⚽⚽⚽ Sportsbet's Bitcointalk World Cup 2022 - discussion ⚽⚽⚽

[Harkorede]

Man, I have not been able to confirm lineups for the quiz and Saiss is my biggest issue. He seems like he is coming on, but maybe it's just psychological warfare!

But I don't want to overthink even though it's too late I changed my answers so many times, augh, good luck casp!

That was actually the idea behind that question. Without doing research on my part I was only sure Hakimi starts at the moment we wrote the question. There was always a chance manager would say something on press conference but still there should be plenty of room for different answers in this one.

Good luck guys, don't forget to take the bets as well, I know I will 

I submitted my pick about 13-14 hours ago and all I can say is that this is probably the round I did the least thinking and /or research, the more I got to know and the more complex my decision making criteria became, So I simply just let it go and all I did was follow my interpretation each fixture and/or teams involved and answer the questions as I deem fit, as for the line up and/or substitution, I strongly believe that each coach might have a quite different approach probably due to their opponent or how they would rather approach the fixture, I went with what I felt are the safest regardless.

Good going, gang, as I already said previously, my bet was on Harkorede to win it all (no offence, slam and casper but feel free to prove me wrong haha), so I'm going to prep my coins for that. 4 hours before is just about when I can come online too.

Your wish for us to bet on the remaining games has finally come true, man. Harkorede represents France, Kanapa represents Morocco, CASPERBGD represents Croatia, and Slaman represents Argentina, so I'll be betting on Kanapa and Slaman29 at 3.80 odds.

Kanap - Slaman final and Slaman to win the cup

Do not try my little tricks at home unless you have a few dollars to lose.

It's quite ironic, If you think I represent France because of the perception you have of my chances of making it to the finals, but while in reality I might actually be only guy left in the competition that is from Africa 

I really don't know what to expect from either of the fixtures, but I do have my preference, but I really don't think I let them cloud my judgments... I'm currently looking at taking both fixtures in correct score parlay.

[1714252342]

1714252342

[1714252342]

1714252342

[buwaytress]

Sportsbet really loves you guys... the sidebet Special is up, make some money backing yourself haha. Only active for 2 hours, max bet is 5mbtc!

https://sportsbet.io/sports/sportsbet-specials/daily-specials/bitcointalk-special/matches

in reality I might actually be only guy left in the competition that is from Africa 

A representative from at least 3 continents in the first semis? if kanapka is from the Americas, then we have 4! What a beautiful riot this is turning out to be.

This is my faith in you. Pressure?

[Trofo]

Sportsbet really loves you guys... the sidebet Special is up, make some money backing yourself haha. Only active for 2 hours, max bet is 5mbtc!

https://sportsbet.io/sports/sportsbet-specials/daily-specials/bitcointalk-special/matches

in reality I might actually be only guy left in the competition that is from Africa 

A representative from at least 3 continents in the first semis? if kanapka is from the Americas, then we have 4! What a beautiful riot this is turning out to be.

This is my faith in you. Pressure?

I made my bets as well, not gonna say who I backed, don't wanna look biased Remember that ref that celebrates after the team scores. Just kidding of course, we set up everything in a way that we aren't able to influence results.

Make sure to place some bets, we want Sportsbet to continue putting up these specials and they will never do that if only 2 people takes them.

[Harkorede]

Sportsbet really loves you guys... the sidebet Special is up, make some money backing yourself haha. Only active for 2 hours, max bet is 5mbtc!

https://sportsbet.io/sports/sportsbet-specials/daily-specials/bitcointalk-special/matches

in reality I might actually be only guy left in the competition that is from Africa  

A representative from at least 3 continents in the first semis? if kanapka is from the Americas, then we have 4! What a beautiful riot this is turning out to be.

This is my faith in you. Pressure?

They've said you've got to believe in yourself first, before anyone else would ? how come you're the exception to that rule in this case ? anyways I guess it's not too late to be the second person to believe in myself after you right ?

https://i.imgur.com/JdbhtFK.png

I just had to quote myself here again, thanks for faith man! The pressure is nothing compared trying to outthink loads of you in every other pool every weekend, at least yourself, Hoody Hoo, Trofo and Cryptofrka aren't here and I don't get to face CasperBGD until the finals (If he makes, like I sure will it too  ) who have always been a pain in the butt in La Liga and Serie A pools year in, year out.

