a little chaos

It depends how you look at it really, I do believe in competitive sport you should always play to win. But that said, The World Cup isn't just one game, like boxing or basketball where every win matters , it's a tournament . At the end of the day, we didn't need to win that game so what Southgate did was play it safe, he considered the long game and used strategy, he rested good players and gave us the easier route to the final. And thats what The World Cup is about, doing what he necessary to get to the final and to bring it home. And if we can beat Brazil in that final then we are definitely deserving winners in my eyes.

italiangal

I get all that...and if it was Italy doing this, I'dsay the same but maybe with a smirk on...but fact remains, it's a cop out to win like that, it really is. Italy knocked out Germany and beat France to win that year. The biggest team it seems that they need to beat to win is Brazil, all the teams they could win against are somewhat easy.

Saying all that, a win is a win no matter how you got there. And as much as I'd like a small team to win, England are the only top team that are doing well, everyone else is getting through luckily and not by playing well.

stlavin95

One of my best friends is an Penrith fan haha

a little chaos

I understand what you mean, Diana and in an ideal world you want your team to go out and fight for and win every game but I’m happy to take a loss here and there for the greater good

England are playing the long game this time around and I’m proud of them. Also I know England aren’t perceived as a small team, but we haven’t won since 1966, that’s 52 years which is 13 World Cups ago. We invented the sport and it’s about time we brought it home!

Firecrest

Yup!

hedawanheda

All teams have to do what is in their best interest as it is as the old saying goes "a marathon, not a sprint". France and Denmark did the same thing this week. England's main priority was to qualify from the group stage, and that's exactly what they did, but I don't think they purposely tried to lose the game, their starting XI just didn't adjust to the change as well as Belgium's squad. I think there was something like a total of 17 changes between the two teams, so they both had the same objective, and it may be perceived as cowardice, but at the end of the day, Belgium now face the tougher bracket as a result of their win. Momentum is arguably going to be the issue moving forward now... but all this said, anything has been proven to be possible this World Cup!

You should just be glad this tactic didn't backfire at the wrong time for you guys, that's when it becomes a problem! (Australia for example )

This bracket is going to be awesome, and I can't wait.



but Senegal is still gonna win the World Cup, even though they are out.

a little chaos

Exactly, Belle! Totally agree!

There’s some exciting games coming up, the left bracket is definitely the more interesting one

I just hope my bet comes in and England win, no pressure

hedawanheda

I agree about the left bracket, I more meant I'm excited for the records that could be broken.

Yeah, I'll try not jinx your team!

a little chaos

I just sent you a video of me singing, you’re welcome.

hedawanheda

Loved it still got no idea what you said, even though I've listened a few times #accentbarriers

a little chaos

Story of my life

hedawanheda

”I could just lay down and listen to you talk for hours.” -Rebecca, 2k18

stlavin95

hedawanheda

It seems that we are blessed to have Aussie accents, Sam!

a little chaos

No one would ever say this to me

They should have made Bellamy, Clarke and Lexa Australian. I would have died.