02 Jul 2018 22:01:08
Question for the eds and all. With the results so far in this world cup and the teams that didn't make it e. g. Italy, Holland etc, and the teams that have not made it to the quarter finals do you fee that the so called lesser teams have improved or the strong nations weakened?

{Ed025's Note - the minnows have got stronger for me red one, that is mainly down to foreign coaches and more diverse cultures playing in the top leagues throughout the world..its all good for me mate..

1.) 02 Jul 2018
02 Jul 2018 22:07:22
Totally agree ed025 I think it's fantastic for the game itself. Also great to give nations hope that they can progress with the right attitude and application.

{Ed025's Note - very much so mate..

2.) 03 Jul 2018
03 Jul 2018 00:11:07
I felt for Japan. They were brilliant. Looked the better side but Belgium were clinical when it mattered. They could win this tournament easily.

3.) 03 Jul 2018
03 Jul 2018 00:17:45
Not with Martinez in charge.

4.) 03 Jul 2018
03 Jul 2018 02:11:45
I dunno, his subs came on and turned a 2 0 defecit into a 3 2 win.

5.) 03 Jul 2018
03 Jul 2018 08:58:55
The problem with Belgium is that they have a lot of quality players, so the chances are in every game they will have enough moments of talent to win a game. But if they dont, the only tactical thing that Martinez is capable of is bringing on Fellaini, smashing balls at his head and hope he doesn't finally get the red card for elbows that's been waiting for him for about a decade. Will that be enough against the likes of France or Brazil? Not if France or Brazil bring their A game, despite Belgium having a reasonably equal squad.

6.) 03 Jul 2018
03 Jul 2018 09:24:05
Funny you mention foreign coaches ed. Back here in Australia the media has been crying about our exit and our obsession with Dutch coaches claiming no world cup winning team has won with a foreign coach. I believe that to be true. But the minnows can't really win it, but can improve with better coaches.

{Ed025's Note - the gap is definitely closing mark and it wont be that long before we see a so called minnow getting to the semi or even final of the world cup, the aussies need a top class coach but it will be a long time before a home grown guy gets the gig mate, maybe tim cahill in a couple of years could fit the brief..

7.) 03 Jul 2018
03 Jul 2018 17:22:29
the diversity in the game is so strong at the moment and I can see the long term vision that Infantino has to increase the world cup entrants to continue to grow the game. which seems crazy cos the game is so popular already. Not even through the round of 16 and this has been the best world cup I've watched in my lifetime (34)