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Re: World Cup 2026

bojolpif71 — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 03:07:01 GMT

Author: bojolpif71

Posted: 07/11/2026 07:07

Spain vs. France in the semi-final—it’s going to be a very tight match and hard to predict, though my heart is with *Les Bleus*, of course.

Re: World Cup 2026

albummaster — Thu, 9 Jul 2026 08:43:05 GMT

Author: albummaster

Posted: 07/09/2026 12:43

Johnnyo wrote:

With our household being Anglo Swiss we are very happy at the moment.

I think that England will beat Norway but it’s going to be very close and I wouldn’t bet against the Norwegians but I think England by a goal

I can’t see Switzerland troubling Argentina so I’m predictably predicting

Spain
France
England
And
Argentina

To make up the semis

After that, it’s anyone guess

Can't really argue with that, though suspect there might be a surprise. Morocco have been pretty impressive, but a big ask against France. Spain haven't been as good as I thought they'd be. Belgium not a pushover and have some momentum after the last round, so the real Spain needs to turn up. England's defence were good for one game, but two in a row might be a big ask (probably have enough depth in other areas to cope). Argentina on a magic carpet ride.

Re: World Cup 2026

Johnnyo — Thu, 9 Jul 2026 05:43:18 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 07/09/2026 09:43

With our household being Anglo Swiss we are very happy at the moment.

I think that England will beat Norway but it’s going to be very close and I wouldn’t bet against the Norwegians but I think England by a goal

I can’t see Switzerland troubling Argentina so I’m predictably predicting

Spain
France
England
And
Argentina

To make up the semis

After that, it’s anyone guess

Re: World Cup 2026

kokkinos — Wed, 8 Jul 2026 20:35:11 GMT

Author: kokkinos

Posted: 07/09/2026 00:35

Despite Trump's and Co.'s best efforts to overshadow it, the round of 16 was another big success in footballing terms. Argentina vs Egypt was a match for the ages. I was rooting for Egypt, but at the same time can't say no to the opportunity to watch Messi for - at least - one more round. Every time I watch them, I think they can't keep getting away with such a fragile defence and a disjointed attack -they started the game with 4 central midfielders and finished with 3 forwards - but they somehow do. Still, I'd fancy the winner of England vs Norway - probably the most exciting match of the upcoming round - to beat them. France have a tricky match-up, too. Curious to see how this one plays out. Spain vs Belgium is the most one-sided quarter-final in my opinion. Belgium have defied expectations - the irony of it all being that the Balogun incident might have worked out in their favour after all - but I expect this to be the end of the road for them.

Re: World Cup 2026

Johnnyo — Tue, 7 Jul 2026 14:37:43 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 07/07/2026 18:37

AfterHours wrote:

WOW

TEAM OF DESTINY???

What a remarkable game. You have to feel for Egypt. So tough losing a game like that.

If there were any doubt, Messi really is the GOAT

Re: World Cup 2026

Johnnyo — Tue, 7 Jul 2026 14:36:28 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 07/07/2026 18:36

bojolpif71 wrote:

Norway will not be an easy opponent in the next round; a potential semi-final against Argentina—what a prospect for the Three Lions.

I think that Norway are going to be very tough to beat. A single goal in it hopefully in Englands favour

Re: World Cup 2026

AfterHours — Tue, 7 Jul 2026 14:13:44 GMT

Author: AfterHours

Posted: 07/07/2026 18:13

WOW

TEAM OF DESTINY???

Re: World Cup 2026

albummaster — Tue, 7 Jul 2026 05:31:04 GMT

Author: albummaster

Posted: 07/07/2026 09:31

France v Spain should be quite intriguing if it pans out that way, but Morocco should be a good test. Argentina not really played anyone decent yet & had a pretty easy ride which might play into England's hands (provided they get past Norway).

Re: World Cup 2026

bojolpif71 — Tue, 7 Jul 2026 02:11:48 GMT

Author: bojolpif71

Posted: 07/07/2026 06:11

Norway will not be an easy opponent in the next round; a potential semi-final against Argentina—what a prospect for the Three Lions.

Re: World Cup 2026

Johnnyo — Mon, 6 Jul 2026 13:43:37 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 07/06/2026 17:43

On a more positive footballing note, England were phenomenal against Mexico last night and my boy Jude (he started his career at my club and comes from my home city) was world class.

The whole team were magnificent to a man.

Re: World Cup 2026

albummaster — Mon, 6 Jul 2026 13:36:41 GMT

Author: albummaster

Posted: 07/06/2026 17:36

bojolpif71 wrote:

Infantino is hell-bent on pleasing President Trump; he is undoubtedly the most corrupt FIFA president—quite a feat, considering some of his predecessors. With the incident involving the Somali referee who was denied entry to the United States despite having accreditation, FIFA has completely discredited itself.

Fwiw, totally agree. Imagine if Putin had done this in 2018. Optics are not good.

Re: World Cup 2026

Johnnyo — Mon, 6 Jul 2026 13:35:21 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 07/06/2026 17:35

Cheddar wrote:

Yeah, that was, uh, something by Paraguay. Did not shine themselves in glory as an underdog like Cabo Verde did.

I also don't know how to feel about Balogun's reinstatement. It feels like a move to protect as much profit for the tournament as possible than to protect fair play, but I guess I'll take it.

Got to say that the reinstatement of Balogun feels like the epitome of FIFA sycophancy. The orange one demands and is obeyed.

