World Cup 2022

[Baggies]

I’ve watched every World Cup since 1982.

My prediction for the final is Argentina v. France.

I’ll pick the winner as Argentina.

But this tournament could be won by about 6 different teams. Very unpredictable given it’s being played during the middle of club competition and that the teams didn’t have their traditional month of practice prior to kickoff to work together as a team.

My prediction for the USA team is that they won’t score a goal.

Best of luck to all countries involved.

Who do you believe will be in the final and who will win it all?

[NoRethugFriends]

1. I believe everyone loses

by holding it in a country that has repressive treatment of women and foreign workers

[Basic LA]

2. Spoilers are a danger, unless you're watching live.

If I record a game to watch at a reasonable time, it's important to avoid all media, even DU, because so many people delight in posting the score.

[3catwoman3]

3. I heard somehing on my car radio about some new access...

...to betting on World Cup results, and a group of Americans who were planning to bet were betting that the US will win.

My immediate thought was that they may be gamblers, but they obviously do not follow soccer/football or they would not be choosing the US.

[malaise]

4. Two beautiful goals from Valencia

All the money in the world can’t make your team world class
Go Ecuador. 2-0

[muriel_volestrangler]

6. Yet another problem for the tournament: there aren't enough Qataris who give a shit

Many supporters who had left the stadium at the interval did not return, leaving the ground around half empty for much of the second period.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63603375

That's pathetic. Any host country in the past would have taken so many of the tickets for the first game, and would never give up at half time, that it would be full all the way through. But it's a tiny country, with no history of football, so neither the football skill nor support are there. So even home matches have empty seats. God knows what some of the other matches are going to look like. This could be the first men's World Cup in any sport with few people in the crowd by the end than at equivalent women's matches when held in a proper footballing country.

[peacebuzzard]

38. The fans that are there went through many hoops to get there.

Not only money wise; but cultural barriers. They must have to watch their backs at all times; especially the women.

[malaise]

39. Indeed

This is about FIFA and greed

[peacebuzzard]

37. Not sure about that malaise,

money means quite a bit to top notch players; but the top soccer stars would be reluctant to play in a country like the U.S. with low interest in the sport and low support group.
If a soccer club finances just one soccer star, it would be hard on that one lone player. They would have to buyout a whole team...that would run into the megabillions. I don't think the U.S. is there for this sport.

[malaise]

5. I'm backing Brazil

to win

[Baggies]

7. Day 1

Ecuador - Qatar went as expected. Could have been much worse than the final score.

Qatar payed a lot of money to get the WC. Seems they forgot to bribe the referees. Not that it would have helped.

[Baggies]

8. Day 2

Could be an interesting day.

England - Iran

Most people who have heard of soccer in the USA associate it with England. As far as talent, England wins this by miles. However, top English players have not always translated to top English performances.

Senegal - Netherlands

For pure football watchers, this would have been the marquee game of the day. However, the African champions have lost Mane (Bayern Muchen) for the tournament, and he carried the team. Netherlands is stacked with talent and has what could be the best defensive back line in the tournament.

USA - Wales

The USA has no one that impresses me at the international level. The few who are fairly good have not been getting playing time for their clubs, so their match fitness comes into question. Wales has Bale, Aaron Ramsey, and a decent defense with a top goal keeper.

[Baggies]

11. Results

England showed up and beat a hapless Iran. Win was expected, score line wasn’t. Good start.

The first 85 minutes of the Senegal v Netherlands game was fairly even, even boring at times. Netherlands finally broke through and added one in a.e.t. Netherlands better hope Depay gets healthy soon because otherwise they don’t have a #9.

USA won the first half. I was surprised they scored. Wales won the second half. The USA is sitting on 4 yellow cards with a bench that’s not deep at all. This could very well spell trouble for them.

[spooky3]

10. USA spoiler

Just scored vs Wales, 1-0.

[Baggies]

12. Day 3

Argentina - Saudi Arabia

Argentina is light years ahead of Saudi Arabia. Should be an easy win.

