Beers: Final of Thisdrinkinglife’s Beer World Cup: 

Similar in the football, Croatia were also strong on the beer front, coming tops in Beer Group D, with Ožujsko and Bura Brew doing the business for them, they then went on to beat Australia and Fosters in the last 16, and Portugal and SuperBock in the last 8. But their run came to an end when they were knocked out in the last four by  a strong Germany duo (Zombräu,Brauer & Co., and Döllnitzer Ritterguts Gose).

France, on the other hand, (Kronenbourg 1664) unfortunately didn’t even make it out of my Beer World Cup Group C in a relatively tough group with Denmark (Carlsberg), Peru (Cusqueña) and Australia (Fosters), so Russia ended up in my beer final, and not France.

Russia V Germany

As Uruguay didn’t qualify for my Beer World Cup last 16 (I couldn’t source any beer from Uru), I made Russia winner (Knightberg) of Beer Group A, they went on to beat Spain (Estrella) in the last 16. Then in the last eight they met Nigeria (Guinness Special Export), who came second in my Beer Group D. In the semi final they came up against the Swiss trio of Dr.Brawolf’s Red Ale, Soo.Soors Swiss Ale and Celestial Beer’s Le Dermier Ciel, all excellent on the day and although they were favourites to progress the Russians surprised with a Russian Brettness beer and a Hefeweizen which simply blew me away. The Russian’s managed to pull it off and make my Beer final against a heavily fancied Swiss formation. 

Germany (Zombräu,Brauer & Co., and Döllnitzer Ritterguts Gose) might be out of the football World Cup, but they are still very much alive in my Beer World Cup, powering to victory in Beer group F, no problems there, while in the last 16 they beat Serbia (Kabinet). In the last eight, Germany then want on to beat England (London Pride), beating them just about, 2-1. In the last four they came up against Croatia (Ožujsko) but the Germans were stronger with Zombräu and Döllnitzer Ritterguts Gose doing the business, and although Croatia  performed well in the tussle with their German rivals, they just lost out in the end, just missing the final, 2-1. Germany making another of my Beer World Cup’s.        

                   Knightberg                       

Read how today’s teams qualified for my Beer World Cup Final here

Many beers were drank, too many perhaps, and a lot of fast food was consumed. A very enjoyable competition resulted in Russia winning ThisDrinkingLife’s Beer World Cup 2018, beating Germany in a closely matched final. 

The final was contested by Germany, Döllnitzer Ritterguts Gose and Zombräu and Russia, Knightberg.

First match up was Zombräu’s Richtfest a nice and tasty Heller Bock which looked fantastic, hoppy and did the business up against a Knightberg Chocolate Stout, which tasted fantastic, the vanilla aroma and taste very strong and very tasty, and that is why Russia take the lead in this first match up. Stouts can be hot or miss but this one from Russia got it right, the chocolate was very strong on both the nose and in taste, and I got a wide array of flavours, from cherry, caramel to vanilla, just lovely. 

Next up was one of the highlights of the beer competition for me, Germany’s Döllnitzer Ritterguts Gose their original, which as to be expected was delicious. Getting the salt and coriander all the time, through the nose and on the taste. I am guessing it is a style that people either like or not, but I love it. 

Against such a strong challenger Russia needed a big hitter, so step forward Knightberg Les Cinq Premiers, a sour red, coming in a big 75cl bottle. I wasn’t expecting a challenge as I really love the gose beers, but I have to say I was surprised with this Premiers real brew. It was very fruity and tasted more like a good red wine than a beer, and like a good red wine over time it was very pleasant. I have to give this match up as a draw, as the Premier was still long in the memory a few days after, the flavours still reverberating around my mind. It was a bloody good beer. 

So that result means that Russia win my Beer World Cup 2-1! And like the great World Cup they held they were also a big success in this years ThisDrinkingLife’s World Cup 2018!

PreGame:

England V Croatia: Another good game, and it started with a cracker, Trippier banging in a brilliant free kick after about 5 minutes. The skill to get it up and over and down was brilliant. Not a bad way at all to score your first goal for England.

This spurred England on, and it was them as they dictated the play and had a few more chances to increase the lead. Lingard should have scored, or at least hit the target when Alli set him up perfectly, while Kane had two bites of the cherry from close on but couldn’t connect. Those chances would come back to bite them on the ass later!

Croatia came more into it in the second half as England let the foot off the gas, Brozovic hitting the post. That should have woke England up but it didn’t. Sterling still on the pitch, fannying around, while Kane not showing any leadership on the pitch. Perisic, on the other hand, was showing grit by pushing his side forward every chance he had, and all that hard work came off as he scored the equalizer beating the defender to shot for goal, a bit too easy for Croatia. England were now on the ropes. Brozovic missed another chance, an empty goal after a rare blunder by Pickford. Vrsaljko also had Stones clear off the line with a shot. Mandzukic was excellent and had a great shot well saved by Pickford, while Vida at the other end had Sterling, and Rashford when he came on, had them both in his pocket, well defended considering the speed of those two players.  And then at the centre of it all Modric pinning the ball all around the pitch, brilliant to watch, a world class performance if I ever saw one. 

But England held out, just about, to extra time. Expect they didn’t really, as Croatia, continued into the added time, with more of the same, and it was no surprise at all when Mandzukic scored a perfect strikers goal, as the English defence fell asleep and pretty much put Croatia into the final. You just knew England had no idea how to come back after that. Game over!

Fair dues to Croatia, they well deserved to make the final as they are a better footballing team and Modric surely deserves to play in the final after all his years of entertainment that he has given the footballing world. 

France V Belgium: Great start to the game from both teams, Pogba to Mbappe but Courtois quick off his line, a Hazard shot which Varane just headed over. Alderweireld then with a tight angled shot that seen Lloris saving superbly, up the other end Pavard seeing his shot well saved by Courtois. If anything it was the goalkeepers that were the busiest in the opening exchanges. 

At half time I would have said that Belgian were bossing it a bit, especially in the centre with Kevin pinging the ball around, so France on the 51st minute kind of scored against the run of play, when Umtiti headed to the back of the net from a corner, one nil to France. 

This fired up the Belgians, and again Lloris  was called into action to save from Witsel this time.  But for all their huffing and puffing Belgium really couldn’t break the France back line which was well marshaled by Pogba, of all people! France managed to hold out for a memorable victory against a very good Belgium team. If they can beat a very good Belgium team then I wouldn’t be surprised if they can do one over an equally good Croatian team. 

So France won the big thing and eased to a 4-2 victory over a determined Croatian team who hadn’t anything else to give in a very memorable final. 

The game started off all Croatia, moving the ball around the pitch dominating possession, so naturally France went up and scored! The story of their World Cup! Griezmann got a free and from it he floated a lovely ball into the box that Mandzukic unfortunately headed into his own net. Unlucky. 

But not to worry, Croatia came right back, within ten minutes they were back level, Perisic with a super goal, full of determination, banged the ball past Lloris. Brilliant.

Just as we settled down there was more drama, again in another ten minutes, Griezmann scored from a penalty. Perisic accidentally handled the ball in the box, but it was deemed to be on purpose by VAR. The ref messed this one up big time, for such a big game and to get it so badly wrong. Tsk.

Second half Croatia came straight out of the blocks with Rebic forcing Lloris to make a fine save. But France were also dangerous on the break, Mbappé turning Vida inside out unleashing a shot well saved by Subasic. They did get that goal not long after, Pogba scoring with a lucky goal, missing with his first effort then scoring from the rebound. Good goal, but again a tad bit unlucky for Croatia.

