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Posted by: Mack. May 29 2018, 07:50 PM

Sunday 17 June

Germany vs Mexico - Moscow (Luzhniki) - 4pm - BBC


Monday 18 June

Sweden vs South Korea - Nizhny Novgorod - 1pm - ITV


Saturday 23 June

South Korea vs Mexico - Rostov-on-Don - 4pm - ITV
Germany v Sweden - Sochi - 7pm - ITV


Wednesday 27 June

South Korea vs Germany - Kazan - 3pm - BBC
Mexico vs Sweden - Ekaterinburg - 3pm - BBC


Odds to win Group F (Coral)


Germany 4-11f
Mexico 11-2
Sweden 6-1
South Korea 14-1


Who do you see winning Group F?

Posted by: Mack. Jun 3 2018, 03:34 PM

For me in this group it should be Germany winning this group.

Posted by: PeteFromLeeds Jun 3 2018, 06:16 PM

Germany should win barring a major disaster, the 2nd place will certainly interesting though with three teams that are all capable of doing it.

Posted by: Rooney Jun 3 2018, 06:28 PM

I suspect it will be Germany and Mexico both quite comfortably.

Posted by: Iz Jun 3 2018, 07:14 PM

I could see South Korea being the second here. Mexico seem to be going through a slight crisis and Sweden don’t seem like they are at their best either. SK has some fairly strong players.

Posted by: ┴פsᴉʍ/ Jun 3 2018, 07:31 PM

I would have to agree with this. I think this is the weakest South Korea team since they hosted it so I think they could be the team that turns out to be a massive flop.

Having watched them qualify over Italy, I do think Sweden have potential to upset Mexico & Germany but I think they will end up being just too strong.

Posted by: DJHazey Jun 4 2018, 01:08 PM

Simulated Results:


GER 2:1 MEX
SWE 1:1 KOR
GER 2:1 SWE
KOR 0:2 MEX
KOR 0:3 GER
MEX 2:1 SWE

Germany [3-0-0] [9pts.] [7-2]
Mexico [2-1-0] [6pts.] [5-3]
Sweden [0-2-1] [1pts.] [3-5]
South Korea [0-2-1] [1pts.] [1-6]

Posted by: Evil Houdini Jun 4 2018, 02:12 PM

Leroy Sane has been left out of Germany's squad for the World Cup! This is a crazy and stupid decision from Joachim Low, Sane is arguably the best German international in the world at the moment and he would have done wonders for Germany.

Posted by: Mack. Jun 4 2018, 06:44 PM

That certainly surprised me there with Sane out of the squad. Crazy stuff.

Posted by: Dobbo Jun 4 2018, 06:51 PM

I thought that at first but then he has a pretty lousy record for Germany up till now so maybe it's not too bewildering.

It speaks volumes though that teams like Germany can leave out such talented players whilst England pretty much have to scrape the barrel just to fill the squad...

Posted by: Mack. Jun 12 2018, 09:57 PM

I can see Mexico just going through ahead of Sweden and then out in the second round.

Posted by: Steve201 Jun 15 2018, 12:08 AM

Mexico always get out out in the last 16 lol.

Posted by: The Snake Jun 15 2018, 10:29 AM

Germany vs Mexico on paper looks like it might be a great match. Looking forward to it.

Posted by: Mack. Jun 16 2018, 11:53 PM

Can see it being a Germany win in their match against Mexico. Hopefully they will put one a show tomorrow.

Posted by: 5 Silas Frøkner Jun 17 2018, 03:15 PM

GERMEX certainly entertaining so far. Quite a bit of end-to-end action with some great Neuer saves (as per, take notes DDG) really saving Germany's bacon so far.

Really odd choice by the ref to award a free kick against Kroos when he was quite literally wrestled to the ground, but ok.

Posted by: PeteFromLeeds Jun 17 2018, 03:29 PM

Both teams definitely in with a shot here - can't see it happening but wonder if Germany will follow the pattern of the previous winner getting kicked out in the group stage?

