Topic: The 2026 FIFA World Cup Thread!!!

I expected today's match to be much more balanced. Morocco performed very well in their opening match against Brazil and especially in round 32 against the Netherlands.
Where did that level of intensity go? The heat and Saibari absence were a hindrance, but that doesn't change the fact that Morocco was terrible. The team couldn't defend or attack against France; they looked just like Sweden.

Well, it ended up being in their top 3 most likely scorelines anyhow.

Yeah I heard exasperated analysts wonder why Morocco waited until they were 2-0 down to bother trying to get out of their own half...

Here are today's quarter-final match's approximate odds of advancing according to bookmakers:

73% Spain
27% Belgium

3 most likely scorelines according to bookmakers ("1" = most likely, "2" = next most likely, etc.):

1.) 1-1
2.) 1-0 Spain
3.) 2-0 Spain

Winner faces France in the first semi-final on Tuesday.

Yep, fair play to the bookies, they were pretty on the money with that one. 2-0 felt like a better prediction than 1-0 though, because you have to bank on France scoring, and once they get one you imagine any team that's got anything about them will chase the game a bit. But Morocco were unexpectedly tame. I don't remember the France goalie having a shot to save. And the foul that conceded the penalty seemed so careless under the circumstances.

As for Spain v Belgium. Tough one to call, score wise. Form would suggest 1-0 Spain, but there's just the chance they'll hit a sweet spot and bag 1 or 2 more goals. Can't see Belgium scoring unless Lukaku bundles one in.

Personally after the unsportsman like conduct that Belguim displayed after the US game I hope Spain knocks them out and humiliates them. However with the Spain I have been seeing I dont think that will happen.

Thank you Spain. Call it poetic justice for the way Belguim acted after the US game. Nothing pleased me more to see them weeping after that match. Hey Belguim, overturn that. Lol