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World Cup - Soccer - 2022 (Compiled)


singalion

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hm, some fans will cancel their flights. haha

 

 

Qatar bans beer from World Cup stadiums after 11th-hour U-turn

  • Fifa confirms move as official beer brand says: ‘This is awkward’
  • Budweiser likely to regard step as a major breach of contract

Fri 18 Nov 2022

 

Fifa has confirmed alcohol will be banned for World Cup fans in a major and unprecedented volte-face just 48 hours before the tournament will kick off in Qatar. The news that it will not be sold inside or around the perimeter of stadiums was confirmed by Fifa in a terse statement on Friday afternoon.

“Following discussions between host country authorities and Fifa, a decision has been made to focus the sale of alcoholic beverages on the Fifa Fan Festival, other fan destinations and licensed venues, removing sales points of beer from Qatar’s World Cup 2022 stadium perimeters.

 

However football’s governing body will now be looking nervously over its shoulders at the prospect of legal action from Budweiser, which has a $75m (£63m) sponsorship agreement with Fifa, and is likely to regard this as a major breach of contract.

In a tweet – since deleted – moments just before the news became official the US beer brand said: “Well, this is awkward…”

The sale of alcohol is strictly controlled in Qatar, a conservative Muslim nation, but organisers had promised that it would be available in match venues and in fan zones – and that it would also be reasonable priced.

 

 

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On 11/22/2022 at 12:52 PM, MasterFitMalaySG4U said:

Nope. 

 

Every country have their own ruling. 

 

You need to be there to experience it. Not just by looking at people ranting in S.M. 

 

Hope you didn't mean by "experiencing" it, that gays get raped by police officers as in the other thread.... 😂

 

 

 

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Wow, we have another hero!

 

 

Flitzer mit politischen Botschaften und ein ehemaliger Fußballprofi: Der Italiener Mario Ferri beim WM-Spiel Portugal gegen Uruguay.

 

 

 

World Cup pitch invader with rainbow flag released: ministry

World Cup pitch invader with rainbow flag released: ministry

 

 

November 29, 2022

 

 

A man wearing a t-shirt reading "Save Ukraine" runs on the pitch waving a rainbow LGBT flag on the pitch during the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group H football match between Portugal and Uruguay at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, north of Doha on Nov 28, 2022.

 
Published November 29, 2022

 

DOHA — An Italian man who ran onto the pitch during a World Cup match in Qatar carrying a rainbow flag has been released following a brief detention, the Italian foreign ministry said on Tuesday (Nov 29).

 

The man identified as Mario Ferri also wore a T-shirt with the words "Respect for Iranian Woman" on the back and "Save Ukraine" on the front.

 

Ferri was on the field for about 30 seconds during the second half of the game between Portugal and Uruguay before being tackled and escorted off by security.

"The foreign ministry, together with the Italian embassy in Doha, followed the case after the pitch invasion," the Italian foreign ministry said in a statement sent to AFP. 

"After a brief detention, he (Ferri) was released by the authorities without any further consequences," the ministry said, without specifying where he was held or by whom.

 
 

Gay rights and the use of the rainbow flag have been a simmering issue at the World Cup in Qatar, where homosexuality is illegal.

 

Captains of seven European teams had planned to wear rainbow-themed anti-discrimination armbands during the tournament as part of a campaign for diversity. 

But they backed down over the threat of disciplinary action from football's governing body FIFA, including yellow cards.

 

Ferri has staged similar protests before, including at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where he raised the issue of children living in poverty.

 

On his Instagram account, Ferri posted images from inside the Lusail Stadium in Doha, where Portugal's 2-0 win over Uruguay on Monday took place.

 

The incident was only briefly shown on television.

 

A security guard attempts to block a man as he invades the pitch during the World Cup match between Portugal and Uruguay at the Lusail Stadium on Nov 28, 2022.

 

 

"We know what has happened around this World Cup... It's a normal thing to happen," Portugal player Ruben Neves said after the match.

