⚽ International Football Prediction and Discussion Thread ⚽

[Slow death]

It's just a friendly and it's too early for us to judge Ancelloti now, we might not know whether he was playing to not reveal his hand. And National Team is kind of easier, because you have longer time prepare and your team literally consist of the best players in the country, with time to analyze there plays and build the tactics around the knowledge, so for me it's easier.

Ancelotti is an excellent coach, but he had the misfortune of choosing the worst job. Being the coach of the Brazilian national team for the last 10 years is not the best job, it's not the best choice, I would say it's the worst job and the worst choice. These players on the Brazilian national team only play well in European teams. They can't play well in the Brazilian national team's games, and that hasn't changed even with Ancelotti's arrival. The Brazilian national team has already changed coaches and nothing seems to change.

In my opinion, what's lacking is the courage to admit that, for example, Vicinius Jr. The player from Real Madrid isn't the same in the national team, and that's why he's not called up. But unfortunately, even Ancelotti makes the same mistake, leaving Endrick on the bench for 90 minutes, even seeing that other players weren't playing well.

As long as the coaches of the Brazilian national team only base their selection of players as starters on their performance in major European leagues, we will see even good coaches like Ancelotti having their image destroyed by bad results and early dismissal.

[EL MOHA]

Raphinha injury is disappointing for his club. Clubs will be more weary of the coming friendly games.

France wanted to prove a point in that game and that's why they went with their main squad which was fair enough since the world cup is just months away, against Columbia I expect key players to be rested and others given opportunity.

I am yet to see any international break in which a team doesn’t actually loses their key players, it’s frustrating that mid season they usually does this. I think they need to strike a balance between international breaks the regular club football season. They can take out a whole one month to do international break and then resume regular season after that to actually prevent going on multiple in just one season.

I read that by next season the international break will be just one in a full season which will be three weeks instead of two weeks now. Although we will see how effective this will be which I expect it to be better than the previous years but I strongly doubt it will actually help to curb this unnecessary injuries from it.

If you notice most clubs usually use to restrain their players from going through faking of injuries to avoid real injuries

[Jostern]

Raphinha injury is disappointing for his club. Clubs will be more weary of the coming friendly games.

France wanted to prove a point in that game and that's why they went with their main squad which was fair enough since the world cup is just months away, against Columbia I expect key players to be rested and others given opportunity.

I am yet to see any international break in which a team doesn’t actually loses their key players, it’s frustrating that mid season they usually does this. I think they need to strike a balance between international breaks the regular club football season. They can take out a whole one month to do international break and then resume regular season after that to actually prevent going on multiple in just one season.

I read that by next season the international break will be just one in a full season which will be three weeks instead of two weeks now. Although we will see how effective this will be which I expect it to be better than the previous years but I strongly doubt it will actually help to curb this unnecessary injuries from it.

If you notice most clubs usually use to restrain their players from going through faking of injuries to avoid real injuries

Well injuries are part of football, you never can tell if they’re playing for their respective club sides they will still end up getting injured, so I absolutely don’t think it’s because of the International break that players are getting injured, when you’re playing football games you’re obviously exposed to getting injured, so it’s not a thing of players playing in the international break, but myself I think it’s just because of so many schedule changes for them that makes them to open to injuries, when you’re talking about clubs restricting their players for going to International matches, I think you can mention Arsenal who are desperate to win the Premier League, are the once who always lie about their players getting injured so they can keep them away from playing for their national teams respectively.

[Rikafip]

In my opinion, what's lacking is the courage to admit that, for example, Vicinius Jr. The player from Real Madrid isn't the same in the national team, and that's why he's not called up.

You must have confused something, as Vinicius was called up and played in the game against France a few days ago. Maybe you were actually thinking of Neymar, who wasn't invited?

These players on the Brazilian national team only play well in European teams. They can't play well in the Brazilian national team's games

Brazilian national team simply isn't as good as it was in the past. As simple as that.