Posted by: PeteFromLeeds Jun 17 2018, 03:47 PM

Mexico up at half-time - they're clearly very good at counter-attacking and I could see them putting another past Germany at this rate.

Posted by: Iz Jun 17 2018, 04:16 PM

Ah no, come on Germany, you can't lose like this.

Mexico are really surprising me, I read nothing but stuff about their team in disarray.

Posted by: 5 Silas Frøkner Jun 17 2018, 04:28 PM

Germany being humbled here quite deservedly. Mexico have been sublime on the counter and Germany have just been piss poor

Posted by: Rooney Jun 17 2018, 04:47 PM

This Germany side is nowhere near as good as the one 4 years ago. They've been in terrible form recently and have been absolutely terrible today. If they get a result here it's a complete smash and grab.

Posted by: PeteFromLeeds Jun 17 2018, 04:51 PM

Well done Mexico! Looks like they can realistically win the group now, and Germany aren't guaranteed second either since Sweden & SK aren't exactly walkovers.

Posted by: 5 Silas Frøkner Jun 17 2018, 04:51 PM

Deserved loss for Germany there. Mexico played them off the park. Simple as that

Posted by: Chez Wombat Jun 17 2018, 04:57 PM

Pretty terrible performance from the reigning champions there. Completely let their guard down in the first half and way too many long shots missed when they went on the attack in the second half. Really well played from Mexico, nice to finally see one of the underdogs actually coming out on top, should be a good shot to progress now.

Posted by: Mart!n Jun 17 2018, 05:00 PM

Mexico just smashed it to be honest, Germany completely lost it, they didn't really play like they usually do. And this is the team that are one of the favourites to win, to be honest its wide open this year. Anyway, they need to win their next 2 games to seal a place in the last 16 place.

Mexico just played so well, kudos to them.

Posted by: Iz Jun 17 2018, 05:01 PM

I guess that's another shocker for the reigning champions. But that German team didn't look great aside from Neuer at the start.

I'd like to see both Sweden and South Korea do well, and they're decent sides, this group is anyone's game now. But Mexico deserved that one tonight.

Posted by: Red Blooded Man Jun 17 2018, 05:03 PM

Tough road for Germany ahead...

Posted by: Mack. Jun 17 2018, 05:43 PM

Proves how bad my predictions go.

Great win for Mexico.

The standout teams so far have been Portugal and Spain for me.

Posted by: Evil Houdini Jun 17 2018, 05:43 PM

Mexico definitely deserved that win and it could have been a lot more comfortable if Mexico didn't squander so many chances. Germany are gonna have to replicate what Spain did in 2010 if they are to retain the trophy this year. Thomas Muller went missing for the whole match, Timo Werner was wasteful in front of goal and Mesut Ozil gave the ball away a lot. Leroy Sane could have made a big difference today with his pace and trickery, still baffled as to why Joachim Low left him out of the squad.


I hope Mexico win this group now so that we can get a likely match between Germany and Brazil in the Round Of 16. Two more victories against Sweden and South Korea will ensure that happens and then the challenge for them will be getting past the Round Of 16 after so many exits at that stage.

Posted by: Dobbo Jun 17 2018, 06:19 PM

It just follows recent records of champions starting (or even doing) badly. The passion isn't as high to retain a trophy than it is to win/regain it generally, very much like the PL (and until recently the CL). Everyone is coming for you as well which makes it extra hard!

But as was mentioned teams have lost their first game & still gone on to win before so it's not a disastrous result by any means. But considering the ruthless efficient Germany is known for I couldn't have seen this result coming from a mile away.

Posted by: Rooney Jun 17 2018, 06:41 PM

Only one team has done that, and that team is one of the greatest that's in world football. This current German team isn't anywhere near it.

Low prefers Bundesliga based players for some reason, I thought today Germany were crying out for pace. Maybe Sane could have helped, but he plays a very different role in this Germany team to that of Man City. Think they will get through still, but they have looked off-form for a good while now so will need a rocket up their arses.