Make sure to place some bets, we want Sportsbet to continue putting up these specials and they will never do that if only 2 people takes them.

Here guys...

Even though the markets will be off-site in 2 hours, the shared betslip will be available up until start of tonight's Semi.

Winner - Semi Final 1
Kanapka
https://sportsbet.io/sharebetslip/354b35ad-5431-4516-84c9-b15444aceefe

Winner - Semi Final 1
Harkorede
https://sportsbet.io/sharebetslip/a7eb0996-5074-4850-aedb-988ff5bed9f8

Winner - Semi Final  2
Slaman29
https://sportsbet.io/sharebetslip/e81f227e-ed38-40d2-9fa5-a1170022e50c

Winner - Semi Final  2
CasperBGD
https://sportsbet.io/sharebetslip/becfda4a-9262-4eb7-b808-b4dd7880598b


Best of Luck ALL!!

regards,

Steve.
Sportsbet.io

EDIT: Random free bet drops going into sportsbet.io user accounts shortly!! get amongst the excitement!
check back on the hour!

[cryptofrka]

My bets are placed as well, in 1 semifinal I did support a guy from our Local and from the Balkans region - that much I hope I can say

We won't show the answers as long as the bets are opened, even we did not look at them - not that it gives an edge at this point anyway.

I know you're all excited to see how you did, if Croatia wins though you are out of luck and we'll calculate your results probably tomorrow morning hahah.

Good luck guys!

[slaman29]

Nice to know our organizers are making more special every step. Man it is so cool seeing our name there on a big bookie, I wish I could share it with my friends but I'm not ready to face the questions about my betting and gambling... and crypto lol!!

I'm really very happy to already be in the semi so of course I support whoever goes through if I don't make it, but it feels good to actually bet on myself for the first time! All in, good luck everyone. Unfortunately I cannot even watch this game. I'll be in dreamland. It's already midnight here

Hope to wake up to a nice lead. Enjoy everyone

[Harkorede]

That's not the result anyone expected right ? Messi totally obliterated Croatia, and guess what ? it was an exact payback for the defeat that Messi and his compatriots suffered in the year 2018 from the Croatian side.


I think I'm on the right path with my with predictions too, I know I have gotten a couple right, I was literally furious when Kovacic picked up a yellow as well for the protest as Livakovic was penalized for the foul on Alvarez, I went for the Under option for both teams, as well as Messi to score or pick up an assist. I think I should have gotten the Croatia line up correctly too, but I'm still in the dark as to what Kanapka have up his sleeves, though!

[cryptofrka]

It is 3-3 in both semis so far, so well done on getting the most of your picks correct.

_____________

This hurts, we gave too much and the 2nd goal cannot be allowed to happen at any level in professional football.
Call me biased, but for me that wasn't really a penalty as well.

Still, it is what it is, we fell apart after that and Argentina controlled the game easily.
Messi plays like a god and deserves the title, I really want him to get it now.

[Trofo]

It is 3-3 in both semis so far, so well done on getting the most of your picks correct.

_____________

This hurts, we gave too much and the 2nd goal cannot be allowed to happen at any level in professional football.
Call me biased, but for me that wasn't really a penalty as well.

Still, it is what it is, we fell apart after that and Argentina controlled the game easily.
Messi plays like a god and deserves the title, I really want him to get it now.

I can't complain about penalty, Livaković never touched the ball and stopped Alvarez when he put the ball past him. I know I would be seriously pissed if such penalty wouldn't be given for the team I need to score.

2nd goal was what destroyed our hopes and as you say that one should have never happened. There was so many opportunities to make professional foul or clean the ball. Too bad, it is stupid to say anything after we lost 3:0 but I feel like this Argentinian squad really isn't any special apart from Messi and Alavarez. Brazil was much better opponent, but that is football.

