England 26-man squad announced
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63585869
First England game .. 11 days time. Can't remember when I've been less excited about an impending World Cup.
Agree entirely with your last sentence.
France '98 was the last one I remember being really excited about - even allowing for the fact I went to the 3rd-place play-off for free on a Hilton hotels "fam trip".* 😏
* Croatia 2-1 Netherlands, Parc-des-Princes, Paris
Yes have to say I'm fairly underwhelmed by it all.. will no doubt watch some of it.. but it's just the wrong time of year .. and obviously should never have been given to Qatar to host
Quote from: Fishy on November 10, 2022, 04:33:04 PMYes have to say I'm fairly underwhelmed by it all.. will no doubt watch some of it.. but it's just the wrong time of year .. and obviously should never have been given to Qatar to host
I expect the bungs have long since been spent
Certsin supporters are getting free tickets, flights, hotel accomodation and 60 euro a day spending money on the proviso that they only say positive things about the tournament and Qatar in general
Quote from: dom on November 13, 2022, 08:56:39 PMCertsin supporters are getting free tickets, flights, hotel accomodation and 60 euro a day spending money on the proviso that they only say positive things about the tournament and Qatar in general
That'll be Lineker, Shearer, Neville, Beckham et al, I'm assuming
Quote from: David L on November 13, 2022, 11:36:37 PMQuote from: dom on November 13, 2022, 08:56:39 PMCertsin supporters are getting free tickets, flights, hotel accomodation and 60 euro a day spending money on the proviso that they only say positive things about the tournament and Qatar in general
That'll be Lineker, Shearer, Neville, Beckham et al, I'm assuming
Think that would be chicken feed for them. Hopefully though the Qatari regime doesn't get a free pass from the World media.
Was listening to a radio debate yesterday where the argument was if you watch this at home are you ignoring LGBT rights and effectively supporting Qatar or would not watching it make the slightest bit of difference
I just think that the time for the hand-wringing was when or shortly after Qatar was chosen as the host country, pointless getting upset about it now.
Opportunity missed then agreed, but 100s of people hadn't died in the course of building the stadiums and related infrastructure at that point.
Quote from: Fishy on November 15, 2022, 09:26:57 AMWas listening to a radio debate yesterday where the argument was if you watch this at home are you ignoring LGBT rights and effectively supporting Qatar
I don't understand that argument at all. It'll be interesting to see just how far the England side will push the LGBGT promotion. They've gone 'big' early with the gay aeroplane. I think that's Duncan Norvelle on the nose cone - good shout, Branson!
Is it possible they'll go down on both knees before kick-off this time? Gotta love Gareth but he's missed a trick not ordering all of the squad to grow moustaches - and it's Movember!
Beckham's blown his free entry to Heaven now, IMHO.
The GayPlane and the rest of the posturing is disrespectful to the host nation's culture and I think it's poor form, personally. I can't see how it helps matters in the slightest.
Budweiser shafted
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-11442203/Qatar-want-alcohol-sales-World-Cup-stadiums-BANNED.html
Quote from: David L on November 18, 2022, 12:37:15 PMBudweiser shafted
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-11442203/Qatar-want-alcohol-sales-World-Cup-stadiums-BANNED.html
Good - it's witch piss. 😏
I like it in the summer. Very refreshing.
Yeah, Budweiser fine for me too. I take a bit of stick from friends about not having a very educated beer palate. I like most lagers and prefer them to their darker, flatter cousins. I will go for an ale type on occasion when the mood takes me. Sometimes I'll have a craving for a Guinness, but nine beers out of ten it will be lager. Just realised that second sentence onwards is wrong thread territory.
![](https://i.ibb.co/gWMpwtw/itsquadplane.jpg)
The Italy World Cup squad, waiting to board their plane to Qatar
Been thinking over the past few days exactly to what extent this tournament is tainted by it being awarded ("rewarded" it might be said) to Qatar.
Can the skills, thrills, drama and incident of the actual football matches, in and of themselves, transcend the ethical concerns about the country in which they're taking place? I suppose the question boils down to the old one about keeping sport and politics in separate domains.
Do any moral considerations preclude enjoyment of this tournament?
I suppose the only way I can find out is by watching it and seeing how these things might resolve themselves; I do this more in trepidation than excitement. Maybe that balance can shift.
Quote from: Matt2112 on November 18, 2022, 05:36:13 PMBeen thinking over the past few days exactly to what extent this tournament is tainted by it being awarded ("rewarded" it might be said) to Qatar.
Can the skills, thrills, drama and incident of the actual football matches, in and of themselves, transcend the ethical concerns about the country in which they're taking place? I suppose the question boils down to the old one about keeping sport and politics in separate domains.
Do any moral considerations preclude enjoyment of this tournament?
I suppose the only way I can find out is by watching it and seeing how these things might resolve themselves; I do this more in trepidation than excitement. Maybe that balance can shift.
Re keeping sport and politics seperate, I don't think that is ever possible. Certainly not at this level.
Have a look at FIFA Uncovered on Netflix. Fascinating stuff
Didn't take long for the first goal .. started to get into the World Cup spirit now.
Quote from: Slim on November 20, 2022, 04:07:50 PMDidn't take long for the first goal .. started to get into the World Cup spirit now.
I forgot it was on - just turned to BBC1 now and at 2-0.
Quote from: Slim on November 20, 2022, 04:07:50 PMDidn't take long for the first goal ..
.. to be ruled out by VAR
England straight into the heat of the competition tomorrow with a kick off at 4pm their time. They should be beating Iran comfortably
Qatar look a very poor side at this level, and if the substantial numbers of home (so-called) supporters heading for the exits with pretty much half of the game left a la Old Trafford is anything to go by, their campaign will be a huge damp squib on and off the pitch. And, it might be said, deservedly so.
The BBC getting grief for not showing the opening ceremony (though it was on iplayer apparently)
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11449721/Fans-fury-BBC-ITV-fail-World-Cup-opening-ceremony.html
On Iplayer and the red button. People didn't pay their licence fee to have to press red buttons!
I managed about 10 mins of the second half then turned off.. just couldn't be arsed tbh
Quote from: pxr5 on November 20, 2022, 08:01:17 PMThe BBC getting grief for not showing the opening ceremony (though it was on iplayer apparently)
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11449721/Fans-fury-BBC-ITV-fail-World-Cup-opening-ceremony.html
It's the BBC - no rainbow flags....no coverage
Glad Southgate has sorted in his mind the place of women in his own little victim hierarchy. ::)
Quote from: Matt2112 on November 21, 2022, 09:24:33 AMGlad Southgate has sorted in his mind the place of women in his own little victim hierarchy. ::)
Don't know what this refers to, but it's not the place of the England manager or any of the players to maintain a position on women's issues, LGBT issues or any of the other psychotic virtue-signalling obsessions of left-leaning folk. At least not as a matter of public interest. This must be the BBC's favourite World Cup ever already.
Any day now I'm expecting a campaign to rescind England's 1966 World Cup victory, because we were the host nation and homosexuality was illegal here at the time.
For context, there are calls for the England team to make some kind of pre-kick off gesture of solidarity with the women of Iran who are currently suffering violent oppression for not wearing sufficiently pious garments.
But Southgate has said it's not his team's "place" to do that.
So, yes, either there is about two hours of vapid pre-match kneeling gestures and donning of multiple armbands by his team for every currently oppressed group around the globe, or they can build awareness-raising perfectly well into more practical areas of discourse and just get on with playing the damn matches.
Pleased to see that FIFA have cracked down on the rainbow armband nonsense by advising that offending players will be booked, rather than the participating nation simply being fined.
Just accepting the fine and committing the offence is a clear disregard for FIFA's authority, and if you can't respect that - whatever you might think about the underlying issue - you shouldn't be taking part in their competitions.
