Soccer 2017-2018

I've never lived there but it seems clear over the years that the governments policies weren't very friendly to Liverpool or really the whole north of England. I would imagine that would engender some resentment as time goes on.

In actual real Soccer news, my pics for tomorrow/Wednesday:

France v Belgium - Think it's an even bigger mismatch in midfield for Belgium than against Brazil as Kante has been amazing this tournament. With that said I think it will be a close, cagey game as France does what France does. Still think their talent will win out unless Belgium can steal an early goal again.

England v Croatia - Been thinking about this for a while as England should win, they have the better talent outside of Modric/Rakitic, but I'm going with Croatia for three reasons. First, England have been pretty poor in open play with Alli and Lingard being pretty disappointing as the free 8's. Second, set plays require a bit of luck to come off and to think they'll continue to score at the rate they are from set plays seems a bit fanciful. Third, both Sweden and Columbia created just as many chances as England without even trying to actually play for the majority of their games. Croatia is certainly just as good as those two teams so there isn't much reason to doubt they won't get chances as well. Combined with "It's coming home" and I think we're in for an upset though I hope I'm wrong.

Sentagur said:

I would agree but Croatia had a bunch of players hurt in the Russia match, you think they will be able to put them back together in time for England match?

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It sounds like the only one out for sure is Vrsjaliko their RB. It would be a blow as he's their only defender with some speed to get up the field and help on offense but I can't see it being that huge of a miss. For the rest it's a WC semi-final. I'm sure they'll shoot up with whatever is required to let them play.

If Dembele is really playing as a WB then I've seen it all at this point.