FIFA WORLD CUP 2018?

[TrumpD]

What a cruel cruel way to bow out of the world cup. I feel sorry for Kasper Schiemichel, especially after he saved the penalty in extra time to take his team further to give them a 50-50 fighting chance. The world cup just keeps getting better and better after each game. Who would have thought maestros such as Eriksson and Modric (in extra time) would miss penalties. Take nothing from Croatia and congratulations to them. 

[Aleister Crowley]

What a cruel cruel way to bow out of the world cup. I feel sorry for Kasper Schiemichel, especially after he saved the penalty in extra time to take his team further to give them a 50-50 fighting chance. The world cup just keeps getting better and better after each game. Who would have thought maestros such as Eriksson and Modric (in extra time) would miss penalties. Take nothing from Croatia and congratulations to them. 

that's when the players are seen mentally, even though Schmeichel has performed very well, but the kicker from Denmark is not able to kick well and the mentor of Denmark is very visible, and crown does have a lot of players with good mentality especially ivan as the determinant kicker ...

[aso118]

Both matches went to penalty shoot-outs today. This as unexpected - Spain and Croatia were expected to have easy victories. Russia managed to put one over Spain in the first penalty shoot out. The second one was a comedy of errors, with penalties being missed left, right and centre. Croatia, prevailed at the end, but they played well below their potential.

[tomahawk9]

I feel bad for Schmeichel, the guy did everything he could today, saved a penalty in ET, saved two penalties in the shootout (he even won the MOTM award), but luck was not on Denmark's side (although his teammates didn't help him either). Subacic was immense, saving 3 penalties 

Spain and Croatia were expected to have easy victories.

Sure, they were clearly favorites, but I don't think they were expecting "easy victories" today, there are no easy games in knockout phase.

[Baofeng]

What an interesting first game today. Congratulations to the host Nation for going through on penalties. One thing is clear from Russia and Uruguay is that a solid defense will take you far in this tournament, as long as you can nullify wave after wave of attack. The world cup has a lot big names out, this feels like one for the underdog as the days close in.

Yep, and just like that Spain is out. I though that they have a good chance against the host nation, but just like what they say, the ball is round and its very unpredictable. Spain didn't do good or just the defense of Russia hold them. Gonna be interesting how far Russia can go on WC right now. It would be nice to see them winning the cup in their home turf, but I wouldn't rule out much stronger countries like Croatia.

[LTU_btc]

Amazing performance by Schmeichel and Subasic in penalty shoot-out. One one the best penalty shoot-outs in recent years. Modric have big balls - after making terrible penalty in extra time he didn't repeated same mistake again.
About Spain disaster - Russia just parked a buss, but and it was enough - Spain just were passing ball in midfield all match long without making dangerous attacks. In my opinion Spain played even worse than Argentina - they struggled against Morocco and Iran, conceded 3 goals against Portugal. And De Gea - he made only 1 save during whole tournament! And sad end of era of Iniesta...

I am impressed by Uruguay way of p,lay very inteligent football so many young players
It is maybe youngest team of Mundial
Now next penalties are coming

Can't agree that Uruguay is a young team. Main their players (Suarez, Cavani, Godin, Musleea and others) are very experienced. Most of them played in World Cup 2010 when Uruguay reached semifinal.
When I'm watching Uruguay matches, I'm feelling like watching Atletico Madrid - they play very similar football. Solid defence and indeed, very inteligent football.

[seven2smoke1]

I feel bad for Schmeichel, the guy did everything he could today, saved a penalty in ET, saved two penalties in the shootout (he even won the MOTM award), but luck was not on Denmark's side (although his teammates didn't help him either). Subacic was immense, saving 3 penalties 

Both of goalkeepers are really amazing today, I feel this same feeling for Schmeichel, he really did well, as you said he saved a penalty during the match. It's the same for Subacic, he saved 3 penalties, which really amazing for a goalkeeper, both of Schmeichel and Subacic deserves the man of the match.

[edgycorner]

So glad that I didn't bet on today's match.That was one hell of a save from  the Russian goalkeeper, looks like all those steroids are finally paying off.

Today's match is going to be interesting.Japan VS belgium, I hope that japans make it to the quarters(just like Russia).
Let's see what happens

[Apes]

Excellent game to enter the last eight and the match last night ended on penalties ... many country teams are suspended but not in accordance with predictions and they did not qualify for the next round .. difficult to predict because almost all countries play well and just hope luck alone to win it ..

