Tag Archives: world cup 2018

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: Senegal

Japan V Senegal World Cup 2018

Japan V Senegal

(Synopsis in red)

Pregame bets:

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: JapanGoing with my old fav Honda who won me money in previous tournos. 

€3.00 Single
Japan v Senegal – Anytime Goalscorer Keisuke Honda 11/4

But fancy Senegal to continue with the good football they showed in the first game to outscore and out muscle Japan. 

€5.00 Single
Senegal 13/10

Full betting review here>https://www.thisdrinkinglife.com/top-bets-of-the-world-cup-2018/

Get in Honda, you old fella, nice one, was not expecting that one considering he came on late enough. Brilliant. 

Beers: Group H of Beer World Cup: 

World Cup of Beer Group H

 

Asahi Super Dry of Japan on its own today, no beer sourced from Senegal, pity. 

 

 V  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asahi Super Dry of Japan, ok beer, but no competition today so good enough for the win. 

PreGame:

In their first game, I knew Japan would score goals, but I never guessed they would come out as victors. Excellent win, and fully deserved as they totally had Colombia in their pockets all through the second half. Well done Japan.

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: JapanA fast break at the start rattled Colombia and ended up with C Sánchez touching the ball in the box with his hands. That’s a big no no and so he was sent off and gave away the penalty, a peno that Kagawa dispatched with no bother. Great start from Japan.

It took Colombia along time to get back into the game after that shock to the system. And they did. It resulted in an open ended game with both teams running at each other, hell for leather. A great contest to see. The Japanese defence holding up very well though.

In the second half Japan came out all guns ablazing and pretty much that’s what the whole second half was all about. Relentless attack after attack from Japan, intricate shot passing to get behind the Colombian defence there pressure played dividends when in 73rd minute, Osako, who had a fine game, scored with a power header, from a lovely out swinging cross by Honda (who eventually came on!).

Japan held on to record a famous win, and totally unexpected result, and another shock in this years World Cup. Japan now know probably one more point might be enough to get them through.

It was Senegal who did most of the pressing in the first game V Poland. On the box the commentators were not impressed with both teams, but I thought Senegal played some good football. They passed it well, were pacey and lively, showed some great ball control and pressed high up the field. They also created some decent chances, Niang in particular missing an easy opportunity to get on the score sheet.

The goal that did come was a bit of good fortune, getting a bad deflection off Cionek who diverted a shot into his own net. Was a lucky goal, but no more than Senegal deserved as Poland did nothing in the first half.

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: SenegalSenegal did drop the tempo a bit in the second half, but Poland didn’t react at all. And after Senegal poxed another goal from a comedy goal they kind of gave up. The goal was a mix up between midfielder Krychowiak who booted an aimless back pass towards his goalkeeper Szczesny, who wasn’t expecting it and came off his line to intercept, but he missed it and Niang got the bounce and scored into an empty net to make it two nil.

If Poland were dead before that then they were well buried after that goal. With 20 minutes to go they looked out for the count. Eventually they did get a goal back with a good header by Krychowiak, but with 4 minutes left it was too little too late.

This result, and the Japanese one in the first game, sets up a mouth watering tie between the two today where the winner knows they are straight through to the last 16 of the World Cup.

A more detailed review on Japan here and on Senegal here

Well done to Japan, for coming behind twice to get back into the game, and I am sure if there were another ten minutes or so to the game they might have nicked it, as they had all the momentum near the end of the game. Also great to see the old warrior Honda again on the score sheet.

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: SenegalGood start to the game from Senegal, and sure enough it didn’t take long for them to take the lead. A lucky goal but Mané wont mind, capitalizing on a bad mistake by the Japanese goalie, Kawashima, who palmed the ball straight into the path of the Senegalese striker. What a gift for Senegal to take the lead.

But Japan came back with a lovely goal by Inui,  who placed it lovely into the back of the net, great goal and a nice run and pass from by Nagatomoto set it all up. Senegal were sitting on their lead by this time and deserved to be punished. 

Osako had not one but two simple chances to put Japan into the lead. One was a free header, he hit straight at the goalkeeper, and the other was a complete sitter with the ball right in front of him and he missed it completely. I have seen him play football in the flesh, he really is a hopeless footballer, I wonder if he is not an exchange student in Germany rather than a professional footballer. 

In the second half there really was only one team, Japan. Inui hitting the top of the crossbar with an unbelievable strike, unlucky. But against the run of play Senegal only just went up the field and scored another goal. Wagué with a nice goal from a tight angle from a lovely ball into the box from Sabaly. 

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: JapanBut once again, Senegal decided to site on their lead and once again they were punished for some diabolical defending and play. A goal keeping mistake from K N’Diaye, where he completely missed the ball not once but twice, let Honda tap in for the equaliser. 

A good second half, especially from Japan. Japan now play Colombia knowing a draw could be enough, while the same is in play for Senegal. Still all to play for in a very tight group. 

Music to get you in the mood

BUCK-TICK – ROMANCE (Japan) V MC ★ Solaar – AIWA (Senegal)

Use Facebook to Comment on this Post

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: Germany

Germany V Sweden World Cup 2018

Germany V Sweden

(Synopsis in red)

Pregame bets:

Surely to God Germany will get their act together tomorrow. The fact that they could be knocked out proper by Sweden should be enough motivation for Low’s team to get their assess into gear. 

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: GermanyAnd I just have a good feeling that they will jinx a peno. There are a lot of penalties in the World Cup so far and the Germans are the masters of getting them, so why not?

€17.10 Single
Germany v Sweden – Germany to score a penalty 16/5

And if they do get a peno and/or score a few, then Muller should be on target. 

€10.00 Single
Germany v Sweden – Anytime Goalscorer Thomas Muller 9/5

Full betting review here>https://www.thisdrinkinglife.com/top-bets-of-the-world-cup-2018/

No luck, but I am just happy my pre tournament tip is still left in the competition. Maybe this will galvanize the team now to play better (clutching at straws I know!)

