# World Cup 2018 **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [June 7, 2018, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2018/815615 "2018-06-07T18:09:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 46
**Author:** ![madsircool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madsircool/32/3432_2.png) [@madsircool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madsircool)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2018, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2018/815615/901 "2018-06-27T22:43:31Z")
> [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](#): > > I see a huge incentive to finish 2nd in Group G for Belgium or England. If my math is right a draw would result in England winning the group, since they have only 2 yellow cards to Belgium’s 3. I hope it’s not a 0-0 draw and a yellow card contest. England only win the group if they beat Belgium. ---
**Author:** ![madsircool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madsircool/32/3432_2.png) [@madsircool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madsircool)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2018, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2018/815615/902 "2018-06-27T22:47:26Z")
> [@lisiate](#): > > How stacked is the draw now? Going off the Guardian [wallchart here](https://www.theguardian.com/football/world-cup-2018/overview) and using the [FIFA rankings\*](https://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/ranking-table/men/rank=279/index.html): > The CONMEBOL side: > [ul] > [li]Uruguay 17[/li][li]Portugal 3[/li][li]France 7[/li][li]Argentina 4[/li][li]Brazil 2[/li][li]Mexico 16[/li][/ul] > > Average 8.2, three of the top four ranked teams. > > The UEFA side: > > [ul] > [li]Spain 8[/li][li]Russia 65 (?!)[/li][li]Croatia 18[/li][li]Denmark 19[/li][li]Sweden 25[/li][li]Switzerland 11[/li][/ul] > > Average = 24.3 > > \*Yes I know they suck but I needed something to quantify. FIFA rankings are bullshit. Sweden and Croatia (along with Belgium and England) are playing better than any other side except Uruguay. Brazil and Argentina are mediocre sides relying on their past reputations. This is the most balanced final 16 ever. ---
**Author:** ![Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de053/32.png) [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2018, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2018/815615/903 "2018-06-27T22:48:38Z")
> [@madsircool](#): > > England only win the group if they beat Belgium. Why? And why do all the standings show England in 1st place? ---
**Author:** ![madsircool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madsircool/32/3432_2.png) [@madsircool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madsircool)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2018, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2018/815615/904 "2018-06-27T22:54:29Z")
> [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](#): > > Why? And why do all the standings show England in 1st place? My bad for only reading the first sentence of the ESPN story that claims England only win the group if they win the match. We have to wait to see the cards in tomorrows match to know if cards will decide it. Otherwise it will be a coin toss. ---
**Author:** ![Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de053/32.png) [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2018, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2018/815615/905 "2018-06-27T23:42:38Z")
> [@madsircool](#): > > FIFA rankings are bullshit. > > Sweden and Croatia (along with Belgium and England) are playing better than any other side except Uruguay You are making the same mistake as people do every World Cup. The group stage is all about survival and group stage performances aren’t the best indicator of knockout stage success. Just see how Germany looked in 2014. > [@](#): > > Brazil and Argentina are mediocre sides relying on their past reputations. What does this even mean? Brazil was favored to win this World Cup. Germany started as favorite but betting money moved to Brazil quickly. I was hoping to get 6:1 on them in Vegas, and it fell to 4:1. FIFA rankings were off by putting Germany ahead of Brazil. While they have looked shaky, you’re comparing them to teams that haven’t played anyone good yet (besides Sweden, and they lost to Germany). Argentina, I agree has been bad, but mostly due to their 2nd rate defense. > [@](#): > > This is the most balanced final 16 ever. You may be right on this, but only time will tell. ---
**Author:** ![lisiate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f05b48/32.png) [@lisiate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lisiate)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2018, 6:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2018/815615/906 "2018-06-28T06:02:04Z")
> [@madsircool](#): > > FIFA rankings are bullshit. > > Sweden and Croatia (along with Belgium and England) are playing better than any other side except Uruguay. Brazil and Argentina are mediocre sides relying on their past reputations. This is the most balanced final 16 ever. Someone didn’t read the footnotes. ---
