World Cup

[Omegstrat6]

Anyone else watching any of the games? I had initially had very little interest in this year's World Cup but whilst my shift pattern meant I missed the England game, I've also been back home in time for some of the early morning matches. Must admit I've mostly enjoyed the few games I have seen which has encouraged me to at least check out some of the highlights of others.

Being off yesterday, I caught both the USA v Australia game and the Scotland v Morocco one. Whilst Australia were pretty poor, which made the USA look maybe better than they are, there is no doubting that the Americans have some quality and the big bucks they have spent on securing Pochettino as manager seems to be paying off. As for Scotland, they clearly weren't ready for the pace that Morocco came out of the blocks with and gifted them their (exceptionally) early goal. Morocco have some gifted players and rather predictably dominated the game first half but Clarke made some subs and with the fans behind them, Scotland began to get into the game last 20 mins or so and if they lacked quality, they at least showed spirit in trying to go for an equalizer. I'd like to think that they could still progress but somehow doubt it. Morocco seemed to take their foot off the gas second half which allowed them a way back in but Scotland simply don't have the quality to go far in this tournament.

As for England, I did watch the highlights and whilst it was pleasing to see the good attacking performance in the second half, we did look vulnerable defensively. Difficult to tell from just highlights of course but media reports suggested the same. Thoughts from those who watched the game?

[stargazer_1962]

It would amaze me if any of us on here weren't watching the world cup. I've seen a fair few matches but not all. All matches are available in full on catch up on BBC and ITV. Would like to see Scotland progress but we'll see.

[baggieal]

I was watching a bit of the Scotland match last night and still in the USA until the end of June. It’s on every big screen and the locals are well into it. Such a lovely country and everywhere is immaculately tidy with no
litter and the American flag flys proudly everywhere on almost every building.

Morocco looked strong to be fair the bits I saw.

[Albionic68]

Really not a fan of the mandatory hydration breaks which effectively sees the game being played in quarters. They disrupt the flow of the game and ought to depend on local weather conditions and on the day necessity rather than increasing profit through advertising revenue. I've only seen a few games but overall those few games have been more entertaining than I was expecting in all honesty. A very definite exception being the turgid affair when plucky underdogs Scotland managed to hang in there against the footballing prowess of Haiti. Didn't see that one coming .

As for the England game while we looked much improved going forward we really will need to tighten things up at the back. We were a bit sloppy at times but it's early days in the tournament. I was surprised to see Stones starting over Guehi but I think it was more a chance to get some extra minutes into his legs rather than being an actual preference of one over the other. Injuries notwithstanding I expect to see Guehi get the nod for the next fixture so we should have a bit more pace and bite about the back line.

[Albionic68]

I was watching a bit of the Scotland match last night and still in the USA until the end of June. It’s on every big screen and the locals are well into it. Such a lovely country and everywhere is immaculately tidy with no
litter and the American flag flys proudly everywhere on almost every building.

Morocco looked strong to be fair the bits I saw.

Flag shagger .

[Omegstrat6]

Really not a fan of the mandatory hydration breaks which effectively sees the game being played in quarters. They disrupt the flow of the game and ought to depend on local weather conditions and on the day necessity rather than increasing profit through advertising revenue. I've only seen a few games but overall those few games have been more entertaining than I was expecting in all honesty. A very definite exception being the turgid affair when plucky underdogs Scotland managed to hang in there against the footballing prowess of Haiti. Didn't see that one coming .

As for the England game while we looked much improved going forward we really will need to tighten things up at the back. We were a bit sloppy at times but it's early days in the tournament. I was surprised to see Stones starting over Guehi but I think it was more a chance to get some extra minutes into his legs rather than being an actual preference of one over the other. Injuries notwithstanding I expect to see Guehi get the nod for the next fixture so we should have a bit more pace and bite about the back line.

Reference your first point 68, I'm currently watching the Netherlands v Sweden. The Dutch have switched tactics from their game against Japan and are instead playing a very high temp attacking game that has seen them 2-0 up and kept Sweden pegged back. They are playing in Houston which currently is experiencing temps of around 31 degrees C. Why are they able to play at this tempo? Because they are playing in a covered air- conditioned stadium but the momentum of the game is still interrupted by hydration breaks. As you say, there shouldn't be a need for such breaks if the conditions dont demand it. Looks like the first such break has enabled Sweden to have a rethink though and they are now trying to get back into this so Thomas at least may be a little happier!

[Omegstrat6]

Well, the two games I've watched yesterday were both very entertaining. Sweden's consolation goal was a cracker but the Netherlands looked very good with Brobbey being particularly influential. Keep playing like that and the Dutch will do well this tournament. The Germany v Cote I'voire game was also very entertaining. Ivory Coast were the better team first half with Diomande especially causing the German's problems while their defence did well to stifle German attacks. At one stage Ivory Coast could arguably have put the game to bed but second half Germany came back into it and the subs at 60 mins changed the complexion of the game with their super sub, Undav, scoring twice and winning the game for them in the 94th min.Tbh, I felt a bit sorry for Ivory Coast losing to a goal that late in the game -as Baggies we know that feeling! Overall, it was a pretty balanced game as well as being end to end entertaining. Germany may be seeded 18 places above Ivory Coast but it didn't feel like that and they struggled for periods in the game. Can't see them over -troubling England or other higher seeded teams unless they improve.

Aside from catching a few highlights, I've not yet had the opportunity to watch the likes of Argentina, Spain, France, Portugal, Brazil or even ourselves to compare against each other and, at these early stages of the tournament, it's difficult to tell which sides will do best in any case, but I'm off work next week so hope to rectify that. What did others think of the games yesterday if they managed to catch them?

[stargazer_1962]

I have to say there are some excellent goals being scored, like the German winner yesterday. Lots of distance shots into the bottom corner or thunderbolt shots into the top of the goals. It'll be a shock to the system when I see Albion next season.

[Prando]

Watching bits of it, mostly via catch-up. Still waiting to catch the bug so to speak.
Distracted by the golf and cricket - the latter of course, diabolical.
Netflix next maybe

[Omegstrat6]

Watching bits of it, mostly via catch-up. Still waiting to catch the bug so to speak.
Distracted by the golf and cricket - the latter of course, diabolical.
Netflix next maybe

Don't have any interest in golf and little in cricket myself Prando, so have not been distracted by them. Having said that, I dont follow the Premier League and I didn't anticipate being that engaged with the World Cup but having been able to watch a few games now, it seems to have reeled me in! I enjoyed the Netherlands v Sweden game but must admit to my ignorance over knowledge of particular players in a match that was apparently full of those who ply their trade in the Greed League

[Omegstrat6]

I have to say there are some excellent goals being scored, like the German winner yesterday. Lots of distance shots into the bottom corner or thunderbolt shots into the top of the goals. It'll be a shock to the system when I see Albion next season.

Indeed, a rather different class and quality! Still, let's see what our new young forward recruits might bring to the team. If Mikey comes back from injury on form and if we can manage to sign Imray, then there is hope perhaps of more entertaining football next season. Won't be Prem League level of course but I can dream