[GiftedMAN]

Too many missed chances for Portugal earlier today against Mexico, João Félix had an opportunity to score the first goal bit i don't understand how he missed, the first half alone would've produce two goals or more for Portugal but they weren't lucky. Portugal coach should reconsider his choice of striker because Gonçalo Ramos is not someone to rely on he missed an open chance to give Portugal a goal, at some point he acted unprofessional and almost got booked with a red card. It's better Ronaldo handles that position than Ramos, even at 40+ Ronaldo is better.

[SquallLeonhart]

I understand that Brazil wanted to have a few games along the way so that they would be ready for the world cup. But isn't June a better time for that? I am not sure how long the games go for some of the players, but we already see one friendly for them before the world cup.

So instead of risking these players to be injured like Rapinha was, maybe put a game on 1st and 5th and maybe like 8th or so or maybe 9th, and that way all the way until 14th first game they would be having three friendlies and still be able to say they are fresh and relaxed. Or make it just two friendlies, which I think is enough.

[HajiBagi]

Too many missed chances for Portugal earlier today against Mexico, João Félix had an opportunity to score the first goal bit i don't understand how he missed, the first half alone would've produce two goals or more for Portugal but they weren't lucky. Portugal coach should reconsider his choice of striker because Gonçalo Ramos is not someone to rely on he missed an open chance to give Portugal a goal, at some point he acted unprofessional and almost got booked with a red card. It's better Ronaldo handles that position than Ramos, even at 40+ Ronaldo is better.

Portugal need a leader like Christiano Ronaldo to lead them in the World Cup competition, with the performance i saw yesterday against Mexico? They are not going anywhere in the world if they did not have a player like Ronaldo in the squad, Portugal have a lot of talent and good players, they are one of the countries with good players in the world currently, they have best midfielders in the world, best defenders in the world and also have some attackers that score goals, they missed a lot of chances and end the game draw without a goal, the game was so boring to watch.

I understand that Brazil wanted to have a few games along the way so that they would be ready for the world cup. But isn't June a better time for that? I am not sure how long the games go for some of the players, but we already see one friendly for them before the world cup.

So instead of risking these players to be injured like Rapinha was, maybe put a game on 1st and 5th and maybe like 8th or so or maybe 9th, and that way all the way until 14th first game they would be having three friendlies and still be able to say they are fresh and relaxed. Or make it just two friendlies, which I think is enough.

Why is it that when Raphina injured is when everyone started seeing international games as something bad? we all know that players go to international games even if it is friendly or not friendly, players have been complaining since last two seasons and FIFA did not say anything about the schedule for the international games and everyone keep quiet and now that Raphina got injured everyone started talking as if he was the only one who was injured, what about Madueke and other players that got injured during the game, people who are complaining about Raphina injury are Barcelona fans and they are the one trying to make it look like they are the only ones that know how to talk about football, anything can happen to a player, he can play for his club and get injury that will make him out of the season.

[BitBakerr1]

Too many missed chances for Portugal earlier today against Mexico, João Félix had an opportunity to score the first goal bit i don't understand how he missed, the first half alone would've produce two goals or more for Portugal but they weren't lucky. Portugal coach should reconsider his choice of striker because Gonçalo Ramos is not someone to rely on he missed an open chance to give Portugal a goal, at some point he acted unprofessional and almost got booked with a red card. It's better Ronaldo handles that position than Ramos, even at 40+ Ronaldo is better.

Portugal need a leader like Christiano Ronaldo to lead them in the World Cup competition, with the performance i saw yesterday against Mexico? They are not going anywhere in the world if they did not have a player like Ronaldo in the squad, Portugal have a lot of talent and good players, they are one of the countries with good players in the world currently, they have best midfielders in the world, best defenders in the world and also have some attackers that score goals, they missed a lot of chances and end the game draw without a goal, the game was so boring to watch.

