World Cup 2018

[JTEDL]

World cup stat - Neymar has so far spent a combined 13 minutes 50 seconds lying on the ground during open play... wow!

[smeeandu]

naymar should get a oscar

[Dallas]

naymar should get a oscar

That would imply his acting is good

[SeaHorseRacing]

World cup stat - Neymar has so far spent a combined 13 minutes 50 seconds lying on the ground during open play... wow!

Come tomorrow he will be spending probably longer crying and wondering how Belgium knocked them out.

[dt888]

A second group stage before the knockout, like they had in 1978, would reward qualifying teams with another 3 games and drastically reduce the number of penalty shoot-outs.

There's going to be 48 teams in 2026 so maybe something like that will happen.

Think its going to be groups of 3 with an extra round of 32 knockout game

[dt888]

Now it's sinking in last nights result was even more remarkable when you look at a few facts we overcame to pull It off

England had never won a WC penalty shootout...

Bearing in mind I'm not a football fan, I was quite surprise to hear we never won a World Cup penalty shoot-out before, but I was much less surprised when I heard we only had three previous WC penalty shoot-outs.

On a slightly different subject, I remember the 1978 WC in Argentina, won by Argentina. 16 teams, 4 groups of 4, top 2 of each group went through to form 2 groups of 4. Top 2 of each group made the semi-final. A second group stage before the knockout, like they had in 1978, would reward qualifying teams with another 3 games and drastically reduce the number of penalty shoot-outs.

But also reduce the excitement a little. The knockout stages is what its all about for me

[ShaunWhite]

2 more sleeps until England potentially become semi finalist!!

I think you need to start enjoying the here and now rather than pinning your happiness on future success. (Says the guy who's seen a lot of World Cups & Euros etc). I've mentally accepted we're out on Saturday, so it'll will be 'nevermind' or '%£$@~* fantastic' rather than too much grief.

I wish it was 50 sleeps, moments feeling like this come along very very rarely ! I'll probably be in my box before the next one.

[dt888]

Im no fan of the third place game at all.

Imagine our boys being knocked out in the semi, giving blood sweat and tears, then having to stick around to play that game

[ShaunWhite]

Im no fan of the third place game at all.

Imagine our boys being knocked out in the semi, giving blood sweat and tears, then having to stick around to play that game

It's always been totally meaningless. Both runners up should get a 'bronze'.
We haven't had a 3rd/4th playoff in the FA cup since '75 and even then they only did it from '70.

[Jukebox]

There is the possiblilty that a golden boot might still be up for grabs, there is also still a great deal of money to be played for - which might only mean a new handbag for a top players wag but would be substantial for most teams taking part. Isn't there also future ranking/seeding to consider? This is an opportunity to take a step towards clearing a strong rival out of your way for next time.

[dt888]

I would guess the vast majority would be in favour of getting rid of it.

I had a heated debate with one very knowledgable guy some years ago who was in favour of it. The sort of bloke who could reel off football facts for fun. After listening to his argument for some time and hardly getting a word in edgeways, I challenged him to name all the third and fourth place teams over the World Cups.

He did get some right but I enjoyed watching him squirm after giving his speech beforehand!

[dt888]

There is the possiblilty that a golden boot might still be up for grabs, there is also still a great deal of money to be played for - which might only mean a new handbag for a top players wag but would be substantial for most teams taking part. Isn't there also future ranking/seeding to consider? This is an opportunity to take a step towards clearing a strong rival out of your way for next time.

The difference in prize money between third and fourth is tiny, just pool it and split

Nobody will be thinking about 'next time' when 3 or 4 days earlier they have just experienced the biggest footballing disappointment of their lives. Broken hearts and broken bodys, Im sure they will just be wanting to get on a plane home

[Jukebox]

The 'difference' might be small but the amount isn't - and you can't get the money if you don't have a match and sell the tv rights etc. I think though that the bigger prize is that this is an opportunity to take a step towards getting into 'pot 1' for the next confederation qualification draw and eventually your seeding at the next world cup.

[dt888]

I take your points on board but Its not for me

Once at the semi final stage, for those four teams, its all about winning the trophy, nothing else.

I think that is reflected by the fact tears will be shed by players and fans alike of the 3 teams that lose. The biggest prize of all has gone. Nobody is thinking 'Its ok, we can come third and possible give ourselves a better chance in the euro draw'. The world has just ended for those sets of fans and players

I hope one day FIFA get rid of it like UEFA did in the euros but I'm not holding my breathe!

[Jukebox]

FIFA Fair Play Trophy World Cup 2014 !