Russia 2018 World Cup

[Macca]

:brrr:

[The Dunster]

I dont remember Forlan being in the 2006 team for those games?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byzID8Zb8HQ

He played injured. If he was fit absolutely no chance we would have progressed.

[MFKS]

Id argue our 2006 team had more Talent. Dukes Kewell Schwarzer Bresc etc. I only remember Recoba as a top talent from Uruguay

**** me

That would have to be one of your worst posts ever

We scraped over the line to get it to pens in the second leg

Recoba had a night where he coudnt hit a cows arse with a banjo because if he could we would have got knocked out comfortably

[StannyCFCJET]

**** me

That would have to be one of your worst posts ever

We scraped over the line to get it to pens in the second leg

Recoba had a night where he coudnt hit a cows arse with a banjo because if he could we would have got knocked out comfortably

Yeah Recoba and Forlan who else did they have at a top level? Honest question cant remember

[The Dunster]

Yeah Recoba and Forlan who else did they have at a top level? Honest question cant remember

Zalayeta played as a striker for Juventus.
Carini played for Inter Milan
Lopez played for Cagilari
Montero played for Juventus
RodrÃ*guez played for Shalke
Diogo and Garcia played for Real Madrid
Perez played for Monaco in Ligue 1
Dario Silva played for Sevilla
Sosa played for Atletico Madrid
Regueiro played for Valencia

[StannyCFCJET]

Zalayeta played as a striker for Juventus.
Carini played for Inter Milan
Lopez played for Cagilari
Montero played for Juventus
RodrÃ*guez played for Shalke
Diogo and Garcia played for Real Madrid
Perez played for Monaco in Ligue 1
Dario Silva played for Sevilla
Sosa played for Atletico Madrid
Regueiro played for Valencia

I retract my statement

[boz-monaut]

is anyone else quite glad to see Kasper Schmeichel go out

his twattery against Jedi (who ****ing slotted it past him) as well as all his carry on ever since makes me think that he's a bit of an arse

on a similar note, I think everyone in the world who isn't Brazillian (or is old enough to realise how big a prat Neymar is) are hoping Mexico go through tonight

[halo se7en]

is anyone else quite glad to see Kasper Schmeichel go out

his twattery against Jedi (who ****ing slotted it past him) as well as all his carry on ever since makes me think that he's a bit of an arse

on a similar note, I think everyone in the world who isn't Brazillian (or is old enough to realise how big a prat Neymar is) are hoping Mexico go through tonight

His antics calling for VAR this morning were embarrassing. I’m not even sure what he was calling for, it was one of the clearest pens you’ll see.

[plague]

I retract my statement

Stanny is like if they made an AI Member but installed a self awareness function in it.

[plague]

on a similar note, I think everyone in the world who isn't Brazillian (or is old enough to realise how big a prat Neymar is) are hoping Mexico go through tonight

ive mentioned before but if you go back and look at Brazil in qualifying when Neymar was out injured they were frightening.

Neymar doesnt fit in this team, yet no one dares drop him.

This is Coutinhos team, and if they allow him to run it they'll walk this Cup.

[plague]

as for Schmeichel, with all the money and resources in the world his old man still cant get rid of that bright red nose thing hes had going on since the 90's.

whole family are mongs.

[plague]

pretty high paced 1st 20min.
refs letting them play too.
mexico not scared one bit.

[Bremsstrahlung]

Haven’t seen 0 stoppage time for quite some time.

[plague]

by the way the ball looks dope and now they've changed it to a flash red one here hoping they change colour every stage id gamble on something like that.

[Bremsstrahlung]

Neymar carrying on like a twat every tackle is irking me.

[Bremsstrahlung]

Neymar scores a tap in, after Jesus could have easily got there, celebrates like it was a bomb of a goal, no recognition to the guy who laid it on a platter to him.

Neymar has a piss poor shot/pass if your generous to give Firmino a tap in and runs off in the separate direction celebrating as if he scored.

He’s like a Ronaldo esque egocentric player ain’t he.

[Bremsstrahlung]

Well, we are about to see what Belgium are made of.

[halo se7en]

What a counter to send our neighbours home. Cracking game.

[baldrick]

This World Cup is bonkers.

[plague]

gosh.

[boz-monaut]

one of the more exciting World Cups of living memory

I'll be happy from here so long as Brazil don't win it - any other outcome will do

[Roundball Enthusiast]

one of the more exciting World Cups of living memory

I'll be happy from here so long as Brazil don't win it - any other outcome will do

You really want to have to listen to the Poms for 4 years if they take the Cup home? Then they'll take the ashes, we'll never hear the f'n end of it.

Would rather Belgium.

[boz-monaut]

four years? fifty two and counting more like

I don't see England as having a chance - they'll go out to Colombia, probably on penalties

[Roundball Enthusiast]

four years? fifty two and counting more like

haha good point.

[MFKS]

Neymar scores a tap in, after Jesus could have easily got there, celebrates like it was a bomb of a goal, no recognition to the guy who laid it on a platter to him.

Neymar has a piss poor shot/pass if your generous to give Firmino a tap in and runs off in the separate direction celebrating as if he scored.

He’s like a Ronaldo esque egocentric player ain’t he.

Unlike Messi
Unlike CR7

Neymar delivers in the big moments for his NT

Haters can hate but he is doing it all with 200 million on his back riding his every move

[baldrick]

four years? fifty two and counting more like

I don't see England as having a chance - they'll go out to Colombia, probably on penalties

Or a controversial VAR decision

[mic22]

Neymar summarizes all the good and the bad in football atm.
I agree, he delivers, top player without any doubts.
But rolling on the sideline for no reason, as if he were shot in the leg, was a disgrace. Talk about bringing the sport into disrepute. I would go very hard on this stuff: like a straight red. Or even harder. Next time he would think twice.

[Frodo]

Brazil Vs Croatia final.

Neymar to get injured and Croatia to win. Brazil get all the plaudits and Croatia get brushed under the table as lucky underdogs rather than the great team they are.

[Roundball Enthusiast]

Neymar summarizes all the good and the bad in football atm.
I agree, he delivers, top player without any doubts.
But rolling on the sideline for no reason, as if he were shot in the leg, was a disgrace. Talk about bringing the sport into disrepute. I would go very hard on this stuff: like a straight red. Or even harder. Next time he would think twice.

Na, everything he does is fine, fantastic even. He's an amazing player with fantastic ability. Thats all that matters. His diving, theatrics don't matter.

Just like Arzani.

[Frodo]

Neymar can play. He can beat players like they aren't even on the pitch. But he has been kicked to crap that many times that he has learnt a terrible side of football.


Two points.

1. If you don't want him to roll around and make us look like sissy's, don't kick the crap out of him.
2. If you don't kick the crap out of him he will make you look very very stupid.


As a defender, you can see how much it puts him off his game when he gets worked up from fouls. So i'd kick him, let him roll around, deal with the sissy comments from other codes and move on.

[plague]

The ref in the Uruguay/Portugal game gave a really good insight into how the refs should approach this in the future.

Suarez has a rep for theatrics, so every time he went down the ref just waved him off (except for the clear fouls he copped).
Then he thought "if i grab my head (even when he got brushed on the leg) the ref HAS to stop it per: head injury rules".

But the ref didnt, he just played on, as did Portugal.

After a wee bit Suarez just kept bouncing straight back up realising he wasnt going to get calls.
Ref didnt need to waste time carding him, or talking to him, or dealing with it. He just ignored hm.

Game kept flowing, it was great refereeing.

[Jeterpool]

The ref in the Uruguay/Portugal game gave a really good insight into how the refs should approach this in the future.

