World Cup thread

[Onion]

Nothing has happened to Aguero, he is still one of the best strikers in the world, helps if you give him chances or the ball though

Not even a shadow of the player he was 2 or 3 season ago. Maybe the best striker in the world at one point, now ineffective and now ... subbed.

[HibbyAndy]

Ronaldo manages and Portugal are a weaker squad than Argentina imo.

Have to agree , The Messi 'can't do it on his own ' patter , He's hardly touched the ball in this game !

[Nakedmanoncrack]

Howler there from the Argentinian keeper! Cracking finish from the guy though!

Hard to believe that a 36 year old who hasn't played a meaningful league game in last year or so is the best GK they can find.

[One Day Soon]

A consistent feature of this tournament so far has been ineffectual refereeing particularly for fouling at set pieces but also persistent fouling to break up play.

They wag their fingers, waver their arms, make big eyes and then **** off out of the way and it then starts all over again. Allows the negative sides to reduce the games to a dirge when they want to.

[One Day Soon]

Bloody hell! That was pure Billy Bremner.

[stoneyburn hibs]

It's all rather tense.

[GlesgaeHibby]

Have to agree , The Messi 'can't do it on his own ' patter , He's hardly touched the ball in this game !

And unlike Portugal they also have serious quality in the squad - Higuain, Aguero, Dybala, Mascherano etc and left Icardi at home

[NOLA]

He also said 'cocaine is part of our culture' :agree:

Was it not coca leaves [emoji260] [emoji6]

[MWHIBBIES]

Not even a shadow of the player he was 2 or 3 season ago. Maybe the best striker in the world at one point, now ineffective and now ... subbed.

He's scored more goals at this world cup than any other he's played at.

[Onion]

And unlike Portugal they also have serious quality in the squad - Higuain, Aguero, Dybala, Mascherano etc and left Icardi at home

This WC will go a long way to determining the best player of this era. So far, Ronaldo has been on a different planet to Messi, who looked like he had what the weight of the world on his shoulders at the start of this game. Ronaldo playing with freedom and been the player of the tournament.

[Haymaker]

Messi getting upset there, thought he was such a mild mannered man?

[HH81]

Messi best player in the world? Hardly touched ball this game.

[Scorrie]

If there’s a better midfield player than Modric at the moment I’ll be surprised. He’s brilliant

[cabbageandribs1875]

not a head injury so play the **** on ffs man

[cabbageandribs1875]

thank goodness he's ok and made a very quick recovery, one he went off

[cabbageandribs1875]

2-0 off back home you go Argentina...huddies

[Mon Dieu4]

If there’s a better midfield player than Modric at the moment I’ll be surprised. He’s brilliant

Nah he's gash ;)

[Haymaker]

Pick that out!

[Lago]

A goal worthy of winning any game.

[Pedantic_Hibee]

I don't know but it would have to go some to beat 1990!

I think the fact that yesterday and today have been low-scoring probably makes it feel worse than it maybe is?

You could be right. Modric has just brightened things up certainly!

[GlesgaeHibby]

Modric is class.

[Gatecrasher]

Scott Allan type finish from Modric

[IGRIGI]

Hard to believe how dross Argentina are as a team given the individuals they have on show.

[Haymaker]

Argentina: too many conductors not enough band members.

[Onion]

Otamendi's got be red carded for that !!

[Gatecrasher]

Dirty *******s

[hfc rd]

Croatia look like one of the most organised and well drilled teams in this World Cup. Very good team

[Danderhall Hibs]

Glad to see him get a wee kick when down after the dramatics a few minutes ago.

[Lago]

Argentina have lost the plot.

[dmc1875]

Something far far wrong with the Argentina squad - heads down, questionable team selections, no fight or desire and Messi wandering around like a man with an issue

[hfc rd]

That should have been 3!

[Scorrie]

That Argentine Manager looks like he should working the doors in Rose Street

[IGRIGI]

Iceland have some chance now of progressing.

[HibbyAndy]

That Argentine Manager looks like he should working the doors in Rose Street

:tee hee:

[Lago]

That Argentine Manager looks like he should working the doors in Rose Street
He could be after this display :greengrin

[NOLA]

Great player Modric shame he played for Spurs the ****

[Heisenberg]

Modric has been fantastic in both games so far. Brilliant midfielder.

[MWHIBBIES]

That Argentine Manager looks like he should working the doors in Rose StreetLooks like Bob Hoskins

[cabbageandribs1875]

easy peasy 3-zilch

[SteveHFC]

:not worth

[hfc rd]

Croatia have been an absolute joy to watch

[Scorrie]

He could be after this display :greengrin

😂😂

[One Day Soon]

You know what? I look at this world cup and think that if Scotland qualified we wouldn't have to be millions of miles out of our depth against some of these teams - there's so much average nothingness there.

[Haymaker]

Croatia have been an absolute joy to watch

With the way most of the big boys are playing... Could they?

[Hibby70]

For the slightest moment I thought Sunshine on Leith was coming over the tannoy there

[GlesgaeHibby]

With the way most of the big boys are playing... Could they?

Quality all over the pitch, and well drilled. No reason why not if they can keep playing like that.

[heretoday]

Great player Modric shame he played for Spurs the ****

Eh?

[Pretty Boy]

Croatia just look so well drilled. Everyone seems to know exactly where they are meant to be, they cover each other well and they move the ball brilliantly. Contrast that with Argentina who look like they have never played that 352 before and are all over the shop.

Argentina look like they don’t have a leader. Not one player took that game by the scruff of the neck and dragged them through it. All 3 of the Croatian central midfield showed both character and quality and that was the difference.

[TrinityHibs]

Think we should sign Modric:hibees

[Pretty Boy]

Think we should sign Modric:hibees

£150K and he’s ours.