Needless to say this is the headline issue on the BBC News football site at the moment, accompanied by a video which asks: "How do LGBTQ+ football fans feel about the Qatar World Cup?"
Quote from: Slim on November 21, 2022, 09:36:28 AMThis must be the BBC's favourite World Cup ever already.
Yes, they probably lobbied FIFA to give it to Qatar. An absolute gift
I think it shows that it was no more than gesture politics. If the threat of a yellow card is enough to stop them taking a stand, it shows that it's not really that important to them.
3-0 at half time. Wow, England do look good.
Must admit I was half-expecting one of those miserable opening games where we manage a draw against one of the poorest sides in the tournament.
But who knows what the second half will bring? I wouldn't bet against 3-3 but at least we had a good first half.
And now 5-1 - and I've just found out that the BBC are showing all their games in UHD (not ITV unfortunately though).
A list of the group games the BBC are showing in 4K HDR:
https://www.trustedreviews.com/news/how-to-watch-the-fifa-world-cup-2022-in-4k-hdr-england-games-4283305
Interesting, I wonder how the bandwidth compares with regular HD transmissions? I'd see that as being more significant.
Just worked out that Jude Bellingham wasn't even born when Wayne Rooney made his England debut.
Iran about non-league level. Next.
Quote from: dom on November 21, 2022, 12:30:30 PMI think it shows that it was no more than gesture politics. If the threat of a yellow card is enough to stop them taking a stand, it shows that it's not really that important to them.
One yellow trumps One Love ;D
Wales next. I love the Welsh and I've had some lovely times in that country but as far as football goes I can't ever see past this.
Ideally I'd like Wales to be in a position where they're desperate for a point against England, we've already qualified out of the group but we hammer them anyway. I think an American victory this evening is probably for the best.
Get in!!
Quote from: Slim on November 21, 2022, 06:50:29 PMWales next. I love the Welsh and I've had some lovely times in that country but as far as football goes I can't ever see past this.
Ideally I'd like Wales to be in a position where they're desperate for a point against England, we've already qualified out of the group but we hammer them anyway. I think an American victory this evening is probably for the best.
I was living in Scotland in 1986 when England played Argentina in that infamous World Cup game. A few of us watched the game in a bar. Every single Scotsman wanted England to lose and cheered against England the whole time. Remember this was only 4 years after the Falkland's war too. I so wished we could have won that game. But that 'support anyone who plays England' mentality is ever common.
Quote from: dom on November 21, 2022, 12:30:30 PMI think it shows that it was no more than gesture politics.
See also: 'taking the knee' ;)
Bit confused about why Gareth Bale is rated so highly..
Quote from: Fishy on November 22, 2022, 08:20:30 AMBit confused about why Gareth Bale is rated so highly..
Absolutely. He was lauded as some kind of hero last night for...scoring a penalty; overall, he actually had a shocker.
Quote from: Fishy on November 22, 2022, 08:20:30 AMBit confused about why Gareth Bale is rated so highly..
His greatest skill is hiding the fact that he's bald ;D
Quote from: David L on November 22, 2022, 09:00:18 AMQuote from: Fishy on November 22, 2022, 08:20:30 AMBit confused about why Gareth Bale is rated so highly..
His greatest skill is hiding the fact that he's bald ;D
Yes he must spend more time getting his hair right than contributing in any meaningful way to a game of football...
Found out today that, in the opening game, the captain of Qatar wore an armband supporting Palestine :-\
Quote from: David L on November 22, 2022, 10:43:16 AMFound out today that, in the opening game, the captain of Qatar wore an armband supporting Palestine :-\
That was well publicised ! I thought the Iranian team were brave in not singing their national anthem in an act of defiance for the acts carried out by their Government. They and their families will be facing the music for that so it was a protest that actually meant something.
That was a bit tense! But
Well done Saudi Arabia..👍seems to be a lot of added time in a lot of the games
Quote from: dom on November 22, 2022, 11:17:24 AMQuote from: David L on November 22, 2022, 10:43:16 AMFound out today that, in the opening game, the captain of Qatar wore an armband supporting Palestine :-\
That was well publicised ! I thought the Iranian team were brave in not singing their national anthem in an act of defiance for the acts carried out by their Government. They and their families will be facing the music for that so it was a protest that actually meant something.
Captain's armbands to come?:
US - Star of David
Argentina - Las Malvinas
Brazil - pro Rainforest
Serbia - pro vaccine choice
France - pro Foie Gras
Australia - Foster's Lager
Canada - Red Star of the Solar Federation
:)
Quote from: dom on November 22, 2022, 11:17:24 AMQuote from: David L on November 22, 2022, 10:43:16 AMFound out today that, in the opening game, the captain of Qatar wore an armband supporting Palestine :-\
That was well publicised ! I thought the Iranian team were brave in not singing their national anthem in an act of defiance for the acts carried out by their Government. They and their families will be facing the music for that so it was a protest that actually meant something.
A passive on-pitch protest far more impactful than any active ones. There's a lesson there.
I have good friends in Serbia, unfair to tar them all with the same brush.
Ha ha ha. Argentina unbeaten in 36 games lose 2-1 to Saudi Arabia - and they deserved to win, better side today. I actually agree with that knob Roy Keane too that it wasn't a penalty.
Football's getting complicated isn't it? In the old days I would be delighted to see the underdog winning. But in Saudi, we have another pretty despicable regime so I had mixed feelings about that result, unfortunately.
So many pundits predicting Argentina as winners of the whole thing. Pleased that they got egg on their faces, at least. They could still win it, of course, but it's not looking likely at the moment.
I worry for France. The last time they went to defend the World Cup they got booted out at the group stage, losing to Senegal and Denmark. Virtually all of the Senegalese players were born in France and were trained in France. Not sure if the same is true of Tunisia but I imagine at least some are. Denmark are looking like a strong team so it's imperative that France, sans NKante, Pogba and Benzema, beat Australia this evening.
Come on you Ockers ;)
I hope Poland get binned.. awful performance against Mexico
Ooo err the Aussies have scored first against France. Early days but great to see.
Wooooo-hooooo!
;D ;D ;D
I can't believe the Aussies will come away with all three points. Actually I think scoring this early in the game was probably an error.
:( :( :(
No offence to the Aussies but they're a bunch of journeyman playing against elite players. Embarrassing for France to concede, let alone lose the game
Quote from: Slim on November 22, 2022, 07:19:55 PMI can't believe the Aussies will come away with all three points. Actually I think scoring this early in the game was probably an error.
Yes, I thought so.
Les Bleus need to wake up here!
Quote from: dom on November 22, 2022, 07:44:48 PMNo offence to the Aussies but they're a bunch of journeyman playing against elite players. Embarrassing for France to concede, let alone lose the game
Impossible to offend an Aussie, without physical contact ;)
Quote from: dom on November 22, 2022, 07:44:48 PMNo offence to the Aussies but they're a bunch of journeyman playing against elite players. Embarrassing for France to concede, let alone lose the game
Spot on in the end. Ho hum. Still it was thrilling to see Australia score first.
Sheeet, Japan currently winning 2-1 against Germany with 5 mins left. :o :o
And they won.. well done Japan .. my guess the scores are taking a right hammering in the last few games..
Boom - get in. Shows how good the England and France efforts were.
Brilliant!. The football is enjoyable and the location is not spoiling that. it doesn't even seem that hot out there. I'm sure World Cups held in Italy, the US, Spain etc have been hotter
Quote from: dom on November 23, 2022, 03:12:32 PMBrilliant!. The football is enjoyable and the location is not spoiling that. it doesn't even seem that hot out there. I'm sure World Cups held in Italy, the US, Spain etc have been hotter
Just to clarify the Qatari regime is a pretty despicable one, but the football carries on regardless and is up to now, good to watch
God... Costa Rica are shit...
