November fitba: Is anything interesting happening?

[Smjffy]

Gerrard confirmed as the new Aston Villa manager. :cool:

[Queenslander]

Good news for Ange.

[Ian]

Anyone can knit, I can't believe you'd use that as a measure.

Don't be a knitwit.

[niko_cee]

Gerrard to Villa done according to the beeb.

I see this is old news.

Still, should be interesting.

[Giggles]

€5.2m too. Wouldn’t buy them an U18 player but that’s a fair ball of money for Rangers.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Are Aston Villa too big to become Steven Gerrard's Aston Villa? I think probably not.

[John Arne]

Minamino dragged off after 60 pretty useless minutes against the mighty Vietnam.

[Don]

Incredible scenes in Iran game. Our terrorist of a shit manager keeps churning out undeserved wins qnd clinging on. We celebrated wildly after a last minute winner won the game in the face of their ridiculous timewastig and their yank striker was recorded saying 'you should be fucking ashamed' just as he was about to be interviewed. Drink it in :drool:

[Jimmy Floyd]

Gael Kakuta (remember him) has the DRC 1-0 up in a crucial game away in Tanzania, with half an hour left. If they hold on they will be a win away from progress, but the group is a total scramble, with Benin also involved.

Ghana are heading for a final day shootout with South Africa in their group. Uganda's hopes are slipping away, 1-0 down to Kenya in a match they must win to keep the pressure on Mali.

God I love international weeks.

[Shindig]

Dr. Congo, king of SCIENCE.

[Ian]

It's a pity the Africa fella at your work is in his 40s and therefore in the job for the next 70 years, Jimmy. What a life you'd have if you were tying in work trips based around the African international football calendar.

[Waffdon]

€5.2m too. Wouldn’t buy them an U18 player but that’s a fair ball of money for Rangers.

They definitely need it. Not sure it will stop them recreating 2012 anytime soon though. Dead by 2025

[Giggles]

They definitely need it. Not sure it will stop them recreating 2012 anytime soon though. Dead by 2025

Timer for take 3?

[Waffdon]

Maybe. Their losses look glorious.

[phonics]

I could fix the entire international football system in a month and make FIFA/UEFA enough money that they don’t need to do 2 world cups a year. Think I might doorstep Arsene Wenger.

[Boydy]

I could fix the entire international football system in a month and make FIFA/UEFA enough money that they don’t need to do 2 world cups a year. Think I might doorstep Arsene Wenger.

How?

[Jimmy Floyd]

The best way would be to have a 4 or 6 week international block at once, but the clubs would hate that for cashflow reasons presumably.

[Lewis]

I would be quite happy with Brendan Rodgers as United manager, although his head would probably explode.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I see the egomaniac is back playing for Sweden, are they ever going to realise they are better without him or is it a commercial decision?

[Giggles]

This is going to be carnage. Then again, most of the cretins in the crowd are only going to support Ronaldo, so it’ll be a happy occasion in the ground at least.


1458862085790740486

[Jimmy Floyd]

Enjoying this rampant second half from Georgia. Zlatan is fucking useless.

Lindelof completely shredded by someoneashvili there.

[niko_cee]

Luxembourg leading 10 man Azerbaijan late in the game.

[Adramelch]

They aren't as much of a pushover as they used to be. 9 points from 7 games.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Now watching the under 21s where Anthony Gordon has scored twice, he has real 'manager's player' Dirk Kuyt vibes. 85 caps / 9 goals and two major trophies in his future.

[Panda Bear]

Gael Kakuta (remember him) has the DRC 1-0 up in a crucial game away in Tanzania, with half an hour left. If they hold on they will be a win away from progress, but the group is a total scramble, with Benin also involved.

Ghana are heading for a final day shootout with South Africa in their group. Uganda's hopes are slipping away, 1-0 down to Kenya in a match they must win to keep the pressure on Mali.

God I love international weeks.The longest consecutive period of time Kakuta has ever spent playing games for a club is two seasons with Vitesse from 2012-13 to 2013-14.

What an awfully unsettled life.

[Panda Bear]

I'm wrong. He only spent the first half of 2013-14 with Vitesse. The second half was with Lazio.

[-james-]

Frank Lampard to Norwich seems to be gathering steam. Surely not. I can't imagine a worse appointment

[Baz]

Enjoying this rampant second half from Georgia. Zlatan is fucking useless.

Lindelof completely shredded by someoneashvili there.

Does Budu Zivzavadze play international?