 

"Of course, we are all with them as well. With Iran as well, with the Iranian women. So I hope it doesn't happen, anything to the boy, because we understand his message, and I think all the world understands it as well."

 

Fifa maintains rainbow-coloured flags and clothes will be allowed inside stadiums, but some spectators have been ordered to remove items of clothing with the logo during the first phase of matches. AFP

 

 

 

https://www.todayonline.com/world/world-cup-pitch-invader-rainbow-flag-released-ministry-2059016

 

 

Always wondered whether some guys will smuggle some rainbow flags into the stadiums in their undergarment. haha

 

 

But I am waiting for one team to celebrate a goal by running around with a rainbow flag.... haha

 

 

 

 

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Man with rainbow flag invades pitch during Portugal v Uruguay World Cup match

 

 

Today November 29, 2022

 

 

A security guard attempts to block a man as he invades the pitch during the World Cup match between Portugal and Uruguay at the Lusail Stadium on Nov 28, 2022.

 

 

A security guard attempts to block a man as he invades the pitch during the World Cup match between Portugal and Uruguay at the Lusail Stadium on Nov 28, 2022.

 
Today Published November 29, 2022
 

DOHA — A man carrying a rainbow flag and wearing a T-shirt with the words "Respect for Iranian Woman" on the back invaded the pitch during a match at the Qatar World Cup on Monday (Nov 28).

 

The man was on the field for about 30 seconds during the second half of the game between Portugal and Uruguay before being tackled and escorted off by security.

He also had the words "Save Ukraine" on the front of his T-shirt, in reference to the war-torn nation.

 

"We know what has happened around this World Cup... It's a normal thing to happen," said Portugal player Ruben Neves.

 

"Of course, we are all with them as well. With Iran as well, with the Iranian women. So I hope it doesn't happen, anything to the boy, because we understand his message, and I think all the world understands it as well."

 

 
 

The protestor was identified as Italian Mario Ferri by Italian press agency AGI.

 

He has staged similar protests before, including at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where he raised the issue of children living in poverty.

 

Gay rights and the use of the rainbow flag have been a simmering issue at the World Cup in Qatar, where homosexuality is illegal.

 

Captains of seven European teams had planned to wear rainbow-themed anti-discrimination armbands during the tournament as part of a campaign for diversity.

 

But they backed down over the threat of disciplinary action from football's governing body Fifa, including yellow cards.

 

Britain's sports minister Stuart Andrew will wear the armband when he attends England's clash with Wales on Tuesday.

 
 

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser wore the "OneLove" armband last week while sitting next to Fifa president Gianni Infantino for Germany's shock 2-1 defeat by Japan.

Fans complained earlier in the tournament that they had been told to remove items of clothing with the rainbow on them.

20221129_afp_portpitch.jpg?itok=ocCzbV0W AFP A man wearing a t-shirt reading "Respect For Iranian Woman" runs on the pitch waving a rainbow LGBT flag during the World Cup Group H match between Portugal and Uruguay at the Lusail Stadium on November 28, 2022.

WHITE HOUSE REACTION

Monday's on-pitch protest was addressed by White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, speaking on the eve of a politically charged match between the USA and Iran in Qatar.

 

"We are concerned over the potential treatment of LGBTQ+ spectators and athletes," she said.

 

"We urge the state of Qatar and all Qataris to fully realise the emir's message and that is to truly recognise, to welcome everyone to the Cup, the World Cup."

Fifa said it had no comment to make at this stage.

 
 

Iran's team has separately been in the spotlight because of anti-government protests at home.

 

The Iranian team did not sing the national anthem before their first game against England in an apparent gesture of solidarity with the protesters.

 

Iran has been shaken by more than two months of nationwide demonstrations since the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in morality police custody on Sept 16.

 

 

 

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I made my choice after I saw his picture. 