Ha how much are pundits being paid. Gary Neville and Souness were saying with absolute certainty that the main problem with this Spain team is the lack of goal threat! No wonder Gary failed so miserably as a manager when he was in Spain!
My word. Spain: 82% possession against Costa Rica. That has got to be one of the most one-sided games I think I've ever seen. At least Costa Rica could have shown some aggression, but they were so passive, almost expecting a battering.
We all supporting Canada.🙄. they're doing very well at the mo... apart from the penalty save...
The officials have given them almost nothing, including somehow not awarding a stonewall penalty even after a VAR review. >:(
Canada deserved at least a draw there. Yes, they didn't help themselves with some very frustrating overhit set pieces and wayward finishing, but they often took the game to Belgium with some attractive football and major decisions which looked blatantly wrong went against them.
No way was that a penalty for Portugal. Ronaldo diving is better than Tom Daley, what a to$$er. And why didn't VAR step in - football really needs to sort this out, it's a joke.
Brazil second goal..WOW...
I think Queiroz is right here. Very unfair for the BBC journalist to ask the Iranian player such a politically charged question that could have endangered the player and his family.
Surely it breaks the BBC charter that is bring so heavily advertised at the moment...
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/football/2022/nov/24/carlos-queiroz-iran-confronts-media-southgate-afghanistan-world-cup
Quote from: Fishy on November 24, 2022, 10:11:11 PMBrazil second goal..WOW...
It was brilliant. Strange that he rarely shows that kind of ability when playing in the Premier league.
Not watching the wales game but is Gareth's hair ok?
Quote from: Fishy on November 25, 2022, 10:47:08 AMNot watching the wales game but is Gareth's hair ok?
Bun Watch:
With each game the bun is slowly making its way towards his forehead ;D
After that result he can spend even more time with his hair..
Enjoyed that one.
98th and 101st minute goals. Tough on Wales. It's looking like a bit of a damp squib for them after the 64 year wait. Not that they weren't already, but they will now be even more desperate to put on a good show against England.
Wales were pretty shit tbh - did they even have a shot on goal? Iran always had the edge and were deserving winners.
Now to watch Qatar go out.
I believe there's an improbable chain of circumstances that would see Wales go through to the knockout stages; obviously it includes beating England in their last group game.
Bale missing in action again.. time they binned him.. talisman indeed.. just an overrated nothingness of a player..
Bale hasn't actually played much football this year, no wonder he's a bit off. I heard earlier that he'd had more minutes on the pitch with Wales in 2022 than with the two clubs he's played for in the same time period combined.
Ecuador looked impressive against a tiring Dutch team. 1-1 probably fair in the end, but that's Qatar out.
Sticking with Maguire? Think that will prove to be a mistake
Quote from: Slim on November 25, 2022, 03:39:25 PMI believe there's an improbable chain of circumstances that would see Wales go through to the knockout stages; obviously it includes beating England in their last group game.
Here's one such possibility I've just worked out before events overtake my calculations. Here's the table at the moment.
![](https://i.ibb.co/44BmkBC/grpbtable221125.png)
Let's say ..
England / USA draw tonight
Iran / USA draw on Tues
Wales beat England on Tues
USA would go out on three points.
The other sides all have four points .. but Wales' goal difference would necessarily be better than Iran's by at least one goal.
The curse of ITV - England always play crap on ITV (also will someone smack Roy Keane please - what an annoying cock). Very poor form with few chances on either side, but at least we didn't lose (see Germany and Argentina). Maguire probably England's best player. Onwards and upwards (hopefully).
USA much the better team, and for England another show of the type of dreary Southgate snoozeball they lapse into against half-decent opposition.
YEW-ESS-AY! YEW-ESS-AY! YEW-ESS-AY!
Didn't watch it and haven't watched a single game of this overhyped World Cup of Soccerball, but you've got to LOL :) It doesn't mean as much to people as the media make out.
Had to laugh before Ingerland's game with Eyeran too, as the BBC approached the school where Mrs S works to film the pupils watching the game - it's Harry Maguire's alma mater - they were told a very firm NO! as the pupils would be in lessons.
I should know this but I don't. Does goal difference count above head to head when seperating teams on the same points?
If so England are pretty much safe. If head to head is prioritised England still have work to do
Quote from: dom on November 25, 2022, 11:31:27 PMI should know this but I don't. Does goal difference count above head to head when seperating teams on the same points?
If so England are pretty much safe. If head to head is prioritised England still have work to do
Yes it does. The worst thing that can happen realistically is that Wales go home gloating that they've beaten England, but we'd still go through unless they were to put four past us with no reply.
But I think they only need to win, irrespective of the score, to go through themselves - as long as Iran / USA is a draw. The last games in the group are simultaneous so it should be fun.
A good win for Australia - played with a lot of passion and heart, great stuff.
As an aside, I've not seen a single England flag anywhere this World Cup Normally you see them hanging out of windows or clip-on ones on cars. I wonder why.
So the Saudi players all got a Rolls Royce when they beat Argentina. I wonder what they'll get if they get to the next round or even further - maybe a small island somewhere.
Quote from: pxr5 on November 26, 2022, 02:20:37 PMSo the Saudi players all got a Rolls Royce when they beat Argentina. I wonder what they'll get if they get to the next round or even further - maybe a small island somewhere.
Perhaps a cruise liner a few hundred metres off the coast where Saudi's rules that prevent indulging yourself in certain vices don't apply (a la professional golfers).
Mbappe was on a different level to everyone else on the pitch and he didn't even have the greatest of games. He needs to be playing every game if France are to progress far in the competition he can't afford to lose a game through injury or suspension
Japan vs Costa Rica this morning; not a very interesting fixture on the face of it but if the Japanese win they will progress to the knockout stage leaving Spain and Germany to fight it out for the remaining place. But Spain could lose to Germany tonight and still go forward by beating Japan on Thursday, unless the Germans score 6 or 7 goals against Costa Rica. Or Spain.
Wow - Japan losing and then Morocco beating Belgium (who are oddly the 2nd seeded team). This WC is certainly throwing up some strange results. The last games in each group are going to be interesting.
Caught the second half of Belgium vs Morocco, hence saw both goals.
Looked a thoroughly deserved win and a stirring match-winning performance.
The story of the World Cup so far is that there's a lot of inconsistency about. Iran rubbish against England, much better against Wales. Costa Rica awful in their first game, much stronger in their second. England very convincing, then lifeless. Japan terrific against Germany, didn't turn up against Costa Rica.
Maybe Spain will have a rubbish game later on.
Quote from: Matt2112 on November 27, 2022, 03:48:13 PMCaught the second half of Belgium vs Morocco, hence saw both goals.
Looked a thoroughly deserved win and a stirring match-winning performance.
Belgium got very lucky against Canada and really didn't deserve the 3 points. Didn't see the game today but it looks that ran out today.
Canada seem to be getting over that loss. Wonderful cross and header for their 1st goal in World Cup finals
Well, a result slightly unfair on Canada's showing again today, but Croatia were impressive, their quality exposing Canada's weaknesses more as the game progressed.
Three black pundits covering the Canada v Croatia game, no mention of the blindingly obvious regarding the Croatian team. Thought they'd have had a deep-dive into that one. Bit weird, especially at this competition. I reckon they're only interested in the low-hanging fruit.
The Croatians must be in the running for one of the least-diverse caucasian teams. Poland and Wales are up there too just edging out the Danes.
C'mon Gary, get on your bloody soap box and order them to be more inclusive
:-\
If Germany do lose against Spain (1-0 at the mo), they can still qualify as Japan lost to Costa Rica. So if Germany beat Costa Rica and Spain beat Japan Germany have a chance of qualifying - grrr.
