The easiest way for Iran to qualify is if the Austria / Algeria match doesn’t end in a draw. If it doesn’t, Iran is through, since they would have a better goal differential than the loser of that match. If it does end in a draw, it gets more complicated with goal differential in the Croatia / Ghana and / or the Uzbekistan / Democratic Republic of Congo matches coming in to play.
For South Korea, it’s even more difficult than that. I think they need Algeria or Austria to lose by at least 2, and for one of the 3rd place teams in the other groups (K and L) to also have 3 points and a goal differential of -2 or worse.
Anyone else finding, one or two rare exceptions aside, things very predictable so far? To illustrate this point, and make a (very) humble brag, I predicted the 12 group winners before the tournament started and so far I am 10/10. I’m fairly sure I just went with the most obvious winners, and it has transpired that way. I might’ve been on the fence with Canada/Switzerland, but I picked the winning horse there.
What are the chances England are the only ones to let me down? I also need Portugal to beat Colombia, which isn’t looking easy, to get the clean sweep.
Is that the game that led to the simultaneous matches to end the group stage? As I recall, that was West Germany against Austria. I think West Germany took a one-goal lead, and that result essentially satisfied both teams so the rest of the match was boring as hell.
I’m pretty sure they will. Let’s wait and see, seems unfair accusing them of something others have done to them. I believe the Algerians see the match as a score to settle rather than as a cheating opportunity.
Don’t worry, if they don’t, I will. I am still pissed about that.
Scotland aren’t definitely definitely out, but they need a 3 or more goal win by Ghana against Croatia, either Austria to beat Algeria by 2 or Algeria to beat Austria by 4 and Uzbekistan to beat Congo by 3 or less or draw.
Oh, I didn’t realize the Algeria connection to the earlier match. Your comment makes more sense now.
As for whether Algeria will think better of doing the same thing, who knows. They may feel that FIFA owes them a make-good from that earlier tournament, or just that what’s sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. Having been screwed by such a schedule in the past, they may act from indignation rather than empathy.
Uruguay had a great run of Diego Forlan, Edinson Cavani, Luis Suarez as their forwards since the mid 2000s but the new generation is a big decline. Darwin Nunez isn’t a reliable goalscorer at his best level and he is very clumsy when he’s off form.
Yes I agree, I just feel the law is an ass in cases like that. They have to draw the line (literally) somewhere, so it is correct per the law, but it feels ‘wrong’, somehow.
This is actually an easy rule change that I’ve thought about before. The Iranian player was only offside because the goalie was further up the pitch than the last two defenders. If the rule was one defender (ignoring the GK) he would be onside.
Perhaps someone can explain the historical context of it being two defenders (typically one of which is the GK) rather than one defender (not including the GK)? If the purpose is to prevent attackers from camping out behind the defense it seems like it would have the same effect and allow a few more goals during scrambles. This particular offsides doesn’t seem to be what the law is trying to prevent.
Maybe it’s from when GKs were sometimes outfield players as well?
Today is the last round of Group games. Knockout round starts Sunday.
The first two games don’t start until 5:00 pm ET. Here’s the schedule, again with the commentary from Yahoo.
Group L:
Croatia (1-0-1) vs Ghana (1-1-0)
Panama (0-0-2) vs England (1-1-0)
The top two spots in Group L remains up for grabs heading into the final matchday.
England enters the finale atop the standings on goal differential, but Ghana and Croatia are close behind. England can secure the group with a win over Panama, while Ghana and Croatia will meet with a place in the Round of 32 and potentially first place on the line. Even the loser could remain alive in the race for one of the eight third-place berths.
Panama has been eliminated, but could still play spoiler against England.
Group K:
Colombia (2-0-0) vs Portugal (1-1-0)
Congo DR (0-1-1) vs Uzbekistan (0-0-2)
Colombia sits atop Group K after beating DR Congo and has already reached the Round of 32. A win or draw against Portugal secures first place.
Portugal remains well positioned to advance and would clinch a spot in the Round of 32 with at least a draw against Colombia.
DR Congo and Uzbekistan are still alive, but both need a win in their head-to-head meeting and likely help elsewhere to avoid relying on a third-place berth.
Group J:
Algeria (1-0-1) vs Austria (1-0-1)
Jordan (0-0-2) vs Argentina (2-0-0)
Argentina has already advanced and secured first place in Group J and will face Cape Verde on July 3 in Miami.
Algeria and Austria will meet with second place on the line. The winner will advance, while a draw could leave both teams waiting to see where they stand among the best third-place finishers.
@Frodo - has this article on ESPN gotten attention in Argentina?
(Warning: long read, and some sex abuse alluded to, possibly triggering)
Hit piece? Close to home? Somewhere in the middle? Or perhaps just a basic effect of lots of people grabbing for the brass ring in a society with too much poverty? I think it’s a little unfair to call it a “system” when part of the problem is too little regulation…
(quick digression) Whenever I think of Independiente I think of a young Aguero, along with my stupid prediction in the early aughts that he’ll become a bigger name than Messi.
I also need Portugal to beat Colombia, which isn’t looking easy, to get the clean sweep.