 

Takumi Minamino, one of the outstanding players of the Japan selection,  has one of the male faces that attracts me the most.   This is in line with my appreciation of excellence among the Japanese population.  Such a refined society with so many exceptional individuals...

 

 

1201142786_TakumiMinamino.thumb.jpg.e9a8e74a01257a6516ebe78a989873e8.jpg

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With its victory 3-0 over Croatia,  Argentina is heading again to the final match of the World Cup.  

 

I haven't seen my countrymen so happy in a long time.  Euphoria, with the Argentina newspapers full of football.  My fellow Argentinians need sweet victories like this.  I had to contain my sorrow when my fellow Americans lost in their game with Netherland and were eliminated.  But this victory today makes up for that.  ( with dual citizenship, I have always a double chance of my country being victorious )

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5 hours ago, Guest Yum said:

Some of the croatia players are hot, happen to see their big bulges swinging from left to right as they run in their sexy white shorts, bet they have big cock. Too bad they are out

 

Argentinian soccer players can also have big cocks.  South American cocks are on the average of a decent size.  

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3 hours ago, Steve5380 said:

 

Argentinian soccer players can also have big cocks.  South American cocks are on the average of a decent size.  


The argentina players mostly wore pretty loose shorts, cant see anything and most of them wore inner tights or some forms of protective wear.
A few croatia players probably just wear underwear and their white shorts are fitting, so sexy!

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46 minutes ago, Guest Guest said:


The argentina players mostly wore pretty loose shorts, cant see anything and most of them wore inner tights or some forms of protective wear.
A few croatia players probably just wear underwear and their white shorts are fitting, so sexy!

 

Are you saying that the Croatian players go commando on the soccer field?   This is not the same as having command of the game,  like it didn't happen against Argentina. 

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On 12/14/2022 at 1:02 AM, Steve5380 said:

I made my choice after I saw his picture. 

 

Takumi Minamino, one of the outstanding players of the Japan selection,  has one of the male faces that attracts me the most.   This is in line with my appreciation of excellence among the Japanese population.  Such a refined society with so many exceptional individuals...

 

 

1201142786_TakumiMinamino.thumb.jpg.e9a8e74a01257a6516ebe78a989873e8.jpg

 

He must be from China, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, or maybe Thailand with a Japanese name because this is not a normal Japanese face. I believe one of his parents is among these non-Japanese.

 

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9 minutes ago, Why? said:

 

He must be from China, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, or maybe Thailand with a Japanese name because this is not a normal Japanese face. I believe one of his parents is among these non-Japanese.

 

 

Takumi was born in Osaka, Japan.   His parents could be from other Asian countries, but this is difficult to judge.  At least not from one photo.

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7 hours ago, Why? said:

 

He must be from China, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, or maybe Thailand with a Japanese name because this is not a normal Japanese face. I believe one of his parents is among these non-Japanese.

 

 

Why must he be of non Japanese origin?

 

The Japanese did not mix so much with other nations or outsiders that settled in Japan from other Asian countries.

 

With the Second World war about 650,000 Korean and Chinese workers were sent to Japan to work there. But not sure if they were allowed to permanently settle in Japan.

 

Japan was always one of the most "closed shop" countries.

 

Even after war, the immigration approval for asylum seekers is very low at 0.02 % of all applications.

 

Just the very recent years Japan is opening up a bit more than previously due to the declining birth rate.

 

But sure a Japanese could have married a Chinese or Taiwanese wife.

However, I think it would be known.

 

But I personally don't see that this guy looks very "not" Japanese.

 

Does 17 look very typical Japanese?

 

 

International Friendly - Ecuador v Japan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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11 hours ago, Steve5380 said:

 

Are you saying that the Croatian players go commando on the soccer field?   This is not the same as having command of the game,  like it didn't happen against Argentina. 


Go commando? Since when did i say that

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While you people are sleeping like babies,  I am now watching the game of Argentina vs. France.   It is the mid-time intermission now.  

