I have a feeling we're going to be facing the real possibility of teams going to the final based on a penalty shootout or at the very least going into extra time.
We already showed a lot of nerves today, and both teams will be very nervy-the pressure will be immense. I sense both sides going for a defensive game plan.
I want to be wrong so badly as it's an awful way to reach a final.
Croatia are on a roll with penalty shoot outs so stuff that, I find it hard to imagine England vs Croatia game will be goalless.
In that case I'm holding you to your word. If your wrong......... *polishes hammer*
Hot Russian women aside, I napped through the second half and penalties.I was actually saying it to my own post before "it has penalties written all over this game" "or not... knew that would happen".
But yeh this game has been really dire to watch, I've found it pretty boring.
Yeah Croatia just have scary names but not much of a team.
RLC is the last person I would play. Not been impressed with his off the ball movement, its incredibly poor you see the difference between him and Lingard who works so hard making sure Hendo isn't always left alone in the middle. Can't afford no passengers in a semi final.As much as I would love England to make the World Cup final, I honestly don't think we're favourites. Croatia aren't really playing at a high level at the moment, but given the firepower they have, and their result against Argentina, I think they'll fancy themselves against us. I've been very impressed with how Southgate has been utilising set pieces, and encouraging passing out from the defence, but there's been little creativity in attacking areas outside of dead ball situations. Perhaps if we used Sterling/Rashford to exploit the space between Croatia's full-backs, who seem to like to roam forward, then we could get the ball to Kane on the counter, but at the moment creativity is a key issue. At least we showed against Sweden we can actually keep a clean sheet though!
On a side note, I really hope Loftus-Cheek and Rashford are given more of an opportunity against Croatia, especially given Alli and, to a lesser extent, Sterling's travails. Loftus-Cheek's passing range and height could be great weapons against the Croats, while Rashford is able to create opportunities for himself. Having said that, Southgate definitely seems to know what he's doing, so I'm sure football's coming home regardless! (H)