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Russia 2018 General Chat

Danners9

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Mar 30, 2004
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Tim Cahilltex has taken Jamie Maclaren's spot

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer...ry-over-cahill-selection-20180515-p4zfbx.html

Scotland-based striker Jamie Maclaren was the controversial omission from the 26-man training squad that will assemble in Antalya in Turkey next week, despite emerging as the most prolific Australian striker since January. Not even a hat-trick for Hibernian in their last game of the season against Rangers was enough to earn Maclaren a spot in the training camp squad despite being closely monitored by van Marwijk and his assistant coaches in recent weeks.

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Spursh

Well-Known Member
Jul 21, 2009
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Based on their squads, form, and experience, this is how I see the teams...

1. Spain
2. Germany
3. Brazil
4. France
5. Belgium
6. Croatia
7. Portugal
8. Uruguay
9. England
10. Argentina
11. Colombia

With a fit and firing Costa, Spain have the best chance - their midfield is extraordinary. Germany's golden generation are slightly on the wane, but they have some exciting talent coming through and it's Germany, so expect at least the last four. Brazil are looking strong, particularly at either end of the pitch. France have incredible talent, as do Belgium, but experience and management may be their undoing. Croatia have arguably the best midfield in the tournament after Spain, and some very strong forwards. Portugal have Ronaldo and some excellent midfielders but have a very average defence. Uruguay have a straight forward group, and could go far with their top class striking and centre halve pairings, supported by a talented, young midfield. England will do well to get to the quarters IMO, but if we set up correctly (counter-attacking), you never know. Argentina are incredibly top-heavy, and against the better sides, their lack of defensive and midfield quality will tell. Colombia are the outsiders but could cause and upset, especially if they are drawn against England in the round of 16 - in Rodriguez, Falcao, Cuadrado, and Sanchez amongst some others, they have excellent quality.
 
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spursfan77

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Aug 13, 2005
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Where do people stand on this. Walk off the pitch or carry on.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/footbal...ayers-prepared-racial-abuse-world-cup-russia/

On one hand walking off the pitch is a big statement but we’ve seen that the authorities in the past will do nothing against racism except probably kick a team out the tournament. I would like to see us make a stand against it but by walking off the pitch I could see us only harming ourselves. But carrying on just let’s them get away with it. Maybe players don’t leave the pitch, just sit down or something.
 

nailsy

SC Supporter
Jul 24, 2005
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Where do people stand on this. Walk off the pitch or carry on.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/footbal...ayers-prepared-racial-abuse-world-cup-russia/

On one hand walking off the pitch is a big statement but we’ve seen that the authorities in the past will do nothing against racism except probably kick a team out the tournament. I would like to see us make a stand against it but by walking off the pitch I could see us only harming ourselves. But carrying on just let’s them get away with it. Maybe players don’t leave the pitch, just sit down or something.

Walking off won't achieve anything. They should just tell the ref as soon as it happens and let him inform the stadium authorities who will hopefully take action. If the abuse continues then I agree that sitting down on the pitch would make an impact as it will be seen on live TV all across the world.
 

werty

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Aug 8, 2005
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Did Nainggolan have a falling out with Martinez? Strange decision if it's just for footballing reasons.


What's Januzaj up to these days?
 

Ghost Hardware

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Aug 31, 2012
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Nainggolan played just 6 minutes of the entire qualifying campaign...
Yeah, he wasn't expected to make it, but Belgium are tacticaly all over the place under Martinez. It's a shame as he has obviously now retired from international duty. Not having him in the squad is not going to help them.
 

Ghost Hardware

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Aug 31, 2012
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Did Nainggolan have a falling out with Martinez? Strange decision if it's just for footballing reasons.


What's Januzaj up to these days?
I don't think he likes his character, he is a bit of a wild card, he smokes etc. But he is capable of winning you a match and shows up for big games.
 

wirE

I'm a well-known member
Sep 27, 2005
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Nainggolan officially retired from international football :yikes!

 

werty

Well-Known Member
Aug 8, 2005
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Benteke in the provisional squad too. Surely he can't make the full thing.
 

wirE

I'm a well-known member
Sep 27, 2005
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Did Nainggolan have a falling out with Martinez? Strange decision if it's just for footballing reasons.


What's Januzaj up to these days?

He's at Real Sociedad. Thought it was just a season long loan deal but apparently he's been sold from United
 

Cravenspurs

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Jul 31, 2011
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He'll be back if/when they flop and Martinez gets sacked.

He’s over 30 and plays a rather physical game. Can’t see him being in the fold for much longer.

That being said I would put our sale funds down on bringing him to us.
 

belsunz

Well-Known Member
May 19, 2007
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Martinez is an idiot, left Nainggolan out of WC team but taking Chadli and Januzaj.
Martinez is in the centre of a huge media storm here in Belgium with his selection. Nainggolan is one the most popular players of Belgium. Got an incredible applause when he came on during the last friendly. He is a true warrior who leaves his heart on the pitch and was our best player at the Euros. Regrettably, Martinez prefers Witsel as Defensive mid. Witsel is everything we hate to see: a sell-out who is currently playing in China (which is about League 1 level) and who's is the master of vertical passes and slowing down play.

We are playing against Portugal on 2nd of June. Supporters have turned to Facebook and Twitter to announce protests against Martinez. If the friendly is not a success, the atmosphere will become very toxic soon.
 

belsunz

Well-Known Member
May 19, 2007
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Benteke in the provisional squad too. Surely he can't make the full thing.
He's pretty nailed for the final squad of 23 as well. Now claiming in the Belgium press he 'expected his selection despite a difficult season'. Jesus wept.
 
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