Denmark - Tunisia

Tunisia could keep this close for a while, but I expect Denmark’s talent to take over and win.

Mexico - Poland

Best matchup of the day. I expect this one to be close. Don’t know who will win, but it really depends on if Lewandowski catches fire or if Mexico can contain him.

France - Australia

France has too much talent. France rolls.

[Baggies]

13. Results

Last edited Tue Nov 22, 2022, 10:42 PM - Edit history (1)

Jingle Bells, Batman smells, Argentina laid an egg…..”

And they did. Argentina did have 3 goals disallowed for offsides, and SA got hot for 5 minutes, but sometimes that’s all it takes. Big upset no one called.

Denmark v Tunisia had its moments.

Mexico v. Poland; Lewandowski is contained by Mexico’s GK who dives the correct way.

Australia strikes early, then France strikes and strikes and strikes and strikes.

[Baggies]

14. Day 4

Unlike Day 3, Day 4 promises better matchups.


Morocco - Croatia

Croatia offers a more experienced, yet aging, group. Morocco has players who play in Europe, but not quite the names that Croatia does. Expect Croatia to squeak by against a Morocco team that will play the counterattack game.


Germany - Japan

Two of the most disciplined sides in the tournament. Interest will be on perennial powerhouse Germany to see how they start. Japan won’t give up with several players who play for German clubs.


Spain - Costa Rica

Given the talent Spain always brings to the WC, they seem to underachieve more often than not. This year, they’re stacked with talent that would make any side jealous. CR lacking the talent they’ve had in the past. Spain should cruise.


Belgium - Canada

A Belgium side loaded with talent but on the backside of their careers. Canada was the surprise of CONCACAF and will want to have a good showing. Should be fun to see what Davies can do. But Belgium has De Bruyne and company.

[Baggies]

16. Results

Morocco v Croatia turned out as expected with Croatia having possession and Morocco trying to counterattack. More chances created by Croatia, but in the end a scoreless draw.

Prior to the game starting, the German team staged a team photo protest. Many commentators made the point that a stronger protest would be if they would fail to play.

Which is exactly what they did.

Germany scores only to try and ride out their one goal lead. Japan kept up the pressure and deserved the win. Congrats Japan! Japan very well could have just punched their ticket to the knockout stage and made Germany’s path very difficult in one swoop.

Spain lived up to their superior talent and crushed CR.

Belgium v Canada had both sides creating chances with Belgium finishing one of theirs. But you could tell this isn’t the same Belgium side we enjoyed watching in 2018.

[Baggies]

17. Day 5

This day holds the promise of some very good matchups.

Switzerland - Cameroon

The Swiss hold the distinction of knocking France out of the Euros last year, so they’re no slouch. Cameroon is always an exciting group that play hard. As far as talent, the Swiss have more recognizable names. But when it comes to Cameroon, that’s not always enough.


Uruguay - South Korea

Uruguay is always a tough South American side. South Korea is a team of fighters lead by Son Heung-min (Tottenham). This could be a really great game! Highly recommend watching this one.


Portugal - Ghana

Cristiano Ronaldo brings his talent and his personal baggage with him, along with a very talented Portugal team. In fact, if he wasn’t on the team, they would still be very talented and might even be better since they wouldn’t have to center everything around him, as least in my opinion. Ghana has some international talent, but not on par with Portugal.


Brazil - Serbia

Brazil is the favorite to win the WC, and there’s every reason they should. Their defense is suspect, but they more than make up for it in their midfield and forwards. Serbia also has a very talented team with most of their top players in either the Spanish or Italian premier leagues. Both teams should make the knockout stage, so this is an early matchup of what should be two of the top 16 teams. A must-see game.

[Baggies]

19. Results

A well fought battle with the Swiss getting the early 2nd half goal over Cameroon.

An exciting goalless draw between Uruguay and South Korea. Plenty of opportunities, but neither could finish.

Portugal controlled possession for most of the game finally breaking through in a PK. Ghana answered shortly thereafter with Portugal popping two goals right afterwards. Ghana makes a last ditch effort but doesn’t have enough.

