, David de Gea, got a hand to the first spot-kick he faced - from Fedor Smolov - but that was the closest he came to making a save as the Russians converted their remaining penalties in clinical fashion.

Stanislav Cherchesov's side, at 70 the lowest ranked team in the competition and 60 places below Spain, now face Croatia or Denmark in the last eight in Sochi on Saturday.

Their unlikely progress is a reward for their resolute defending for most of the 120 minutes of play and should reflect the part played by their thousands of fans who roared them on throughout their defensive masterclass.

Admittedly there were few signs of the Spanish struggles to come when Sergey Ignashevich inadvertently gave Fernando Hierro's side a a 12th-minute lead.

The veteran Russian defender, who turns 39 later this month, put through his own net as he tried to stop Sergio Ramos reaching Marco Asensio's free-kick at the far post.

But Spain failed to turn their overwhelming dominance of possession into further chances and paid the price before half-time, when Artem Dzyuba's header from a corner hit Gerard Pique's outstretched arm.

Dzyuba stepped up himself to send De Gea the wrong way from the spot and the stadium went wild, not for the last time on a tumultuous evening.

The pattern of play did not change after the break, with Spain trying to pass their way through the ranks of Russia's packed defence, but lacking the imagination to fashion a serious shooting chance.

Only Andres Iniesta threatened to break the deadlock for Spain when he was belatedly summoned from the bench and the volume inside the Luzhniki increased as the Russian fans sensed their side could cling on.

When Spain did manage a sight of goal, at the start of the second period of extra-time, Akinfeev denied Rodrigo to ensure the game would go to penalties, where he would have the final say.

'1,006 passes but only one goal - and a defeat' - the stats
  • Spain completed 1006 passes in this match, only 21 fewer than Russia have completed in their four World Cup matches (1027).
  • Russia have reached the quarter-final of the World Cup for the first time since the breakup of the Soviet Union.
  • Spain have lost three of their four World Cup penalty shootouts (1986 v Belgium, 2002 v South Korea and in this match).
  • Artem Dzyuba has scored with all three of his shots on target at the 2018 World Cup.
  • Russia's veteran defender Sergei Ignashevich became the oldest player to score an own goal at the World Cup, aged 38 years and 352 days.
  • Ignashevich's own goal for Russia was the 10th own goal scored at the 2018 World Cup - double the number scored at the 2014 World Cup.
  • Including the penalty shootout in this match, Spain goalkeeper David De Gea made just one save in his four matches at the 2018 World Cup.
  • Although Spain led for 29 minutes and 52 seconds in the first half (between the 12th and 41st minutes), they did not attempt their first shot at goal until the 45th minute.
  • Sergio Ramos made his 17th appearance for Spain at the World Cup in this game, a record for an outfield Spanish player and equalling the overall record held by goalkeeper Iker Casillas.
 
And the Oscar for the best

Acting

Diving

Rolling over in Agony as if mortally wounded

Clutching any part of body no where near where he was touched

Should get a yellow card for all of the above

the winner - opens enveloppe

goes to .............................................................

...........................................................................

..........................................................................

NEYMAR!
Academy_Award_trophy.jpg
 

Emelee

Telly Talk Warrior
And the Oscar for the best
Acting
Diving
Rolling over in Agony as if mortally wounded
Clutching any part of body no where near where he was touched
Should get a yellow card for all of the above
the winner - opens enveloppe

goes to .............................................................

...........................................................................

..........................................................................

NEYMAR!
Academy_Award_trophy.jpg

...and his award reel submission:

 
Not the greatest game of football last night

Colombia were dirty and lucky they didnt get a player sent off

Harry Kane was wrestled to the ground so often I thought i was watching a wrestling match

I actually couldnt watch the penalties after 1990 and 1996 my nerves couldnt take it

Delighted England won but they need to up the game next match

and i have listened to this all day in the car to and from work - my fav footie song and loved New Order

 

Long Lashes

Telly Talk Enforcer
I actually couldnt watch the penalties after 1990 and 1996 my nerves couldnt take it
I watched through my fingers :lol: it felt surreal that England finally won a penalty shoot out.


Colombia were dirty and lucky they didnt get a player sent off
Luckily for Columbia the referee was lenient.
I sometimes feel sorry for the losing team, but I had no sympathy for Columbia due to the way they played - scuffing up the penalty spot. head-butting, fouling, constantly surrounding the referee, intimidation etc.


Delighted England won but they need to up the game next match
Hopefully winning last night and with that mighty save from Jordan Pickford will give this young team a confidence boost. They have already far succeeded what I thought they would achieve.



I am particularly pleased for this guy...

inggris-tebas-kutukan-adu-penalti-238x178.jpg


Gareth Southgate has got to be one of the nicest and unassuming England Managers we've had.



Also this chap...

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Harry Kane the cool, calm captain.



The hero of the night ...

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Jordan Pickford who made the crucial save.



Well done England! :hats:

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