[Waffdon]

Frank Lampard to Norwich seems to be gathering steam. Surely not. I can't imagine a worse appointment

Billy G doing bits :drool:

[Jimmy Floyd]

Does Budu Zivzavadze play international?

Didn't notice anyone of that name in this game.

[-james-]

What is your affinity with the journeyman 27-year old, dare I ask, Baz?

[Baz]

What is your affinity with the journeyman 27-year old, dare I ask, Baz?

I play an online football management game called Football Glory. I’ve posted about it before and have played it since 2004. Challenger introduced me to it. I manage Chelsea and a few seasons ago I sold all my players and bought all 16 year olds. Because I’m a paying manager I get to name my youth players, but can’t change their nationality. I bought a Georgian striker and scoured transfermarkt and FM trying to decide who he should become. Budu Zivzivadze (https://www.footballglory.com/players/player?id=72895) was born.

I also have 01/02 legendary goalkeeper Dionis Chiotis, my favourite player ever Jamie Redknapp and Danish defender Andreas Bjelland cos his name makes me laugh.

[Shindig]

I bought Tobias Minge once for the same reasons.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Frank has turned down an approach from Norwich, according to Sir Henry Winter.

[Spikey M]

Lucky miss for both parties there. Who the fuck thought that was a good idea?

[Jimmy Floyd]

Delia Smith. Maybe she has a whole coterie of TV chefs as her advisors. Ainsley Harriott wanted them to call Steve Bruce, but they contacted Gary Rhodes via a ouija board and he said Frank's the man for me.

[Manc]

On my way to Wembley. Fully anticipating a cagey 0-0.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I hope that's as some kind of secret agent deployed to assassinate all members of the England band, or else I will have to question your taste in Friday nights out.

[Manc]

Trombone is sitting snug in the boot.

[Ian]

How much does a ticket to an England friendly cost you? Other than "too much."

[Ian]

Trombone is sitting snug in the boot.

:D

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Barca signing 38 year old Dani Alves, lol.

[Dquincy]

Five at the back against Albania. Nice one Gareth.

[Adramelch]

Five at the back against Albania. Nice one Gareth.

One of them is Maguirre so it's more like 4 at the back.

[Lewis]

Shows you how far United have fallen when their so-called captain can't fake an injury for these sort of shit fixtures.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Southgate standing there and saying that Kane is central to making the formation work just about sums him up. We could really do with a cruciate ahead of Qatar to force him to try something else.

[Lewis]

The FA planning to double his money to prevent non-existent teams from poaching him also sums them up.

[Ian]

We should be forced to forfeit for wearing this kit at home.

[Ian]

I see Albania have learned to mark by watching Manchester United's H. Maguire for that set piece.

[Ian]

Did Matterface just say that slabheaded cunt has "answered all his critics" because he scored a header unmarked against fucking Albania? Yeah I'll feel much better next time the mong is playing Twister with Luke Shaw instead of either of them bothering to defend for United.

[Jimmy Floyd]

The whole game thus far has been Albanians getting injured, Albanians getting booked, Albanians missing sitters, or Albanians conceding a goal. 17 straight minutes of it.

There's a real stench of heads have gone about them, this could end up quite a few.

[Kikó]

For me, the biggest question on his game was his ability to score against teams in world cup qualifiers. This is pretty much him back to his best and arguably better than Jaap Stam.

[niko_cee]

Back to his best and answering his critics.

Best bit of that goal was Dixon going "great from James, then he lost it . . .". Aye, fantastic.

[Ian]

The whole game thus far has been Albanians getting injured, Albanians getting booked, Albanians missing sitters, or Albanians conceding a goal. 17 straight minutes of it.

There's a real stench of heads have gone about them, this could end up quite a few.

https://i.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/original/000/026/155/maxresdefault_(2).jpg

[Lewis]

The whole game thus far has been Albanians getting injured, Albanians getting booked, Albanians missing sitters, or Albanians conceding a goal. 17 straight minutes of it.

There's a real stench of heads have gone about them, this could end up quite a few.

Albania is one giant case of heads having gone. Retards to a man. The referee probably counts their players in and out.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Albanian number 18 might be the worst player ever to play at Wembley, and I include the FA Vase in that.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Switzerland 1-0 up in Italy constitutes possible scenes.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Why is Sam Matterface worried about the goal difference gap to Poland?

Does he think we're going to lose to San Marino?

[Ian]

Why is Sam Matterface

The end to this question is always BECAUSE HE'S A CUNT.

[Spikey M]

Why is Sam Matterface BECAUSE HE'S A CUNT?

[Shindig]

5 in a half? Did we manage that against Panama?