Beers: Group F of Beer World Cup: 

World Cup of Beer Group F

Crocodile lager from Sweden was very disappointing in the first match up, and but for the fact that Korea didn’t have a beer competitor they surely would have lost. Tomorrow they will be up against Brauer & Co., whose beers sounds very interesting, Funky trout and Pretty Sperm Whale!

            V

 

 

 

 

 

 

Had an imaginably titled, Funky Forelle Pils (Funky trout!) from the Brauer & Co from Leipzig in Germany, a fine beer, had good hoppy tastes and was nice to sip, too fine for the Crocodile beer of Sweden that still disappoints. Germans win again!

PreGame:

Ha ha well so much for tipping Germany, they got suckered punched in the opener by an extremely high octane Mexican team.  It was a great game of football, with much of that football played by the men in green. 

Germany were disappointing, I wonder if Low regrets leaving Leroy Sané back home, as they could have done with his pace and vision today. 

They need to improve today up against a tough enough Sweden. Lose and they are out of the World Cup. That is unthinkable so I expect them to do the job today. Come on, it is Germany, they dont do first round exits. Never!

Sweden might have stamped their authority in the Korean game much quicker and should have got a second goal to ease off any pressure as Korea were really poor and offered little at all in the game. But they could have nicked it in the end but for Hwang missing a simple enough header.

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: SwedenI wonder if they didn’t get the penalty would they have scored from free play, ans their forward, Berg had about 3 seriously good chances to put the ball in the net and fluffed them all, poor stuff from him.

Sweden are a bit limited in what they can do. they defend well and are compact and hard to break down, but they will need to improve if they hope to nick a point off either Mexico, or a wounded Germany. 

A more detailed review on Germany here and on Sweden here

Wow, what a game, a game of high stakes all in pressure, wow. Where do I even begin to start? Sweden were unlucky to let in the goal, had defended stoutly for most of the game, and put it up to the Germans. And fair dues to the Germans, looking dead and buried at half time, and even worse when Boateng stupidly got sent off, they somehow, somehow, managed to get a win in this game. How??????

German started off fine, stretching Sweden down both flanks, but Sweden showed they could be dangerous early on when Neuer made himself big for Berg to hit it straight at him when through. That was the big scare that should have woken the Germans up.

But it didn’t, and in the 32nd minute Toivonen was through, and somehow chipped Neuer from nearly an impossible angle, one nil to Sweden, oh heck! Claesson, later then had a great chance to make it two nil, but he was let down by a terrible first touch, on a 2 v 1 break. Tut tut.

I really couldn’t see how Germany could get back into this game. They were not playing well, had a load of passengers on the team and no leader on the pitch to drag them to victory. But luckily for them Reus was on target, in the right place at the right time, in the box to score level, just after the break. 

Now surely Germany would ease to victory and get that second goal. Or so we thought, but the minutes started to tick away, and then Boateng got himself sent off for a silly reckless challenge. It was hard with 11, now it was going to be near impossible with only 10. 

Gomez missed a point blank sitter, amazing really how he can call himself a striker, then Brandt hit the post with a long range effort, Robin Olsen the Swedish goalkeeper in between making a number of excellent saves. The Swedish back line were under all sorts of pressure. With only about 30 seconds of the allotted time left, Jimmy Durmaz, with the paedo like beard, gave a silly free kick away on the edge of the box. This was surely the last chance for the Germans, it was a tight enough angle but no bother for Kroos who, with a quick one two with Reus, smashed it over the wall into the net. Brilliant recovery from Germany, and they are still in this years World Cup. PHEW, my heart!

Music to get you in the mood

Nena ‎- 99 Luftballons (Germany) V Abba – Dancing Queen (Sweden)

Use Facebook to Comment on this Post

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: Mexico 

South Korea V Mexico World Cup 2018

South Korea V Mexico

(Synopsis in red)

Pregame bets:

Mexico are one of those teams that always provide excitement and always play decent football that is easy on the eye. Unfortunately they sometimes forget about the defensive side of the gameHave a feeling Mexico will push on from the Germany game and hit the ground running, up against a Korean team with nothing to offer, this could be a whitewash. 

€10.00 Single
South Korea v Mexico – Mexico to score in both halves & Mexico over 1.5 corners each half 9/2

Full betting review here>https://www.thisdrinkinglife.com/top-bets-of-the-world-cup-2018/

Ah fuck ya Mexico, thats why you wont win fuck all. Playing back playing deep with nearly half an hour to play, against a shit Korean team. Fuck off. 

Beers: Group F of Beer World Cup:

World Cup of Beer Group F

Corona of Mexico lost their first game, lucky then they are up against Korea, who have no beer representing them. No beer is no fun. 

                         V  

 

 

 

 

Corona to win, no beer from Korea, even gave the hot noodles a miss today, no thanks! 

PreGame:

Mexico: Germany got rightly suckered punched by an extremely high octane Mexican team in the opener. Well done to Mexico on that victory, I was a little worried for them in near the end that they might rue all those chances they wasted, about 10 of them by my count, but no they held on for the victory.

Great goal by Lozano, brilliant to get the drag back and the space to rifle it home. Excellent move from the back, and in three lovely movements he was in.

It was a great game, can always rely on Mexico to entertain, they are relentless in their attack. Was great to hear the “ole ole” ringing out from the crowd, certainly they approved of the show the Mexican players had put on for them.

I fully expect the party to continue today, they should rip Korea apart if even they play to half the tempo they did V Germany. Cant wait for it. 

South Korea were really poor in their first game, V Sweden, and offered little at all in throughout. But they could have nicked it in the end but for Hwang missing a simple enough header.

