World Cup 2018 | 17th June Matches | Next Game: Brazil vs Switzerland, KO 19:00 (BST)

[RandomJ]

I dunno we see it in the midfield leaning in, pulling of the arms or jostling for position but the ref doesn't blow up. Now we have to have a penalty any contact happens. We are going down a slippery slope.

It's a balancing act. We don't want it to become a none contact sport but equally we don't want to allow all the flair players to just be kicked off the pitch all game.

 

[Phil1]

He should have shown a card much earlier and if Neymar played up a foul after, he should have gotten a yellow card, too.

The Swiss have one game plan, and as I said, it's Pulis' preferred game except they're far too talented to need to rely on that, but as long as you have idiots like this referee that thinks the only way a "small" team like Switzerland can compete is to allow that kind of play, this is what we'll get. The saddest part is that this does the Swiss no favors. They'll never become a better team if they don't play and rely on kicking players.

They just got a draw against the tournament favourites. I reckon their game plan worked out ok.
They stand off Brazil and give them space and time to pick out runners then they are getting leathered.

 

[prestonibbo_mcfc]

Have not seen the game, will watch reording later. But, the result means that the WC has got off to a great start. Everybody is a neutral for most games, so you want great footy and surprises, with the underdog holding or even beating the big boys. Mind you we dont want any surprises next week.

But most of the underdogs are playing like Newcastle/West ham did at the Etihad, last season and it can be a bit shit to watch.
Plus when they are just allowed to haul down any decent player, ad finitum, without jeopardy, it spoils the game.

 

[The Preacher]

Messi and Neymar were playing against parked busses. Ronaldo touched the ball like 5 times the whole game, and pretty much always with tons of space and few defenders.

Fair point but given the ‘parked buses’ defending they were facing, Messi and Neymar should have looked to bring team mates into play more often when they had the opportunities. Brilliant players though they are, both were guilty on several occasions of holding on to the ball too long. And, I’m no fan of Ronaldo, believe me.

 

[bobbyowenquiff]

Brazil look like a very unbalanced side. They are a group of individuals not a team. Neymar is too selfish to be a world-class player...just another Robinho I think. I really think this is a wide open tournament.

 

[better dead than red]

Mexico should have scored two more but, imo they played well overall. To beat the Jerry's like they did the first match sets a tone for them the rest of the tournament.

I've been plumping them as my surprise package to my mates at work. Happy they came through. :)

Geno Mexico. ¡No llories! :)

 

[Sir peace frog]

Brazil look like a very unbalanced side. They are a group of individuals not a team. Neymar is too selfish to be a world-class player...just another Robinho I think. I really think this is a wide open tournament.

the most selfish player in world football ever is a world class player ,and probably in the top players ever in the world(spit)

 

[better dead than red]

Brazil look like a very unbalanced side. They are a group of individuals not a team. Neymar is too selfish to be a world-class player...just another Robinho I think. I really think this is a wide open tournament.

Agree 100%! Neymar is about Neymar. Team be damned.

 

[prestonibbo_mcfc]

Mexico should have scored two more but, imo they played well overall. To beat the Jerry's like they did the first match sets a tone for them the rest of the tournament.

I've been plumping them as my surprise package to my mates at work. Happy they came through. :)

Geno Mexico. ¡No llories! :)

haha. Ain't heard them called that, in years.

 

[pudge]

I shall enjoy reading the balanced views of Liverpool fans with Jesus starts their next match