World Cup Russia 2018 Dates, Times, Groups, Matches and Discussion

[dara]

Yeah, didn't see France Denmark, but I heard that they were just playing kick the can, and not really wanting to make a big deal. Games take a lot of them, so they basically just wanted to take the bye (or just avoid having to play Argentina, some how.) Argentina is pretty vulnerable, IMO.

The early games look more consequential tomorrow, after that not so much, maybe Brazil. I'd like to see Colombia to get in.

 

[dara]

At the half, group F... no scores.

Mexico and Germany are still in. I think Sweden had the better chances, but Memo Ochoa has been outstanding. It didn't look all that exciting with Germany-Korea.

 

[dara]

Sweden strikes first, 51'

Live standings: Sweden, Mexico.

 

[dara]

Sweden scores again on a penalty. 2-0.

A lot of tri fans are tightening...

 

[dara]

Meltdown in Mexico... Que lastima, lo siento. Own goal, 3-0.

18+ minutes and Germany only needs to score, but Korea is game.

 

[dara]

Korea scores in stoppage off a corner. 2 minutes left in stoppage.

 

[dara]

Germany done, 2-0, empty net goal by Korea.

So, Sweden wins the group, on the head-to-head victory over Mexico. What a group.


Worst loss by Germany in Russia since Stalingrad.

 

[ilan]

Unreal... What the heck happened to Germany!

 

[dara]

Unreal... What the heck happened to Germany!

That makes three straight WC champs to not advance to the Group of 16. I think some of it was poor defense, but there isn't much fire power. Maybe Argentina will capitalize, as Germany has been their biggest bane in the WC in the Messi era.

 

[ilan]

Brazil scores near the end of the first half to lead Serbia 1 - 0.

 

[ilan]

Brazil scores again with 10 minutes remaining, 2 - 0.

 

[dara]

It doesn't look good for Serbia, even if the Swiss lose, they need to outscore Brazil by 2.

 

[dara]

So the matchups:

Brazil v. Mexico
Sweden v. Switzerland

Mexico does weird things after big losses, but I think they will be beaten soundly by Brazil. SWESWI is a toss up to me.


Ticos are going out with class... 2-2 vs. Switzerland

 

[ilan]

Brazil tops Group E with this 2 - 0 win over Serbia.

 

[ilan]

Yeah, I see Brazil over Mexico as well...and a toss up in the Sweden / Switzerland match.

 

[dara]

Tomorrow, I think England will edge Belgium for Group G. I think Colombia beats Senegal to get in, but I'm not too sure about Japan winning the group outright.

 

[ilan]

England / Belgium should be a decent game. They're both undefeated.

 

[ilan]

For today, I'm thinking

Japan over Poland
Columbia over Senegal
England over Belgium
Tunisia over Panama

 

[ilan]

Half time in the first two game projections above, and the score is the same for both, 0-0.

 

[ilan]

Poland has taken a 1-0 lead over Japan.