Game over from Croatia, 3-1 down was a bit too much for them. And when Mbappé scored with a decent shot, again Vida put to pasture, France had have a foot on the winners podium.

The we had a what the fuck moment when Lloris had a brain freeze and tried to beat  Mandzukic. he didn’t, and let in a goal that more than likely cost him the golden glove award for the best goalie of the tournament. we then had 70 minutes to see if croatia could get another one back, but alas it wasn’t to be, and France went onto win the cup.

Overall a great World Cup, one with many twists and turns, some new stars, some old start fading away, a World Cup that was so open that in reality any country could have won the damn thing. I hope Qatar 2022 will be even half as good as this. 

Music to get you in the mood

Bob Sinclar – Love Generation (France) V Father – Machina (Croatia)

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Russia V Germany

As Uruguay didn’t qualify for my Beer World Cup last 16 (I couldn’t source any beer from Uru), I made Russia winner (Knightberg) of Beer Group A, they went on to beat Spain (Estrella) in the last 16. Then in the last eight they met Nigeria (Guinness Special Export), who came second in my Beer Group D. In the semi final they came up against the Swiss trio of Dr.Brawolf’s Red Ale, Soo.Soors Swiss Ale and Celestial Beer’s Le Dermier Ciel, all excellent on the day and although they were favourites to progress the Russians surprised with a Russian Brettness beer and a Hefeweizen which simply blew me away. The Russian’s managed to pull it off and make my Beer final against a heavily fancied Swiss formation. 

Germany (Zombräu,Brauer & Co., and Döllnitzer Ritterguts Gose) might be out of the football World Cup, but they are still very much alive in my Beer World Cup, powering to victory in Beer group F, no problems there, while in the last 16 they beat Serbia (Kabinet). In the last eight, Germany then want on to beat England (London Pride), beating them just about, 2-1. In the last four they came up against Croatia (Ožujsko) but the Germans were stronger with Zombräu and Döllnitzer Ritterguts Gose doing the business, and although Croatia  performed well in the tussle with their German rivals, they just lost out in the end, just missing the final, 2-1. Germany making another of my Beer World Cup Finals.        

                   Knightberg                       

Many beers were drank, too many perhaps, and a lot of fast food was consumed. A very enjoyable competition resulted in Russia winning ThisDrinkingLife’s Beer World Cup 2018, beating Germany in a closely matched final. 

The final was contested by Germany, Döllnitzer Ritterguts Gose and Zombräu and Russia, Knightberg.

First match up was Zombräu’s Richtfest a nice and tasty Heller Bock which looked fantastic, hoppy and did the business up against a Knightberg Chocolate Stout, which tasted fantastic, the vanilla aroma and taste very strong and very tasty, and that is why Russia take the lead in this first match up. Stouts can be hot or miss but this one from Russia got it right, the chocolate was very strong on both the nose and in taste, and I got a wide array of flavours, from cherry, caramel to vanilla, just lovely. 

Next up was one of the highlights of the beer competition for me, Germany’s Döllnitzer Ritterguts Gose their original, which as to be expected was delicious. Getting the salt and coriander all the time, through the nose and on the taste. I am guessing it is a style that people either like or not, but I love it. 

Against such a strong challenger Russia needed a big hitter, so step forward Knightberg Les Cinq Premiers, a sour red, coming in a big 75cl bottle. I wasn’t expecting a challenge as I really love the gose beers, but I have to say I was surprised with this Premiers real brew. It was very fruity and tasted more like a good red wine than a beer, and like a good red wine over time it was very pleasant. I have to give this match up as a draw, as the Premier was still long in the memory a few days after, the flavours still reverberating around my mind. It was a bloody good beer. 

So that result means that Russia win my Beer World Cup 2-1! And like the great World Cup they held they were also a big success in this years ThisDrinkingLife’s World Cup 2018!

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Beers: Third Place Playoff Beer World Cup: 

Similar in the football,Belgium had a good run in my Beer World Cup, winning Beer World Cup G, with beers from Jessenhofke and Kamil, beating Colombia (Club Colombia) easy in round two, but their good run was ended by some Swiss heavyweights, Celestial Brewery, Soo. Soors Beer, Dr. Brauwolf, in the last 8. England were also strong on the beer front, coming second to Belgium in group, Beer Group G, with London Pride doing the business for them, they then went on to beat Poland (Tyskie) in the last 16, but their good run came to end when they came up against a trio of Strong German beers in the last 8, so England are not here today but Switzerland who were also knocked out, in the last 4, by the beer kings Germany. 

Croatia V Switzerland

Croatia (Ožujsko and Bura Brew), came top in Beer Group D, up against heavy hitters from Iceland, Argentina and Nigeria. Then in the last 16, the Croatians when on to beat Australia (Fosters), while for the last eight they had a tough battle with Portugal (Super Bock), a tussle that went down to the wire, but they got through it in the end. Unfortunately they came up against a strong Germany Zombräu and Döllnitzer Ritterguts Gose, and although they performed well in the tussle with their German rivals, they just lost out in the end, just missing the final, 2-1       

Switzerland (Dr. Brauwolf, Celestial Brewery, Soo. Soors Beer) easily powered home in my Beer Group E, no problem at all, and in the last 16 they beat popular Mexican beer, Corona. While in the last eight they had a tough battle with Belgium (Jessenhofke and Kamil) just coming out by the skin of their teeth! In the semi final they came up against Knightberg of Russia, and although they were favourites to progress the Russians surprised with a Russian Brettness beer and a Hefeweizen which simply blew me away. Albeit the Dr.Brawolf’s Red Ale, Soo.Soors Swiss Ale and Celestial Beer’s Le Dermier Ciel, were all excellent beer and on another day definitely would have made the final, but the Russian’s pulled it off and made the final instead. 

So today we have the third play off place between Croatia (Ožujsko) and Switzerland (Dr. Brauwolf, Celestial Brewery, Soo. Soors Beer) 

                        Ožujsko                                                              Bura Brew

Celestial Brewery                    Soo. Soors Beer                 Dr. Brauwolf

Read who qualified for my Beer World Cup Final here

Had a massive mash up between a variety of beers from Switzerland and the last few remaining cans of Ožujsko representing Croatia.

For Switzerland we had a lovely light Swiss Ale from Soo. Soors Beer,  which was very smooth, very easy to drink, nice and crisp on the tongue. Representing Celestial Brewery, I had their L’Intemporelle Blance, a lovely Belgian witbier,  and their “L’Autre Monde,  a very good coffee stout. For Dr. Brauwolf, I had a good selection of their brews. Their Black IPA, which was interesting, their own version of a Chocolate Stout, another Witbier, an American IPA and, to finish off, I had a Vanilla Cream Ale, which was just fantastic. 

Poor old Ožujsko didn’t know if it was coming or going, a lager against these heavy hitters from Switzerland! But they did score a few hits and although they didn’t win the tie, they went down fighting! 

Switzerland comes third in my beer world cup! And I had a massive “head” the next day!!!

PreGame:

England V Croatia: Another good game, and it started with a cracker, Trippier banging in a brilliant free kick after about 5 minutes. The skill to get it up and over and down was brilliant. Not a bad way at all to score your first goal for England.

This spurred England on, and it was them as they dictated the play and had a few more chances to increase the lead. Lingard should have scored, or at least hit the target when Alli set him up perfectly, while Kane had two bites of the cherry from close on but couldn’t connect. Those chances would come back to bite them on the ass later!