[Jim44]

Wise after the event maybe, but I said at the start that Messi looked really anxious. I don’t think he was 100% himself tonight and showed his ability in patches only.

[hfc rd]

With the way most of the big boys are playing... Could they?


If they play like that, then you cannot write them off. I’ve watched all the games in this World Cup so far and the Croatian’s look very good as you saw tonight and as you said, the so-called big boys don’t look nothing special so far.

Then again, will see what Germany and Brazil are like on MD2.

[ToffeeCabbage]

Argentina's pool of players vs their selected starting 11, is absolutely criminal and has been for months. Incredible waste of the talent at his disposal from the management

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

[Greentinted]

That Argentine Manager looks like he should working the doors in Rose Street

Or picking up work as an Andre Agassi looky-likey!!!

No great shock seeing Argentina have their heads handed to them on a plate given the standard of their qualifying campaign. Wee Lionel looks out of sorts and the rest very very average.
Good, efficient, classy performance from Croatia - they may well go quite far on that showing!

[Onion]

You know what? I look at this world cup and think that if Scotland qualified we wouldn't have to be millions of miles out of our depth against some of these teams - there's so much average nothingness there.

:agree: Apart from Spain v Portugal and first 30 mins of England, rest has been bland average. As open a WC as I can ever remember.

[One Day Soon]

With the way most of the big boys are playing... Could they?

No chance. Argentina were spectacularly anaemic tonight and made the Croatians look a lot better than they really are. Add on to that giving them a freak free first goal plus almost literally playing a man short with Messi and this match wasn't representative.

Messi has something wrong in his head right now if you ask me.

[cleanyman]

Where's the Messi fan boys now ?

[One Day Soon]

I also think that if England turn in a performance in their next game they have to be considered as serious contenders too given the under performance of pretty much all other nations so far.

[Mon Dieu4]

Where's the Messi fan boys now ?

Still here and he's still the most talented player on the planet

[One Day Soon]

Not a single referee so far has clamped down on either really dirty fouling or persistent play breaking fouls. It's spoiling the tournament to quite a degree and the refs are just walking away from it.

[Haymaker]

Argentina's pool of players vs their selected starting 11, is absolutely criminal and has been for months. Incredible waste of the talent at his disposal from the management

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

Surely they have a keeper who's actually playing regularly?

[HibbyAndy]

Still here and he's still the most talented player on the planet

In your opinion

[Nakedmanoncrack]

Croatia have been an absolute joy to watch

Well drilled, well organised, but guilty of some utterly cynical play.

[Mon Dieu4]

In your opinion

Yes and many peoples opinion

[One Day Soon]

Still here and he's still the most talented player on the planet

I think that's true, just, regardless of this world cup. World Cup tells you a lot about national strength but much less about best individual players.

[One Day Soon]

Well drilled, well organised, but guilty of some utterly cynical play.

That's what they do.

[hfc rd]

Where's the Messi fan boys now ?


This is possibly his last ever World Cup that he will play in and he has virtually done nothing in the two games against Iceland & Croatia. Argentina have needed a moment of magic to drag them out of this ruck and he’s not produced.

[HibbyAndy]

Yes and many peoples opinion

True , And in my opinion and many peoples opinion Ronaldo is the best in the world

[JeMeSouviens]

Well drilled, well organised, but guilty of some utterly cynical play.

They got lucky as well with the Argies missing an open goal and having a goalie howler. Fair play to them for making the most of it though.

[Jim44]

Looking at some of these tackles from both teams, I think the VAR guys should hang their heads in shame. How there were no red cards I cannot fathom.

[JeMeSouviens]

Where's the Messi fan boys now ?

Croatia smothered him out the game. You can’t do that to Barca because someone else will hurt you in the space that leaves.

[cleanyman]

Still here and he's still the most talented player on the planet

Not seeing it.

[hfc rd]

Looking at some of these tackles from both teams, I think the VAR guys should hang their heads in shame. How there were no red cards I cannot fathom.


True. Rebic should have been sent off for Croatia and Otamendi for Argentina.

[cleanyman]

Croatia smothered him out the game. You can’t do that to Barca because someone else will hurt you in the space that leaves.

If he was that good he would have found it. Like Ronaldo has.

[J-C]

Looking at some of these tackles from both teams, I think the VAR guys should hang their heads in shame. How there were no red cards I cannot fathom.

Is VAR not just for penalty box decisions

[Lago]

I also think that if England turn in a performance in their next game they have to be considered as serious contenders too given the under performance of pretty much all other nations so far.
Absolutely correct.

[David_D]

:agree: Apart from Spain v Portugal and first 30 mins of England, rest has been bland average. As open a WC as I can ever remember.

I thought Mexico were very good against Germany.

[we are hibs]

Where's the Messi fan boys now ?

He's still vastly superior to anyone else to have ever kicked a ball. My top 3 would be Messi then a massive gap then Maradona then the Brazilian Ronaldo.

[hfc rd]

He's still vastly superior to anyone else to have ever kicked a ball. My top 3 would be Messi then a massive gap then Maradona then the Brazilian Ronaldo.


He is nowhere near Maradona and the Brazilian Ronaldo’s level!

[HibbyAndy]

He's still vastly superior to anyone else to have ever kicked a ball. My top 3 would be Messi then a massive gap then Maradona then the Brazilian Ronaldo.

:hilarious:hilarious:hilarious

[JeMeSouviens]

If he was that good he would have found it. Like Ronaldo has.

Oh sorry, didn’t realise this was yet another pointless Messi v Ron thread.