Brazil gains a victory over a tough Serbian side. Time will tell if Brazil can tighten up their attacks over the next few weeks, but they’re likely happy with getting their first game under their belt and with a win.

[peacebuzzard]

18. Brazil is vying for the 6th World cup win.

and today a new hero is in the making perhaps? Richardson made 2 goals for the Brazil x Serbia
But its a long road ahead.
I have hopes for Brazil.

[Baggies]

20. Day 6

The next 4 days are the 2nd games for all teams.

If you have 3 points, time to win and likely secure your place in the knockout rounds. If you have 1 point, you need a win or at least not a loss. If you’re sitting on 0, you better come away with something or chances are you’re out.


Wales - Iran

Time to find out if Iran is really that bad and/or if Wales can secure a win.


Qatar - Senegal

Again, is Qatar that bad and/or can Senegal secure a win. On this one, odds are Qatar is that bad.


Netherlands - Ecuador

Winner can feel pretty good about advancing. Loser still in contention.


England - USA

England has the talent to make life miserable for the USA. Expect the USA to be scrappy and to hustle, but will it be enough?

[Baggies]

21. Results

Iran wakes up at the end and scores 2 to surprise a 10 man Wales and set themselves for a winner take all showdown.

Senegal gets the best of a Qatar side that is the first team out of the knockout stage and sets themselves up to go thru with another win.

Netherlands and Ecuador play to a draw with plenty of attacking football. Both sides are set up to go through with wins their next game.

England v USA ends scoreless with England at times looking rather lethargic.

[Baggies]

22. Day 7

Tunisia - Australia

The winner here keeps their hopes alive against two tough European sides.


Poland - Saudi Arabia

A Saudi win would virtually assure them of going through to the knockout stage. Poland hoping Lewandowski steps up his game or they’ll be swimming in quicksand.


France - Denmark

Both talented sides with France holding the edge. Should be a good game.


Argentina - Mexico

Argentina needs to stay focused this game and the next if they want to go through. Mexico hoping to capture past glory with a side that’s not as talented.

[Baggies]

23. Results

Australia keeps their hopes alive. Tunisia still could get through, but will take a miracle.

Poland wakes up and now controls their own destiny. SA still in contention.

Frances secures their advancement to the knockout stages. Denmark within reach but needs some help. Definitely the best game of the day IMO.

Argentina decides to get serious about winning. Mexico can go through but needs help. Good game.

[Baggies]

24. Day 8

Japan - Costa Rica

Can Japan keep the momentum going? Can CR act like they’ve seen a football before? Expect Japan to draw or win over a CR who won’t want to be embarrassed 2 games in a row.


Belgium - Morocco

Belgium has the better talent, but Morocco played a aging but competent Croatia to a draw. Expect Morocco to continue the counterattack play, and with no better results.


Croatia - Canada

Everyone keeps talking about how well Canada played. OK, maybe so, but it’s still Canada. Croatia has veteran players who have been there. Canada hopes to play to another draw, but fall short.


Spain - Germany

Not a good time for Germany to turn their tournament around with a Spanish team who looks like they wanna take your head off and spit it out. A loss here will bury German chances of advancing. Expect Spain to go for the throat.

[Baggies]

25. Results

In a complete reversal of how they played their first game, both CR and Japan changed places as CR takes a 1-0 victory.

In the second surprise of the day, Morocco scores 2 on a Belgium side that just couldn’t piece anything together.

On the good side, Canada finally scores their first ever WC final goal. On the down side for them, Croatia scored 4. Canada becomes the second team to be eliminated from the knockout stage.

Germany decides they’re not going to exit so easily and plays to a draw verses Spain.

[Baggies]

26. Day 9

All 4 games should be a pleasure to watch.

Cameroon - Serbia

Two sides sitting on no points. Something’s got to happen for one of them and now’s the time.


South Korea - Ghana

These sides both want to make a statement and need a win. Ghana has no points and losing will put them in a tough position with a draw keeping them hanging on. Pretty much the same for South Korea with slightly better odds as they do have 1 point.