I really enjoyed the Cameroon v Serbia game - but a draw hasn't done either of them a favour. Ghana playing well against South Korea too; 2-0 at the moment but I foresee more goals.
What I'd quite like is for two of the sides playing each other in the last game to just need a draw each, then come to a tacit agreement on the pitch, Austria / West Germany style. Would be shameful, but massively entertaining.
Can't decide whether I like Portugal or not... I don't think I do tbh
I don't think I do.
I know I don't.
Me either. I think Ronaldo makes them dislikeable
He must have known he didn't get a touch of that ball on its way to the goal, and at the very least he must have known it wouldn't have made a difference even if he did think it had brushed past his beautifully gelled locks.
Anyway - I don't have high hopes for Eng / Wales tonight. We don't actually need to win or even draw, whereas for the Welsh this is their last stand at a World Cup for who knows how many decades and they do have a chance to progress if they win.
I have to wonder if the England players really feel the same passion and pride for their flag and identity that the Welsh boys do. And if they don't, to a degree perhaps that's natural; it comes from being one of the smaller nations in a country dominated by the big one.
Although I think 32 countries is too many at a World Cup I do like the certainty that two dropping out of every group at the end of the group stage brings.
Quote from: Slim on November 29, 2022, 11:03:55 AMHe must have known he didn't get a touch of that ball on its way to the goal, and at the very least he must have known it wouldn't have made a difference even if he did think it had brushed past his beautifully gelled locks.
I said to the missus "he didn't touch that". Peacock
Quote from: dom on November 28, 2022, 10:19:03 PMMe either. I think Ronaldo makes them dislikeable
Yes the fact he tried to cheat his own team mates over that goal last night makes him a bit of cunt really
Permutations for tonight. USA have to win but a draw might be enough for Iran if Wales don't manage to win. Wales hoping for a draw in the other group game and then a win against England will put them through. England have the easiest task. Ensure they don't lose by 4 goals. If that extremely unlikely event happens, England will be definitely out. One of those evenings when you need a screen for each eye.
Imagine Wales go one up in the first half .. they cling on doggedly to their lead in the second half.. USA and Iran play out a drab 0-0 that ends after 93 minutes but there's still another 12 minutes of stoppage time in the Wales / England game .. if the boys in red can just hang on .. they're struggling to get the ball out of their half .. it's like the Alamo .. Wales concede a corner in the dying seconds of the game although in truth, the ball didn't touch Williams and it should have been a goal kick .. Trippier floats it in .. it's chaos in the six yard box .. Maguire just manages to connect with it with a glancing header and the ball rebounds off the far post, then in off the back of Danny Ward's head .. the ref blows up .. England and Iran are through to the knockout stage! Thanks for coming, Wales!
I like it. Not sure Maguire does glancing though? He might crash a header against the crossbar and then in off Ward's head
This stage onwards the World Cup start to get far more interesting..Iran or USA deserve to go thru with England .. they've played much better football than drabby Wales and Bale is average at best
Start with a straining-at-the-leash Foden and England might cruise to a victory tonight.
Drop Sterling tonight, preferably at Hamad International where he can revel in his role as a spare part on a Farnborough-bound Learjet.
Good second half from England; showed up Wales for being the worst team in the tournament they surely are.
Sorry...were. 😬😉
Bale invisible....
Easy in the end. Punters saying Wales played with passion - no they were poor, really poor. Bale and Ramsey mia again. Neither should have started.
It's a shame Bale got taken off in the second half. Wouldn't have made a difference and that's probably his last international game. And who knows, maybe he'd have come up with one of those special moments.
This was my 2112th post!
Wales very ordinary and England dispatched them with relative ease. Tougher tests await but I think Southgate's men will be there or thereabouts come the middle of December
Deschamps' decision to rest 9 players for the Tunisia backfired somewhat although the rest may prove beneficial over the tournament. A few of the replacements didn't cover themselves in glory and probably won't feature again. Felt very sorry for Tunisia to have beaten the World Champions and still get knocked out.
Shock news - French B-team beatable.
I hope Poland get about 10 put past them.. been bloody awful and dull as fuck .. not keen on Argentina either really...
Quote from: Fishy on November 30, 2022, 06:24:01 PMI hope Poland get about 10 put past them.. been bloody awful and dull as fuck .. not keen on Argentina either really...
Take it all back .. ridiculous penalty fuck the argies..
The whole Poland team are the equivalent of Gareth Bale.. no football ability at all and completely missing in action .. France probably don't need to turn up and they'll still get thru to the next round....
Poland simply rolled over and hoped for the best - perversely, it worked.
They deserve to go out in the next round.
Final Group E games tonight, a bit more interesting than the Group F games this afternoon. Obviously Germany must win to clear the group stage, but if Japan can manage a draw against Spain, the Germans will need to have won by two goals. I hope the Spanish play for a draw, which is all they need.
Sometimes the games that look a bit meh turn out to be some of the more competitive ones with plenty of goals...
For me the World Cup is always about the group stage. I love having four games in the same day.
The 2026 competition will have 48 teams. Far too many, 24 would be about right. But maybe there'll be a second group stage again.
Number 2 seeds Belgium out. One goal in 3 games really is poor form.
That was tough for Lukaku. He won't sleep well tonight
Yes, sad to see. Although I didn't want the Belgians to get out of the group at Croatia's expense.
Quote from: dom on December 01, 2022, 05:17:57 PMThat was tough for Lukaku. He won't sleep well tonight
Should be fined for wilful damage to property. Spoilt brat
missed that. What did he spoil?
Quote from: dom on December 01, 2022, 06:29:28 PMmissed that. What did he spoil?
https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/sport/world-cup-belgium-romelu-lukaku-b2237210.html
Japan have levelled against Spain, raising my hope that they'll keep that they'll keep Germany out of second place.
Bloody hell they've got another one!
Japan.. bloody hell👍😀
Christ! Costa Rica level it in the other game.
The scales are tipping away from Germany's chances of making it out of the group, but I think they'll have tipped back in another 30 minutes.
OMG what is happening? Japan and possibly Costa Rica going through - hopefully. But wow anything could happen yet.
Fuck me, Costa Rica 2 1 Germany as I type
Germany have work to do now. And as things stand, Spain are out as well :o
Costa Rica now ahead.. bloody hell😀
Germany level now, and all that needs to happen for them to get out of the group is for Spain to score. On balance I think they will.
Germany in front now, no surprises there. But they need Spain to score!
Proper drama. Less than 5 minutes to go.
Shame Spain don't seem to have taken their foot off the gas. They're safe.
7 minutes of added time, that will be agony for the Japan fans.
Joyous watching Germany trying to score another goal when it's a lost cause. Amazing night.
Quote from: Slim on December 01, 2022, 08:58:02 PMJoyous watching Germany trying to score another goal when it's a lost cause. Amazing night.
sauerkrauts
Great for Japan, but that did look out - but apparently goal-line cameras caught it being in. Shame for Germany - NOT
Well done Japan .. auf weidersehen Germany
Cracking night of football that, certainly the best game day so far.
Reaction in Der Spiegel, auto-translated by Google.
The small piece about the Japanese goal argues that it's probably valid. But mostly it's all about the team's failure, and Bierhoff and Flick not taking responsibility.
Must say the Google translation service has done a brilliant job here - it reads very naturally. A couple of minor failures -"DFB-Aus" has not been translated because it should have been rendered as two words, "DFB - Aus". And "DFB-Elf" is of course "DFB eleven". "But that's Der Spiegel's fault.
Jens Lehmann:
"There were some distractions about all the things going in Qatar, human rights and things like that. And the Germans right now they are hyper-critical because they think they always have to deal with other people's problems."
"We need to focus on the tournament, we need to focus performing really well, because there are millions of fans like myself, and we were expecting a little more than getting knocked for the second time in a row."
