End of the Line
SILVER ELITE
This WC is looking like it will be decided by fouls and handballs in the box, unfortunately. The 3 favorites - France, US and Netherlands all played poorly this round and were saved by the whistle. Maybe the answer is if it's not a deliberate/intentional handling in the box then it's an indirect kick, not a PK?
Japan was brilliant. A post and crossbar away from advancing.
If France loses Friday they are out of WC and the Olympics next year! Ooof. Talk about high stakes. As many have said, I think the homefield advantage may actually work against them. USA 2-1. 3-1 if Lloyd starts over Morgan![]()
Japan was not brilliant and the Japanese way of doing things has been proven to be an epic failure. Japan has gotten worse in two straight world cups. This time around they got smoked by England, couldn't get past a weak Argentina and struggled against Scotland, all before crashing out in the round of 16. I don't believe they've beaten the US in nine years. You are confusing pretty soccer with effective soccer. You probably think Jessie Fleming is the greatest player ever, since she'd fit right in with Japan's merry band of circus jugglers who routinely get pushed off the ball and can't effectively defend bigger, stronger and faster opponents.