[FOOTBALL] International Fixtures - Weds 22nd March - Tues 28th March

[Reg]

British and Irish fixtures below, plus Waff's big day. | Full TV schedule (http://www.live-footballontv.com). | BBC's fixtures list (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/fixtures).

Wednesday 22nd March 2017
Germany v England - Friendly, 19:45 ITV
Scotland v Canada - Friendly, 19:45 SS1

Friday 24th March 2017
Germany U21 v England U21 - Friendly, 19:00 BTS2
Republic of Ireland v Wales - WC18 Qualifier, 19:45 S4C, SS1

Saturday 25th March 2017
Dundee United v St Mirren - Scottish Challenge Cup Final, 12:30 BBC ALBA

Sunday 26th March 2017
England v Lithuania - WC18 Qualifer, 17:00 ITV
Scotland v Slovenia - WC18 Qualifer, 19:45 SS1
Northern Ireland v Norway - WC18 Qualifer, 19:45 SS2

Monday 27th March 2017
Denmark U21 v England U21 - Friendly, 18:45 BTS2

Tuesday 28th March 2017
Republic of Ireland v Iceland - Friendly, 19:45 Premier Sports

[Kikó]

Shame there's no football on this week.

[-james-]

Shout out to the Faroes u17 side who all but sealed qualification for the Euros earlier today. I watched them against Cyprus last week. They are fucking awful. :cool:

[Pleb]

For a moment there I thought the England game is on tomorrow :moop:

We'll probably get pumped 4-0 or win it by a goal.

[Yevrah]

Talk that Wenger's signed a new 2 year deal, the board are just waiting for the right time to announce it.

September, I'd suggest.

[Lewis]

They will announce it on 31 August as their main summer signing.

[Spoonsky]

Going to Italy vs Albania in Palermo on Friday.

Looking through the Italian squad, Buffon and De Rossi are the only ones I care about seeing and I only even recognize maybe a half dozen players in the squad. Sad days, a few years ago it would have been so much better.

[-james-]

I take it Buffon is going to the world cup next year. They should just bin him off now and have the child from AC Milan take up his position for the next 20 years.

[CJay]

Is Verratti not in the squad?

[Adamski]

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Gianluigi Donnarumma (AC Milan), Alex Meret (Spal).

Defenders: Davide Astori (Fiorentina), Andrea Barzagli (Juventus), Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus), Matteo Darmian (Manchester United), Danilo D'Ambrosio (Inter), Mattia De Sciglio (Milan), Alessio Romagnoli (AC Milan) Daniele Rugani (Juventus), Leonardo Spinazzola (Atalanta), Davide Zappacosta (Torino).

Midfielders: Federico Bernardeschi (Fiorentina), Antonio Candreva (Inter Milan), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Roberto Gagliardini (Inter), Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli), Marco Parolo (Lazio), Matteo Politano (Sassuolo), Marco Verratti (Paris Saint-Germain), Nicola Sansone (Villareal), Simone Verdi (Bologna).

Forwards: Andrea Belotti (Torino), Eder (Inter Milan), Manolo Gabbiadini (Southampton), Ciro Immobile (Lazio).

It's not exactly brimming with world class players but there's a good few id love to see in the flesh there.

[Spoonsky]

Probably shows how little I've watched football outside of the premiership the past few years. I know people like Verrati and Insigne are good but I've not watched them enough to actually get that excited about seeing them.

All worth it for Buffon though.

[John Arne]

Why on earth has the Championship Team of the Season been decided 8 games before the end of the season??

https://gyazo.com/a936a654f6ea7f1a61eda5fd2d5c22d4.png

[Shindig]

They had to rent out the venue for the awards early?

[CJay]

Probably shows how little I've watched football outside of the premiership the past few years. I know people like Verrati and Insigne are good but I've not watched them enough to actually get that excited about seeing them.

All worth it for Buffon though.

Verratti is world class. He's the one you'll be wanting to see more than anyone else.

[Reg]

Agreed. He'd be a treat to see live.

--
John Arne I thought the same thing. Stockdale is so overrated. Everybody glosses over his howlers.

[Offshore Toon]

Aye, Stockdale is a puzzling one. Its not like any of our keepers deserve it, though, and I have no idea about the other keepers in the league.

[Giggles]

Christie, O'Shea, Keogh, Ward.

Bale is going to fucking destroy us.

[niko_cee]

Stockdale has been mega this season. Howlers at an all-time low, frequent excellent/match defining saves, I guess the most clean sheets and a slew of important penalty saves to boot. Can't think of who else you'd give it to.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I've just seen a BBC headline in which Southgate calls for our 'island mentality' to end.

Wishful thinking unless someone builds a land bridge to St Omer, I think.

[CJay]

Tonight's squad, apparently.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C7h1XvIWkAIZsu4?format=jpg&name=large

[Lewis]

It must have been difficult deciding who will be the least exposed where in that back three.

[Offshore Toon]

I don't think I've heard of that Keane bloke.

[niko_cee]

It must have been difficult deciding who will be the least exposed where in that back three.

Back 6, more like, maybe 7.

