LAM09

Croatia got knocked out yesterday.

Someone that could be banned for months?

This was the season for him to really stake a claim. I hope it's just a blip for him & he'll be able to bounce back for next season or 2024. On your last point, there has to be more to these injuries than meets the eye. Have any changes been made since Boehly took over?

SMS would have been the perfect option 3-4 seasons ago. He's regained some of his form in the last 12 months, but I'd hesitate to pay Lazio's asking price now.

It's the same story for a number of managers. Santos' insistence on two holding midfielders until the Switzerland game and Tite, to an extent, come to mind. Managers should do everything in their power to help their teams succeed rather than putting them on a leash.

The fact that Saka was taken off first was baffling. Theo couldn't handle him. I'm sure Southgate's run is now over.

He waited till France scored before making changes. Reactive managers only have themselves to blame.

They were favourites due to their roster. Thankfully, games aren't won on paper. Morocco has what is effectively home advantage, so that's playing its part too. Africa and the Arab world are rooting for them to do what most thought was unthinkable (except for Eto'o). https://talksport.com/football/1241836/samuel-etoo-world-cup-final-cameroon-morocco-african-nations/

I agree with the first part. However, I think France will have the edge. The history between both nations will add some spice. The bolded part. I thought you put money on the game.

Sorry for your loss 😉

They are making strides to make sure they have the best possible team around them to help the club strive, so it's promising. Let's see what type of position we're in 12 to 18 months from now.

Santos' Portugal has been built on being solid defensively and hoping for something to give or a flash of Ronaldo magic. The outcome of this match largely depends on which side Santos ultimately puts out.

Please re-read what I said and point out where I mentioned SA. I'll wait... Have you seen our academy in recent years and those that have made the step up to the first team? Did they "develop" elsewhere and then magically appear across the EPL? The less I say about embarrassing opinions, the better. We're under new ownership & are clearly going in a different direction, so the past has little to no relevance to what's to come.

There's an underdog for a reason. Morocco shouldn't have gotten out of their group, beaten Spain, etc. If Ronaldo starts for Portugal, it will play into Morocco's hands.

It's a crazy investment for someone who wouldn't be joining for two years. We have more pressing issues than that. You don't need "pull" when you have a solid scouting system. Just ask Benfica & Enzo.

I think Morocco has a solid chance regardless of the XI.

Knowing Santos, I wouldn't be surprised if the roles were reversed against Morocco.

First hattrick of the tournament. Some way to make your full WC debut.

In that case, are they going to ignore Mbappe and Haaland for the next 3–5 years?

Dreams of an African winner remain. A match V Portugal or Switzerland will probably go the distance as well.

I was just saying almost the same thing. It should be just behind GD at worst.

You could say the same about Pulisic & Ziyech. They'll either come back with some fight or their performances will add to their valuations.

I support this strategy because it has the potential to set us up well for the future if players are given a chance to thrive here, unlike in the past. We have a bad track record is the point I'm making. The talent in Brazil isn't what it once was and it's much harder to find talent. There's a reason almost every big club is after Endrick. It's a good way to form an opinion on players who are lesser known, for sure. I'm hoping this new strategy works in the long term.

Nathan, Kenedy, etc. We don't exactly have a good history with such signings.