[Igebotz]

I can't complain about penalty, Livaković never touched the ball and stopped Alvarez when he put the ball past him. I know I would be seriously pissed if such penalty wouldn't be given for the team I need to score.

2nd goal was what destroyed our hopes and as you say that one should have never happened. There was so many opportunities to make professional foul or clean the ball. Too bad, it is stupid to say anything after we lost 3:0 but I feel like this Argentinian squad really isn't any special apart from Messi and Alavarez. Brazil was much better opponent, but that is football.

That was a basic penalty, and anyone who says otherwise doesn't understand the rules, and the GK was lucky not to see a red card; I guess the ref didn't want the stain on his hand, which was the smartest thing to do.

Tbh, there's nothing special about this Croatian team; they've been padding on with PK shootouts since it's their best tool. They were the better team in the first 15 mins, they controlled the game, had more of the ball, but after conceding the first goal, they lost concentration and started playing long balls, which was the beginning of their problem. They completely underestimated Alvarez throughout the game; he was given too much space to operate.

Overall, it was a positive experience for a country with a population of less than 4 million people; there is no shame in losing to the tournament's best team thus far.. Was that Modric's last dance? His facial expression says YES.

[Harkorede]

I can't complain about penalty, Livaković never touched the ball and stopped Alvarez when he put the ball past him. I know I would be seriously pissed if such penalty wouldn't be given for the team I need to score.

2nd goal was what destroyed our hopes and as you say that one should have never happened. There was so many opportunities to make professional foul or clean the ball. Too bad, it is stupid to say anything after we lost 3:0 but I feel like this Argentinian squad really isn't any special apart from Messi and Alavarez. Brazil was much better opponent, but that is football.

That was a basic penalty, and anyone who says otherwise doesn't understand the rules, and the GK was lucky not to see a red card; I guess the ref didn't want the stain on his hand, which was the smartest thing to do.

I think a red card would have been a very harsh decision on the goalkeeper, even though I'd agree it's a penalty straight up, but the yellow card is also debatable, I'd argue because the keeper never plunged into Alvarez directly and he went for the ball on a straight forward line and didn't dive towards the left which Alvarez went towards after putting the ball past him, but the only reason why that was a penalty in the first place is because the goalkeeper actually never got in contact with the ball, so it was an easy call for the referee, and spot on too, however if the keeper had gotten in touch with the ball first, it would have been a different debate, wouldn't it ?

[Igebotz]

That was a basic penalty, and anyone who says otherwise doesn't understand the rules, and the GK was lucky not to see a red card; I guess the ref didn't want the stain on his hand, which was the smartest thing to do.

I think a red card would have been a very harsh decision on the goalkeeper, even though I'd agree it's a penalty straight up, but the yellow card is also debatable, I'd argue because the keeper never plunged into Alvarez directly and he went for the ball on a straight forward line and didn't dive towards the left which Alvarez went towards after putting the ball past him, but the only reason why that was a penalty in the first place is because the goalkeeper actually never got in contact with the ball, so it was an easy call for the referee, and spot on too, however if the keeper had gotten in touch with the ball first, it would have been a different debate, wouldn't it ?

Yes, it would have been a VAR decision if he had touched the ball first before stooping the player, but there was no way he was going to keep the ball out without knocking down the player, and the GK shouldn't have been in such a situation in the first place if Croatia hadn't given Alvarez so much space in the first place.

After Alvarez was brought down, it took the Croatian defender about 50 seconds to get to the ball, it was a good counter. Argentina did nothing, according to Trofo, despite this being one of their easiest draws so far.

[Trofo]

After Alvarez was brought down, it took the Croatian defender about 50 seconds to get to the ball, it was a good counter. Argentina did nothing, according to Trofo, despite this being one of their easiest draws so far.

Can you honestly say that this Argentina showed more in the tournament than let's say Brazil or England? Maybe even Portugal. Doesn't matter in the end world cups games in knockout stages need to be won, and not played to be better team on the pitch. I am not saying Argentina is bad but other than Messi, Alvarez and Martinez (GK) i haven't been impressed by them.

I know I am putting a lot of money on France if we get that final.

