Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

The 2017-2018 Football Thread

Status
Not open for further replies.
So I didn’t have much time yesterday to post about this, but very sad to see Ronaldo go. There is absolutely no way to replace him at Madrid. We can only hope to fine some really good chemistry with a group of players. I am afraid Madrid’s fate will be similar Spain’s in the WC this season. I don’t know who Perez goes after, but anything less Mbappé to me is a complete failure. We will see, but what a legend Ronaldo was for Real Madrid.
 
Scepticalscribe said:
To be honest, I thought that getting to the semi-final would be superlative - this is a fantastic achievement and all credit to Southgate; whatever about Croatia - and they will be fired up - I do not see England defeating France if they do manage to get to the finals.
Click to expand...
I'd rather lose to Croatia than France. I work with a couple of rather smug French people!
[doublepost=1531311012][/doublepost]
bmac4 said:
So I didn’t have much time yesterday to post about this, but very sad to see Ronaldo go. There is absolutely no way to replace him at Madrid. We can only hope to fine some really good chemistry with a group of players. I am afraid Madrid’s fate will be similar Spain’s in the WC this season. I don’t know who Perez goes after, but anything less Mbappé to me is a complete failure. We will see, but what a legend Ronaldo was for Real Madrid.
Click to expand...
Do you not think his absence might help some of the suppressed stars shine a little? Bale for instance? I get the feeling Ronaldo doesn't like to share the lime light!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Scepticalscribe
Apple fanboy said:
Do you not think his absence might help some of the suppressed stars shine a little? Bale for instance? I get the feeling Ronaldo doesn't like to share the lime light!
Click to expand...
I have wonder that, but I am not sure if Bale is capable of taking a team on his back alone. We are going to need a lot of help around him. I do agree though that Ronaldo has a way of quitting other stars while he shines. The one thing I am really afraid of is Perez going out and getting Neymar. I want to part of him, and I think that leads to a long run of being a poor team if we do that. Like I said, it’s Mbappé, or bust for me.
 
Scepticalscribe said:
To be honest, I thought that getting to the semi-final would be superlative - this is a fantastic achievement and all credit to Southgate; whatever about Croatia - and they will be fired up - I do not see England defeating France if they do manage to get to the finals.
Click to expand...

In rugby France have a habit of choking against England. By contrast, England have a habit of raising their game.

I'm rather hoping this feeds over into football. But after watching France v Belgium, I know what you mean. They did look rather impressive.

Mind you, we have to beat Croatia first.
[doublepost=1531312780][/doublepost]On the positive side:

Croatia came into the competition ranked 20th, England came in ranked 12th.

Croatia have struggled through their last two matches, both of which went to extra time and penalties. England will be fresher.

I've read somewhere that Croatian players have picked up a series of injuries along the way.
 
Last edited:
Latest news are reporting that Rebic is injured as well, neck pains, what not...
He is our best offensive player by far, especially because Perisic is playing his worst games ever for Croatia. But I do believe that they will patch him up, because without him, there is no Croatia at all.

But still, I wonder, how will this effect him? He plays really rough, he takes a lot of beating, but he gives even more. If he isn't 100% ready, I would bench him :(
 
I hate to admit it (as an Arsenal supporter), Bale carried Tottenham on his back for a few years. Then the move...

bmac4 said:
I have wonder that, but I am not sure if Bale is capable of taking a team on his back alone. We are going to need a lot of help around him. I do agree though that Ronaldo has a way of quitting other stars while he shines. The one thing I am really afraid of is Perez going out and getting Neymar. I want to part of him, and I think that leads to a long run of being a poor team if we do that. Like I said, it’s Mbappé, or bust for me.
Click to expand...
 
  • Like
Reactions: Scepticalscribe
ivanwi11iams said:
I hate to admit it (as an Arsenal supporter), Bale carried Tottenham on his back for a few years. Then the move...
Click to expand...

Oh I completely agree! Bale is my favorite player, but putting Real on his back is much different than Tottenham. I think he could do it a bit, but can’t be the sole guy. Early last season Ronaldo was out on the suspension, and he did score some goals, but we didn’t look great all. It worries me a bit. Especially if we still have Benz on our team. I think we need help beyond Bale with the current roster.
 
bmac4 said:
Oh I completely agree! Bale is my favorite player, but putting Real on his back is much different than Tottenham. I think he could do it a bit, but can’t be the sole guy. Early last season Ronaldo was out on the suspension, and he did score some goals, but we didn’t look great all. It worries me a bit. Especially if we still have Benz on our team. I think we need help beyond Bale with the current roster.
Click to expand...
You looked much better when he came on in the CL Final.
 
  • Like
Reactions: bmac4
Apple fanboy said:
You looked much better when he came on in the CL Final.
Click to expand...

Completely agree! He completely changed the game for us. Two things that scare me. The pressure on him is going to be extreme. Ronaldo has no issues with that. The other being injuries. If we solely rely on him to be our talisman and he gets hurt, our season is done. He such an incredible talent. I like watching him play more than anyone else. Just the smoothness and pace. I hope he has the best season of his career this coming year. He just needs another big star alone side him. I think he would be overwhelmed without one.
 
What a start! It's coming home!
[doublepost=1531335219][/doublepost]I think 2-0 England. We're playing okay. Just need to watch some of those balls back to Pickford. Put him under a bit too much pressure for my liking.
Croatia are not playing well together. As the game goes on they should tire more.

Just hope some of those missed chances don't come back to haunt us.
 
Apple fanboy said:
What a start! It's coming home!
[doublepost=1531335219][/doublepost]I think 2-0 England. We're playing okay. Just need to watch some of those balls back to Pickford. Put him under a bit too much pressure for my liking.
Croatia are not playing well together. As the game goes on they should tire more.

Just hope some of those missed chances don't come back to haunt us.
Click to expand...

Not s much missed chances as profligacy. Squandered stuff.

And that usually comes back to bite you at this level.

Apple fanboy said:
Grrrrrr.
Click to expand...

Well, yes, but one cannot expect Croatia not to contest.

Extra Time anyone? Even - dare one say - the dreaded penalties, looming yet again.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 0388631
Might be heading toward overtime. England need to tire out Croatia and get them complacent again.
 
Massive upset for England, but also mind blowing to see such a small country head to the final against a champion nation. If Croatia somehow pull off a win on Sunday... I'm at a loss for words.
[doublepost=1531342216][/doublepost]Well, I'll be damned. I am happy. I knew I had said something about Croatia because my opinion had changed after the initial match.

Zenithal said:
Indeed. Though the last cup games should have been indicative of that. I was never a fan of the South American teams and wasn't a fan of some of the European teams. Though I think it's time to pass on the torch to new blood. Whether it's Belgium or somehow Croatia make it, I'd be happy either way.
Click to expand...
 
Both Final and game for bronze will be good then, I hope.

Croatia deserved it, they faught til the end, had more fire.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Gutwrench
Status
Not open for further replies.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back