I really wanted the USA to do well but the rules are the rules and I hope that Belgium takes them to the cleaners. Shame because I like the USA team but can’t support them tonight, which I would have done before this disgraceful episode

Re: World Cup 2026

bojolpif71 — Mon, 6 Jul 2026 07:44:59 GMT

Author: bojolpif71

Posted: 07/06/2026 11:44

Infantino is hell-bent on pleasing President Trump; he is undoubtedly the most corrupt FIFA president—quite a feat, considering some of his predecessors. With the incident involving the Somali referee who was denied entry to the United States despite having accreditation, FIFA has completely discredited itself.

Re: World Cup 2026

Cheddar — Sun, 5 Jul 2026 13:58:30 GMT

Author: Cheddar

Posted: 07/05/2026 17:58

bojolpif71 wrote:

The French team won a tropical wrestling match against Paraguay 😕 ; now it's back to football—the tournament's official sport—for the next round.

Re: World Cup 2026

Johnnyo — Sun, 5 Jul 2026 05:18:26 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 07/05/2026 09:18

bojolpif71 wrote:

The French team won a tropical wrestling match against Paraguay 😕 ; now it's back to football—the tournament's official sport—for the next round.

Paraguay defended very well until the France scored and I couldn't work out Paraguay's game plan after that. They had to score but just kept on trying to kick lumps out of the French. Very odd

With so many match winners in the team, France are still my favourites and Michael Olise is playing fantastic. Can't believe it's the same player who I saw play at Palace. World Class

Re: World Cup 2026

bojolpif71 — Sun, 5 Jul 2026 04:56:24 GMT

Author: bojolpif71

Posted: 07/05/2026 08:56

The French team won a tropical wrestling match against Paraguay 😕 ; now it's back to football—the tournament's official sport—for the next round.

Re: World Cup 2026

kokkinos — Sat, 4 Jul 2026 09:56:51 GMT

Author: kokkinos

Posted: 07/04/2026 13:56

What a run by Cabo Verde. They are the third-smallest country to qualify for the World Cup and the smallest to reach the knockout rounds, yet they kept the reigning World Champions and European Champions to a draw over 90 minutes. And it goes without saying that their second goal was the moment of the tournament. Hats off to them, truly inspirational stuff.

Overall, it has to be said that the round of 32 was a big success. Tight games, tons of drama, superstars on top of their game, impossible comebacks, great upsets, late goals, extra time, penalties, etc. A reminder of what this beautiful game and especially the World Cup is about.

Looking back at my predictions:

kokkinos wrote:

I agree that France and Spain are in a league of their own. I’d say France have the most talented squad, but Spain are functioning better as a team. I also expect Portugal to be there or thereabouts. They have the most complete midfield and that's where most games are decided. England and Brazil are tricky to call. They play an uninspiring brand of football, but they have elite managers who specialise in the knock-out format. I can’t see Argentina repeating their 2022 heroics, but a Ronaldo vs Messi final would break the internet. Germany are suspect defensively, most Dutch players had underwhelming seasons and Belgium have missed their window of opportunity. Can’t view any of them as contenders. Senegal look like Africa’s best bet, but can’t rule out Morocco. South Korea and Japan have balanced squads that can adapt to pretty much any opposition. Either of them could be the tournament's biggest overachievers, though the latter have been unlucky with injuries. Mexico are solid and always reliable, but I don’t think they have the individual quality for a really deep run. Actually, I was more impressed by how well-drilled the United States were. Not having to play any qualifying matches did wonders for their preparation.

Portugal have been the biggest letdown. Got this one wrong. Hugely talented individuals, but a dysfunctional team and a helpless manager. Still can't believe how Senegal shot themselves in the foot, I anticipated a deep run by them. Also expected more from South Korea. On the other hand, Japan can hold their heads high, they gave Brazil a run for their money. I had foreseen an early exit for Germany and the Netherlands, no surprises there. I thought Mexico and Morocco would be relatively solid, but they have both pleasantly surprised me. The United States have comfortably lived up to my expectations. Unlucky to miss Balogun, but they should have enough to see off Belgium and who knows what happens next. England and Brazil remain unconvincing, but can't write them off. Argentina belong in that category, too. If there's one player, however, that can work his magic and carry his team, that's Messi - and that's exactly what he's been doing. A kind draw helps as well. That being said, Spain and France remain the teams to beat. I still like Spain more as a team and in terms of how well they work as a unit, but France's individual quality in attack is scary despite not having fully clicked yet. One could argue they have 3 of the top-5 players in the world.

Re: World Cup 2026

Johnnyo — Fri, 3 Jul 2026 12:37:32 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 07/03/2026 16:37

albummaster wrote:

Looks like the poll has it about right, round of 16 starts at the weekend (only Germany & Netherlands from poll options didn't make it). Can't see anyone else winning it & France looking too good.

France look imperious and don’t appear to have got out of third gear yet.

They’ll really turn it on when needed as well. I also can’t see past them as eventually winners

Re: World Cup 2026

albummaster — Fri, 3 Jul 2026 07:44:18 GMT

Author: albummaster

Posted: 07/03/2026 11:44

Looks like the poll has it about right, round of 16 starts at the weekend (only Germany & Netherlands from poll options didn't make it). Can't see anyone else winning it & France looking too good.

Re: World Cup 2026

Johnnyo — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 04:15:58 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 06/30/2026 08:15

Johnnyo wrote:

junodog4 wrote:

Johnnyo wrote:

as for Germany v Paraguay. I think Germany but I've got a sneaking feeling that the Paraguayans might do it

Did you put down money? You should have!

I didn't but I should have. What a shootout! Not that I dislike Germany or anything but so pleased for the Paraguayans

Meant to say. You must be over the moon with the way Canada are progressing. On a roll!