Brazil - Switzerland

Traditional matchup between a South American powerhouse and a European side with a lot of talent. Should be a lively and attacking game. Both sides picked to advance to the knockout round.


Portugal - Uruguay

Same as above with both teams expected to advance into the knockout stages.

[Baggies]

27. Results

In a scorefest, Cameroon and Serbia play to a draw.

In another scorefest, Ghana betters South Korea by a goal.

Brazil and the Swiss play an exciting game with Brazil coming out on top.

Portugal and Uruguay play an attacking game with Portugal being the victor.

[Baggies]

28. Days 10 - 13

Rather than describing the sides, I’ll briefly go through each team in each group and explain basically what they need to do to advance. There’s 3 countries who have definitely advanced with only 2 countries that have been mathematically eliminated, which is actually kinda amazing. With several of these groups, the current 4th place team can advance, but the various scenarios are more than I wish to try and explain. Should you wish to know more, certainly there are websites and/or videos that can give more detailed information.

So this is the minimum of what it would take for these countries to advance.

Group A

Netherlands - Draw or better
Ecuador- Draw or better.
Senegal - Win
Qatar - Out


Group B

England - Draw or better
Iran - Draw or better with Wales draw or loss
USA - Win
Wales - Win with help


Group C

Poland - Draw or better
Argentina - Win
Saudi Arabia - Draw with Argentina loss
Mexico - Win with help


Group D

France - Advances
Australia - Draw with Tunisia draw or loss
Denmark - Win with Tunisia draw or loss
Tunisia - Win with Australia v Denmark draw


Group E

Spain - Draw or better
Japan - Draw with CR v Germany draw
Costa Rica - Draw with Japan loss
Germany - Win with Japan loss


Group F

Croatia - Draw or better
Morocco - Draw with Belgium draw or loss
Belgium - Win with Morocco draw
Canada - Out


Group G

Brazil - Advanced
Switzerland - Draw with Cameroon draw or loss
Cameroon - Win with Swiss loss
Serbia - Win with Cameroon draw or loss


Group H

Portugal - Advanced
Ghana - Draw with South Korea draw or loss
South Korea - Win with help
Uruguay - Win with South Korea draw or loss


Remember the tie breakers are top in points, followed by goal difference, followed by goals scored. If two teams are still tied after those 3, then it goes to number of yellow card and red cards, but we won’t get into that scoring system.

Enjoy!!

[Baggies]

29. Day 10 Results

The Netherlands beat a Qatari team that was only in the final because they were the host.

In a thriller, Senegal overcomes a tying goal by Ecuador to win and advance.

In a rivalry that has more meaning to Wales, England used the second half to win handily.

In a do-or-die game for the USA, a win is achieved as they advance to the Round of 16.

[Baggies]

30. Day 11 Results

France plays their “B” team to rest their starters knowing they had already qualified the top of their group. Tunisia wins.

Denmark, who had made it to the semi-finals in last years Euros, suffers the double humiliation of not going through to the knockout stage and being beat by a team whose nickname is the Socceroos. Australia advances.

Saudi Arabia needed at least a draw and a Poland loss with better goal differential. Mexico needed a win with a Poland loss and better goal differential. Both teams get neither.

Argentina beats a Poland team who looked like they were playing not to lose by too much. Normally a poor strategy, but it works this time and they both advance.

[Baggies]

31. Day 12 Results

Surprise side Morocco comes through with a win to top the group, beating an already eliminated Canada.

Croatia find their way into the knockout round by playing to a scoreless draw against a Belgium side whose golden years have passed on.

In another spectacular game, Japan wins by a goal over European powerhouse Spain. Congrats to Japan for topping the group. Spain finds themselves also making the knockout round by having a superior goal difference.

Germany has a disappointing Cup by missing the knockout round on goal differential. But they do manage to get a win over an overmatched Costa Rica.

[Baggies]

32. Day 13 Results

A Portugal who knew they would advance, played a motivated South Korea who gained the victory and second place in the group. Congrats to both.