[Igebotz]

After Alvarez was brought down, it took the Croatian defender about 50 seconds to get to the ball, it was a good counter. Argentina did nothing, according to Trofo, despite this being one of their easiest draws so far.

Can you honestly say that this Argentina showed more in the tournament than let's say Brazil or England? Maybe even Portugal. Doesn't matter in the end world cups games in knockout stages need to be won, and not played to be better team on the pitch. I am not saying Argentina is bad but other than Messi, Alvarez and Martinez (GK) i haven't been impressed by them.

I know I am putting a lot of money on France if we get that final.

This Argentina team was unbeaten in 37 games prior to their loss to the Saudis, and they were even the better team in the only game they lost; without a doubt, they have been the best team in every game they have won so far, false?

They are the second team with the fewest goals conceded after Mororrco, having outplayed Poland, Mexico, the Netherlands, and Croatia, as well as creating the most chances to score. How can they not be the best team thus far? Brazil or England? This team's were off and on, England was nowhere to be found in their second game against the USA, and Brazil has struggled since their 2-0 win in their first game.

Throughout the competition, Alisster, Accuna, Depaul, and the entire Agentina defense have been outstanding. L. Martinez was the only weak link that could have cost them, but the coach was able to fix that after the Saudi Arabia game.

If France/ Morocco win is not rigged but if Agentina wins it is rigged. Ronaldo fan base are running madly on social media.  

[casperBGD]

-snip
Can you honestly say that this Argentina showed more in the tournament than let's say Brazil or England? Maybe even Portugal.

first of all, congrats on SF, it is a big success to have two SF back-to-back

what Brazil showed up so far, they had a half time over South Korea and that is it, they had issues scoring even with us, and Serbia defense is between bad and worse

not saying that Argentina showed much more, but Messi showed more than enough to place them where they are

England showed great football, they had low level match against USA, but even with France they were better team, IMO, probably best on tournament

regarding Portugal, you can't play a WC tournament without harmony in a team (Serbia is same example)

[cryptofrka]

That was a basic penalty, and anyone who says otherwise doesn't understand the rules, and the GK was lucky not to see a red card; I guess the ref didn't want the stain on his hand, which was the smartest thing to do.

Tbh, there's nothing special about this Croatian team; they've been padding on with PK shootouts since it's their best tool. They were the better team in the first 15 mins, they controlled the game, had more of the ball, but after conceding the first goal, they lost concentration and started playing long balls, which was the beginning of their problem. They completely underestimated Alvarez throughout the game; he was given too much space to operate.

Overall, it was a positive experience for a country with a population of less than 4 million people; there is no shame in losing to the tournament's best team thus far.. Was that Modric's last dance? His facial expression says YES.

You are kinda the one not understanding the rules here. For the last few years, the general rule is not to give 'double punishment' to the team, so if it is a penalty and the tackle is not extremely dangerous it will always be a yellow card - no more red cards are awarded in such situations.

The penalty is not clear, it is at least debatable. Livaković has both feet on the ground and yes, he is kinda making a forward movement with his body but it is Alvarez who is trying to go through Livaković - which is not allowed if he has feet on the floor. The problem is Livaković's leg that is stretched out, which at first glance indicates a clear penalty. However, if you look at it closely you see that he's allowed to do it.
I'm not saying 'it was never a penalty'. It has elements that you can use to award it, but my general feel is that it was given too easily. We have seen worse penalties given in this WC though, and we should have reacted way better than we did after it was awarded.

I'm way more angry about the way we conceded the 2nd goal.

[Igebotz]

That was a basic penalty, and anyone who says otherwise doesn't understand the rules, and the GK was lucky not to see a red card; I guess the ref didn't want the stain on his hand, which was the smartest thing to do.

Tbh, there's nothing special about this Croatian team; they've been padding on with PK shootouts since it's their best tool. They were the better team in the first 15 mins, they controlled the game, had more of the ball, but after conceding the first goal, they lost concentration and started playing long balls, which was the beginning of their problem. They completely underestimated Alvarez throughout the game; he was given too much space to operate.

Overall, it was a positive experience for a country with a population of less than 4 million people; there is no shame in losing to the tournament's best team thus far.. Was that Modric's last dance? His facial expression says YES.