The Korean goalkeeper, Cho Hyun-Woo, has to be commended for keeping his team in it, as he made about 3 or 4 top class saves, one a point blank save from Berg.

They were unlucky to lose to a penalty but it was a good call from VAR, as it was a penalty. Hard to take for the Koreans but their defenders should not be diving like that in their own box. 

Korea look like they will be doing well to score a goal in this years tournament never mind grab a point against Mexico. Will be curtains for them today. 

A more detailed review on South Korea here and on Mexico here

Mexico won today but I was far from convinced by that performance. Lets be honest they wouldn’t have scored in the first half if it wasn’t for the penalty. They were very slow to get motoring at times, and defending with over 25 minutes to go is a bit beneath them. 

Mexico are one of those teams that always provide excitement and always play decent football that is easy on the eye. Unfortunately they sometimes forget about the defensive side of the gameAs for Korea, crikey they could have ten yellow cards for all the misplaced tackles they did today, rather the the measly 4 they got. They just didn’t have the players to do anything substantial in this World Cup, albeit Son Heung-Min played much better today, was lively throughout, had a rake of chances, and managed to score a cracker of a goal. We wont mention the simple chance he had well before!

Mexico got the penalty in the first half, a definite peno, don’t know what the defender was doing flying in with his hands up. Nice penalty from Vela, about all he did in the game. 

The thing I hate about Mexico is that they always waste so many score able opportunities and good forward play but sloppy play or ballooning the ball over the bar. Layún did it in the first half, Lozano did it a good few times, even the usually reliable Javier Hernández kicking the ball out of the stadium.  FFS lads try and keep your shots low gravity.

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: Mexico R Márquez made an appearance and proceeded to have a brain freeze gifting the ball to Min, who should have done better. Corona came on and I was wondering what Porto got for their 10 million, as he barely made a forward run at all, tripping up over the ball at times. Anyway Korea pulled one back and Mexico held on, just about. 

I am not so sure about Mexico now and cant see them getting to far into the tournament after this display. As for Korea, they might be hammered by Germany. 

Music to get you in the mood

자우림 (Jaurim) – 스물다섯, 스물하나 (Twenty-five, Twenty-one) [Goodbye, grief.] (South Korea) V Kobol – Neotoma Syndrome (Mexico)

Use Facebook to Comment on this Post

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: Belgium

Belgium V Tunisia World Cup 2018

Belgium V Tunisia

(Synopsis in red)

Pregame bets:

Belgium barely broke into a sweat while dismantling a poor Panama team. This will be more of the same, albeit might be until the second half till we see the Tunisian defence crumble, but it will.

€1.00 Single
Belgium v Tunisia – Correct Score 4-1 22/1

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: BelgiumAgainst England the Tunisians were quite dirty and physical, and they are the type of team that will offer up loads of frees. Step forward De Bruyne, a man who knows how to hit them. he was so close in the first game, I expect him to get it right this time. 

€2.00 Single
Belgium v Tunisia – To Score a Direct Free Kick K De Bruyne 16/1
Stake:

€4.00 Single
Belgium v Tunisia – Anytime Goalscorer Kevin De Bruyne 7/2

€5.00 Single
Belgium v Tunisia – Red Card Markets Tunisia to have a red card 15/2

Full betting review here>https://www.thisdrinkinglife.com/top-bets-of-the-world-cup-2018/

Beers: Group G of Beer World Cup:

World Cup of Beer Group G

Belgian entry, Kamil, based not too far from the beautiful medieval city of Antwerp, will be up against Tunisia who have no beer to represent them. No beer no fun! 

Kamil

                          V  

 

 

 

 

No competition for the interesting Blonde Ale from the Bieren Van Begeerte brewery. Was enjoyable, one nil to the Belgians. 

PreGame:

In the opening game it was so easy for Belgium against Panama as they ran out of legs and energy. It was 3-0 but could have been more.

In the first half Belgium didn’t do a whole lot, for sure they had good tempo and made some incisive forward play but there was no real bite to their attack. But it took a moment of magic from Mertens just after half time, with a cracking volley, to wake the team up. He had a good game too wee Mertens.

After the first goal went in Belgium started to play a bit more freely and with more confidence, as the heads dipped a bit for Panama.

But against the run of play Panama had a great chance to equalise when Michael Murillo was one v one with the goalkeeper but Courtois spreadeagled prevented a goal. Courtois had a good solid game throughout, what a great goalkeeper to have who inspires confidence in his back line.

Not long after Hazard someone manages to pass a ball (was difficult for him today) and sets up Lukaku with a chance to score, which he does with a lovely deft little chip over the goalie. A well worked goal.

Lukaku got another goal when De Bruyne with a lovely flick with the outside of his foot set him up for a free header to power home for the third goal of the game. About the only thing De Bruyne did really, a sub below par game for him today. Was another great counterattack goal from the Belgians, their trademark.

Three nil is all good and well for Belgium but I saw a lot of flaws in this game today that would make me very concerned if I was a Belgian fan. One thing that can’t be excused was that Eden Hazard couldn’t give a simple pass all game, well apart from setting up the one goal, he must have lost the ball a million times in the game. He can afford to do that against Panama but will be severely punished if he does that shit v Spain or Portugal for example. And you wonder on why the manager didn’t take him off. I would begin to wonder about Martinez there.

Belgium got three points on the board and, today, up against Tunisia, should get the win to put them through to the last 16.

Against England, Tunisia played puke football all match and were lucky to even get one goal never mind a draw. (thanks to the ref)

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: TunisiaIt was a very cynical and dirty Tunisian team who tried to disrupt the play of England all game. They slowed down the game, took their time over frees and throw ins, and players had severe cramp a couple of times. Also for corners they wrestled Kane to the ground time and time again. I will be amazed if they escape the World Cup without a red card! Tunisia might be lucky to get a draw with a similar performance against Belgium today, perhaps, but I doubt it!