A highly motivated Uruguay played an exciting match against Ghana, but came up short in their win to move into the knockout rounds.

Again, a Brazil who knew they would advance played to stay fit, rested their starters, but not much more against a victorious Cameroon.

The Swiss, knowing they would advance with a win, played an inspired back and forth game against Serbia, finally achieving the winning goal early in the second half and holding off a barrage of attacks. Good job, Swiss.

[peacebuzzard]

36. ❤️

thanks for your wrap-up analysis!

[Baggies]

42. TY! You're very kind.

Much appreciated.

I was hoping more would participate on this thread, but that’s OK. I’m just gonna keep doing what I’m doing and maybe others will jump in. I’m just giving my opinion based on my viewpoint and don’t mind if others see it differently. In fact, that’s part of the fun of it all.

[Baggies]

33. Round of 16

It’s put up or shut up time. This is a round where you hope the top teams shine and advance. Many of these teams did well, but all in all they just don’t match up to the top teams. Occasionally there’s a surprise and a top team or two get eliminated this round, and I would expect nothing less this Cup. But you’re really hoping the top teams go through.

Netherlands - USA

The USA has achieved more than I thought they would. They get to play a very experienced Netherlands. I expect a close game, but Holland should win.


Argentina - Australia

Australia is no match for Argentina.


France - Poland

France has everything any team could want. Poland is lucky they got out of the group. France wins.


England - Senegal

Senegal plays with a lot of passion and could surprise England. But England has the better talent, so I’m going with them.


Japan - Croatia

A very pesky Japan plays a Croatia who made it to the final in 2018. Close game, but experience wins. Croatia.


Brazil - South Korea

Brazil kicks it into gear. I think the first half will be competitive, but expect Brazil to take change in the second half.


Morocco - Spain

Morocco plays with a lot of passion. Spain has the talent. I expect Spain to win.


Portugal - Switzerland

The most competitive game in my opinion. A must-watch game. I expect Portugal to win, but don’t be surprised if this game goes to PK’s.


If I get 5 out of 8 of these predictions right. I’ll feel like I lucked out. Enjoy!!

[Baggies]

34. Day 14 Results

The USA team went in with high hopes. However, they ran into the wall of reality. Netherlands exposed their weak defense and advance.

I said in the OP I didn’t expect the USA to score a goal, and I was obviously wrong. However, they are not as far along on the international level as they would like people to believe. The US Soccer Federation has had issues they only have seemed to exacerbate over the years. These same issues have found their way into MLS also, which is why the league is a joke to true football enthusiasts. I’ve seen signs that some European based clubs have been getting caught up in this same foolishness.

The US Soccer Federation is more interested in playing politics and making social statements than promoting the game. Until they start running the organization for its intended purpose, getting out of group play will be the best they can ever hope to do.

Argentina makes easy work of Australia. The Aussies get a goal late in the game, but the final result was never truly in doubt.

[peacebuzzard]

35. when is Brazil South Korea? Tomorrow?

I have been busy at work, and trying to keep up with my favorite:Brazil.
Do you know the EST? I think they play Monday?

[Baggies]

41. Monday at 2pm EST

[Baggies]

40. Day 15 Results

So far, the Round of 16 games are what one would expect. The better sides are showing why they’re the top teams in the world, and this is what you want at the end. There’s something about watching people who are at the top of their trade doing what they do best.

France is everything everyone thinks they are. This is a superior side with talent oozing from them. Mbappe is incredible! Real Madrid must be licking their chops knowing that once he’s done with whatever he’s trying to accomplish at PSG, they’re going to have him in their front line. And make no mistake, Real will get him. Poland never stood a chance.

Senegal played the first 30 minutes with a lot of emotion and several impressive attacks. They really should have scored. But in the end, England’s talent came through and they won handily.

[Baggies]

43. Day 16 Results

Croatia and Japan played an exciting game with plenty of scoring opportunities by both sides. After ending both regulation tied, and added time did not produce a result, PK’s were taken and won by Croatia, who advanced.

I had thought that South Korea would put up a better fight, but Brazil took control early and never stopped scoring. They took their foot off the gas in the second half, but by then it was too late for South Korea to mount a comeback. Brazil shows why they’re the favorites to win it all.

[peacebuzzard]

44. you still think France and Argentina are on target?

I think those were your picks for the final.
Brazil played very well yesterday. I loved the tribute to Pele, who is hospitalized in Sao Paulo with what seems like a terrible disease progression. Sad.
But I am so glad he got to see the game live; I am sure he felt elated and proud of the Brazilian team yesterday.

[Baggies]

46. I'm leaning more towards France to win it all.

Mbappe is just too quick and too athletic.

If one of the semi-final games is Brazil v Argentina, it could go either way. Argentina loves to play Brazil because they want to prove they aren't just the other good team in South America. Brazil hates playing Argentina because they know they're going to get a game and nothing will come easy. So I'm still up in the air to who will make the Final. But I'm feeling pretty good about France.

Of course, any of these games can always go either way. I'll throw out some picks for the Quarters before Friday knowing full well I might get it completely wrong.

[Baggies]

45. Day 17 Results

Today turned out the opposite of what I figured.

Spain and Morocco play thru regular time and additional time scoreless. Morocco's goal keeper (who plays in the Spanish top tier LaLiga) saves all 3 PK's he faced and Morocco hits 3 of 4 to advance. A very tight game with several good scoring chances from both sides.

I really thought the Portugal v Switzerland game would be closer, but Portugal was just too much for them. A blowout as Portugal advances.

[Baggies]

47. Quarterfinals - The Tournament Begins!!

While I enjoy the group stage play and the round of 16, this is where the tournament really heats up. We have what are the top 8 teams that must lay it all on the line for their country or go home. It’s either glory or defeat. This is what it’s all about. Every game should be great!!

Croatia v Brazil

For those high on Brazil’s latest performance, don’t expect this to be a blowout. Croatia has the experience, they know how to slow the game down, and they’ll have the patience to wait for their chances. That’s not to say they’ll win, but there no reason to believe they’ll just roll over. I predict a victory for Brazil.


Netherlands v Argentina

Netherlands has a team that can hang in with anyone. I just think Argentina has the Messi factor with them and they’ll find a way to win.


Morocco v Portugal

A majority of the players for Morocco play in the top tiers of the top European leagues, so they aren’t afraid of facing world class competitors. But if Portugal plays like they did last game, I just don’t see them losing. Morocco had a good run, but it ends here.


England v France

Here’s two teams that hate each other. More big name stars in this game than the others and it should be close. I just think France is a little quicker up front against what can be a slow-to-react England defense.


Enjoy the games!!

[Baggies]

49. Results

Croatia did what they needed to do. They slowed down the game against a attack-minded Brazil, they waited for for their chances, and they never gave up. A great additional time thriller that saw Croatia win in PK’s.

The Netherlands v Argentina saw another additional time thriller with more goals scored in the game, but PK’s deciding the winner with Argentina advancing.

Many commentators were saying the first day was one of the best in that both went down to the wire. I can’t argue; they were both great!

The next day brought us the Morocco v Portugal game. I certainly believed Portugal would continue their run, but Morocco took advantage of the opportunities presented and, in the end, frustrated Portugal for the win.

The England v France was probably the most pleasing to watch game as far as skill of the sides and the tactics used. In another game that just as easily could have ended regular time in a draw, a missed PK was the difference as France moves forward.

[peacebuzzard]

48. your prediction is still right on track

its been wild

[Baggies]

50. Semi-Finals

Argentina v Croatia

This one should be great!! Argentina is an attacking side, but not to the extend Brazil was. Croatia will still want to control the pace of the game and meter their chances, but Argentina is also much more calculating in their attack. This game should not be a high scoring affair and could very easily end 1-0 or go into additional time and PK’s. I picked Argentina to win it all, so I’ll stick with it.


