FIFA World Cup 2018 - The Semi-Finals
There are still many doubters over England and some even singled goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to be a burden but England the team and Pickford the young goalie have shown they are made of sterner stuff. Take a look at his save against Colombia first which I think is the save of the tournament:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zMAJUQimQE (Pickford Save)
He rescued England with that penalty save which was crucial as they have just missed a penalty. He seemed to be going one way and switched direction to make that save. One save from a Swedish header up close another diving low to his right and finally palming one over the top. Kieran Trippier pumped in crosses and from corners and set pieces like a seasoned pro and then Harry, Maguire (not Kane) scored with an unstoppable header. These three were not even playing during qualification and here they are bringing England into the semi-final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup setting up a clash against Croatia.
Even those die-hard England fans dare not say they are going to win the World Cup after so many attempts. There is nothing to be ashamed of. Italy and the Netherlands did not even qualified. Brazil and Germany, the hottest favourites have been dumped out. European Champion and another former Champion went home too. No Messi, no Ronaldo, no Neymar. Who will rule this time and be the world champion of 2018? France, Belgium, Croatia or England? Who shall meet ion the Final? E v F or B v C or the other combination? Maybe nobody wants it because of the Champions' curse. In 1998 France became World Champion and got dumped at the group stage of 2002. Italy were world champion in 2006 and in 2010 did not proceed from group stage. Spain gladly took over the mettle and were crowned the world's best in 2010 and by 2014 were humiliated like France and Italy before them and Germany were champion. Look what happened to Germany this year. They suffered the same fate. Do you think it is coincidental?
Meanwhile, we lived in a lopsided world where it may still do not know they are privileged. Neymar for all his exquisite skills has chosen to roll all over at the slightest touch. He should consider switching from soccer to ballet dancing. You see, there was a report that stated Neymar spent a total of 14 minutes rolling on the pitch. Do you know how many players and teams fought it out over a couple of years just trying to get to Russia? Even those players who got to Russia, do you know how many did not even get a minute's play? And you spent 14 minutes rolling on pitches. All aspiring players look for role models. Neymar is the greatest roll model.
There are more: The World Cup goes to wherever Pep Guardiola wins the League title. He won it at Barcelona and Spain won the World Cup. He won the Bundesliga title for Bayern Munich and Germany were crowned and he has done it this year with Manchester City, so "Football is coming home''? I shall offer one more: In 1966, Real Madrid won the European Cup, Manchester City won the league title, Chelsea finished fifth, Burnley qualifed for Europe, England won the World Cup. For 2018, Real Madrid won the European Cup, Manchester City won the league title, Chelsea finished fifth, Burnely qualifiy for Europe, England .....
France v Belgium were one of the favourites but not as hotly rated as Brazil or Germany at the start. They have a deep and talented squad with some match winners. With the rest gone, France assume the role of hot favourites. Uruguay is a tough team to play but without Cavani they were limping on one leg but fought on proudly like Uruguay would.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOpfT0V4KXQ (Varane goal)
Les Bleus most impressive match was their thrilling 4-3 win over Argentina in what was one of the World Cup's greatest classics. In their 2-0 win over Uruguay, they showed a different side of themselves and how to win a different game. Belgium is a different kettle of fish. They are as talented and have some equally fine match winners as well. However, when they trailed Japan by two goals, it was evident there were chinks in their armour whereas the French defence remained as solid throughout though they too conceded three goals to Argentina but both goalkeepers - Hugo Lloris and Tibault Courtois are class acts.
Most games can be said to be won at midfield. France play with a 4-2-31 with Paul Pogba and N'golo Kante protecting an launching the ball with Blaise Matuidi, Antoine Griezmann and Klyian Mbappe especially the last two transforming into attacking forwards. The craftiness of Griezmann and the phenomenal speed of Mbappe could destroy anyone at the right channel. Belgium's midfield have the uncompromising Maruone Fellaini, Nacer Chadli, Axel Witsel and Yarrick Carrasco while the superb Kevin de Bruyne plays in a more forward role complimenting the powerful Romelu Lukaku and the tricky dribbler Eden Hazard.