Suarez has a rep for theatrics, so every time he went down the ref just waved him off (except for the clear fouls he copped).
Then he thought "if i grab my head (even when he got brushed on the leg) the ref HAS to stop it per: head injury rules".

But the ref didnt, he just played on, as did Portugal.

After a wee bit Suarez just kept bouncing straight back up realising he wasnt going to get calls.
Ref didnt need to waste time carding him, or talking to him, or dealing with it. He just ignored hm.

Game kept flowing, it was great refereeing.

I thought that ref was fantastic

[StannyCFCJET]

Simple solution if you get fouled/kicked but don't go to ground Ref's need to still give the foul. These days unless you go to ground and to an extent exaggerate an Injury you dont get the foul.

[halo se7en]

Brazil Vs Croatia final.

Neymar to get injured and Croatia to win. Brazil get all the plaudits and Croatia get brushed under the table as lucky underdogs rather than the great team they are.

I put a fiver on the Croats early on and another on Modric for player of the tournament. If the first happens, I think the second will be a given.

The odds have come down from $13 to $6. If the Poms crash out next, I think it'll drop a little more.

[halo se7en]

Simple solution if you get fouled/kicked but don't go to ground Ref's need to still give the foul. These days unless you go to ground and to an extent exaggerate an Injury you dont get the foul.

This. In my o35s game last Friday, I got fouled in the box, got nothing and the ref said a few minutes later when we were still complaining because I didn't go down and kept playing, he didn't give it.

[plague]

Unlike Messi
Unlike CR7

Neymar delivers in the big moments for his NT

Haters can hate but he is doing it all with 200 million on his back riding his every move

hey no hate on Neymar hes fantastic.

but Willian was way better than him last night.
as has Coutinho all tournament.

theyve got some decent squaddies to go with Neymar.

[StannyCFCJET]

This. In my o35s game last Friday, I got fouled in the box, got nothing and the ref said a few minutes later when we were still complaining because I didn't go down and kept playing, he didn't give it.

Happens in every league

[halo se7en]

Happens in every league

No doubt. I was just surprised that he was so blatant about explaining it.

[MFKS]

Neymar can play. He can beat players like they aren't even on the pitch. But he has been kicked to crap that many times that he has learnt a terrible side of football.


Two points.

1. If you don't want him to roll around and make us look like sissy's, don't kick the crap out of him.
2. If you don't kick the crap out of him he will make you look very very stupid.


As a defender, you can see how much it puts him off his game when he gets worked up from fouls. So i'd kick him, let him roll around, deal with the sissy comments from other codes and move on.
Quite frankly i just think we need to grow up about the diving and gamesmanship that goes on in the game

We as a nation have some type of petulant chip on our shoulder about this with an our shit dont stink attitude

Quite frankly i couldnt give two ****s if CR7 isnt as hard enough for Barry Bogan out there that he goes down easily
It more a reflection on Barry Bogan that he is that stupid he doesnt see why CR7 does this

The dark arts need to be embraced in this country

FFS our football is that shit we only score off penalties and cunce are adament we shouldnt dive

Lie Cheat Steal

Lets play the same game

[StannyCFCJET]

No doubt. I was just surprised that he was so blatant about explaining it.

shouldve gave the other player a yellow anyway IMO

[Bremsstrahlung]

It doesn’t really work for us because we are generally more physical. It’s a hard job convincing the red that some Chinese player used excessive force to push Jedinak or Mooy off the ball. If they go down easy it’s a joke, and play on.
Roles reversed, a foul is given.

I’m not 100% opposed to some of the theatrics. I think looking for contact is a clever ploy. 2 players sprinting for the ball into the box, first player slows down deliberately and following player falls into him. Looks like he knocked him down.
Penalty.
Suarez is usually pretty decent at it, gets in between ball and player and goes floppy.
It was actually great refereeing to recognise that it was a ploy and waving play on. And I agree, he was spot on, Suarez got up every time. And then he looks like an idiot. Zero cares though when you win.

Does it not make you cringe when players take a dive and roll around all over the floor?

I’d like to see more players booked for simulation.

Did much come of EPL retrospectively looking st simulation? I seem to recall 2-3 players being suspended...

[goaliepersempre]

CMON Switzerland today!!!!!!!

[mic22]

I think there are 2 aspects to this:
1. milking/exaggerating the outcome of a contact: this - to some extent - is part of the game, it requires the attacker's ability to put his body in the right position and force the defender to a foul, or a contact
2. blatant simulation, or pretending to be badly injured and then just walk away as if nothing happened: not acceptable, just plain cheating IMO. Neymar was hard to watch, I felt a bit disgusted.

[StannyCFCJET]

It doesn’t really work for us because we are generally more physical. It’s a hard job convincing the red that some Chinese player used excessive force to push Jedinak or Mooy off the ball. If they go down easy it’s a joke, and play on.
Roles reversed, a foul is given.

I’m not 100% opposed to some of the theatrics. I think looking for contact is a clever ploy. 2 players sprinting for the ball into the box, first player slows down deliberately and following player falls into him. Looks like he knocked him down.
Penalty.
Suarez is usually pretty decent at it, gets in between ball and player and goes floppy.
It was actually great refereeing to recognise that it was a ploy and waving play on. And I agree, he was spot on, Suarez got up every time. And then he looks like an idiot. Zero cares though when you win.

Does it not make you cringe when players take a dive and roll around all over the floor?

I’d like to see more players booked for simulation.

Did much come of EPL retrospectively looking st simulation? I seem to recall 2-3 players being suspended...

Dele Ali got pinged a fair bit for diving

[Roundball Enthusiast]

Lie Cheat Steal

Lets play the same game

Yeah, you can f**k right off with that attitude.

I don't want cheating peaces of shit in my game.

Edit:

What I don't like, is the blatant diving and the rolling 500 times after contact. Remove those and there is no problem with someone staying down due to an injury, even if its not "bad".

Diving, clear as day. Its weak as piss and is cheating. Remove it. Yellow/Red until its gone.
Rolling around 500 times, it makes the game look like shit and you look even worse.
Staying down for an "injury" is also weak as piss (time wasting), but who are we to say there isn't actually an injury. (Unlike Suarez, holding his head for a foot/leg contact).

[StannyCFCJET]

1580

While I agree on the diving I reckon Neymar's ankles after each game look something like Hazard's after nearly every prem game. Id say also 90% of kicks to the ankles of players like Hazard and Neymar are ignored for the assumption of they dive so dont give then any fouls. Ive had a feeling for a while that the rolling around is the give them a breather from a previous foul or missed foul

[MFKS]

Yeah, you can f**k right off with that attitude.

I don't want cheating peaces of shit in my game.

Edit:

What I don't like, is the blatant diving and the rolling 500 times after contact. Remove those and there is no problem with someone staying down due to an injury, even if its not "bad".

Diving, clear as day. Its weak as piss and is cheating. Remove it. Yellow/Red until its gone.
Rolling around 500 times, it makes the game look like shit and you look even worse.
Staying down for an "injury" is also weak as piss (time wasting), but who are we to say there isn't actually an injury. (Unlike Suarez, holding his head for a foot/leg contact).

Notbing i enjoy more than seeing someone put in a couple of hundred rolls to exaggerate the effects of contact

Needs more of it


What you mean you dont want them in the game???

They already are part of the game


The greatest players in the game are more than happy to cheat lie steal win etc

Maradona
Neymar
Suarez

All winners because they play the game and do what is required whether that be lie cheat steal

[Bremsstrahlung]

Sweden are Euro 2016’s Portugal. Just scraping by each time.
Imo they set up differently each game and seem to just absorb pressure until game opens up.

[belchardo]

Swiss should have spent more time practicing Shooting and less at the barbers.