France v Morocco

Past political circumstances will be a motivator in this game for Morocco more so than France. Morocco’s talent is outgunned against a stacked France side, but Morocco plays as a team and for each other, which is why they’ve made it this far. The issue is that France also plays as a team, much more than many of the other Europeans countries, and that doesn’t bode well for any opposition. That Morocco has made it this far is amazing, but it ends, for real this time, I promise.

[Baggies]

54. Results

Argentina, lead by an inspired Messi, negotiated through the Croatian defense to score 3 and advance to the final.

France took control early in this game with Morocco not giving up, but never truly mounting a challenge.

[BeyondGeography]

51. France/England was the final

This thing is over.

I do like France to win the Cup, 40 years after I first fell in love with their brand of football watching the tragic semi-final v. Germany. Deschamps’ response to the losses of Pogba and Kante by creating a second life for my favorite player Antoine Griezmann in the midfield has been one of the true joys of the tournament for me. Griezmann has made the decisive late pass in two matches now, Denmark and England, and he keeps the whole engine humming throughout the match. He also defends like a honey badger. I think he will shine against Morocco and be the difference again.

BUT, anything can and will happen.

Re. Croatia, I finally saw the light during their qualifier v. Belgium. For all the hype about Brazil, the real beautiful game is Croatian, not in the final third, but in terms of ball management all over the pitch. They more than any other team have the skill to make speculative passes look routine, and they are led by a true genius. Luka Modrić is so special you want to write Father Time and say, please, sir, let this man keep playing just as he is forever. You have to love the sport at least a little bit to appreciate it but I could watch them solve defenses all day, which is good because most of their matches go to kicks anyway.

Argentina/Croatia looks like a great match to me. The only upset I see is if it doesn’t go to kicks because for whatever reason Argentina have been taking their foot off the pedal every time they score in the tournament. Well, they appeared to learn their lesson v. Netherlands when they packed it in after their second goal and look what happened. It will take two goals to win in regulation, and both teams are tough enough to make that second goal very hard to come by.

I’m biased like everyone else but there would be something poetic about a France/Croatia rematch in the final. As many twists and turns as there have been in this incredible tournament, imagine winding up in the same place as four years ago when it’s all down to the final match. France/Argentina would be another rematch from 2018, so it’s almost like a 1 and 1a situation. Unless, of course, Morocco is there, in which case the whole planet ex-their opponents’ supporters will be rooting for them. Including me.

[Baggies]

52. Maybe 2nd time at Atletico will work.

He never really came into his game with Barcelona. Maybe this round with Atletico will revive his former form, but he needs to get busy. He is doing well on the Nat’l team.

[BeyondGeography]

53. Pogba's best football has also been on the national team

If Deschamps was in Anglo world he’d be treated as a god.

[Baggies]

55. Third Place Game

Croatia v Morocco

Who cares. IMO this has to rank as one the most worthless games sanctioned by FIFA, and that’s especially true this World Cup. You have major world players who will be returning to their clubs, many in the next few days, and they’re playing a game that has no real meaning where they could get injured. Ridiculous. No further comment needed here.

[Baggies]

56. Final -- Argentina v France

The heart and soul of Argentina is Messi. The team is playing for the country, but they are also very much playing for Messi. How he goes, so goes the team. His mindset will be to win and that will carry through to the rest of the team.

France can cut a team open 100 different ways. They can play up the middle, they can play from the side, they can lob balls in for headers, they can play the long ball out of the back for Mbappe to run onto. They were here 4 years ago so they know what it takes.

Should be a great final!!

With that said, though I believe France is playing better at this time, I'm sticking with my original pick and going with Argentina for the win.

[peppertree]

57. I hereby bestow unto our dear DU colleague, Baggies, the Paul the Octopus Prize for clairvoyance

Thank you for your regular updates, and keen insights! ¡Felicitaciones!

[Baggies]

59. Argentina!!!!

After a sometimes entertaining and sometimes boring first 75 minutes, France wakes up to make the last 10 minutes, additional time, and the PK’s edge-of-your-seat exciting. Two evenly matched teams go down to the wire. Congrats to Messi on winning a WC!!

[Celerity]

58. Congrats on nailing it!