This looks like it's going to be our go to line up in big games with maybe Casemiro coming in for Llorente.

Great half, as usual when the players feel like it they can run their socks off for a whole half. Everyone has been excellent, we haven't created as many chances but we have worked our way to their penalty box really well. Just the final ball lacking a bit. Great goal by Bale

This is the Kashima that played us off the park two years ago. They can't even get to our penalty box this half.

I just need to emphasise how great it is to have a CDM, Llorente always at the right place at the right time. Even when Ramos goes gung ho, Llorente drops down to help. Casemiro Llorente competition is going to be great for the team

A hat trick by Bale, neat. Only watched the 2nd half so not sure what we were doing in the 1st. Surprised (and not surprised) we actually put an effort in this match tbh.

Doc wrote:A hat trick by Bale, neat. Only watched the 2nd half so not sure what we were doing in the 1st. Surprised (and not surprised) we actually put an effort in this match tbh.

The only official match where I couldn't give a flying fuck if Bale (or anyone else) performed... why doesn't he show up or any of the others ffs.

Because he isn't good enough and is very limited as a footballer.

sportsczy wrote:

Doc wrote:A hat trick by Bale, neat. Only watched the 2nd half so not sure what we were doing in the 1st. Surprised (and not surprised) we actually put an effort in this match tbh.

The only official match where I couldn't give a flying fuck if Bale (or anyone else) performed... why doesn't he show up or any of the others ffs.

Well, Kashima, bless them, isn't tactically or talent-ly equipped to deal with Madrid. La Liga sides, however, are equipped to a reasonable level. If they couldn't perform against Kashima then they are really and totally shit.

I think when played on the left Bale can be sort of useful. Certainly more dangerous than Asensio. Bale was used only to run onto over the top balls this game. He could be very useful against Pep managed teams, but against teams where our wingers need to use their skills to create space for other, he comes up lacking. I still prefer Isco on the left but not when he's in this state

Lets see how we do against Villarreal away with this frontline. They've done well together so far. Scored enough to give us wins. I want to see how well they do against tougher oppositions

Bale is useful in counters. he needs space. at the moment without it he is just average. nothing special.

I only care for this cup if the team puts in a good shift to increase their confidence. Let's be honest these matches are glorified friendlys. Once it's over winter break hits and the guys will get a proper rest for a difficult 2nd half of the season

Wow this Bale lad from Castilla is pretty good, hope he plays more often

Heard he’s injury prone. We should loan him out to see how his fitness does.

I am suspicious that a 29 year old just got promoted from Castilla but every player peeks at different times. Let's see how he copes with more appearances.

Bale was neglected all these years in the dump that is Castilla but the welsh expressed bit his tongue and took his chance with both hands. Now he is knocking on the doors of history books being in the running for player with most goals in CWC history which is sure to enrage his master the Kommander. I wouldn't loan him out just yet

If Marcelo doesn't feel like playing, he should just fuck off.

Amazing half. Midfield have been great. We've missed some really easy chances. Need to put those away

Llorente you goat.

We're the best team in the world. This cup removes all doubt.

Word.

We only play from December to may now. Madrid reinventing the game once again

I’ve gotta question why the club World Cup even exists. Why don’t they just cut the semantics and give it to the champions league winner?

European*

$$$$£££€€€€

Do people watch it though? I feel like it’s more trouble setting up than they are able to bring in with TV revenue.

I’d be very surprised if it had more TV eyeballs on it than a regular champions league game with the current champion.

vanDEEZ wrote:Do people watch it though? I feel like it’s more trouble setting up than they are able to bring in with TV revenue.

I’d be very surprised if it had more TV eyeballs on it than a regular champions league game with the current champion.

It's always been around and used to be a lot of fun.  Used to be called the Intercontinental Cup.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Intercontinental_Cup_(football)_winners

Very competitive.

As Sports pointed out, it used to actually be a big deal. A match between European Cup winners and Copa Libertadores winners (let's face it, SA and Europe club scene are the two top dogs in the world) was always a spectacle to look forward to. When FIFA changed to format to add everyone (which was fine in a sense), it also made it pretty water down. And then they really decided to make this another one of their money grubbing ventures and now, we have this useless competition.

Also, didn't know we won. Neat.

Yeah I was just talking about now. The gap between European competition and everyone else has become so large at the club level that it seems a bit pointless.