[Bremsstrahlung]

Henderson saying if you can’t beat em, join em.

Refs on the borderline of losing this game.

[belchardo]

Henderson saying if you can’t beat em, join em.

Refs on the borderline of losing this game.

yeah, he's lost it.

[plague]

England are trash.

[belchardo]

columbians have lost it too.

zero chance columbia finish this game with 11.

i wish we would police attacking fouls in the box as harshly as we do defensive fouls. the first foul in the sequence that lead to the penalty was kane shoving the defender out of the way, but apparently that isn't worth pulling up.

also during the post penalty award shenanigans, ref should have pointed at one player from each team that was on a yellow card and held up 5 fingers and said "i'm counting down from 5, if they are down before all of your players are out of my face, you're getting a second yellow"

[Bremsstrahlung]

On the pen. I think Kanes push was usual corner antics. When old mate jumped on his back (you can see the moment the ref turns to watch Kane, and it’s as the guy jumps on him) that’s going a little too far.

After he gave it. I reckon there was a good 3-5 minutes of arguing. Henderson gets a stupid yellow. Same thing he went down like a sack of shit over.

Is it McGuire or Stones that keeps doing the VAR signal for everything?

This game is somewhat painful to watch. Moments of brilliance and then there’s 3 moments of stupidity.

[Bremsstrahlung]

It’s mcguire.

[belchardo]

ways to speed up the game:

- immediately advance any free kick by 5m if an opposition player doesn't immediately retreat 5m on award of a free kick. this gives the wronged team the chance to take a quick one if they want. ref can still set the 10m if they don't want to take it quick.
- free kicks can be taken anywhere on the pitch provided it isn't in front of the where the foul happened
- free kicks must be taken within 30s of the foul or ball becomes live
- substitutes have 15 seconds to get off the field. after the 15s is up, the game restarts whether he is on or off the field, but he must still go off without interfering with play.

i'm sure there's problems with my suggestions, but i'm sick of seeing 20 minute conferences with the ref after free kicks are awarded, 20 minute conferences between attacking players about which restaurant they are going to after the game while they pretend to work out who is taking the free kick and John Farnham-esque departures from the field for guys that have been anonymous all game.

[belchardo]

anything less than 8 min extra time and the fix is in.

[belchardo]

deadset, 5 minutes in arguing about the penalty alone. then add all the subs. then add all yellows.

[belchardo]

boo-yah!!!!!

[plague]

wonder if Henderson will cop the same amount of stick that Neymar gets.

Because hes just as embarrassing.

[Bremsstrahlung]

Wowwwww

[plague]

in other news: suck it England.


(they'll prob still win tho)

[baldrick]

Gordon Bennett.

[belchardo]

trippier couldn't get to that because he forgot to rip the top bit of the neck of his shirt like he had in the first half.

another game-speeding initiative - 30s to restart the game after a goal. team can kick-off anytime after 30s, irrespective of where opposition players are. if you are in the wrong half of the field, you can't touch the ball until you get to your defensive half.

[Bremsstrahlung]

I agree Henderson and England in general tonight have been a bunch of whingers.
Colombians aren’t much better, they are being spoilt babies too.
Just really turns me off watching it.

England have played well in the tournament so far. They could stick to their usual game and they’d have had it won by now.
They’ve resorted to a stop start game due to persistent fouling and play acting.

Think England deserve the win here. Don’t think Colombia have offfered much.

[plague]

just read that was the 19th 'added time' goal so far this World Cup.

Pretty amazing.

Caaarrrnnnn Colombia.

[belchardo]

I agree Henderson and England in general tonight have been a bunch of whingers.
Colombians aren’t much better, they are being spoilt babies too.
Just really turns me off watching it.

England have played well in the tournament so far. They could stick to their usual game and they’d have had it won by now.
They’ve resorted to a stop start game due to persistent fouling and play acting.

Think England deserve the win here. Don’t think Colombia have offfered much.

agree re colombia, amazed they still have a full complement of players.

i don't think england have really offerred anything either though.

[belchardo]

i did notice this cracker in the guardian commentary


So England’s first 11 were rested for the last game, the weather ideal and the opponents are without their best player so I only have one question. Who will wear their home kit: Colombia or Sweden?

[plague]

I agree Henderson and England in general tonight have been a bunch of whingers.
Colombians aren’t much better, they are being spoilt babies too.

i know, but its only ever the brown folk that get the criticism for those kind of antics.


i swear back in the EPL 'Man United charging the ref' era, they were going to introduce a rule that if anyone charged the ref then the ref could card the captain (whether he was doing it or not). It was then the captains responsibility to keep his players under control.

[halo se7en]

ways to speed up the game:

- immediately advance any free kick by 5m if an opposition player doesn't immediately retreat 5m on award of a free kick. this gives the wronged team the chance to take a quick one if they want. ref can still set the 10m if they don't want to take it quick.
- free kicks can be taken anywhere on the pitch provided it isn't in front of the where the foul happened
- free kicks must be taken within 30s of the foul or ball becomes live
- substitutes have 15 seconds to get off the field. after the 15s is up, the game restarts whether he is on or off the field, but he must still go off without interfering with play.

i'm sure there's problems with my suggestions, but i'm sick of seeing 20 minute conferences with the ref after free kicks are awarded, 20 minute conferences between attacking players about which restaurant they are going to after the game while they pretend to work out who is taking the free kick and John Farnham-esque departures from the field for guys that have been anonymous all game.

AFL have got the FKs absolutely spot on. If the opposition player doesn’t give the ball directly back to the player who gets the FK, or the player doesn’t immediately retreat, it’s a 50m advance up the field. If they even loop the ball high into the air it’s a 50m. If the guy taking the free doesn’t do anything with it after about 10 secs it’s play on.

[belchardo]

i swear back in the EPL 'Man United charging the ref' era, they were going to introduce a rule that if anyone charged the ref then the ref could card the captain (whether he was doing it or not). It was then the captains responsibility to keep his players under control.

brilliant idea. implement it, but make it "must" card the captain. they'd all learn pretty quickly.

[Bremsstrahlung]

Don’t know what’s worse vuvuzelas or the incessant whistling.

[belchardo]

does anybody else think colombia are playing for penalties?

ref doesn't seem willing to give a card for time wasting.

[plague]

does anybody else think colombia are playing for penalties?

ref doesn't seem willing to give a card for time wasting.

nah, they know england cant do anything with the ball now. Subs have screwed their team up.

they are confident they will be the only team to score.

[belchardo]

If i was colombia, I'd put my most annoying forward onto stones and man-mark him. Stones has been losing his rag all game and looks the most likely to really blow a gasket.

[belchardo]

Everybody happy to settle on Dier as the scapegoat if England don't get through?

[Bremsstrahlung]

Any Colombians gonna hit bottom left? Pickfords waiting.

[Bremsstrahlung]

Nice to see 3 Colombians console their man.
England just stood and flared at Henderson.

[Bremsstrahlung]

Everybody happy to settle on Dier as the scapegoat if England don't get through?

Didn’t get the memo.

Great save from Pickford. Strong hand.

[boz-monaut]

well now I've seen everything

[redwah]

I have to say the 3 man city players, stones, walker and sterling were rubbish and could have cost englend....no wonder city need to spend big to carry that rubbish.

[Grimario]

I woke up this morning and checked the scores... Saw Colombia 3-2 on penalties so chuckled that England were out on penalties again before going back to sleep. Can't believe I'd checked the score during the shootout :(

[boz-monaut]

I actually found myself cheering for England this morning

I think this run of success has awoken some deep ancestral Englishness in me

[Jeterpool]

How both teams retained 11 players on the field is beyond me. The ref was bordering on losing control of that game.

