Brazil vs Belgium (QF) - 19:00 - 06/07/2018

[Badgers]

Brazil are a lot of peoples tip to win the tournament. I am rooting for Belgium as I can't bear the cheating weasel Neymar and want to see him get sent off or cry or both.

This time around we have Belgium ranked third and Brazil first heading into this match. This Belgian side has won 14 of their last 16 matches but their only match against a side we ranked in the top 10 in that time was a 0-0 friendly with Portugal. That leaves some doubt about their capability but the quality in their line-up is undoubted, with Kevin de Bruyne and Eden Hazard threatening at times to light up this tournament even if they were largely subdued against Japan. Furthermore, this is a team that’s averaged 3.3 goals per game over their last 23 matches.

Brazil have had three consecutive 2-0 wins, but they’ve faced relatively modest competition. Interestingly, five of their six goals in that time came in the second half and they’ve had quite substantial journeys to each of those games, as they face here with a near 2000km journey from their base in Sochi to Kazan, so don’t be surprised if they are a little slow out of the blocks – Mexico’s best spell in their last game was undoubtedly the opening 20 minutes. What’s more, there’s just a four day turnaround for this game and the ageing centre-back pairing of Thiago Silva and Miranda could find life harder, particularly with midfield shield Casemiro suspended.

 

[Teaboy]

I also would like Belgium to win but I can't see anything other than Brazil heading into the semi-finals. Tough result to call though.

 

[girasol]

Brazil vs England final would be amazing. And I'm Brazilian. So, guess who I want to win?

 

[Teaboy]

Brazil vs England final would be amazing. And I'm Brazilian. So, guess who I want to win?

I don't care, I want to see Neymar cry.

 

[Pickman's model]

Brazil vs England final would be amazing. And I'm Brazilian. So, guess who I want to win?

belgium, because you'd be hideously embarrassed if brazil lost to the lowly england

 

[Idaho]

I love seeing the Brazil hype machine derail. The last final was awesome.

 

[Pickman's model]

I don't care, I want to see Neymar cry.

your wish...

 

[girasol]

belgium, because you'd be hideously embarrassed if brazil lost to the lowly england

I don't take Brazil's team victories or losses personally it's only football!

I'm also British, and would be in no way disappointed if England won.

Edit: I never said England was lowly, so that's your own projection

 

[skyscraper101]

Going for Brazil despite Neymar who I'd happily see carded for his foolishness.

Partly cos the wife's Brazilian, but also because I'd love an Eng v Brazil final.

 

[girasol]

I actually find it a bit off putting how extremely personal people get about footballers, that's one of the reasons I hate football tribalism. I just watch the world cup for a bit of fun, so anyone trying to drag me down into pointless, agressive arguments will be disappointed.

 

[Pickman's model]

anyone trying to drag me down into pointless, agressive arguments will be disappointed.

not sure why you're on urban with an attitude like that. pointless arguments, often enough with aggression, are our stock in trade.

 

[girasol]

not sure why you're on urban with an attitude like that. pointless arguments, often enough with aggression, are our stock in trade.

I've been here for 15 years and have successfully managed to avoid the bunfights, especially in latter years I just can't be arsed.

 

[Teaboy]

I actually find it a bit off putting how extremely personal people get about footballers, that's one of the reasons I hate football tribalism. I just watch the world cup for a bit of fun, so anyone trying to drag me down into pointless, agressive arguments will be disappointed.

Its the same in any sport if a player is perceived as dishonest or simply a cheat. Football is slightly odd in that there is a dishonesty spectrum which every player is on so it really takes something to stand out from the crowd.

 

[girasol]

Its the same in any sport if a player is perceived as dishonest or simply a cheat. Football is slightly odd in that there is a dishonesty spectrum which every player is on so it really takes something to stand out from the crowd.

Except when the player is in the team you support, then it's more like "he gets pushed, pulled, kicked and the referee does nothing about it. His reaction may not be the most dignified, but he scores a lot of goals for the team blah blah"

That isn't to say I don't find Neymar's histrionics beyond ridiculous, but also sometimes kinda entertaining ...

 

[Badgers]

Except when the player is in the team you support, then it's more like "he gets pushed, pulled, kicked and the referee does nothing about it. His reaction may not be the most dignified, but he scores a lot of goals for the team blah blah"

Honestly I hate seeing it in the team I support as much or more than other teams.

 

[editor]

Belgium win with Neymar spinning so hard and fast from a non existent foul that he transcends the laws of physics and is transported back to London in 1845 and has to work as a chimney sweep's assistant.

 

[Pickman's model]

Belgium win with Neymar spinning so hard and fast from a non existent foul that he transcends the laws of physics and is transported back to London in 1845 and has to work as a chimney sweep's assistant.

i think he'd find work as a toffsman after being refused everywhere else.

 

[girasol]

Honestly I hate seeing it in the team I support as much or more than other teams.

Yeah, me too, but a lot of people twist the facts to support their idealised narrative

 

[Badgers]

I actually find it a bit off putting how extremely personal people get about footballers, that's one of the reasons I hate football tribalism. I just watch the world cup for a bit of fun, so anyone trying to drag me down into pointless, agressive arguments will be disappointed.

I don't think it is 'personal' to dislike someone who is repeatedly dishonest for his own gains.

This shit should have been stamped on by FIFA from the off. Hopefully with VAR improving there will be more action taken.

 

[girasol]

I don't think it is 'personal' to dislike someone who is repeatedly dishonest for his own gains.

This shit should have been stamped on by FIFA from the off. Hopefully with VAR improving there will be more action taken.

I wasn't just talking about Neymar. I stopped going to pubs to watch football in London since sitting through a barrage of insults towards Ronaldo, mainly his physical appearance, many years ago. I was truly disgusted. Not to mention the racist, xenophobic and homophobic stuff that comes out of people's mouths when they drink.

Edit: I'm fully aware this isn't something that only happens here, obviously.

 

[Pickman's model]

I wasn't just talking about Neymar. I stopped going to pubs to watch football in London since sitting through a barrage of insults towards Ronaldo, mainly his physical appearance, many years ago. I was truly disgusted. Not to mention the racist, xenophobic and homophobic stuff that comes out of people's mouths when they drink.

you were mixing with the wrong drinkers.

 

[girasol]

you were mixing with the wrong drinkers.

I wasn't with them. I just went to a pub to watch a football match.

 

[tommers]

This is going to be great.

 

[Lord Camomile]

This is going to be great.

Got held up at work and then my train was delayed, so I need it not to be great until just before half time

 

[campanula]

If Neymar was hooked off and Firminho was put on, I would be rooting for Brazil...but as it is, fuck em - want Belgium for this one.

football is a team game...not just for Neymar type showponies, dribblers and keepy-uppers

 

[tommers]

I'm struggling with who to support. Sure it will come clear in time.

 

[Mation]

Nice comparison to Wigan

 

[The Octagon]

Oooh

 

[belboid]

Fun start

 

[The Octagon]

Both teams going for it from the start, good stuff.