[ekhibee]

Unlike some others here I didn't think Croatia were particularly brilliant, but I did think Argentina were really really poor. Croatia's defending was woeful, as bad as Argentina's in the first half. A couple of players from both sides should have been sent off, a couple of sitters missed, and I thought the Argentinian team started sulking after the first goal. They don't seem to like the manager, there's something going on there. They really struggled in qualification as well, only qualified in their very last qualifying game I think.When I first saw the Modric goal I thought it was a really good goal, but when I saw the replay I thought a decent keeper should've saved it. Exciting game to watch though.

[Barman Stanton]

He's still vastly superior to anyone else to have ever kicked a ball. My top 3 would be Messi then a massive gap then Maradona then the Brazilian Ronaldo.

Maradona’s Argentina would not have lost like that. He was able to transform average teams into great teams. Messi is incredible, but in a world class Barca team. He doesn’t seem able to influence a lesser quality team like Maradona did with Argentina and Napoli.

[IWasThere2016]

Maradona’s Argentina would not have lost like that. He was able to transform average teams into great teams. Messi is incredible, but in a world class Barca team. He doesn’t seem able to influence a lesser quality team like Maradona did with Argentina and Napoli.

Maradona was aff his tits.. Naples Mafia rumoured to have had him drugged up to play

[Barman Stanton]

Maradona was aff his tits.. Naples Mafia rumoured to have had him drugged up to play

Lol, in what way is cocaine a performance enhancer? If anything it’s amazing he played so well. A lesser player would just stand around talking about himself.

[J-C]

Lol, in what way is cocaine a performance enhancer? If anything it’s amazing he played so well. A lesser player would just stand around talking about himself.

Cocaine is a stimulant

[Jim44]

Is VAR not just for penalty box decisions

VAR only intervenes in the course of a match when the officials have made a 'clear and obvious error' in one of four key areas.

Goals : Penalties : Straight Red Cards : Mistaken Identity.

[J-C]

VAR only intervenes in the course of a match when the officials have made a 'clear and obvious error' in one of four key areas.

Goals : Penalties : Straight Red Cards : Mistaken Identity.

Ok, so obvious bad tackles etc

[ian cruise]

Lol, in what way is cocaine a performance enhancer? If anything it’s amazing he played so well. A lesser player would just stand around talking about himself.

I suppose if he is full of cocaine I suppose he will have more likely to be brave and try things other players would not.

[MWHIBBIES]

I'd hate to be Messi tonight. Break hundreds of records, score hundreds of goals including 91 in 12 months, win so many trophies and awards, be the main man in one of the greatest clubs sides ever but he's had a rough world cup so he's no where near guys who achieved half as much.

If Messi is useless because he never won the world cup I assume Maradona and Ronaldo (Brazil) are useless because they haven't won the Champions league/European cup? Its a ridiculous argument. He is at worst in the same bracket. On a good day he's better and just about every single possible metric shows that.

Cristiano and Messi are the best 2 players ever. That is the one thing for sure.

[calumhibee1]

Have to agree , The Messi 'can't do it on his own ' patter , He's hardly touched the ball in this game !

I didn’t see the game, but having seen the first goal I’d suggest there’s not alot Messi can do for this Argentina team. They are atrocious.

[Mibbes Aye]

Man of the Match in a World Cup Final.

Man of the Match in a Euros Final.

Scored the winner in a World Cup Final.

Player of the tournament in a Euros

Two European Championships and a World Cup

Four Champions' Leagues and nine La Ligas

I think there's an argument that Messi and Ronaldo aren't even the best of their generation :greengrin

[Barman Stanton]

I'd hate to be Messi tonight. Break hundreds of records, score hundreds of goals including 91 in 12 months, win so many trophies and awards, be the main man in one of the greatest clubs sides ever but he's had a rough world cup so he's no where near guys who achieved half as much.

If Messi is useless because he never won the world cup I assume Maradona and Ronaldo (Brazil) are useless because they haven't won the Champions league/European cup? Its a ridiculous argument. He is at worst in the same bracket. On a good day he's better and just about every single possible metric shows that.

Cristiano and Messi are the best 2 players ever. That is the one thing for sure.

Iv not seen anyone ever say Messi is useless. Most acknowledge he is one of the greatest players of all time. It’s just that some people think there may be another player or 2 who was better.

You say that Messi and Ronaldo are the greatest ever, like it’s a fact because you say so. It’s just your opinion. Some older heads who saw other players play may disagree. In this day and age the greatest players play for the best teams so of course they have countless medals.

[Pretty Boy]

Man of the Match in a World Cup Final.

Man of the Match in a Euros Final.

Scored the winner in a World Cup Final.

Player of the tournament in a Euros

Two European Championships and a World Cup

Four Champions' Leagues and nine La Ligas

I think there's an argument that Messi and Ronaldo aren't even the best of their generation :greengrin

Andres😍

[Barman Stanton]

Man of the Match in a World Cup Final.

Man of the Match in a Euros Final.

Scored the winner in a World Cup Final.

Player of the tournament in a Euros

Two European Championships and a World Cup

Four Champions' Leagues and nine La Ligas

I think there's an argument that Messi and Ronaldo aren't even the best of their generation :greengrin

When you see it listed like that it’s an incredible career Iniesta has had. Such a great player, I think he will be more appreciated in years time after he is retired.

[JeMeSouviens]

Xavi was better. :wink:

[hibsbollah]

When you see it listed like that it’s an incredible career Iniesta has had. Such a great player, I think he will be more appreciated in years time after he is retired.

... But your earlier point is very valid, Iniestas trophy haul is so ridiculous because he's playing in a team of galacticos. In days gone by the likes of Maradona could play for Napoli as the best player in the world without it seeming like an aberration. Can you imagine Messi or Ronaldo deciding to sign for a side outwith the top five moneyed global clubs like that just for the giggles?

[Mibbes Aye]

Xavi was better. :wink:

:greengrin

I actually used to think so, maybe in the first half of their careers, but gradually and irrevocably came round to appreciating Iniesta more.