[Reg]

The Spurs guys and Cahill know the kind of formation, we might as well get Walker and Bertrand running, and the front three should be good. Looks alright. Livermore though?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

The Ghanaian footballer who thanked his girlfriend and wife in an interview has made things so much worse.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-39327886


Ghanaian Mohammed Anas, of South Africa's Free State Stars, told the BBC he was referring to his daughter.

"My family knows that I call my daughter my girlfriend. That's what I was talking about. I don't have a girlfriend," he said.

Alright, Fritzl.

[Ian]

That XI is fucking hate-crime if true.

[John]

If that side is confirmed I expect Germany will stick three or four past them, assuming they don't put out their own lol experimental side.

[Adamski]

Assuming it's 'lets just copy Chelsea' it might be OK.

[Lewis]

Chelsea have got at least two good players though.

[Baz]

The Spurs guys and Cahill know the kind of formation, we might as well get Walker and Bertrand running, and the front three should be good. Looks alright. Livermore though?I agree with this. Squad looks dece enough but Livermore sticks out like a sore thumb. I'd have said put the Ox there but he's been absolute shite lately, but I'vd have still picked Barkley ahead of Livermore.

Gutted Vardy's starting and not Defoe though. Was actually going to watch it but I don't think I'll bother now. I'll just do the usual and check the headlines to make sure Clyne and Lallana don't get injured.

[Danny]

That XI is fucking hate-crime if true.

:D agreed

[Jimmy Floyd]

Assuming it's 'lets just copy Chelsea' it might be OK.

Our 'system' is a load of wank, the reason we win is Kanté.

[phonics]

That line-up is correct. Just been confirmed.

[Reg]

Weren't you saying Conte is "an incredible manager" or something about a month ago?

[Jimmy Floyd]

Weren't you saying Conte is "an incredible manager" or something about a month ago?

He is. There's more to managing than four four fucking two and its variants.

The system works well in providing the most balanced lineup for the players that we have, it doesn't mean that it in itself is likely to win with other players, as England will demonstrate tonight.

[Adamski]

Shhh Reg, Jimmys always been at war with Eurasia.

[Reg]

He is. There's more to managing than four four fucking two and its variants.
I know that.

So what did you exactly mean by:

Our 'system' is a load of wank
Systems are meaningless? Kante would make any system work?

[Jimmy Floyd]

It's just pragmatic, not some superior way of playing football. If we had the players that better suited 4-5-1 he'd do that instead. Kanté would probably make most systems work, though.

As for putting Darren Livermore (is that even his first name?) and Eric Dier as the two midfielders in such a system, well. We're barely getting away with Matic.

And also the balance. I haven't checked any heat maps recently but I'm fairly sure me auld china Vicmo will touch the ball further up the pitch than Marcos the murderer Alonso does, because Dave happens to be there to cover whereas on the other side you have Cahill and the Mad Monk. That's a feature of the particular players we have. It means Conte has done an excellent job identifying and coaching the system, but it doesn't mean the system itself has any wider value.

[Yevrah]

That line up isn't obviously what I'd want to see (although what else is there?), but as we've established over the last 20 years, it doesn't matter who we put out, we're still ultimately a bit rubbish.

I don't know how Bexit will change the forriner rules (I suspect it won't, via a 'work permit' free for all), but implemented properly, that's really our only hope now.

[Yevrah]

'A sense of revolution' fuck me.

And to add, I think we'll do alright tonight.

Germany would beat us 10/10 in a tournament knockout match, but it's a friendly, so ultimately doesn't matter, which probably helps us.

[igor_balis]

Livermore? U wot m8?

[Giggles]

Is it some sort of gesture or is Podolski the best they can muster these days?

[Yevrah]

These pundits are talking so much shit it hurts.

"No fear, it's a new breed." Er, they haven't done anything yet.
"Build a team around Alli." No thanks, we're not Slovakia.

Southgate harping on about needing to 'leave' the island and look at what other nations are doing is dishwank as well. There's no point doing that by the time the players get to you Gaz.

[CJay]

Is it some sort of gesture or is Podolski the best they can muster these days?

It's his last match for the national team. 130 caps. Two goals tonight would take him to 50.

[Reg]

Right, I get you now Jim. I wasn't actually arguing your formation has inherent value or was some mystical trick, by the way.

I'm feeling a small amount of new manager hope, which is nice/laughable. I think it's due to him sounding like he actually has a backbone and some ideas.

[CJay]

This should be a good test, actually - in terms of stature and where each player is in their development I'd say the teams are evenly matched.

[Yevrah]

I've always liked Southgate's articulate nature and if he has binned Rooney off then that's a good start (inviting him to that team get-together suggests not though).

The bunting will stay well and truly under wraps with me until we've actually done something again though. Step 1 would be knocking a team (any fucking team) out of an international tournament, with step 2 being doing the same to a decent one.

Then, and only then, will I start to remotely take us seriously again.

[Jimmy Floyd]

When did your bunting last come out? It must have gathered an awful lot of dust.

[CJay]

Vardy. :lol: How does every incident with him running through on goal end with that front flip?

[Reg]

I thought he actually could have scored if he didn't decide to practice his gymnastics.