You are kinda the one not understanding the rules here. For the last few years, the general rule is not to give 'double punishment' to the team, so if it is a penalty and the tackle is not extremely dangerous it will always be a yellow card - no more red cards are awarded in such situations.

Maybe I missed that part of the new rules, and to be honest, I like it, but does it only apply to FIFA competitions? Because we've seen so many red cards in cases like that in the EPL since last season, when a GK causes a contact like that in the EPL, it's always a red in 99/100 cases.

The penalty is not clear, it is at least debatable. Livaković has both feet on the ground and yes, he is kinda making a forward movement with his body but it is Alvarez who is trying to go through Livaković - which is not allowed if he has feet on the floor. The problem is Livaković's leg that is stretched out, which at first glance indicates a clear penalty. However, if you look at it closely you see that he's allowed to do it.
I'm not saying 'it was never a penalty'. It has elements that you can use to award it, but my general feel is that it was given too easily. We have seen worse penalties given in this WC though, and we should have reacted way better than we did after it was awarded.

I'm way more angry about the way we conceded the 2nd goal.

Livakovic's only offense was not making contact with the ball, which is where the rules state it is a penalty. If you must approach a striker on a 1-on-1 situation, always make sure you don't miss the ball no matter how soft the situation was as long as you had zero contact with the ball it is a foul. This occurs frequently outside of the box, and it is always a foul.

The second goal was the most shittest brilliant goal ever, with the ball being lost twice in 10 seconds and recovered twice back to him by the defenders. It was just a bad night for the Croatians; they were caught in four dangerous situations. Even the tournament's best young defender, was having difficulty dealing with Messi.

[slackovic]

The penalty is not clear, it is at least debatable. Livaković has both feet on the ground and yes, he is kinda making a forward movement with his body but it is Alvarez who is trying to go through Livaković - which is not allowed if he has feet on the floor. The problem is Livaković's leg that is stretched out, which at first glance indicates a clear penalty. However, if you look at it closely you see that he's allowed to do it.
I'm not saying 'it was never a penalty'. It has elements that you can use to award it, but my general feel is that it was given too easily. We have seen worse penalties given in this WC though, and we should have reacted way better than we did after it was awarded.

I'm way more angry about the way we conceded the 2nd goal.

Livakovic's only offense was not making contact with the ball, which is where the rules state it is a penalty. If you must approach a striker on a 1-on-1 situation, always make sure you don't miss the ball no matter how soft the situation was as long as you had zero contact with the ball it is a foul. This occurs frequently outside of the box, and it is always a foul.

The second goal was the most shittest brilliant goal ever, with the ball being lost twice in 10 seconds and recovered twice back to him by the defenders. It was just a bad night for the Croatians; they were caught in four dangerous situations. Even the tournament's best young defender, was having difficulty dealing with Messi.

At first I also thought that it's a straight up penalty without a doubt. But when I saw a slow motion, I wasn't that sure anymore. It's true that Livakovic did come in contact with Alvarez, but he spread out his legs and arms in order to defend his goal. He didn't make a move to make a foul on Alvarez. It was basically a collision. I'm not sure that a team should be awarded a penalty after a collision. But even if that penalty wasn't awarded to Argentina, I think they would have won. They were a better team and that's it. They deserved to advance to the finals.

Now I kind of hope that Morocco will advance to the finals and that Croatia will face France in the match for the bronze medal. That would give Croatia an opportunity to get a payback for the loss in the final game of the 2018 World Cup. Besides, I think that Morocco style of play doesn't suit Croatia. Croatia plays much better with teams that are not concentrated solely on defense.

[slaman29]

Wow, 2/5 for me and casper, was really thinking I would be out actually as couldn't remember what some selections was! Good that we all go into the game later as equals then

Problem is now we only have 2 more different answers and now I see the question was about save percentage (not saves) so I picked a really bad choice unless Bounou saves and keeps a clean sheet, but I also picked Giroud to score/assist, so I killed myself there with a conflicting pick lol

Call me biased, but for me that wasn't really a penalty as well.