No worries, England are going to win the World Cup 2-0 against Portugal
Absolute Proof - https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/weird-news/im-time-traveller-know-england-28625911
Congrats to South Korea, a super end to the game - and to put Uruguay out as well, a bonus. Getting rid of that cheating twat Suarez.
A bonkers game between Serbia and Switzerland. 3-2 so far for the Swiss. Great that both teams are really going for it though. At the moment any of Serbia, Switzerland or Cameroon can go through with Brazil.
Fell asleep through much of Cameroon vs Brazil (been a long week) but awoke to see the last 20 minutes. Pleased Cameroon won the game and they can leave the tournament on a high - unlike shithouses Uruguay, of course.
Bums. Going to form at the moment with both USA and Australia losing. It was so close at the end for the Aussies - I would have loved to see extra time. A real shame about that soft goal they gifted to Argentina too.
I enjoyed that one. The 'roos gave a good account of themselves but Argentina were undoubtedly good value for their win.
Yes, very enjoyable game: Messi still looking on a different level to everyone else and an exciting plot twist in the latter stages. Dramatic, crucial save to deny Australia right at the end. Great stuff.
Poland playing like they expected to lose. France were good of course, but the Poles were dire.
Mbappe takes your breath away. Both with his pace and the power and accuracy of his shooting
Would anyone fancy Stones and Maguire up against Mbappe and Giroud?
Thought not. :-\
Not pretty
Not looking good - I tell you, it's the ITV curse:
https://metro.co.uk/2022/11/30/england-fans-fears-over-itv-curse-striking-again-for-world-cup-2022-17851801/
One decent move by England and now they appear to have kicked into gear
Bellingham is a special player
I take it back - a good win in the end and the curse of ITV maybe gone for good (I'd still prefer to watch on the BBC)
Was pleased to see England manage the game in the second half, pinging the ball around themselves. Subdued the temperature of the match nicely.
But wow - if the Senegal fans can do this, why can't we have the Black and White Minstrels back?
Snoozeball with errors and misplaced passes for most of the first half but a change of style and two well-worked quick-fire goals knocked the stuffing out of Senegal.
Managed the game well second half.
The next test will be fascinating; prevail in that and England have a great shot at winning the competition.
Quote from: Matt2112 on December 04, 2022, 10:26:10 PMSnoozeball with errors and misplaced passes for most of the first half but a change of style and two well-worked quick-fire goals knocked the stuffing out of Senegal.
Managed the game well second half.
The next test will be fascinating; prevail in that and England have a great shot at winning the competition.
If Southgate has any sense, the instruction will be "nobble Mbappé in the first 5 minutes"....Giroud in the second 😆
Quote from: David L on December 04, 2022, 11:44:12 PMQuote from: Matt2112 on December 04, 2022, 10:26:10 PMSnoozeball with errors and misplaced passes for most of the first half but a change of style and two well-worked quick-fire goals knocked the stuffing out of Senegal.
Managed the game well second half.
The next test will be fascinating; prevail in that and England have a great shot at winning the competition.
If Southgate has any sense, the instruction will be "nobble Mbappé in the first 5 minutes"....Giroud in the second 😆
Fine in theory, but you have to catch him first. :)
Walker lost his duels with Sarr last night, so that doesn't bode well.
A shame for Japan, but their penalties were awful. Croatia have a history of doing well at ET and penalties, so I suppose Japan can only blame themselves for not going for the win in normal time. Both teams looked tired by the end, which only helps their next opponents - likely to be Brazil.
Quote from: Matt2112 on December 05, 2022, 09:29:46 AMWalker lost his duels with Sarr last night, so that doesn't bode well.
Yes, that was easily noticed
As if Brazil haven't been dazzling enough, I have a decent-ish Samsung telly and no amount of tweaking in long shots seems to reduce the "glare" from their day-glo yellow. :o
Do we really need a dance from them after every goal ffs...
For the amount of time all that took they should have all been booked.
The Koreans should have kicked off and scored a goal in an empty net whilst the Brazilian tarts pranced around the side lines.
Morocco vs Spain is the last chance of a shock in this round. I think its a possibility too. I put Portugal vs Switzerland as evenly matched even though tradition would say that Portugal are the stronger side. They haven't shown that so far and if they persist with Ronaldo I think they will perform poorly. His ego is getting in the way of everything at the moment.
Morocco defence and goalie way too complacent. This is Spain they are playing, not Wales!
Wow Spain gone ...was not expecting that ...terrible penalties from them..
I really thought Morocco had a chance. They were superb defensively. With Switzerland or Portugal coming up in the quarters they could well end up in the semis
Wow@Spain - Who would have thought? Terrible penalties by Spain (apparently practiced a 1000 each before). That final Moroccan penalty was just taking the piss.
Oh how Spain wished they'd played like Portugal are right now (currently 3-0, 4-0 against Switzerland).
Was not expecting this. I really thought it was going to be a very tight affair.
Morocco have only conceded 1 goal in 4 games (including the penalty shoot out with Spain), and it was an own goal against Canada.
2 days without a game now .. what are we going to do now😀
Pleased to see Neymar score there. I think Croatia were playing for penalties.
Quote from: Slim on December 09, 2022, 05:24:45 PMPleased to see Neymar score there. I think Croatia were playing for penalties.
Yeah I wanted Croatia to win, but the better team gave more. I also think there should be a rule that a team can't go through twice in a row on penalties (I know it's daft, but at least teams would try a bit harder - as it is a team could win the WC final without actually winning a knockout game in normal time/et).
:EDIT: As I sent this post Croatia scored - blimey
And Brazil are out ;D
Quote from: pdw1 on December 09, 2022, 05:54:17 PMAnd Brazil are out ;D
Good no more stupid dancing .. Croatia deserved it..
Well I thought Brazil had it in the bag when they went one up in extra time, considering the number of shots on goal their opponents had managed. Shocker.
Used to be you could pretty much rely on either Brazil or (West) Germany turning up in the final.
Croatia missed their chance to do a samba at the full time whistle..
Quote from: captainkurtz on December 09, 2022, 06:48:28 PMCroatia missed their chance to do a samba at the full time whistle..
Good teams don't need to do any of that shit😀
This World Cup is ace lol, as The Netherlands equalise haha - brilliant.
Unreal!
Why are the Argentinians constantly talking to the referee (Spanish btw) and other officials? It shouldn't be allowed.
Unbelievable Jeff.
It's got rather feisty, too.
Cracking entertainment.
Come on Holland....
Morocco! ;D
Ronaldo scuttles off down the tunnel in tears. Couldn't bring himself to congratulate the victors. Great player but zero class. Spoilt brat
Fantastic for Morocco, superb defending - but what a shock. And they've still only conceded 1 goal (an own goal).
Referee is having a good game.....for France
England gave a great account of themselves tonight, probably had more of the play but were battling the ref for a large part.
The pressure got to Kane, unfortunately.
Who knows who would have won that match in a fair contest? If I had to bet the house I'd say England, but we'll never know who should be playing Morocco in the semi-final.
We go home unbeaten. We were playing 12 men; that wasn't a meaningful game of football.
Take it on the chin Slim! England were the better team tonight but couldn't do what mattered
It would be remiss of me not to say, nice pink boots and some great armbands. Who knows how much further we'd have got if it was only about the football :-\
The "foul" on Saka that led to a goal, wasn't one. Upamecano got the ball. Kane was fouled outside the box for the pen in the first half that wasn't given.
Bellingham must be in with a shout as moaner of the tournament. Impressive for such a young player
I suppose you'll all be wearing fezes now!
Quote from: dom on December 10, 2022, 09:14:07 PMI suppose you'll all be wearing fezes now!