Cristiano Ronaldo is a very good player and he has been doing very well and is still doing very well as a striker. Cristiano Ronaldo is needed in the World Cup and if he does not go to the World Cup Portugal will not go anywhere in the World Cup. They will be kicked out immediately, however, if Cristiano Ronaldo goes to the World Cup, I believe he will convert a lot of chances to goal, any player that can’t convert chances to goal is a very good and  should not be taking for granted Cristiano Ronaldo at his age. He’s doing very well than some young players when it comes to converting a chance to a goal, I really don’t see Portugal lifting the World Cup. They cannot do it because they don’t play as suspected except they will bring their best in the World Cup.

[Tonimez]

Too many missed chances for Portugal earlier today against Mexico, João Félix had an opportunity to score the first goal bit i don't understand how he missed, the first half alone would've produce two goals or more for Portugal but they weren't lucky. Portugal coach should reconsider his choice of striker because Gonçalo Ramos is not someone to rely on he missed an open chance to give Portugal a goal, at some point he acted unprofessional and almost got booked with a red card. It's better Ronaldo handles that position than Ramos, even at 40+ Ronaldo is better.

Portugal need a leader like Christiano Ronaldo to lead them in the World Cup competition, with the performance i saw yesterday against Mexico? They are not going anywhere in the world if they did not have a player like Ronaldo in the squad, Portugal have a lot of talent and good players, they are one of the countries with good players in the world currently, they have best midfielders in the world, best defenders in the world and also have some attackers that score goals, they missed a lot of chances and end the game draw without a goal, the game was so boring to watch.

Cristiano Ronaldo is a very good player and he has been doing very well and is still doing very well as a striker. Cristiano Ronaldo is needed in the World Cup and if he does not go to the World Cup Portugal will not go anywhere in the World Cup. They will be kicked out immediately, however, if Cristiano Ronaldo goes to the World Cup, I believe he will convert a lot of chances to goal, any player that can’t convert chances to goal is a very good and  should not be taking for granted Cristiano Ronaldo at his age. He’s doing very well than some young players when it comes to converting a chance to a goal, I really don’t see Portugal lifting the World Cup. They cannot do it because they don’t play as suspected except they will bring their best in the World Cup.

Portugal team is always looking strong but when you look at it closely you will realise that the team is only built around Christiano Ronaldo. One  discouraging thing that fans do is that they usually ignore the impact of Ronaldo when Portugal wins a game without him. The motivation that Ronaldo brings to a team is top notch and he also creates a threat in the defence line. He is a good finisher as you mentioned and this world cup journey has to have him in attendance.

Portugal's game against Mexico is a prove that more work needs to be done and that Ronaldo is still important to the team. He has many ways of doing magic and high flexibility that allows him convert any small opportunities to goals. Rinaldo's presence in the world cup would not only be beneficial to Portugal, FIFA will also gain more viewers and sponsors.

[TastyChillySauce00]

Portugal is so bad especially their attackers. I recall how overrated their attackers are Some big chances missed have proven it all. I'm just saying about the truth if all of their attackers are so garbage. Neto who is pace merchant is always running like a headless chicken. Felix who is so bad average, and he's only good when he played in Saudi. Leao who is jogging anytime. Goncalo who missed big changes in front of their eyes, no doubt he's always being benched at PSG.

I admit they have good midfield and defense.  However, their forwards was the reason why they declinedt them down when they against the top nation. If their attackers can do a bit better. I think they can beat Mexico in this game.
I will expect nothing from Portugal if their attackers are not improving at WC. So it's impossible to win WC with such performance. I'm even doubting them to reach quarter final.  

[As-Soon-As]

Portugal is so bad especially their attackers. I recall how overrated their attackers are Some big chances missed have proven it all. I'm just saying about the truth if all of their attackers are so garbage. Neto who is pace merchant is always running like a headless chicken. Felix who is so bad average, and he's only good when he played in Saudi. Leao who is jogging anytime. Goncalo who missed big changes in front of their eyes, no doubt he's always being benched at PSG.

