He does have a mistake in him, but he's actually had a really good tournament thus far.
Day 26: England vs Croatia Waist Coat Semi-Final
- Thread starter K2K
- Start date
It's a homecoming for football.
50-50. England to win fingers crossed, but I still think Croatia will just edge it in the end by a very fine margin. Modric and Rakitic will most likely turn the screws on and that means big trouble for England.
That said, I reckon the pressure will be atypically on Croatia and they do have a history of bottling it when it matters. Deep down they know their run is not going to be repeated in four years time with their talisman Modric unlikely to feature again. Meanwhile, this England team seem to be just enjoying it knowing that they've way exceeded expectations and this factor alone could work massively in their favour.
That said, I reckon the pressure will be atypically on Croatia and they do have a history of bottling it when it matters. Deep down they know their run is not going to be repeated in four years time with their talisman Modric unlikely to feature again. Meanwhile, this England team seem to be just enjoying it knowing that they've way exceeded expectations and this factor alone could work massively in their favour.
Starting to get nervous already. Please win this lads!
Let's hope this doesn't come back to bite .
Please win so I can bet my money on a France win so that if England does lose in a final it'll be more bittersweet than eternally depressing.
England in a world cup final would be a historic day for the nation regardless of result.
I never believe in jinxes and I'm never afraid to be quoted for futur laughes. It's what the caf is all about
Rumours Brozović iz starting instead of Perišić and Badelj in the middle.
I think England will win 2-1. Sterling to get off the mark.
England has that history too. As for 4 years time I bet we'll have a few talented players in 4 years ready to take over. Of course you can't replace Modrić but every now and then some gem pops out somehow.
Well done kate on reminding us of a joke from the 70s
True, but what I was trying to say is that the situation this England side have found themselves in is unique because no one expected them to go this far, whereas it was the complete opposite with England teams of yesteryear where it was all pressure to succeed and tense and edgy. I just think this 'enjoying the ride' mentality, taken aboard by the whole country it seems, could work in England's favour despite tomorrow being their most important game for almost three decades.
That goes without saying on Croatia and I don't know much about Croatian football, but most often than not a country (especially smaller ones) needs that special footballer in the mould of Modric to go far in a major tournament. This is best exemplified by Ronaldo with Portugal two years ago. I'm not saying it won't happen again when the next World Cup comes around, Croatia have always produced excellent footballers, but I'd have to say it'll be pretty unlikely.
Where's the poll?
Yeah, true.
We're mostly in enjoying the ride mode too. If it happens it happens. We really have a good generation and it would be immense if we could go all the way. Even if we lose tomorrow being in the semis is a huge success for such a small country imo. Of course when you go that far you want to win it but I dont think people will be too critical or so I hope.
I just can't imagine winning it.
Literally took the words out of my mouth
If that's the case then I just hope tomorrow will be a good game with both sides trying to win instead of trying not to lose, if you know what I mean. On a more personal note, Croatia this World Cup have won me thousands in bets over the course, so there's also a small part of me that wants Croatia to go all the way!Yeah, true.
We're mostly in enjoying the ride mode too. If it happens it happens. We really have a good generation and it would be immense if we could go all the way. Even if we lose tomorrow being in the semis is a huge success for such a small country imo. Of course when you go that far you want to win it but I dont think people will be too critical or so I hope.
I just can't imagine winning it.
If England lose we’ll get another meaningless game between England and Belgium at a World Cup finals. Crazy.
Haha great stuff, I hope you enjoyed spending it.If that's the case then I just hope tomorrow will be a good game with both sides trying to win instead of trying not to lose, if you know what I mean. On a more personal note, Croatia this World Cup have won me thousands in bets over the course, so there's also a small part of me that wants Croatia to go all the way!
I think England will win. It will be a tough match if Croatia play well on the night.
Score Prediction: England 2-1 Croatia
Score Prediction: England 2-1 Croatia
Is that supposedly down to injury? They'd be insane not to play Perisic if he's available.
Ta.
Concern for England will be whether Henderson gets enough support against Croatia midfield - will other players drop? Are they disciplined? Can't see Southgate will change the team but if they're ok in the middle, think they win it.
@Invictus was right, you are on top of the tags haha
Starting to get a little nervous, actually, which surprises me. I really find this hard to predict.
I try to be
Do or do not, there is no try
I'll be happy with Perisic not playing to be honest. I'd be more worried if he played just off Mandzukic.
Don't know. Maybe just rumours. I reckon he'll start with only Brozović or Badelj instead of Kramarić.
Surprised Perisic is getting the hook but guess in knock outs he's been underwhelming.
Can see plenty of logic in Croatia going with 4 ball playing CMs. Keep the ball off England and see how they react to it is worth the gamble and you have decent impact subs aswell.
Perisic lacks end product but England can be got at defensively. I think that's a mistake if true. Obviously he's going for control of the midfield.
Sure, that could work for them, but if they send their team out with no serious threat then what happens when they go an early goal down? Possession for the sake of possession is meaningless, as we well know from the dark LvG days.
0-0 at half time would be fine for Croatia.
I think thing here is to make sure Rakitic and Modric do as little running and work near their own box as possible. They have played 240 minutes in last 10 days after all so tired legs now. Get them both as close to English box as possible as I'm sure some of their quick 1-2s will open up the English defence and give chances for Rebic/Perisic and Mandzukic.
It won't be a flat 4 lined up by their own penalty area.
I hope modric doesnt decide to have a good game, so far he's been useless.
He was excellent in the group and didn't do badly against Russia. I don't single him out as the best player in the cup as others have done but he's not been useless.
you're always shining in my eyes
Before the semi was announced for England and Croatia I believed England would not get past Croatia.
I just felt with Croatia's midfield and their ability to out pass us may have worked in their favour on counters.
Now that I have looked at it again, I just see a Croatian team that haven't played great always and have gone 2 pens in a row which will take it's toll.
Out of the 4 goals they have conceded, 3 have come from set pieces and they are playing a team who are masters of the set piece in this tournament.
I see nothing but an England win, all the momentum is with England.
I just felt with Croatia's midfield and their ability to out pass us may have worked in their favour on counters.
Now that I have looked at it again, I just see a Croatian team that haven't played great always and have gone 2 pens in a row which will take it's toll.
Out of the 4 goals they have conceded, 3 have come from set pieces and they are playing a team who are masters of the set piece in this tournament.
I see nothing but an England win, all the momentum is with England.
Except for when I'm conceding 500 goals in haxball