[Ian]

Why is Sam Matterface BECAUSE HE'S A CUNT?

Yeah. I could correct myself but I'm just gonna go with it.

You got a problem with that, eh?

[Dquincy]

That Maguire goal celebration was all sorts of embarrassing.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I must admit, my first reaction was he was shushing at the Albanian fans who had been whistling heavily in the opening minutes. Does this make me naive, or have I just been vaccinated against Manchester United Narrative?

[Spikey M]

Yeah. I could correct myself but I'm just gonna go with it.

You got a problem with that, eh?

Just answer the question :mad:

[Spikey M]

I must admit, my first reaction was he was shushing at the Albanian fans who had been whistling heavily in the opening minutes. Does this make me naive, or have I just been vaccinated against Manchester United Narrative?

I thought the same. So yes, probably.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Quality scenes in Italy v Switzerland. 1-1 89th minute, Anthony Taylor waves away a very soft penalty shout from the pasta people. VAR intervenes and he ends up giving it. Up steps Jorginho and absolutely hoys it into the stands.

If this is a draw the Swiss still have hope, if Italy don't win in Belfast.

[niko_cee]

Take that Norman Wisdom.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

1459263825086062595

[Ian]

Just answer the question :mad:

Because he is. Duh.

[Dquincy]

Sam Matterface is fine. I don't get all the angst about him.

He tells the game, his voice isn't annoying. That'll do, no need to expect too much from a commentator.

[Ian]

He's full of shit and tries to generate Moments rather than just doing his job to the best of his ability and trusting that they'll happen.

[Giggles]

1459263825086062595

He’s not wrong. Shows how oblivious these cunts really are.

[Spikey M]

He's not wrong if that's what he was doing, but I doubt it was. He was almost certainly doing it to the Albania fans who we have quite a long history of racist abuse from. Their team refused to "take the knee" and the fans booed it, then whistled at our players.

It's a big stretch to assume he was aiming that at Man Utd fans.

[Yevrah]

Has OGS also not been a disgrace for Man Utd?

[Shindig]

He's not wrong if that's what he was doing, but I doubt it was. He was almost certainly doing it to the Albania fans who we have quite a long history of racist abuse from. Their team refused to "take the knee" and the fans booed it, then whistled at our players.

It's a big stretch to assume he was aiming that at Man Utd fans.

Let's not forget their match with Poland was halted when they hurled bottles from the stands.

[Don]

Lads, just cause you clap away at your fucking melts taking the knee doesn't wash your own reputation as disgusting gammons who can't behave.

[Shindig]

Lads, just cause you clap away at your fucking melts taking the knee doesn't wash your own reputation as disgusting gammons who can't behave.

250 injured in Iran stadium collapse. (https://gulfnews.com/uae/around-250-hurt-in-iran-stadium-collapse-1.416119) Although that's a 2001 news piece inexplicably tagged as happening 4 days ago. :moop:

[Don]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munich_air_disaster

[Jimmy Floyd]

I've got some bad news about the Tay railway bridge.

[niko_cee]

I had a tip from a Jewish chap to stay away from lower Manhattan.

[Shindig]

Sounds like Czechoslovakia's under new ownership.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Very enjoyable Bosnia 0-2 Finland ongoing, a game which either must win, and in which Finland are down to ten men. A classic example of the 'home crowd adding pressure' genre.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Oh and the coach has just taken Pjanic off, which has to go down as some form of seppuku.

EDIT: 1-2, maybe it's a masterstroke.

[Pen]

Luckily it wasn’t 😎 we were great today. Last time we played them there we lost 4-1.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Do you think you will go through with a point, or do you need to win vs France?

[Pen]

It’s very tight. 1-1 could do it, but we’ll see. Ukraine have only beaten us during the whole campaign, so it’s not like I expect them to spank Bosnia away.

[Pen]

There’s a chance we’ll go through with a loss too.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I saw Ukraine have managed five 1-1 draws from seven games, which is a great effort. I hope you do it.

[niko_cee]

I know much is made of "THE ENGLAND BAND" but what's the deal with this Wales effort? They seem to have a full big band on the PA system for their [dreadful] chants.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Yeah, full drum kit accompanying 'Oh Danny Ward' made me turn it off unfortunately.

[igor_balis]

Maguire being a bomb scare for man utd for months then doing the hands to the ears celebration to suggest he's silenced the critics cus he's scored against Albania is like if when I worked at the bank I'd spent months having till differences, breaking expensive equipment and accidentally putting the wrong reference numbers when transferring money for customers (may or may not have happened) then ran around the shopping centre doing the FIFA SHHH celebration after I successfully showed an old person how to withdraw a tenner from an ATM

[Jimmy Floyd]

Macedonia five minutes from making the playoffs. 2-1 up vs Iceland. The picture is grainier than the contents of Jeremy Corbyn's kitchen cupboard, but I'm here for it.

