Semi Finals: Argentina vs Croatia | Eng... France vs Morocco

[tjb]

France when attacking are probably the most exciting national team we've seen in a while. They have a lot of quick combinations and they can do it all over the pitch. They have speed as well, whilst having a good target man. They are balanced in attack.

Defensively, people need to understand that Theo Hernandez actually did a decent job on Saturday. Personally, the barge felt like a slightly cheap penalty. However the issue on Saturday was Upemacano. He was terrible, both on and off the ball. Luckily for France, there are other centre backs available. Saliba and Konate are both better players anyway. I really have no clue as to why Deschamps even plays him.

 

[Lost bear]

France when attacking are probably the most exciting national team we've seen in a while. They have a lot of quick combinations and they can do it all over the pitch. They have speed as well, whilst having a good target man. They are balanced in attack.

Defensively, people need to understand that Theo Hernandez actually did a decent job on Saturday. Personally, the barge felt like a slightly cheap penalty. However the issue on Saturday was Upemacano. He was terrible, both on and off the ball. Luckily for France, there are other centre backs available. Saliba and Konate are both better players anyway. I really have no clue as to why Deschamps even plays him.

Interesting the ways in which humans see the same event so differently. That penalty to me appeared as clear as day- shoulder, yes … but right in the back. Fully unambiguous. But what would we talk about on the caf without it, eh? The eye of the beholder.

 

[DJ_21]

Anyone fancy Croatia against Argentina? Wouldn’t be surprised to see another 0-0 and a penalty shootout.

 

[TheNewEra]

France when attacking are probably the most exciting national team we've seen in a while. They have a lot of quick combinations and they can do it all over the pitch. They have speed as well, whilst having a good target man. They are balanced in attack.

Defensively, people need to understand that Theo Hernandez actually did a decent job on Saturday. Personally, the barge felt like a slightly cheap penalty. However the issue on Saturday was Upemacano. He was terrible, both on and off the ball. Luckily for France, there are other centre backs available. Saliba and Konate are both better players anyway. I really have no clue as to why Deschamps even plays him.

Stone wall penalty. If someone barges into your back with force so you fall to the floor with their full weight behind the barge. Would you say its soft that you go to ground?

It's stupid by Theo, because that level of stupidity can cost you a World Cup. It's not clever defending, it's a bonehead move. Theo lost Mount and he panicked.

Theo is lucky that Kane missed. I personally feel like Deschamps needs to say to the team for the next two games, don't commit any stupid fouls. Don't tackle from behind, don't barge players in the box. Because referees will be looking for it after the England game, other referees will look at those decisions (better referees than the one for the game, that refs at a higher level) and they'll give those decisions. So Upamecano and Theo really need to step up their game for the next two games.

France are a good attacking national team though, they can work a goal obviously through a series of passes but they can also just take one touch, shift it and then hit the ball. They have so much talent its honestly ridiculous.

I think France right now even with major injuries, there's 4 match winners on the field which is scary.

 

[TheNewEra]

Anyone fancy Croatia against Argentina? Wouldn’t be surprised to see another 0-0 and a penalty shootout.

I feel like you can't write off Croatia.

Morocco have only conceded one goal too, so until Morocco concede a goal against France I think it will be a very tough physical game.

They'll be aggressive pressing hard, triple marking the danger players, so I expect a tough tough game for France but France I expect to win by one or two.

 

[MostHandsomePlayer]

Croatia will dominate the midfield with their skill and energy.

None of Argentina's 9 goals in the tournament have come from counterattacks because they are too slow without either Nico Gonzalez or Di Maria. Lautaro & Messi are turtles. Julian can run but he needs help. All of Argentina's goals come from slow build-up against closed defenses which they won't be able to do cause Croatia will challenge them in mid. Also, Acuna gives them *a bit* running forward but he is injured and replaced by Tagliafico who does nothing offensively.

On the other hand, Croatia is toothless in attack. I see them passing the ball around as defensive tactic waiting for time to run out. Spain probes far more when they have possession.

And both teams must be tired.

0-0 bore draw, Croatia wins on penalties cause they have no pressure and are super confident due to their shootout streak.