A more detailed review on Belgium here and on Tunisia here

Was too easy for Belgian, as I had predicted there would be a hammering, and that Belgium would be too strong for a severely limited Tunisian team. 

Belgium started with much more intensity, and I guess after looking at the England game, they knew that if they get at Tunisia from the get go they might crumble early. And so they did, very early in fact, after about 6 minutes, with Hazard getting and scoring a penalty. We didn’t have to wait long for the next one, ten minutes in fact, for Lukaku to score a nice goal that was well set up. 

Rather than crumble Tunisia did somehow manage to pull one quick goal back, Bronn scored from a glancing header, unmarked, back of the net. Great response, and exactly what his team needed. Game on. 

Or so we thought, but Tunisia continued to gift Belgium simple chances, and with De Bruyne and Witsel pulling the strings in midfield it wasn’t long before Lukaku got his second goal of the afternoon. Put on a plate for him from De Bruyne, 3-1, just before half time. 

Straight into the second half normal service resumed as in the 51st minute hazard got his seond and Belgium’s fourth. Another great ball from De Bruyne, and nice control by hazard to hit it easily past the hapless Tunisian goalkeeper. 

As a contest it was over, and still we had so many minutes of the game to go. Subs came and went, and Batshuayi who was only on the pitch a short while, managed to have about 5 simple goal scoring chances, hitting one of the post when it was easier to score, rounding the glk in another and tamely hitting it when he should have blasted it into the empty net, but he did get the one nice goal, a well taken effort  to make it 5-1. 

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: BelgiumTunisia got one back, but they were never at the races today. Belgium looked good, particularly De Bruyne quietly going about his business behind the forwards, making most of the build up play and assisting in a few of the goals for today. Also for me, Vertonghen in central defence has had a good world cup so far, marshaling his back four very well, a good rock at the back.  Belgium got their goal ratio way up today and knowing that a draw against England should be enough to qualify as leaders of the Group. 

 

Music to get you in the mood

Stromae – Alors On Danse (Belgium) V Hedi Donia – Sidi Ali Azzouz (Tunisia)

Use Facebook to Comment on this Post

World Cup 2018: The view on Brazil

Brazil V Costa Rica World Cup 2018

Brazil V Costa Rica

(Synopsis in red)

Pregame bets:

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: BrazilSurely to god Brazil will be on fire tomorrow, come on the fuck. Neymar has to get off the mark, surely!

€20.00 Single
Brazil v Costa Rica – Anytime Goalscorer Neymar 10/11

Brazil beat them 5-2 one year in the WCup, so why not 4-1! 

€1.00 Single
Brazil v Costa Rica – Correct Score 4-1 22/1

Full betting review here>https://www.thisdrinkinglife.com/top-bets-of-the-world-cup-2018/

Get in!!!!! You fucking beauty, thanks Neymar, but bigger thanks to D Costa for the lovely square ball. Jesus that was close!

Beers: Group E of Beer World Cup: 

World Cup of Beer Group E

   V

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just like the football team Skol get the victory here, just a nice smoother lager than Imperial,  nice body and a better looker. 1-0 to the Brazilians.

PreGame:

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: BrazilBrazil started off on fire against the Swiss, in the first game, it was all Brazil, pacey and dominant, and sure enough it wasn’t long before they got on the score sheet with a brilliant goal from Coutinho who curled a lovely goal in off the post, brilliant finish. 

But after the while the Brazil attack petered out and Switzerland came more into the game, and got the equaliser from a free header. The Swiss played good football and their defence also held out very well and it was difficult for the Brazilians to break them down. Today they should far more space and room to play around the CR defence, and this freedom will surely result in a few goals. 

Costa Rica really never got motoring in their opener against Serbia, and the Serbian central defence were rock solid. The game started off lively for both teams, chances at both ends inside the first ten minutes, with Costa Rica having a real chance in the 13th minute with a free header that they really should have scored from. 

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: Costa RicaBut Costa Rica were fannying around for long spells of the game, not really doing anything of substance, particularly Guzmán who was awful and should have got substituted much earlier than the 72nd minute. He also gave away the silly free that lead to the goal. Costa Rica were also quite a dirty team, constantly fouling every time they didn’t have the ball.

The central defence of Serbia were brilliant, in fact the whole back four were quite solid. It was going to take a lot of skill to get behind them and unfortunately Costa Rica didn’t have that, they might have a bit more chance against a weak Brazilian defence, but will their midfield be able to stem the tide of Neymar and co running from midfield? I don’t think so. 

A more detailed review on Brazil here and on Costa Rica here

Good game, were Brazil started the more livelier and were far pacier in the early stages of the game, without creating a whole lot of chances either. In fact the first real chance of the game fell to Borges who had a clear shot on goal but he fluffed it way wide. What a terrible chance wasted.

Neymar was active, and he forced Navas off his line to save, early on. He also had another good chance to score but for the reaction save of Navas again. Neymar had the chances but looked a little off the pace just ever so slightly. Remember he still isn’t completely back to full fitness. But it wasn’t all Neymar, Coutinho had a cracking game, with all the good moves starting with him on the ball first. 

Costa Rica continued to have chances of their own, had a 3 v 2 break but again they fluffed their lines. They really could have done with more composure in the final half of the pitch.

Time was ticking and it didn’t look like a goal was coming. The Neymar capitalized on a bad mistake to be running on free towards goal on his favourite foot, a goal surely? Alas he hit it curling just wide. Was that the chance gone?

No, because not long after Neymar was again involved, this time in the box appearing to be dragged back by the Costa Rican defender. It looked a penalty, but the referee needed another view. He wasn’t convinced and changed his mind, no penalty. A brave decision and the correct decision I think. A slight touch but a dramatic fall by Neymar. Good decision. Neymar later got a yellow for petulance, silly card to get. 