[Yevrah]

When did your bunting last come out? It must have gathered an awful lot of dust.

It was definitely dead by 2012, as I can vividly remember schooling Lee (RIP) about how we had no chance against Italy. Going back further than that though, it was Algeria that finally killed everything I think. By the time we'd shat our way though the group I knew there was no chance on God's green earth that we'd beat Germany.

So to answer your question, it was 2009. We were genuinely good in that qualifying campaign and that was the last time the bunting was seen. Nearly 7 years ago. I was in my fucking twenties for christ's sake.

[Yevrah]

Disgusting dive from Vardy.

[John]

The Algeria game was the defining Yevrage with 'Lampard has the creativity of a fish', wasn't it?

[igor_balis]

Hardy diving already. At least he's consistent.

https://media.giphy.com/media/gY8e5LTg0DkaY/giphy.gif

[Shindig]

Useless spot monkey.

[Giggles]

Diving is hardly 'disgusting'. Most over used word on here.

[Max Power]

Vards riling people already :drool: Hero.

[Yevrah]

Diving is hardly 'disgusting'. Most over used word on here.

You might object to the word, but it was utterly pointless in the situation and makes him look like a twat.

[Giggles]

You might object to the word, but it was utterly pointless in the situation and makes him look like a twat.

Twat is most definitely not over used for old Jamie.

[CJay]

Lallana's footwork. :drool: Him and Alli behind Kane, with Vardy coming off the bench makes for a decent forward line I reckon.

England have looked alright in possession so far. I'm liking Walker being so far up the pitch, even if his end product is lacking.

[Pleb]

God Scotland must be fucking shite if there losing to Canada.

[Reg]

Yeah we're doing alright. Smalling bossing it so far.

[CJay]

Tsk tsk. Bottled that.

[Pleb]

I know the Germans don't give a shit about friendlies but we should of took the lead there.

[CJay]

Meanwhile, the draw we've all been waiting for has been made:

http://www.espnfc.com/international-champions-cup/story/3086455/international-champions-cup-2017-schedule-man-united-vs-man-city-real-madrid-and-barcelona

[phonics]

I wasn't paying attention, was that an advert where Matt Damon told me to save water sponsored by Stella Artois? It's a weird future.

[Pleb]

Woof.

[-james-]

Canada's starting XI tonight play for these clubs:

Bodo/Glimt (Relegated from Norwegian top tier)
FC Edmonton (US second tier)
FC Edmonton (US second tier)
Vasas Budapest (Hungarian top tier, doesn't get a game)
Richmond (US third tier)
CD Izarre (Spanish third tier)
Burnley
Falkirk
Vancouver (MLS)
Cardiff
Walsall

Scotlol.

[Magic]

:harold:

[Magic]

Strachan really is horrendous.

[CJay]

Lovely moment. One more for the half century.

[Jimmy Floyd]

They have, what, three MLS teams don't they? How do they not come up with at least a few more international players?

[Reg]

If we don't fall to bits now and we're beaten 1-0 by a wonder goal, it'll look promising. Alli was excellent, he's some player.

Cracking save from Hart a few minutes ago.

[Magic]

What the fuck is this music. :D

[Cord]

Playing the Gladiator soundtrack, the big tarts.

[Magic]

Omg haha Hoddle was right.

[John Arne]

Is he commentating on Scotland-Canada, too?

[Jimmy Floyd]

England fans really are a total embarrassment. Should ease the immigration crisis by not letting them back in.

[Magic]

Canada's starting XI tonight play for these clubs:

Bodo/Glimt (Relegated from Norwegian top tier)
FC Edmonton (US second tier)
FC Edmonton (US second tier)
Vasas Budapest (Hungarian top tier, doesn't get a game)
Richmond (US third tier)
CD Izarre (Spanish third tier)
Burnley
Falkirk
Vancouver (MLS)
Cardiff
Walsall

Scotlol.

The one at Falkirk has been MotM according to Sky. :harold:

[Lewis]

England fans really are a total embarrassment. Should ease the immigration crisis by not letting them back in.

Football365 has had a right MELTDOWN over them. Fannies.

[Giggles]

I've a bad feeling about this one. Not a creative bone in it, and Bale of course.


845347406128578562

[Adamski]

McClean no doubt wearing 5 as a slight to the 5 people killed in London yesterday. Appalling.

[Shindig]

Is Martin McGuinness getting a minute?

[Giggles]

Is Martin McGuinness getting a minute?

Don't think so, only McBride in the 5th.

[Giggles]

McCarthy injured in the warm up, so that's the 4 main midfielders out now. Meyler in.

[CJay]

Quality lineup. 'Mon the lads!

[CJay]

McCarthy injured in the warm up, so that's the 4 main midfielders out now. Meyler in.

Who are the 4? Hendrick is definitely one of the main midfielders...

[Giggles]

Quality lineup. 'Mon the lads!

Presumably that's the Welsh one you mean.

[Giggles]

Who are the 4? Hendrick is definitely one of the main midfielders...

Yeah actually, I forgot him. He's probably ahead of Houlihan. Brady, Arter, and McCarthy the others.

