Bucket of Vindaloo
Jul 8th 2018, 12:32 pm
#166
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Joined: Aug 2009
Location: Dubai
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Re: Bucket of Vindaloo
Seriously though, I didn't realise what a fragile flower you were... Not being on the "it's coming home delirium wagon" does not make me a hater. But this attitude that "if you are not with us, you're against us" is exactly what does turn people into haters.
Meanwhile I think Croatia did England a favour because Russia would have been very difficult to play in a home semi-final. Meanwhile Croatia themselves seem completely unable to repeat their deliciously clinical performance against Argentina so look very beatable. However, they have now come through two shoot-outs and their keeper is a genuine penalty master saver...
Either way, there is no question which of the semi-finals that proper football-lovers are looking forward to.
And you England "fans" that can't grasp the notion that me and many others are not at fever pitch excitement over an average team of decent enough lads riding a big wave of luck, consider how much regard the voters of England showed to the rest of the UK, and to the island of Ireland in particular, in June 2016, to understand why we may be reluctant to show solidarity that is rarely returned when it matters.
Meanwhile I think Croatia did England a favour because Russia would have been very difficult to play in a home semi-final. Meanwhile Croatia themselves seem completely unable to repeat their deliciously clinical performance against Argentina so look very beatable. However, they have now come through two shoot-outs and their keeper is a genuine penalty master saver...
Either way, there is no question which of the semi-finals that proper football-lovers are looking forward to.
And you England "fans" that can't grasp the notion that me and many others are not at fever pitch excitement over an average team of decent enough lads riding a big wave of luck, consider how much regard the voters of England showed to the rest of the UK, and to the island of Ireland in particular, in June 2016, to understand why we may be reluctant to show solidarity that is rarely returned when it matters.
Jul 8th 2018, 7:59 pm
#167
Excess Baggage
Joined: Jul 2006
Location: UK
Posts: 5,479
Re: Bucket of Vindaloo
Seriously though, I didn't realise what a fragile flower you were... Not being on the "it's coming home delirium wagon" does not make me a hater. But this attitude that "if you are not with us, you're against us" is exactly what does turn people into haters.
Meanwhile I think Croatia did England a favour because Russia would have been very difficult to play in a home semi-final. Meanwhile Croatia themselves seem completely unable to repeat their deliciously clinical performance against Argentina so look very beatable. However, they have now come through two shoot-outs and their keeper is a genuine penalty master saver...
Either way, there is no question which of the semi-finals that proper football-lovers are looking forward to.
And you England "fans" that can't grasp the notion that me and many others are not at fever pitch excitement over an average team of decent enough lads riding a big wave of luck, consider how much regard the voters of England showed to the rest of the UK, and to the island of Ireland in particular, in June 2016, to understand why we may be reluctant to show solidarity that is rarely returned when it matters.
Meanwhile I think Croatia did England a favour because Russia would have been very difficult to play in a home semi-final. Meanwhile Croatia themselves seem completely unable to repeat their deliciously clinical performance against Argentina so look very beatable. However, they have now come through two shoot-outs and their keeper is a genuine penalty master saver...
Either way, there is no question which of the semi-finals that proper football-lovers are looking forward to.
And you England "fans" that can't grasp the notion that me and many others are not at fever pitch excitement over an average team of decent enough lads riding a big wave of luck, consider how much regard the voters of England showed to the rest of the UK, and to the island of Ireland in particular, in June 2016, to understand why we may be reluctant to show solidarity that is rarely returned when it matters.
Jul 9th 2018, 4:48 am
#168
Knee deep and rising
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,007
Re: Bucket of Vindaloo
Watched both games and as mentioned thought England were properly in control from start to finish, actually Sweden seemed subdued but perhaps that was because they were being well marshalled. Best thing about the game for me was even at 2-0 England still played forward and didn't start parking the bus, massive difference in attitude to previous teams. Croatia got the job done the hard way against Russia, though it looked a struggle against a buoyant home team.
Predictions for the semi finals - France to beat Belgium as I think the French midfield will finally gel and fire up plus I think they have more going forward than Belgium can handle. Croatia to beat England narrowly, despite their tiredness I think they have too much in the middle of the park for England to deal with.
It's been an enjoyable world cup from a neutral's perspective
Predictions for the semi finals - France to beat Belgium as I think the French midfield will finally gel and fire up plus I think they have more going forward than Belgium can handle. Croatia to beat England narrowly, despite their tiredness I think they have too much in the middle of the park for England to deal with.
It's been an enjoyable world cup from a neutral's perspective
Jul 9th 2018, 9:50 am
#169
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Aug 2009
Location: Dubai
Posts: 4,017
Re: Bucket of Vindaloo
Watched both games and as mentioned thought England were properly in control from start to finish, actually Sweden seemed subdued but perhaps that was because they were being well marshalled. Best thing about the game for me was even at 2-0 England still played forward and didn't start parking the bus, massive difference in attitude to previous teams. Croatia got the job done the hard way against Russia, though it looked a struggle against a buoyant home team.
Predictions for the semi finals - France to beat Belgium as I think the French midfield will finally gel and fire up plus I think they have more going forward than Belgium can handle. Croatia to beat England narrowly, despite their tiredness I think they have too much in the middle of the park for England to deal with.
It's been an enjoyable world cup from a neutral's perspective
Predictions for the semi finals - France to beat Belgium as I think the French midfield will finally gel and fire up plus I think they have more going forward than Belgium can handle. Croatia to beat England narrowly, despite their tiredness I think they have too much in the middle of the park for England to deal with.