 

Argentina is winning 2 to 0  thanks to two fantastic goals in the first period.  This next 45 minutes will be spectacular.   I have a first class seat on my comfy chair, in front of my new wide-screen TV tuned to Telemundo,  a Spanish speaking station here in Houston.  My biggest concern now is:  what should I munch during these 45 minutes?  I know,  a big cup of blueberries.  :) 

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3 hours ago, Steve5380 said:

While you people are sleeping like babies,  I am now watching the game of Argentina vs. France.   It is the mid-time intermission now.  

 

Argentina is winning 2 to 0  thanks to two fantastic goals in the first period.  This next 45 minutes will be spectacular.   I have a first class seat on my comfy chair, in front of my new wide-screen TV tuned to Telemundo,  a Spanish speaking station here in Houston.  My biggest concern now is:  what should I munch during these 45 minutes?  I know,  a big cup of blueberries.  :) 


The match was aired at 11pm SGT, it’s hardly sleeping time.

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UPDATE:

 

The second half of the Argentina vs. France game was a nail biter.  Everything continued fine until France made its first goal.  Then,  one could feel how their spirits went up and they played with new enthusiasm.  But when they made their second goal and tied with Argentina,  they became ferocious. In the complementary time each team made another goal and remained tied.  Big emotions, big hopes on both bands.  The match had to be decided by penalty shots,  five for each band.  After Argentina succeeded in the fourth penalty shot,,,  magical moment!  The game was over.  

 

This was an excellent match of football. Both teams gave a master class of good playing.  At the beginning France was a little slow, but by the end they had reversed and there were heroic moves by both teams.  Unfortunately with many collisions and the usual theater of pseudo-injuries.  But all-in-all it was an excellent game and we spectators got our money worth  ( $0.0 for me, ha ha ).  All we Argentinians think that our team deserved to win,  and all French surely think that their team did not deserve to lose,  but... so is life.  I think that, like many other games,  the success on the playing field is, say,  70% skill and 30% luck.  ( or is it 30% skill and 70% luck? )

 

The end of the game was an overflow of emotions, with a sea of tears (I had a few myself too).  Argentina is now a country going though a universal temporary insanity.  Tomorrow the team will be back in Buenos Aires and although a Monday, nothing may get done there. 

 

I am not a football fan myself,  but I feel a lot of empathy with my fellow countrymen. 

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1 hour ago, Guest underwear said:

Noticed one thing...that none of the argentine team wore suspension shorts...all wore regular brief underwear, such that their bum underwear lines sometimes show out.

 

You are a good observer.  I also observed them and other Argentinians in the public without a shirt,  and I could not refrain a hard on.

 

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To illustrate what an insanity is happening in Argentina,  here is a video that shows the center of Buenos Aires downtown... on the day Argentina won over Croatia to qualify for the final match. It shows the Obelisk in the middle of the Avenida Nueve de Julio and the two Diagonals,  usually busy with cars, and that day full of emotional humanity.  IMAGINE what it is today after Argentina won the championship !!!! Since the tragedy that happened in Soul on Halloween, I hope that nothing similar happens in my city, and that all return home excited and happy.

 

 

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4 hours ago, Guest underwear said:

Noticed one thing...that none of the argentine team wore suspension shorts...all wore regular brief underwear, such that their bum underwear lines sometimes show out.


Have lah, some wore some didnt. 
Croatia ones even better, especially during their earlier matches

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20 hours ago, Steve5380 said:

While you people are sleeping like babies,  I am now watching the game of Argentina vs. France.   It is the mid-time intermission now.  

 

Argentina is winning 2 to 0  thanks to two fantastic goals in the first period.  This next 45 minutes will be spectacular.   I have a first class seat on my comfy chair, in front of my new wide-screen TV tuned to Telemundo,  a Spanish speaking station here in Houston.  My biggest concern now is:  what should I munch during these 45 minutes?  I know,  a big cup of blueberries.  :) 

 

Honestly, the first penalty awarded to Argentina was a gift.

