Cameroon defeating Brazil?

One wonders if the 'major' teams are saving themselves for the future games, or if they have lost their edge. Certainly Belgium and Germany are no longer the forces they once were, and with Argentina and Brazil both losing to so called lesser opposition, are we to see a new force in world football coming through?
Or is this whole tournament a blip, played in the wrong place at the wrong time, with a succession of silly results? A sport created in a cold weather environment played in a hot weather situation.
It might take some future sports historian to unravel the strands.

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OldBrit · 61-69, M

I think playing it at this time of year hasn't helped. England had like 3 days together as a squad before the tournament before flying out rather than 2 or 3 weeks. Presumably most other countries have had that problem too, particularly European teams due to the domestic and European leagues.

Also though like you say Brazil were through why worry about that game. The knockout games matter much more

Viper · M

I don't have a clue, but Brazil lost and stillade it to the next round, so I was wondering if they might of rested their top string of players (I didn't watch and don't know soccer)...

But in other sports, some teams would rest their stars if they don't need to win the game.

LizOwen · 41-45, F

@Viper That is possible. They have not been the Brazil of old, though. I don't think any of the established football teams have played their best, and some, such as Belgium and Germany, have been abysmal. England were also weak when they played the USA.

Strictmichael75 · 61-69, M

Don’t forget to factor in the period
The European players were in clubs until leaving for Qatar, so no period of training together as in other world cups, which played some part in the problem

LizOwen · 41-45, F

@Strictmichael75 Good point. This World Cup my be an anomaly, never to be repeated- like England's win in 1966.
I hope I am wrong with the latter statement.

IamLara · FVIP

Yes 1-0✅

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IamLara · FVIP

@LizOwen just simple as this. Most of the players are very rich playing club football. They have earned a lot of money through that. They are not really bothered playing for their country. They just play for the sake of playing

LizOwen · 41-45, F

@IamLara mercenaries rather than men with any loyalty to their nation - a sad reflection on the modern world.

IamLara · FVIP

@LizOwen absolutely my dear

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