[lincolnmad]

What a day man, 2 matches ended with 2 pinalty shootout and again what a match for Russia a hometeam in this worldcup. Spain eliminated by  Russian by pinalty. Croatia vs Denmark also a good game too, denmark keeper is a beast on that game. Too bad they are eliminated too.

[emberbekas]

The lack of good performances of the Spanish team is still continuing and unfortunately, luck is also not on their side at the time of the penalty shootout. Russia which in fact has the lowest rank among teams in this world cup, has provided evidence to us that they are worthy to be reckoned in the international football scene.

[megynacuna]

The lack of good performances of the Spanish team is still continuing and unfortunately, luck is also not on their side at the time of the penalty shootout. Russia which in fact has the lowest rank among teams in this world cup, has provided evidence to us that they are worthy to be reckoned in the international football scene.

This world cup is really proving that football doesn't follow logic and the those that though names would win them the world cup have started realizing its a different ball game altogether after the first series of round of 16 games. I wouldn't be suprised if Russia even end up winning it. Everything is possible at this stage.

[guybrushthreepwood]

Germany going out was a huge shock, but their performance was very average ultimately. The games are too close or hard to call for me today. Best bet would probably be to go both teams to score if I was going to place one but I won't be. I'd rather just enjoy the game. Maybe Ronaldo and Suarez to score and Messi and Griezman would be worth something also. I hope an underdog goes on to win the whole tournament as none of the big teams have impressed. Croatia would be a good choice and I think the have the team most people will under estimate.

Belgium where are you? *wink wink*  In my honest opinion Belgium is the underdog that deserves the most to win the whole thing out of all the other 'favorites'. As we have already seen some favorites have been performing poorly or flat-out flopped like Germany so yeah big names don't mean anything these days haha.

I don't disagree with you about Belgium, and they could go far but they face some tough opposition in the next round assuming they beat Japan today which I think they will. They will then face the winner of Brazil and Mexico which will likely be Brazil but who knows, and then will play the winner of Uruguay and France. If they can get to the final though they could have every chance of wining it because the other teams on the opposite side of the tournament don't look that dangerous and the most threatening of them are Columbia and Croatia, who both played well initially but their last games were very average and Columbia even lost 30 to Sweden.

Lionel Messi most probably would be taking retirement after the end of Argentina's journey in the World Cup. I want this little man to play as much as possible so I'd want Argentina to win France this time at least for this person.
France too consist of youth and energetic players but they still need some time to excel their playing skills and they have.

A player like him could still have one more tournament ion him. Same goes for Ronaldo imo.

[Wendigo]

I don't know what is going on with the big favorites but this World Cup has proven itself to be absolutely mad lol. Croatia were on the brink of elimination! The 2nd half of the Croatia - Denmark match was so mind-numbingly boring that I wanted to turn the TV off  Fortunately the penalties were the highlight of the match and at least we got some dramatic action going with some brilliant saves by both goalies. I think Denmark deserved the win though.

[Sutters Mill]

As many say Belgium have the best team on paper but they haven't shown to be world class as a team despite them having many world class players. Croatia were many peoples dark horses but they won't win the entire tournament if they can't even beat Denmark in 90 mins. Spain couldn't even beat Russia who were the lowest ranked team, and let's not forget Germany finished last in the group. Crazy tournament so far. Who is backing Japan to beat Belgium and Mexico to beat Brazil today? hehe. I think Belgium will win comfortably but the Brazil game will be much closer I think. Both will be great games to watch for sure as the tournament hots up now.

[buwaytress]

Yeah I don't know what the commentators are on about saying it's Messi's final appearance for Argentina. He's still got a few Copas left in him, he can still play a big role in qualifying for next one, and I don't see why he can't hold out for another 4 years. He's still on top of his game. Form is temporary, and his class just gets better and better. Of course, if others step up, then why not? But too early to speculate on his retirement.

I didn't see the 1-1 draws leading to penalties. Definitely didn't see the second match to preserve the scoreline for 120 minutes after the early salvo of goals. I'm really beginning to enjoy the tournament finally.