Posted by: Dobbo Jun 17 2018, 06:46 PM

That's both interesting & surprising that only Spain in 2010 previously achieved that. And for the record I don't think they were that great a team. 1-0 wins all the way through. Plenty of passing with little end product - and a reminder of why the 2010 World Cup will not be looked back upon fondly.

Posted by: 5 Silas Frøkner Jun 17 2018, 06:48 PM

Yeah it struck me this evening just how many of Loew's team were Bundesliga players. Thinking back, even in 2014 they had a very very high proportion of domestic players. Özil and Caan are the only ones I can think of off the top of my head who play outside of DE.

Posted by: Rooney Jun 17 2018, 08:02 PM

They were better at the Euros, but a fantastic team nethertheless. They were hard to play against because you could never get the ball!



I don't think there's anything wrong with it and to be fair the likes of Kroos and Draxler play outside of the Bundesliga. But struggle to see why he took Draxler instead of Sane. They will improve and Mexico are a good side, but this German team just is not as good as the 2010-2016 team. They miss Bastian.

Posted by: RabbitFurCoat Jun 17 2018, 08:26 PM

Not sure Sane would've been much use today, he's not the type of player they needed to break down that defence. He's hardly played for Germany and when he has he's not played particularly well, plus he tossed off the Confederations Cup last year. Can't blame Low for not taking him, made me laugh PL centric fans calling for him, then they bring on Brandt who was absolutely superb, and there ahead of him.

Posted by: Rooney Jun 17 2018, 09:38 PM

Yeah Brandt was exactly what they needed at the time, he was unlucky not to score. Think the German's problem is in midfield though, Khdeira and Kroos are not dynamic enough. Any team with pace will scare this German team, Werner aside Germany have little pace. I think taking Sane would have been a smart choice, but can see why he wasn't taken.

Posted by: Mack. Jun 17 2018, 10:47 PM

I can see it being a one goal win for Sweden when they play South Korea tomorrow.

Posted by: Steve201 Jun 18 2018, 01:14 PM

From watching the South Korea Sweden game here both should be easily beaten!

Posted by: Steve201 Jun 18 2018, 01:22 PM

How much pace did they have in the last World Cup?

Posted by: Rooney Jun 18 2018, 01:27 PM

Sweden are not bad, they could cause both Mexico/Germany problems but South Korea are terrible. When they have some space they play some neat little things, but a darth of quality.



Well they had Gotze/Schurlle, but the game has evolved a little bit since 2014. All the big teams right now around Europe have some pace or players that have a high acceleration. Plus they had Lahm, Klose and Schweinsteiger who had bags and bags of experience.

Posted by: Steve201 Jun 18 2018, 01:32 PM

Yeh but I would t say they had obv pace upfront in comparison to 4 years ago, although the return of Gomez says a lot. Plus I think Spain also lack pace upfront but they still cope.

Sweden may cause problems simply by their physical approach but they don't look great here. Although I hear there has been a bug going through their camp!

Posted by: PeteFromLeeds Jun 18 2018, 01:56 PM

Caught the last few minutes of Sweden-South Korea, SK certainly seemed to have quite a few chances. If that header had been on target they could have come out with a draw.

Posted by: Red Blooded Man Jun 18 2018, 01:58 PM

Terrible form from South Korea.

Posted by: Steve201 Jun 18 2018, 02:40 PM

They woke up for the last 5 mins when they had nothing to lose but were poor apart from that.

Posted by: Rooney Jun 18 2018, 04:33 PM

As said below, South Korea were pretty dreadful until then end. They had a great chance and should have scored. But saying that they were second best throughout and Sweden had plenty of good chances. They should have been 2 or 3 nil up at least.

Posted by: The Snake Jun 22 2018, 08:12 PM

Germany vs Sweden will be interesting tomorrow with Sweden having the confidence from their first win, and Germany likely being out if they lose!

As for the other match from this group tomorrow, it should be a relatively easy Mexican win.

