England Vs Argentina - Weds 8pm
I have been impressed by our performances up to this point as this World Cup has shown that the distance in quality between the big teams and smaller is probably as narrow as it's ever been, yet we have overcome each challenge with a mixture of team cohesion and individual brilliance (Bellingham). This challenge however will be a new level to what we have faced so far.
I really dislike Argentina as we have so much history from Maradona and the hand of God, to Beckhams sending off through Simeone's dramatics, whilst I can't manage to like Messi despite his brilliance. I expect a typical Argentine performance, one that includes foul play, gamesmanship, a win at all costs attitude, and also some wonderful moments of football from them. In my view the referee will decide if this descends into mayhem or is a fair football match, I hope they have a good officiating team, there is no reason to not have as they have had a whole tournament to appraise their officials.
I really hope Rice is back and fit as he will make a huge difference. There is scope for someone to become a hero in this match and we have a few contenders but I feel most peoples money would be on Bellingham, probably Mbappe aside I think he is the player of the tournament so far.
I have a feeling this is going to be emotional!
I really dislike Argentina as we have so much history from Maradona and the hand of God, to Beckhams sending off through Simeone's dramatics, whilst I can't manage to like Messi despite his brilliance. I expect a typical Argentine performance, one that includes foul play, gamesmanship, a win at all costs attitude, and also some wonderful moments of football from them. In my view the referee will decide if this descends into mayhem or is a fair football match, I hope they have a good officiating team, there is no reason to not have as they have had a whole tournament to appraise their officials.
I really hope Rice is back and fit as he will make a huge difference. There is scope for someone to become a hero in this match and we have a few contenders but I feel most peoples money would be on Bellingham, probably Mbappe aside I think he is the player of the tournament so far.
I have a feeling this is going to be emotional!
Comments
Win at all costs only succeeds when weak officiating is in play.
A sad expectation for a WC Semi Final isn't it?
There will be gamesmanship for sure but I think we will prevail
Most see this as a political decision and not on merit and concerned he hasn't the ability to control what could a fiery match....
.
Let's hope this all proves wrong, but from what I've read, a little concerning IMO.....
He moved to the USA 26 years ago, has been a ref in the MLS since 2012, has reffed 334 matches in total and has been named MLS Ref of the Year twice (they have an award for everything in America)
He's been a FIFA ref since 2016, reffed three matches in 2022 World Cup and three this time; Japan v Netherlands, Uruguay v Spain and Norway v Brazil
He doesn't throw yellow cards around but he sent off a Uruguayan off a high tackle and booked Neymar for kicking Odegaard (both in time added on after 90 mins)
Should be fun
Come on England
Political- because he’s from The USA, chosen to appease the host country/ etc etc, not chosen on merit….
Concern seems to be that he isn’t a great ref and possibly is not the best choice for this game.
It’s only other people’s thoughts and opinions, but there just seems a general consensus that he wasn’t the right choice for the game…
The site is called rate the ref BTW
I of course hope that he goes unnoticed and there are no poor decisions influencing the game/result….
In truth, with their attitude in the 60 years that have past since, I find it hard to disagree with his statement.