FIFA WC 26 - Other Nations LIVE Match Thread ⚽

[booney52]

Apart from winning the European Nations Cup( the forerunner of the Euros) in 1964 Spain was the poor relation of European football.In the 60s,70s and the 80s Italy,West Germany and the Dutch were the top Euro nations.France was an also ran during this time.
Real Madrid was the dominant club side for much of that time but had players from many nations.
When Cruyff started organising the Barcelona method of football other Spanish clubs took notice and started working on young players techniques.Now the Spanish national team has players with almost flawless technique as well as highly developed football intelligence.

 

[riquelmes_laces]

I used to love Argentina. Can't remember which World Cup, ARG v MEX 30 something passes by Argentina leading inevitably to the goal. Beautiful. Now? Ugly

I think you’re talking about Cambiaso’s goal against Serbia/Montenegro (at that time).

Pékerman was the manager that day. One of my fav’s.

 

[highkick05]

We probably could have beaten this Argentinian team on a good day playing Pop's park the entire country strategy

 

[Punchanello]

I think you’re talking about Cambiaso’s goal against Serbia/Montenegro (at that time).

Pékerman was the manager that day. One of my fav’s.

Yep. It was a 6-O against Serbia



I'm pretty sure that game was Messi's first international goal as well.

 

[socceroosmad]

England DID beat Argentina!
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[Decentric]

How I saw it as well, Porro & Cururella had great world cups, best fullbacks in the WC, didn't show this form in PL.

IMO players should receive the highest accolades for a WC win.

The 2 Spanish FBs playing in the EPL is secondary. Porro and Cucurella have prevailed at the highest level in the 2026 WC.

I can remember Mertesacker playing for Arsenal being criticised after winning a WC for Germany, as he was adjusting to the EPL.

Many former Continental stakeholders in my neck of the woods think the English are too enamoured with the EPL and their leagues - at the expense of football across the English Channel, and global football.

I think English commentators are too - the ones who are media hosts, like Martin Tyler, not the former footballers who co- comment with them.

David Basheer, the Aus SBS pundit, appears to know far more about the UEFA Champ League than Aus club football!