Different players though, and of course they complemented each other perfectly. They played absolutely beautifully together, a midfield pairing that would genuinely have to be up there with any of the true greats.

[Mibbes Aye]

... But your earlier point is very valid, Iniestas trophy haul is so ridiculous because he's playing in a team of galacticos. In days gone by the likes of Maradona could play for Napoli as the best player in the world without it seeming like an aberration. Can you imagine Messi or Ronaldo deciding to sign for a side outwith the top five moneyed global clubs like that just for the giggles?

Napoli broke the world record for a transfer fee when they signed Maradona.

[hibsbollah]

Napoli broke the world record for a transfer fee when they signed Maradona.

I know they did. But they didn't have any other even vaguely world class players on their books, hence it was still a massive risk for him to move there. A risk, like I say, that no superstar today would ever take.

[Mibbes Aye]

I know they did. But they didn't have any other even vaguely world class players on their books, hence it was still a massive risk for him to move there. A risk, like I say, that no superstar today would ever take.

I don't remember much about their team then but I do remember they had Careca who was a Brazilian goal machine. And during Maradona's time there they were consistently successful, he couldn't have carried the whole team for several seasons.

I suppose the other factor is that this was pre-Champions' League, where it didn't take (as) much to shift the balance of power.

[Barman Stanton]

Napoli broke the world record for a transfer fee when they signed Maradona.

That’s very true, as did Barca I believe when they signed him. But it was a different time when clubs would possibly have one superstar, Real with Hugo Sanchez, Juventus with Platini etc. The closest to a Real or Barca of today would probably be Milan when they had Gullit, Van Basten etc. Which makes his achievements at Napoli all the greater.

Nowadays Maradona could probably only play for Barca or Madrid.

[JeMeSouviens]

:greengrin

I actually used to think so, maybe in the first half of their careers, but gradually and irrevocably came round to appreciating Iniesta more.

Different players though, and of course they complemented each other perfectly. They played absolutely beautifully together, a midfield pairing that would genuinely have to be up there with any of the true greats.

I wouldn’t pick one over the other, tbh. They were awesome together, with ever reliable “water carrier” Busquets completing the perfect trio for peak Barca and peak Spain.

[Barman Stanton]

I don't remember much about their team then but I do remember they had Careca who was a Brazilian goal machine. And during Maradona's time there they were consistently successful, he couldn't have carried the whole team for several seasons.

I suppose the other factor is that this was pre-Champions' League, where it didn't take (as) much to shift the balance of power.

He really did carry the whole team. Have you watched any old Napoli games? He does everything, picks the ball up from the keeper to start play, takes throw ins, takes corners, free kicks etc etc. There are loads of games online you can watch. There is one in particular when they beat the great Milan team 4-1. He scores 1 and sets up 3. He is literally involved in everything.

Napoli were fighting relegation before Maradona signed. Had never won a title in their history. I think you are massively underestimating the influence and impact he had on them.

[Mibbes Aye]

That’s very true, as did Barca I believe when they signed him. But it was a different time when clubs would possibly have one superstar, Real with Hugo Sanchez, Juventus with Platini etc. The closest to a Real or Barca of today would probably be Milan when they had Gullit, Van Basten etc. Which makes his achievements at Napoli all the greater.

Nowadays Maradona could probably only play for Barca or Madrid.

Hmmn - Platini-era Juve had Boniek, Rossi, Scirea, Cabrini, Tardelli and Zoff and that's just off the top of my head. They were basically most of the Italy team with a couple of stardust foreigners. Sanchez would have been at Madrid around the same time as Butragueno, who was a better player and again they supplied half the Spanish team.

I agree with your point that a Maradona-type now would only really be with a Barca, Madrid or PSG, but that reflects how much the spending power has become concentrated. It's a far cry from when Blackburn Rovers could sign the best English player and use that to draw in others, for example.

[Mibbes Aye]

He really did carry the whole team. Have you watched any old Napoli games? He does everything, picks the ball up from the keeper to start play, takes throw ins, takes corners, free kicks etc etc. There are loads of games online you can watch. There is one in particular when they beat the great Milan team 4-1. He scores 1 and sets up 3. He is literally involved in everything.

Napoli were fighting relegation before Maradona signed. Had never won a title in their history. I think you are massively underestimating the influence and impact he had on them.

I appreciate he had a huge influence and impact :agree:

[Barman Stanton]

Hmmn - Platini-era Juve had Boniek, Rossi, Scirea, Cabrini, Tardelli and Zoff and that's just off the top of my head. They were basically most of the Italy team with a couple of stardust foreigners. Sanchez would have been at Madrid around the same time as Butragueno, who was a better player and again they supplied half the Spanish team.

I agree with your point that a Maradona-type now would only really be with a Barca, Madrid or PSG, but that reflects how much the spending power has become concentrated. It's a far cry from when Blackburn Rovers could sign the best English player and use that to draw in others, for example.

I see your point re Juventus, but like you said my point was more that the wealth wasn’t concentrated like now. Was just trying to show that Maradona’s lack of European Cup medals etc is more a sign of the times. He couldn’t even win a Ballon d’Or as it was European players only back then!

Funny you mention Blackburn though as remember Shearer made his debut for them at Easter Road. And we sang what a waste of money lol!

[Mibbes Aye]

I see your point re Juventus, but like you said my point was more that the wealth wasn’t concentrated like now. Was just trying to show that Maradona’s lack of European Cup medals etc is more a sign of the times. He couldn’t even win a Ballon d’Or as it was European players only back then!

Funny you mention Blackburn though as remember Shearer made his debut for them at Easter Road. And we sang what a waste of money lol!

