What a STAR
LOVE HIM
I had a funny feeling he was going to do something special. I'm normally wrong, not this time.
Fantastic well done Morocco, kept waiting for Diop to take a penalty but wasn't chosen.
The only down side it guarantees one of the Fulham boys goes out next round.
Or you could say one of the Fulham boys is guaranteed to make it to the quarter finals.
We got some World Cup stars! We got some World Cup stars!!
Diop vs de Fougerolles.
Fantastic header!
I've stated before that I couldn't understand why Silva didn't start him on a regular basis.
Quote from: Coastwalker on June 30, 2026, 05:41:20 AMI've stated before that I couldn't understand why Silva didn't start him on a regular basis.
Me too. We are always more solid at the back when Issa is alongside Bassey. Both have some pace and a good understanding.
Could attract some of his Moroccan mates, well done. About time he got more wider recognition.
So pleased for him. Top man.
Quote from: Jules on June 30, 2026, 06:09:24 AMQuote from: Coastwalker on June 30, 2026, 05:41:20 AMI've stated before that I couldn't understand why Silva didn't start him on a regular basis.
Me too. We are always more solid at the back when Issa is alongside Bassey. Both have some pace and a good understanding.
Yep, way better than that Muppet Anderson. As you say, he has pace and height, both useful when you are a defender.
He's certainly bringing something distinctive to a highly effective Moroccan team. Turns out a tall big quick centre back is just the ticket for a team of small skilful runners with adventurous fullbacks.
Perhaps there's a team in London who would benefit from pairing two quick centre backs to permit a high line and an approach that takes the game to the opposition and lets both CBs enjoy doing what they do best: wanton destruction. I'd pay to see that.
Though on reflection, I already have.
For all their good qualities Andersen and before him Ream made that approach unviable. Nothing personal, it's just that Issa and Calvin serve up the type of football I like and I'll put up with a bit of shonky distribution as the byproduct. Nobody's perfect.
Issa always looks like a rolls royce of a footballer... until he makes a mistake.
That said, I'm not sure he makes any more mistakes than Andersen now. Diop deserves a chance to play more for us next season. Delighted for him to be making such a big impact at international level.
Van Dyke schooled by Mitro then Muniz now Diop love it.
Quote from: Thailand Mick on June 30, 2026, 04:57:04 AMFantastic well done Morocco, kept waiting for Diop to take a penalty but wasn't chosen.
That pen against Wycombe was something else!
So good, my partner is Moroccan so was watching live with her ... What a performance from Diop and what a moment. Getting lots of love from Moroccans which is great to see and IMO he is our best right sided CB. I hope we keep him - whenever he's been called upon this year he's played well.
As for bringing in other Moroccans.. Ounahi was immense last night and just got relegated with Girona - would be a great pick-up for us. Louza from Champ someone else I would be looking at (although he didn't make the squad).
His stock is rising - definitely going to be clubs interested in his services.
I love Issa, and have said so multiple times here already. I've stood up for him even when a lot of people were criticising him. Some of us always believed in him, while others were always overly critical of him. So happy for him now, as he's having an amazing tournament.
Morocco conceded 2 goals in 3 games with him in the starting 11(one of which had extra 30 minutes) and conceded 2 goals in one match he didn't play. And the match he didn't play was against the worst team they've played so far. He's key to Moroccan defence!
I think he is a perfect fit for this Moroccan team, as his teammates are all super technical and excellent passers, so they can get away with having someone like Issa who isn't either of those things. On the other hand, they do lack some physicality, and Issa brings just that.
Thoroughly deserved win for Morocco,they were much better than Netherlands. I think they'll beat Canada too, and then they'll probably play France which should be a cracking match.
Can we please move forward with Issa and Luc at RCB. And say goodbye to the insipid uninspired holiday camp nonsense we've had to put up with the past few years.
Quote from: Surlyc on June 30, 2026, 08:59:42 AMIssa always looks like a rolls royce of a footballer... until he makes a mistake.
That said, I'm not sure he makes any more mistakes than Andersen now. Diop deserves a chance to play more for us next season. Delighted for him to be making such a big impact at international level.
I do not think that he makes more mistakes than Andersen it is just that his seem more 'memorable' and usually involve being asleep on the job. I am still trying to forget his error in the first home game of the season a few years ago against Brentford. And seeing Wissa in action keeps the memory strong.
Quote from: Coastwalker on June 30, 2026, 05:41:20 AMI've stated before that I couldn't understand why Silva didn't start him on a regular basis.
I've stated before that I couldn't understand why Silva needed to spend £29 million on Andersen to replace him.
Quote from: Moussa Dembele the 3rd on June 30, 2026, 01:35:35 PMCan we please move forward with Issa and Luc at RCB. And say goodbye to the insipid uninspired holiday camp nonsense we've had to put up with the past few years.
Harsh on Bassey, who is a top CB.
Quote from: @jolslover on June 30, 2026, 01:58:31 PMQuote from: Moussa Dembele the 3rd on June 30, 2026, 01:35:35 PMCan we please move forward with Issa and Luc at RCB. And say goodbye to the insipid uninspired holiday camp nonsense we've had to put up with the past few years.
