2018 FIFA World Cup Megathread

[Starblaydia]

They have Kun. And I have no idea why they're not using him more.

Evidently neither does the Russian TV Director, who was constantly cutting back to shots of Aguero looking sad on the bench during that match.

[Relikai]

Denmark vs Australia: Denmark has shown their averageness against Peru, with a moment of genius by Eriksen after showing their lack of ability to hold the midfield against a dogged Peruvian squad. So far, most European favorites have shown a vulnerability against hardworking teams, and those who start play from the back often fall to direct play. Australia has shown their direct play against France as well as a compact defence, as has been the key to victory for most underdogs in this tournament.

Prediction - DRAW, or a narrow win by Denmark.

France vs Peru: A battle of the midfield, Pogba and Co has to step up as does Griezmann to handle Peru. A win here would most likely assure them qualification unless Australia pulls off the win against Denmark in the earlier game. France most likely to keep a clean sheet although Peru would be keen to put their fullbacks to the test. While France's young wingers were mostly silenced against a strong Australian formation, Peru's discipline would be tested to the limit.

Prediction - France Win.

Argentina vs Croatia: Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic would seek to advise his teammates on how the Argentinian maestro handles his position behind the striker. However the main threat would come from Man City's Aguero and Angel di Maria should Croatia seek to play an attacking game. Personally I would see Modric being the midfielder relying on sitting deep and quick counterattacks. Argentina would perform more with a more compact front three with Aguero, Dybala and Higuain with Messi forming the link between them and the midfield. Croatia's taller defenders would also pose an issue for the shorter South Americans to rely on a passing game, a repeat of the Iceland match.

Prediction - DRAW, or a narrow win by Argentina.

Got my predictions DESTROYED! Thanks Modric.

20 mins before the game starts, hope I'm on time!

Brazil vs Costa Rica: Neymar & Co needs a win, and boy would they go for it. Costa Rica might be tempted to rely on counter attacks, or they might sit in real deep to get a draw. Remember, even with 1 point going into the final game, it is still possible for them to secure qualification if results go their way. Costa Rican plan - Seek a draw, and hope to win against Switzerland while Brazil beats Serbia.

Prediction - Brazil Win.

Nigeria vs Iceland: Both teams come in on a high, with Iceland knowing a win would almost guarantee them a second or third place finish. Nigeria would be fighting for this one, as they'd like to avoid securing qualification against a vengeful Argentina. Iceland's defence would continue to hold strong, taller and stronger men against the pacey Nigerians who often perform better in the second game of the World Cup series.

Prediction - Draw.

Serbia vs Switzerland: With three points in the bag, Serbia would seek to get the win against Switzerland. Serbia's defence would continue to hold strong, as would Switzerland which requires wonder goals to break through.

Prediction: Serbia Win.

[Fartsniffage]

They have Kun. And I have no idea why they're not using him more.

Evidently neither does the Russian TV Director, who was constantly cutting back to shots of Aguero looking sad on the bench during that match.

He's scored more goals for Argentina than Maradona did, and in fewer appearances. He got 30 goals in 38 appearances in the league this season. What more has he got to do?

[Kohr]

Damn. That's not good at all. Iceland really needs a win here...

[Cryptomypt]

Well deserved for Nigeria, Iceland are really suffering from the drab tactics we saw in the last game.

[Nazis in Space]

Considering all the Kosovo Albanians in the Swiss team soon to play the Serbs, I'm debating whether to bet on the number of red cards this match will see.

[Natanya]

Watched some of the Nigeria-Iceland, should of been a draw imo, maybe a slim victory for Nigeria, despite being a Iceland fan (besides England ofc)
Iceland went to shit whenever they got to the Nigerian box and Nigeria were lucky to have Musa having a good day.
Also both teams seemed to think they were playing Rugby because that ball flew over the bar and off into the distance (or the crowd) many a time.
Overall I think both teams played bad, especially with attacking, apart from Musa, which is what made the difference.
Also I think this could play as a blessing for Argentina.

[Kohr]

As an Iceland supporter, that's obviously super unfortunate to see. The fans were great throughout, continuing to rain down the thunderclap even down 2-0. What I can hope for now is for Iceland to beat Croatia, who are already through, and for Argentina to beat Nigeria by only one goal. It's a bit of a long shot, but it's something.

