Matchday thread for the CWC Semi Final against Fluminense, and this fella:

I will be there!!

I've watched pretty much all of their games and they are tough. Thiago Silva has been a rock, nobody has gotten passed him so far and he seems to win every important duel.

They are good on the counter and we need to watch out for Hercules. He's mainly a sub and when he comes on, he's always a threat. If he gets the ball under control in a goalscoring position, he's going to take a shot on early and there's a high chance it's going to be on target.

Mixed feelings: I do and I don't want to play against Thiago Silva 🤔

My half-wish came true!

Back to back games against former players and current players

2 hours ago, Deino said:

My half-wish came true!

Back to back games against former players and current players

Looking at the other side of the draw, is it too much to ask for, to have a final against Carney Chukwuemeka ? 😎

Let’s not play Nkunku again

Thiago was first class for us. It was a privilege to have him in the squad. Not seen much better in years. He reads the game like i dont know what, he is maybe 5 seconds ahead of normal players.

However on Tuesday, knowing what we know about the man, i am hoping we attempt to hurt him with pace from all angles and when we are not doing that i hope we keep the ball a long way from him.

Lets get those old legs creaking, respectfully.

And i think we need to watch him like a hawk he still likes a headed goal or two from corners.

Edited July 5, 20251 yr by OneTommyLangley

2 hours ago, Sexyfootball said:

Looking at the other side of the draw, is it too much to ask for, to have a final against Carney Chukwuemeka ? 😎

We def got the easier side of the draw. PSG vs Munich is worthy of a final.

Another win for me though I don't think we will lift the cup.

Love Thiago! ❤️Absolute legend. Never heard him do an interview in English. I feel he'll be back st Chelsea at one point.

27 minutes ago, evissy said:

Love Thiago! ❤️Absolute legend. Never heard him do an interview in English. I feel he'll be back st Chelsea at one point.

I wonder what happened about his son in our academy. Think our U21 coach is leaving this summer. Just saying.

17 hours ago, Scott Harris said:

I've watched pretty much all of their games and they are tough. Thiago Silva has been a rock, nobody has gotten passed him so far and he seems to win every important duel.

They are good on the counter and we need to watch out for Hercules. He's mainly a sub and when he comes on, he's always a threat. If he gets the ball under control in a goalscoring position, he's going to take a shot on early and there's a high chance it's going to be on target.

Agreed. I’d also single out Arias — he’s been a handful and needs watching.

Cano is that typical Argentine finisher, and he can finish. Safer to prevent the ball from getting to him.

You couldn't have scripted this any better with the draw - epic game against Benfica, then Palmeiras with Esteavo, and now Fluminense with Silva. Just fitting.

Now, shifting all sentimentality to the side - lets get focused, build on our momentum and secure a place in the final.

I think we've done very well in this tournament so far. It might feel we 'should be' winning these games but it is not given. This is clearly the toughest test yet. They want that final spot as well. If we go out here I still say we've done well but the final is in a sniffing distance so let's go all the way

Sanchez

James Tosin Colwill Cucurella

Caicedo Santos

Palmer Enzo Neto

Joao Pedro

Just got a message from some mates going out to New York tomorrow. They've got match tickets for £9.50 !

There were tickets available before the Palmeiras match for $11 US ~ or about 9 pounds.

Edited July 6, 20251 yr by Scott

5 hours ago, Sconnie Blue said:

Sanchez

James Tosin Colwill Cucurella

Caicedo Santos

Palmer Enzo Neto

Joao Pedro

Colwill is suspended!!!!!

32 minutes ago, Hitherto said:

Colwill is suspended!!!!!

Ouch… he’s our best CB.

At least will have Caicedo back, and hopefully can see Santos play a bit ahead with the ball at his feet. I’m not sure he’s physical enough for a defensive role esp in the PL.

Fluminense is missing a couple of players esp their FW (the other) Martinelli.

Edited July 6, 20251 yr by acaeus

14 hours ago, The Rising Sun said:

Just got a message from some mates going out to New York tomorrow. They've got match tickets for £9.50 !

Footballing-wise the tournament has been very good. Every other aspect including the weather has been suspect. Anyway new things take time to grow.

6 minutes ago, evissy said:

Footballing-wise the tournament has been very good. Every other aspect including the weather has been suspect. Anyway new things take time to grow.

I suspect it might be a long for the prize money to match what is on offer this year. Collectively they must have taken such a bath on this financially what with DAZN providing coverage free to air and tickets dropping to the levels we were paying in the early to mid 90's