[CJay]

Arter has played 2 competitive games for us. It's 9 of the 11 that started the first match of the campaign. Robbie Brady is the only player we'll properly miss tonight.

[Giggles]

Arter has played 2 competitive games for us. It's 9 of the 11 that started the first match of the campaign. Robbie Brady is the only player we'll properly miss tonight.

Arter was constantly injured for a long time but was excellent of late when he played, would have far more caps had he been fit (or making up his mind on who to declare for, depending on who you believe). An infinitely better player than the likes of Whelan. Definitely miss Houlihan as a late sub too.

John O'Shea starting is never a good thing at the back either.

[Giggles]

Actually, fuck it. When you keep lumping the ball long into the corners it doesn't matter who's playing anyway.

[Jimmy Floyd]

These Icelandic claps people do are shit, mainly because the crowd always accelerates it too quickly. The slow ones are the best.

[Giggles]

It should have been left in France.

[Disco]

Is Martin McGuinness getting a minute?

Nah, just a phone call about half an hour before kickoff.

[CJay]

James McClean's work rate should be used as an example to every young footballer. Incredible.

Pity he's a complete twat otherwise.

[Giggles]

James McClean's work rate should be used as an example to every young footballer. Incredible.

Pity he's a complete twat otherwise.

He's a legend. Even for a foreigner.

[CJay]

Why do Wales play their 3 best players so deep? Sure, Bale can play some great Hollywood balls, but as a result they're going to the likes of Neil Taylor rather than anyone useful.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Why do Wales play their 3 best players so deep? Sure, Bale can play some great Hollywood balls, but as a result they're going to the likes of Neil Taylor rather than anyone useful.

Because they're a one trick pony side playing on the counter. They're awful when the onus is on them, which is probably why this game is being played at the tempo of a sloth playing a snail in next year's Christmas nativity.

[Jimmy Floyd]

This group must be one of the worst qualifying groups ever. Fucking Serbia, third world Nazi war zone top at the moment ahead of this Ireland side.

[CJay]

Bale thinks he's still in Spain.

[Jimmy Floyd]

It must be quite an adjustment from playing with Ronaldo, Benzema et al to pinging crisp balls to the featherbed feet of Hal Robson-Kanu.

[Giggles]

How the fuck can Whelan complain about that?

[CJay]

Coleman's been really poor so far. Great pressing from McClean and Long. Defence looks generally pretty solid.

Respect the point.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Luckily the ref barely even knows what sport he's officiating, let alone what the rules are.

[CJay]

Brass instruments should be banned from football matches. Especially when the person can't even play the instrument.

[Serj]

This group must be one of the worst qualifying groups ever. Fucking Serbia, third world Nazi war zone top at the moment ahead of this Ireland side.

Good call. We're struggling to score against mighty Moldova at the moment.

[Giggles]

Brass instruments should be banned from football matches. Especially when the person can't even play the instrument.

Brutal isn't it?

This would be a time I'd normally throw McGeady on, but I think 0-0 is the peak outcome here for us and it's more likely with Walters on.

[CJay]

Italy - Albania interrupted. Pitch shrouded in smoke from smoke bombs.

[Danny]

Actually, fuck it. When you keep lumping the ball long into the corners it doesn't matter who's playing anyway.

The glory days :drool:

[-james-]

Kosovo are great. If only the defenders knew which half of the pitch they were supposed to be in, they would be world beaters.


They're a gambler's nightmare really. Will look like scoring five times in the first half an hour, and then concede the worst two goals you've seen this side of North Korea u16s.

[CJay]

Brutal isn't it?

This would be a time I'd normally throw McGeady on, but I think 0-0 is the peak outcome here for us and it's more likely with Walters on.

Think we need to chuck him on at some point, but too soon yet. We're getting a bit of joy at the minute.

[Jimmy Floyd]

The current Irish XI is an interesting thought experiment on whether work rate alone can win you a game. I suspect the answer is no.

[CJay]

The current Irish XI is an interesting thought experiment on whether work rate alone can win you a game. I suspect the answer is no.

I'm not sure it qualifies as interesting. Considering our creative star is a middling, ageing Championship midfielder work rate is about all we have going for us. It gets us as far as we could reasonably expect, I think.

[Ian]

Bareth should've been off there.

[CJay]

Well, that should have been a red card.

[CJay]

Right. Need to be winning this now. No excuses.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I think Bareth's was just mistimed, but the one there at real speed looked like a life ban standard tackle.

[CJay]

I didn't catch it properly. Are they not showing replays, Eduardo-style?

Disastrous for us and Everton.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I've just run it back on Sky+ and it looks like a proper murderous one with a hint of dangly foot.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I like Ray Houghton or whoever this PFM is reaching for the 'not that type of player' within 20 seconds of it happening as well. He clearly is that type of player because he's literally just done it.

[niko_cee]

Just drafted Coleman into my fantasy team, so apologies Seamus, partly my fault.

[CJay]

Sky calling that a decent point. Reckon we needed 3 there. I suspect Serbia will beat Wales without Bale and we'll need to beat Austria to stay in contention or we'll be looking at playoffs.

