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@Wycombe-Al saidI agree, the new format brings in some hidden gems, for sure.
once England go out i always support the underdog (some would say England are the underdog compared to some of the teams left๐คฃ), when i got Cabo Verde in the work sweepstake i thought great the worst team in the tournament, how wrong i was Cabo Verde were amazing and shows that an expanded world cup, despite my original apprehensions, is a good idea otherwise these teams would never qualify
Yet Italy was off the list of teams in WC 2026, which is hard to justify. from AI:
The Italy men's national football team is currently ranked 12th in the world by FIFA, with 1,704.73 points.
They sit just behind Croatia (11th) and ahead of Colombia (13th)
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@Earl-of-Trumps saidThey were unlucky to play Norway and then choked in the playoffs as usual.
I agree, the new format brings in some hidden gems, for sure.
Yet Italy was off the list of teams in WC 2026, which is hard to justify. from AI:
The Italy men's national football team is currently ranked 12th in the world by FIFA, with 1,704.73 points.
They sit just behind Croatia (11th) and ahead of Colombia (13th)
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- Joined
- 10 Jan 08
- Moves
- 23736
@diver saidI know, best football song ever. Actually wanted England to win the euros in 96 when the song came out.
The song lyric is “30 years”
Come on Northern Ireland! ๐ช๐ผ
Real shame Colombia didn't win, staying up for the Argentina match but could have been better.
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@Trev333 saidI wanted to watch it but couldn’t stay awake; I’m reading reports that whilst still a solid team they aren’t close to the unit which won the title 4 years ago.
I know, best football song ever. Actually wanted England to win the euros in 96 when the song came out.
Real shame Colombia didn't win, staying up for the Argentina match but could have been better.
Meanwhile Haaland only got 21 touches in the game with England; less than Ronaldo’s 25 touches in Portugal’s first game. England’s defensive core might not be its best ever but this does show that old fashioned tactical man marking works even when the back line isn’t clicking all the time. Haaland’s frustration boiled over a few times.
Argentina v England is likely to go to extra time and maybe penalties.
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@Rajk999 saidYour next prediction?
Ok you win this one. I predict the Vikings will succeed where Montezuma failed.
As an aside, the top four teams in Fifa's world rankings have made the semi-finals of the World Cup for the first time. (Spain (1), Argentina (2), France (3) and England (4).
@Ghost-of-a-Duke saidYeah .. England did well. France / Argentina is the likely final. I will be rooting for France. But the way things are going, its hard to say. The world has seen great football from underdogs like Morocco, Egypt and Cape Verde. This might be the last time we are seeing FIFA World Cup dominated by Europeans and South Americans.
Your next prediction?
As an aside, the top four teams in Fifa's world rankings have made the semi-finals of the World Cup for the first time. (Spain (1), Argentina (2), France (3) and England (4).
On the lighter side, England and France are in fact 3rd world Islamic countries ... [ ๐ ]
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@diver saidI had come home from Dialysis and was too tired to see it all as it went into over time. I take it Argentina won. I don't think England is to be underestamated anymore!!! Of course admittedly I don't know the game like you guys and gals do.
I wanted to watch it but couldn’t stay awake; I’m reading reports that whilst still a solid team they aren’t close to the unit which won the title 4 years ago.
Meanwhile Haaland only got 21 touches in the game with England; less than Ronaldo’s 25 touches in Portugal’s first game. England’s defensive core might not be its best ever but this does show that old fashioned tacti ...[text shortened]... boiled over a few times.
Argentina v England is likely to go to extra time and maybe penalties.
The Filipinos know the game and players very well, most of them grew up playing the game and these guys were the players they looked up to.
The penalties are like Hockey and individual effort where it is a TEAM GAME, I don't care for it being decided that way. Same goes for Hockey although exciting for the fams I suppose.
-VR