 

The penalty decision was a bit too harsh.

 

Throughout the match the Polish referee (I don't say there was bias) just looked up the VAR once. Guess he is just fed up with the new system.

 

I assume that after a review of the first "foul" on Di Maria, the penalty would not have been given.

 

General comments:

Penalty shoot outs are always a matter of moment and luck.

It can swing this side it can swing the other side.

 

Argentina lost on penalties before also. so the pendulum can swing to the other side also.

 

I found that the Argentine players once again played very rough and bordering on unfair play.

 

All three matches since the group stage, Argentine players did bodychecks, stood in front of players, pushing players out of the side line etc etc...

In the finals, just look how in that one scene one Argentine player smashed into the french player with force while he was far off the scene.

Soccer should be played with the ball and not as a martial arts.

 

Unbefitting were the actions by the Argentine goal keeper to intimidate the french players during the penalty shootout. Yes, he got a yellow card but punching away the ball like a small kindergarten kid seems bad and also his repeated walks to the penalty spot to address the players.

Another referee might have pulled the red card. (It has happened but so far not on a World cup if I m not wrong).

 

The insults in the cabin after the win and the goal keeper's tweets on French player Mbappe in fact highlight that Argentine is not worthy to be World cup winners.

As a professional player you don't resort to such nasty things. Surely such behaviour won't contribute to increase the fame of the goalkeeper and the Argentine players.

Why ridiculing the other team when you already have won and then even publish this on social media.

 

I don't want to say that Argentina did not play in the first 65 minutes as the better team but if I look at the rugby style of play, the often ridiculous falls and the diva drama on the pitch by the Argentine players simulating heavy fouls by French players I have to give some minus points. Lucky that the Polish referee signaled to the players to get up and one time even gave the yellow card for this drama play on the pitch.

 

Nevertheless, until the penalty shootout it was a thrilling match, any team could have won up to the end of extra time.

 

 

 

Edited by singalion
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It was the second time that France ended a world cup final with a penalty shoot out. In both they failed.

 

But 2006 vs Italy was a bit different. If you remember the Zidane red card and pitch fights. haha.

 

That 2006 match also started with a doubtful penalty (but that time for France). haha

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12 hours ago, singalion said:

 

Honestly, the first penalty awarded to Argentina was a gift.

 

The penalty decision was a bit too harsh.

 

General comments:

 

I found that the Argentine players once again played very rough and bordering on unfair play.

 

Unbefitting were the actions by the Argentine goal keeper to intimidate the french players during the penalty shootout.

 

The insults in the cabin after the win and the goal keeper's tweets on French player Mbappe in fact highlight that Argentine is not worthy to be World cup winners.

 

 

You must be French,  judging from the disgruntled rumbling in your post.  If so, I can understand your put downs of my team.

 

Otherwise,  should I judge that your comments are very rough and bordering on unfair writing?

 

You have so much to criticize of the Argentine goal keeper, yet...   the FIFA awarded him the "Golden Globe" trophy.  Who should I trust?  I agree that he should not have made that obscene gesture,  but he justified it saying that he was being booed by the French fans.

 

Maybe you want to take advantage that I have nothing bad to say about the Singapore team?...  ha ha.

 

I am not a football fan, and I don't pass much judgment over winning and losing.  But I feel so satisfied by the great time this win has given to my countrymen, and my spirit accompanies them in their dancing of joy.

.

Edited by Steve5380
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3 hours ago, Why? said:

I'm not trying to be biased here, but a reliable source claims that China's state-of-the-art stadium amenities were one of an important factors in Argentina's victory.  I won't be surprised Argentina and China's relationship will deepen further as a result.  

 

Then the construction worker abuse in Qatar should be blamed on China?

