Morning, chaps! We've reached the two-week milestone of this World Cup today. We're also moving on to the side of the bracket that UWS (and others) have marked out as the weaker of the two and the one that we want England to stay on. First up this morning is Group F, with Germany - despite its last gasp win at the weekend - with a lot to do. Three sides - Mexico and Sweden along with the Germans - are still this one, so it should be a thrill ride.
This afternoon, we've got Group E. Like Germany, Brazil have been underwhelming, only securing a win in stoppage time against Costa Rica. As with Group F, there are still several permutations for this one. I'm taking the day off work to enjoy the proceedings with you lot, so join me for the day. Cheers!
636 Comments:
Wahay! The Fox coverage has started on FS1. I've been looking forward to this day for quite some time. Both groups look really competitive. I hope we get some great games.
Morning Boys
I am watching regular Fox for the pre-game but definitely turning it to FS1 for the Germany match... I won't be able to handle the Mexican commentator on Fox
I'll have the Mexico on the Beeb
Both these groups are wide open and each team need to go for the win
Mexico could be the first team to win their first two games and still go out.... that is unfair!
For Mexico to advance, it means Germany will probably advance
A point for Mexico would mean that a Germany win would qualify them
Morning, UWS. My ideal scenario today would be one that produces a Brazil v. Germany Round of 16 match-up. However, I have a sneaking suspicion that both sides might avoid each other by somehow topping the group the way that Spain ended up doing in Group B. Neither team has been impressive yet.
If that is the case, finishing first or second wouldn't really matter because Brazil and Germany would be in either
Of course, Colombia is waiting there..so we need to see where they finish
BBC is showing Escape to the Country... pre-game doesn't start until 9:45.... not good show BBC
All four teams can still qualify
South Korea need a two goal swing with a win and a Mexico win
Exactly. Although, on current form, I'd fancy England, who have a younger and more dynamic side. But you know how these hoodoos with the big teams get inside the heads of our players.
The two officials that caused the ruckus on the bench after the German's win... are suspended by them
As I suspected, Germany/Korea on BBC1 and the other on BBC2
Teams in the tunnel in Kazan now:
South Korea: Cho; Yong Lee, Yun, Kim Young-gwon, Hong; Jang, Jung, Koo; Lee Jae-sung, Moon, Son.
Germany: Neuer; Kimmich, Hummels, Sule, Hector; Khedira, Goretzka, Kroos; Reus, Werner, Ozil.
Referee: Mark Geiger (USA).
I reckon that the Mexico v. Sweden match might be the better one. I'll have that one on the big screen and the Germany v. Korea match on the PIP small screen.
I just can't listen to them!
I have it on the other match, is it the Screamer?
Good morning , Bob and Dave. Up for Group F and the locals will be watching a nail biting end to this group as a loss means elimination despite two opening wins for Mexico. Even Germany is not guarantee of advancing despite being heavy favorites over what has been a thuggish Korean side.
The teams enjoying the anthems in Ekaterinburg:
Mexico: Ochoa, Alvarez, Salcedo, Moreno, Gallardo, Layun, Guardado, Herrera, Vela, Lozano, Hernandez.
Subs: Jose de Jesus Corona, Ayala, Marquez, Gutierrez, Jonathan, Fabian, Jimenez, Giovani, Jesus Corona, Peralta, Aquino, Talavera.
Sweden: Olsen, Lustig, Lindelof, Granqvist, Augustinsson, Claesson, Larsson, Ekdal, Forsberg, Berg, Toivonen.
Subs: Johnsson, Olsson, Guidetti, Svensson, Helander, Hiljemark, Krafth, Jansson, Rohden, Durmaz, Thelin, Nordfeldt.
Referee: Nestor Pitana (Argentina)
How do you guys want this group to work out?
Could have been Argentina out yesterday... still in
Today could have Germany AND Brazil out...they'll still be in
Germany vs Korea from Kazan while Mexico vs Sweden from Ekaterinburg.
I want Mexico and and Korea to win
We are off for Germany/Korea
They're off from Kazan then Ekaterinburg a few seconds later.
Turned it over for the kick off of Mexico and I had to turn it over
IIIIIIIIIIIIIT's SOOOOOOOCER TIIIME
HAAAAAATE IIIIIIT
Swedish player al;ready down. It was a bit clumsy. Toivonen should be tougher than that
We're away in this one from Ekaterinburg. Both sides are wearing traditional colors. The only drawback here is having to deal with El Presidente.
