The Round Ball Game - II

[Lat-Literal]

Soon, there will be only six countries left in the World Cup - all European!

As now. Neymar ordinary and more antics; Jesus ineffective and taken off; Coutinho set up the one goal. As I predicted.

Belgium were impressive - Lukaku dominant in a different role though not, of course, hugely goalscoring; De Bruyne all smug elegance if perhaps a tad sporadic; Hazard in a can be bothered today mood; and the defence unusually impressive. They now look like the team to beat - if England get through tomorrow, the team doing that beating needs to be France.

[teamsaint]

A gripping game this evening. The first goal summed up how it would eventually go, the bits of luck tended to go with Belgium, and nothing really fell for Brazil, until their beautifully crafted goal. Brazil played the better football IMO. and should have scored two or three, but Belgium's class helped them to squeeze through. Their ability to break, and hang onto the ball to give them some relief were critical. Brazil's finishing ( and Neymar's antics)let them down really badly though.
A shame that one of these had to go out really, but I'm pleased that Belgium's Golden Generation will have at least a semi final place to show for their undoubted class.

And so to 3.00 on a Saturday afternoon.
When else?...........

[vinteuil]

And so to 3.00 on a Saturday afternoon.
When else?...........

... might go to IKEA.

'spect the North Circular will be pretty empty


.

[johncorrigan]

Belgium won the first half hands down, and Brazil the second, but I was disappointed with their lack of firepower. I thought Hazard was fantastic, especially late in the game finding the ball and relieving his defence, drawing fouls etc. Also, as I predicted earlier in the day(), Courtois terrific with some very fine stops. Always sad for me to see the Brazilians go out - the World Cup seems a smaller place without them, but Belgium can go and win this competition now. I think they have the best players to be honest.

[jayne lee wilson]

As now. Neymar ordinary and more antics; Jesus ineffective and taken off; Coutinho set up the one goal. As I predicted.

Belgium were impressive - Lukaku dominant in a different role though not, of course, hugely goalscoring; De Bruyne all smug elegance if perhaps a tad sporadic; Hazard in a can be bothered today mood; and the defence unusually impressive. They now look like the team to beat - if England get through tomorrow, the team doing that beating needs to be France.

Bit hard on De Bruyne, Lat - great Belgian teamwork, yes, but his stunning finish was the difference finally... a strike whose seeming effortlessness disguised its touch-of-genius....

and now, WHEN SATURDAY COMES.....

[Lat-Literal]

Bit hard on De Bruyne, Lat - great Belgian teamwork, yes, but his stunning finish was the difference finally... a strike whose seeming effortlessness disguised its touch-of-genius....

and now, WHEN SATURDAY COMES.....

Yes Jayne, on reflection I accept that; he was very busy.

Is it France, Italy and Germany who this Swedish team have beaten?

Something like that.

The papers think Dier will replace Alli. Looks like cautiousness strikes!

[johncorrigan]

One of the players who has most impressed me in this tournament has been Frenchman Antoine Griezmann. I hadn't much noticed him before. I knew he could score goals but in this tournament he has been a terrific, hard-working all-round player with a real touch of class, just as likely to turn up in his own box as the opposition's. I thought his free kick for the first goal yesterday was class, one of the those memorable goals from the World Cup, along with Son's goal v Germany, and Belgium's team goal to beat Japan. (Mind you, for me De Bruyne's goal yesterday joins that list).

[Zucchini]

... might go to IKEA.

'spect the North Circular will be pretty empty
.

I think the previous England game was viewed by 24 million people.

That leaves about 30 million travelling on the N Circ, arguing and watching their children trash IKEA.

Be warned ...

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

That leaves about 30 million travelling on the N Circ, arguing and watching their children trash IKEA.

But the North Circular is south of Watford, so it's understandable.

[Beef Oven!]

My first two quarter final predictions have been highly consistent. I just hope England manage to beat Sweden later today.

[Tevot]

My first two quarter final predictions have been highly consistent. I just hope England manage to beat Sweden later today.

What are the odds on another penalty shoot-out I wonder !?

[Beef Oven!]

What are the odds on another penalty shoot-out I wonder !?

That hadn't occurred to me

[eighthobstruction]

....I've got my emergency elastoplast kit ready to put on any fingernails i start biting....hope Jayne is able to watch from the comfort of a chair in the same room....BBC viewer evaluation has England team 3-5-2, Pickford, Walker, Stones, Maguire, Trippier, Lingard, Henderson, Loftus-Cheek, Rose, Kane, Rashford....beware Emil Forsberg....

[Beef Oven!]

....I've got my emergency elastoplast kit ready to put on any fingernails i start biting....hope Jayne is able to watch from the comfort of a chair in the same room....BBC viewer evaluation has England team 3-5-2, Pickford, Walker, Stones, Maguire, Trippier, Lingard, Henderson, Loftus-Cheek, Rose, Kane, Rashford....beware Emil Forsberg....

This is a better line-up. England win 2 nil.

Nice that you and Jayne will be watching in the same room!

[eighthobstruction]

....oh yeah....https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Us79N2yc64