*If Di Maria is healthy, possibly Argentina wins 1-0 involving a quick goal with Messi, Di Maria, Julian involved.

 

[DickDastardly]

Anyone fancy Croatia against Argentina? Wouldn’t be surprised to see another 0-0 and a penalty shootout.

Of course.

The pace at which Argentina play suits Croatia.
Just repeat what the Saudis did, overcrowd the midfield and make Messi come back for the ball.

McAllister and De Paul are workers with zero creativity. Everything Argentina do is through Messi.
And you've got Modrić - Kovačić - Brozović midfield three, small players with low center of gravity, ready to pounce in the midfield battle.

How will anyone score? Beats the shit out of me.

Argentina maybe through Messi of course, and Croatia maybe via a cross because of the height disadvantage of Argentinians.
They're also quite dumb in defence and give away way too many dangerous free kicks, so maybe a free kick goal?

It's gonna be another tactical chess game.

 

[That_Bloke]

France when attacking are probably the most exciting national team we've seen in a while. They have a lot of quick combinations and they can do it all over the pitch. They have speed as well, whilst having a good target man. They are balanced in attack.

Defensively, people need to understand that Theo Hernandez actually did a decent job on Saturday. Personally, the barge felt like a slightly cheap penalty. However the issue on Saturday was Upemacano. He was terrible, both on and off the ball. Luckily for France, there are other centre backs available. Saliba and Konate are both better players anyway. I really have no clue as to why Deschamps even plays him.

No. Just no. It's was braindead and a stonewall penalty. You just can't barge in like this. Ridiculous from him and there was no real danger.

 

[wangyu]

I’m rooting for Croatia and Morocco. It would be fun to have a new world champion. It is quite rare. Spain was new in 2010, France in 98 and Argentina in 78. This shows hard hard it is.

 

[Adam-Utd]

France when attacking are probably the most exciting national team we've seen in a while. They have a lot of quick combinations and they can do it all over the pitch. They have speed as well, whilst having a good target man. They are balanced in attack.

Defensively, people need to understand that Theo Hernandez actually did a decent job on Saturday. Personally, the barge felt like a slightly cheap penalty. However the issue on Saturday was Upemacano. He was terrible, both on and off the ball. Luckily for France, there are other centre backs available. Saliba and Konate are both better players anyway. I really have no clue as to why Deschamps even plays him.

it’s the clearest penalty you’ll ever see.

if he did it with just a light nudge to knock mount off balance then he’d probably get away with it. he leant into him with his shoulder with enough force to knock him off his feet you simply cannot do that. it was stupid as hell.

 

[USREDEVIL]

Argentina and Croatia might be a bore fest. Let's see if Messi can pull off some magic.
France gonna thrash Morocco 2-0 (that is a trashing against this defensive juggernaut).

 

[Zetrio2002]

Who will take over the no1 keeper title from De Gea?

Is it E.Martinez, Lloris, Livakovic or Bounou?

 

[Hernandez - BFA]

Please Messi, work your magic for two more games.

 

[TPM]

Did you see how Theo Hernandez and Upamecano played? They play so recklessly that they should have given away three penalties. Are you aware of how Lloris typically has a blunder in him?

France are by far the favourites of the tournament, but they're capable of an implosion too. England could have buried them, France weren't that impressive yesterday.

If Morocco were fully fit I'd expect a difficult game for France but now its in Frances favour.

My personal opinion on France is they should win the WC, and I hate France honestly I'd rather Germany win.

But the French squad lacks discipline. Dembele and Mbappe don't have a defensive bone in their body. Giroud has no legs to get back.

France will have 7 people back at best in the defensive phases which would cause them problems against big opponents (if there were any left in the WC)

They're relying on Tchouameni and Griezmann to get back and fill into a shape to help. Against top teams, if they faced a Brazil or a top team they'd really struggle.

Griezmann resorted to hacking down players yesterday and should have got booked much earlier, the yellow card is wiped now so he's free to get another yellow in the semi but if players like that get booked early in finals it gets much harder for them to win the midfield battle.