Very early yellow for Mexico
It was head to head....not elbow
Korea get the ball in the box... comes to nothing
Agreed, mate. He's horrible.
Wow - close call for Sweden there; Berg goes close. Cleared off the line.
ooh, Sweden go close
Sweden a threat from along free kick
LOL! Not just the announcers. How about the horrible filming from what seems like a thousand feet up.
Strange as it may ssund it's 7 PM in Ekaterinburg and 5 PM in Kazan
Ochoa called for handball inches outside the box.
Sweden need to put Dahlgren on...he'd net one!!
Ochoa pushes away the near post effort from the free kick then is fouled while gathering the rebound
Ochoa with a save.... Mexico are going to blow it!!
Neither team on top in Kazan
Both teams wearing their traditional kits in this match. In the Germany vs Korea match both teams wearing their change kits.
Here's the picture in Group F as we type:
Mexico - 7 points GD=2
Germany - 4 pts GD=0
Sweden - 4 pts GD=0
S. Korea - 4 pts GD=-2
Strange how groups work out
Teams qualify so early...other don't even though they have the same points!
Teams struggle at first but then are still alive
Chalky Lozano in a pickle as he's fouled by Claesson
Sorry, Korea have 0 points.
Yellow for Korea
Morning, MUR - I didn't see you come on. Welcome to the party. I hope you're having a good morning.
1 point if the scores are the same
Early booking for a Korean player . Could have been red.
Morning all if I didn't say it already
Cheers, Bob. Slept in a tad later than expected
I think you're right, UWS. El Tri look really nervous. They just need a point!
Cheers, Dave. Glad to be on board
Bob, did you read the article I sent you about Pep making your team better next season?
How's the Erie Canal project going, UWS?
German free kick
Its' headed away
No - my phone ran out of juice. I've got to plug it in and I'll have a look at half-time. Thanks for sending that. I'm rubbish at my phone. Much better on FB.
Oh - great acrobatic effort there from Berg. Just wide.
OH!!! A corner from Augustinsson in June was headed on by Toivonen and just wide by Markus Berg
My link is 30 second behind the TV
I read the article. Bob will be pleased that Leeds is getting some bald power help
United to be promoted...thanks to City
A very defensive minded Sweden is forced to attack due to the standings in the group.
Volley from Forsberg well wide. Halfway to the icebergs.
Jonas Hector wins a German corner.
You are rubbish with texts
Korean player down. Looked like an awkward foul
OH! Just wide by Vela .Best Mexican move of the match
Khedira called for a high boot. Koran free kick
A Korean kicked in the face... got a foul... didn't go down like he had been shot
Forsberg wide open , but shoots well over. End to end this match
Nuerer spills the free kick...punches it away
Neuer fumnbles the free kick then it's cleared away as he holds his head
Corner headed away then A korean effort lands in Row M.
Vela has a cross deflected for a corner.
Germany not impressing again
A spell of Mexico pressure as they win another corner.
Since I rely on an antennae, I only have the Mexico match on both Fox and Telemundo (which I watch). I will be forced to rely on updates on the computer for the Germany game. Maybe better that way given my nervousness.
Germany once again has cycled in a lot of different players compared to the last match. Granted, Rudy is injured and Boateng is barred.
As things stand Germany will be runners up with head to head vs Sweden as the tie breaker.
Mexican manager hacking up a lung on the sideline
Korean go close!!!
Chance for Korea Well wide by Number One Son
This has been a cracking match so far. Sweden have been bossing it but Mexico had the best chance so far.
Welcome RD
Mexico just needs to hold onto the bar and not concede spot kicks on their side of the pitch, and they should be alright.
Good get by Ochoa there on the cross.
Morning, Red Devil - welcome to the party! This is a fascinating group. I'm really enjoying the action this morning.
Apparently the other Red Devils are keeping Hair Bear!!
Good afternoon, RD. Sounds like you are rooting for Germany. The locals in our area are passionate Mexico fans.
Thanks UWS.
BD, I think that the opening flurry by Sweden has passed, as Mexico has figured out how to hold onto the ball better.
Fred says that Seb Larsson is suspended for the next match because he got a card to match his jersey, which he says is rather naughty
Seb Larsson in the book... will be suspended for the next match if there is one
Toivonen down.Bob and Steve would not be doing that.
Modern day cross by the Germans... finds no one!!
It is the right thing that the Mexico match should be on, here in the states.
Was that a handball by Chicha? Looked like it to me. VAR review?
