2022 World Cup - Qatar

[Cruz_del_Sur]

Can a keeper not stand his ground there? Not exactly sure what he's supposed to do, just let him in?

Not stick his leg out after the ball passed his line.

 

[pagliaccio_euforico]

If he was standing ground in the basketball defence style of drawing a foul (both feet planted and completely stationary prior to contact) I could see an argument against a penalty. But from my take the keeper was still actively moving towards the ball, totally missed it and impeded the opposing player.

Happy to see criticism of football refs though as sometimes it reads here that rugby union is the only sport with contentious refereeing decisions.

 

[Bada-Bing!]

Now I think it's game over. Nice set up by Messi.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Wow

 

[General Melchett]

Amazing play by Messi. Ronaldo will have to be on suicide watch during Sunday's final. Watching Messi lift the trophy would be his worst nightmare.

 

[Bada-Bing!]

Messi giving the best defender this tournament the run around. What incredible strength and control he had to play it to Alvarez.

 

[Bada-Bing!]

Congrats to Argentina on reaching another final. and giving Messi a final opportunity to win a World Cup.

Modric - shame for him and Croatia. What an international career for him and World Cup run for a country with population of 4m. Really punched well above their weight.

 

[Cruz_del_Sur]

I believe this pic will add a bit of context that sometimes gets lost in the mix. He is 35 years old. Let me say it again. 35 years old. He started playing for the national team at 17.
Half the players in today's team grew up watching him on tv. Every now and then they were lucky enough to cross paths and take a picture.
This is the guy who scored two goals today.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Still supporting France for the money but after that I can't really begrudge Argentina winning. Not that I really think there is a GOAT debate in football but it becomes undisputed if Messi wins on Sunday.

 

[Bada-Bing!]

Here's an option floating around for next England manager - Sarina Wiegman.

Your messages to Southgate as he considers future

What do BBC Sport users want to say to "conflicted" England manager Gareth Southgate as he considers his future?

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Allez les Bleus

 

[pagliaccio_euforico]

this will be ugly. 5-0.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Allez les Bleus! Win me money

 

[General Melchett]

Greizmann's delivery is insane

 

[Bada-Bing!]

Greizmann has been superb. Just always there at the right time. My MOM.

And surely now France into the final.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Greizmann, Fofana and Konate have all been exceptional. Very strong spine to the French team overshadowed by a certain winger.

 

[Bada-Bing!]

Greizmann, Fofana and Konate have all been exceptional. Very strong spine to the French team overshadowed by a certain winger.

Not sure I have been that impressed by Fafona. I assume Rabiot will be back for the final if he recovers.

Konate is an absolute rock. So glad he's a Liverpool player.

 

[Bada-Bing!]

Very impressed with France. Really managed the times Morocco have put them under pressure, including that last passage of play when Morocco could have scored, whilst still retaining that forward threat by getting the ball upfield quickly. Why I think they start the final as favourites because they have variation in their play and have game management. First clean sheet for them as well.

Morocco looked like They just ran out of steam and ideas. Reminiscent of SK's run to the semis in 2002. First African/Arab nation in the semis. Can they repeat in 4 years time and future WCs or is this just an anomaly?

 

[Cruz_del_Sur]

I was actually quite impressed by Morocco. They had to play with a rather unfortunate and eary hand, the kind that destroys you psychologically and well, they did reasoanbly ok given the circumstances. They took control of the game and considering their resources, they threw everything but the sink at Fra WHILE at the same time shutting down Fra's offense for quite a while.
That's no small feat. Second goal is, well, let's call it circumstantial.

 

[Bada-Bing!]

Would love to see Messi and Argentina win on Sunday but overall I think France are a more complete team. Whilst Griezmann is their main conductor, they then also have Mbappé too. That's not counting Giroud and the pace of Dembélé.

I was really impressed with Tchouaméni, who I thought really was outstanding last night. I can see why Klopp was so keen to sign him. Just a rock of a defensive midfielder, with those telescopic legs and can make progressive passes with either foot and drive France forward from deep. We rave about Bellingham, but this guy is 3 years more mature in his game.

France just seen to have a system with their national team where they can lose players and have the strength in depth to then slot in. This is their 6th final in the last 13 major tournaments and going for their 2nd consecutive World Cup. Not an accident with their youth set up and academy system.