There is very little to choose between them as they have been the two most impressive teams in this World Cup. Belgium have not lost since August 2016 so it is hard to bet against them. Though they do not have experience a this stage and level they have league winners and big time players and dare you go against a team the has beaten Brazil. For France, 19 year old sensation Kylina Mbappe could be player of the tournament and Antoine Griezmann's goals and assists are very valuable. Alain Giroud has not open accounts but he can come in with a crucial winner.
At this level, the game is all about margin. A marginal mistake, a marginal officiating call, a marginal goal. I expect both teams to go in cautious, size each other up and try not to concede. Both teams have such attacking prowess that they must score. Waiting for a late goal to settle things is rather sad. Worse if it goes into extra-time and cruel if it goes to penalties. Cruel because we have to go to work in the morning. In this evenly matched game, I hope and expect an early goal so the other team must chase so that the game will open up. This is a match that France would peak while Belgium may have already peaked a little too early. With such attacking prowess, I would like to see fireworks here. We need to note that France has yet to unleash their Plan B, to give players like Thomas Lemar, O. Dembele and Nabil Fekir more play time at the right moment. That is their greater strength in depth.
France 3 Belgium 2.
Croatia v England - Is it easier to play Croatia than Russia? Never underestimate the power of the home crowd. This is why most soccer teams play better at home than away. Russia came back from the dead trailing in extra time to forced penalty kicks in a pulsating match. As host they have played out of their skins so to speak. Look back and see what South Korea and Japan have achieved when they hosted in Asia. So England having Croatia is an advantage plus in a game of such magnitude and nature, it sapped all your mental and physical energy. Croatia will take a longer time to recover plus they may have suspension and injuries. After some impressive displays at the group stage, Croatia needed extra-time and penalties to win both against Denmark and Russia. They were not at their best in the last two matches but still showed great character to qualify. The Croatians are technically very good players. Croatia was formerly part of Yugoslavia known in the old days as the Brazil of the East. They will pose the biggest challenge to England yet. In their last three competitive meetings, England won 4-2 in Euro 2004 and Theo Walcott scored a hattrick in a 4-1 win in Zagreb while Croatia won in 3-2 before Euro 2008.
Croatia's strength is in the middle of the park where Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic and Ivan Perisic rule and they have a very experience top striker in Mario Mandzukic so it isn't going to be easy to stop them. There was a report that assistant coach was sacked because he made a video with a player chanting ''far-right Ukranian slogan'' at the same time turning all Russian fans into England fans.
England has Pep Guardiola and Mauricio Pochettino to thank in some ways. Think John Stones and Raheem Stirling, Kyle Walker (City), then think Kieran Trippier, Dele Alli and Harry Kane. Look at Harry Kane you then you realised that he is 24 in 2018 meaning that in 1994 when England failed to qualify Harry Kane was just born. England's other Prince Harry, Harry Maguire was just a spectator in Euro 2016. There was at the beginning no expectation on this team and they have already over-achieved. They should go on to play fearlessly. I have said all these in the beginning. Jordan Pickford has made some crucial saves and he should grow in confidence so too their back three of Walker, Stones and Maguire. If Walker does not make any mistake being a newly converted centre back from right back then he will prove once again his speed being his asset. Stones has been calm and steady playing the ball from the back and solid defending crosses and dangerous at set pieces in the opponents' penalty box. Maguire is living his 'Roy of the Rovers' drama. He clears the aerial threats, brings the ball forward confidently and leaps like a salmon in the opposite box and heads home as if with a sledge hammer. I expected him to score sooner or later and he did. The lad can really defend. This days few defenders could. If he is not busy defending he would start an attack and carries the ball forward playing through the lines.