Costa Rica thought they had done enough, got the draw they needed. But one minute into injury time, Coutinho ran onto a ball and smashed it home, brilliant, and no more than he deserved. A nation breathed a sigh of relief when that went in.  This goal started the samba football off, and flicks and lovely ball control were shown by the guys in yellow, including Neymar who cleverly flicked the ball over the defenders head, what skill! And if that wasn’t enough, rather than defend the lead, Brazil only went up and scored another. Finally the man of the moment got on the scoresheet, Neymar, with a nice square pass from Costa, 2-0 to get Brazil’s world cup finally on the road. All great fun and drama to watch! 

Music to get you in the mood

Pitty – Na Sua Estante (Brazil) V Alto Vuelo (Manuel Monestel) (Costa Rica)

Use Facebook to Comment on this Post

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: Iceland

Nigeria V Iceland World Cup 2018

Nigeria V Iceland

(Synopsis in red)

Pregame bets:

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: NigeriaFancy Nigeria to at least play a bit better tomorrow, knowing that they must win will throw the shackles off the team and let them just go for it. I really fancy this bet as I do think there is a goal in their team. While Iceland have scored against much stronger opposition. Plus two tough tacking teams, and end to end football, yeah this is a cracking bet me thinks. 

€6.00 Single
Nigeria v Iceland – BTTS & 3+ corners for each team & 2+ cards for each team 8/1

Full betting review here>https://www.thisdrinkinglife.com/top-bets-of-the-world-cup-2018/

Didn’t come off, but I was right about Nigeria, well done, and thanks to that result Messi is back in the World Cup, phew! 

Beers: Group D of Beer World Cup: 

World Cup of Beer Group D

Guinness Special Export up against Einstock. Should be an interesting battle.

               V

 

 

 

 

 

Good battle between two very strong tasting beers, but will give it too Nigeria and their version of Guinness as it lingers in the mouth longer and had that tad bit more today over Einstok. One nil to Nigeria. 

PreGame:

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: IcelandIceland were damn lucky in their first game that Messi missed a penalty, that is something that nearly never happens. It was an unlucky penalty for Iceland to give away, more clumsy than intent from the defender, but truth be told Argentina didn’t deserve the win. They started off great and full of heart, but in the end they found the Icelandic defenders just too strong to get past, and with Messi double marked, a draw was a fair result. A draw they needed and will give them a great chance to get out of the group, starting today against a Nigerian team that are very beatable for the Icelanders.

In the first game, Aguero got a great goal for Argentina, great footwork to get the space to shoot. Expecting the flood works to open after that, but no Iceland just go and equalise. The usual Iceland goal, hit it forward with marauding runs, create havoc and mass chaos in the defence, and sweep up the loose ball into the net. A bit like the Viking attack of years yonder. With this they can afford to give away 70% possession as long as their defence holds strong, and it usually does.

Croatia just did enough to get the win against Nigeria who didn’t really have anything to give at all. Croatia’s first goal was due to a bit of good fortune, while their second was a penalty.

I would worry about Nigeria. I wonder where their goals will come from, and their general play was all over the place, no structure, a team in only name.  

But in the last World Cup they also started poorly, and eventually picked up as the games went along. Ok they didn’t qualify but played much better, so I’d expect they should do the same again starting with today. It is Nigeria, they always can play good football, if pushed! 

A more detailed review on Nigeria here and on Iceland here

What a great second half from Nigeria, who came out of the blocks totally on fire. Iceland had nothing to match their desire and heart, Nigeria used their pace and tenacity to beat them off the park. In effect Nigeria did an Iceland on Iceland, attacking with great pace on the break, and using long balls (on the wing) to get on the break and counter attack. 

Nigeria can be very disjointed at times, and terrible to watch on occasion, but when they click boy do they click. Its really all about confidence. They also got some half decent players. Moses is such an awkward player, at times he can be an ass taking potshots from all angles, but other times like today he was opening up the space on the wing and doing so much running at the Icelandic defence, that he had a huge effect on the game today. Then you got Musa, who did very little in the first half, but was extraordinary in the second. Two absolutely brilliant goals, one taken from a quick break, again on the counter, he flicked it up and banged in into the bag of the net, every schoolboys dream, brilliant. The other, running with amazing speed, beating the defence and the goalie at will, back of the net. Brilliant.

Iceland were found out today, they really are just long ball merchants with average players and I wonder if Croatia give them a game they might crumble. Nigeria go on to meet their World Cup nemesis, Argentina, in what will be the mother of all battles. I can’t wait for it, brilliant. 

Music to get you in the mood

Majek Fashek – So long  (Nigeria) V  Björk – Venus As A Boy (Iceland)

Use Facebook to Comment on this Post

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: Switzerland

Serbia V Switzerland World Cup 2018

Serbia V Switzerland

(Synopsis in red)

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: SwitzerlandPregame bets:

Sticking with my main man, Xherdan Shaqiri, I hope he wont let me down. 

€7.39 Single
Serbia v Switzerland – Anytime Goalscorer Xherdan Shaqiri 7/2

Full betting review here>https://www.thisdrinkinglife.com/top-bets-of-the-world-cup-2018/

Well what can I say, fucking love Shaqiri, when he gets his finger out he is one of the most gifted players on the planet. Love it!

Beers: Group E of Beer World Cup: 

World Cup of Beer Group E

Kabinet was interesting in the first day, tasty enough to get the victory over the Costa Rican beer, Imperial, while Switzerland also had a solid start, with Dr. Brauwolf, another interesting concept. So here the two nations go head to head, this time with Soo Soors beer up aaginst Kabinet. 

   V  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Soo Soors and their golden ale was very silky and smooth, easy to drink, while Kabinet was equally impressive, and for an IPA pretty quaffable (for me!). Close, really close, but will have to give it to the Swiss, just like in the football, just that bit more creative.

