2026 FIFA World Cup Thread

[ScotsCowboy]

Some good points. But England are a better team than Argentina. (pound for pound)
We were tactically outwitted-that was the difference

We’ll have to agree to differ on that, mate. I really don’t see how you can draw that conclusion objectively, but I respect your opinion.

The difference on the night was know-how at that level. Once England are into the habit of beating major opponents in knockout stages (something they haven’t done once at a World Cup since 1966), I’ve no problem believing they could well win a tournament, or several.

 

[BoyzBlaster]

I'm a bit late here, but what a game yesterday. They don't come any tougher than that Argentina team.

 

[gtb1943]

Some good points. But England are a better team than Argentina. (pound for pound)
We were tactically outwitted-that was the difference

So Englands manager had a case of Dumb Face?

 

[Majic]

So Englands manager had a case of Dumb Face?

He has been well and truly castigated by the English media and fans to the point, that many want him gone. Incredibly his annual salary is £5 million.

 

[Flamma]

You’re right: there’s absolutely no shame in it.

Your team had a very, very good tournament. They’re full of talent and are very probably only a few minor tweaks away from a major tournament win.

However, none of that takes away from the fact that Argentina, overall, were the better team on the night. They deserve the credit, and implying that England simply let them off the hook is disrespectful and frankly inaccurate.

I can't comment on who I think was the better team since I don't know most of the players. But the team that looked better to me up until the England goal was Argentina. That said, the better team doesn't always win. We don't know what would have happened had England kept pressing and not gone into a defensive shell. But we know one thing for sure, Argentina would not have had exclusive possession of the ball. It's not easy to score no matter what. Ask Spain when they played Cape Verde. That entire match was played on one side of the field, yet they couldn't score. In fact, almost lost at the end during injury time.

At least with Egypt, they waited until they were up 2-0. But giving Argentina possession with impunity hasn't worked for anyone. But remove that from the equation, and Argentina hasn't looked that much better than anyone. But give them the ball and say try and score against us, they do.