how on earth did the Costa Ricans think that they could cross a brder without getting passports checked and stamped? and then I dont understand why that happening means they had to cancel?
ok read the article "They'd requested the Iraqi government did not stamp their passports when crossing the border but the authorities did not honour the agreement. There was a concern that the Iraqi passport stamp would cause difficulties in accessing other countries in the future."
Germany will win the group, then Spain, Japan and Costa Rica last.
Hope the Ticos get thrashed.
I don't to be honest. Any bad decisions back in June weren't exactly Costa Rica's fault, so I have no animosity towards them about it. Also if they get pumped 0-15 on aggregate, it reflects even worse on us that we lost to them. If they win then it makes us look a lot better. Obviously that doesn't really make up for a lot, but we aren't there regardless.
I remember people saying how good Costa Rica were ahead of the WC playoff.
People call Melbourne City a good side too, but that doesn't meant I would fancy them to win the UEFA Champions League.
Quality is relative, and in comparison to both our level and the level of our previous opposition, they were and still are a good side. In the two windows prior to playing us, they had beaten both USA and Canada (who both dominated European opposition in their opening WC games) and drawn away at the Azteca (the toughest place to go in CONCACAF) against Mexico. These are the sort of competitive results we'd dream about; case and point was the time we played a qualifier at the Azteca. It should be quite obvious to anyone acting in good faith that no one was claiming them to be better than or even close to the global superstars in the Spain team.
Even still, the 7 goals came from 3.5 xG, which shows Spain were clinical and Costa Rica unlucky. On another day it could be similar to how Germany had 3.1 xG and still lost 1-2 to Japan this morning. One site has us as having 1.7 xG vs Costa Rica, yet instead of having half what Spain scored we had 7 less. That's just how things work out.
The ageing teams like CR and maybe Argentina & Belgium (need De Bruyne to star) could struggle at this WC. Even with the aircon it’s warm on game day, and very hot walking around outside. The games I’ve watched have all been quick, end to end
Not surprising England, France and Spain have run riot somewhat. Likes of Borges, Modric and Messi I think will struggle to make much of an impression.
I remember people saying how good Costa Rica were ahead of the WC playoff.
People call Melbourne City a good side too, but that doesn't meant I would fancy them to win the UEFA Champions League.
Quality is relative, and in comparison to both our level and the level of our previous opposition, they were and still are a good side. In the two windows prior to playing us, they had beaten both USA and Canada (who both dominated European opposition in their opening WC games) and drawn away at the Azteca (the toughest place to go in CONCACAF) against Mexico. These are the sort of competitive results we'd dream about; case and point was the time we played a qualifier at the Azteca. It should be quite obvious to anyone acting in good faith that no one was claiming them to be better than or even close to the global superstars in the Spain team.
Even still, the 7 goals came from 3.5 xG, which shows Spain were clinical and Costa Rica unlucky. On another day it could be similar to how Germany had 3.1 xG and still lost 1-2 to Japan this morning. One site has us as having 1.7 xG vs Costa Rica, yet instead of having half what Spain scored we had 7 less. That's just how things work out.
Agreed, way too much being read into two games. Even the NZ game where "NZ played poorly", NZ had twice the possession, three times the shots, and played 20 minutes with a man down. Costa Rica got an early goal and it suited them immensely.
Also we may have a potential best ever AWs team, a 'Golden Generation' for us - but the level our guys are at is still a million miles off a team like Spain, with it's team of La Liga stars.
Listen to Martin Tyler go through the playing elevens of the various teams, and there ain't many with guys in Serie C, the Danish 2nd tier or even a middling SPL team.
What is with the additional time of 8 or 9 minutes in these world cup games? The Spain v CR game had extra 8 minutes in the second half with no VAR, no penalties and no serious injuries. Yes, there were a lot of subs but 8 minutes???
Poor quality game, very slow (apparently hottest tourney day in Qatar to date), and all playing into hands of Costa Ricans who have unlike them normally, have dominated possession
Suppose you have to say well done to Costa RIca. Japan couldn't make an impression on a ten man defence and got undone by the only shot CR have managed to get on target in 180 minutes of football.
That draw pretty much dooms Japan to an early exit, which is a real shame after that huge result against Germany. Can't see them getting anything out of Spain, and Germany sure as hell won't slip up against Costa RIca.
That draw pretty much dooms Japan to an early exit, which is a real shame after that huge result against Germany. Can't see them getting anything out of Spain, and Germany sure as hell won't slip up against Costa RIca.
Costa Rica will park the bus for sure. Question is how long will they be able to hold out for and how will it frustrate Germany.
That draw pretty much dooms Japan to an early exit, which is a real shame after that huge result against Germany. Can't see them getting anything out of Spain, and Germany sure as hell won't slip up against Costa RIca.
I'm happy for germany but now sad for Japan, I have both teams in the draw. Could japan upset spain?
I can’t believe Japan didn’t tear Costa Rica a part there. Huge chance blown. They could be playing Spain with nothing riding on it. Incredible
5 changes. Starting a J league winger ahead of Mitoma, Ito, [edit Doan started soz], Kubo, Maeda, Hatate, Furuhashi and Tomiyasu… I mean it fits with their qualification campaign.
Even though Asano’s goal was brilliant, it was counter attacking, long ball from a defender with the other team pushed forward.
No such favors from Costa Rica. Japan dominated possession and territory, but hardly troubled Navas.