It's been an enjoyable world cup from a neutral's perspective
Hoping England do it but they are a decent side.
Jul 9th 2018, 2:57 pm
#170
Hit 16's
Joined: Mar 2010
Location: Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine
Posts: 13,112
Re: Bucket of Vindaloo
Haven't seen any of the French matches. What might we be up against?
ps A Moroccan colleague said she hopes France win because they're the only African team left in the tournament.
ps A Moroccan colleague said she hopes France win because they're the only African team left in the tournament.
Last edited by Bahtatboy; Jul 9th 2018 at 3:04 pm.
Jul 9th 2018, 8:08 pm
#171
...we killed the flame
Joined: Jan 2017
Location: Dubai
Posts: 1,086
Re: Bucket of Vindaloo
Watched both games and as mentioned thought England were properly in control from start to finish, actually Sweden seemed subdued but perhaps that was because they were being well marshalled. Best thing about the game for me was even at 2-0 England still played forward and didn't start parking the bus, massive difference in attitude to previous teams. Croatia got the job done the hard way against Russia, though it looked a struggle against a buoyant home team.
Predictions for the semi finals - France to beat Belgium as I think the French midfield will finally gel and fire up plus I think they have more going forward than Belgium can handle. Croatia to beat England narrowly, despite their tiredness I think they have too much in the middle of the park for England to deal with.
It's been an enjoyable world cup from a neutral's perspective
Predictions for the semi finals - France to beat Belgium as I think the French midfield will finally gel and fire up plus I think they have more going forward than Belgium can handle. Croatia to beat England narrowly, despite their tiredness I think they have too much in the middle of the park for England to deal with.
It's been an enjoyable world cup from a neutral's perspective
Despite being a bitter hater and feeling like the only sober guy on the nightbus, I think England will beat Croatia, who have looked laboured ever since their magical but apparently one-off performance against Argentina. There is currently some political scandal in Croatia related to football and Modric has been charged with perjury for defending the apparently corrupt head of their FA (I know, shocking...). Accordingly there seems to be some ambivalence in the support for the team and perhaps that's playing on their minds though their calmness during the shoot-outs wouldn't suggest that is the case. Either way they don't seem to be able to get their act together even against mediocre opposition and England are certainly up for it and full of energy and willing, even if they rely on a few predictable routes to score. I think it may well be like the England-Sweden match to be honest.
But Croatia could show up and give another masterclass and then even I would feel for the England lads. That is the beauty of football and this world cup in particular, which is terrific for a neutral as you say.
I think it will be the most one-sided final since 1998 though. With the same winners.
Jul 9th 2018, 8:12 pm
#172
...we killed the flame
Joined: Jan 2017
Location: Dubai
Posts: 1,086
Re: Bucket of Vindaloo
There is a thing going around on Whatsapp, and probably Facebook I guess, showing the African origins of most of the players. Off-hand I can only think of Griezman, Giroud, Pavard and Lloris who don't have some African roots
Jul 10th 2018, 2:33 am
#173
Lost in BE Cyberspace
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Re: Bucket of Vindaloo
I have been backing Belgium to win since the beginning and I still think they can do it, unless of course they face the unstoppable England in the final.
Pickford saved our ass in the last game and I’m not sure how far his “never in the right position” luck can run. He may have peaked too soon.
Jul 11th 2018, 6:16 am
#175
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Re: Bucket of Vindaloo
Last edited by Millhouse; Jul 11th 2018 at 6:20 am.
Jul 11th 2018, 7:26 am
#176
Account Closed
Joined: Feb 2011
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Re: Bucket of Vindaloo
But, my boss, who I don't really respect as a football fan because he supports Portsmouth said he thought most of the French team (Giroud, Griezmann and a few others) looked very tired....which was interesting and I agree with. They were a bit sluggish. Guess fatigue will affect every team but I'm clutching at straws for the final if we make it.
Jul 11th 2018, 7:38 am
#177
"Insert witty title here"
Joined: Nov 2012
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Re: Bucket of Vindaloo
I shall maintain my conspiracy theory that the bookies got to Belgian's Number 9!!! 
Jul 11th 2018, 7:40 am
#178
Knee deep and rising
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,007
Re: Bucket of Vindaloo
Totally. Mbappe is a joke.
But, my boss, who I don't really respect as a football fan because he supports Portsmouth said he thought most of the French team (Giroud, Griezmann and a few others) looked very tired....which was interesting and I agree with. They were a bit sluggish. Guess fatigue will affect every team but I'm clutching at straws for the final if we make it.
But, my boss, who I don't really respect as a football fan because he supports Portsmouth said he thought most of the French team (Giroud, Griezmann and a few others) looked very tired....which was interesting and I agree with. They were a bit sluggish. Guess fatigue will affect every team but I'm clutching at straws for the final if we make it.
Extra day rest now also. Doesn't rule out a (fat) Ronaldo or Zidane style melt down on the day of the final though
Jul 11th 2018, 7:50 am
#180
Lost in BE Cyberspace
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Re: Bucket of Vindaloo
Is he being ironic? That French team were full of running, harassed Belgium in groups and played a lot of dutch style 'total football' in the sense of playing all over the park and out of position.
Extra day rest now also. Doesn't rule out a (fat) Ronaldo or Zidane style melt down on the day of the final though
Extra day rest now also. Doesn't rule out a (fat) Ronaldo or Zidane style melt down on the day of the final though