[joslicx]

Wales are not a football power unlike Germany or Argentina. I think it can't hardly be called an upset.
Cricket equivalent would be Zim beating Afghanistan here. Would that be an upset!

[kavensri]

Originally Posted by RavenAvi

3 big upsets - Argentina, Germany & now Wales. What a World Cup we are witnessing so far!

WAL losing is an upset? WAL are at #19 and IRA are at #20 in FIFA rankings. And most importantly, WAL were lucky to get through the qualifiers and have qualified after 68 years. I would never take WAL name along with ARG and GER.

[BrokenHW]

Richarlison gained more than 3 million followers overnight on Instagram after his incredible goal against Serbia

Source : https://www.sportbible.com/football/...21125.amp.html

[thanixravindran]

Originally Posted by joslicx

Wales are not a football power unlike Germany or Argentina. I think it can't hardly be called an upset.
Cricket equivalent would be Zim beating Afghanistan here. Would that be an upset!

Originally Posted by kavensri

WAL losing is an upset? WAL are at #19 and IRA are at #20 in FIFA rankings. And most importantly, WAL were lucky to get through the qualifiers and have qualified after 68 years. I would never take WAL name along with ARG and GER.

I believe what the OP meant that an Asian team beating an European one in a World Cup. Though it is not a first, I feel this time more Asian teams are winning (I don't have stats but will check over weekend).

[RavenAvi]

That, and the exposure to club football (and competitive football) is far higher in Wales' case than Iran, rankings notwithstanding. I think we can all agree on that.

Also, the manner in which Iran lost to England in their opening encounter did not make them look like a team which could beat Wales, TBH. (with all due respect to the Iran team)

As for rankings, one thing this WC has shown that ranks and having stars in a lineup mean little.

Who would have thought that England would be held to a goalless draw by a lesser fancied US team, specially after their thumping 6-2 opening win?

Very interesting times ahead, with all the ifs and buts and permutations/combinations getting involved to decide the next round qualifiers.

And we are just a week into the WC!

[IndieGooner]

Group B is poised interestingly. All teams can qualify for next stage. Welsh chances are low but still not out. USA vs Iran will be winner takes all. Considering all the tension between both nations outside of sports, this is going to be big; matter of national pride at least in Iran.

[RavenAvi]

Mbappe, you beauty!

Thought he was a bit off colour in the first half tonight, but what a way to make a statement in the second. Now tied with Messi in the number of WC goals, has scored more than Thierry Henry & Neymar, and he's only 23!

France are now the first team into the Round of 16.

[RavenAvi]

Argentina might have found a new superstar in Benfica's Enzo Fernandez. The young blood scored a real scorcher in the 87th minute last night to nail the doors shut on Mexico. He has tremendous potential if nurtured well.

This was after La Albiceleste went ahead through a Messi special earlier in the 2nd half. They now live to fight another day.

[RavenAvi]

Belgium beaten by THE direct free kick of the tournament so far.

Who would have thought that a couple of substitutes would reign over the #2 ranked team in the world?!

And the shocks just keep on coming..

Forget the FIFA rankings for this WC, everyone!

[benbsb29]

Day of upsets?

Japan beaten by Costa Rica, a team that got mauled by Spain in their opener… definitely unexpected.

Belgium vs Morocco
What a performance from Morocco! The same never-say-die spirit they showed when holding fancied Croatia to a draw, saw them drown Belgium with sheer hardwork and speed.

Looking forward to Germany vs Spain.

[thanixravindran]

Morocco joins the party today. The free kick that was disallowed in the end of first half was brilliant and they built the momentum to pull off the win over Belgium. This WC is rocking!!!

[ABHI_1512]

Originally Posted by RavenAvi

Argentina might have found a new superstar in Benfica's Enzo Fernandez. The young blood scored a real scorcher in the 87th minute last night to nail the doors shut on Mexico. He has tremendous potential if nurtured well.

Speaking of young bloods and new superstar, I can see Spain’s Gavi becoming one after this World Cup. Really impressed by the young Spain team and can see the glimpses of Tiki-taka again with them. Major clubs will soon be standing in line.

Originally Posted by benbsb29

Japan beaten by Costa Rica, a team that got mauled by Spain in their opener… definitely unexpected.

What it means that, the group has now become a group of death. Germany has to win tonight, even a draw is not enough now it seems. Game of the league stage is about to be the most interesting one tonight between a Germany and Spain

[benbsb29]

Germany vs Spain

This match always promised to be interesting. Spain was looking to win here and wrap up their route to the second round, while Germany was fighting to stay alive in the group.

It was good to see Germany play a more attacking game, preventing Spain from playing their free-flowing game. It does look unnerving when the Spanish defenders keep passing the ball all the way back to the goalkeeper repeatedly, leading to some nervous moments when Germany manage to intercept these passes.

In the end, it looked like both teams were happy to share points for the game, even the coaches were seemingly content.

[benbsb29]

Anyone else feel the penalty awarded to Portugal against Uruguay was unfair? I agree the ball hit Jose Gimenez's hand, but when falling, where else is his hand supposed to be?



Image Source : ESPN

[vb-san]

Originally Posted by benbsb29

Anyone else feel the penalty awarded to Portugal against Uruguay was unfair? I agree the ball hit Jose Gimenez's hand, but when falling, where else is his hand supposed to be?

Oh yes, that looked very harsh. But even more comical was the way Ronaldo claimed the first goal