 

Your claim is not 100% true, the Contractor for the Lusail Stadium was a joint venture:

 

Quote:

The China Railway Construction Corporation Limited and Qatari contractor HBK Contracting Co. W.L.L. have won the bidding process to build the stadium designed by award-winning British architect Norman Foster's firm, Qatar's Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy said.

The venue, which will host the 2022 World Cup final, will be built at Lusail City 20km (12 miles) north of Doha, the committee said.

"We are delighted to award the main contract for Lusail Stadium to HBK and CRCC as a joint venture," the committee's secretary general Hassan Al Thawadi said.

 

 

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5 hours ago, Steve5380 said:

You have so much to criticize of the Argentine goal keeper, yet...   the FIFA awarded him the "Golden Globe" trophy.  Who should I trust?  I agree that he should not have made that obscene gesture,  but he justified it saying that he was being booed by the French fans.

 

Maybe you want to take advantage that I have nothing bad to say about the Singapore team?...  ha ha.

 

I am not a football fan, and I don't pass much judgment over winning and losing. 

 

Not sure if you watched the last 3 matches of Argentina... but that's another story.

 

I m not alone in my view on the Argentine goal keeper.

 

 

Alone with his thoughts, Tchouaméni made the long walk from the centre-circle while Martínez stood in wait, ball in hand as he whipped the crowd behind the goal into a frenzy. Rather than hand the ball to Tchouaméni, he tossed it to one side, forcing the youngster into an unwanted detour as he reached the penalty spot

In the spirit of the unfair play that had preceded it, Martínez riffed on his opponent’s obvious pain with a celebratory sashay across his six-yard box, rolling his shoulders in an exaggerated manner reminiscent of that famous Harry Enfield sketch in which truculent teenager Kevin’s best friend Perry returns from Manchester having morphed into a mini-Liam Gallagher.

Argentina’s goalkeeper has no shortage of previous in the field of gamesmanship and it could be seen on Sunday even before he tried to mess with Tchouaméni’s mind. As first Kylian Mbappé then Coman placed the ball for their kicks, Martínez brazenly attempted to disrupt their preparations by insisting the referee, Szymon Marciniak, check each one was definitely on the spot.

Hugo Lloris, had retrieved the ball after each Argentina penalty and handed it to whichever of his teammates was next up.

Although a subsequent attempt by Martínez to put off Randal Kolo Muani earned a booking, the yellow card was produced too late, long after the psychological damage had been done. Kolo Muani, despite scoring, would end up being the losing side’s final penalty taker.

It will be intriguing to see whether football’s lawmakers crack down on the kind of shenanigans for which the name “Martínez” has in recent years become a byword. Although his antics during these deciders may not be to everyone’s taste, it is worth remembering that we got to witness them on Sunday only because of his remarkable save from Kolo Muani in the final minute of extra time. While he is an undeniably massive shithouse,

 

Even BBC Sports reported it:

 

 

The comment section from the match report is full of critic on the goalkeeper, so I m not alone in my opinion.

 

Great final for the neutral. Nice of France to belatedly join the party.

I’m curious as to why there was no card shown to Otamendi for the foul that led to France’s penalty. He made no attempt to play the ball whatsoever. Also, at what point does shithousery become unsporting behavior? Too much leeway is given to goalkeepers trying to get into the heads of players who are about to take the penalty kick

 

 

Somewhat spoiled by Argentina Goalkeepers antics in the shoot out. Can't believe Lineker and Shearer thought his 'tactics' humerous.

No class though. Always show respect to your opponent. If you think it's it's funny to mock and disrespect your opponent, then there's not much I can say. Guess it's the way I've been brought up.

 

The refereeing was god awful in this match. I gotta say Argentina got away with a ridiculous number of fouls that should've been yellows and indeed reds, especially with those nasty fouls near the end(including Messi, who should've been booked on more than one occasion)...The ref to an heavy extent kept Argentina in the match. Also that was never a penalty for Argentina's first goal with Di Maria. The fact that in every game at this World Cup Argentina have been awarded a very soft penalty (that were never pens) etc is very dodgy. I mean they also beat the Netherlands with a penalty that was not a penalty etc It's just ruining the sport. Something really needs to be done about it.