Posted by: Mack. Jun 22 2018, 09:52 PM

Maybe Germany will bounce back, they'll certainly need to improve from what we saw against Mexico.

Posted by: Mack. Jun 22 2018, 09:55 PM

One foot in the knockouts for Mexico with the shock result against Germany, and going into this match with plenty of confidence I would think.

South Korea will be hoping for a much better performance, and indeed 3 points to avoid an early elimination from the tournament although that is unlikely.

Posted by: Mart!n Jun 22 2018, 10:13 PM

I think Germany should start turning games around, after their disaster of their first match.

Posted by: Dobbo Jun 23 2018, 04:27 PM

Well if they lose tonight they are out of the cup! I can see it being a draw actually to crank the pressure right on. Then of course it would become out of their hands.

Posted by: Mack. Jun 23 2018, 05:53 PM

The World Cup takes one giant leap towards a Brazil v Germany R16 following that result for Mexico.

Posted by: Mart!n Jun 23 2018, 06:00 PM

I guess Brazil will want revenge

Posted by: Mart!n Jun 23 2018, 06:35 PM

O.M.G.

Posted by: Bré Jun 23 2018, 06:36 PM

Germany currently facing an early exit if they can't equalise ;o

Posted by: Iz Jun 23 2018, 06:46 PM

what in the HELL are you doing Germany

don't lose your streak like this.

Posted by: Mart!n Jun 23 2018, 06:57 PM

If Sweden do beat them, I can't see Joachim Low staying as manager. They are not the same team they were a year ago, when they beat Mexico in the Confederates Cup final.

Also they were lucky Sweden didn't get a penalty otherwise they would have been 2-0 up, I do think that was a clear penalty.

Posted by: Mack. Jun 23 2018, 07:39 PM

A chance that Werner had to take there. Germany have been lacklustre.

Boateng has been sent off. The 2nd red card of the World Cup.

Posted by: Mack. Jun 23 2018, 07:46 PM

That was a crucial save there.

Posted by: Mack. Jun 23 2018, 07:53 PM

Massive massive let off there from Germany.

Posted by: Mart!n Jun 23 2018, 07:53 PM

And that was the winner

Posted by: Doctor Blind Jun 23 2018, 07:53 PM

1st rule of the World Cup: NEVER write-off Germany.

Posted by: Iz Jun 23 2018, 07:56 PM

I’m conflicted, I feel so bad for Sweden but YES here we go Germany’s not out yet.

6-6-6-0 looks like a high possibility now. Always my favourite group result.

Posted by: Mack. Jun 23 2018, 07:57 PM

Write off Germany at your peril. Bloody hell what a dramatic finish. The Swede who gave away that free-kick must feel as sick as a parrot.

Posted by: Mart!n Jun 23 2018, 08:00 PM

Battenburgs all round

Posted by: Doctor Blind Jun 23 2018, 08:02 PM

An English cake... ? Ok then!

Posted by: Chez Wombat Jun 23 2018, 08:04 PM

Wow, and just as I was about to accept the seemingly unfathomable prospect of Germany going home, jeez they didn't half cut that fine.

Was a great match, feel so bad for Sweden as they made some excellent saves right up until that last giveaway but I s'pose that's the nature of the game. Looking likely for Germany to go through with only South Korea left to play, albeit not quite in the order I expected.

Posted by: Evil Houdini Jun 23 2018, 08:09 PM

Germany showing the mentality that won them the last World Cup! It would have been pure banter if Germany had lost tonight. I think Sweden have blown their chance of making it to the Round of 16 now. What a dreadful miss that was from Timo Werner though, he should count himself lucky that Toni Kross came up with that bit of magic at the end.

Posted by: Mart!n Jun 23 2018, 08:15 PM

Well they could be facing Brazil in the last 16 that should be a good game to watch

Posted by: Seinfeld Jun 23 2018, 09:02 PM

Germany always find a way to win, it's in their DNA.