Lots of Korean players down. Hard to believe they're really hurt
Argentine referee running off for the VAR evidence now.
I don't think it was a handball. Looks like it was the chest. I don't see definitive proof.
Ref going to the VAR to see if Sweden is awarded a spot kick
The Swedish manager is upset again...this time he wants a penalty
The ref is going to take a look to see if it is a penalty against Hernandez
I think that was the right call. It was close, but you just can't tell.
No penalty
Phil Neville says it isn't
No penalty is the decision. Swedish manager is livid.
Swedish manager none too pleased. I've seen those given Chicha will be relieved.
Oh - Ochoa with a great, sharp save from Berg. Sweden really knocking on the door here.
It is tough to play Korea. I believe they are the team that fouls the most at the World Cup. That makes it difficult to build up much of a rhythm.
Mexico struggle at the Swedish corner as Ochoa tips over a close range volley
Next corner too high even for the Jolly Green Giant.
On the German match...they said a penalty had been given!
That looked more like a penalty to me than the Rojo case yesterday. I would have given a pen.
agreed, RD. If the refs would clamp down on the Koreans they wouldn't foul so much
I think Sweden will have plenty of chances. They are getting extremely close with a minimum of effort. Just win corners.
Forsberg should have controlled that.
Haven't seen a penalty in that match
Half chance there - Forsberg crosses and an acrobatic effort on the volley. Difficult skill there.
I was talking to Matt last night about the pens and non pens
He said there was a difference between the Iranian pen and Nigerian pen
Iran's pen was headed by the striker onto the defenders arm
Nigeria's pen was headed by the defender on to his own arm.. a useless bit of defending...pen!
I noticed that in the last match with Mexico. This is the dirtiest Korean side I've ever seen.
The commentator in the German match said a pen was given in the Mexico match
My local FB friends were livid at the Koreans vs Mexico on Saturday, One said Puro Faltas Correa!
Both teams in green don't scare me
MUR. Not sure much can be done about it. Korea distribute the fouls pretty well across the whole team, so they don't even pick up many yellows. Osoria complained about this after Mexico won the last game.
That's been the most inconsistent element of the VAR review process. Referees are still having trouble with the penalty decisions even after VAR.
Everything to play for in Group F.... no goals!!
I took my eye off that match for a few seconds . It may have been reviewed. If it was it was missed.
On form, Germany don't scare me. But we all know what happens when England play Germany (1966 and 2000 notwithstanding). Mexico scare me on form, as they're a really good attacking side on their day, with a solid core at the back and a better goalkeeper than England.
High and wide by Vela.
Germany has played poorly in group matches and made it to the final.
Korean goes down in pain without being touched... after some treatment he's back on
The refs give the same reason as RD. One ref once said that if the fouls are evenly distributed, the ref has the right to book a player for persistent team fouling. If a player was booked after every fifth or tenth team foul would that help. Perhaps not fair , but it may solve the problem
That's my point exactly, MUR. Germany has a tournament mentality second to none. They have the knack of getting through the rounds with minimum effort.
German shot off the post after the ref blew whistle.
Another chance for the Swedes to pump the ball into the box now. Set pieces should be an asset to the Swedes as they're nearly the tallest side in the tournament.
Germany just didn't expect to face Brazil in the round of Sixteen and they may want revenge for that embarrassment from four years ago
Korean player going down looking for a penalty. Mark Geiger having none of it and rightly so
Really hate how El Presidente reacts to half chances like that shot that was deflected into the keeper's arms.
Geiger is an excellent referee. I don't expect him to suffer fools today.
A triplet of stoppage time minutes in Kazan and a pair in Ekaterinburg
Anderson is continuing to chatter in the fourth officials ears about that non-penalty call. He needs to calm down.
Sweden is disciplined on the defense, but they are not great finishers.
Oh - excellent break from Sweden ends with Berg firing into the side netting. He should have shot across the keeper. The near post was always going to be covered by Ochoa.
Side netting by Dahlgren on the left wing
Classic Swedish counter and Markus Berg should have scored , but his shot went into the side netting with just Ochoa to beat. it's 0-0 at the half
Half-time in Ekaterinburg. Goalless.
Get it on target Bob
Goalless in Kazan as well. As it stands, Mexico and Germany will progress in that order.
It's 0-0 at the half in the other match as well. The group still wide open as we like it.
Hey, I'm a "Dahl" (valley) not a "Berg" (town). Don't blame me, mate.
Shearer very unimpressed and disappointed with the Germans
Looking at the pen incident.. looks like it did hit the arm!!
