Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

Despite his magical powers, I don’t think Trump is thinking this through, to be honest.

Take hopelessness and turn it into resilience.

Something needs to be done about our bogus SCOTUS.

A thin legal pretext to veneer over their personal religious and political desires

We’ve had enough carrots to last a lifetime. break out the sticks.

Prediction: the GOP will rethink its strategy of boycotting future committees.

Why did Dr. Oz lose? well, according to the exit polls, it’s because Fetterman won.

After roe, women are no longer free.

A sufficient plurality of insane, greedy people can tank any democratic system ever devised, apparently.

Republicans are radicals, not conservatives.

Since when do we limit our critiques to things we could do better ourselves?

I like you, you’re my kind of trouble.

Consistently wrong since 2002

You don’t get to peddle hatred on saturday and offer condolences on sunday.

The truth is, these are not very bright guys, and things got out of hand.

Peak wingnut was a lie.

So it was an October Surprise A Day, like an Advent calendar but for crime.

All your base are belong to Tunch.

Usually wrong but never in doubt

The republican caucus is already covering themselves with something, and it’s not glory.

When I decide to be condescending, you won’t have to dream up a fantasy about it.

And now I have baud making fun of me. this day can’t get worse.

A Senator Walker would be an insult to the state and the nation.

Do not shrug your shoulders and accept the normalization of untruths.

You are here: Home / Sports / Sunday Morning World Cup Open Thread: France vs Poland

Sunday Morning World Cup Open Thread: France vs Poland

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Al Jazeera:

France will start their World Cup last-16 clash as overwhelming favourites but Poland are well equipped to derail Les Bleus’ title defence at Al Thumama Stadium.

France qualified for the knockout phase with a game to spare after two stylish performances against Australia and Denmark but lost the final group match to Tunisia after resting several key players.

Poland went through despite a 2-0 loss to Argentina in their final group game, carried through the opening phase by their sturdy defence and the touch of striker Robert Lewandowski.

France will enter the contest with most of their top players having recharged their batteries but patience, more than energy, might be key against Poland…

Poland, meanwhile, have moved to the knockout stages for the first time in 36 years after finishing second in their group behind Argentina.

Poland have been resolute at the back, having conceded just twice in the tournament. A lot of that is down to the heroics of their keeper Wojcieh Szczesny, who has arguably been their best player so far. He is the only goalkeeper this World Cup to have saved penalty kicks, including one by Lionel Messi.

But for all of Poland’s defensive resolve, they have been far from prolific in front of goal and have scored just twice this World Cup, both goals coming against Saudi Arabia. But Poland coach Czeslaw Michniewicz bristled at the criticism his side’s conservative approach has received.

“The ones that weren’t playing defensively at the World Cup are back home watching on TV. Now we’re out of the group phase, so we will change our plans,” Michniewicz said ahead of Sunday’s game against France.

“Our luggage is not packed, we weren’t ready to go home before playing Argentina and we’re not ready to go home now,” he added.

The winner of Sunday’s match will face either England or Senegal in the quarter-finals.

Reader Interactions

33Comments

  6. 6.

    JML

    I’m rooting for Poland (it’s my buddy’s team and one of my club guys plays for them) but I don’t have a lot of hope. France is very good and Mbappe is ridiculous.

  7. 7.

    VeniceRiley

    I am watching in UHD on BBC iPlayer and there is a slight delay from broadcast. But worth it for the clarity. Its boring enough when I can see. Still less boring than defrosting the freezer drawers, if only just.

  11. 11.

    JML

    oh, that’s a tough one right before half. Poland had played it pretty even, so that’s a gut punch.

  12. 12.

    JML

    Fox announcing team sucks, BTW and I hate the fact they’re trying to shove a sideline reporter into the broadcast. It’s a dumb idea in US football, and it’s useless in World Cup.

  19. 19.

    JML

    Poland has let France set the terms in the second half. They’re playing to deep and it’s playing right into France’s additional aggression. Need to get back on the front foot here if they’re going to have a chance.

    Man, Mbappe is good, though. Best player in the Cup?

  23. 23.

    VeniceRiley

    Mbappe on his wY to a golden boot. With everything Poland has been through this year, I was hoping for a  better result for them.

  32. 32.

    JML

    Poland played well enough they deserved to have a goal on the final tally, you know? France was the better team, and Mbappe looks unstoppable.

    An England/France quarter could be awfully compelling…

  33. 33.

    Paul in KY

    Mbappe is in the form right now where you can have his shot covered, etc. but he still rifles it by you. What an athlete!

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