Kieran Trippier would probably end the tournament as the best crosser of a ball and to think he was playing in this position because Walker was switched made it more amazing. Ashley Young is a battler although disadvantaged being a right-footer playing on the right, he has more than made up for it with his dangerous crosses. Jordan Henderson holds the middle of the park showing great improvements under Klopp. He was blocking shots, winning tackles, and made long through passes. If he could reproduce such performance:
https://rushthekop.com/2018/04/25/liverpool-stats-confirm-sensational-roma-champions-league-win/ (Henderson best performance versus Roma)
Jesse Lingard is unpredictable as always. Lurking like doing not much and then popping up with a measured pass or a killer goal. Dele Alli has looked unfit or injured or was it the coach's plan that he sticks to a certain role. His goal against Sweden could inspire him to greater height. He is only 21 and Pochettino called him the best player in the world at this age playing in his position. Raheem Stirling divides opinions like Henderson. The only thing I saw which has been instrumental was his movement and speed to drag opponents wide to create space. His finishing and decisions were at times poor. He has 18 goals and 11 assists for City for the season ended but none at internationals. Should he be dropped and Alli brought forward to his position where Alli would excel? Or should Marcus Rashford come in to replace Stirling? Maybe Stirling will finally get a goal and prove all doubters wrong. The problem with Stirling is his confidence. When he starts off well he could be unstoppable but he starts off poor, he just evaporates and fades away like morning dew.
What Southgate has done and shown is that he keeps the faith and has clear ideas and decisions how he wanted his team to play. Nobody gave him a hoot but now Gareth sounds great and Gareth's so great. First he creates what is needed in his team not just picking stars, build these characters into a team and use the assets to play to their strengths. He has steadfastly shown that he will keep his first XI. Unless injury or suspension rules a player out, he will not change. This is belief in his players. Finally, Harry Kane whom I have called Hurricane since three years ago could be set to win the Golden Boot. Kane has 6 goals. Belgiums's Romelu Lukaka has 4, the rest with 4 goals are already out. France's Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe both have 3 each. All have one to two matches left depending on the semi-final results. If Kane pops in one more, it could be game over for the top scorer award. He has already scored 52 times this year. Perhaps England's greatest assets are their set pieces which have so far been wicked and dangerous. This plus other favourable factors mentioned earlier means advantage England. It is a game for only England to lose. Just remember Croatia is also a very good team. This should be a close game. Do not forget to give credit to Sam Allardyce. His boo-boo resulted in termination and the appointment of Gareth Southgate.
England 2 Croatia 1.
My pick as it is would be a France versus England final come Sunday. Les Bleus v The Three Lions. I have already selected both to be in the Final from much earlier on and put my money where my mouth is. If both went out then it would be tragic. Well, at least I have progressed to the semis, better than Germany, Argentina, Spain, and Portugal. Quick, get the World Cup over!. We need sleep and rest!
Even those die-hard England fans dare not say they are going to win the World Cup after so many attempts. There is nothing to be ashamed of. Italy and the Netherlands did not even qualified. Brazil and Germany, the hottest favourites have been dumped out. European Champion and another former Champion went home too. No Messi, no Ronaldo, no Neymar. Who will rule this time and be the world champion of 2018? France, Belgium, Croatia or England? Who shall meet ion the Final? E v F or B v C or the other combination? Maybe nobody wants it because of the Champions' curse. In 1998 France became World Champion and got dumped at the group stage of 2002. Italy were world champion in 2006 and in 2010 did not proceed from group stage. Spain gladly took over the mettle and were crowned the world's best in 2010 and by 2014 were humiliated like France and Italy before them and Germany were champion. Look what happened to Germany this year. They suffered the same fate. Do you think it is coincidental?
Meanwhile, we lived in a lopsided world where it may still do not know they are privileged. Neymar for all his exquisite skills has chosen to roll all over at the slightest touch. He should consider switching from soccer to ballet dancing. You see, there was a report that stated Neymar spent a total of 14 minutes rolling on the pitch. Do you know how many players and teams fought it out over a couple of years just trying to get to Russia? Even those players who got to Russia, do you know how many did not even get a minute's play? And you spent 14 minutes rolling on pitches. All aspiring players look for role models. Neymar is the greatest roll model.
There are more: The World Cup goes to wherever Pep Guardiola wins the League title. He won it at Barcelona and Spain won the World Cup. He won the Bundesliga title for Bayern Munich and Germany were crowned and he has done it this year with Manchester City, so "Football is coming home''? I shall offer one more: In 1966, Real Madrid won the European Cup, Manchester City won the league title, Chelsea finished fifth, Burnley qualifed for Europe, England won the World Cup. For 2018, Real Madrid won the European Cup, Manchester City won the league title, Chelsea finished fifth, Burnely qualifiy for Europe, England .....
France v Belgium were one of the favourites but not as hotly rated as Brazil or Germany at the start. They have a deep and talented squad with some match winners. With the rest gone, France assume the role of hot favourites. Uruguay is a tough team to play but without Cavani they were limping on one leg but fought on proudly like Uruguay would.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOpfT0V4KXQ (Varane goal)
Les Bleus most impressive match was their thrilling 4-3 win over Argentina in what was one of the World Cup's greatest classics. In their 2-0 win over Uruguay, they showed a different side of themselves and how to win a different game. Belgium is a different kettle of fish. They are as talented and have some equally fine match winners as well. However, when they trailed Japan by two goals, it was evident there were chinks in their armour whereas the French defence remained as solid throughout though they too conceded three goals to Argentina but both goalkeepers - Hugo Lloris and Tibault Courtois are class acts.
Most games can be said to be won at midfield. France play with a 4-2-31 with Paul Pogba and N'golo Kante protecting an launching the ball with Blaise Matuidi, Antoine Griezmann and Klyian Mbappe especially the last two transforming into attacking forwards. The craftiness of Griezmann and the phenomenal speed of Mbappe could destroy anyone at the right channel. Belgium's midfield have the uncompromising Maruone Fellaini, Nacer Chadli, Axel Witsel and Yarrick Carrasco while the superb Kevin de Bruyne plays in a more forward role complimenting the powerful Romelu Lukaku and the tricky dribbler Eden Hazard.
There is very little to choose between them as they have been the two most impressive teams in this World Cup. Belgium have not lost since August 2016 so it is hard to bet against them. Though they do not have experience a this stage and level they have league winners and big time players and dare you go against a team the has beaten Brazil. For France, 19 year old sensation Kylina Mbappe could be player of the tournament and Antoine Griezmann's goals and assists are very valuable. Alain Giroud has not open accounts but he can come in with a crucial winner.
At this level, the game is all about margin. A marginal mistake, a marginal officiating call, a marginal goal. I expect both teams to go in cautious, size each other up and try not to concede. Both teams have such attacking prowess that they must score. Waiting for a late goal to settle things is rather sad. Worse if it goes into extra-time and cruel if it goes to penalties. Cruel because we have to go to work in the morning. In this evenly matched game, I hope and expect an early goal so the other team must chase so that the game will open up. This is a match that France would peak while Belgium may have already peaked a little too early. With such attacking prowess, I would like to see fireworks here. We need to note that France has yet to unleash their Plan B, to give players like Thomas Lemar, O. Dembele and Nabil Fekir more play time at the right moment. That is their greater strength in depth.
France 3 Belgium 2.
Croatia v England - Is it easier to play Croatia than Russia? Never underestimate the power of the home crowd. This is why most soccer teams play better at home than away. Russia came back from the dead trailing in extra time to forced penalty kicks in a pulsating match. As host they have played out of their skins so to speak. Look back and see what South Korea and Japan have achieved when they hosted in Asia. So England having Croatia is an advantage plus in a game of such magnitude and nature, it sapped all your mental and physical energy. Croatia will take a longer time to recover plus they may have suspension and injuries. After some impressive displays at the group stage, Croatia needed extra-time and penalties to win both against Denmark and Russia. They were not at their best in the last two matches but still showed great character to qualify. The Croatians are technically very good players. Croatia was formerly part of Yugoslavia known in the old days as the Brazil of the East. They will pose the biggest challenge to England yet. In their last three competitive meetings, England won 4-2 in Euro 2004 and Theo Walcott scored a hattrick in a 4-1 win in Zagreb while Croatia won in 3-2 before Euro 2008.
Croatia's strength is in the middle of the park where Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic and Ivan Perisic rule and they have a very experience top striker in Mario Mandzukic so it isn't going to be easy to stop them. There was a report that assistant coach was sacked because he made a video with a player chanting ''far-right Ukranian slogan'' at the same time turning all Russian fans into England fans.
