Day 18: Croatia vs Brazil | Netherlands vs Argentina (QF 1&2)

[Gio]

This will a key game for Brazil tactically to establish if their midfield/attack is too top-heavy or they can compensate for that with lots of work rate from the front. Croatia could outsmart them in the centre of the park.

Similar in 2002 when they decided midway through the Belgium last 16 game to ship out Juninho for the more combative Kleberson to get a firmer foothold in midfield. And that was the approach through to the final.

 

[balaks]

Neymar has been bloody awful so far

 

[Sylar]

This is the croatia i thought wed see against Japan. But its nice they look on it here. They look fired up and passing the ball well here.

 

[I’m loving my life]

Croatia are an excellent tournament team

 

[Idxomer]

This slow tempo is perfect for Croatia so far.

 

[Red Pumpkin]

Neymar looks scared. Doesn't want to dribble, afraid of missing the semis and finals.

 

[SilentWitness]

It’s tough to do that after they blitzed South Korea like that though. But yeah, Croatia are controlling them well.

Yeah but if you pack it, grind them down and then bring on them later in the game and blitz them it would be better. Croatia are a different animal to SK and others in midfield.

 

[Sweet Square]

Senegal went home.

If Argentina go out today, then the rest of the world cup is going to be a very quiet.

 

[CallyRed]

Only one man can help Brazil and he's name is Fred

 

[Sylar]

Beautiful by Brazil. Great block there.

 

[Dazzmondo]

What a block by Gvardiol

 

[Fenomeno9]

Croatia playing well and started well. There doing a good job here

Croatica is never an easy game for us, I don't know why people thought we would trash them.

 

[huyn]

That one-man Casemiro midfield is a problem that is going to get bigger if they go further as they'll be facing teams with great midfields. Paqueta is playing way too low to be effective, he's a 10, he's useless there.

 

[Idxomer]

Brazil are waking up.

 

[Resonance]

Jesus wept, thought Jenas couldn’t get any worse but he just pronounced Modric as ‘Moderitch’.

 

[Sylar]

Croatica is never an easy game for us, I don't know why people thought we would trash them.

Surprised people thought this. I was expecting a win by a goal here.

 

[DomesticTadpole]

Couple of quick chances for Brazil, but not enough power in the shots.

 

[Dr. Dwayne]

Nice bit of play the last few moments.

 

[The Firestarter]

Neymar not into this game yet

 

[NICanRed]

Who can dislike Modric?

If I were to pick a 35+ team from the WC he would be my captain!

 

[DomesticTadpole]

Jesus wept, thought Jenas couldn’t get any worse but he just pronounced Modric as ‘Moderitch’.

I am sure he will top that somehow. He talks too much, so half the time his brain and mouth are not connected.

 

[RG77]

I want both Modric and Vini/Rodrygo to win it

 

[Wing Attack Plan R]

Croatia are all hands to the pumps, while Neymar and Vinicius are literally laughing while trying to set each other up. Good game so far.

 

[That_Bloke]

Brazil defend actually well and they don't need much to score. Great game.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

Neymar looks a bit unfit. Wonder if they're rushing him back?

Vinicious on the other hand looks great.

 

[HookedOnAPhelan]

Casemiro's smile

 

[Oly Francis]

Casemiro not fully in the game either, he also needs to get in the groove, get in the right timing.

 

[Winrar]

Brazil is starting to grow into the game, but Croatia has done well controlling the midfield so far.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

Brazil defend actually well and they don't need much to score. Great game.

People hype their attack but defence is their biggest strength.

It helps that Croatia are always great at everything except attacking.

 

[Massive Spanner]

Gvardiol is amazing.

 

[Sylar]

Yikes, high boot. Not needed there.

 

[DomesticTadpole]

Dangerous.

 

[The Firestarter]

Highest quality game so far

 

[VorZakone]

Nani would have gotten red there.

 

[Idxomer]

Didn't get near his face.

 

[Canagel]

How is that a foul

 

[Irrational.]

Nani was sent off for less. Should be a red.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

That should be a red?

Refs being lenient on those reminds of that cnut giving Nani a red.

 

[Denis79]

Could have been a red.

 

[MDFC Manager]

Michael Oliver referee. What could possibly go wrong...