Harsh on Bassey, who is a top CB.
Bassey is LCB not RCB
https://x.com/CrewsMat10/status/2071818153131192469?s=20
Lovely scenes for Diop after the match
Quote from: Thailand Mick on June 30, 2026, 09:07:44 AMVan Dyke schooled by Mitro then Muniz now Diop love it.
That was the best part of it , just glided above him
Quote from: Thailand Mick on June 30, 2026, 09:07:44 AMVan Dyke schooled by Mitro then Muniz now Diop love it.
I really dislike Van Dijk. One of my least favourite players in the PL, alongside the likes of McGinn, Bruno, and a few others.
Quote from: Thailand Mick on June 30, 2026, 02:08:28 PMhttps://x.com/CrewsMat10/status/2071818153131192469?s=20
Lovely scenes for Diop after the match
Love this! This WC will do his confidence wonders. LDF as well.
Quote from: Thailand Mick on June 30, 2026, 02:01:42 PMQuote from: @jolslover on June 30, 2026, 01:58:31 PMQuote from: Moussa Dembele the 3rd on June 30, 2026, 01:35:35 PMCan we please move forward with Issa and Luc at RCB. And say goodbye to the insipid uninspired holiday camp nonsense we've had to put up with the past few years.
Harsh on Bassey, who is a top CB.
Bassey is LCB not RCB
Apologies misread post, thought you meant them both as a pairing at CB
Quote from: Jules on June 30, 2026, 06:09:24 AMQuote from: Coastwalker on June 30, 2026, 05:41:20 AMI've stated before that I couldn't understand why Silva didn't start him on a regular basis.
Me too. We are always more solid at the back when Issa is alongside Bassey. Both have some pace and a good understanding.
Not sure about 'pace' as it relates to Diop. Does very little on the ball, mostly safe sideways passing from what I've observed.
Quote from: Thailand Mick on June 30, 2026, 09:07:44 AMVan Dyke schooled by Mitro then Muniz now Diop love it.
Loved it!!
Can't stand Van Dyke....
Quote from: Kimbleman on June 30, 2026, 08:07:03 AMQuote from: Jules on June 30, 2026, 06:09:24 AMQuote from: Coastwalker on June 30, 2026, 05:41:20 AMI've stated before that I couldn't understand why Silva didn't start him on a regular basis.
Me too. We are always more solid at the back when Issa is alongside Bassey. Both have some pace and a good understanding.
Yep, way better than that Muppet Anderson. As you say, he has pace and height, both useful when you are a defender.
No need to call Anderson a muppet.
As much as I liked the result in this match, I still scratch my head at how the Dutch played this game. Showed way too much respect to Morocco. Sure, Morocco a good team, but so are the Netherlands. The extra time periods were a puzzler for me. Netherlands just sat back and let Morocco control the game. Not sure why that game plan, didn't make sense to me. And yes, Morocco were the better team and the better team did win, but why Netherlands played the way they did, especially in extra time, and for large stretches in regular time, is still baffling to this observer.
If the new manager wants to play 3 Centre Backs Issa, Luc & Bassey. Then there's Cuenca as well has always played well by the side of Issa, they have a good partnership when they've played together.
Don't think Andersen will get sold as he is on high wages that no one will pay. May be move Andersen as a Defensive Midfielder if rumours of Berge being sold are right.
Diop was a man among boys in this match. I'm sure is value has climbed.
As a side note, it was interesting to see a top tier European team park the bus against an African team!
i think issa is undervalued at fulham. IMO a better defender than anderson but isa has an accident in him every game and has to be very careful with his passing.
i love him and especially admire the way he gives us everything even when not selected that often, I think he deserves way more starts at fulham.
He has been undervalued under Silva.
Delighted for Diop and for Fulham. If Diop stays it reinforces what a fine back up he is to Andersen. If he decides he wants to move to a team where he would be a first choice CB then his value is enhanced in Fulham's benefit.
Quote from: WindyCity on June 30, 2026, 02:56:07 PMQuote from: Jules on June 30, 2026, 06:09:24 AMQuote from: Coastwalker on June 30, 2026, 05:41:20 AMI've stated before that I couldn't understand why Silva didn't start him on a regular basis.
Me too. We are always more solid at the back when Issa is alongside Bassey. Both have some pace and a good understanding.
Not sure about 'pace' as it relates to Diop. Does very little on the ball, mostly safe sideways passing from what I've observed.
He is quick. Good solid defender. Would rather have him than Andersen who is slow and therefore drops us 10 yards too deep. No need for Diop to be great on the ball. Just give it short to midfielders or full backs to play through lines.
Quote from: ..FOF.. on June 30, 2026, 05:01:21 AMWe got some World Cup stars! We got some World Cup stars!!
Diop vs de Fougerolles.
Vs Bobb
Quote from: Kimbleman on June 30, 2026, 08:07:03 AMQuote from: Jules on June 30, 2026, 06:09:24 AMQuote from: Coastwalker on June 30, 2026, 05:41:20 AMI've stated before that I couldn't understand why Silva didn't start him on a regular basis.