[Weaver]

845389465875070976

[Jimmy Floyd]

It was a ridiculous tackle, pity the perpetator will get away with it because everyone's too squeamish to show the replay. Should be a 30 game ban or whatever.

[Ian]

It must be quite an adjustment from playing with Ronaldo, Benzema et al to pinging crisp balls to the featherbed feet of Hal Robson-Kanu.

I know we're not talking the same level at either end of the comparison but I remember going to Scotland matches and hearing the fans moaning about Darren Fletcher's passes into seemingly nowhere and thinking, "Yeah, but from the position that Nigel Quashie was in Paul Scholes might have considered making a run into that space."

[Danny]

https://my.mixtape.moe/qgerqe.mp4

[CJay]

That looks like a terrible photoshop job. Surely.

[Giggles]

Take that draw all day. Coleman sounds fucked though.

[Dquincy]

Ban him for the length of time Coleman is out injured. Or allow Coleman to break his leg 'Misery' style.

[Jimmy Floyd]

That looks like a terrible photoshop job. Surely.

Nope, defo something of that ilk.

He's basically gone through him at the height you can see there, but also with downward force. I think only one foot but incredible amount of force.

[Magic]

Jesus Christ that tackle. Wouldn't be surprised if Coleman never plays again at a decent level.

Edit: better change my FF team too lololo

[Shindig]

I saw 'Serious Coleman injury' and thought Chris had had a heart attack.

[Dquincy]

Jesus Christ that tackle. Wouldn't be surprised if Coleman never plays again at a decent level.

Edit: better change my FF team too lololo

Did you see my jokey Misery comment? Good right?

[niko_cee]

I saw 'Serious Coleman injury' and thought Chris had had a heart attack.

Yeah, my first thoughts when I saw Coleman stretched off was along those lines.

[Giggles]

O'Shea wasn't far off the same.

845400186579030017

[Kikó]

Horrible tackle that. Was he booked?

[Giggles]

Horrible tackle that. Was he booked?

I can't remember if he was or not at the time but I've heard he's out of their next qualifier so presumably it was for that.

[John Arne]

There is also this image of Bale still complaining about the red card as Coleman lies behind him with a snapped leg.


https://gyazo.com/116472ca3b1495537993f72224598eb5.png

[Giggles]

Rough enough match. Walters and Whelan were firing the elbows around too, the latter caught Allen with a bad one. Ref was fairly lenient all round.

[Offshore Toon]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-38678651

http://ichef-1.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/11CDD/production/_94252927_gettyimages-1375544.jpg

[Disco]

Gavin Peacock becoming a vicar is the oddest one.

[Ian]

Horrible tackle that. Was he booked?

He got a yellow and then didn't get a second yellow for booting a guy in the ribs.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Bale's looked nowhere near as bad in real time as the other one. The referee would probably still have sent off a less famous player though.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Watching Luxembourg v France, live from the Stade Jean-Claude Juncker. Remarkably, Luxembourg appear to be attempting some kind of Total Football-style playing out from the back.

Based on adding up the sum of players France should win the World Cup with immense ease, which, being France, means they have no chance.

[Adamski]

Except when they did.

[Jimmy Floyd]

They weren't overly fancied then were they? In fact, it was a classic French victory in that they inherited it from a massive BOTTLE JOB by Ronaldo on final day. Either that or they poisoned him.

I watched that final back a few months ago (don't ask me why) and Brazil absolutely stunk.

Away from all things Gallic, the hapless Dutch are losing even more of their hap in Bulgaria.

[Amigo]

lol, Holland.

[Jimmy Floyd]

The Luxers equalised briefly there before giving away a penalty. France are a bit shit, the one thing they do lack is a bit of leadership on the field.

[Kikó]

Ronaldo donned it tonight for Portugal. His strike partner looks handy as well.

[-james-]

I saw this recently

http://i.imgur.com/0SsglTu.jpg

Pretty mad. Not really sure how you go about deciding what to do with that.

Just seen last night's results. The Dutch. :happycry:

Greece are doing much better than I expected in their group. Couldn't really have asked for much more than three wins and two draws in those first five games.

[Reg]

They've left off Giroud and Gameiro as well.

[Jimmy Floyd]

25 players of African origin in there, as well as probably 10ish from the Caribbean and several, like Koscielny and Valbuena, with heritage elsewhere in Europe. Even now, the white French just do not play football.

[John Arne]

Clichy :D

[-james-]

Defoe starts. :drool: Scarcely seen a better mainstream bet than him to bag today.

[Reg]

Lineup:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C72kpdSXwAAD__3.jpg

No back 3 today presumably, unless the central midfield pairing is a weird one.

[Raoul Duke]

I can't read that Mbappe kid's name without thinking of Hanson

[Jimmy Floyd]

That looks rather like four four fucking two to me. Think we might be slightly underestimating them.

[-james-]

I watched Lithuania in Prague the other day, I'm not sure any estimation of them is too low.

Prediction:

England 2 - 0 Lithuania
Defoe 72', Vaidas Slavikas o.g. 89'

[Jimmy Floyd]

I watched them against Sco... as you were.

[John Arne]

I didn't realise that Sterling had such a massive arse.