It would be a shame for the World Cup, for Football and for Sport if France were to go through to the final because they haven't actually earned a place in the semis. There's no way, therefore, for them to be meaningful winners either of that match, or the final.
But we'll never know if Morocco would have beaten England so ultimately, through no fault of their own, they wouldn't have earned a place in the final either. So I don't really care if they beat France or not; it's not really a legitimate contest. It means very little in truth.
Which incidents led to the ref deciding the game for France?
Bukayo Saka, where is he from? Where is he from?
Didn't watch it, but saw some of the BBC's text feed. People were moaning about fouls on Saka not being given, I was wondering why they were concerned about a Frog being fouled...
At least we should be free of shit BBC headlines like "Kane levels Rooney's goal scoring record" Levels? Equals more like. Do illiterate seppos work for less than illiterate Brits?
Bums, better team lost tonight :( . Oh well at least I can relax and enjoy the WC a bit more now. England are doing well in the cricket though. :)
P.S. I want a Croatia v Morocco final now.
Same old story - not good enough. Simple as.
Quote from: Matt2112 on December 10, 2022, 09:56:11 PMSame old story - not good enough. Simple as.
One of the 5th-8th best team in the world though - maybe.
Really thought England were going to do something memorable this time. Their play up to this game reminded me of the Germans in previous tournaments. Quite calm and clinical. No doubt the media will savage them tomorrow onwards. Harry Kane not hitting a one hundred and ninety two square feet target from spitting distance is mesmerising. £200,000 per week. Every week. Even this week.
Quote from: pxr5 on December 10, 2022, 09:33:23 PMP.S. I want a Croatia v Morocco final now.
Definitely not in FIFA's plans, I'd say
30 years of hurt will have been doubled to 60 by the next World Cup unless England win the Euros in Germany.
Baddiel and Skinner will be approaching or past retirement by then (much like ourselves)
Why has England been incapable in all that time? Meanwhile, he club game has never been stronger.
I suppose the foreigners will get the blame!
You'd think listening to some of those pundits that life as we know it had just stopped.. guess what I woke up this morning and the world keeps turning..
Quote from: dom on December 11, 2022, 09:32:19 AM30 years of hurt will have been doubled to 60 by the next World Cup unless England win the Euros in Germany.
Baddiel and Skinner will be approaching or past retirement by then (much like ourselves)
Why has England been incapable in all that time? Meanwhile, he club game has never been stronger.
I suppose the foreigners will get the blame!
Well, this year we can say that it's got nothing to do with the performance of the team on the pitch. Football is not 11 men against 12.
The ref didn't send the ball into row Z when England had a penalty. It wasn't up to the ref to stop Griezmann from crossing or Giroud from meeting the cross. It wasn't the ref who sent a powerful header the wrong side of the post. Etc, etc, etc. I fear disappointment is clouding your judgement a little.
Kudos to the person who modified the wikipedia entry for the ref from last night's game.
Apparently the French referee is looking for his guide dog to be returned 😁
Quote from: Fishy on December 11, 2022, 09:45:19 AMYou'd think listening to some of those pundits that life as we know it had just stopped.. guess what I woke up this morning and the world keeps turning..
yes but your Scottish.
I thought some of the "fouls" that weren't given were just examples of the French player being stronger - including the Saka incident. The Kane incident was a foul but with the initial contact just outside the box.
England created very little from open play but were (rightly) awarded two penalties. But France had more nous in the moments when it was most needed and where it most mattered.
And in one of the sub-plots, Mbappe answered the question if he could rinse Walker for pace pretty definitively.
As one excellent post-match article puts it: England believed; France knew.
Quote from: pdw1 on December 11, 2022, 11:01:25 AMQuote from: Fishy on December 11, 2022, 09:45:19 AMYou'd think listening to some of those pundits that life as we know it had just stopped.. guess what I woke up this morning and the world keeps turning..
yes but your Scottish.
Yes we just get on with disappointment...
Quote from: Fishy on December 11, 2022, 12:53:50 PMQuote from: pdw1 on December 11, 2022, 11:01:25 AMQuote from: Fishy on December 11, 2022, 09:45:19 AMYou'd think listening to some of those pundits that life as we know it had just stopped.. guess what I woke up this morning and the world keeps turning..
yes but your Scottish.
Yes we just get on with disappointment...
🏴 😁
Quote from: The Picnic Wasp on December 11, 2022, 04:27:41 PMQuote from: Fishy on December 11, 2022, 12:53:50 PMQuote from: pdw1 on December 11, 2022, 11:01:25 AMQuote from: Fishy on December 11, 2022, 09:45:19 AMYou'd think listening to some of those pundits that life as we know it had just stopped.. guess what I woke up this morning and the world keeps turning..
yes but your Scottish.
Yes we just get on with disappointment...
🏴 😁
Despite the neighbours.
Quote from: dom on December 11, 2022, 10:50:24 AMThe ref didn't send the ball into row Z when England had a penalty. It wasn't up to the ref to stop Griezmann from crossing or Giroud from meeting the cross. It wasn't the ref who sent a powerful header the wrong side of the post.
You must know that the entire match wasn't decided on these events alone, surely? We weren't beaten in a fair contest and we'll never know who should rightfully have won the World Cup this year.
Blame Wales. Ukraine should have been handed it and the contest played for second place.
Quote from: Slim on December 11, 2022, 04:47:09 PMQuote from: dom on December 11, 2022, 10:50:24 AMThe ref didn't send the ball into row Z when England had a penalty. It wasn't up to the ref to stop Griezmann from crossing or Giroud from meeting the cross. It wasn't the ref who sent a powerful header the wrong side of the post.
You must know that the entire match wasn't decided on these events alone, surely? We weren't beaten in a fair contest and we'll never know who should rightfully have won the World Cup this year.
They were the key moments of the match and they were far more relevant than any questionable decisions. Had much more of an impact than any wrong call by the man in black.
Are you allowed to say man in black these days? 🙄
;D Probably not, I won't tell if you don't.
Quote from: The Picnic Wasp on December 11, 2022, 04:58:13 PMBlame Wales. Ukraine should have been handed it and the contest played for second place.
Indeed. Still time for Zelensky to make the presentation to the winners though 😁
Also, blame our national "anthems". Whenever I hear La Marseillaise I honestly wish I was French. I listened to Bravado from the Clockwork Angels tour tonight. What a beautiful song. The lyrics are probably a bit too close to the truth of what Scottish independence might be in reality, but imagine a nation getting behind a tune that isn't a hymn to Charlie the unfaithful husband. Some sort of unity in Glasgow my beloved city would be a start though. Reach for the stars, eh?
England's anthem ought to be Manowar's HAIL TO ENGLAND, the England soccerball team could take to wearing furry nappies too. That'd inspire them.
Quote from: dom on December 11, 2022, 05:49:24 PMThey were the key moments of the match and they were far more relevant than any questionable decisions. Had much more of an impact than any wrong call by the man in black.
You must know that's not true, come on Dom. France made it through to the semi only because of consitently unfair refereeing, I have no doubt about that. It's possible France would have edged their way through in a fair contest, I won't deny that. I think it's improbable on balance, but we'll never know.
I absolutely don't believe that to be the case. The referee was poor I don't deny but not to the degree that he changed the course of the match. All of the big decisions ended up being correct once VAR had its say.
Over the 90 minutes England were the better team but France more clinical. The ref didn't change that. He didn't decide to make France more clinical and England less so. That was down to the players and managers.
OK Dom, I accept that your perspective coincides very nicely with what you'd find most convenient. You genuinely believe it, and perhaps you also think that referees don't really have an influence on football games. I'll accept that you honestly believe these things if you like, though many wouldn't, and we'll just have to agree to disagree.