Portugal has a lot of weaknesses in the defense department, not only in the defense department but also in the attack department. Because they could not succeed in the attack even though they attacked for the Portugal team due to the slightest mistake, I think this kind of mistake is the biggest weakness of the attack department. If these mistakes are repeated, the Portugal team will have the possibility of losing almost all the games.
So it is most important to correct these small mistakes, Portugal's competition was with Mexico, but despite Mexico being relatively weak, this game turned into a draw.

[LFC_Bitcoin]

Arsenal seem to be playing a sneaky game. Zubimendi, Saka, Rice, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Eze, Hincapie and Trossard have all pulled out of their international squads for the games this week.

I wonder how many of them will be fit for Arsenal’s next game.

[Lida93]

It's just a friendly and it's too early for us to judge Ancelloti now, we might not know whether he was playing to not reveal his hand. And National Team is kind of easier, because you have longer time prepare and your team literally consist of the best players in the country, with time to analyze there plays and build the tactics around the knowledge, so for me it's easier.

I think it's too early to judge Ancelotti based on the result Brazil got in their friendly game against the French side, such results don't actually reflect the true strength of the team and at such shouldn't be used as a yard stick to measure the success of the team. I believe there is still room for improvement as such games would help evaluate the team and also check the loop holes in the team in order to make some adjustments towards preparation for the World Cup.

[Swordsoffreedom]

Portugal has a lot of weaknesses in the defense department, not only in the defense department but also in the attack department. Because they could not succeed in the attack even though they attacked for the Portugal team due to the slightest mistake, I think this kind of mistake is the biggest weakness of the attack department. If these mistakes are repeated, the Portugal team will have the possibility of losing almost all the games.
So it is most important to correct these small mistakes, Portugal's competition was with Mexico, but despite Mexico being relatively weak, this game turned into a draw.

Portugal won their last match against armenia 9-1 . It was an incredible  result. So even though Mexico was a strong  opponent, I thought portugal would win. Because their attack is strong.

But we didn't see any goals in the match. portugal should have played more aggressively. Both teams were more  focused on  strengthening their defense. Neither team  attacked or tried to score much. Anyway, most international  matches are dull. We  rarely see intense competition.

[bitgolden]

Cristiano Ronaldo is a very good player and he has been doing very well and is still doing very well as a striker. Cristiano Ronaldo is needed in the World Cup and if he does not go to the World Cup Portugal will not go anywhere in the World Cup. They will be kicked out immediately, however, if Cristiano Ronaldo goes to the World Cup, I believe he will convert a lot of chances to goal, any player that can’t convert chances to goal is a very good and  should not be taking for granted Cristiano Ronaldo at his age. He’s doing very well than some young players when it comes to converting a chance to a goal, I really don’t see Portugal lifting the World Cup. They cannot do it because they don’t play as suspected except they will bring their best in the World Cup.

Portugal team is always looking strong but when you look at it closely you will realise that the team is only built around Christiano Ronaldo. One  discouraging thing that fans do is that they usually ignore the impact of Ronaldo when Portugal wins a game without him. The motivation that Ronaldo brings to a team is top notch and he also creates a threat in the defence line. He is a good finisher as you mentioned and this world cup journey has to have him in attendance.

Portugal's game against Mexico is a prove that more work needs to be done and that Ronaldo is still important to the team. He has many ways of doing magic and high flexibility that allows him convert any small opportunities to goals. Rinaldo's presence in the world cup would not only be beneficial to Portugal, FIFA will also gain more viewers and sponsors.

I would say that it "was" built around Ronaldo, last world cup we have seen him not be that great and even taken out and subbed out and not playing as well. So we are aware that while they are always a good team because they are a good football country, they are not around Ronaldo anymore.