[Waffdon]

I think Scotland pretty much secure a seeded spot with a draw tomorrow assuming Wales don’t beat Belgium. Hopefully not arsed now since they conceded against Faroes

[Jimmy Floyd]

Hector Cuper's DR Congo are into the final playoffs.

If there's any way of getting it somewhere I recommend Ghana v South Africa kicking off now - the latter need a point to knock out the former and progress.

[-james-]

https://mola.tv/watch?v=vd36251485xx

Need to make an account but it's streaming here.

[Giggles]

The orange is out and memories of Macedonia come flooding back :uhoh:

[Giggles]

Are there many other sets of brothers playing for different countries? I’ve a vague notion of maybe Switzerland and Turkey have a set, or maybe it’s Switzerland and Italy?

[Adramelch]

The Boatengs come to mind (not anymore, but in terms of recent occasions). The one you are thinking are Xhaka and his brother who play for Switzerland and Albania.

[Waffdon]

Xhaka’s brother plays for Albania I think

[Giggles]

That’s the one, I’d forgot about the Boatengs too.

[Adramelch]

Thiago's brother plays for Brazil as well. Or well played a few games.

[The Merse]

Max and Christian Vieri are the first set I remember.

The Fuenos Mori’s (the shit ex Everton ones) and the Pogbas are the only other recent ones know of.

[Don]

BuT hE's NoT gOoD eNoUgH fOr ThE pReM.

[Waffdon]

Scotland to knock Portugal out of the play offs :cool:

[Giggles]

Lovely to see Serbia do them.

[Waffdon]

Beating Serbia isn’t for everyone.

[-james-]

Typed this up to get my head around it.

Portugal, Russia, Switzerland, Sweden, Poland look like they're locked in to be seeded for the play-offs. North Macedonia, Turkey, Finland, Austria locked in unseeded.

Whichever of Wales, Scotland and Czech Republic ends up with the best record gets the last seeded spot. Scotland are on 14 points with +5 GD and host Denmark, Wales are 14 points +5 GD (more goals scored than Scotland) away to Belgium, and the Czechs are on 11 points +3 GD at home to Estonia.

Wales need a draw and to match Scotland's result, Scotland need to improve on Wales' result, Czech Republic need a two goal win with the other two losing.

edit: Actually Wales and Scotland both winning would see them both through and punt Sweden down.

[Ian]

https://i.ibb.co/wyY71Nd/image.png

Cronaldo getting arsey on Wikipedia tonight I see.

[Waffdon]

Typed this up to get my head around it.

Portugal, Russia, Switzerland, Sweden, Poland look like they're locked in to be seeded for the play-offs. North Macedonia, Turkey, Finland, Austria locked in unseeded.

Whichever of Wales, Scotland and Czech Republic ends up with the best record gets the last seeded spot. Scotland are on 14 points with +5 GD and host Denmark, Wales are 14 points +5 GD (more goals scored than Scotland) away to Belgium, and the Czechs are on 11 points +3 GD at home to Estonia.

Wales need a draw and to match Scotland's result, Scotland need to improve on Wales' result, Czech Republic need a two goal win with the other two losing.

If we’re seeded, Macedonia and then Poland/Russia please driver

[Giggles]

Josh Cullen is turning into a decent player since he went to Belgium.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Finland aren't locked in anything, but I guess Ukraine would be unseeded too (and more dangerous lurkers).

[Don]

I'm counting about 9 solid sides and only 3 qualification spots with 9 individual face-offs :drool: some will probably clash but that March international break might actually not warrant self-harm.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Portugal have made an almighty horlicks of that group with their squad, or maybe Jorge Mendes's propaganda machine has just made me think they're better than they are.

[Giggles]

Serbia are just a better team than them.

[Kikó]

Portugal are probably better than being managed. Santos has probably stayed a few tournaments too long.

They played with zero urgency last night and Serbia did deserve it. The front three of Portugal were dire/ineffective (Jota, Silva, Ronaldo followed by an awful cameo from Bruno). They've also got an ancient centre defence. Best player by a mile away Renato Sanches and he took him off.

[John Arne]

Romania giving a debut to a 15yr old (with 8 pro games under his belt) in a crucial World Cup qualifier is very FM.