I remember when Arsenal signed Dennis Bergkamp, absolutely smashing their record transfer fee. He struggled in his first half a dozen games or so, and was getting that chant every week from the opposition fans. And then it just fell into place, to the extent that there's a statue of him outside the Emirates :greengrin

[JimBHibees]

I know they did. But they didn't have any other even vaguely world class players on their books, hence it was still a massive risk for him to move there. A risk, like I say, that no superstar today would ever take.

They had the Brazilian centre forward Careca also

[One Day Soon]

I didn’t see the game, but having seen the first goal I’d suggest there’s not alot Messi can do for this Argentina team. They are atrocious.

A wise and pithy observation.

[One Day Soon]

Xavi was better. :wink:

But Maradona was best.

[hibsbollah]

I don't remember much about their team then but I do remember they had Careca who was a Brazilian goal machine. And during Maradona's time there they were consistently successful, he couldn't have carried the whole team for several seasons.

I suppose the other factor is that this was pre-Champions' League, where it didn't take (as) much to shift the balance of power.

He absolutely DID carry them. Listen to this.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1pJZ51XTKPqxltAvPtwl86?si=Lv01X7Y-S76dCQbyOSsmtQ

There's also a great Golazzo episode about his time at Naples you should listen to, the background to his signing, his decision to make an apparent backwards move from Barca to Napoli who have no significant history of winning anything. And of course the great recent ocumentary about him.

There really is no comparable example today, and probably couldn't ever be again.

[Sylar]

These VW adverts on ITV are really grating!

[hibsbollah]

These VW adverts on ITV are really grating!

I've got pat Nevin on Five live. Doing the garden in the sunshine, not a bad start to the weekend. Not too fussed about this one, it's always good for the tourney to have a strong Brazil I suppose. 3-0 stroll.

[Mibbes Aye]

He absolutely DID carry them. Listen to this.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1pJZ51XTKPqxltAvPtwl86?si=Lv01X7Y-S76dCQbyOSsmtQ

There's also a great Golazzo episode about his time at Naples you should listen to, the background to his signing, his decision to make an apparent backwards move from Barca to Napoli who have no significant history of winning anything. And of course the great recent ocumentary about him.

There really is no comparable example today, and probably couldn't ever be again.

Ok, just for you I'll post my favourite football photo (non-Hibs) ever :greengrin

20915

[Mibbes Aye]

Costa Rica opened Brazil up there, three or four in the box all in space but they put it wide.

[JeMeSouviens]

Why are CR and Brazil both in away strips? Do bright red and bright yellow clash in some way I'm not aware of? :confused:

[Sylar]

I was about to slate Neymar for rolling yet again, but that actually looked quite nasty!

[Hibbyradge]

"Neymar takes".

I hate that phrase. :grr:

[hibsbollah]

Ok, just for you I'll post my favourite football photo (non-Hibs) ever :greengrin

20915

:not worth

[Sylar]

Heading for the first 0-0? This has been ghastly.

[Mibbes Aye]

Heading for the first 0-0? This has been ghastly.

I think the goals will come for Brazil, just too much quality. Costa Rica, while being a bit physical, aren't poor footballers when they put their mind to it and could easily grab a goal against the rather louche Brazilian defence.

[hibsbollah]

Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Spain all under par. Some great games, great goals and, lots of cheating. What a strange tournament. I'd love someone like Mexico or Serbia to win it for the underdog.

[IGRIGI]

I'm starting to worry that England might have a chance considering how ***** everyone else is.

[Curried]

Must be a hell of a pie queue, as the stand on the far side is a long way from full..

[Sylar]

I'm starting to worry that England might have a chance considering how ***** everyone else is.

Don't worry about that. I drew them in the sweepstake at work. They've no chance :greengrin

[Iain G]

Am sure it has been done to death but just what does Glenn Hoddle offer as part of a commentary team other than stating the bleeding obvious and mispronouncing names?!?

[Mibbes Aye]

Am sure it has been done to death but just what does Glenn Hoddle offer as part of a commentary team other than stating the bleeding obvious and mispronouncing names?!?

"Jah-zoos" :greengrin

[Hibbyradge]

😂 What a dive

[Iain G]

"Jah-zoos" :greengrin

He is so parochial! Did he just suggest the centre forward position is the 'Harry Kane' position?!?

[Sylar]

Great decision.

Cheating *******.

[JeMeSouviens]

Brazil are in a bit of bother if they don't get a winner here.

[iwasthere1972]

No chance that was ever a penalty. Fell down like a wee lassie in the playground.

Glenn Hoddle...Brave decision. Nothing brave about it.

[Sylar]

He's lucky still to be on the park - booked for his petulance, and it should have been his second yellow in 5 minutes.

Neymar will never be mentioned in the same breath as Ronaldo or Messi - he's abhorrent.

[Mibbes Aye]

He is so parochial! Did he just suggest the centre forward position is the 'Harry Kane' position?!?

He's terrible!

I can't remember which tournament it was, maybe the 92 Euros, where he kept calling Van Basten 'Marco Van Batsen'. It's really not that difficult a name to get right :greengrin

[Sylar]

Heading for the first 0-0? This has been ghastly.

Whoever it is on here that placed a bet on no 0-0 games' ******** will currently be making buttons :greengrin

[Curried]

I’ve been swithering on the positives of the VAR until that Naymar dive/penalty was rescinded. Now I’m a believer:-)

[One Day Soon]

Feels to me like the first round of games were mostly really excellent and the second round have been largely Hearts.

[Sylar]

Costa Rica playing for the draw now. Going down at every opportunity.

Still not sure that justifies the billy-big-baws abuse spewing out of Neymar's mouth.

I'm definitely not a fan of this "puta".

[Mibbes Aye]

Telling camera shot there, the back of Neymar's socks with big holes in them where the studs have gone in.