Luckily for them Argentina has a very weak team, they'll graft to shut them down but they don't have enough going forward to beat France in my opinion.

This is a very very weak France side, with a make shift midfield, and a terrible defence. I think if Portugal faced them instead of Morocco last game, the game would be much more open and even Portugal may have caused big problems for France.

France are quite lucky that other teams have just shit the bed at this point, because they're the best side left.

They're relying on Mbappe magic or Giroud to win something in the box, but they're not the same side they were in 2018 (because of injuries)

This is insanely harsh. If this french side is as weak as you say, what does that say about the rest of the world?!

 

[GinobiliTheGOAT]

Please Messi, work your magic for two more games.

God willing.

Nervous as hell about tomorrow's match. Croatia's mentality is incredible.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

I have to give credits to France. Even with a high number of injuries (Kimpembe, Nkunku, Benzema, Kante, Pogba, Hernandez), they manage to get in semi finals. This team seems immune to choke, that's quite amazing.
But i don't know why they stopped playing once they had the lead yesterday. They started the game well, 15 minutes of pressure, scored a goal, than let England set up their plays. Once Kane equalized, they put a 2nd big pressure on England and scored another goal. They seem invincible.

They're not invincible but I'd say their strength in depth is absurd and the standard international teams is not the highest atm. England were their one test and while they passed they were 2nd best due to England not mentally overcoming their issues. Their final opponents in Croatia or Argentina are just mediocre football teams really. While they will achieve the back to back WCs I really don't think they're that good. The generation of talent and especially depth there is great though

 

[antohan]

I've gathered most here don't rate Acuña, but Argentina's transition is going to miss him. Tagliafico offers nothing on the left flank, which had already suffered the loss of Lo Celso and González.

It's going to be a pretty tumescent affair

 

[amolbhatia50k]

Please Messi, work your magic for two more games.

I was watching some clips of Messi from Copa 2021 and while he's had an excellent tournament thus far the regression in how light his feet are and overall acceleration to beat defenders is evident. He's done great to influence Argentina this far but I can't see how he will do it all the way. Croatia are a pain to play against and France are just levels ahead of Argentina. And I don't think teams suddenly improve miraculously in the semis / finals normally.

 

[antohan]

They're not invincible but I'd say their strength in depth is absurd and the standard international teams is not the highest atm. England were their one test and while they passed they were 2nd best due to England not mentally overcoming their issues. Their final opponents in Croatia or Argentina are just mediocre football teams really. While they will achieve the back to back WCs I really don't think they're that good. The generation of talent and especially depth there is great though

Agree. This team may not have made the final in 2018, let alone win it as comfortably as they did.

 

[tjb]

Interesting the ways in which humans see the same event so differently. That penalty to me appeared as clear as day- shoulder, yes … but right in the back. Fully unambiguous. But what would we talk about on the caf without it, eh? The eye of the beholder.

I've just seen that a lot through out the years in the Premier League. They are hardly given. Not saying it wasn't stupid, but

Agree. This team may not have made the final in 2018, let alone win it as comfortably as they did.

I think this France team is just as good as the 2018 one. They're a bit more balanced.

People aren't really understanding how good a job England did on Saturday, they nullified France's greatest strength, their width. Dembele is a world class player and they managed to limit both he and Mbappe's influence. I don't see either Morocco or Argentine being able to do that.

In 2018, France were forced to play Matuidi on the left wing to cover for Pogba in the middle, right now, they are able to actively use their dual threat. In addition, I think Griezmann is actually more influencial than he was in 2018, he's providing a lot of the link play in the middle for France. Allowing them to stay solid centrally, whilst still being able to combine high up the pitch.

Remember 4 years ago, Spain, Germany, Brazil and Argentina were all out before the semi-final. None of these teams were better then than they are now. Belgium aren't better than any of these teams either. I actually think the quality of national teams is better than it was in 2018, equal to 2014, but not quite at the 1998 or 2006 level.

 

[Red the Bear]

I was watching some clips of Messi from Copa 2021 and while he's had an excellent tournament thus far the regression in how light his feet are and overall acceleration to beat defenders is evident. He's done great to influence Argentina this far but I can't see how he will do it all the way. Croatia are a pain to play against and France are just levels ahead of Argentina. And I don't think teams suddenly improve miraculously in the semis / finals normally.