[plague]

I actually found myself cheering for England this morning

I think this run of success has awoken some deep ancestral Englishness in me

Whenever I think about England I think it would be cool if they won.

Whenever I watch England I want them to lose so badly I hate them so much.

[Jetmaster]

Its funny...they still havent faced a "real" team. Tunisia, Panama, Belgium B, Colombia minus their superstar.
The planets are aligning for something massive one way or another.

[StannyCFCJET]

Its funny...they still havent faced a "real" team. Tunisia, Panama, Belgium B, Colombia minus their superstar.
The planets are aligning for something massive one way or another.

who cares can only beat whats in front of you. Id take another wooden spoon at the Jets to have The Socceroos in England's position

[Frodo]

who cares can only beat whats in front of you. Id take another wooden spoon at the Jets to have The Socceroos in England's position

You aren't bartering with much there. We are probably just as likely to win the spoon next year than a toilet seat.

[MFKS]

Its funny...they still havent faced a "real" team. Tunisia, Panama, Belgium B, Colombia minus their superstar.
The planets are aligning for something massive one way or another.

But that is the best part

These guys are being set up for a massive downhill fall


If they dont make the Final then it will eat at them forever as they couldnt ask for a better opportunity

Sweden Croatia Russia are nothing to fear

But as you said they not played anyone yet so they havent exactly had to "Earn" a QF spot like France Brazil Uruguay Russia Sweden Croatia have had to do

I now hoping they get to the Final and get ****ed over by VAR

Even better if they have victory in their grasp and VAR steals it and they lose on pens

We can only hope as the burn will last forever

[halo se7en]

I’m sick of the carry on about getting the shootout monkey off their back. Here I was thinking they’d lost a million of them, turns out it was only 3 before this morning.

To me England are the national version of Liverpool. Absolutely insufferable and for that reason alone I don’t want them to win. We’ll never hear the end of it for as long as we’re alive.

[StannyCFCJET]

I’m sick of the carry on about getting the shootout monkey off their back. Here I was thinking they’d lost a million of them, turns out it was only 3 before this morning.

To me England are the national version of Liverpool. Absolutely insufferable and for that reason alone I don’t want them to win. We’ll never hear the end of it for as long as we’re alive.

Nah Liverpool are 10000x worse. Hell alot of their supporters wont support England for one bs reason or another

[MFKS]

I’m sick of the carry on about getting the shootout monkey off their back. Here I was thinking they’d lost a million of them, turns out it was only 3 before this morning.

To me England are the national version of Liverpool. Absolutely insufferable and for that reason alone I don’t want them to win. We’ll never hear the end of it for as long as we’re alive.
It is the English

They win this and no one will hear the end of it

Who cares if they got a PK shootout win

Law of averages etc said they would

2 from 8 in major tournaments
It not a great record but it is what it is

Germans with a great record of 7 and 1 in major tournaments

But the others your lookingbat t0/50 as a for effort

[Jetmaster]

Their exit is always amusing.

1970 - Gave up a two goal lead
1974 - Not there
1978 - Not there
1982 - 10% fit Keegan and Brooking
1986 - Hand of God
1990 - Pens and tears of Gazza
1994 - Not there again
1998 - Beckham the Khunt and Pens
2002 - Ronaldinho from Halfway
2006 - Pens again
2010 - Lampard no Goal
2014 - Last in group won by Costa Rica

What entertainment awaits?

[boz-monaut]

for some reason I'm actually not getting into the usual joy of hating the poms and looking forward to seeing them get their hopes up

I'm not sure why either

it's not like England have done anything recently to endear themselves to the rest of the world, what with Brexit and generally just being cunce

and it's not like the British tabloids are behaving any differently - they're also massive cunce

I've got less to do with mates who are English this time round too - I'd like England to win for their sake but I dread all their carry on if they do

maybe all my hatred and desire to see someone fail is spent on Brazil this year, because **** I hate Neymar, the prat

[halo se7en]

for some reason I'm actually not getting into the usual joy of hating the poms and looking forward to seeing them get their hopes up

I'm not sure why either

it's not like England have done anything recently to endear themselves to the rest of the world, what with Brexit and generally just being cunce

and it's not like the British tabloids are behaving any differently - they're also massive cunce

I've got less to do with mates who are English this time round too - I'd like England to win for their sake but I dread all their carry on if they do

maybe all my hatred and desire to see someone fail is spent on Brazil this year, because **** I hate Neymar, the prat

It’s why I’m firmly in the Croatia/Belgium camps.

[Jeterpool]

Can't believe nobody is talking about Russia.

[Roundball Enthusiast]

Can't believe nobody is talking about Russia.

America does that enough for everyone.

[baldrick]

Can't believe nobody is talking about Russia.

Cos we don't rate them ?

That said; this World Cup is bonkers & anything could happen.

[boz-monaut]

no one is talking about Sweden either

[plague]

Martin Tyler this morning, who is in no way hiding his joy at Englands 'success' (and nor should he, and nor has he ever hid it).

He pretty much said "this is England, they play to win corners, and to either score from them or win penalties from them".

it was as accurate as it was heartbreaking for him to admit.

poor bloke watched Gascoigne play in the same role as Raheem ****ing Sterling.

[plague]

no one is talking about Sweden either

Alex Jones is.


hashtagstaywoke

[Bremsstrahlung]

Actually fancy Sweden to knock off England.
I think Sweden has been pragmatic, and they manage to score.

I’m gonna be in London for 3/4 and the final, so I’m pretty keen for either of them to make semis.

[baldrick]

Stupid body clock. Spontaneously woke up at 4am, even though no football on today

[boz-monaut]

I did exactly the same thing - been awake for three bloody hours already

bet I sleep in on Saturday though

[Jeterpool]

Stupid body clock. Spontaneously woke up at 4am, even though no football on today

My Optus feed had finally buffered enought to watch the last game I had selected so I was sweet when I woke up. Nobody tell me the Germany v South Korea score...I can only assume Germany topped the group.

[boz-monaut]

I get the feeling that these Optus jokes will continue for many months and years to come

[Jeterpool]

I get the feeling that these Optus jokes will continue for many months and years to come

Kinda like how long it takes to watch a game through their platform.

[Grimario]

Is anyone watching it via Xbox app and on TV? I don't have a Fetch nor any desire to get one but I am thinking about an XBone after tax return, especially if the quality of the Optus stuff is decent on the TV via the app.

[Jeterpool]

Is anyone watching it via Xbox app and on TV? I don't have a Fetch nor any desire to get one but I am thinking about an XBone after tax return, especially if the quality of the Optus stuff is decent on the TV via the app.

I am using Xbox One - not one of the "new" Xbox one's. I am finding the SBS coverage sharper than the app but it's pretty easy to use and the quality is a little blurred during the sideline raised angle (normal broadcast angle). The close-ups etc are fine.

[Grimario]

I am using Xbox One - not one of the "new" Xbox one's. I am finding the SBS coverage sharper than the app but it's pretty easy to use and the quality is a little blurred during the sideline raised angle (normal broadcast angle). The close-ups etc are fine.

Sweet. So for midnight EPL sessions in a few months, it will be perfect.

[Macca]

I've been watching it via Chromecast, mostly the mini-matches the next day, a few full match replays and it has been fine. I think the only issues I've had have been due to my third world internet. Haven't found noticeable difference in quality between the two (except when my stream drops to potato quality..) but also don't have that good a TV, and haven't really compared.

[plague]

Is anyone watching it via Xbox app and on TV? I don't have a Fetch nor any desire to get one but I am thinking about an XBone after tax return, especially if the quality of the Optus stuff is decent on the TV via the app.