Croatia came more into it in the second half as England let the foot off the gas, Brozovic hitting the post. That should have woke England up but it didn’t. Sterling still on the pitch, fannying around, while Kane not showing any leadership on the pitch. Perisic, on the other hand, was showing grit by pushing his side forward every chance he had, and all that hard work came off as he scored the equalizer beating the defender to shot for goal, a bit too easy for Croatia. England were now on the ropes. Brozovic missed another chance, an empty goal after a rare blunder by Pickford. Vrsaljko also had Stones clear off the line with a shot. Mandzukic was excellent and had a great shot well saved by Pickford, while Vida at the other end had Sterling ,and Rashford when he came on, had them both in his pocket, well defended considering the speed of those two players.  And then at the centre of it all Modric pinning the ball all around the pitch, brilliant to watch, a world class performance if I ever saw one. 

But England held out, just about, to extra time. Expect they didn’t really, as Croatia, continued into the added time, with more of the same, and it was no surprise at all when Mandzukic scored a perfect strikers goal, as the English defence fell asleep and pretty much put Croatia into the final. You just knew England had no idea how to come back after that. Game over!

England fans are proud of their team, but if I am honest I would be a little pissed if I was English, they really had an excellent chance of making the final and kind of fucked it all up. Those chances dont come round very often, once every 30 years more or less! But fair dues to Croatia, they well deserved to make the final as they are a better footballing team and Modric surely deserves to play in the final after all his years of entertainment that he has given the footballing world. 

France V Belgium: Great start to the game from both teams, Pogba to Mbappe but Courtois quick off his line, A Hazard shot which Varane just headed over. Alderweireld then with a tight angled shot that seen Lloris saving superbly, up the other end Pavard seeing his shot well saved by Courtois. If anything it was the goalkeepers that were the busiest in the opening exchanges. 

At half time I would have said that Belgian were bossing it a bit, especially in the centre with Kevin pinging the ball around, so France on the 51st minute kind of scored against the run of play, when Umtiti headed to the back of the net from a corner, one nil to France. 

This fired up the Belgians, and again Lloris  was called into action to save from Witsel this time.  But for all their huffing and puffing Belgium really couldn’t break the France back line which was well marshaled by Pogba, of all people! France managed to hold out for a memorable victory against a very good Belgium team.

So today’s game might be a slight anti climax, for sure both are happy do as well as they have done in recent memory, but I am guessing they are wondering how they didn’t make that final. Still I would expect a free flowing game today and Belgium to edge it again. 

Bit of dead rubber game in all honesty, but we didn’t have to wait too long before Belgium took the lead, 4 minutes in, when Meunier scored a very nice goal, another top team goal from the Belgians, Lukaku with a lovely pass to Chadli who squared it perfectly for Meunier to fire home. Great start to Belgium.

It was all Belgium, Kevin again bossing midfield, Hazard doing his stuff on the wings, Lukaku always a danger up front. 

At the other end, Kane should have really got a goal back for England, snatching at a shot when he should have at least got it on target. 

England played slightly better second half. But still Belgium were a danger, with De Bruyne putting it on a plate for Lukaku who should have really scored. 

The the move of the game came when Belgium from deep in their own defence when up the other end, one touch passing football, for Meunier to slam in a shot that was excellently saved by Pickford. If it had went in it would have got the best goal of the tournament, no doubt. 

E Hazard, with a great one two with De Bruyne, scored the second for Belgium killing the game as a contest and so the Belgians take the third spot.  A good World cup for both teams, but England were lucky that they got such an easy route to the semi’s, they wont get that again for a while, while the Belgians must be wondering how they didn’t make the final since they were easily the best footballing team in this years tournament. Roll on the Euros 2020!

Music to get you in the mood

The Glimmers Present: Disko Drunkards (Belgium) V The Prodigy – No Good (Start The Dance)  (England)

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Croatia V Switzerland

Croatia (Ožujsko and Bura Brew), came top in Beer Group D, up against heavy hitters from Iceland, Argentina and Nigeria. Then in the last 16, the Croatians when on to beat Australia (Fosters), while for the last eight they had a tough battle with Portugal (Super Bock), a tussle that went down to the wire, but they got through it in the end. Unfortunately they came up against a strong Germany Zombräu and Döllnitzer Ritterguts Gose, and although they performed well in the tussle with their German rivals, they just lost out in the end, just missing the final, 2-1       

Switzerland (Dr. Brauwolf, Celestial Brewery, Soo. Soors Beer) easily powered home in my Beer Group E, no problem at all, and in the last 16 they beat popular Mexican beer, Corona. While in the last eight they had a tough battle with Belgium (Jessenhofke and Kamil) just coming out by the skin of their teeth! In the semi final they came up against Knightberg of Russia, and although they were favourites to progress the Russians surprised with a Russian Brettness beer and a Hefeweizen which simply blew me away. Albeit the Dr.Brawolf’s Red Ale, Soo.Soors Swiss Ale and Celestial Beer’s Le Dermier Ciel, were all excellent beer and on another day definitely would have made the final, but the Russian’s pulled it off and made the final instead. 

So today we have the third play off place between Croatia (Ožujsko) and Switzerland (Dr. Brauwolf, Celestial Brewery, Soo. Soors Beer) 

                        Ožujsko                                                              Bura Brew

Celestial Brewery                    Soo. Soors Beer                 Dr. Brauwolf

Had a massive mash up between a variety of beers from Switzerland and the last few remaining cans of Ožujsko representing Croatia.

For Switzerland we had a lovely light Swiss Ale from Soo. Soors Beer,  which was very smooth, very easy to drink, nice and crisp on the tongue. Representing Celestial Brewery, I had their L’Intemporelle Blance, a lovely Belgian witbier,  and their “L’Autre Monde,  a very good coffee stout. For Dr. Brauwolf, I had a good selection of their brews. Their Black IPA, which was interesting, their own version of a Chocolate Stout, another Witbier, an American IPA and, to finish off, I had a Vanilla Cream Ale, which was just fantastic. 

Poor old Ožujsko didn’t know if it was coming or going, a lager against these heavy hitters from Switzerland! But they did score a few hits and although they didn’t win the tie, they went down fighting! 

Switzerland comes third in my beer world cup! And I had a massive “head” the next day!!!

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Synopsis in red

Beers: Semi Final Beer World Cup: 

Similar in the football, Croatia were also strong on the beer front, coming tops in Beer Group D, with Ožujsko and Bura Brew doing the business for them, they then went on to beat Australia and Fosters in the last 16, and Portugal and SuperBock in the last 8.  England were also strong on the beer front, coming second to Belgium in group, Beer Group G, with London Pride doing the business for them, they then went on to beat Poland in the last 16, but their good run came to end when they came up against a trio of Strong German beers in the last 8, so England are not here today in my Beer Last 4! 

Croatia V Germany

Croatia (Ožujsko and Bura Brew), came top in Beer Group D, up against heavy hitters from Iceland, Argentina and Nigeria. Then in the last 16, the Croatians when on to beat Australia (Fosters), while for the last eight they had a tough battle with Portugal (Super Bock), a tussle that went down to the wire, but they got through it in the end.                