PreGame:

Switzerland: Great first game for the Swiss against the mighty Brazil, end to end, and some stout defending from them near the finish to hold out for a magnificent draw. 

Started off ominous for the Swiss as it was all Brazil at the start, pacey and dominant, and sure enough it wasn’t long before they got on the score sheet with a brilliant goal from Coutinho who curled a lovely goal in off the post, brilliant finish. 

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: SwitzerlandBut after the while the Brazil attack petered out and Switzerland came more into the game, and got the equaliser from a free header. They played well, the Swiss and even though I am not one of his greatest fans, Behrami gave a world class performance today, top stuff. Their defence also held out very well today, Sommer was strong in goals, and we only got the two dives from Lichtsteiner today. I wonder is he not well? (and the cunt was complaining about Neymar diving, he really has a face I’d like to punch)

If Kolarov hadn’t of scored in the first game, from a classy free kick, I doubt Serbia would have got a goal at all, as they missed a few simple chances and they didn’t seem to have their shooting boots on, something that does not bode well for them against defences that are a bit stronger than Costa Rica, like Switzerland’s today. 

The central defence of Serbia were brilliant in that game though, in fact the whole back four were quite solid. It was going to take a lot of skill to get behind them and unfortunately Costa Rica didn’t have that. I wonder will they be tested today.

Today will be close but I reckon if Switzerland play it tight then they can get a result against Serbia, an equally matched foe, but just that bit slower out of defence. Two equally matched teams, has a bore draw written all over it in all honesty! 

A more detailed review on Serbia here and on Switzerland here

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: SerbiaA game of two halves, really. Mitrovic scored early doors, from an excellent cross by Tadic, who only a minute beforehand had whipped in a virtually similar cross into the box. This time they scored, and Mitrovic and Tadic were combining well all first half, with most play coming down the left side. At the other end of the pitch, their defence was again solid, the Swiss just couldn’t get pass them at all. 

How often have we seen teams punished for missing simple chances. Well that happened when Tosic should really have made it 2-0 when he totally missed a free header in the Swiss box. Oh how he will rue that miss.

Then in the second half Switzerland came more into it, Shaqiri spent most of the first half moaning and falling down easy, but in the second half he decided to actually play, and was to be found on both wings and playing balls from all over. Much improved.

The game, and momentum, had changed in the Swiss’ favour, and sure enough on the 52nd minute, Xhaka (who did fuck all else in the game) scored with a cracker from outside the box to equalize. Was a good finish alright.

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: SwitzerlandIt was amazing what a goal can do, for the Swiss it reinvigorated them while totally shocked the Serbs who looked like it drained them of all their energy. Shaqiri hit the post with a wonder strike, and you could sense that perhaps there was a win for this Swiss team. Well in the 90 minute that goal came, and Shaqiri was the man to take all the credit, on the break calming slotting it past the on running goal, you just knew he wasn’t going to miss from there. Brilliant, what a turnaround for the Swiss.  

For the Serbs they can count themselves very unlucky. They also might feel a tad bit pissed as Mitrovic was clearly manhandled in the Swiss box, whats the point of VAR if they cant pick up those obvious infringements? They now play Brazil, knowing a draw might not even be enough (I think!?)

For the Swiss, I thought Akanji in central defence was good, first time seeing him and I was impressed, he was pacy and on top of most things. Also Rodríguez came into it in the second half with his usual bombing runs on the wing. They now know a win against the Costa Ricans and they are through to the last 16. Mission accomplished, very efficient.

Music to get you in the mood

Orthodox Celts – Star Of The County Down (Serbia) V Keltikon – Donald McGillavry (Switzerland)

Use Facebook to Comment on this Post

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: Denmark

Denmark V Australia World Cup 2018

Denmark V Australia

(Synopsis in red)

Pregame bets:

Will stick with Denmark, they won me money for the first game, and even though they didn’t play well I think they just have enough skill to beat an ordinary Australian team. 

€10.00 Single
Denmark 10/11

Full betting review here>https://www.thisdrinkinglife.com/top-bets-of-the-world-cup-2018/

Fuck Denmark, fucking hopeless cunts. I’d love if they didn’t make the second round now, wankers. lol

Beers: Group C of Beer World Cup: 

World Cup of Beer Group C

Denmark’s most famous beer, Carlsberg up against Australia’s most famous brew, Fosters. Both beers won their opening beer games, so its a head to head to see who goes top of Beer World Cup C. 

          V  

 

 

 

 

 

Some contrasts. Carlsberg looked terrible and wasn’t the best but manageable, but when I poured Fosters it looked marvelous, shining and ready to be devoured, but then there was little aroma and very little taste, what a shock. So Carlsberg it is to edge a tight enough match between two disappointing beers.

PreGame:

Was very disappointed with Denmark in their first game V Peru, they were very lethargic, Eriksen was woeful, Sisto had bags of energy but no vision, while N Jørgensen was an embarrassment to forwards everywhere, lazy fucker.

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: DenmarkBut they were lucky that Poulsen was on form. He had a great game, definitely a man of the match performance, pacing up and down the pitch, scoring a cracker of a goal and also got in a very decisive header near the end to clear the defence. Brilliant work ethic.

Denmark can relax a bit, knowing they have the 3 points already on the board and if they get even a draw today it should put them half way into the next round. I would imagine they will do a number on Australia, and catch them on the break a few times. 

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: AustraliaAustralia can consider themselves a little unlucky in their first game against France what with the dodgy penalty and a fluky goal to concede, and yes they defended well against France but maybe, just maybe, if they had went for it a bit more perhaps they might have gotten more from the game?

Australia didn’t do a whole lot going forward and it its so hard to say what they are really like as France were so turgid, and perhaps the fact they let a really poor French team beat them might say a lot about where they are at the moment.

A more detailed review on Australia here and on Denmark here

Ah Jesus Denmark what the fuck. From the driving seat to barely holding on in the second half. Tut tut. Ok the referee gifted a penalty to Australia that was never a penalty, but Denmark still had enough quality to get a win here, but they did sweet f.a in the second half, very disappointing to see. 

All started perfectly for the Danes, with Eriksen blasting in a lovely executed volley early on, and it look like there would be a hiding for the Aussies. Denmark were playing some decent passing football, Sisto was better, Schöne was impressive and they had a few chances to increase their lead. N Jørgensen heading wide when it might have looked easier to score. All looked well. 

But not far from half time, a very slight handball that was very unintentional was given as a penalty, and Jedinak  scored from the peno spot. Well done to Jedinak for keeping his composure. Australia were back in this game.

We expected Denmark to come out in the second half and normal service would resume, but instead it was all Australia and they were unlucky on a few occasions not to snatch a winning goal. What they lacked in skill they more than made up for it in spirit and tenace. Leckie for Australia was simply outstanding, all over the pitch, left and right, and such a workhorse. he might not be the most technically gifted player but boy does he work his socks off for the team, great performance. 

Denmark left their brains in the dressing room as they played shite in the second half, barely doing anything of substance and their star players were missing. Nothing from Eriksen, Sisto reverted to his usual game of running a bit then losing the ball, Schmeichel getting nutmegged, and what can we say about N Jørgensen, a fucking donkey if I ever seen one, hopeless. I was wondering why the manager took so long to replace him, in the 68th minute then I realized why, as the bench was full of muck too. Braithwaite and Cornelius, who eventually replaced him, and who both came on, were as bad. 

Jedinak is having a good tournament, two goals but he offers a lot more than a key penalty taker, he links play very well and is a good defensive check in the centre of midfield, even if he looks like a pedophile with that awful beard. 

Great result for Australia, knowing that if they beat Peru they seriously have a great chance of progressing, while Denmark’s hopes rest on the last game with France, a draw might still be good enough for them in that game, but at the moment they scarcely deserve to be in the last 16. 

Music to get you in the mood

Aqua – Barbie Girl (Denmark) V Cosmic Psychos – Fuckwit City (Australia)

Use Facebook to Comment on this Post

France V Peru World Cup 2018

France V Peru

Pregame bets:

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: FranceAs much as it would be nice to see Peru do well, I dont think it will happen. France will surely be keen to lay down a marker for the tournament after disappointing in the first game. And if they do get going, Griezmann will be the man to score the goals. 

€10.00 Single
France v Peru – Anytime Goalscorer Antoine Griezmann 5/4

€2.00 Single
France v Peru – Correct Score 2-0 6/1

Full betting review here>https://www.thisdrinkinglife.com/top-bets-of-the-world-cup-2018/

Ah bollix to that, the French are such a lazy fucking team that they would never bother their hole for a second why would they do that. lol

Beers: Group C of Beer World Cup: 

World Cup of Beer Group C

Cusqueña was a little disappointing in their first tryout, a bit flat, so lets see if they can improve against French kingpins Kronenbourg 1664, who have also to get off the mark, having lost their opening too. 

                  V

 

 

 

 

 

Kronenbourg looked pretty nice on the pour, lovely colour and nice head, very appetizing, wasn’t too bad to drink too, so I thought this might be a forlorn conclusion since Cusquena performed so terribly in the first tryout. But you know, I actually started to slowly enjoy the Cusquena, it was nice to sip at and by the end of the drink I was beginning to think I might have been too hasty to write it down after the first game. So with that in mind I will give the result as a score draw, 1-1!

 

 

 

 

 

 

PreGame:

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: FranceFrance were pathetic against Australia, and if it wasn’t for a rubbish ref and a dodgy penalty they might not have got the three points. They scarcely deserved them anyway. France had a whole team of passengers. Pavard, as right back, looked way out of his depth, was embarrassing to see, while the big names of Mbappé, Dembélé and Pogba, and Matuidi when he came on, were awful, truly awful. And Pogba doing flicks in the 67th minute when his team needs a leader on the pitch, then kissing his badge when he scored a fluky goal, what a cunt!

Deschamps messed up a bit with his team selection, but to be fair to the man, who can he bring on to change things, its a general malaise in French football I think. I know I would be tearing my hair out if I was the manager. I hope I am wrong and that today the French team will up their game and show the world that yes they can play some good football, but I feel it probably wont happen as Peru are a handy team and will cause their wingbacks all sorts of problems (Surely to God Deschamps wont play Pavard again, if he does that is criminal!) 

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: PeruPeru they did pretty much everything against Denmark but score. How many chances did they need, and a penalty yet they still lost this game, unlucky. They were lively throughout and had a rake of chances yet didn’t hit the back of the net. It does make you wonder that perhaps maybe they should have had Guerrero on earlier? 

They were a joy to watch and everyone was willing them on to score. But now that they got that one game under their belt and got that out of their system, If they play as well as they did in that first game today then they might have an outside chance of a result.

A more detailed review on France here and on Peru here

In a few years time the World Cup will be expanded to 48 teams. Imagine that 48, how much more fucking dross will we have to sit through before the competitive side of the tournament begins? It will end up like the CL, with a lot of dead rubber games, and people will lose interest. Sure the cunts in Fifa will make their money, but at the price of devaluing the product. 

I say all this as I am after sitting through another fucking piece of shit game. Two bad teams, if we are trying to be honest. France are fucking muck and wont win anything, that’s for sure. Their supporters know as much that is why about 12 have actually bothered to go to Russia. As for Peru, I have a lot of love for the way they tried but in the end, after two games, it was all fruitless. If they can’t score a goal against such muck then you are not good enough to be under the top table, dont mind sitting at the table. Harsh but true.

