Ugh. That was ugly. Canadian brain-fart.
Well, there is a big difference between failing to qualify out of Europe and failing to qualify out of CONCACAF.
Although whether losing to Trinidad and Tobago when you have to win or losing to North Macedonia when you have to win is worse is beyond my ability to judge. Both are disastrous and should immediately lead to the sacking of the team manager. Although I see that somehow Mancini kept his job.
Canada getting thoroughly undone here. Pretty disastrous performance by the “best team in CONCACAF” in this tournament.
Canada out, Mexico out, Costa Rica… likely out pending results later today.
With Morocco winning, Belgium have to beat Croatia. Based on their past performance that seems… unlikely. Pretty lousy showing for the #2 ranked team by FIFA’s rankings. Shows you how crap those ratings are.
Even using straight ELO ratings (FIFA rankings are a blend between their old way and ELO), Belgium was in the Top 5. They just have had a terrible World Cup so far.
Fair enough. SPI at 538 has them at #10 which feels about right to me. Basically the same as Uruguay and just a hair behind Croatia.
But who knows, they still have a bit over a half to push through and make the next round.
Croatia!!!
Belgium squandered at least half a dozen chances in the second half. Croatia had their chances too, but was lucky to get through. Modric was excellent.
Was he the manager when they won the Euros? Maybe he gets the benefit of that.
I was in meetings, but one of my colleagues slacked me that Lukaku missed a sitter at the end. Was it that bad?
Yeah, he was. I guess that helps. And Italy did miss the 2018 World Cup as well… but still.
I suppose if Italy wants to switch Robertos, Mr. Martinez will shortly be available.
depending on the definition of sitter, maybe he missed two in the last 5 minutes.
He also hit the post earlier in the game with the keeper absent on a rebound, but that was not an easy shot because a Croatian defender stood in the way.
He had one off the crossbar of a very open goal. Then another header over the crossbar of an even more open goal (although that one probably wouldn’t have counted due to the ball being out of bounds earlier). And he then missed an even MORE open one where he was all alone two feet from an open goal with no one near him, the ball got to his chest, and he chested it parallel to the goal line instead of into the goal.
Was sad to see Mexico win, but fail to do so by three goals.
Canada was unlucky with Hutchison hitting the crossbar and only half the ball landing in the net. Morocco was slightly unlucky with an offside goal. Neither goalie was impressive. Canada’s goal was weak but Morocco’s first goal weaker still, some sloppy defence. Who would have thought they would win the Group?
Belgium was a complete disaster. Hardly any urgency and then when they did have good chances, Lukaku simply could not score - incredibly so.
Group E is getting ready to start its two matches. Just like yesterday, nobody has yet clinched a spot, and all four teams have a chance to advance.
Spain advances with a win or draw vs Japan. Spain could also advance with a loss, depending on the result of the other match.
Japan advances with a win over Spain. Japan could also advance with a draw, depending on the other result. Japan is eliminated with a loss.
Costa Rica advances with a win over Germany. Costa RIca could also advance with a draw, but only if Spain wins the other match. Costa Rica is eliminated with a loss.
Germany must beat Costa Rica to have a chance to advance, but is eliminated with a draw or loss. If Germany and Spain both win, Germany will advance. If Germany and Japan both win, Germany must overcome an 8-goal deficit. If Germany wins but the other game ends in a draw, Germany is eliminated.
Not sure of the accuracy here, but i found it funny.
Come on 14 goals for Japan!
Will be a bit of a letdown if Germany and Spain both win, and all the crazy twists and turns and upsets in this group end up not mattering.
Note that the ref in GER-CRC is the first female ref ever in a men’s WC match. #feminism
Things are looking good for Germany. Despite the early upsets it looks like not too many of the top teams will be knocked out at the group stage; with Belgium being the one really big scalp.
We have a football match.
And now we have two football matches!