The final will always be a cagey game, always regardless of how good you were previously and how good your players are.

But the thing is, france's 2 victories has coincided with their opposition collapsible so there's a worrying precedent there.

Anyway besides that every single final since 1986 has been a close contest, in fact only the 1970,1982,1998 and 2018 finals haven't been close.

 

[Red the Bear]

Agree. This team may not have made the final in 2018, let alone win it as comfortably as they did.

They got an easy run of teams to go back then.

A shambling Argentina , a severely diminished Uruguay after cavani was injured and a decent Belgium which was the only "good" team they defeated on their way to the final.

Their final win was pretty impressive though.

 

[reelworld]

From my personal tastes in football styles a nightmare final would be Morocco vs Croatia. Their almost Drillo-esque anti attack football is extremely boring to me.
Argentina vs France has the potential to be an alltime great final.

Meh, Argentina hasn't light the World Cup on fire, either. France looks bang average against England.
I doubt when they go to the final we'll get a great game.

 

[Waynne]

Croatia have to go on the offensive. Argentina have looked vulnerable when you have a go at them and opposite if you sit back too much.

 

[Kopral Jono]

France will find it tough and Morocco will be up for it, but my biggest concern with the latter is that they're running out of bodies and this could prove to be decisive. I tip France to win through a second half goal or extra time.

As for Argentina v Croatia I could see it going either way and I wouldn't be surprised if it goes the full distance. Argentina have also revealed they have some of Croatia's mental fortitude as well: winning on penalties against a shithousing Holland, having conceded an equaliser in literally the last second of normal time, is not for everyone. Attacking prowess will be key -- Argentina have the obvious edge on this but rule Croatia out at your peril.

 

[tenpoless]

Perisic will probably play the game of his life and then Jose will be interested to sign him.
Normal service resumes.

 

[Red Pumpkin]

France will find it tough and Morocco will be up for it, but my biggest concern with the latter is that they're running out of bodies and this could prove to be decisive. I tip France to win through a second half goal or extra time.

As for Argentina v Croatia I could see it going either way and I wouldn't be surprised if it goes the full distance. Argentina have also revealed they have some of Croatia's mental fortitude as well: winning on penalties against a shithousing Holland, having conceded an equaliser in literally the last second of normal time, is not for everyone. Attacking prowess will be key -- Argentina have the obvious edge on this but rule Croatia out at your peril.

Pretty much nailed it.

Argentina - Croatia looks like a certain draw. Equal talent, equal mental fortitude. 1-1 full time, Argentina through on penalties.

Moroccos injuries are worrying but I'm sure the fire in the players will make up for it. After ousting the colonials in Belgium, Spain, Portugal all that is left is the biggest colonial power of them all - France.

The colonial powers are officially not there anymore but unofficially they still dictate everything in Africa so there will not be lack of motivation to show them up. What a fairy tale for all of Africa it would be if Morocco could beat the odds again! Still I see France having all the tools necessary to pry them open. 1-0 Morocco or 3-1 France full time depending on who scores first.

 

[Redfrog]

Anyone fancy Croatia against Argentina? Wouldn’t be surprised to see another 0-0 and a penalty shootout.

Why another ? Have you watched the word cup. None of this teams played a 0-0 in the knockouts games.

 

[Kopral Jono]

Pretty much nailed it.

Argentina - Croatia looks like a certain draw. Equal talent, equal mental fortitude. 1-1 full time, Argentina through on penalties.

Moroccos injuries are worrying but I'm sure the fire in the players will make up for it. After ousting the colonials in Belgium, Spain, Portugal all that is left is the biggest colonial power of them all - France.

The colonial powers are officially not there anymore but unofficially they still dictate everything in Africa so there will not be lack of motivation to show them up. What a fairy tale for all of Africa it would be if Morocco could beat the odds again! Still I see France having all the tools necessary to pry them open. 1-0 Morocco or 3-1 France full time depending on who scores first.