Yeah we are running it through Plague Jnrs xbox one' s'.
Picture quality is great and have had no buffering and issues.
We have NBN at ours though.

Also, am prob late to this but the xbox app is great to use as a remote control rather than looking like a dork with a controller changing channels.

[The Dunster]

Yeah we are running it through Plague Jnrs xbox one' s'.
Picture quality is great and have had no buffering and issues.
We have NBN at ours though.

Also, am prob late to this but the xbox app is great to use as a remote control rather than looking like a dork with a controller changing channels.

Not quite understanding why people need to have an Xbox to stream the games. Can't you just run it directly through your television ?
TV's have apps for BT Sports, Fox, SBS, and allthe FTA channels. Failing that you can just run any URL you like through the web browser ?

[Jeterpool]

Not quite understanding why people need to have an Xbox to stream the games. Can't you just run it directly through your television ?
TV's have apps for BT Sports, Fox, SBS, and allthe FTA channels. Failing that you can just run any URL you like through the web browser ?

My Samsung is an older one and they don't support with the Catch up apps. It only has SBS. I've got the previous model Apple TV which they don't support anymore and it just has Ten.

I did try streaming Optus and FTA from the ipad though the Apple TV and struggled. Going through the Xbox cuts out one "link".

[plague]

Can't you just run it directly through your television ?
TV's have apps for BT Sports, Fox, SBS, and allthe FTA channels. Failing that you can just run any URL you like through the web browser ?

Optus spor app isnt available direct on TV.

Picture quality through browser is wack. If you're spending good $$ on a TV you want to maximize picture quality or you may as well just be poor like the gypos.

Xbox is now just another version of a telstra TV box, foxtel puck apple TV etc.
Only prob is that most big media companies only make their content exclusive to their own set top boxes.

Some 3rd party ones like xbox have 'most' of them, but no box/TV has everything.

[Jeterpool]

Some 3rd party ones like xbox have 'most' of them, but no box/TV has everything.

Except, I think, for Fetch.

It's got Optus Sport, FTA Catch up, Netflix, STAN etc.

[plague]

Except, I think, for Fetch.

It's got Optus Sport, FTA Catch up, Netflix, STAN etc.

Yeah but no Foxtel.
and Foxtel was trash through xbox for some reason.

[Grimario]

Xbox app only came out in May, so clearly leading into the WC. I recall people bitching when they took on EPL that it wasn't available via anything other than Fetch

[Jeterpool]

and Foxtel was trash through xbox for some reason.

Good to know. Was considering getting rid of the box for an online subscription.

[plague]

Good to know. Was considering getting rid of the box for an online subscription.

Yeah as a service Foxtel play is dope and half the price of the set top box method. Maybe others had better luck making it work on xbox

[Jetmaster]

Baddiel and Skinner making another mint of cash....this is number one on iTunes over there....again.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyoy2_7FegI

Good watching the Southgate choke at the start.

[plague]

Cant remember the last time I've been this excited for 2 nights in a row of football.

Not sure the matchups could have been set up any better.

Even the two trash teams are playing each other so it will only ruin one spectacle instead of 2.


Let's do this.

[Jeterpool]

Cant remember the last time I've been this excited for 2 nights in a row of football.

Not sure the matchups could have been set up any better.

Even the two trash teams are playing each other so it will only ruin one spectacle instead of 2.


Let's do this.

I'm trying to work out the trash team clash

[plague]

I'm trying to work out the trash team clash

Huh?

[StannyCFCJET]

I'm trying to work out the trash team clash

England Sweeden duh

[Jetmaster]

Further proof its coming home.....Max Rushden hosting a podcast live in a theatre for the Guardian on 12th July...."previewing the Uruguay v England World Cup Final".

[halo se7en]

So who’s ready for some fast-kickin, low-scorin’ football? Come on Uruguay...

[plague]

So who’s ready for some fast-kickin, low-scorin’ football? Come on Uruguay...

im wearing shinpads just to watch it.

[plague]

this left back for France really is a little bitch isnt he.

[halo se7en]

this left back for France really is a little bitch isnt he.

He’s gone down once or twice already and ref has waved played on.. Shame they didn’t do it in our game.

[halo se7en]

lol @ mbappe sprinting to a ball at the byline and crossing it, thinking any other French player was either fast enough or not a lazy cnut to actually be there.

[halo se7en]

Varane makes it 1-0. Uruguay go up the other end and Godin misses a sitter.

[The Dunster]

They are a much better team with Cavani. Without him they lack composure in the final third and creativity.
Hard to see Uruguay turning this around without him.

[plague]

im convinced that Craig Foster only likes football about 6% of the level he shows on TV.

To him its his job, and his real hobby is taxidermy.

[halo se7en]

Who knew Karius was in goal for Uruguay all this time!? Bye bye Uruguay.

[Grimario]

Great save that by Muesli

[The Dunster]

Would hate to be a keeper with these modern balls. The movement though the air is random.

[halo se7en]

That just got interesting. Mbappe made a meal of that but what did he get a yellow for? Bizarre refereeing to give them both a yellow. He’s basically said ‘I don’t have a clue what just happened, so we’ll call it even’

[Grimario]

Nice dive by Mmmbop.

Can't wait for the explosion here. Suarez looks like he wants to murder someone

[The Dunster]

Mbappe is a diving cheating khunt. Absolute disgrace to the game.

[halo se7en]

It’s amazing to think I prefer the Uruguayan players over the French, but between mbappe, Hernandez, giroud, they aren’t a likeable bunch

[Grimario]

Two hour nap coming up. Then a **** load of coffee

[plague]

Two hour nap coming up. Then a **** load of coffee

yeah its been the dilemma all month.
ive gone the 'chocolate and red bull' approach and going to play some FIFA to get through.

[plague]

yeah Coutinho going up against Kompany usually only ends one way doesnt it.

[Bremsstrahlung]

I just can’t take fellaini seriously.

[plague]

looks like the ref isnt here for any of the diving bullshit.
game is flying. excellent.

[plague]

the **** is that dude in the Belgium #9 shirt?

[Bremsstrahlung]

Never gave Lukaku much credit for his pace and footwork. He’s proving me wrong.
Don’t think Brazil deserve to be 2-0 down. Could easily be 2-2. Game of centimetres. There’s still some goals in this.
Could end 4-0. Or 4-4 at this rate.

[plague]

Neymar just got the "nah bra ive heard your mix tape" call from the ref. he wasnt having any of it.


and as much as im a Hazard fanboi, the bloke stays on his feet as best he can. hes the kind of player thats gonna get 'that call' at just the right time.

[plague]

heheheheh i like this ref.

[Bremsstrahlung]

Pick your battles. If you got a reputation you’re not getting shit.

He took a dive and realised it was a shocker so tried to get in with things so he didn’t get a yellow his way.

Jesus had a night to forget.


Neymar has gone into beast mode. Where he’s just trying to win the game himself.
Ask Messi and Ronny how that works out.
Though if Brazil make any comeback in this game it’s gonna be because of Neymar. Only because he’s not passing and demanding the ball off everyone.

[Bremsstrahlung]

This ref has a had a good game too so far.

[Bremsstrahlung]

Yes! The real maestro!

[Grimario]

yeah its been the dilemma all month.
ive gone the 'chocolate and red bull' approach and going to play some FIFA to get through.

Did not pull through, mostly on account of needing too go sign lease extension and watching nieces game this morning.

[halo se7en]

I’ve got a soft spot for Belgium, their counters are fantastic to watch, and happy to see Neymar and co. going home. The World Cup has turned into the European Cup.

[plague]

Did not pull through, mostly on account of needing too go sign lease extension and watching nieces game this morning.

made it to full time, went and had a 3 hour nap*. Have exactly 7% energy in the tank and a kickoff in a few hours.
i feel only Harrys Schnitzel and more Redbull is all that can save me.