Germany (Zombräu,Brauer & Co., and Döllnitzer Ritterguts Gose) might be out of the football World Cup, but they are still very much alive in my Beer World Cup, powering to victory in Beer group F, no problems there, while in the last 16 they beat Serbia (Kabinet). In the last eight, Germany then want on to beat England (London Pride), beating them just about, 2-1

                        Ožujsko                                                              Bura Brew

Read who qualified for my Beer World Cup last 4 here

First match up was between one of the Ritterguts Gose (salty beers) called a Bärentöter which was a German Sour Gose Bock against the regular lager, Ožujsko from Croatia. Have to say I love the Gose beers, this one tasting full of flavours of malt, salt, spices and fruits, excellent. The lager was fine but I am a new convert to Gose and this was an easy winner to Germany.

Next up was Zombrau’s Alter Pottbar again against Ožujsko. I admit I find the bourbon flavoured porter very hard to stomach, and so the light tasting but refreshing beer from Croatia got the nod here. 

Last pair up was another Ritterguts but this time the Urgose Märzen again against the Croatian lager Ožujsko. This Ritterguts tasted so refreshing, and a bit like a beery version of a Lucozade, doesn’t look too good but boy is it a great taste. I like Ožujsko, its a lager that does the job and did quite well to get this far into my beer competition, but its 2-1 here to Germany and so the Germans once again make another Thisdrinkinglife Beer World Cup final!

PreGame:

England are amongst the top 4 in the world, apparently! LOL. Well they did beat a pish poor Swedish team, but there you go. And people are shocked with that?

I’d like to know why Southgate keeps picking Sterling? Do team bonding sessions go a little too far?

Game started off slow enough, Alli could have passed a better ball for Kane to score, but that was about it for nearly half an hour. Then Maguire scored! A lovely headed goal, pure determination, to put England in front. 

Sterling had not one but two one v one chances to score and mucked both of them up, he really is a fucking piece of trash. Was very nauseating to hear the arseholes in the Beeb going on about how much he brings to the game, fuck off, say it as you see it, dicks.

Second half, England were pretty much in the driving seat. For sure Sweden had a few chances, Berg, the forward with no goals to his name, had a shot well saved by Pickford, and Berg then saw a good strike brilliantly saved by the England number one, again. Pickford having the game of his life, showing why he is the top goalkeeper in the England team, and bossing it to the back four all day. Great. 

After England scored the second, an easy free header from Alli, they pretty much controlled the whole game after that. Was easy for them in the second half showing it is amazing what a little bit of confidence can do to a team. 

England now go on to the semis, and well done to them, but a few of their star players are covering for a lot of fucking useless passengers on the team…..Sterling, Henderson, Alli, Delph……can it be enough to life a trophy? I dont think so, but lets see, when you have a player as strong in defence as Maguire, who also pops up for the odd goal, you always have a chance. 

To be honest wasn’t expecting a whole lot from the Russia V Croatia game! Well I should have known that to be wrong with the amount of twists and turns we have had in this world cup so far!

A lively start from Russia, with the crowd roaring from the stands, but after a while it slowed down a bit and was beginning to look a tight affair with neither team threatening too much at the start, particularly difficult for Dzyuba out on his own in the Russian front line, albeit he was brilliant as the lone target man.

Then out of nowhere, Cheryshev scored a great goal, a brilliant curler that flew into the net, the goalie no chance. What an unbelievable opener. Could we have another shock on our hands here? 

But that lead only lasted a few minutes, as Croatia got on the score sheet when Kramaric scored a nice header, free as the Russian defence fell asleep, great work from Mandzukic on the wing unchallenged to cross it in. Too easy. 

Game eventually went for a draw full time, and to be fair to the Russian manager he put on a  few fairly attacking substitutions in the hope of getting the win, while the Croatian manager, Zlatko Dalić, EVENTUALLY, pushed Modric more forward in the hope they might snatch a winner.

Vida, who had a good game in his tussle with the man mountain Dzyuba, eventually got Croatia back to form, with a decent headed goal from a corner and surely that was to be the game settled? 

Not quite, Figueira Fernandes, who has had a great World Cup, got his head on the end of a good well floated ball from a free kick to power home the equaliser and send the game into penalties. Oh what drama, what a great World Cup. Surely Russia couldn’t steal this one, eh?

Penalities, knew Russia would miss the first, just look at the state of the fella Fedor Smolov ffs, he looks like a heroin addict, shud be in rehab, but then Mateo Kovacic missed for Croatia, but golden boy Mario Fernandes also missed his, taking it far too quickly in my opinion, basically leaving it up to Ivan Rakitic to once again score the winning peno in the shootout to put Croatia into the last four of a World Cup.  Have to say the best team won, fair play to Croatia and Modric who can be a joy to watch at times, and will be a tough match for England today. 

Another good game, and it started with a cracker, Trippier banging in a brilliant free kick after about 5 minutes. The skill to get it up and over and down was brilliant. Not a bad way at all to score your first goal for England.

This spurred England on, and it was them as they dictated the play and had a few more chances to increase the lead. Lingard should have scored, or at least hit the target when Alli set him up perfectly, while Kane had two bites of the cherry from close on but couldn’t connect. Those chances would come back to bite them on the ass later!

Croatia came more into it in the second half as England let the foot off the gas, Brozovic hitting the post. That should have woke England up but it didn’t. Sterling still on the pitch, fannying around, while Kane not showing any leadership on the pitch. Perisic, on the other hand, was showing grit by pushing his side forward every chance he had, and all that hard work came off as he scored the equalizer beating the defender to shot for goal, a bit too easy for Croatia. England were now on the ropes. Brozovic missed another chance, an empty goal after a rare blunder by Pickford. Vrsaljko also had Stones clear off the line with a shot. Mandzukic was excellent and had a great shot well saved by Pickford, while Vida at the other end had Sterling ,and Rashford when he came on, had them both in his pocket, well defended considering the speed of those two players.  And then at the centre of it all Modric pinning the ball all around the pitch, brilliant to watch, a world class performance if I ever saw one. 

But England held out, just about, to extra time. Expect they didn’t really, as Croatia, continued into the added time, with more of the same, and it was no surprise at all when Mandzukic scored a perfect strikers goal, as the English defence fell asleep and pretty much put Croatia into the final. You just knew England had no idea how to come back after that. Game over!

England fans are proud of their team, but if I am honest I would be a little pissed if I was English, they really had an excellent chance of making the final and kind of fucked it all up. Those chances dont come round very often, once every 30 years more or less! But fair dues to Croatia, they well deserved to make the final as they are a better footballing team and Modric surely deserves to play in the final after all his years of entertainment that he has given the footballing world. 

Music to get you in the mood

Vanna – Safe To Say (Croatia) V The Police – Message In A Bottle (England)

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Synopsis in red

Beers: Semi Final Beer World Cup: 

France (Kronenbourg 1664) unfortunately didn’t even make it out of my Beer World Cup Group C in a relatively tough group with Denmark (Carlsberg), Peru (Cusqueña) and Australia (Fosters), while Belgium had a good run in my Beer World Cup, winning Beer World Cup G, with beers from Jessenhofke and Kamil, beating Colombia (Club Colombia) easy in round two, but their good run was ended by some Swiss heavyweights, Celestial Brewery, Soo. Soors Beer, Dr. Brauwolf, in the last 8. So we have Switzerland instead of Belgium today. 

Russia V Switzerland

As Uruguay didn’t qualify for my Beer World Cup last 16 (I couldn’t source any beer from Uru), I made Russia winner (Knightberg) of Beer Group A, they went on to beat Spain (Estrella) in the last 16. Then in the last eight they met Nigeria (Guinness Special Export), who came second in my Beer Group D.