[John Arne]

That looks rather like four four fucking two to me. Think we might be slightly underestimating them.

We should be beating them with any formation, to be fair /englisharrogance

They are 107th in the Coca-Cola World Rankings.

EDIT: I genuinely guessed that they ranking were sponsored by Coca-Cola... and they are :D

[Adamski]

Looks like a 3-5-2 to me or potentially a 4-2-3-1.

[Reg]

Walker's class. Must be one of the best full backs.

Oxlade still seems like a bit of a Fifa player to me.

Edit: 4-2-3-1 Adamski.

[Raoul Duke]

I'm already bored with this.

Playing against a load of goat herders who stick 10-men behind the ball :moop:

[-james-]

Defoe starts. :drool: Scarcely seen a better mainstream bet than him to bag today.

Printing money.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I've got him for a hat-trick at 8/1. Come on Jermain.

Can he play for the next 5 years just as a poacher? Finishing is quite simply the only thing that matters, well in any football, but especially international football.

[Reg]

Yeah Defoe!

[Lewis]

What kind of sad act actually goes to these games? If they gave the tickets to kids for nothing then whatever, but imagine spending money and going all the way into London to watch these sort of matches.

[Ian]

Hart is such a fucking state.

[Lewis]

What was that Gordon Ramsay thing about? How do you act shouting that badly when it's all you do?

[Disco]

Just realised I'm Acestreaming a game that's on ITV and the quality is about a thousand times better than their shitty player.

[Waffdon]

Oliver Burke and Ryan Fraser not even on the bench for Scotland. Jesus. Two actual creative, exciting players as well.

At least Stuart Armstrong is finally starting :wub:

[Browning]

Well this has been terrible, not that I expected anything else.

[John Arne]

Defoe MotM? Should have been Keane, Walker or Lallana.

[Baz]

Oxlade still seems like a bit of a Fifa player to me.What does that mean?

[Jimmy Floyd]

They need to rethink these European qualifiers. There's just nothing on half the games, even when there is meant to be, and these tinpot countries all have zero ambition.

[Magic]

Hopefully we slump to a 3-0 defeat.

[-james-]

They need to rethink these European qualifiers. There's just nothing on half the games, even when there is meant to be, and these tinpot countries all have zero ambition.



The way they do it in Asia makes much more sense. Four year campaign over three stages that doubles as a qualifier for the continental tournament, with shit teams being knocked out along the way. I'm not sure I see a single reason for not adopting it.

[Reg]

What does that mean?
Very much about acceleration and speed. Not so much about decisions or passing.

[Jimmy Floyd]

The way they do it in Asia makes much more sense. Four year campaign over three stages that doubles as a qualifier for the continental tournament, with shit teams being knocked out along the way. I'm not sure I see a single reason for not adopting it.

Probably because the likes of Lithuania need their payday at Wembley and with it, votes.

[Adamski]

The way they do it in Asia makes much more sense. Four year campaign over three stages that doubles as a qualifier for the continental tournament, with shit teams being knocked out along the way. I'm not sure I see a single reason for not adopting it.

Euro qualifying would put paid to that.

[Shindig]

With the inevitable World Cup expansion, those fodder teams will have a reason to compete.

[Ian]

"In the last two-and-a-half years the only sides Scotland have beaten in competitive matches are Gibraltar and Malta."

Fucking hell.

[-james-]

Probably because the likes of Lithuania need their payday at Wembley and with it, votes.

Let them shit it off in the Europa Shield that's held at a gridiron stadium in Dallas and have it on around the same time as the Euros.

I'm sad so I mocked it up:

http://i.imgur.com/1C83PI8.png

[-james-]

Leigh Griffiths is the ugliest man on the planet.

[-james-]

Sweden have a second, Somalians only side under new segregation laws in this arrangement, incidentally.

[Giggles]

I've looked up and down livescore twice and can't see a fixture involving Sweden anywhere.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Let them shit it off in the Europa Shield that's held at a gridiron stadium in Dallas and have it on around the same time as the Euros.

I'm sad so I mocked it up:


Kind of works but the third stage is basically the Euros?

They decide these things by money anyway rather than sporting logic.

[Magic]

Sweden have a second, Somalians only side under new segregation laws in this arrangement, incidentally.

Sweden played last night.

[Kikó]

Scotland have been desperately unlucky so far. Griffiths should have two.

[Waffdon]

Stuart Armstrong best player on the park. Get him to Southampton asap

[Shindig]

I think I'm finally at the point where Northern Ireland winning is no longer a surprise.

[Kikó]

Slovenia have been shite. Scotland have richly deserved to be ahead.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Norn Iron in a playoff place. I think what the world needs is a World Cup qualifying playoff between them and the southern section of the Irish continent.

[Boydy]

Christ, I really hope that doesn't happen.

[GS]

I actually think there would be a riot if that happened.

[Giggles]

Only just replaced the toilets in the Aviva from the tramps last visit. Delaney's salary means there's no money to do it again.

[Magic]

Slovenia have been shite. Scotland have richly deserved to be ahead.

Ffs WGS with another 5 year contract now.

[Boydy]

I actually think there would be a riot if that happened.