*i passed out

[Grimario]

Heroic effort. I'll do that tomorrow except disc golf and not football

[boz-monaut]

so we know the World Cup winners will be European

[Grimario]

Or English

[plague]

Or English

Yes this was a good and funny post.

[Grimario]

Pretty much the only team I don't want to win from here on in is France. This English team is far less unlikeable than previous ones too.

[Bremsstrahlung]

Holy shit. This Russian fairytale is still alive!

[boz-monaut]

the fairytale is dead

[boz-monaut]

I imagine there would be a fair few Englishman who would like to buy the fictitious Asian Businessman and the Daily Telegraph a beer or two

can't imagine Fat Sam would have got them this far

[plague]

Lets not be too nice though.
The English team has been playing pretty horrible football.
I dont find them any more 'likeable' than any other incarnation of the wankers that played for them previous.


If there is any justice in the world England will get the cleaners put through them by the Cros and the French will self destruct against Belgium.


May Griff have mercy on our souls.

[StannyCFCJET]

Lets not be too nice though.
The English team has been playing pretty horrible football.
I dont find them any more 'likeable' than any other incarnation of the wankers that played for them previous.


If there is any justice in the world England will get the cleaners put through them by the Cros and the French will self destruct against Belgium.


May Griff have mercy on our souls.

I disagree to some degree. Their set pieces are really interesting the way they set up, and they do create stuff just no one can finish except for Kane

[Jetmaster]

Queenie will be busy if England win the World Cup.
Sir Gareth Southgate and Sir Harold Kane, and everyone in the squad down to the boot boy will get an MBE.
Plus a national holiday, commemorative stamps, re-recording of Three Lions and of course, the movie.
And they will credit Brexit.

[boz-monaut]

I dont find them any more 'likeable' than any other incarnation of the wankers that played for them previous.

1. John Terry
2. Terry Butcher
3. Jamie Vardy

[Bremsstrahlung]

the fairytale is dead

Yehhh! Didn’t last long. Still Russians were a exciting team to watch, added in the atmosphere they generated each game.


Thought them and Sweden are probably the two teams that exceeded expectations.
And England but their expectation is for different reasons.

[plague]

1. John Terry
2. Terry Butcher
3. Jamie Vardy

Well firstly, Terry Butcher is a gift from Griff. From his endless continual bleating about Maradona stealing his soul in '86 to kicking the grass against the Jets, the world is a better place with tossers like him around.........as long as hes not involved with 'my' team.

Also, isnt Rat Face boy in this squad? Thought i saw him out there in one of the earlier games.

Also, Henderson is a joyless pratt, who would def ask for the dockets for any birthday present you gave him because hes def returning it, hopefully for a cash refund.
Kane is a sook who openly claims goals that arent his in the hope that the grown ups give him a rub on the head and tell him hes 'the super best player out there'.
The other Spurs bloke with the mop head def tells rude Asian jokes behind Sons back.

they still have Gary Cahill (who got knocked back by the Newcastle ****ing Jets!!!!), John Stones (bhahahahahahahah), Phil Jones and Ashley Young (who to be fair has stayed on his feet at least 64% of the time, a new record for him).

But yeah, that Trent Alexander Arnold chap seems a delightful fella. I like him. caaaarrrrnnnnn England.

[StannyCFCJET]

Well firstly, Terry Butcher is a gift from Griff. From his endless continual bleating about Maradona stealing his soul in '86 to kicking the grass against the Jets, the world is a better place with tossers like him around.........as long as hes not involved with 'my' team.

Also, isnt Rat Face boy in this squad? Thought i saw him out there in one of the earlier games.

Also, Henderson is a joyless pratt, who would def ask for the dockets for any birthday present you gave him because hes def returning it, hopefully for a cash refund.
Kane is a sook who openly claims goals that arent his in the hope that the grown ups give him a rub on the head and tell him hes 'the super best player out there'.
The other Spurs bloke with the mop head def tells rude Asian jokes behind Sons back.

they still have Gary Cahill (who got knocked back by the Newcastle ****ing Jets!!!!), John Stones (bhahahahahahahah), Phil Jones and Ashley Young (who to be fair has stayed on his feet at least 64% of the time, a new record for him).

But yeah, that Trent Alexander Arnold chap seems a delightful fella. I like him. caaaarrrrnnnnn England.

When did we knock back Gazza?

[plague]

When did we knock back Gazza?

when he was young apparently.

was offered on a loan deal.

club said nah.

not told reasons, could well have been legit.

[Frodo]

when he was young apparently.

was offered on a loan deal.

club said nah.

not told reasons, could well have been legit.

Gazza or Gary Cahill, cause they are two very different blokes??

[plague]

Gazza or Gary Cahill, cause they are two very different blokes??

bhaahhaha.

im assuming he meant Cahill but to be fair id not put it past the Jets to either knock back a young Gazza, or in fact sign Gazza in the state he is in now.

All of these things can be true.

[StannyCFCJET]

bhaahhaha.

im assuming he meant Cahill but to be fair id not put it past the Jets to either knock back a young Gazza, or in fact sign Gazza in the state he is in now.

All of these things can be true.

Garry Cahil now would still be the best CB in the league by a mile

[Frodo]

Garry Cahil now would still be the best CB in the league by a mile

The wisdom that pours from your fingers knows no bounds.

[StannyCFCJET]

The wisdom that pours from your fingers knows no bounds.

Watch Garry Cahill play a few times next season. Still good enough for mid table prem side which is still far better then our league

[Frodo]

Watch Garry Cahill play a few times next season. Still good enough for mid table prem side which is still far better then our league

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQvHFa8JMzKG_1LmAYOyXhKockD5SX6R B2HjNa7up3Il2j1eZc6

[Frodo]

Paul Gascoigne in his current form would be a better CB than most of the muppets in our league.

You're comparing a sports car to a washing machine. The washing machine could technically travel the quarter mile but wouldn't have any clue how the hell he did it. Just like the current centre backs in the HAL.

[MFKS]

Garry Cahil now would still be the best CB in the league by a mile

When Boogaard and Topor are considered leading defenders in Oz it isnt that hard to be better

[Bremsstrahlung]

Even Jamie carragher would do alright. (Just to even up the Chelsea bias).


Ok, maybe not. Skrtel then!

[halo se7en]

Belgium are banging on the French door.

[Grimario]

It's cold. Good start to this game

[plague]

I know he is very handsome but Giroud leading the line in a World Cup semi just isnt right.

[Bremsstrahlung]

Both teams having their own shot at things. Griezmann should have a chat with Ronaldo and Messi and Neymar about how trying to do everything pans out.

[Grimario]

I know he is very handsome but Giroud leading the line in a World Cup semi just isnt right.

Must be frustrating for Griezmann and the rest to take touches like that only for Giroud to Zad it out of the stadium.

[Grimario]

De Bruyne has been pretty shit too.

[Bremsstrahlung]

The French are not winning anybody over with these antics.

[Jeterpool]

De Bruyne has been pretty shit too.

He didn't have a good game. Hazard played well.


The French are not winning anybody over with these antics.

Nope.

[belchardo]

thought it was a pretty good game really.

devil's choice people - england win tonight, who do you get behind? les blues or the three lions?

mbappe really is a joy to watch, except for the last 15 minutes or so when he went all neymar-like.

[halo se7en]

Belgium’s big names completely disappeared. $ is still on the Croats.

