Saturday & Sunday, July 29 & 30, 2023 - Printable Version +- Foto Friends (https://www.fotofriends.net) +-- Forum: Photo Forums (https://www.fotofriends.net/forumdisplay.php?fid=14) +--- Forum: Daily pub chat (https://www.fotofriends.net/forumdisplay.php?fid=10) +--- Thread: Saturday & Sunday, July 29 & 30, 2023 (/showthread.php?tid=660)

Saturday & Sunday, July 29 & 30, 2023 - Dave - 07-29-2023 We missed yesterday, so I'll start the weekender. Taken on a very early morning walk two days ago...     I'm watching the Sweden vs Italy World Cup game to see how good Sweden (ranked #3 before the Cup started) to see how good they look because it's quite possible the USA may face them in the knockout phase. Sweden is up 3-0 after scoring three times within a few minutes late in the first half. I'm really looking forward to the next game pitting Brazil (#8) against France (#5). France really needs a win after their shocking scoreless draw with Panama (#52). If asked to pick a mild upset winner of the tournament it would be Brazil. I enjoy their style of play. If USA doesn't win the final I hope it's Brazil, because I'd like to see the amazing Marta end her career as a World Cup champion. Here is my guess as to which of the top teams are likely to win it all: 1) USA (2-0-0) (World Rank #1) Haven't played up to their capability, but if they get things rolling they could prove why they are ranked as the world's best. 2) Germany (1-0-0) (#2) Although I haven't seen them play, I have a nagging sense that they will be dangerous against any opponent. 3) Sweden (1-0-0) (#3) edged South Africa by 2-1 in their first game, but are looking dominating #16 Italy midway through the second half. Their offense is looking very potent. 4) Brazil (1-0-0) (#8) took care of business in their first game against Panama (#52), winning 4-0. We'll see in a few hours if they can beat France. 5) England (2-0-0) (#4) has won both of it's games by 1-0. Not many goals, but they won despite missing several key starters due to injuries. 6) Japan (2-0-0) (11) is playing very well, scoring 7 goals and yielding none in two wins. 7) Spain (2-0-0) (6) is also playing extremely well, scoring 8 goals and yielding none against the same teams Japan has played. My vote for most over-achieving team so far is Nigeria. Ranked #40, they tied Canada (7) and upset Australia (10). They could well beat unimpressive Ireland (22) in their 3rd game, which would probably be enough for them to advance into the knockout phase. Most disappointing team has injury plagued Canada (7) which must beat Australia for any chance of advancing. RE: Saturday & Sunday, July 29 & 30, 2023 - Man From Ironbark - 07-29-2023 And Australia needs to beat Canada. So they'll both be trying their best. Could be an interesting game. RE: Saturday & Sunday, July 29 & 30, 2023 - Dave - 07-29-2023 Yes, it should be an interesting and close game. Canada is ranked #7 in the world, but they are among the 3 teams most hampered by injuries. That plus home country advantage should help Australia (ranked #10). Right now I give a very slight edge to Canada, but it's so small of an edge as to be meaningless. I am rooting for Australia to win this match. RE: Saturday & Sunday, July 29 & 30, 2023 - Man From Ironbark - 07-29-2023 I have a bit more hope in that Sam Kerr has said she will be fit to play. A wet calendula starting to reopen. A sleepy looking Southern Boobook owl. RE: Saturday & Sunday, July 29 & 30, 2023 - Adamphotoman - 07-30-2023 Good ones Peter, Should the wet Calendula be in the water challenge ? RE: Saturday & Sunday, July 29 & 30, 2023 - Man From Ironbark - 07-30-2023 I could have put it there but I've also put another wet calendula there.