Switzerland (Dr. Brauwolf, Celestial Brewery, Soo. Soors Beer) easily powered home in my Beer Group E, no problem at all, and in the last 16 they beat popular Mexican beer, Corona. While in the last eight they had a tough battle with Belgium (Jessenhofke and Kamil) just coming out by the skin of their teeth! 

                   Knightberg       

Celestial Brewery                    Soo. Soors Beer                 Dr. Brauwolf

Read who qualified for my Beer World Cup last 4 here

Was an epic battle with a few twists and turns

First off had a Dr.Brawolf Red Ale, and although it was full of carbo, when it settled down it was very good, lovely and so smooth to drink. Enjoyed it. Then I had a Soo.Soors Swiss Ale, another very smooth beer, nice and crisp and again a very enjoyable beer to experience. I had the two Swiss beers in competition against the Knightberg Brettness which came in a huge 7l corked bottle, and took me quite a while to drink. Although the two Swiss beers were good, very good, the Russian Brettness was EXCELLENT, like a good red wine, full of tastes and fruity flavours and even though there was a lot of it to drink I wish I had more of it! One nil to Russia here. 

Next battle was between Celestial Beer’s Le Dermier Ciel, a New England IPA, whihc was fine and got the basics right, was hoppy and very good to drink. Against Knightberg’s Hefeweizen, which had a very intriguing aroma and taste. The wheat smell and taste was very strong but very pleasurable, and it felt more like good nourishment than a regular beer, it definitely had the wow factor too, so I also give this one to the Russians. Two nil and straight into my beer world cup final! Wasnt expecting that to be honest as the Swiss trio have had solid beers all month, while the Russians have dipped a little recently after a great start, but today they had two brilliant beers that I will definitely be checking out again. 

PreGame:

Belgium V Brazil: From the start the excitement was built up, the national anthem of Brazil belted out by the players and the crowd, great to see. 

And that passion transferred to the pitch as Brazil started well, with Thiago Silva missing a sitter that hit his knee and went mad wide. Should have scored the opener. 

Fernandinho then scored a bad own goal to give Belgium the lead somewhat against the run of play. A quick corner hit his arm and went in, was very unlucky for Brazil

Brazil came back strong with both Coutinho and Marcelo having shots well saved by Courtois in the Belgian goal.

But once again Belgium struck on the counter, with a superb goal by De Bruyne shooting to the corner from just outside the box, what a great goal from a very classy player. This was starting to look worrying for Brazil, 2 down inside half an hour. It was all from a quick break from a Brazilian corner, Lukaku doing most of the running to by pass midfield and give it to Keven to work his magic. 

In the second half it was all Brazil, attack after attack by the team in the famous yellow shirts. But Courtois was on the top of his game, and saved well from Coutinho and his lovely curler.

When Douglas Costa came on it made a huge difference in the game, the man was simply breathtaking, and we must wonder why we only got to see only about 30 minutes of him all world cup! He lifted the tempo even higher, and Brazil started to have some real good chances. Renato Augusto took one of those chances with a lovely headed goal to bring Brazil back into this game. Was a good goal with a great pass from Coutinho. But Augusto should have got the equaliser when he was set up again by Coutinho, but this time not hitting the target, tsk tsk. Coutinho himself was superbly set up by Neymar, and had the whole goals to shoot at but instead blasted it wide. Again a decent chance not taken. And then we had the final chance from Neymar with a lovely curling effort that was heading for the top corner, or so we thought, until Courtois pulled of the save of the tournament to tip it over the bar. Brilliant goalkeeping from a goalie in the best form of his life

By the end Belgium hung on, just about. I have to say I take my hat of to Martinez, their manager, he has them well coached, and every players knows exactly what they have to do on the pitch, a really well drilled operation. Plus it looks like they are enjoying their football too, which always helps.. 

France V Uruguay: Perhaps not the most entertaining of games, but France just did enough to get into the last four of the World Cup. 

It started off very lively with both teams going hell for leather the first 20 minutes or so. It wasn’t a bad opening half as Uruguay with their defensive hard to break down style which is dangerous on the break up against a French team that likes to build slowly from the back, it was a real contrast of footballing styles. 

The deadlock was finally broken in the 40 minute when a beautifully weighted free kick from Griezmann found the head of Varane, who scored with a lovely header to put France one up.

Uruguay responded quickly, and Stuani had a header expertly saved one handed by Lloris, who was full stretch to prevent the goal, brilliant. The follow up was booted over the bar by Godin, who might have used a cooler head to chip it into the empty net!

In the 60th minute Griezmann took a shot to nothing which somehow Muslera let slip through his fingers into the net. An embarrassing goal to let in, considering how well he has played at this years World Cup. That was pretty much the game over, as, without Cavani, Uruguay could not score two goals to get back into this game. 

France did enough to get to the last four but they need to up their performance today against a very well drilled Belgian team if they want to make further progression. I think I might go with Belgium, but only just.

Great start to the game from both teams, Pogba to Mbappe but Courtois quick off his line, A Hazard shot which Varane just headed over. Alderweireld then with a tight angled shot that seen Lloris saving superbly, up the other end Pavard seeing his shot well saved by Courtois. If anything it was the goalkeepers that were the busiest in the opening exchanges. 

At half time I would have said that Belgian were bossing it a bit, especially in the centre with Kevin pinging the ball around, so France on the 51st minute kind of scored against the run of play, when Umtiti headed to the back of the net from a corner, one nil to France. 

This fired up the Belgians, and again Lloris  was called into action to save from Witsel this time.  But for all their huffing and puffing Belgium really couldn’t break the France back line which was well marshaled by Pogba, of all people! France managed to hold out for a memorable victory against a very good Belgium team.

Music to get you in the mood

LAURENT GARNIER – Crispy Bacon (France) V The Kids – Bloody Belgium (Belgium)

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The Beer World Cup last 4 now gets under way. Click on pictures and links to get a general review and info on the beers we will be a drinking during the Football World Cup.

Russia V Switzerland

As Uruguay didn’t qualify for my Beer World Cup last 16 (I couldn’t source any beer from Uru), I made Russia winner (Knightberg) of Beer Group A, they went on to beat Spain (Estrella) in the last 16. Then in the last eight they met Nigeria (Guinness Special Export), who came second in my Beer Group D.

Switzerland (Dr. Brauwolf, Celestial Brewery, Soo. Soors Beer) easily powered home in my Beer Group E, no problem at all, and in the last 16 they beat popular Mexican beer, Corona. While in the last eight they had a tough battle with Belgium (Jessenhofke and Kamil) just coming out by the skin of their teeth! 

      Knightberg       

Celestial Brewery                    Soo. Soors Beer                 Dr. Brauwolf

Was an epic battle with a few twists and turns

First off had a Dr.Brawolf Red Ale, and although it was full of carbo, when it settled down it was very good, lovely and so smooth to drink. Enjoyed it. Then I had a Soo.Soors Swiss Ale, another very smooth beer, nice and crisp and again a very enjoyable beer to experience. I had the two Swiss beers in competition against the Knightberg Brettness which came in a huge 7l corked bottle, and took me quite a while to drink. Although the two Swiss beers were good, very good, the Russian Brettness was EXCELLENT, like a good red wine, full of tastes and fruity flavours and even though there was a lot of it to drink I wish I had more of it! One nil to Russia here. 