[Macca]

Giroud has had a pretty decent WC so far I think. But he was poor this morning.
Hazard was great. Lukaku hardly got any service all game.
Mbappe is playing with so much confidence right now. 20 seconds into the game, wrecks his marker (Hazard maybe?) from a stand still. And the little roulette through to Giroud on the edge of the 18... :popcorn:
Dembele disappointed me, for a bloke who looks like Busquets in the PL he struggled big time this morning - occasion perhaps or underdone physically.. not sure

[Jeterpool]

Mbappe is playing with so much confidence right now. 20 seconds into the game, wrecks his marker (Hazard maybe?) from a stand still. And the little roulette through to Giroud on the edge of the 18... :popcorn:


I think he burned Vertonghen but I was still half asleep. I remember thinking "he's in for a long night".

If England are successful tomorrow night it's interesting their set up is the same as Belgium this morning. Will the French have less preparation as a result?

[halo se7en]

I think he burned Vertonghen but I was still half asleep. I remember thinking "he's in for a long night".

If England are successful tomorrow night it's interesting their set up is the same as Belgium this morning. Will the French have less preparation as a result?

Last week I thought both semis were going to be played on the same day which would make more sense. England & Croats would have less break going into semi (which benefits neither side so it’s fine) but at least the two finalists would have the same preparation time.

[MFKS]

Last week I thought both semis were going to be played on the same day which would make more sense. England & Croats would have less break going into semi (which benefits neither side so it’s fine) but at least the two finalists would have the same preparation time.

Never been that way

It always a big advantage to be in Groups A to D at a WC if you plan on winning it

It very rare to see teams groups E/H get to the Final

Belgium were a bit flat this morning

6 games in 21 days for them


France at least had 6 games in 24 days


I understand they have big squad depth and state of the ate sports science recovery

But 3 days of extra recuperation on an opponent is still a big advantage




The WC aways favours the teams playing in groups A to D

It very rare the teams in Groups E-H get to the end

Look at Belgium today

Little bit flat really after 6 games in

[Bremsstrahlung]

Thought De Bruyne was off today. Lukaku was non existent, flat footed a few times, had no service. Hazard tried to create but just didn’t work.
Shame, it looked like it could’ve been fit for a final.
Don’t think France have been great, bar one or two games, I don’t think they’ve deserved to win their games but somehow do.

Mbappe played well for majority of the game. Is he still at PSG? Suspect Barca or Madrid will be coming looking soon.

[Grimario]

Real to use their Ronaldo funds and grab him maybe

[plague]

Real to use their Ronaldo funds and grab him maybe

Hazard has to be the better target yeah?
Modric now 32, Hazard 'seemingly' unhappy more often at Chelsea so easier to pry away maybe?

but, Mbappe being a much more like for like replacement for Ronaldo may make things more straight forward.
as good as he is though by god good luck filling Ronaldo's boots at that club, what a ****ing list of achievements.

[StannyCFCJET]

Hazard has to be the better target yeah?
Modric now 32, Hazard 'seemingly' unhappy more often at Chelsea so easier to pry away maybe?

but, Mbappe being a much more like for like replacement for Ronaldo may make things more straight forward.
as good as he is though by god good luck filling Ronaldo's boots at that club, what a ****ing list of achievements.

Hazard's Madrid dream was mostly Zidane. If Conte goes and we make a couple of good signings he will stay

[MFKS]

Real to use their Ronaldo funds and grab him maybe

No

Neymar to Real Madrid more likely

He hasnt settled in Paris

Real would be just replacing the oldest of the top 3 best players in the World with the youngest

Even if Neymar costs 200 million

Still a bargain

[Bremsstrahlung]

Wow.

[plague]

Decent that.

[plague]

Croatia been awful so far.

[MFKS]

Decent that.

Bloke in goals remind you of anyone with the no diving thing??

[Bremsstrahlung]

Which ones Modric?

[Bremsstrahlung]

Roy!

[Bremsstrahlung]

England are panicked after looking like they were gonna cruise to a final.

[belchardo]

Imagine if Croatia had been awarded the penalty they should have had at the end of the first half.

[halo se7en]

I think Croatia are desperate to not play ET for the third straight game.

[plague]

the extra from Lord of the Rings is doing good at the back there for the Croats.

[plague]

Which ones Modric?

the one with 4 blokes on him all game.

[belchardo]

Crossing from Croatia has been terrible all game.

[Bremsstrahlung]

Croatia are playing much better now.
England are panicked.
Croatia with momentum.
Be interesting to see what happens here.
Gotta see Loftus Cheek don’t you? Midfield hasn’t offered that much.
Henderson was giving the ball away for fun in first half.

[Retro Jet]

How cool. "Come on, come over". Jaco Pastorius used on a SBS WC match.
Fk yeah!


Wonder how Cro`s will handle another 30min...

[plague]

Croatia look gassed after the break at full time.
Maybe conserving energy for a late push?

[boz-monaut]

maybe knackered after the previous games going to extra time

this isn't as fun to watch anymore

[boz-monaut]

bugger

[Bremsstrahlung]

Damn!
Was looking forward to being in London for the final.
Now I won’t be able to watch it anywhere. “What World Cup?”

[plague]

i would pay at least $99.99 for a pay per view of a single camera following Terry Butcher around today.

where can we make this happen?

[plague]

bugger

oh come on, once Rat Face Boy came on you had to feel a little bit ok with his misery.

[halo se7en]

Thank Christ. So do I stick with my money on Croatia or cashout?

[plague]

Thought Harry Kane was pretty honest in the post match interview. Knew Croatia played better.

Also, my distaste of John Stones has been well documented, but if you need convincing please go look at his defending for the winning goal.
Even Stannys man Gary Cahill wouldnt have been so lazy.

Really looking forward to the final. Hope Croatia win for multiple reasons (mostly money related) but France winning with that team would be understandable.

[plague]

Watching that game today immediately got me thinking that Englands performance this WC is the ceiling of what Australia is currently trying to do.

However good we get it will only ever look like what England showed these past few games.

Problem is as 'good' as that may ever get, the second they run into a Hazard, a Modric or a Coutinho, it wont matter, we will lose.

It's why we should be aiming higher than this.

But we arent, are we.

[The Dunster]

Watching that game today immediately got me thinking that Englands performance this WC is the ceiling of what Australia is currently trying to do.

However good we get it will only ever look like what England showed these past few games.

Problem is as 'good' as that may ever get, the second they run into a Hazard, a Modric or a Coutinho, it wont matter, we will lose.

It's why we should be aiming higher than this.

But we arent, are we.

Imagine a Ronaldinho or a Ronaldo trying to make it as footballers in Australia.
The elite junior squads would have looked at their parents lack of income and told them to piss off - so they could replace them with less skilful players with cashed up parents.
This has been the way in Australia for as long as I can remember.

[MFKS]

Watching that game today immediately got me thinking that Englands performance this WC is the ceiling of what Australia is currently trying to do.

However good we get it will only ever look like what England showed these past few games.

Problem is as 'good' as that may ever get, the second they run into a Hazard, a Modric or a Coutinho, it wont matter, we will lose.

It's why we should be aiming higher than this.

But we arent, are we.

Considering the NTs failings in Russia exactly what do you think is going to change with the game in this country??

We can see soe easily identifiable issues

But the FFA seem to either not see them or just dont care to address them


Make no mistake we have issues to address

Yet there is no intention of deviation on our current path to somewhere better

[380]

Imagine a Ronaldinho or a Ronaldo trying to make it as footballers in Australia.
The elite junior squads would have looked at their parents lack of income and told them to piss off - so they could replace them with less skilful players with cashed up parents.
This has been the way in Australia for as long as I can remember.