They still do play him, he is still a good part of their plan, but he is not the only one anymore, it's more of a whole team type of thing. Portugal will never be a horrible place, they will never be bad, but they may not be as good as they used to be.

[knowngunman]

[Friendlies]
Argentina 2 - 1 Mauritania
Seriously Argentina? I didn't expect less than three - four goals difference in that match!

Someone even predicted hatrick for Messi alone 

For many, that wasn't a pleasant result but it's something usual with Argentina. From history, Argentina often give up on when they meet a small team. Moreover, this is just a friendly match for player test and skill test so they probably consider it less important. The important thing here is that they won even though the margin was not big enough as expected and most importantly, injury freed.

Argentina obviously look weak in that game but I don't want to judge their performance in the upcoming world cup based on that.

[blue Snow]

These players on the Brazilian national team only play well in European teams. They can't play well in the Brazilian national team's games

Brazilian national team simply isn't as good as it was in the past. As simple as that.

The Brazilian national team has seen a decline in performance in the last few World Cups. This is because Brazil has begun to abandon its playing style, known as Jogo Bonito. We have seen a decline in Brazil's performance for a long time, even though they have never lacked great players in their squad and have even performed well in European teams. However, when they play for their country, their performance is actually not as good as when playing for their clubs. The federation must make major changes to the Brazilian national team to restore Brazil's dominance in international football, because Brazil has not won the World Cup for a long time, last winning the 2002 World Cup, when Brazil had a golden squad.

[LFC_Bitcoin]

[Friendlies]
Argentina 2 - 1 Mauritania
Seriously Argentina? I didn't expect less than three - four goals difference in that match!

Obviously it’s impossible to speak for every player but I think maybe there could he a little bit of a lack of ambition in this international break for the teams that are playing friendlies (not the teams in play offs to mKe the World Cup).

Players are in the crunch time of the season with their clubs, competing for titles and they are having to fly half way across the world to play in pointless friendlies. I mean look at Arsenal, half their squad has pulled out faiing injury, players just do not want to play friendlies at this time of the season.

[Sandra_hakeem]

And if I talk about total goalpost kicks, the Spanish team was the best, the Spanish team had a total of 14 kicks and the Serbian team only attacked 2.
In the end, the game ended 3-0 with zero goals, if they continue to perform well like this, then the Spanish team will definitely have the most chances to win the World Cup.

Spain played like they were already in the world cup against Serbia. I pick them as one of the favourites for the tournament along side Argentina. That 3: 0 win was very comfortable for ‎luis Fuentes men. when a team wins comfortablyz possessing majority of the ball while rotating the squad, to me, it speaks alot about their squad depth and how prepared they are for the world cup. ‎They have only conceded twice in their last 7 games and that was the 2:2 draw against Türkiye. I hope to see more of this type of performances in the world cup.

[Fivestar4everMVP]

[Friendlies]
Argentina 2 - 1 Mauritania
Seriously Argentina? I didn't expect less than three - four goals difference in that match!

Someone even predicted hatrick for Messi alone 

For many, that wasn't a pleasant result but it's something usual with Argentina. From history, Argentina often give up on when they meet a small team. Moreover, this is just a friendly match for player test and skill test so they probably consider it less important. The important thing here is that they won even though the margin was not big enough as expected and most importantly, injury freed.

Argentina obviously look weak in that game but I don't want to judge their performance in the upcoming world cup based on that.

It will be a very big mistake to judge Argentina based on how their performance was during their game with Mauritania, and this is because one thing I've personally discovered about Argentina is that when they are playing a match that is not very important, that is, a match where their winning or losing doesn't make any difference, they usually will not apply energy to playing such a match, they will play it casually while retaining their strengths and over all, making sure the match is injury free since they see that the match isn't worth breaking legs and bones for..

Like in the 2022 world cup where Saudi Arabia beat Argentina 1:0, people screamed and shouted how is that possible, but the same Argentina later proceeded to winning the world cup.
So don't judge this team by how their performance was against Mauritania.