No doubt. It'd be terrible. FIFA should step in to keep them apart if they do both make the playoffs.

[Adamski]

Why would it be such a big deal? There's an all Ireland rugby team isn't there?

[Giggles]

Why would it be such a big deal? There's an all Ireland rugby team isn't there?

Rugby is a huns game so they're all the one lot.

[Offshore Toon]

I'm surprised Scotland won since Strachan is shit, but it looks like they played well from the stats too. No doubt we'll start looking quite good and be in control of qualifying before fucking it up with a draw away to Lithuania.

[niko_cee]

They should unite and play England for their sovereignty.

James McClean OG in the ultimate heel turn.

[Giggles]

They should unite and play England for their sovereignty.

James McClean OG in the ultimate heel turn.

Nobody involved in Northern Ireland football would ever consider such a thing. They're blood thirsty to a man, basically the orange order with a ball.

Hence why players like McClean have to move. Look up what Neil Lennon got from his own 'supporters' when he played for them. They've attempted to turn things around with a token taig manager these days (I'd say the suits are half gutted he's done well) but you'll never change the fans wanting to see Catholic players lined up and shot. The regular attendees of Windsor park are animals.

[Adamski]

Rugby is a huns game so they're all the one lot.

Sectarianism is lots of fun eh.

[Giggles]

Sectarianism is lots of fun eh.

:D not as much as double standards. You lot never like taking what you dish.

[Adamski]

:D not as much as double standards. You lot never like taking what you dish.

What lot have you wrongly got me pegged as this time?

[Giggles]

What lot have you wrongly got me pegged as this time?

A hard-line Scottish prod, so basically cut from the same cloth as any one of the NI lot I've mentioned where sectarian terms for us would be part of your everyday vocabulary. That part wouldn't bother me, just the fact that you all get so wounded about it when you get it back is humourous.

[Adamski]

Which sectarian terms have I used in this thread or indeed on the board?

My post was referring to sectarianism of the Irish team only being accepted by Protestants so nothing to do with your choice of words but as usual you've jumped in head first with the victim complex and made a cunt of it.

[Giggles]

Which sectarian terms have I used in this thread or indeed on the board?

My post was referring to sectarianism of the Irish team only being accepted by Protestants so nothing to do with your choice of words but as usual you've jumped in head first with the victim complex and made a cunt of it.

Rugby? It is. In Ireland it's mainly a private school sport, which all have ties to the old regime. In Northern Ireland it's exclusively a game for orange, and places like Ravenhill are fortresses for the union.
It's not a national side anyway, it's a dual country representative side that plays under an insulting name.

[Adamski]

I hadn't realised that so was interesting to hear then I was pointing out the sectarianism in it from their side before you waded in like a melt.

For the record, I'm not religious and not particularly defined by my nationality so don't assume to know me just because I'm a Rangers fan. Not everyone is small minded and bitter and can be placed in the same little boxes.

[ItalAussie]

I've said it before, but Omar Abdulrahman is easily the best player in Asia, and would be a regular fixture in almost any side in Europe. Outrageously talented. If they coached out his tendency to go down a touch easily, I reckon he'd big a big name in any league he wanted to play in. It's a real tragedy that he'll never leave the UAE.

I'd also like to see Trent Sainsbury get a run in Europe. He's owned by Inter, so someone's noticed him.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Outrageously talented. If they coached out his tendency to go down a touch easily

It's Arab football, that's the main aim of the game. Get 1-0 up and do that.

[John Arne]

I'm doing my best to get Abdulrahman over to the new MLS franchise, LAFC.... he deserves better than Al-Ain...

[ItalAussie]

He really does.

We can barely do a single thing other than foul him in this match. I realise that Australia isn't the gold standard for international football quality, but he's just so clearly the most important player on the pitch.

[ItalAussie]

The referee has evidently decided that cards are off the table.

When it comes to fouling, Australia seem have decided on a quantity approach, whereas the Emirates are going for quality. They've settled on a position where if they commit a foul, they're going to make sure it hurts.

[-james-]

I'm not convinced Omar is better than Kagawa or Son. It's quite hard to say when he's never really played against anyone competent.

[Mazuuurk]

I'm so fucking tired of this international break. It's gone on since forever.

[ItalAussie]

I'm not convinced Omar is better than Kagawa or Son. It's quite hard to say when he's never really played against anyone competent.

We've all watched enough football that we can recognise a supremely talented player when we see one, even if their opposition isn't as strong as they might have been.

It's a real travesty we'll never see him open up against proper opposition though.

[John Arne]

I'm not convinced Omar is better than Kagawa or Son. It's quite hard to say when he's never really played against anyone competent.

He's played against the likes of Japan and S.Korea internationally, and against Shanghai SIPG, Jeonbuk and the like at club level.... I know that isn't "A Grade" so to speak, but he has never looked out of his depth alongside some of the best players in Asia. I think he'd do great for someone like Torino in Serie A, more so than in the BPLSBB.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

He looked good at the Olympics in 2012.

[John Arne]

Oh yeah, forgot about that. He would have only been 20 then, too.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I watched him live, somehow, at that tournament. Was comfortably the best UAE player on show.