I genuinely believe that in certain parts of the world (ahem) referees have a not so secret agenda. Alex Ferguson made a hugely revealing statement in an STV documentary when he was the manager of Aberdeen. Referees can very often influence the results of games. Personal hatred, bigotry, sectarianism, Brexit, empire building history, racism. You name it. Certain groups will always suffer from this, there's no real protection and England are definitely high on the hated list. Ask Eurovision (except this year). 😁
Quote from: Slim on December 11, 2022, 11:38:04 PMOK Dom, I accept that your perspective coincides very nicely with what you'd find most convenient. You genuinely believe it, and perhaps you also think that referees don't really have an influence on football games. I'll accept that you honestly believe these things if you like, though many wouldn't, and we'll just have to agree to disagree.
When Henry handled the ball in 2009 against Ireland and wasn't spotted by the ref and his assistants was an example of poor referring influencing the result of a match. Another time was Schumaker nearly beheaded Battiston in 1982 and wasn't even booked. schumaker went on to be the hero for West Germany in the penalty shootout. I'm sure there are plenty of others too. Such as when a ref sends undeservedly sends of a player or the reverse.
He was a poor ref but not to the extent that he adversely affected the game in France's favour. I thought his biggest error was not giving a fk to England 30 yards out when Saka was fouled. He could also have booked Greizmann a foul or 2 earlier than he actually did. Neither decision altered the course of the game in any meaningful way imo.
The big calls were spot on even if he didn't call them right originally.
The referee dished out three yellow cards to French players - one of those before half time to Griezmann - compared to one for England, very late on to Maguire. He correctly awarded two blatant penalties to England, whereas the more debatable decisions - chiefly when Saka was floored by the stronger physicality of his opponent and when Kane was challenged just outside the box - were just that: debatable, hence he understandably wasn't as certain about those marginal decisions as he was rightly totally certain about the penalties. Also, with England players aggrieved about those sort of decisions, any decisions against them that quickly followed - as they did - were seen through a skewed lens of injustice against them. So the referee, who I would agree didn't have a great game, nonetheless wasn't as bad as the likes of Gary Neville bitterly ranted about.
So what of the actual players who did or didn't influence the game in key moments? Well, the most prominent example for all to see, which also represented the match in microcosm, was the contrast between Griezmann - France's best player who demonstrated his considerable class throughout and swung into the box the delivery of the tournament - and Bellingham, the feted golden boy of English football, who toiled and huffed and puffed and was exposed against truly world class opposition as a far from finished article; to be fair, he didn't ask for all the hype, but neither did he deserve it.
And then there was Maguire vs. Giroud; the former actually looking fairly comfortable, the latter anonymous - until they weren't, with that killer winning goal. But that's what separates canny Champions from plucky contenders.
This is the article to which I referred earlier - hits the nail right on the head with every sentence:
France overcame England because champion teams win the big moments (https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2022/dec/11/france-overcame-england-because-champion-teams-win-the-big-moments)
QuoteWith one bullet in the gun, Giroud did his job and Kane failed to do his. But the game was also won and lost in the smaller moments: the moments when France simply flexed their imperial strength, reached into their database of solutions and made their vision flesh.
QuoteEngland rose to the occasion. France had no need, for the occasion was already France-sized. England were brave. France had no need to be brave, as their default level of courage was already sufficient. England believed. France knew.
Classic Guardian, that. Sorry, but it's been written for no other reason than to mock and belittle this country.
Not read it then - it's actually brimming with compliments and pride about England's display. But admits it simply wasn't enough.
It's a great article and I really like the reference to Real Madrid. So many Champion league victories when they weren't the best team in the tournament. In the World Cup the same has been true of Germany and Italy in past tournaments. Just that bit of nous that seems to count more than pure ability.
Quote from: Matt2112 on December 12, 2022, 03:13:15 PMNot read it then - it's actually brimming with compliments and pride about England's display. But admits it simply wasn't enough.
I read a few paragraphs until my stomach started to turn. I'm sure the compliments are only there as a sort of insincere credibility vehicle for the usual Guardian foreigner-worshipping anti-British stance.
I won't give a detailed response as it will move the discussion into politics but that's nonsense
I'm sure it looks that way to you, but it certainly isn't.
Same paper, same day, different sport - spot the Brit bashing?
QuoteMark Wood blew through Pakistan either side of lunch on the fourth day to claim a nervy 26-run win in the second Test and a famous series victory.
England had won two Tests on Pakistani soil before this tour but in the space of two weeks, and after last week's ransacking of Rawalpindi, they have now doubled this. Ben Stokes and his band of ultra-aggressors will head to Karachi for the series finale that starts on Saturday with an unassailable 2-0 lead and another chapter in their remarkable transformation secured.
It's a fair point although not the same writer. I don't think I'm wrong, but let's not labour the point. I apologise for sidetracking the topic.
I actually fancied Croatia to turn over the Argies but they were comprehensively outsmarted and ultimately dismantled, with, almost inevitably, Messi treating the football world to more decisive flashes of genius.
Croatia, a lot of old legs who had played a lot of minutes in the last few weeks. Tough for Modric to create with his team so lacking in pace.
Argentina do appear to be improving as well. Saving their best to last?
Quite nervous about the semi final. I really hope that France don't underestimate the Moroccans. They are an excellent team who defend well and play good football. Better than the Greek team who won the Euros back in 2004 for example so they absolutely can go all the way. It will be a proper test and France will need to be at their best to win.
Yes, France can't just turn up and expect Mbappe, Griezmann and Giroud to win the game for them - they must factor in counter-measures against an extremely confident Moroccan side who have applied themselves superbly in this tournament.
Enjoyed last night's game. That was the climax of the tournament for me to be honest; I can't in good faith ascribe any legitimacy or importance to the rest of the games. I'll probably watch one or both but they're essentially friendlies to me.
To those of you who feel differently - enjoy the showbiz.
Quote from: Slim on December 14, 2022, 01:59:23 PMEnjoyed last night's game. That was the climax of the tournament for me to be honest; I can't in good faith ascribe any legitimacy or importance to the rest of the games. I'll probably watch one or both but they're essentially friendlies to me.
To those of you who feel differently - enjoy the showbiz.
It's as valid a tournament as any other even the one (in 82 I think) where West Germany beat Austria 1 - 0 to ensure that both qualified - a game with 0 corners and only the 1 attempt on goal. Or in '66 when a team were awarded a goal when the ball didn't cross the line.
And if you really want injustice, see this
https://www.planetfootball.com/nostalgia/a-forensic-analysis-of-byron-morenos-refereeing-in-italy-v-south-korea-2002/
After this game, there was worldwide condemnation of the referee, even though the underdog was the team that benefitted, today's cries of injustice for the England France didn't match the levels back then.
The admittedly poor referring in the England France game didn't even BEGIN to come close to that!
Enjoy the games then. By the way as far as I remember that Austria / W Germany was played - and officiated - quite correctly and to the letter of the rules of the game.
Quote from: Slim on December 14, 2022, 03:44:28 PMEnjoy the games then. By the way as far as I remember that Austria / W Germany was played - and officiated - quite correctly and to the letter of the rules of the game.
The conduct of the players brings the tournament into question though
especially as the German goalkeeper in that game later deliberately seriously injured a player in the semi final of the same tournament and didn't even have a free kick as penalty.
Both Upamecano & Rabiot are out of the semi tonight to be replaced by Konate and Fofana. Upamecano struggled at times in the quarter so maybe its not a bad thing. Rabiot was getting better by the game though so its a pity he's out. Also a pity though that Saliba didn't get the nod. I think he would have acquitted himself well.
I don't think the referee in the England France game was biased, just poor. And unfortunately those poor decisions affected England. I'm sure there were bad decisions he made that helped England at times, but just not at crucial moments.
