But Uruguay plays very tough by definition, this is going to leave a very strange feeling then.
Day 23: Uruguay vs France and Brazil vs Belgium
- Thread starter K2K
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In the latest episode of the United Hour Podcast, Nik and Imran hold a long overdue conversation about United's awful league form with 1 win in 7. They discuss a disappointing draw at Bournemouth, a not so disappointing draw against Liverpool and a crushing defeat at Chelsea - Is time nearly over for Erik Ten Hag?
Then in a special second half of the pod, Nik welcomes Natalie ( https://twitter.com/natalie_17) to discuss the fortunes of Manchester United Women as they booked a place in the FA Cup Final after a historic first ever win vs. Chelsea.
This text that i'm posting is part of the article that i just posted above:
"As for Neymar, while the way he plays might draw criticism, it’s important not to confuse his style with what he actually produces on the field. His numbers have been simply astounding. And it’s not just his bottom line of two goals and one assist: His 0.80 non-penalty expected goals per 90 minutes is second in the tournament behind only Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku (among players with at least 135 minutes of playing time). It’s also double the 0.40 non-penalty expected goals he averaged per 90 minutes during qualifying. He’s also an ample creator, mainly thanks to his set piece ability. He’s created 3.67 chances per 90 minutes, fifth most in the tournament among qualified players,Players with at least 135 minutes played.
">1 with 1.38 of them coming from corners (third most among qualified players) and 0.69 coming from free kick passes (tied for sixth most). And Neymar is doing all that while getting the snot kicked out of him. He’s being fouled 5.27 times per 90 minutes, the highest rate of any player who saw at least 135 minutes in any of the last three World Cups — he may have a habit of exaggerating the severity of the contact, but there’s no denying that he takes a lot of hits.
Scratch the surface of the criticism against Brazil and you’ll find it’s all stylistic. Sure, maybe Jesus is shooting less, but it isn’t hurting the team. It’s true that Neymar is spending a lot of time rolling around on the grass, but it’s also true that he’s getting fouled more than anybody else and he’s still putting up huge numbers. The criticism of how Brazil is playing is obscuring just how well it’s playing. Nobody else pairs a top-notch ability to suppress opponent’s shots with the ability to generate a boatload of their own. And nobody else has Neymar, the most dangerous winger in the world."
https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/make-no-mistake-brazil-is-dominating-this-world-cup/
"As for Neymar, while the way he plays might draw criticism, it’s important not to confuse his style with what he actually produces on the field. His numbers have been simply astounding. And it’s not just his bottom line of two goals and one assist: His 0.80 non-penalty expected goals per 90 minutes is second in the tournament behind only Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku (among players with at least 135 minutes of playing time). It’s also double the 0.40 non-penalty expected goals he averaged per 90 minutes during qualifying. He’s also an ample creator, mainly thanks to his set piece ability. He’s created 3.67 chances per 90 minutes, fifth most in the tournament among qualified players,Players with at least 135 minutes played.
">1 with 1.38 of them coming from corners (third most among qualified players) and 0.69 coming from free kick passes (tied for sixth most). And Neymar is doing all that while getting the snot kicked out of him. He’s being fouled 5.27 times per 90 minutes, the highest rate of any player who saw at least 135 minutes in any of the last three World Cups — he may have a habit of exaggerating the severity of the contact, but there’s no denying that he takes a lot of hits.
Scratch the surface of the criticism against Brazil and you’ll find it’s all stylistic. Sure, maybe Jesus is shooting less, but it isn’t hurting the team. It’s true that Neymar is spending a lot of time rolling around on the grass, but it’s also true that he’s getting fouled more than anybody else and he’s still putting up huge numbers. The criticism of how Brazil is playing is obscuring just how well it’s playing. Nobody else pairs a top-notch ability to suppress opponent’s shots with the ability to generate a boatload of their own. And nobody else has Neymar, the most dangerous winger in the world."
https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/make-no-mistake-brazil-is-dominating-this-world-cup/
Why even bother to support the club and post crap like this? Must really make your blood boil to see Fellaini have a good game.Imagine Fellaini lifting the WC.Would he be the worse ever player to win it?