Me too. We are always more solid at the back when Issa is alongside Bassey. Both have some pace and a good understanding.
Yep, way better than that Muppet Anderson. As you say, he has pace and height, both useful when you are a defender.
And if you're an attacker. Especially at corners.
Quote from: LittleErn on June 30, 2026, 08:09:55 PMQuote from: ..FOF.. on June 30, 2026, 05:01:21 AMWe got some World Cup stars! We got some World Cup stars!!
Diop vs de Fougerolles.
Vs Bobb
Vs Berge (or did you forget?)
Quote from: Mullers OG on June 30, 2026, 06:01:08 PMDelighted for Diop and for Fulham. If Diop stays it reinforces what a fine back up he is to Andersen. If he decides he wants to move to a team where he would be a first choice CB then his value is enhanced in Fulham's benefit.
He should not be backup to Andersen. It should be the other way around.
Quote from: WindyCity on June 30, 2026, 03:34:54 PMAs much as I liked the result in this match, I still scratch my head at how the Dutch played this game. Showed way too much respect to Morocco. Sure, Morocco a good team, but so are the Netherlands. The extra time periods were a puzzler for me. Netherlands just sat back and let Morocco control the game. Not sure why that game plan, didn't make sense to me. And yes, Morocco were the better team and the better team did win, but why Netherlands played the way they did, especially in extra time, and for large stretches in regular time, is still baffling to this observer.
The issue was the tactical switch Koeman made. He switched to a back 5 which helped Morocco overload their midfield. Also, if he insisted on that formation change, why did he play van de Ven, a centreback, as a wingback??? I get why he played him as a fullback in a back 4,but playing him as a wingback is just ridiculous.
That being said, I thought Morocco were better in the group stage too. A great performance vs Brazil, routine win vs Scotland, in a match they deserved to win by a larger margin and then a win with resting a few players vs Haiti. On the other hand, I thought Japan edged their game vs Netherlands, Sweden result wasn't a fair reflection of the game, as Netherlands were very efficient and Sweden very wasteful, and their final game was a win vs a mess of a team in Tunisia, with everything that was happening with them.
I thought before the game that Morocco would win(I put that in the FIFA bracket challenge game) and wasn't surprised at all they did.
Quote from: Andrew on June 30, 2026, 05:12:20 PMi think issa is undervalued at fulham. IMO a better defender than anderson but isa has an accident in him every game and has to be very careful with his passing.
i love him and especially admire the way he gives us everything even when not selected that often, I think he deserves way more starts at fulham.
Agreed he does look very cumbersome when on the ball, def not a natural
Also worth noting that Brobbey absolutely bullied everyone in the group stages, but Issa dealt with him with ease. He was terrible and was rightfully subbed of for Weghorst.
Quote from: SerbianLad on June 30, 2026, 08:37:50 PMQuote from: WindyCity on June 30, 2026, 03:34:54 PMAs much as I liked the result in this match, I still scratch my head at how the Dutch played this game. Showed way too much respect to Morocco. Sure, Morocco a good team, but so are the Netherlands. The extra time periods were a puzzler for me. Netherlands just sat back and let Morocco control the game. Not sure why that game plan, didn't make sense to me. And yes, Morocco were the better team and the better team did win, but why Netherlands played the way they did, especially in extra time, and for large stretches in regular time, is still baffling to this observer.
The issue was the tactical switch Koeman made. He switched to a back 5 which helped Morocco overload their midfield. Also, if he insisted on that formation change, why did he play van de Ven, a centreback, as a wingback??? I get why he played him as a fullback in a back 4,but playing him as a wingback is just ridiculous.
Well, that's why I posted what I did. Why go to a back 5? Netherlands are a good, strong team with some very good players, no need to cower. In other news.....Koeman was just let go.....
Quote from: WindyCity on July 01, 2026, 04:12:20 PMQuote from: SerbianLad on June 30, 2026, 08:37:50 PMQuote from: WindyCity on June 30, 2026, 03:34:54 PMAs much as I liked the result in this match, I still scratch my head at how the Dutch played this game. Showed way too much respect to Morocco. Sure, Morocco a good team, but so are the Netherlands. The extra time periods were a puzzler for me. Netherlands just sat back and let Morocco control the game. Not sure why that game plan, didn't make sense to me. And yes, Morocco were the better team and the better team did win, but why Netherlands played the way they did, especially in extra time, and for large stretches in regular time, is still baffling to this observer.
The issue was the tactical switch Koeman made. He switched to a back 5 which helped Morocco overload their midfield. Also, if he insisted on that formation change, why did he play van de Ven, a centreback, as a wingback??? I get why he played him as a fullback in a back 4,but playing him as a wingback is just ridiculous.
Well, that's why I posted what I did. Why go to a back 5? Netherlands are a good, strong team with some very good players, no need to cower. In other news.....Koeman was just let go.....
It was definitely a weird decision. However, I believe Morocco is the better team anyway, so I think they'd have won regardless.