As much as I dislike the ITV punditry I have to agree with them that the Argentinian penalty wasn't a penalty. In fact it could have gone to Croatia, in the way the forward took out the goalie. I know they went to an observing referee who said it was 100% a penalty, then to me the rules of the game are wrong if something like that can be given. I've watched it over and over and I simply don't get it at all. Why doesn't VAR step in in these situations?
This is a good game. France ahead but Morocco very much in it.
It is a good game, better than yesterdays.
Credit to Morocco, they were excellent. France saved their best defensive for today and just as well. Just as with England, France probably weren't the better team but were more clinical.
Argentina do have better individual quality with Messi and Alvarez than Morocco possess but I'm not sure they are a better team than the lions
Morocco were very entertaining to watch and their desire and application was rousing and plain for all to see; they will have gained many admirers from their performances in this tournament.
But France - bloody hell, they did it again; finding a way to win, with it struck me a fair amount of luck with the bounce of the ball in the box. I suspect that may run out against the Argentinians, who will find the French out.
By the way, I thought Mbappe's melodramatic reactions when he was on the end of some robust but fair tackles were dreadful, particularly his little cynical looks to the referee to see if his pathetic con act had been successful.
That's one of the reasons why this will be remembered as Messi's tournament.
I get you about Mbappe, more Ronaldo than Messi in that regard.
For me though its Griezmann's tournament. He seems to have taken on the Pogba and N'kante roles all by himself and is doing better than either in both. Always in the right place, blocking a cross or a player in and around his penalty area, picking up a lose pass in midfield and moving the ball forward. He can equally be found on either wing, delivering a killer cross into the opposition box. Always been a good player but this deeper role has shown him to be sensational
Will be a traversty if he is not player of the tournament.
Another excellent article from Barney Ronay on the man himself...
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/dec/14/antoine-griezmanns-devilment-gives-france-the-edge-when-it-matters
Yes getting really fed up with the histrionics on tackling when players go down looking as if they've hit by a sniper .. also the wrapping your foot round the leg of an opponent and falling down looking for the foul .. so cheating really...
England could still win this edition of the World Cup... honestly!
If 4 players from each side are sent off in today's 3rd 4th play-off, the game would have to be abandoned and the match declared nul and void. The same happens again tomorrow in the final and the World Cup would be awarded to the quarter finalist with the best disciplinary record in the tournament.... England.
So any true England fan will be hoping for 2 very card happy refs in the next 2 matches 😁
My favourite game in the whole tournament was Wales vs Iran. Neither of the next two games will be as interesting or enjoyable for me.
Although the 3rd-place play-off is pretty meaningless it still tends to produce an entertaining game, with both sides freed up to express themselves.
That was certainly the case for this match during France '98 - Croatia vs Netherlands - which I attended (for free). :)
Hope France can win today...
So, the final is upon us; featuring two of the world's best footballers on opposing teams, but who are team-mates at Paris St. Germain, a club owned by an outfit called...Qatar Sports Investments.
You, um, couldn't write it...
;)
Not keen on either, but I hope France can win today.
Going quite well so far
Deschamps has taken Dembele off before half time. Very disappointing for the lad.
Something off with the French team. Barely incapable of stringing 2 passes together. Argentina winning every loose ball. France distinctly 2nd best and looking off colour.
The second Argentinan goal was beautifully made but they had so much time and space to make it.
It reminds me of the '98 final between France and Brazil when there was all that controversy about Ronaldo pre match. Brazil just didn't turn up and France won very comfortably
Seven minutes into the second half and at the moment it's not looking like a Game of Two Halves, unless you mean a Game of Two Very Similar Halves.
The subs have made a slight difference but France still looking way below what you would expect of them
I guess this is what happens when you're forced to play with eleven men
Half an hour left, next goal is Game On or Game Over.
Griezmann gone, that's the final nail for me. He seemed like he had just started playing
Have to wonder if Deschamps knows what he's doing or he's just desperate? He has a face like a Dogue De Bordeaux chewing a guepe at the moment.
Well I hope security are looking for the sniper in the stands.
He's not the prettiest that's for sure
This was not in the script!
Well that was a surprise :)
France ... WOW👍
The half time steroids have kicked in
Quote from: Slim on December 18, 2022, 04:43:07 PMWell I hope security are looking for the sniper in the stands.
The same one that did his work in the first half? Almost exactly the same spot too!
Fucking Hell!! What a game. Pity it's to be decided by pens
Blimey great game. Bring on the pens. Come on France👍😀
Well done Argentina. Pleased France made a game of it. Think France lost it in the first hour.
The tournament saved the best 'til last.
Really exciting, but a shame for France after fighting back like that. There was something definitely off with the French early on though.
Bad luck France...
What a final!!
For one reason or another, France were atrocious for 80 minutes until someone put 50p in Mbappe.
Fairy tale end for Messi - can't begrudge him that.
Hate to see a massive tournament decided by penalties, especially with a final as good as that one. But I was glad to see Argentina come out on top. They definitely deserved it over the whole game.
Thoroughly enjoyed that from start to finish. I'm glad Messi finally got to tick the remaining box. I thought that the movement and skill displayed for Argentina's second was magnificent. I think it will be quite a while before I can tolerate an SPFL game after sitting down to such a feast of talent.
Thank goodness that's all over. There's much more in the World than Soccerball.
Oh, and well done Argies :) France? Never been a soccerball nation.
;D Have England?
After all, that was France's 4th World Cup Final and they are yet to lose one (even though they only got to bring back the trophy twice)
Quote from: dom on December 18, 2022, 08:55:13 PM;D Have England?
Blah, blah, blah 1966. Blah, blah, blah Bobby Moore. Blah, blah, blah, Wembley. Blah, blah, blah Sir Alf Ramsey. Blah, blah, blah 1966
Reality check: Football is an English game.
Quote from: dom on December 18, 2022, 08:55:13 PM;D Have England?
Who codified it
QuoteAfter all, that was France's 4th World Cup Final and they are yet to lose one (even though they only got to bring back the trophy twice)
Happen so, but the French would be much happier bringing home the world Petanque trophy. They like to think road cycling's a French sport, but when did they last win the TdF?
Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on December 18, 2022, 09:49:54 PMQuote from: dom on December 18, 2022, 08:55:13 PM;D Have England?
Who codified it
QuoteAfter all, that was France's 4th World Cup Final and they are yet to lose one (even though they only got to bring back the trophy twice)
Happen so, but the French would be much happier bringing home the world Petanque trophy. They like to think road cycling's a French sport, but when did they last win the TdF?
Ouch that hurts. Especially considering how well England/Wales have done in the TDF recently.
This is a screengrab from the FIFA site, then hosted by yahoo.com, that I took at the end of the 2002 World Cup.
Thanks James - I remember going in to work early and having a breakfast sandwich with my colleagues for one of the England games.
As for the rest of that tournament - I remember the Brazilian Ronaldo making an impact, but little else.
Argentinian goalkeeper is a knob. Could he not have been shown a red for throwing the ball during the shoot out? Whatever, terrible sportsmanship.
Agreed - he did get a yellow card for unsportsmanlike conduct during the penalty shootout; but it appeared he received a verbal warning initially, then was carded for a subsequent incident, when he should have received two yellows.
Aside from that the officials were actually very good.
Quote from: captainkurtz on December 19, 2022, 12:40:30 PMArgentinian goalkeeper is a knob. Could he not have been shown a red for throwing the ball during the shoot out? Whatever, terrible sportsmanship.
Yeah saw that... very poor and jumping all over the line before the ball was kicked..
Was all that as annoying as that deranged Qatari shill FIFA twat making sure his pound shop Thunderbird puppet head was in every camera shot during the trophy presentations. :-\
"Argentina's third goal in World Cup final should have been disallowed, regulations state"
https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/argentinas-third-goal-in-world-cup-final-should-have-been-disallowed-regulations-state
Yeah France should have won