Definitely would get kicked to bits in England but La Liga or Serie A have a place for him. I think he might be one of those players that needs time and space.

[ItalAussie]

I would worried about him getting a kicking. The man can certainly attract a foul.

[Weaver]

Based on adding up the sum of players France should win the World Cup with immense ease, which, being France, means they have no chance.

I was going to respond to this the other day but forgot until now:
846761846971490305

Admittedly, they can only call up half of them at one time, but that's a pretty impressive 'pool' all this considered.

The group stage exit :drool:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Is Benzema that far down the pecking order now?

[Lewis]

The depth is all in defence. They don't have an adequate replacement for their busiest little freak, losing Paulp Ogba would drain their creativity and haircuts, and then the attackers who aren't piss and wind merchants would vanish in the final anyway.

[Giggles]

Kevin Doyle is still alive.

Westwood

Christie
Pearce
Egan
Brady

McGeady
Hendrick
Hourihane
Hayes
McClean

Doyle

[Adamski]

The depth is all in defence. They don't have an adequate replacement for their busiest little freak, losing Paulp Ogba would drain their creativity and haircuts, and then the attackers who aren't piss and wind merchants would vanish in the final anyway.

Yes losing Lol Pogba would really kill their creativity. What a force he is.

[Lewis]

I know, right?

[CJay]

Might watch Bolivia - Argentina tonight. Messi's been suspended for 4 games after swearing at the linesman in the last match. The best part is it was only picked up because Chile - outside the qualification spots currently - sent a video of the incident to CONMEBOL (I guess?). Delightfully childish. He probably wouldn't be much good at 12000 feet anyway.

[CJay]

Kevin Doyle is still alive.

Westwood

Christie
Pearce
Egan
Brady

McGeady
Hendrick
Hourihane
Hayes
McClean

Doyle

Amazing that he's still one of our picks as a forward. Does he score goals in America?

[Giggles]

Amazing that he's still one of our picks as a forward. Does he score goals in America?

I don't even know if he still even plays much for them any more. In fairness though he comes back even for the most meaningless games so this is probably a token thing. I'd still have thrown Rooney in there for a look instead though, he might actually prove useful some day and is younger.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Might watch Bolivia - Argentina tonight. Messi's been suspended for 4 games after swearing at the linesman in the last match. The best part is it was only picked up because Chile - outside the qualification spots currently - sent a video of the incident to CONMEBOL (I guess?). Delightfully childish. He probably wouldn't be much good at 12000 feet anyway.

This stuff happens all the time in Africa. Tunisia seem to have a crack squad of employees sifting through the opposition's eligibility records, as loads of forfeited games for that reason have been against them.

Also apparently Chile had some of their own players suspended for that reason a while ago, so the SEETHING is joyous.

[Giggles]

This is dour as fuck. Presumably Iceland have loads missing too as they can't normally be this shite.

[Amigo]

What a goal.

[Mazuuurk]

Anyone watching France - Spain? They are apparently trying out video assistance on goals.

France had 1-0 disallowed after the video ref called Offside (the linesman didn't), and then Spain has 0-2 allowed even though the linesman did call offside then.

Both were correct calls. It's still a bit bizarre. Kind of makes linesmen obsolete.

[Amigo]

Yawn.

[Giggles]

Anyone watching France - Spain? They are apparently trying out video assistance on goals.

France had 1-0 disallowed after the video ref called Offside (the linesman didn't), and then Spain has 0-2 allowed even though the linesman did call offside then.

Both were correct calls. It's still a bit bizarre. Kind of makes linesmen obsolete.

I seen something about Jamie Carragher tweeting about how efficient it was to get sorted in 10 seconds. If I were him I'd buy a new watch.

[Mazuuurk]

Switched over to Bolivia - Argentina. Never seen a team slip so much as the Argentinians.

Why aren't the Bolivians slipping? It's not as if the high altitude matters then.

[Mazuuurk]

I seen something about Jamie Carragher tweeting about how efficient it was to get sorted in 10 seconds. If I were him I'd buy a new watch.

The first one was sort of ok. But then because it was a one-off. When it happened again it already felt old.

I think Ital argued before it would be used all the time if available, which I'm now inclined to agree with... It seems good in theory but just too slow.

[Mazuuurk]

Also why aren't Argentina playing Aguero and/or Dybala?

[CJay]

Also why aren't Argentina playing Aguero and/or Dybala?

Looks like they changed their team quite a bit - not sure if suspensions or injuries had anything to do with it. No Mascherano either. It's amazing how altitude can turn a team of plodders such as Bolivia into such a force. Do the non-Bolivians benefit from the altitude? Surely they would struggle just like any of the visiting players?

[CJay]

This could be another 6-1. Argentina look like they have a man less.

[CJay]

Griezmann had a goal disallowed by a video ref tonight, btw:

https://www.balls.ie/football/griezmann-disallowed-goal-362060

[Kikó]

Poor Maz.

[Mazuuurk]

Huh?

[Kikó]

Didn't you post about it a few posts up?

[Mazuuurk]

Yeah I did, but so...? :sorry: