Football World Cup - Russia 2018

[Reynard]

Oh dear... The danish fans are rather... hisute...

In an oddly appealing way.

 

[Reynard]

Right, here here we go.

France v Denmark, Australia v Peru.

France are resting quite a few of their big names. Will that be a potential banana skin? France need a point to top the group, while Denmark only need a point to qualify.

 

[Reynard]

Ten minutes gone in both games, still 0-0 in each.

The France away kit looks a lot like the Spuds' home kit - bird badge and all.

 

[smutchin]

France are resting quite a few of their big names.

Dropping Lloris seems a bit rash. One of the world's best keepers, as well as the team captain. Resting players is fine but that is the kind of change that could come back to bite them on the arse.

Still, Mandanda isn't a bad keeper to have in reserve - better than the first choice for some teams.

 

[smutchin]

With France only needing a point to win the group and Denmark only needing a point to qualify, there's been a lot of talk of this potentially being the first 0-0 of the tournament, but I have to say that so far, it doesn't look like France are playing for a draw - they're showing some proper attacking intent. This is very promising.

 

[Reynard]

Peru have just taken the lead against Australia with a nicely-taken goal.

 

[Reynard]

With France only needing a point to win the group and Denmark only needing a point to qualify, there's been a lot of talk of this potentially being the first 0-0 of the tournament, but I have to say that so far, it doesn't look like France are playing for a draw - they're showing some proper attacking intent. This is very promising.

Actually, as it stands, this is the best performance from the French team so far in the tournament.

With you here, don't think this one will finish 0-0

 

[smutchin]

Denmark aren't exactly holding back either.

 

[Reynard]

Indeed... Think there's good incentive in trying to avoid Croatia in the next round. That's a tough tie for whoever gets that one.

 

[nickyboy]

So both the Arab nations and the African nations have voiced their opinions that VAR was implemented to work against them.

It is there to prevent cheating little sods who throw themselves on the floor as if they have been shot at the slightest cQUOTE]

There have been a few incidents that haven't been picked up on.

But the system is still in its infancy. Once all the teething problems have been ironed out and players actually get it into their heads that they *won't* get away with stuff, there should be far less cause for complaint. The main sticking point is determining intent when it comes to fouls and handball - that is so much more subjective than whether a player is offside, for instance.

IMHO Cristiano Ronaldo was a very lucky boy last night, only getting a yellow.

The advent of ball tracking in cricket is a decent analogy. Before it was introduced batsmen could get away with all sorts of negative, defensive stuff. Ball tracking showed that a lot of this was actually "out" so umpires have become confident in giving these decisions. As a result this style of play has become a thing of the past

Like you, I hope that as VAR becomes commonplace we will see a change in penalty box defending for example

 

[philk56]

Lovely goal from Peru. Makes Australia's task even harder and takes some pressure off the Danes.

 

[Reynard]

Ooops, France almost caught out there. That's Denmark's best chance of the game so far.

Another inch or two either way and Didier Deschamps would've regretted dropping Lloris...

 

[Smokin Joe]

The advent of ball tracking in cricket is a decent analogy. Before it was introduced batsmen could get away with all sorts of negative, defensive stuff. Ball tracking showed that a lot of this was actually "out" so umpires have become confident in giving these decisions. As a result this style of play has become a thing of the past

Like you, I hope that as VAR becomes commonplace we will see a change in penalty box defending for example

Wrestling an opponent to the ground should be a straight red in every instance, no matter where it occurs on the pitch. There is no excuse such as there might be with a mistimed tackle, grabbing another player to prevent him getting past is Category A rule breaking.

 

[smutchin]

First half of France-Denmark is fizzling out. Despite some slick build-up play, neither side has had a meaningful shot on target yet.

Maybe it will end up 0-0 after all.

 

[Reynard]

Coming up to half time - this has been entertaining. Of course, with the current score in the other game, the pressure is off for both France & Denmark in terms of qualification for the knockout stages.

Hasn't stopped either team going for it, but the final ball from both teams has been a bit lacking.