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They could do the group winners and two best runners up as said. Obviously the likes of France and England would be more switched on from the start, but if that was the format, France would be out, Austria would be through, and England could have come close to being out too. Lots of jeopardy...

OK fair enough. Hard to tell sarcasm on here or jokes in written form. I apologise. But on a serious note, I do agree with you - other than the format. I just am not sure about third place qualifiers as it has ruined many of the round 3 games.

Why you having a go you bellend? I have been defending the smaller teams - read my posts properly... The point I am making is the FORMAT. Third place qualifiers can dilute the group stage. I even just said I would prefer even more teams to 24 for that reason. Also I don't even support...

I guess I am in a bit of both then, because I really enjoy seeing the lesser teams get a chance but prefer the more symmetrical format of 16 teams. You could go to 32. Sweden, Norway, Iceland, the Irelands, Bosnia and a couple of others could add to the tournament. Then have top two qualify...

It's not about winning for these smaller nations. if Slovakia were to make a QF (unlikely but you never know with how England are playing) it would be like winning it for them. They're already ecstatic at making it into the knockout stage, even if it in third place Ultimately only one team can...

I am not Turkish or even saying I like him. Just praising the finish.

I know what you mean, but at least they're giving it a go despite being inferior teams. It cannot always be about Spain, Germany, France etc. But overall I would much prefer it to go back to 16 teams (won't happen). Or skip the round of 16 and do group winners and two best runners up go...

He has good technique but is essentially just not that good a player. He is one of those players who is hyped to the moon as a young player then flatters to deceive until he retires.

He is an absolute clown. I still enjoyed the game though. Both Turkey goals were lovely. Loved how Calhanoglu sliced across that finish when most would have tried to curl the ball in. It let him fade it away from the goalkeeper's reach.

On the other hand, the smaller teams have been enthusiastic and the likes of Georgia, Romania, Slovakia and others have been a breath of fresh air. I enjoyed Czechia v Turkey, especially the second half.

Not sure about that second yellow for Czech, looked really harsh. Czech kit lovely as always. Love the deep red shirt with the lighter blue shorts and socks.

Yes man, the jury is out but hopefully it improves. It has been a bore for a few years now.

Yeah the CL group stages are a snoozefest too, and that is with only two going through from the group rather than three. Then the round of 16 is often a strong team against a smaller second place team. Look at Man City hammering Leipzig for example. Club football definitely has its problems...

Yes that is true. But the likes of Best, Salah, Haaland, Bale, and Lewa will always be at a disadvantage at international level. My point is that - for brilliant players from small countries - they can't just transfer to a top team. And yes France are a super team - but that is rare in...

Yeah you just can't replicate that festival of football feeling, as well as the tradition and heritage of the World Cup. I just wrote a brief post about club vs international.

It is now, it wasn't always. I think it's because of the explosion of money in football, globalisation, the rise of the internet, the increasingly good coaching. All of this coalesces to help perfect club football. At international level players aren't as familiar with each other, resulting in...

Congrats mate - always had a soft spot for Romania ever since the days of Hagi, Petrescu etc at USA 94 and France 98

Well Hungary will be praying that neither Georgia or Czechia win.

What's the point in old man Ronaldo starting a dead rubber game? Just seems absolutely pointless. If he is gonna be a starter then rest him for Hungary/Slovenia. That aside, good Portugal side I think. They should win this game but you never know as Georgia will be motivated. I will say...

Yeah the format encourages fewer risks in the final round of group games, due to only a third of the field being eliminated before the knockouts.