Posted by: Steve201 Jun 23 2018, 10:48 PM

Probabaly pushing close to being game of the tournament there - think Spain Portugal was just better tho!

Posted by: Mack. Jun 24 2018, 08:59 AM

What a opportunity Sweden had there which has potentially slipped away.

Posted by: Steve201 Jun 24 2018, 12:07 PM

You can see why Sweden put the Italians out, play quite like them organisation and defensive wise. They also have a lot better balance with Forsberg as the central attacking quantity instead of everything going through Zlatan!!

Posted by: Conderella Jun 24 2018, 10:04 PM

very randomly and curiously these two matches were the only ones I watched this season so far

amazing game and that last minute goal just had me gagging. not enough to turn me into a football fan but it's pretty fun~

Posted by: Mack. Jun 27 2018, 08:40 AM

Cool,

Have you seen any more games yet?

Posted by: Mack. Jun 27 2018, 02:06 PM

Ten seconds in and Mexico's Jesús Gallardo has been booked. Fastest booking since 1966.

Posted by: PeteFromLeeds Jun 27 2018, 02:39 PM

Anyone from this group could still go through or out - exciting!

Posted by: Mack. Jun 27 2018, 02:44 PM

Both games still goalless but eagerly poised going into the second half.

Posted by: Mack. Jun 27 2018, 02:52 PM

Germany once again haven't been great in that first half.

Posted by: PeteFromLeeds Jun 27 2018, 03:01 PM

Am I the only one who thinks the background music during the previews is a bit random? I heard Jungle - Happy Man a few days ago, and just now they played Crystal Fighters - Boomin' In Your Jeep

Posted by: Mack. Jun 27 2018, 03:08 PM

They certainly a bit random indeed, I agree with you there, Pete.

Posted by: Mart!n Jun 27 2018, 03:11 PM

Sweden scored, Germany are in trouble

Posted by: Mack. Jun 27 2018, 03:13 PM

Indeed, Germany are in danger again. Can they escape out of trouble again?

Posted by: Mack. Jun 27 2018, 03:21 PM

Penalty to Sweden,

And it is 2-0 now to Sweden.

Posted by: Mart!n Jun 27 2018, 03:23 PM

Germany are screwed if South Korea scores

Posted by: Mack. Jun 27 2018, 03:27 PM

A strong probability, Iz that a 6-6-6-0 will happen if Germany score.

Posted by: 5 Silas Frøkner Jun 27 2018, 03:38 PM

That is a bloody big if at the moment.

Posted by: Crazy Chris Jun 27 2018, 03:45 PM

Come on Germany and get one in!!!! Can't see either Sweden or Mexico going any further than the last 16 anyway.

Posted by: Mart!n Jun 27 2018, 03:51 PM

Germany out

Posted by: Mart!n Jun 27 2018, 03:53 PM

Could Brazil go out tonight

Posted by: Crazy Chris Jun 27 2018, 03:53 PM

I doubt it.

Posted by: Dobbo Jun 27 2018, 03:53 PM

The Champions curse strikes yet again!!!

Posted by: Mart!n Jun 27 2018, 03:55 PM

Hilarious

Posted by: Mack. Jun 27 2018, 03:56 PM

Korea have scored again.

Posted by: Mart!n Jun 27 2018, 03:58 PM

South Korean goalkeeper needs a pat on the back.

Posted by: PeteFromLeeds Jun 27 2018, 03:59 PM

G'WON SOUTH KOREA! The curse of the defending champions continues.

Posted by: 5 Silas Frøkner Jun 27 2018, 04:00 PM

f*** sake Germany. Now i'm going to have to support f***ing England. #LookWhatYouMadeMeDo

Posted by: LewisGT Jun 27 2018, 04:01 PM

Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Honestly can't remember the last time I was this happy.

Posted by: Jason Jun 27 2018, 04:07 PM

Yass! Goodbye Germany

Posted by: The Snake Jun 27 2018, 04:08 PM

Wow Germany out, they just couldn't score, despite so many chances. Well done to South Korea, if only they would have played that well in their other matches.