[Natanya]

As an Iceland supporter, that's obviously super unfortunate to see. The fans were great throughout, continuing to rain down the thunderclap even down 2-0. What I can hope for now is for Iceland to beat Croatia, who are already through, and for Argentina to beat Nigeria by only one goal. It's a bit of a long shot, but it's something.

I still think Iceland could still pull it off, the gods seem to like pairing Iceland and Croatia together so your players should be somewhat familiar with their team lol. I doubt the Nigerian team will get through, despite what their fans on twitter think And Argentina seem to be playing pretty weakly so a 1-0 win for Argentina could be a very likely outcome.

[Tinhampton]

Wasteful. Ineffective. Vulnerable to counterattacks. Sloppy enough at times to not even be described as unfortunate. And in possession of a star midfielder with as many World Cup goals as Frank Lampard, Lev Yashin, Taylor Swift, Donald Trump and Arch combined...

What, you thought I was describing Nigeria there?

[The Transhuman Union]

As an Iceland supporter, that's obviously super unfortunate to see. The fans were great throughout, continuing to rain down the thunderclap even down 2-0. What I can hope for now is for Iceland to beat Croatia, who are already through, and for Argentina to beat Nigeria by only one goal. It's a bit of a long shot, but it's something.

I still think Iceland could still pull it off, the gods seem to like pairing Iceland and Croatia together so your players should be somewhat familiar with their team lol. I doubt the Nigerian team will get through, despite what their fans on twitter think And Argentina seem to be playing pretty weakly so a 1-0 win for Argentina could be a very likely outcome.

I think Iceland won against Croatia in qualification (once).

[Kohr]

I still think Iceland could still pull it off, the gods seem to like pairing Iceland and Croatia together so your players should be somewhat familiar with their team lol. I doubt the Nigerian team will get through, despite what their fans on twitter think And Argentina seem to be playing pretty weakly so a 1-0 win for Argentina could be a very likely outcome.

I think Iceland won against Croatia in qualification (once).

That's correct, but it should be noted that Croatia beat Iceland in the other one.

[Natanya]

I think Iceland won against Croatia in qualification (once).

That's correct, but it should be noted that Croatia beat Iceland in the other one.

Aye, and in qualification for 2014, Croatia beat Iceland in the runner up playoffs, causing them to miss debuting in 2014.
But maybe karma will come back around and deliver for Iceland? We can hope.

[Idzequitch]

Two matches in, and Argentina are in the bottom of their group. Messi and Co. have made themselves quite a mess.

[MERIZoC]

Awesome showing from Nigeria, they really deserved that. Just superior players to Iceland.

We did alright, Coutinho really showing his worth.

Serbia is so far exciting, and definitely preforming better than “on paper” predicted

[Fartsniffage]

What is the point of this VAR? You can rugby tackle players in the box and it's apparently fine...

[Soviet-mongol]

As an Iceland supporter, that's obviously super unfortunate to see. The fans were great throughout, continuing to rain down the thunderclap even down 2-0. What I can hope for now is for Iceland to beat Croatia, who are already through, and for Argentina to beat Nigeria by only one goal. It's a bit of a long shot, but it's something.

From what I heard the Croatian coach will rest the best players against Iceland.

[San Regada]

Brilliant run from Shaqiri, and a well deserved goal. All things considered, Switzerland has been the stronger side throughout the game, despite a seriously strong start by Serbia and a shakey Swiss start. I mean yeah sure, it should have definitely been a penalty for Serbia for the rugby tackles in the box - and frankly I am stunned that not only did the ref make the wrong decision, but VAR was not even used to correct the clear and obvious error - but this doesn't take anything away from the brilliant performance of the Swiss side. In all, its a win absolutely deserved for Switzerland.

[Shamhnan Insir]

Hopp Schwiiz!

[Sharania]

Good job, Switzerland!

[Fartsniffage]

Good job, Switzerland!

(Image)

And they should be fined by FIFA for that.

[Sharania]

And they should be fined by FIFA for that.

Why?

[Fartsniffage]

And they should be fined by FIFA for that.

Why?

Political statements by players at a World Cup are a no-no.

[Sharania]

Political statements by players at a World Cup are a no-no.

Political statemnt? Good luck trying to prove that!

[Pope Joan]

Messi appears indifferent.

Lifeless