England has Pep Guardiola and Mauricio Pochettino to thank in some ways. Think John Stones and Raheem Stirling, Kyle Walker (City), then think Kieran Trippier, Dele Alli and Harry Kane. Look at Harry Kane you then you realised that he is 24 in 2018 meaning that in 1994 when England failed to qualify Harry Kane was just born. England's other Prince Harry, Harry Maguire was just a spectator in Euro 2016. There was at the beginning no expectation on this team and they have already over-achieved. They should go on to play fearlessly. I have said all these in the beginning. Jordan Pickford has made some crucial saves and he should grow in confidence so too their back three of Walker, Stones and Maguire. If Walker does not make any mistake being a newly converted centre back from right back then he will prove once again his speed being his asset. Stones has been calm and steady playing the ball from the back and solid defending crosses and dangerous at set pieces in the opponents' penalty box. Maguire is living his 'Roy of the Rovers' drama. He clears the aerial threats, brings the ball forward confidently and leaps like a salmon in the opposite box and heads home as if with a sledge hammer. I expected him to score sooner or later and he did. The lad can really defend. This days few defenders could. If he is not busy defending he would start an attack and carries the ball forward playing through the lines.
Kieran Trippier would probably end the tournament as the best crosser of a ball and to think he was playing in this position because Walker was switched made it more amazing. Ashley Young is a battler although disadvantaged being a right-footer playing on the right, he has more than made up for it with his dangerous crosses. Jordan Henderson holds the middle of the park showing great improvements under Klopp. He was blocking shots, winning tackles, and made long through passes. If he could reproduce such performance:
https://rushthekop.com/2018/04/25/liverpool-stats-confirm-sensational-roma-champions-league-win/ (Henderson best performance versus Roma)
Jesse Lingard is unpredictable as always. Lurking like doing not much and then popping up with a measured pass or a killer goal. Dele Alli has looked unfit or injured or was it the coach's plan that he sticks to a certain role. His goal against Sweden could inspire him to greater height. He is only 21 and Pochettino called him the best player in the world at this age playing in his position. Raheem Stirling divides opinions like Henderson. The only thing I saw which has been instrumental was his movement and speed to drag opponents wide to create space. His finishing and decisions were at times poor. He has 18 goals and 11 assists for City for the season ended but none at internationals. Should he be dropped and Alli brought forward to his position where Alli would excel? Or should Marcus Rashford come in to replace Stirling? Maybe Stirling will finally get a goal and prove all doubters wrong. The problem with Stirling is his confidence. When he starts off well he could be unstoppable but he starts off poor, he just evaporates and fades away like morning dew.
What Southgate has done and shown is that he keeps the faith and has clear ideas and decisions how he wanted his team to play. Nobody gave him a hoot but now Gareth sounds great and Gareth's so great. First he creates what is needed in his team not just picking stars, build these characters into a team and use the assets to play to their strengths. He has steadfastly shown that he will keep his first XI. Unless injury or suspension rules a player out, he will not change. This is belief in his players. Finally, Harry Kane whom I have called Hurricane since three years ago could be set to win the Golden Boot. Kane has 6 goals. Belgiums's Romelu Lukaka has 4, the rest with 4 goals are already out. France's Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe both have 3 each. All have one to two matches left depending on the semi-final results. If Kane pops in one more, it could be game over for the top scorer award. He has already scored 52 times this year. Perhaps England's greatest assets are their set pieces which have so far been wicked and dangerous. This plus other favourable factors mentioned earlier means advantage England. It is a game for only England to lose. Just remember Croatia is also a very good team. This should be a close game. Do not forget to give credit to Sam Allardyce. His boo-boo resulted in termination and the appointment of Gareth Southgate.
England 2 Croatia 1.
My pick as it is would be a France versus England final come Sunday. Les Bleus v The Three Lions. I have already selected both to be in the Final from much earlier on and put my money where my mouth is. If both went out then it would be tragic. Well, at least I have progressed to the semis, better than Germany, Argentina, Spain, and Portugal. Quick, get the World Cup over!. We need sleep and rest!
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