I think France vs Uruguay will decide who wins the WC. These are the best two teams left.
Apparently Fellaini and Chadli in for Mertens and Carrasco.
Brazil and France will go through for me. I think Brazil will score 3 against Belgium with maybe a couple in reply. France to sneak through against Uruguay. Pogba to Giroud for a headed goal. People will be scratching their heads as to why Mbappe didn't turn up but it will be because of Uruguay's style that gives him no space to operate in.
People said the same when the Senagalese guy was the ref for the Belgium v Japan game and he did a great job.
Absolutely nothing in this. Especially as Argentina's elimination was hardly controversial.
Fellaini to steal the show.
Not much of a Belgium fan. But it would be amazing to see big Maroane as a world champion.
Uruguay to scrape their way to the semis even without Cavani they should be able to contain France.
Brazil to trash Belgium.
Brazil to trash Belgium.
What an incredibly skewed and biased article that has to reference such things as the useless 'expected goals' stat to try and form an argument. Then it tries to defend Neymar's embarrassing and theatrical behaviour by suggesting it's because he get's fouled more which in itself is deeply flawed.
The bolded bit is the best for me, since when is 2 goals 'huge numbers'?
Uruguay and Belgium to the semis, Uruguay wins and then lose to England in the final.
It's safe to put your money on this, i only take 10% of your winnings.
It's safe to put your money on this, i only take 10% of your winnings.
I really hope Belgium can do it. Can’t stand Brazil and Neymar’s antics.
What a terrible idea to put these two games on the same day. Not everyone will be able to watch both games because of work. I will probably miss part of France vs Uruguay but should be able to catch the 2nd half at least.
All I can marvel is how far Belgium has come. 10 years ago, if you tell any Belgian or just about anyone that Belgium will make it to the quarter-final of a World Cup against Brazil with a 27% chance of winning and tipped as one of the dark horse to win the whole thing, they will laugh at you. Shows how important development at the grassroot level is.
Yeah back then we would've been over the moon if we could get through qualifying. We had Dembélé as our striker ffs!
2 amazing games today. Just a shame that Cavani is unavailable.
The Brazilian girl at my workplace isn’t bullish at all about their chances, said Neymar is a selfish dickhead and Jesus is useless.
However, Belgium almost got dicked by Japan so Brazil should still be through.
However, Belgium almost got dicked by Japan so Brazil should still be through.
Cavani seems too big a loss for Uruguay for me, such is his form. I also expect Brazil to get past Belgium, albeit they could be missing Neymar and Coutinho from the semi. The latter fro sure will be involved in some controversy and if yellows start flying he'll be sorry.
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Hope Belgium will at least give Brazil a game. I would actually start Fellaini in a midfield three, they'd cope better with Brazil's attack and he would definitely frustrate Neymar, handy in the box too.
France needs to wake the feck up, they have more than enough to get through Uruguay if they put in an effort, have to keep it tight at back, this is not Argentina you can easily out-score.
France needs to wake the feck up, they have more than enough to get through Uruguay if they put in an effort, have to keep it tight at back, this is not Argentina you can easily out-score.
While elbowing out two opposition players
That is a stupid decision.
Imagine Fellaini lifting the WC.
I think France vs Uruguay will decide who wins the WC. These are the best two teams left.
Get out.
So gutted I'm missing the first game.
I'll say:
Uruguay 0 - 1 France
Tight, gruelling game but without Cavani, Uruguay struggle a bit to create. France struggle to break them down though, and nick it in the final 10mins with a counter-attack - Mbappe, 83.
Brazil 2 - 1 Belgium
Brazil score just before half-time, Firmino with a tap-in set up by Neymar. Belgium score early in the second, Hazard with a penalty. Belgium then dominate for ages, but Brazil win in extra-time with a Neymar penalty set up by Neymar himself being controversially 'fouled' or similar.
I'll say:
Uruguay 0 - 1 France
Tight, gruelling game but without Cavani, Uruguay struggle a bit to create. France struggle to break them down though, and nick it in the final 10mins with a counter-attack - Mbappe, 83.