Thanks for the Leeds article, UWS. I don't quite trust The Sun as a source, but I'd love it if Citeh loaned us some players. I'll have KDB, Sane, Gabby Jesus, and Sergio, ta very much.
Stat given by Lineker
This is the first time in German history that they have failed to score a first half goal in the group stages of the World Cup!!
They scored NINE in 2014
Back on for the second half now.
Kick off in the Mexican game was before the German
Sweden get us started again in Ekaterinburg. Do or die time for Sweden - and Korea in Kazan. They have to push it, otherwise Mexico and Germany go through.
Second half underway a few seconds earlier in Kazan than Ekaterinburg
Sorry . Other way around
Great save by Korean keeper
Shoot the damn ball Korea!!
Wow - that is a telling stat, UWS.
WOW ! Interesting stat from Lineker. Slow start even by German standards yet they can still advance.
From Teamtalk.com
Leeds United have been linked with loan raids for Premier League pair Phil Foden and Juan Foyth.
According to reports, new Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa has been offered the chance to sign Manchester City’s Foden and Tottenham Hotspur’s Foyth after the appointment of the Argentine as manager. The reports were further substantiated by Leeds blogger Simon O’Rourke.
Germany haven't conceded any second half goals
That was a superb save
SWEDEN SCORE!!!
GOAL !!!SWEDEN TAKES THE LEAD.
GOAL! SWEDEN TAKE THE LEAD!
Germany goes close
Looked closer than it was
Right now, Sweden in first Mexico in second
A bit jammy there. The cross was bobbled on by Berg and Augustinsson volleys past Ochoa.
Now then, that goal would mean that Sweden and Mexico are now going through and that Germany need a goal to survive. Can they find an escape hatch again?
Not a typical Swedish goal. Seb Larsson played wide right and a pass in the box was picked off the heel of Claessen and put away by Augustinsson in the month of June.
I would think that if there is a three-way tie for the group lead, Germany will suffer with the fair play due to the red card.
Still, they need to win to even get there.
First ever international goal by Augustinsson by the way. What a moment for him? Not only would that goal assure Sweden's progress but it also might mean that they would avoid a difficult match against Brazil in the R16.
Augustinsson with another chance in June.
Did you see my impersonation s Woodward and Bernstein getting a second source!!
Now we're seeing why they are here instead of Italy, but with some tactics similar to the Italians.
Actually, I think that the head to head would mean that Germany would trump Sweden, because of the win.
I saw that mate - very All the President's Men. I approve.
Seb LArsson down for Sweden and Korea look to make a double substitution.As things stand , Korea is eliminated even if they win
A Swede is out with a stretcher
Seb Larsson on the ground...looks like he got a knock on the head
This is going to add a lot of time of course
Being taken off by stretcher and being replaced by Svenson... MLS guy?
I'll probably hang in there with this match until about the 80th minute mark and then turn over to the Germany game.
Sweden bring on an MLS player as Gus Svensson of the Sounders , on for Seb Larsson , of the Tigers
Right now, Germany out
A goal for Germany the go top!
If Sweden score another... then what!!
Mexico out
Germany going all out as they have to. Super Mario on for Kehdira, which worked very well against Sweden
If Sweden win, South Korea are out no matter what
Nice , witty source, UWS. Well done.
Penalty to Sweden! Real problems for Mexico now with the GD, potentially!
PENALTY TO SWEDEN!!
Looked like Sweden should have a penalty. They do.
Looks like a pk to me. No contact with the ball, even if the Swede was looking for contact.
I think that was a dead on pen; I don't know what El Presidente's argument is. Very clear.
Would this mean Germany would be thru
Hector Moreno booked for a foul on MArkus Berg
TWO NIL!!
Granqvist to take....
Scores! Excellent penalty! 2-0!
GOAL ! GRANQVIST WITH A PENALTY IN THE UPPER 90 PUTS SWEDEN TWO UP.
Does that mean Mexico are out?
Mueller on for Goretzka. Why didn't he start
Germany still need a goal
Sweden now have +2 GD
Mexico now have 0 GD
Germany have 0 GD but would have +1 if they scored. How could Mexico survive if Germany win ?
If Germany score... they always score... Mexico are OUT
I'm switching over to the other match now; that's where all the action is now.
Mexico need a goal
That's what I'm thinking, too. I don't know what El Presidente and his friend were talking about. The GD picture is clear.
Son refuses to shoot then dives... yellow for him
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