 

That was a great game, very slightly spoiled by the gamesmanship of the Argentina goalkeeper in the shootout.

Has a goalkeeper ever been sent off during a shootout?

 

 

 

 

 

I didn't know that the Argentine goalkeeper verbally disturbed the Colombian players in the CoPA America last year.

 

Today the Guardian is even posting an article on that goalkeeper and his foul play during the shoot out.

 

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/dec/19/emiliano-martinez-shootouts-controversy-and-world-cup-success

 

 

 

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Messi and the Greatest of all time discussion.

 

From previous world cups there was a shift in Messi's style of play.

I m not sure whether it was imposed by the Argentine coach or whether is was made out in a team discussion or by Messi himself.

 

If you look at the earlier World Cups, Messi was always this centered, even self-centered striker that waited for a good ball and to shoot in best way on the goal (if he wasn't neutralised by the opponents). When Messi did not make his goals or if his teammates weren't up to the quality, then Argentina lost (against the first grade opponents).

Messi used to be in a center position waiting for some ball being passed to him and being well placed to make a shot on the goal, eventually dribble a bit around to get nearer to the goal.

 

But if you watched Messi in this tournament, it was all different: Messi shifted more to a Modric or Pirlo style of play, taking the balls from passes and then trying to make the best possible pass to another striker or player. And that probably made the difference. His tactic to integrate more into a team of players and cut well placed passes to other strikers could be well seen in many matches. At least after the group stage of this World Cup, Messi contributed to regular well placed assists. Messi also contributed to back up at the back pitch, which previously was very rare.

 

This worked out with his class to make the extra points.

 

But I find that Greatest of all time player discussion futile.

 

Different periods produced different types of players.

Also, it is a bit unfair if strikers always receive the accolades.

A good defence is as important as having created a team and also having reliable defenders on the pitch.

 

History knows that there have been outstanding defenders.

 

 

 

 

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9 hours ago, singalion said:

 

Not sure if you watched the last 3 matches of Argentina... but that's another story.

 

I m not alone in my view on the Argentine goal keeper.

 

 

Alone with his thoughts, Tchouaméni made the long walk from the centre-circle while Martínez stood in wait, ball in hand as he whipped the crowd behind the goal into a frenzy. Rather than hand the ball to Tchouaméni, he tossed it to one side, forcing the youngster into an unwanted detour as he reached the penalty spot

In the spirit of the unfair play that had preceded it, Martínez riffed on his opponent’s obvious pain with a celebratory sashay across his six-yard box, rolling his shoulders in an exaggerated manner reminiscent of that famous Harry Enfield sketch in which truculent teenager Kevin’s best friend Perry returns from Manchester having morphed into a mini-Liam Gallagher.

Argentina’s goalkeeper has no shortage of previous in the field of gamesmanship and it could be seen on Sunday even before he tried to mess with Tchouaméni’s mind. As first Kylian Mbappé then Coman placed the ball for their kicks, Martínez brazenly attempted to disrupt their preparations by insisting the referee, Szymon Marciniak, check each one was definitely on the spot.

Hugo Lloris, had retrieved the ball after each Argentina penalty and handed it to whichever of his teammates was next up.

Although a subsequent attempt by Martínez to put off Randal Kolo Muani earned a booking, the yellow card was produced too late, long after the psychological damage had been done. Kolo Muani, despite scoring, would end up being the losing side’s final penalty taker.

It will be intriguing to see whether football’s lawmakers crack down on the kind of shenanigans for which the name “Martínez” has in recent years become a byword. Although his antics during these deciders may not be to everyone’s taste, it is worth remembering that we got to witness them on Sunday only because of his remarkable save from Kolo Muani in the final minute of extra time. While he is an undeniably massive shithouse,

 

Even BBC Sports reported it:

 

 

The comment section from the match report is full of critic on the goalkeeper, so I m not alone in my opinion.