Still, it is what it is, we fell apart after that and Argentina controlled the game easily.
Messi plays like a god and deserves the title, I really want him to get it now.

I can't complain about penalty, Livaković never touched the ball and stopped Alvarez when he put the ball past him. I know I would be seriously pissed if such penalty wouldn't be given for the team I need to score.

2nd goal was what destroyed our hopes and as you say that one should have never happened. There was so many opportunities to make professional foul or clean the ball. Too bad, it is stupid to say anything after we lost 3:0 but I feel like this Argentinian squad really isn't any special apart from Messi and Alavarez. Brazil was much better opponent, but that is football.

I can only judge from replays so take it for what it is: it is a penalty. If Alvarez wasn't stopped, he could easily continue on and push the ball over the line (Lovren saved it only because alvarez was taken out).

Messi is playing at his best, and at World Cup, he finally scores in all KO rounds when he never did before. That third goal, with probably best defender of World Cup trying to take him down multiple times and failed wow.

But Brazil was the best team to go out of tournament. That I can't disagree with. Argentina struggled (and lost to Saudi) and always need Messi to pull them out of trouble. Brazil were enjoying and having fun and playing amazing football all around.

I was literally furious when Kovacic picked up a yellow as well for the protest as Livakovic was penalized for the foul on Alvarez, I went for the Under option for both teams, as well as Messi to score or pick up an assist.

I picked overs for both because I honestly thought this was going to be a super tight game. I mean both teams collected 2 each and this was with Argentina easy win. If only The goal maybe came super late, for sure I would be the only one with right pick, aha football

[Lordhermes]

The penalty is not clear, it is at least debatable. Livaković has both feet on the ground and yes, he is kinda making a forward movement with his body but it is Alvarez who is trying to go through Livaković - which is not allowed if he has feet on the floor. The problem is Livaković's leg that is stretched out, which at first glance indicates a clear penalty. However, if you look at it closely you see that he's allowed to do it.
I'm not saying 'it was never a penalty'. It has elements that you can use to award it, but my general feel is that it was given too easily. We have seen worse penalties given in this WC though, and we should have reacted way better than we did after it was awarded.

I'm way more angry about the way we conceded the 2nd goal.

Livakovic's only offense was not making contact with the ball, which is where the rules state it is a penalty. If you must approach a striker on a 1-on-1 situation, always make sure you don't miss the ball no matter how soft the situation was as long as you had zero contact with the ball it is a foul. This occurs frequently outside of the box, and it is always a foul.

The second goal was the most shittest brilliant goal ever, with the ball being lost twice in 10 seconds and recovered twice back to him by the defenders. It was just a bad night for the Croatians; they were caught in four dangerous situations. Even the tournament's best young defender, was having difficulty dealing with Messi.

At first I also thought that it's a straight up penalty without a doubt. But when I saw a slow motion, I wasn't that sure anymore. It's true that Livakovic did come in contact with Alvarez, but he spread out his legs and arms in order to defend his goal. He didn't make a move to make a foul on Alvarez. It was basically a collision. I'm not sure that a team should be awarded a penalty after a collision. But even if that penalty wasn't awarded to Argentina, I think they would have won. They were a better team and that's it. They deserved to advance to the finals.

Now I kind of hope that Morocco will advance to the finals and that Croatia will face France in the match for the bronze medal. That would give Croatia an opportunity to get a payback for the loss in the final game of the 2018 World Cup. Besides, I think that Morocco style of play doesn't suit Croatia. Croatia plays much better with teams that are not concentrated solely on defense.

But to be honest, that wasn't a penalty at tall. It's was a collision as you said. This is a contact game, where on earth did the referrer wanted the Croatia keeper to fall? It's wasn't intentional foul. It's hurt to see how some referee messing a big match like that. After the penalty Croatia team was emotionally drained their game changed to worse. And Argentina took advantage of their emotion imbalance to deal with them. Argentina was better in the game than Croatia yesterday. Infact it was a pay back of what Croatia did to Argentina in 2018 world cup. Croatia defeated Argentina by 3 goals to nil in the group stage.

Morocco vs France game is unpredicted to me, let's hope for a tough game ahead.