Yeah, you get the impression that if France score first and early the proverbial floodgates will be open. The longer the game goes on the more it will favour Morocco, this much is certain, but with Moroccan players dropping like flies France should do just enough to make sure they win regardless.

As for tonight's game, Argentina winning on penalties isn't actually a bad shout. I posted a link on another thread of an article examining Croatia's penalties in the Japan shootout and each one were of lower quality statistically than their opponents' that day. Their penalties in the Brazil shootout were immaculate, granted, but given how much of a role good luck has played in their run this World Cup so far (this isn't a slight on them, by the way, luck is very much part of football) you do wonder if they'll run out of it if the game goes the whole distance.

 

[Real Name]

Yeah, you get the impression that if France score first and early the proverbial floodgates will be open. The longer the game goes on the more it will favour Morocco, this much is certain, but with Moroccan players dropping like flies France should do just enough to make sure they win regardless.

As for tonight's game, Argentina winning on penalties isn't actually a bad shout. I posted a link on another thread of an article examining Croatia's penalties in the Japan shootout and each one were of lower quality statistically than their opponents' that day. Their penalties in the Brazil shootout were immaculate, granted, but given how much of a role good luck has played in their run this World Cup so far (this isn't a slight on them, by the way, luck is very much part of football) you do wonder if they'll run out of it if the game goes the whole distance.

Lower statistically based on the place they're hit at?
Yeah, Brazil ones were near perfect, especially Oršić's.

In any case as good as it is to win on pens I dont want them again, one time we'll have to lose and it might be today if it comes to that cause Argies know their penalties too and Martinez is a great keeper. Whatever happens I hope it ends in 90. It will be a tough game, midfield is a key but I hope our attack will finally click. I'm not sure on Dalić's insistence on Kramarić upfront, he's been near invisible in that position.

 

[NICanRed]

Last WC Croatia got to the final without a single win in the ko stages in 90 minutes. Same this year. Croatia in the final via penalties. But France will win.

iirc - the last WC New Zealand went home after the group stage - undefeated!

 

[Lyng]

Meh, Argentina hasn't light the World Cup on fire, either. France looks bang average against England.
I doubt when they go to the final we'll get a great game.

England played well but France won fair and square and have looked fantastic most of the tournament apart from the final group match where they fielded a reserve team.
Even if neither France or Argentina have light up the world cup they have still been far more entertaining than the absolute borefest that is Croatia and Morocco.

 

[Kopral Jono]

Lower statistically based on the place they're hit at?
Yeah, Brazil ones were near perfect, especially Oršić's.

In any case as good as it is to win on pens I dont want them again, one time we'll have to lose and it might be today if it comes to that cause Argies know their penalties too and Martinez is a great keeper. Whatever happens I hope it ends in 90. It will be a tough game, midfield is a key but I hope our attack will finally click. I'm not sure on Dalić's insistence on Kramarić upfront, he's been near invisible in that position.

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Indeed, based on the placement of each penalty.

 

[DJ_21]

Why another ? Have you watched the word cup. None of this teams played a 0-0 in the knockouts games.

I really meant a draw to take it to pens but wouldn’t be surprised if it finishes 0-0. Brazil and Croatia did although it was 1-1 in extra time.

 

[KirkDuyt]

Is this dumb tournament still going? Who cares about international football, I want the Eredivisie back.

 

[Cloud7]

Preferences in order:

1) Argentina vs Morocco final
2) Argentina vs France final

 

[Berbasbullet]

Is this dumb tournament still going? Who cares about international football, I want the Eredivisie back.

Innit, it jumped the shark at around 9pm on Saturday, immoral tournament anyway and a world cup with a huge asterisks attached to it.

 

[Lay]

Who will take over the no1 keeper title from De Gea?

Is it E.Martinez, Lloris, Livakovic or Bounou?

What is DDG number 1 in?

 

[Swordsman]

Just bet opposite of him and you will win tons of money. He is a well known jinxer in my local community.

 

[antk]

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Indeed, based on the placement of each penalty.

If this only looks at placement, this is irrelevant. Some of Japan's PKs were awfully weak in power and had no chance to get in as long as the keeper guessed the right side.