Brazil 2 - 1 Belgium
Brazil score just before half-time, Firmino with a tap-in set up by Neymar. Belgium score early in the second, Hazard with a penalty. Belgium then dominate for ages, but Brazil win in extra-time with a Neymar penalty set up by Neymar himself being controversially 'fouled' or similar.
Really want Belgium to beat Brazil.
Phew, thank god it's back today.
Was getting withdrawal symptoms.
Think France will have enough to beat Suarez and Company.
Hoping Belgium can overpower Brazil.
Was getting withdrawal symptoms.
Think France will have enough to beat Suarez and Company.
Hoping Belgium can overpower Brazil.
Cavani out is massive blow for Uruguay. Suarez been getting better each game in his tournament but think it's too much to expect him on his own to give France back 4 the runaround.
If France can defend well set pieces I can see them winning by a goal. 1-0 France.
Haven't read this thread but what's the word in Belgium, is Martinez sticking with the 3-5-2? Big error if he is. Carrasco was hopeless playing in it v Japan. Personally I would go to back 4 and put Vertonghen or Vermaelaen at LB for this game.
Think Brazil will win 2-1. Does Neymar miss the semi final if he's booked today?
If France can defend well set pieces I can see them winning by a goal. 1-0 France.
Haven't read this thread but what's the word in Belgium, is Martinez sticking with the 3-5-2? Big error if he is. Carrasco was hopeless playing in it v Japan. Personally I would go to back 4 and put Vertonghen or Vermaelaen at LB for this game.
Think Brazil will win 2-1. Does Neymar miss the semi final if he's booked today?
"Uruguay are nothing like Atletico Madrid....."
Would've kept Mertens in as you need good pace to run at Miranda and Silva and Mertens makes so many good forward runs off the shoulder of last defender. Guess the problem is he's the focal point for Napoli and here Lukaku is.
Can understand Fellani in as Brazil physical in midfield with Paulinho and Fernandinho.
So guessing this means Chadli as left wing back....there's the weak point right there soe expecting neymar drifting that side all game.
Funnily enough, it reminds me an interview with Simeone on L'équipe where he was saying things that looked like that. He is strangely honest about his approach and even said that he is putting shackles on someone like Griezmann, that he would be a more prolific striker for a different coach.
Really want Belgium to win tonight, I do not like Neymar and his antics.
Keeping Mertens in the side would mean a midfield 2 of Witsel and De Bruyne, which is suicide in my opinion. Mertens has largely been ineffectual (opening goal aside) so it makes sense to switch him out for an additional midfielder. I'd personally go for Dembélé who can boss a midfield when in form and keep Fellaini as a potential sub on the bench. The wing backs are a systemic weakness but at least Chadli should be an improvement over Carrasco there, who's been plain awful for the entire tournament.
Hoping both european teams go out! While i think Belgium will lose its going to be tricky in the other tie, really hope Godin can produce another masterclass today.
Yeah, absolutely agree. Though the only reason I'd be against it is that it puts undue pressure on the ref as people would seem to be looking into any "mistake" to use the Nationality excuse.
Not surprised. YFC has looked totally out of it all tournament, and I think Belgium look better without Mertens and KDB further forward. If only Radja was in to start with Fellaini as the impact sub.
It was neither skewed nor biased.
Just learned that apparently Griezmann is a massive Uruguay and Peñarol fan.
If I'm not mistaken, Godin is his best mate, he is also close to Gimenez and Cavani.Just learned that apparently Griezmann is a massive Uruguay and Peñarol fan.
I hope it’ll be more of a 4-4-1-1 with Chadli on the right to cover and Hazard to win the matchup against Fagner, with Fellaini leaning close to Lukaku.
Yeah, Godin is also his daughter's godfather; Lasarte was the manager that gave him his Real Sociedad debut and Carlos Bueno was his best mate there (who introduced him to Peñarol)
Just learned that apparently Griezmann is a massive Uruguay and Peñarol fan.
He was made socio n°100,000 of Peñarol.