Next battle was between Celestial Beer’s Le Dermier Ciel, a New England IPA, which was fine and got the basics right, was hoppy and very good to drink. Against Knightberg’s Hefeweizen, which had a very intriguing aroma and taste. The wheat smell and taste was very strong but very pleasurable, and it felt more like good nourishment than a regular beer, it definitely had the wow factor too, so I also give this one to the Russians. Two nil and straight into my beer world cup final! Wasn’t expecting that to be honest as the Swiss trio have had solid beers all month, while the Russians have dipped a little recently after a great start, but today they had two brilliant beers that I will definitely be checking out again. 

First match up was between one of the Ritterguts Gose (salty beers) called a Bärentöter which was a German Sour Gose Bock against the regular lager, Ožujsko from Croatia. Have to say I love the Gose beers, this one tasting full of flavours of malt, salt, spices and fruits, excellent. The lager was fine but I am a new convert to Gose and this was an easy winner to Germany.

Next up was Zombrau’s Alter Pottbar again against Ožujsko. I admit I find the bourbon flavoured porter very hard to stomach, and so the light tasting but refreshing beer from Croatia got the nod here. 

Last pair up was another Ritterguts but this time the Urgose Märzen again against the Croatian lager Ožujsko. This Ritterguts tasted so refreshing, and a bit like a beery version of a Lucozade, doesn’t look too good but boy is it a great taste. I like Ožujsko, its a lager that does the job and did quite well to get this far into my beer competition, but its 2-1 here to Germany and so the Germans once again make another Thisdrinkinglife Beer World Cup final!

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Synopsis in red

Beers: Round of 8 Beer World Cup: 

Similar in the football, England were also strong on the beer front, coming second to Belgium in group, Beer Group G, with London Pride doing the business for them, they then went out to beat Poland in the last 16. On the other side, Sweden didn’t get out of their Beer Group F, so Germany represent them here, Germany beating Serbia in rd 2. 

Germany V England

Germany (Zombräu,Brauer & Co., and Döllnitzer Ritterguts Gose) might be out of the football World Cup, but they are still very much alive in my Beer World Cup, powering to victory in Beer group F, no problems there, while in the last 16 they beat Serbia (Kabinet). England (London Pride), on the other hand, just lost out in their epic tussle with Belgium, both in the football and in my Beer World Cup. But they are still very much alive in this competition, coming second in Beer Group G. and beating Poland (Tyskie) in the last 16. 

                        Zombräu                                     Brauer & Co., Funky trout n Pretty sperm whale!

            Döllnitzer Ritterguts Gose                                        London Pride  

Read who qualified for my Beer World Cup last 8 here

Bit of a tussle between Germany and England here in my beer world cup, two old foes, in pretty much everything you can think about….football, beer, war…..

First match up was between Zombräu’s Motor Oil, a nice “stout” German style, with the cocoa felling really nice on the tongue, up against England’s old reliable London Pride, the solid pale ale from old London town. Heh both cracking beers, both different styles and I thoroughly enjoyed both and for this reason I give it as a draw early doors.

Next up was Döllnitzer Ritterguts Gose, that strange German beer brewed with spices and coriander, again against LP. I have to say I am really liking these Gose’s beers, really liking them. Its all a strange style for me, but they are so easy to drink and have the “wow” factor that I have to give this one to Germany. 

Last pair up was between LP and Zombräu’s Richfest Bier, a pretty strong tasting Heller Bock that looked amazing and tastes so strong, but you know the London Pride was coming into it. With its lovely amber reddish colour, biscuity aroma and flavour and better drinkabilty factor, England get a goal here! So that gave us a draw in the pair off, and taking everything into consideration I have to give it to the Germans, for more originality and more braver styles. Germany go to the last four of my Beer World Cup. Sorry England! 

PreGame:

England made heavy work in their game v Colombia. Leading for a long time, they let it nearly slip by letting the South Americans equalise in injury time, and then just about got over the line in penalties.

As James Rodríguez wasn’t playing it was always going to be tough for Colombia, and they pretty much ceded the whole pitch to England for most of the game, defending in numbers with only one man up front, Falcao. They rarely threatened England at all. And then they got very cynical, constantly fouling and doing niggly kicks, surrounding the ref when they didn’t get a decision, the usual diving. They were a bloody disgrace really. Barrios should have got sent off for his headbutt, while the penalty was spot on from the man in black, its not like he warned them a few times, tsk! 

Kane, Mr. Pressure, with ease, no problem, put the spot kick away, back of the net. Under all the whinging of the Colombians, he kept his calm to put England into the lead. And they deserved it, they played some good pressurizing football and were trying to play honestly.

For me, Maguire was man of the match. every opportunity he had, he pushed forward with the ball, and was calm and collected at the back. A brilliant World Cup from him so far. 

Then just when you think England should close the game out, Colombia’s Uribe takes a crazy long range effort that was dipping fast that Pickford in the English goal’s superbly pushed over the bar. Fantastic save, I thought it was in! But from the resulting corner, an unmarked Mina scored with a free header. One a piece. Crazy for England to let Colombia back in.

Extra time came and went without incident, and then we were onto penalties. I said to my mate before they were taken that Henderson would miss. I was right. How so? Cause that is always the way when footballers do fuck all on the pitch in 90, what makes them think they have the ability then to take a penalty, clown. I thought, oh no, it is going to be the same old story for England here, but then Uribe hit the bar with his penalty, and Bacca’s was saved by Pickford. All eyes were then on Eric Dier with the deciding penalty, and he put it away very coolly, excellent. England have finally got that monkey off their back!

Sweden v Switzerland: Two shit teams playing dull football for 90 minutes, and that ladies and gentlemen is why club football ALWAYS shits on the international game. Sweden did absolutely everything but score, Ekdal thought he was playing fucking rugby as he took about 3 fucking conversions way over the bar (No wonder Hamburg got relegated!), while Berg wasn’t much better, still waiting on that international goal…..

Sweden were simply woeful going forward, they get the perfect positions but couldn’t get it even near on target, was the worst I have even seen, comical at times. And the funny thing is the goal they scored took a mad deflection. If it hadn’t then it would have went straight to the goals, Forsberg celebrating like he won the fucking World Cup. I would too though if I wasn’t used to scoring, albeit via a defenders leg.

The Swiss were not much better, also finding it hard to get a shot on target, Dzemaili blasting over when well placed. The only player with even an inch of footballing skill and ability was Shaqiri, and even he was a bit off today.

No, two poor teams today, rubbish football on show and the quicker Sweden are gone the better. England should beat them no problems!

England are amongst the top 4 in the world, apparently! LOL. Well they did beat a pish poor Swedish team, but there you go. And people are shocked with that?

I’d like to know why Southgate keeps picking Sterling? Do does team bonding session go a little too far?

Game started off slow enough, Alli could have passed a better ball for Kane to score, but that was about it for nearly half an hour. Then Maguire scored! A lovely headed goal, pure determination, to put England in front. 

Sterling had not one but two one v one chances to score and mucked both of them up, he really is a fucking piece of trash. Was very nauseating to hear the arseholes in the Beeb going on about how much he brings to the game, fuck off, say it as you see it, dicks.

Second half, England were pretty much in the driving seat. For sure Sweden had a few chances, Berg, the forward with no goals to his name, had a shot well saved by Pickford, and Berg then saw a good strike brilliantly saved by England number one, again. Pickford having the game of his life today, showing why he is the top goalkeeper in the England team, and bossing it to the back four all day. Great. 

After England scored the second, an easy free header from Alli, they pretty much controlled the whole game after that. Was easy for them in the second half showing it is amazing what a little bit of confidence can do to a team. 