So so true. AFL goes through the same thing, Paul Roos ( ex Swans coach ) was saying just recently he attended a so called program for elite kids in Sydney and there was about 800 kids and he just thought to himself somebody is having a lough and taking the piss. They are only elite if there parents are cashed up enough and the number of elite kids is only exhausted when the money runs dry. It has been a dead set rort for ages and only those paying it or charging it try and tell you differently to make themselves feel better. It is why Gallop and co start getting very anxious around WC qualification time.

No qualification no dream to sell to the masses of average kids with my kids the best cashed up parents.

I think i have said this before but i was once present at a selection trial for a rep team and this indigenous kid was absolute miles ahead of any other kid there, he absolutely killed em and most of us were certain he would be one of the first picked but he wasn't. As i was walking with a few other parents back to our vehicles at the completion of the trials we were absolutely convinced his non selection would have had something to do with him being attired in a shirt that looked like a third generation hand me down and what looked like a old pair of Dunlop Gold Cups, I kid you not.

I know its a big call but the costs of being selected for that team were going to be quite significant and to this day i truly believe the kid was stereotyped. Sad bit IMO true.

That was about 7 years ago now and who knows where he could have been if money was not the be all and end all. He dead set ran rings around most other kids that day.

[Jetmaster]

For Pele, Maradona and others becoming a footballer kept them alive and put food on the table for their family.South America gets it.
In our sterile world, kids with pandering parents play these elite things till they get bored. Then the olds buy them a surfboard or a guitar or uni course.
They forget about football. There would be so much talent untapped around Australia right now.

[plague]

Imagine a Ronaldinho or a Ronaldo trying to make it as footballers in Australia.
The elite junior squads would have looked at their parents lack of income and told them to piss off - so they could replace them with less skilful players with cashed up parents.
This has been the way in Australia for as long as I can remember.

yeah look this has been discussed in the other thread but the new program being implemented is designed to weed a lot of that out.

but again, the running of these programs is through the clubs, not the associations. i think its a important distinction.

but also again, its year one, and even though it is light years ahead of whats gone before it, there is still a lot of shrugging of shoulders about where the next year goes. if the same ideals are focused on, the kids will be sweet. but yeah, we can all dream huh.
and again again, this is for 9 yr olds. even if this is the answer, its another decade before we even know if these kids are going to be competative. hopefully we all have some patience.

anyone interested should look up Japans 100 year program, which is about a 1/4 of the way through. they just held their own on the world stage, and are only going to get better.

[boz-monaut]

stupid World Cup adjusted body clock

[Bremsstrahlung]

Right on time too!

[baldrick]

stupid World Cup adjusted body clock

I'm hearing you..

[plague]

stupid World Cup adjusted body clock

Oh man I collapsed last night and slept 11hrs straight. Would still be there if not for a rampaging Plague jnr and work commitments.
(Note: I usually sleep 4-5 hrs a night at best).

[boz-monaut]

Right on time too!its truly amazing

no alarms - only missed ten seconds of the France Belgium game and saw the kick off of England Croatia

everyone has a super power, this is mine

[Jeterpool]

Oh man I collapsed last night and slept 11hrs straight. Would still be there if not for a rampaging Plague jnr and work commitments.
(Note: I usually sleep 4-5 hrs a night at best).

My alarm went off at 3:45am and i closed my eyes again before startling awake and seeing 3:55 on the clock. Went out and sat on the lounge and the ads came back and said "it's 1-0 England half time". It was 5am :rof: :blush:

[MFKS]

Lets all spare a thought for Kalinic

Having a sook at being a sub and not a starter has now come back to bite his arse at a biblical level

Question has to be asked

Does he get a medal as he was techincally part of the squad???

[baldrick]

stupid World Cup adjusted body clock

Mornin.

[boz-monaut]

not yet - it's still night time

[plague]

by the way its been a tradition in the Plague household to bet the over 2.5 goals in the 3v4 playoff.

never been more nervous it wont pay out this time considering how wacky this World Cup has been.

[The Dunster]

England play some seriously ugly football.

[Frodo]

The knives are finally out in the UK media.

Look at those two teams on paper and tell me England didn't over achieve at this world cup.

I also think people are forgetting that the golden generation of Belgium didn't deliver as predicted. Martinez isn't a good enough coach to win a world cup, Surely they know that now.

[MFKS]

The knives are finally out in the UK media.

Look at those two teams on paper and tell me England didn't over achieve at this world cup.

I also think people are forgetting that the golden generation of Belgium didn't deliver as predicted. Martinez isn't a good enough coach to win a world cup, Surely they know that now.

England

Lost 3 games

So did Panama and Egypt

They beat Tunisia with a last minute winner
They thumped Panama who even the Socceroos would have scored on multiple times
They beat Colombia who were lame as they were missing James Rodriguez who makes them good and they needed pens to do that
They beat Sweden who played poorly for them and were flat as


So all up England beat teams they should have


Best part about it is the tickertape parade and false hopes for the next 20 years that are coming

Reality is they actually ****ed up

Couldnt beat a nation with a population the size of Brisvegas and with a domestic comp more corrupt than this country to get into the World Cup Final

Couldnt have got a better run if Fifa were rigging it for them


Yet they are happy about this??


Go figure

[boz-monaut]

I'd be ****ing ecstatic if my country went out there and played long ball bullshit, kicked lumps out of the opposition, got bullshit VAR decisions their way, rolled around like Neymar yet somehow rode their luck and made it to the semi finals

(not that England did any of those things)

to be honest I think England have actually been quite reserved and sensible about this success - given how ridiculous they usually are

maybe that's the result of reading sensible media and having English mates who aren't dickheads

[StannyCFCJET]

England

Lost 3 games

So did Panama and Egypt

They beat Tunisia with a last minute winner
They thumped Panama who even the Socceroos would have scored on multiple times
They beat Colombia who were lame as they were missing James Rodriguez who makes them good and they needed pens to do that
They beat Sweden who played poorly for them and were flat as


So all up England beat teams they should have


Best part about it is the tickertape parade and false hopes for the next 20 years that are coming

Reality is they actually ****ed up

Couldnt beat a nation with a population the size of Brisvegas and with a domestic comp more corrupt than this country to get into the World Cup Final

Couldnt have got a better run if Fifa were rigging it for them


Yet they are happy about this??


Go figure

We would not score many against Panama. Who would score the goals

[belchardo]

tip time people!

france or croatia?

i'm on france in normal time, but i'd love it if croatia won.

[Bremsstrahlung]

Can only play the teams you get given.
I think they’ve done pretty well.
How many of their players would get a start in the French or Belgium teams? I’d say not many.
As a nation, you expect a lot better given their strength of domestic competitions, however maybe they are paying for their reliance on foreign players. Their league is helping develop other nations players.

Really though, their squad is nothing flash. They’ve had a “superstar” team for the previous competitions where players were picked because of their name, rather than their form and ability. This year they picked a reasonably lacklustre team, and Southgate changed up their style a little bit and idk, based on the low expectations due to their constant disappointment over the years, they’ve performed well. Hell. I’d love it if we made the semis. Couldn’t care less who they played. Can’t help who you play.

For all the England haters, at least you’ll be able to have a chuckle when in 4 years time everyone is focused on “doing one better”.

[Bremsstrahlung]

I think France will be too good, unfortunately.
They’ve done that thing where they’ve played rubbish and still won games.
I’m not really fussed on either team tbh.

[baldrick]

tip time people!

france or croatia?

i'm on france in normal time, but i'd love it if croatia won.

Heart says Croatia

Head says France.

[StannyCFCJET]

France. Kante will shut down Modric's time on the ball and I dont see Croatia winning unless Modric plays well

[boz-monaut]

Qui es-tu, une sorte de con?

La France pour battre les criminels de guerre

[halo se7en]

Heart says Croatia

Head says France.

This.