Let's see if I can snap a 5-day losing streak with separate bets on Japan to progress @6.04 and Mexico to follow @4.64:
https://www.bitcoinrush.io/sportsbook/ShareBet?id=%2F%2BSwfkx94qEYmXP51Ov4Q%2BUY1hYYR0De%2FgY1TK5JMiE%3D
https://www.bitcoinrush.io/sportsbook/ShareBet?id=sYcPoOuxpzCYgMkpXXqtQi%2BUqXJj8biKy0rfLvv7ItM%3D

[BillyBobZorton]

Yeah I don't know what the commentators are on about saying it's Messi's final appearance for Argentina. He's still got a few Copas left in him, he can still play a big role in qualifying for next one, and I don't see why he can't hold out for another 4 years. He's still on top of his game. Form is temporary, and his class just gets better and better. Of course, if others step up, then why not? But too early to speculate on his retirement.

I didn't see the 1-1 draws leading to penalties. Definitely didn't see the second match to preserve the scoreline for 120 minutes after the early salvo of goals. I'm really beginning to enjoy the tournament finally.

Let's see if I can snap a 5-day losing streak with separate bets on Japan to progress @6.04 and Mexico to follow @4.64:
https://www.bitcoinrush.io/sportsbook/ShareBet?id=%2F%2BSwfkx94qEYmXP51Ov4Q%2BUY1hYYR0De%2FgY1TK5JMiE%3D
https://www.bitcoinrush.io/sportsbook/ShareBet?id=sYcPoOuxpzCYgMkpXXqtQi%2BUqXJj8biKy0rfLvv7ItM%3D

I don't think so, probably Eurocup for 2020 if he performs exceptionally well in Barca in the next 2 years, but this pretty pointless since as we know Messi doesn't perform as good in the Argentina team. I think it's over for Messi, definitely he will not be in 2022 world cup again, so 2020 Euro is last chance, same for Ronaldo, but Ronaldo already got the Euro, he is missing a world cup and this was his last chance.

[tomahawk9]

Yeah I don't know what the commentators are on about saying it's Messi's final appearance for Argentina. He's still got a few Copas left in him, he can still play a big role in qualifying for next one, and I don't see why he can't hold out for another 4 years. He's still on top of his game. Form is temporary, and his class just gets better and better. Of course, if others step up, then why not? But too early to speculate on his retirement.

It's not about his form or what role he could play in the team, I think it's about how he feels that he gave everything he could to the NT and there's nothing more he can do. He quit the national team in 2016, I think losing three finals in a row (four in general) was a devastating blow for him,  although he came back a week later. But, this time is different, this was his worst performance in a WC, the team has been playing awful for quite some time, the amount of pressure and criticism keeps growing every day, I think it's time to call it a day.

I'm pretty sure he will announce his retirement from the NT very soon. And I doubt we'll see another "Don't go Messi" campaign in Argentina...from what I've been reading over the past couple of days, I think the argentinians have had enough of this generation of footballers (Messi, Mascherano, Higuain, Di Maria, Romero, Biglia, Banega, etc).

[DIA7]

As many say Belgium have the best team on paper but they haven't shown to be world class as a team despite them having many world class players. Croatia were many peoples dark horses but they won't win the entire tournament if they can't even beat Denmark in 90 mins. Spain couldn't even beat Russia who were the lowest ranked team, and let's not forget Germany finished last in the group. Crazy tournament so far. Who is backing Japan to beat Belgium and Mexico to beat Brazil today? hehe. I think Belgium will win comfortably but the Brazil game will be much closer I think. Both will be great games to watch for sure as the tournament hots up now.

the problem for belgium in my opinion is they usaly dissapoint when they face their real first test they are going to get past Japan first then propably Brasil then Mexico I think it will be a hard fought win for brazil. They haven't slaughtered anyone yet, Mexico won't be the first. Brazil will be the  biggest test for Belgium if they get past them i think they will reach the finals.
i think this year we may have a new world cup winner that means a team that didn't win it before so that will be Croitia or Belgium to be the winner i know that Croistia struggled yestersday against Denmark but they won it eventualy that was most important

[steveabrahams]

I don't know what is going on with the big favorites but this World Cup has proven itself to be absolutely mad lol. Croatia were on the brink of elimination! The 2nd half of the Croatia - Denmark match was so mind-numbingly boring that I wanted to turn the TV off  Fortunately the penalties were the highlight of the match and at least we got some dramatic action going with some brilliant saves by both goalies. I think Denmark deserved the win though.

Yeah i also think that, Denmark deserve qualify to the next match but this is world cup anything can happen. Btw Brazil vs Mexico is live right now and the score is still 0-0, brazil have the chance so far. Let's see is this match will have pinalty too or not.