Dun't care what anyone says, I reckon this World Cup...

has been one of the best in ages.

 

I agree! It's been a good one indeed. So many surprises and some great goals.

 

haven't watched a bad game yet! our boys have a chance to be legends like the heroes of '66!!

 

Neither of today's were classics but not enjoyed a world cup like it since 1990

 

Lucky you for not watching the France Denmark one then... but aside that I’ve really enjoyed this World Cup.

I think var has added to the entertainment too even though it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea

 

had to giggle

 

Agreed, and I'm going back to 1962. 1966 was good for obvious reasons, the only other two that stand out for me are 1990 and 1998 but I think this one is going to be the best yet in terms of quality games, quality goals and surprise results.

 

1994 was absolutely superb apart from the dreadful final. Bulgaria v Germany was one of the all-time classic matches for me.

 

I think most people have fond memories of the World Cups of their youth when everything is fresh and unexplored and exotic. Mexico 70 for me when I was 10, 78 in Argentina and 82 with the brilliant Brazilian team. I was lucky enough that the late 70s and early 80s also coincided with a golden period for BFC.
As you get older things get jaded, cynicism sets in and you've seen it all before. Mexico no longer seems like it's on another planet (unless your name's Trump), the Germans are always going to sneak through, England are going to fail etc etc.
I still love the World Cup every time it comes round but start to lose the thrill of it when the usual suspects become the last men standing. This one has been interesting though and for the first time in many, many years you could see an unfancied team win it. Most of the matches have been entertaining though there are disappointing signs that fear is starting to dictate the football in the knockout stages. Yesterday's two games were dire. Croatia are much vaunted but unless Modric turns up they're really nothing special. Brazil rarely get above functional. If I were a French supporter I'd be very optimistic right now. They seem a team that have more options and are more readily able to go up a gear when they want.
I've never seen an England team have a more enticing route to the final. Sod's law that when we do I really don't think we have the team to take advantage of it.

 

Fair comments there and I agree about previous world cups and enjoying them as a youngster.
As you say this year has become a very open competition and anyone looks to have a chance of glory. Sweden for me as the dark horse of those left in but Brazil will always be the team to beat.

 

I used to love the prospect of seeing Brazil and they still have talented players but it's a long time since they played football to inspire. They used to be something special but no more I'm afraid. I'd agree it's down to them and France though.

 

One of England, Colombia, Switzerland, Sweden, Croatia or Russia will be in the final which is quite exciting.

I hope it's us but if it is I reckon Mbappe will tear us a new arsehole.

 

There's that possibility but this tournament is littered with players who turn it on one game in three.
Luka Modric. I really rate him, but last night he was completely unable to influence a game against a severely limited Danish team.
So, yes, Mbappe if he's on form could sink us, so could Shaqiri or a few others. But not if they're having a game off like they seem to do.
That said I don't think we can beat France other than maybe one time in ten.

 

The severely limited Danish had been unbeaten since 2016 according to the commentator. France couldn't beat them either (although they possibly could have tried a little harder!)

 

double post

 

My favourite world cups were 74 & 90, but this has been up there. I agree yesterday's matches were turgid & Spain & Croatia were disappointing.
Great result for England though, if we can overcome Colombia

 

I stick by severely limited Tomi. They have no players who can hurt a good team. That was proven last night and Croatia weren't particularly good. They're well organised and can nick a goal here and there. I just think they're one dimensional. All opinions though

 

Depends which France turn up. If it's the one which played Argentina, we'd struggle severely to stop them from scoring. If it's the France which played in the group stages, I definitely wouldn't fear them.

 

Depends which France turn up. If it's the one which played Argentina, we'd struggle severely to stop them from scoring. If it's the France which played in the group stages, I definitely wouldn't fear them.

 

Well it's a big game tomorrow and it won't be easy. But if we play as good as I know we can then I see no good reason why we can't win and progress.
Imo England not as good as some might have you believe.