**Author:** ![Velocity](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/velocity/32/18006_2.png) [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2018, 6:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2018/815615/907 "2018-06-28T06:34:06Z")
> [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](#): > > group stage performances aren’t the best indicator of knockout stage success. Just see how Germany looked in 2014. Ah…? In Brazil in 2014, Germany outscored its group stage opponents 7 goals to 2 and had two wins and one draw; a pretty stout showing in the group stage. Then it proceeded to win four games in the knockout stage by 11 goals to 2. The Germans were more or less strong in that World Cup from beginning to end. ---
**Author:** ![AK84](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85e7bf/32.png) [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2018, 7:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2018/815615/908 "2018-06-28T07:36:07Z")
The group stage was done by running up the score against an imploding Portugal, a 1-0 victory over a US which took no risks. They barely got away with a 2-2 draw versus Ghana. The Knockout stages had them needing extra time to get pass by the Algerians and then there was the infamous Semi Final, responsible for most of the 11 goals. In the final they needed the Argentines to wasted about 4 chances to win it. The Germans were deserved winners in 2014; but their vulnerabilities were apparent even 4 years ago and this time teams went in with a plan to exploit them. Its eye opening that the least German like of the 6 halves of footy they played at WC2018 was also the one the did the best in; the second half versus Sweden. There they were physical played long ball and on the break. By the way this will be the first WC since 1966 where England has finished higher than the Germans. 2014: C, First Stage 2010 SF; R16 2006 SF, QF 2002 RU, QF 1998 QF, R16 1994 QF, DNQ 1990 C, SF 1986 RU, QF 1982 RU, Second Round 1978 Second Round, DNQ 1974 C, DNQ 1970 SF, QF Hursts hatrick has proved costly. ---
**Author:** ![Novelty\_Bobble](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Novelty\_Bobble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Novelty_Bobble)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2018, 12:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2018/815615/909 "2018-06-28T12:08:06Z")
I really don’t think there is any benefit for either England or Belgium to try and plot their course to the final. It is tempting to be ultra-wary of the top-half teams but in all honesty _no-one_ has looked formidable or unbeatable as yet. Brazil have played about 40 minutes of decent football across their three matches, Argentina not even that much. No, this is a very open competition and knock-out football can do strange things to teams. I think Gareth Southgate has said exactly the right thing to his team. Just keep winning the next game and forget what comes after that. Looking at all the L16 games I think there are very few that I’d predict with any confidence. I think Spain stand a very good chance against Russia and England/Belgium should do well against whichever two they match up with but the rest I just don’t know. ---
**Author:** ![wolfman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/a8b319/32.png) [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2018, 12:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2018/815615/910 "2018-06-28T12:59:23Z")
Plotting a course or not, You’d have to be an idiot to defend anything very vigorously and risk a card at this point. Defense by force field from 2 feet away, just to be sure there are no misunderstandings. (Unless you are the guy told to “accidentally” get a card for your team of course) 😉 ---
**Author:** ![madsircool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madsircool/32/3432_2.png) [@madsircool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madsircool)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2018, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2018/815615/911 "2018-06-28T13:50:47Z")
Who have been the strongest sides thus far? Uruguay, Croatia, Sweden, England and Belgium. The traditional powers either didn’t qualify, have been eliminated or look ordinary. Would it really be that shocking to see Uruguay v Mexico and Sweden v Croatia in the semifinals? For once, it could be four different sides and no one would be surprised. As has been noted, this is the most balanced final 16 ever. ---
**Author:** ![Iggy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iggy/32/3364_2.png) [@Iggy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Iggy)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2018, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2018/815615/912 "2018-06-28T14:31:11Z")
Watching los Cafeteros today but Senegal seems to be controlling the field so far. Colombia has to do more to avoid the early exit. Colombia has its fate in its control. Pull out a win and advance. Might squeak through with a draw. ---