England now go on to the semis, and well done to them. but a few of their star players are covering for a lot of fucking useless passengers on the team…..Sterling, Henderson, Alli, Delph……can it be enough to life a trophy? I dont think so, but lets see, when you have a player as strong in defence as Maguire, who also pops up for the odd goal,  you always have a chance. 

Music to get you in the mood

The Hives – Tick Tick Boom (Sweden) V  The Beatles – Don’t Let Me Down (England)

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Synopsis in red

Beers: Round of 8 Beer World Cup: 

Similar in the football, Croatia were also strong on the beer front, coming top in a very strong group, Beer Group D, with a duo of beers from Super Bock and Gallas Cerveja, then beating Fosters from Australia in the last 16. On the other side, Russia actually won my Beer Group A, so I gave second place to the Saudis’ who lost to Portugal in my beer world cup last 16.

Portugal V Croatia

Portugal (Super Bock and Gallas Cerveja) eased to the top of my Beer World Cup Group B, then went on to knock out Saudi Arabia in the last 16. An easy win since there are no beers from the Arab kingdom, a bye in essence. Croatia (Ožujsko and Bura Brew), on the other hand, came top in Beer Group D, up against heavy hitters from Iceland, Argentina and Nigeria. Then in the last 16, the Croatians when on to beat Australia (Fosters)

                           Super Bock                                                       Gallas Cerveja

                        Ožujsko                                                              Bura Brew

Super Bock up against Ožujsko to decide who makes it into the last four of my Beer World Cup. Tough battle. Superbock is a mildly sweet refreshing lager that hits the throat lovely and there is a nice bitter and sour aftertaste that lingers for a short while. It’s a very easy beer to drink.

For Ožujsko, it is a typical full bodied lager, malty, light and clean, quaffable and not bad. Nice big mouthfuls to enjoy at the start. Slightly hoppy and a little bitter but overall easy to drink and perfect to quench the thirst. 

You can see I enjoyed both lagers. So this had to go down to the wire, i.e: more than one beer of each! After a few I decided that Croatia should edge it, in that its the more quaffable of the two. 

Read who qualified for my Beer World Cup last 8 here

PreGame:

It is a strange but exciting World Cup.  We have lost Argentina and Messi, we have lost Ronnie and Portugal, we lost the Germans, last night we lost Neymar and Brazil, and thanks to Russia  we have lost Iniesta and the Spanish. WOW!

Some people will moan at the negativity of the Russians in their game V Spain, but they came with a game plan and it worked perfectly. The Spanish for all their great passing in midfield simply couldn’t break them down. 

Of course having your best player on the bench for 65 minutes isn’t going to help. What the fuck was the clown Hierro doing there, totally disrespectful to the Russians. Spain needed Iniesta on the pitch early on, they needed someone to inject some pace into the game, and to pick those incisive passes.  No he went for Asensio! Who? Exactly!

Spain scored early when Ignashevich put it into his own net under pressure from Ramos at the far post, from a great cross, after only 12 minutes. Danger already for Russia. 

But Spain then reverted to the Tiki-taka for the remainder of the half. They were rightly punished for it when Pique stupidly touched the ball in his own box resulting in a penalty for the Russians, who had put Spain under some pressure at the time. Dzyuba slammed home the peno like the boss he is, one all just before half time.

Still no sign of Iniesta, still no impedance in the Spanish game. They never ran at the Russian defence, were far too slow in the build up, at walking pace, and their wing backs, and particularly Carvajal when he came on, always stopped shot of whipping in a cross, always cutting back in and passing it across the Russian defence. A bit too predictable for any defence, far too easy to read. 

Iniesta did come on, and immediately had an affect, nearly scoring himself, close but a good save from Akinfeev. At this stage it felt that Spain were chasing the game, when they should have had it in the bag well before this stage. Russia really gave up with attacking the ball, so they really were there for the taking. 

Rodrigo came on with about 15 minutes of extra time left, and his first real chance was to run at the Russians. And guess what it worked (imagine that!) He ran and got himself into the box unleashing a shot from a tight angle that again Akinfeev did well to save. Too little too late from Spain. 

Penalties came, and Russia won, Akinfeev saving two to send Russia to the last eight. Who would have predicted that at the start of the tournament, not even Vladimir himself I Guess. 

Must also mention that I thought Fernandes from Russia was excellent in that game, great and solid in defence, and when he was able to, a great release on the wing. Man of the match in my eyes, even if Akinfeev gets all the plaudits today. 

Denmark v Croatia:

I was just after sitting down to the game and Denmark managed to score the first goal, less than two minutes into the game. M Jorgensen with a goal that was a bit of a fluke, hitting it off the arm of the goalkeeper to go in. 

And if you thought that was quick, the response from Croatia was shit fast, two minutes later they got the equaliser. Mandzukic with a nice goal to level the game early on. 

Croatia with Modric bossing the midfield started to come into it after that, Vrsaljko and Rebic on both wings stretching the Danes at every opportunity, it looked good for Croatia.

But Denmark weathered the storm, took all that Croatia could throw at them, and slowly ground the Croatians down. Second half was dull, the game was rubbish. Denmark had totally neutralized Croatia.

In extra time, I thought that Croatia were on the ropes and dead on their feet, and if Denmark were not so fucking boring and shite they might have knocked them out. Where was their big time player Eriksen?  Useless.

But there was still some drama to go before the ref blow it up. Modric played in Rebic perfectly who rounded Schmeichel and just had to tap it in for an easy goal, except Jorgensen clipped him before he did all that. A definite penalty, dont even know why Schmeichel was arguing about it. Ok we thought, surely game over now, but no this world cup keeps giving and giving, and Schmeichel saved Modric’s last minute spot kick to send the game into a penalty shootout. What drama!

The penalty shootout had more drama than most of the game. Erkisen had his shot saved, a waste of space, was brave of Modric to step forward again this time making no mistake, Schmeichel saving two more, and then what a joke seeing N Jørgensen take a penalty, the cunt can’t score from 5 yards out never mind 12, give me a fucking break, lol!! Subasic did amazing to save three, and it was up to Rakitic to put Croatia into the last 8, and deservedly so, the footballing team won out tonight. 

To be honest wasn’t expecting a whole lot from this game! Well I should have known that to be wrong with the amount of twists and turns we have had in this world cup so far!

A lively start from Russia, with the crowd roaring from the stands, but after a while it slowed down a bit and was beginning to look a tight affair with neither team threatening too much at the start, particularly difficult for Dzyuba out on his own in the Russian front line, albeit he was brilliant as the lone target man.

Then out of nowhere, Cheryshev scored a great goal, a brilliant curler that flew into the net, the goalie no chance. What an unbelievable opener.  Could we have another shock on our hands here? 

But that lead only lasted a few minutes, as Croatia got on the score sheet when Kramaric scored a nice header, free as the Russian defence fell asleep, great work from Mandzukic on the wing unchallenged to cross it in. Too easy. 

Game eventually went for a draw full time, and to be fair to the Russian manager he put on a  few fairly attacking substitutions in the hop of getting the win, while the Zlatko Dalić, EVENTUALLY,  pushed Modric more forward in the hope they might snatch a winner.

Vida, who had a good game in his tussle with the man mountain Dzyuba, eventually got Croatia back to form, with a decent headed goal from a corner and surely that was to be the game settled? 

Not quite, Figueira Fernandes, who has had a great World Cup, got his head on the end of a good well floated ball from a free kick to power home the equaliser and send the game into penalties. Oh what drama, what a great World Cup. Surely Russia couldn’t steal this one, eh?