I thought Costa Rica had been pretty positive throughout the game but the playacting has come in with a vengeance in the last ten.

[Mibbes Aye]

Goooooooooooooooooooool!!!!!!!!!

[Hibbyradge]

😂

[Sylar]

They deserve it in fairness. Costa Rica stopped trying to get up the park about 20 minutes ago, and have defended for most of this half.

[Betty Boop]

Excellent!

[One Day Soon]

I'm afraid that wee nations that play like this can GTF right out of it as far as I'm concerned.

[Craig_HFC]

Get that right up you, Costa Rica. The worst of all the anti-football in the tournament so far.

[emoji1054][emoji1054][emoji1054]

[Sylar]

Anti-football vs cheating *******s...

Not sure I can side with Brazil in that argument.

[poolman]

I'm afraid that wee nations that play like this can GTF right out of it as far as I'm concerned.


Can't agree more :agree:

[Betty Boop]

Neymar

[One Day Soon]

Anti-football vs cheating *******s...

Not sure I can side with Brazil in that argument.

Understandable. Mind you that wee ****bag just won me £75.

[hfc rd]

Brazil turn on the style in injury time.

[Sylar]

Understandable. Mind you that wee ****bag just won me £75.

Congrats! Bloody good start to the weekend :greengrin

They deserved their win - I'm just glad it didn't come via that "penalty".

[Craig_HFC]

Delighted Neymar scored if only to shut up those 2 absolute dickheads on ITV commentary; Tyldesley & Hoddle.

[One Day Soon]

Congrats! Bloody good start to the weekend :greengrin

They deserved their win - I'm just glad it didn't come via that "penalty".


Ta. Yeah, VAR doesn't fix everything but it should at least reduce some of the more ludicrous mistakes.

[One Day Soon]

Delighted Neymar scored if only to shut up those 2 absolute dickheads on ITV commentary; Tyldesley & Hoddle.

That's like eating the stuff you hate on your plate all in one go to get it out of the way. What a pair of dull irritating nobs.

[hibsbollah]

Nevin and the commentator were going absolutely mental about all the cheating. 'BOOK 'IM REF!, BOOK 'IM!' 'Why isnt he booking him for that ludicrous dive, Pat?'.

It was full on Partridge Rage.

Cmon the Super Eagles:flag:

[PatHead]

One of my favourite ever World Cup moments. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZidgbWMgg9Y

Sorry about the commentary

[Billy Whizz]

One of my favourite ever World Cup moments. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZidgbWMgg9Y

Sorry about the commentary

Forgot about that, brilliant!

Now that is a Brazilian strip, it’s a beauty

[Sylar]

It's hard not to love Iceland.

Really hope they win today. That Nigeria strip is horrible.

[Craig_HFC]

Forgot about that, brilliant!

Now that is a Brazilian strip, it’s a beauty

The story behind it isn’t that great

https://sports.vice.com/en_uk/article/537pwn/throwback-thursday-the-bizarre-tragedy-of-zaires-world-cup-debut

[PatHead]

It's hard not to love Iceland.

Really hope they win today. That Nigeria strip is horrible.

Must admit I find it hard to like them. Awful football to watch. Then again, maybe it is jealousy.

[Mibbes Aye]

Must admit I find it hard to like them. Awful football to watch. Then again, maybe it is jealousy.

:agree:

I struggle to like Iceland. Ten behind the ball against a team 26 places beneath them in the rankings demonstrates a paucity of imagination or desire to actually play open football.

[Mibbes Aye]

I like Martin Keown but he's been spending too much time in Hoddle's company by the sound of it.

What is 'Argen-teeny-yah' all about?

[Hibbyradge]

I like Martin Keown but he's been spending too much time in Hoddle's company by the sound of it.

What is 'Argen-teeny-yah' all about?



They all seem to mispronounce something. Can they all really be that ignorant?

It wouldn't surprise me if the pundits do it deliberately for a sort of in-joke.

[Jonnyboy]

Delighted Neymar scored if only to shut up those 2 absolute dickheads on ITV commentary; Tyldesley & Hoddle.

You should have heard the Radio Five Live commentator practically screaming at the ref to book Neymar. Went on a rant about punishing diving which is all good and well but will he be screaming for bookings when Ashley Young and Raheem Sterling hit the deck every other tackle?

[hibsbollah]

Must admit I find it hard to like them. Awful football to watch. Then again, maybe it is jealousy.

The organisation is impressive but its robotic football. No individualism at all. If Chairman Mao was a football manager his team would play like this.

[One Day Soon]

:agree:

I struggle to like Iceland. Ten behind the ball against a team 26 places beneath them in the rankings demonstrates a paucity of imagination or desire to actually play open football.

It's like watching icebergs melt, but without the pace.

[Mibbes Aye]

It's like watching icebergs melt, but without the pace.

Let us hope it changes.

[One Day Soon]

What's the worst thing about this game?

The Nigerian strip, the way Iceland play, the way Nigeria fail to play, the commentary or this twat's denim shirt?

[Lago]

:agree:

I struggle to like Iceland. Ten behind the ball against a team 26 places beneath them in the rankings demonstrates a paucity of imagination or desire to actually play open football.
Iceland's manager makes no apologies for how they play, as he says we play to our strenghts & some may not like it but it works for us.

[James70]

Is there any English league club that hasn't been mentioned yet in this commentary?

[Mibbes Aye]

Iceland's manager makes no apologies for how they play, as he says we play to our strenghts & some may not like it but it works for us.

Yeah, I can understand that. I didn't mind Iran trying to keep it tight against Spain, that was purely rational, I don't think Iceland have that excuse though.

Mind you, the quality of Nigeria's final ball probably refutes my argument completely, Iceland are as well just sitting back and saving energy. :greengrin

[Deansy]

Kyle Walker asking the English-media to help them and 'keep things to themselves' after a photo of their the team-formation for their game against Panama was published ....................................

