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I thought he was fairly decent and the only consistent attacking threat they had. Given how they struggled to create chances from open play, his set piece deliveries added plenty too. I would actually give it to the Croat after today where he was full of energy and positivity yet again.
Rojoâs goal was a belter allright sid
my favourite goal tho was Mitrovic v the swiss, the thump off the ball from his head was like a shot been blocked at point blank range
To quote Liam Brady from the 2006 World Cup âHe plays a different role, Billâ
Giroud didnât even have a shot on target in the entire tournament.
He didnât have to.
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He wasnât picked to score goals. He was to be a focal point and physical presence to allow the likes of Griezmann and Mbappe to flourish. He played a selfless role excellently for the good of the team, did the very same at Euro 2016 too.
France with him in the side looked a far different prospect compared to when Dembele played and they had no focal point to lead the line.
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Iâm still flabbergasted as to how he was fit for Saturday after being carried off the pitch the previous Wednesday.
the drama of last wednesday night cant beaten
i said it to my 4 year old that he needed to remember this as it was a proper football match
england can bring that to tournaments and the second 45 and the extra time that followed was a fantastic spectacle, thatâs what it was all about⌠for me anyway⌠it was enthralling stuff, proper knock out football
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He was presented with plenty of chances to at least hit the target including one absolute sitter, he couldnât manage it.
Agreed.
The shape of the team and function was uppermost in Deschampsâ mind at all times.
It was a World Cup where the teams who conceded possession and could counter quickly tended to win.
In international football, you donât get enough time to train together and create coherent tactics like at club level.
This is shown most when an attacking team has to break down a massed defence. Massed defence is much easier to organise within a limited time frame than possession-based attacking tactics.
Therefore those teams who conceded possession and could counter quickly prospered. France obviously but Belgium, Portugal, Mexico, Colombia, Denmark and Nigeria utilised this to varying degrees of success too.
Looking forward to seeing the rte ratings for the final.
I think the world cup in general has been a massive shot in the arm for international football. Champions league for years was stealing the limelight as the biggest show in football with best teams and best players. After years of Real Madrid turning up to collect the trophy apathy has set in. Extortionate transfer fees across the continent, ridiculous wages and a power base split over a dwindling number of teams means international football is where all the romance is.
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There was a great moment on BBC after the game waiting on the presentation. They were discussing Mbappe and Ferdinand was saying that âif my club went in for him, Iâd be delightedâ to which shearer responded âWest Ham for Mbappe?â
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A good moment, not a great moment.
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First World Cup final iâve ever missed â it was on in the Dome after the hurling match but I was just so emotionally drained I didnt give a fuck and couldnt watch it. I will say that I dont think it was a penalty - he was half a yard from the French attacker and could do fuck all in the 100th of a second the ball came at him. Still lots to sort out with VAR.
Thatâs all I have to add.
Uber Gael alert
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I watched the first half in Bowes ateing a garlic chip and cheese.
Thank fuck you left at half time. We could watch it in peace for the 2nd half
I sat in the corner as far away as I could from anyone so as not to leave a smell of garlic around the place.