**Author:** ![Iggy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iggy/32/3364_2.png) [@Iggy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Iggy)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2018, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2018/815615/913 "2018-06-28T15:41:03Z")
Goool! Colombia! And with Poland leading Japan Colombia may win Group H. ---
**Author:** ![Terminus\_Est](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terminus_est/32/3087_2.png) [@Terminus\_Est](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terminus_Est)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2018, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2018/815615/914 "2018-06-28T15:51:50Z")
Japan are just kicking the ball around midfield. ETA: And now it’s over. ---
**Author:** ![Iggy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iggy/32/3364_2.png) [@Iggy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Iggy)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2018, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2018/815615/915 "2018-06-28T15:58:15Z")
Wow! Colombia over Senegal 1-0. And thanks go out to Poland for their 1-0 win over Japan! That puts Colombia through at the top of Group H. And Japan advances thanks to the yellow card tiebreaker. Poland and Senegal go home. ---
**Author:** ![Snarky\_Kong](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a183cd/32.png) [@Snarky\_Kong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snarky_Kong)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2018, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2018/815615/916 "2018-06-28T17:23:27Z")
> [@madsircool](#): > > Who have been the strongest sides thus far? Uruguay, Croatia, Sweden, England and Belgium. The traditional powers either didn’t qualify, have been eliminated or look ordinary. Would it really be that shocking to see Uruguay v Mexico and Sweden v Croatia in the semifinals? For once, it could be four different sides and no one would be surprised. As has been noted, this is the most balanced final 16 ever. Yes, that would be completely shocking. Sweden has shown better than Brazil? Not by a long shot. Germany absolutely dominated them, but were just sloppy in finishing. Needed a PK to bear South Korea too. England, Belgium, and Uruguay haven’t played a single team worth a damn so far so I’d hold off on saying how good they look. Croatia has looked good though, I agree. I would be surprised, but not shocked if they make the semis. ---
**Author:** ![Velocity](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/velocity/32/18006_2.png) [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2018, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2018/815615/917 "2018-06-28T17:26:37Z")
Whew, Japan barely squeaks through. ---
**Author:** ![DSYoungEsq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c6cbf5/32.png) [@DSYoungEsq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSYoungEsq)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2018, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2018/815615/918 "2018-06-28T18:10:26Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > Unless I posted the wrong picture the stance he took was exactly as you would expect sliding toward the ball. He was also surrounded by other players with their arms out. You could kick the ball at any of them and make your claim. > > The defender had no way of knowing where the ball will be kicked. He can’t see who is behind him. Only by moving his arm toward the ball can you say there is an attempt to block the ball. You still persist in the notion that his hand is where it is for no nefarious reason. You are wrong, in my opinion, and in the opinion of the referee making the call, and in the opinion of several referee commentators on the subject. But, go ahead and disagree; your repeated statements to the contrary don’t seem to be abating despite my best efforts. :smack: ---
**Author:** ![EinsteinsHund](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/einsteinshund/32/8400_2.png) [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2018, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2018/815615/919 "2018-06-28T18:14:12Z")
Judging by the first 12 minutes, England and Belgium don’t seem to have a “gentlemen’s agreement” à la Gijon 82 or like the last 10 minutes today in the Japan-Poland match. ETA: maybe gentlemen’s agreement is the false phrase, as the worry was that they both could have the incentive to deliberately lose by goals or by yellow cards. Still, no signs of such shenanigans. ---
**Author:** ![Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de053/32.png) [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2018, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2018/815615/920 "2018-06-28T19:01:58Z")
It sure looks like Belgium wisely let 2 of their scrubs get yellows in the 1st half. I predict a late own-goal by Belgium to seal the deal to move to the easier half. By the way, I’m sort of kidding in that I haven’t actually watched any of the game. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2018/815615.md?page=45) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2018/815615.md?page=47)