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: FranceAnyway see Deschamps had Pavard still on the starting 11, which tells you a lot about their squad strength. and he was still shit today, albeit less so as Mbappé had to track back and do the forwards runs Pavard should have done. You could argue that was a good solution to an obvious problem, perhaps, but it means there is a gap in midfield. 
Peru again had their chances and a bit unlucky, Guerrero with a cracking volley unfortunately straight at Lloris, and their amazing fans did spur them on, particularly in the first half, but I think they were spent by the end, they must have no energy left by this stage. Wonder can they muster any strength to beat Australia?

France win again, and again by a poxy goal. This time from Mbappé who had a simple tap in after an unlucky ricochet. Griezmann was good again, usually the only French player who has a footballing brain, and maintains it throughout the whole game. Pogba did one good pass, and that was about it for him, and the rest not much better. They did play well at the end of the first half for sure, but that was about it, a 20 minute cameo and then back to their dull boring dross for the rest of the game. 

Anyway pity Peru didn’t manage to get that goal, they did hit the post too, ah well lets hope they find it in themselves to beat Australia. As for France they go head to head V Denmark to see who comes top of the group to possibly play/avoid Argentina. Doesn’t really matter both are shit, and so are the Argentinians as well. Denmark V France, I might possibly go have a long walk, or wank, it would be more fun!

 

Music to get you in the mood

AIR – Sexy Boy (France) V ORGULLO DEL PERU – BELLAVISTA – DIABLADA PUNEÑA 2018 – SON DEL TITICACA  (Peru)

Use Facebook to Comment on this Post

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: Argentina

Argentina V Croatia World Cup 2018

Argentina V Croatia

(Synopsis in red)

Pregame bets:

Perhaps this game will be more open than the Iceland game, and so with more room to play Messi might be more in tune to score a goal. 

€10.00 Single
Argentina v Croatia – Anytime Goalscorer Lionel Messi 11/8

Full betting review here>https://www.thisdrinkinglife.com/top-bets-of-the-world-cup-2018/

Never had a look in, unfortunately as his team mates haven’t figured out how to pass to him or create space for him, such a shame he plays with such dross.

Beers: Group D of Beer World Cup: 

World Cup of Beer Group D

Quilmes of Argentina need to get off the mark as they lost the opener and now need a result against Croatia’s Ožujsko, who got the three points in their opener V Nigeria. 

                V  
Ožujsko, Croatia’s most popular beer

 

 

 

 

 

Croatia’s Ožujsko, much like their team, had that bit more of class to them, smoother, more enjoyable and long lasting. Enjoyable. Quilmes was ok, but just not as good as Ožujsko, one nil.

PreGame:

Against Iceland, Messi never really got motoring, sure he was well marked but so is Ronaldo and he is on four goals already! Missing a penalty in the first game also must have hurt badly, so I’d be interested to see how he responds to today’s game against a tough enough Croatia. I imagine that Croatia might play a more expansive game which would help, but then they probably only need a draw in this game to set themselves up for the last game V Iceland, so they could also be just as cagey. 

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: ArgentinaTruth be told Argentina didn’t deserve a win against Iceland. They started off great and full of heart, but in the end they found the Icelandic defenders just too strong to get past, and with Messi double marked, a draw was all they could muster.

Aguero scored a well taken goal but other than that no one stepped up to the plate, and, truth be told, that Argentinian defence is pretty weak and all over the place. They wont be winning any World Cups playing like that. Croatia will be a sterner test today so its going to take some magic from Messi to wake them up from their apparent slumber!

As for Croatia, they just did enough to get the win against a poor enough Nigeria, who didn’t really have anything to give at all. In their victory Croatia also showed their lack of depth as they didn’t play well at all. The game was pretty dull, nothing much to report at all. Croatia’s first goal was due to a bit of good fortune, while their second was a penalty. But all they really need today is a draw and they might set up for that and play it tight. It could work for them as a man marked Messi nullifies Argentina easily enough. I hope I am wrong, but lets see…..

A more detailed review on Argentina here and on Croatia here

I kind of feel a bit sick knowing that this could be Messi’s final world cup. Its such a crying fucking shame, that his compatriots are such selfish fucking clowns. It’s not rocket science, when your name is Acuña, Dybala, or Pérez for example, and your team is fighting to stay in the Wold Cup, and you receive the ball on the outside of the box……you…

A: move and pass it on, and create space for Messi.

B: give it to Messi,

C: give it to Messi, or

D: give it to Messi.

No, it is E: you fucking take a wild next to nothing shot, because you are a CUNT. 

And then the fucking imbecile of a manager takes off Agüero to further make Messi’s life harder. Bringing on Higuaín (did he even touch the ball?) is neither here not there, take off a fucking midfielder ffs!!!! 

Argentina looked awful, they looked like a team that was assembled in the stadium car park hours before the game, no team spirit and no clue what their game plan was. And Mascherano should have been put out to pasture years ago, the lazy get didn’t do anything all game. 

That’s not taking away from Croatia, who knew exactly how to exploit the narrow shape of Argentina, by pining it along the wings. It also helped that Caballero’s brain went away without leave, gifting Rebic a free strike, which he took superbly. After that Argentina were always playing catch up. Croatia had so many more chances, and sure enough another goal came for Croatia, and what a goal it was. Modric creating space for himself to curl a lovely ball into the corner of the net, top class stuff. Rakitic, who had a good game overall, apart from his playacting, then hit the post, but got another chance to get on the score sheet, minutes later, when he had an easy conversion from a square ball to simply place it into the net. Argentina were dead and buried, from Croatia with love, thank you very much, 3-0.

Argentina better get the novenas out and pray that Nigeria somehow beat Iceland tomorrow, otherwise they are going home early. Croatia on the other hand, job done after two games, well done, and they are a good footballing team too that might sneak into the last four.

Music to get you in the mood

Un poco de amor francés (Indio en concierto) – Indio Solari  (Argentina) V Kimiko – AK 47 (Croatia)

Use Facebook to Comment on this Post