As if the English-media doesn't already do enough for the country with 'The best league in the world' !!

[Mibbes Aye]

Peach!!!!!!!!!!

[hibsbollah]

That was a beautiful goal. Just gorgeous.

[Hibbyradge]

Great first touch. Great finish.

[Thecat23]

That was a brilliant finish.

[hfc rd]

What a superb counter attack and finish!

[hibsbollah]

The goal of the tournament competition will be worth watching, some absolute belters with this new crazy Adidas ball.

[green day]

Iceland's manager makes no apologies for how they play, as he says we play to our strenghts & some may not like it but it works for us.

Anti football, I hate it.

Edit, and I hated it when levein did it with Scotland too.

[David_D]

Why did Nigeria not play this system against Croatia? Is like watching a completely different team.

[Lago]

Anti football, I hate it.

Edit, and I hated it when levein did it with Scotland too.
I agree, but as long as they're successful using it others will start to copy it. Awful thought.

[Thecat23]

Why did Nigeria not play this system against Croatia? Is like watching a completely different team.

Exactly, It’s crazy how different they have been from the Croatia game. When teams have the potential to play well, I never get when they don’t play to their strengths.

[Mibbes Aye]

Trivia Corner:

Nigeria are the only World Cup team with a major city that is also a former Hibs' player's nickname.

[AltheHibby]

Am I the only saddo watching this and saying "Ndidi" in Teal'c's voice? 🤔

[Mibbes Aye]

I agree, but as long as they're successful using it others will start to copy it. Awful thought.

Backfires on them massively IMO. They have tons of space on Nigeria's right, in part because Moses is pushing so high, but they don't exploit the space and use the overlaps etc.

I hope they get what they deserve.

[Mibbes Aye]

Am I the only saddo watching this and saying "Ndidi" in Teal'c's voice? 🤔

:faf:

[bongo'd]

Must admit I find it hard to like them. Awful football to watch. Then again, maybe it is jealousy.

I really like the Nigeria strip. So much so that I went to try and buy it and I never buy strips unless they're Hibs or Scotland tops. Could I find one anywhere?? Not a chance unless I wanted to pay £250 on eBay..... mental. Apparently the most pre ordered strip ever 😲

[AltheHibby]

I really like the Nigeria strip. So much so that I went to try and buy it and I never buy strips unless they're Hibs or Scotland tops. Could I find one anywhere?? Not a chance unless I wanted to pay £250 on eBay..... mental. Apparently the most pre ordered strip ever 😲

I just had an email from a Nigerian Prince who can get me one...

[Mibbes Aye]

Supergoooooooooool!!!!!!!

[David_D]

Another cracking goal. Argentina will be watching this bricking it.

[NORTHERNHIBBY]

Good goal.

[Moulin Yarns]

Musa scores then does the Lennon airplane

[hfc rd]

Very good goal by Musa

Looks like Argentina have been given a lifeline now

[AltheHibby]

Trivia Corner:

Nigeria are the only World Cup team with a major city that is also a former Hibs' player's nickname.

Kano?

[Billy Whizz]

Very good goal by Musa

Looks like Argentina have been given a lifeline now

Sets it up nicely

[Mibbes Aye]

Kano?

Whatchooonabout Willis????

Ross 'Port Harcourt' Chisholm, obviously.

[Mibbes Aye]

Didn't think it was a pen in real-time but the replay made it look more likely.

[hfc rd]

VAR awards Iceland a penalty

[hfc rd]

Iceland have missed it. Abysmal penalty

[Mibbes Aye]

Natural justice

[Jim44]

“The Iceman melteth.” The commentators come out with some wee gems now and again.:greengrin

[Lago]

Some really poor penalty takers in this tournament.

[Michael]

Natural justice

It was a penalty though?

[Mibbes Aye]

It was a penalty though?

Yes.

[PatHead]

Love the Neil Lennon celebration for the second goal.

[hibsbollah]

I really like the Nigeria strip. So much so that I went to try and buy it and I never buy strips unless they're Hibs or Scotland tops. Could I find one anywhere?? Not a chance unless I wanted to pay £250 on eBay..... mental. Apparently the most pre ordered strip ever 😲

Looks like they can be got for £46 on amazon.
I love it too. 80s retro. I have some distant Nigerian relatives so i should really be supporting them:flag:

[Mibbes Aye]

Goooooolllllll!!!!!

[Lago]

Good goal Serbia.

[sleeping giant]

Great goal

[Mibbes Aye]

The stadium looks like a belter but they look like severely steep rakes behind the goals.

[hfc rd]

The stadium looks like a belter but they look like severely steep rakes behind the goals.


I’m sure I heard one of the commentators mention in one of the earlier games that the stadium was built on top of a swamp and is sinking!

[HibbyAndy]

Why can't we use VAR for diving ? Shakiri diving little **** !

[Lago]

I’m sure I heard one of the commentators mention in one of the earlier games that the stadium was built on top of a swamp and is sinking!
I read that 1 stadium couldn't be finished in time & they ended up putting 2 temporary stands up behind each set of goals. May or may not be this one.

[stantonhibby]

What a strike

[Lago]

:aok:
What a strike

[Mibbes Aye]

Xhaka can.

[stantonhibby]

Xhaka can.

I feel for you

[nellio]

I read that 1 stadium couldn't be finished in time & they ended up putting 2 temporary stands up behind each set of goals. May or may not be this one.

No that's a different one. The stands are outside the roof in that one it's really odd to look at.

[Lago]

No that's a different one. The stands are outside the roof in that one it's really odd to look at.
Oki doki really wasn't sure.

[Mibbes Aye]

I feel for you

stantonhibby knows :agree:

[nellio]

Oki doki really wasn't sure.

Here you go pal:


https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/world-cup/news/russia-world-cup-2018-a-stadium-added-temporary-stands-and-twitter-is-extremely-confused/

[hibsbollah]

Worst decision at the world cup yet right there as Mitrovic gets dragged to the ground by two defenders in the box and yet gets a foul against him :dunno:

Its obvious these teams dont like each other much.

[Aldo]

Worst decision at the world cup yet right there as Mitrovic gets dragged to the ground by two defenders in the box and yet gets a foul against him :dunno:

Unbelievable decision! Stonewaller for me


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[Lago]

Surely that was a penalty for Serbia.

[hibsbollah]

Unbelievable decision! Stonewaller for me


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Stonewaller for everyone i think. Some refs just give the foul against the striker at every ball into the box because its the easy thing to do.

[Jim44]

VAR. I now know what it stands for - variable. It’s only as useful as the quality of the muppets who are in control of it. The Serbian forward who was held by two Swiss defenders had a better case than Kane but no joy and the commentators barely mentioned it.

[hibsbollah]

For some reason i just find Switzerland really annoying. 6th in the world my erse.

[Colr]

Why can't we use VAR for diving ? Shakiri diving little **** !

I thought she was Columbian, too!

[Aldo]

Stonewaller for everyone i think. Some refs just give the foul against the striker at every ball into the box because its the easy thing to do.

I can understand that to an extent but holy ***** they both had hold of him. The boy in front wasn’t even looking the same way as the ball!


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[Lago]

Here you go pal:


https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/world-cup/news/russia-world-cup-2018-a-stadium-added-temporary-stands-and-twitter-is-extremely-confused/
Thank you, looks weird not sure how safe I would feel sitting in one.

[Jim44]

VAR. I now know what it stands for - variable. It’s only as useful as the quality of the muppets who are in control of it. The Serbian forward who was held by two Swiss defenders had a better case than Kane but no joy and the commentators barely mentioned it.

They’ve just looked at it again and it looks even worse. Shocking and indefensible decision by the ref and the ‘variables’.

[Mibbes Aye]

For some reason i just find Switzerland really annoying. 6th in the world my erse.

I posted on a different thread about how, liking Arsenal, I could back England when they had Sol Campbell and Ashley Cole playing for them.

The Swiss have Xhaka and Lichsteiner playing for them. Yet I can't warm to the Swiss. And I have no desire to support Serbia, so it should be a no-brainer

[nellio]

Don't understand VAR. You can't seriously tell me a panel of 4 officials all said that it wasn't a pen or did they just not review it on VAR???

[nellio]

Thank you, looks weird not sure how safe I would feel sitting in one.

I know. I wouldn't want to sit in it for 50 quid!!

[Lago]

Not a favourite player of mine, but took the goal pretty well.

[MWHIBBIES]

Great ending to one of the best matches so far.

[Jim44]

Don't understand VAR. You can't seriously tell me a panel of 4 officials all said that it wasn't a pen or did they just not review it on VAR???

It’s open to the same incompetence or corruption that exists with the on field officials. It’s a complete and utter waste of time.

[Albanian Hibs]

Xhaka and Shaqiri score for Switzerland. Both done the Albanian eagle with their hands in their celebrations 🇦🇱 2-1 Swiss. Get it up ya Serbia.

[HibbyAndy]

Xhaka and Shaqiri score for Switzerland. Both done the Albanian eagle with their hands in their celebrations 🇦🇱 2-1 Swiss. Get it up ya Serbia.


I think Xhaka's brother plays for Albania ?

[Colr]

I can understand that to an extent but holy ***** they both had hold of him. The boy in front wasn’t even looking the same way as the ball!


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What’s the point of VAR?

[Colr]

xhaka and shaqiri score for switzerland. Both done the albanian eagle with their hands in their celebrations 🇦🇱 2-1 swiss. Get it up ya serbia.

ffs

[MWHIBBIES]

It’s open to the same incompetence or corruption that exists with the on field officials. It’s a complete and utter waste of time.The multiple correct decisions made with it so far says otherwise.

If it gets 1 in 100 wrong decisions changed to right then its worth the time. If it had existed in Scotland 2 years ago we win the Falkirk tie.

[Aldo]

What’s the point of VAR?

Who knows Colr. I would have thought this very reason. Tbh though how the ref missed it is beyond me!


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[Albanian Hibs]

I think Xhaka's brother plays for Albania ?

Yeah he does

[Albanian Hibs]

ffs

??

[theonlywayisup]

Xhaka and Shaqiri score for Switzerland. Both done the Albanian eagle with their hands in their celebrations 🇦🇱 2-1 Swiss. Get it up ya Serbia.

Apparently Xhaka is an ethnic Albanian Serb whose family had to flee Kosovo from Serbia and his father was put in prison for 3 years protesting against the Serbia government. Don't think he likes them.

[Albanian Hibs]

Apparently Xhaka is an ethnic Albanian Serb whose family had to flee Kosovo from Serbia and his father was put in prison for 3 years protesting against the Serbia government. Don't think he likes them.

Yeah thats right

Xhaka was born in Basel, Switzerland[7][8][9][10] to Albanian parents originally from Kuršumlija, Serbia[11] and is the younger brother of Taulant Xhaka, who is also a professional footballer and plays for FC Basel and the Albania national team. His father Ragip was a student at University of Pristina and at age of 22 in 1986 he participated in demonstrations against the Communist Yugoslavia rule in Kosovo and as a result he was sentenced to prison for three and a half years.[12] Their family moved from Podujevo, District of Pristina to Switzerland in 1990[13][14] before either was born

[JimBHibees]

Should a German be refereeing a Swiss match.

[One Day Soon]

Should a German be refereeing a Swiss match.

Controversial