Penalities, knew Russia would miss the first, just look at the state of the fella Fedor Smolov ffs, he looks like a heroin addict, shud be in rehab, but then Mateo Kovacic missed for Croatia, but golden boy  Mario Fernandes also missed his, taking it far too quickly in my opinion, basically leaving it up to Ivan Rakitic to once again score the winning peno in the shootout to put Croatia into the  last four of a World Cup.  Have to say the best team won, fair play to Croatia and Modric who can be a joy to watch at times, and also well done to Russia for trying their best with a limited team and a knuckle head a manger, nearly did a Korea on it, but better than expect I think.

Music to get you in the mood

PPK – Resurrection (Russia) V Dino Dvornik – Tebi Pripadam (Croatia)

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The post Russia V Croatia World Cup 2018 appeared first on This Drinking Life.

Synopsis in red

Beers: Round of 8 Beer World Cup: 

Similar in the football, Belgium were also strong on the beer front, coming top in a relatively strong group, Beer Group G, with a duo of beers from Jessenhofke and Kamill. On the other side, Brazil didn’t get out of their Beer Group E, so Switzerland represent them here. 

Switzerland V Belgium

Switzerland (Dr. Brauwolf, Celestial Brewery, Soo. Soors Beer) easily powered home in my Beer Group E, no problem at all, and in the last 16 they beat popular Mexican beer, Corona. While Belgium (Jessenhofke and Kamil) had a tough close encounter with England (London Pride) to come top of Beer Group G, but just got there in the end as group winners. They had a some what easier time dispatching of Colombia (Club Colombia) in the last 16. 

Celestial Brewery                    Soo. Soors Beer                 Dr. Brauwolf

                          Jessenhofke                                                                Kamil

Was a big hard fought match up between Belgium and Switzerland in my beer world cup last eight encounter. 

Started off drinking some water to mentally prepare for it! Eh?

Yeah that’s right, Dr. Brauwolf’s hopfenwasser, it is lovely fresh water with some hops and citrus notes. Kind of weird, but also kind of cool. Against Jessenhofke’s PMPRNI Tripel bier, which was loaded with lovely fruits and citrus, well there was only going to be one winner and that was the Belgian blonde. 

So second match up was between Jessenhofke’s Maya, a 6% Belgian blonde, against Soo. Soors Session IPA. Although both were great beers, and I enjoyed the two, I will give this first goal to the Swiss beer, as it did exactly what it said on the tin! It was very sessionable and very easy to drink. Maya certainly had more bang for its buck, more kick, and looked fantastic, but the “magic” beer won out in this opener.

Last match up and the decider was betwee n Kamil’s Moktamee, a big 75cl bottle of pure rocket fuel, against Celestial Brewery’s L’elektron Libre, an American style amber beer. I really loved both beers. Moktamee had a lovely dark purple appearance with a nice head, a hoppy tasty effort but strong enough to give it a good kick, while L’elektron Libre had a very strong caramelized malt aroma and taste that I found very interesting. Id give it as a draw to be honest.  So that means the tie end 2-2 a piece and with no penalty decider I have decided to put Switzerland through to the last 4 as the range of styles are that tad bit more unique than the usual Belgians that are quite common these days. But it was damn close and a pity that two big beer nations in my world cup met so early on in the draw. 

Read who qualified for my Beer World Cup last 8 here

PreGame:

Easy for Brazil against Mexico, a stroll in the park against a Mexican team that shot their little load after about 10 minutes. Too easy for Brazil.

Good enough game to watch, Neymar dictating the play up front, and Willian bombing it down the wing all evening, with Paulinho bossing the midfield. Too easy for Brazil. But Javier Hernández your haircut is dead cool, heh? Clown.

Best player for Mexico, was Ochoa who had to keep making the saves, when his defence kept falling asleep. I counted about 10 half decent saves, where was his defence?

Brazil scored when Neymar set the goal up, lovely back heal to Willian who returned a lovely ball into the far corner for Neymar to score with an easy tap in. A very nicely worked goal.

Neymar got another one, another tap in, easy for Brazil today, like a training session. Mexico disappoint AGAIN. why do they even bother.

Japan did well early doors in their against Belgium, and they even had the temerity to go and score two goals, cheeky fuckers. Haraguchi got one in the 48th from a lovely counter attack , and just when we were getting our head round that goal, they only just went up and scored another one, lol. Inui got one in the 52 minute, I have to say I thought Courtois could have did better with both goals, I feel he was in a poor positional place for both goals. 

No problems, nothing to worry about here, Belgium got one back, Vertonghen got a goal with a looping header that beat everybody. Still the Japanese goalkeeper should have had his eyes on it, clown. Once that went in, it was obvious that Belgium would get a second. And sure enough Fellaini got the equalizer with a simple header, two all. Game on.

A quick break instigated from Kevin de Bruyne, led to Chadli scoring to win the game for Belgium. I don’t honesty think it was ever in doubt. That’s the difference between top teams and the rest. Sorry Japan, you should have closed the game out with 30 minutes to go, but you jizzed in your pants, bye bye. While Belgium go up against Brazil today in what should be a very tasty game, and quite a tough enough one to call. Could even go all the way and we get another penalty shout out. Hard to call.

From the start the excitement was built up, the national anthem of Brazil belted out by the players and the crowd, great to see. 

And that passion transferred to the pitch as Brazil started well, with Thiago Silva missing a sitter that hit his knee and went mad wide. Should have scored the opener. 

Fernandinho then scored a bad own goal to give Belgium the lead somewhat against the run of play. A quick corner hit his arm and went in, was very unlucky for Brazil

Brazil came back strong with both Coutinho and Marcelo having shots well saved by Courtois in the Belgian goal.

But once again Belgium struck on the counter, with a superb goal by De Bruyne shooting to the corner from just outside the box, what a great goal from a very classy player. This was starting to look worrying for Brazil, 2 down inside half an hour. It was all from a qucik break from a Brazilian corner, Lukaku doing most of the running to by pass midfield and give it to Keven to work his magic. 

In the second half it was all Brazil, attack after attack by the team in the famous yellow shirts. But Courtois was on the top of his game, and saved well from Coutinho and his lovely curler.

When Douglas Costa came on it made a huge difference in the game, the man was simply breathtaking, and we must wonder why we only got to see only about 30 minutes of him all world cup! He lifted the tempo even higher, and Brazil started to have some real good chances. Renato Augusto took one of those chances with a lovely headed goal to bring Brazil back into this game. Was a good goal with a great pass from Coutinho. But Augusto should have got the equaliser when he was set up again by Coutinho, but this time not hitting the target, tsk tsk. Coutinho himself was superbly set up by Neymar, and had the whole goals to shoot at but instead blasted it wide. Again a decent chance not taken. And then we had the fianl chance from Neymar with a lovely curling effort that was heading for the top corner, or so we thought, until Courtois pulled of the save of the tournament to tip it over the bar. Brilliant goalkeeping from a goalie in the best form of his life

By the end Belgium hung on, just about. I have to say i take my hat of to Martinez, their a manager, he has them well coached, and every players knows exactly what they have to do on the pitch, a really well drilled operation. Plus it looks like they are enjoying their football too, which always helps. As for Brazil, just not good enough really and Neymar will come away from this World Cup with some egg on his face, as he is mostly now remembered for his rolling and moaning all over the world. Embarrassing. 

Music to get you in the mood

Pato Fu – Eu (Brazil) V 2 Many Dj’s – Satisfaction In Da Club (Belgium)

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