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.
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 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.
The current state of the team is due to the previous "management." Summer window aside, Boehly has been making the right moves for the most part.
All of that would be undone if we signed CR7.
If this happened during the summer, I would have been on board with us moving for him. It makes no sense now, & if we were to make a move, it would be a clear indication of who's making transfer decisions.