Germany have just lacked the brilliant pace they used to have.

Wasn't watching the other match but Mexico must have been dreadful. Don't particularly deserve to get through getting beaten 3-0 in their last group match and hopefully they will be out next round.

Posted by: Iz Jun 27 2018, 04:09 PM

Scheisse.

What a group though, even Korea did themselves proud in the end. Rooting for Mexico and Sweden against their Group E opponents now.

Posted by: Suedehead2 Jun 27 2018, 04:15 PM

In the 20th century only one holder (Brazil, 1966) went out in the group stage. In the 21st it’s happened four times out of five. We’ve also now seen three teams lose a game 3-0 and still go through.

Posted by: Chez Wombat Jun 27 2018, 04:19 PM

Wow, that just felt less and less real the more it went along and yet it was Curse of the reigning champions indeed. I can't say I'm that sad, they just weren't playing well at all in any of the matches I saw and their position as last in the group kinda felt deserved, even their win felt like a bit of a fluke. That's a hell of a finish for South Korea, they should be proud of that (loved how they got another one in after the German goalie arrogantly left the goal )

Posted by: Evil Houdini Jun 27 2018, 04:26 PM

Joachim Low will probably resign after that, a lot of Arsenal fans wanted him as their next manager as well!


This must be the biggest shock in World Cup history. I would never in a million years have predicted that not only would Germany be out in the group stage but also that they would finish bottom of their group. A part of me is getting a feeling that we'll see a surprise team win the World Cup this year or a team that has never won it before.

Posted by: Suedehead2 Jun 27 2018, 04:31 PM

That means he can go back to being Russ Mael and concentrate on the next Sparks album

Posted by: Dobbo Jun 27 2018, 04:37 PM

This will be the first World Cup England progress further than (West)/Germany since 1966!

Posted by: Bré Jun 27 2018, 04:46 PM

Germany last in the group as we all predicted! If only Mexico had won that would have been enough for South Korea to miraculously sneak through

Posted by: Steve201 Jun 27 2018, 07:12 PM

Unreal before the Mexico game I'm pretty sure Germany hadn't lost a group game in the World Cup since before 1990!

Mexico will do well this year I think! Sweden are no pushovers either!

Posted by: Iz Jun 27 2018, 07:26 PM

It’s coming... nah.

First time Germany have been knocked out in the group stages at all, full stop. The only other time they went out in the first round, a knockout then, was in 1938 (and we all know how they reacted to that but no, Iz, that’s a horrible thing to say). Ever since then they’ve been in the top 8. A sad end to a wonderfully consistent streak.

Posted by: Rooney Jun 27 2018, 07:31 PM

Germany going out is fully down to the manager. Their squad has some old players, but lots of them are still at their peak. They did look very leggy though, might be a case of too much football..

Posted by: Dobbo Jun 27 2018, 08:30 PM

Must be that winter break they insist on having every season - really takes it toll on the players

(And yes i know much of their team doesn't play in the bundesliga but I couldn't resist)

Posted by: Red Blooded Man Jun 28 2018, 04:15 AM

Mexico's fans in Mexico City stormed the South Korean Consulate General to give him a shot of tequila and lifted him mid-air to thank South Korean for defeating Germany!!

Posted by: Mack. Jun 28 2018, 09:21 AM

The worst German side I have ever seen. They were awful.

Posted by: Dobbo Jun 28 2018, 10:22 AM

All comes down to there being no passion in the team as the defending champions. It's almost like they felt they could just earn the right to the KOs stage!

Posted by: DJHazey Jun 28 2018, 05:08 PM

Germany were dropped from #2 to #7 from that one loss to South Korea in the ELO rankings. South Korea went from #45 to #25. Based on points, it was the third biggest upset in the history of the World ELO rankings. Norway beating England in the 1920 Olympics and Ghana beating Czech Republic in the 2006 World Cup were the only bigger upsets.