 

Great final for the neutral. Nice of France to belatedly join the party.

I’m curious as to why there was no card shown to Otamendi for the foul that led to France’s penalty. He made no attempt to play the ball whatsoever. Also, at what point does shithousery become unsporting behavior? Too much leeway is given to goalkeepers trying to get into the heads of players who are about to take the penalty kick

 

 

Somewhat spoiled by Argentina Goalkeepers antics in the shoot out. Can't believe Lineker and Shearer thought his 'tactics' humerous.

No class though. Always show respect to your opponent. If you think it's it's funny to mock and disrespect your opponent, then there's not much I can say. Guess it's the way I've been brought up.

 

The refereeing was god awful in this match. I gotta say Argentina got away with a ridiculous number of fouls that should've been yellows and indeed reds, especially with those nasty fouls near the end(including Messi, who should've been booked on more than one occasion)...The ref to an heavy extent kept Argentina in the match. Also that was never a penalty for Argentina's first goal with Di Maria. The fact that in every game at this World Cup Argentina have been awarded a very soft penalty (that were never pens) etc is very dodgy. I mean they also beat the Netherlands with a penalty that was not a penalty etc It's just ruining the sport. Something really needs to be done about it.

 

That was a great game, very slightly spoiled by the gamesmanship of the Argentina goalkeeper in the shootout.

Has a goalkeeper ever been sent off during a shootout?

 

 

 

 

 

I didn't know that the Argentine goalkeeper verbally disturbed the Colombian players in the CoPA America last year.

 

Today the Guardian is even posting an article on that goalkeeper and his foul play during the shoot out.

 

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/dec/19/emiliano-martinez-shootouts-controversy-and-world-cup-success

 

 

 

 

Please don't act as such a bitter loser.    It was not Singapore who lost.

 

All the antics of Martinez that prompted you bitter unhappy complaints do not make this goal keeper a dishonest man.  And being accepted to play in Messi's team means that he must be at the top of his game. 

 

Muhammad Ali,  aka Cassius Clay, was also a boxer full of tricks who clowned on the ring in psychological attacks to his opponent,  yet he was THE GREATEST without any doubt. 

 

You should realize that human morality has a much greater range than what society and religions usually define for it.  Then you may become a little more tolerant.

 

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9 hours ago, singalion said:

Messi and the Greatest of all time discussion.

 

From previous world cups there was a shift in Messi's style of play.

I m not sure whether it was imposed by the Argentine coach or whether is was made out in a team discussion or by Messi himself.

 

 

Since when have you become a master tactician in the game of soccer?   Now you are after Messi too?  Are you eating caustic soda?

 

He is THE GREATEST together with other GREATEST.  There is nothing absolute with us humans. 

I was a child when I thought that the violinist Jascha Heifetz was THE GREATEST,  pianist Arthur Rubinstein was THE GREATEST,  cellist Pablo Casals was THE GREATEST, orchestra director Arturo Toscanini was THE GREATEST,  etc. etc.

 

After childhood and now with more experience, I realize that there are multitudes of superlatives.  What I still have to find is the superlative of superlatives.

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15 hours ago, Why? said:

I'm not trying to be biased here, but a reliable source claims that China's state-of-the-art stadium amenities were one of an important factors in Argentina's victory.  I won't be surprised Argentina and China's relationship will deepen further as a result.  

 

China?  What has China to do here?   But you may be right.  I may develop some love for Qatar, if I can put aside their abominable fight against human rights.

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8 hours ago, Steve5380 said:

 

China?  What has China to do here?   But you may be right.  I may develop some love for Qatar, if I can put aside their abominable fight against human rights.

China built numerous significant facilities in Qatar, without which this World Cup soccer match would not have been a success there.  Your human rights issue must have boxed you up, so tightly, that you knew so little about global issues and growth.

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