FIFA World Cup - Qatar 2022

[SecondWar]

Well, I’ll be signing out of this thread now but I’ll post my last thoughts.

I said before the match that I thought the winner would go on to win to tournament and I stand by that - so I’m backing France to be the first team retain the trophy since 1962. Bit of a change from before the tournament I predicted they wouldn’t even win their group and would go out at the Round of 16.
As an England fan, I feel they made more than enough of an impression of the game and had several chances at 1-1 to take the lead. Ironically this was probably their best display at the tournament. I was then mumbling to myself that the next goal would likely win the tie then 2 minutes later France score. And Kane is so reliable from the spot, was heart-breaking to see him miss the second penalty. Kinda knew Rashford wouldn’t score the last free-kick. It was close but they almost never go in in those moments, although I obviously hoped he’d prove me wrong. I do feel for Southgate as inevitably more of the vitrol is going to get directed at him which I think is underserved.

For England, so near yet so far yet again. It feels like the end of a cycle. Southgate will probably leave now and many of the key players are probably at their last world cup, or at least the last time their prime. Henderson, Maguire, Trippier and Walker definitely won’t still be there in 2026 and whilst Kane, Stones and Pickford in theory could they’ll be past their prime. A few of those may cling on but such players often fare seem to hold the team back. Younger players like Foden, Bellingham, Saka and Rice will but you’re going back to the drawing board to rebuild the team - restarting the cycle - and you don’t typically win things at that time. Worse, they could be left in perpetual transition like 2006 to 2018 where they just went nowhere. I can at least look forward to the women’s world cup next year where England do look to have a real shot, although it’s not the same.

As I said, I think France will go on to win the tournament. I can’t see. I just think they’re too good for Morocco’s streetwise game. And I feel both Argentina and Croatia are weaker than 2018 when they both lost to France, whilst France are stronger than they were 4 years ago.