Born in 2006 :yev:

[Spikey M]

Dean Smith to Norwich is confirmed. What's the point in that?

[Jimmy Floyd]

Probably a good appointment, he has form with Good Football sides at the top end of the Championship, which is what they are.

Surprised he's back in so quickly, mind. These days they all tend to take 9 months off to 'study the game' before announcing their return with a couple of guest slots on 'MNF' or Goals on Sunday, then getting a job soon after.

[Smjffy]

Dean Smith to Norwich is confirmed. What's the point in that?

Has Premier League experience, has got a team promoted, did decent work with Walsall and Brentford, ties in with Norwich's ethos of good football.

He could be a decent addition tbf.

[Baz]

He’ll ensure their promotion next season. That’s all Norwich care about.

[-james-]

He’ll ensure their promotion next season. That’s all Norwich care about.

Will he? He's lead teams to 9th, 10th, 9th, 5th in the Championship, and that Villa side were carried pretty hard by Grealish I think.

[Spikey M]

Norwich are far worse than Villa are and he failed to get a tune out of them once Grealish fucked off.

I'm not sure who the right appointment is, but a manager that failed with better players doesn't seem wise to me.

The nature of the sacking just seems even weirder now.

[John Arne]

If you fancy a laugh - watch Thai football.

They introduced VAR a few years back, but they are still as bent as a 9 bob note. Thus you get VAR replays that show an obvious offside/red card and the ref just ignores it :D

[John Arne]

I've said this before, I'm going to say it again. Suspensions for players picking up 2 yellows over a number of games is bullshit.



Qualifier in Jamaica
2 days ago — Any player who accumulates two yellow cards over the course of the competition is forced to miss the subsequent match.

[Ian]

I assume after my comprehensive thread* everybody's too busy watching Vietnamese football to also get into Thai football.

* Fucking hell this was nearly two years now.

[John Arne]

2 years. Fuck me, we are all getting old.

[Smjffy]

Norwich are far worse than Villa are and he failed to get a tune out of them once Grealish fucked off.

I'm not sure who the right appointment is, but a manager that failed with better players doesn't seem wise to me.

The nature of the sacking just seems even weirder now.

Can he be classed as a failure purely because he lost his best player and had to bring in a number of replacements? I'm not so sure. I don't think he's a great manager but he seems to fit Norwich's remit pretty well. I think the back end of last season and a poor start to this is probably what cost him the job.

He did also drag Villa from the brink of relegation themselves init so it could go either way. They are only five points adrift, after all.

[niko_cee]

If there's any way of getting it somewhere I recommend Ghana v South Africa kicking off now - the latter need a point to knock out the former and progress.

Seems there was some controversy (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/africa/59290195) in this one.

[Jimmy Floyd]

If African games all got replayed due to crap refereeing, we'd still be finishing off the 1986 African Nations.

[Waffdon]

Mahele is about to have an absolute field day against O’Donnell

[-james-]

Fucking hell Scotland are good.

[Waffdon]

We’re fucking pummelling these. I hope we don’t sit back and shit the bed

I can’t believe Aston Villa waste John McGinn sitting in midfield

[Waffdon]

Speaking of brothers playing international football, John Souttar’s brother plays for Australia for some reason. Probably because he’s a massive unionist. Fits in well at Stoke

[Spikey M]

Kane stat-padding :drool:

[-james-]

Kane stat-padding :drool:

It's pretty shameless. I think you've got to asterisk out goals in these sort of games in proper all time lists.

[Baz]

Speaking of brothers playing international football, John Souttar’s brother plays for Australia for some reason. Probably because he’s a massive unionist. Fits in well at Stoke

He’s massive

[Waffdon]

Aye, he was meant to be our best youth prospect alongside Ryan Gauld. Was about 6ft6 when he was in our first team squad at 15. Looked like he went to shit but seems to have settled at Stoke. Well, until that injury the other day.

[Ian]

Kane stat-padding :drool:

He's going to end up with 80 odd international goals and about 2% of them will be in any way meaningful.

He'll still be at Tottenham of course, having been tricked into signing a contract extension.

[Smjffy]

I used to think the same thing when Rooney notched up his numbers against similar opposition. I can't find anything substantial but take away qualifying stages of which the bulk of those in each group are relatively useless, seven goals in actual tournaments was the total he got but I can't find out how many games he played.

I still think goals should be rated in order of importance and tbf to Rooney, I'm pretty sure he scored important ones as opposed to the 5th, 6th or 7th in routs.

[Ian]

I'd totally agree and I've thought the same about Rooney. After Euro 2004 didn't he go about a decade without a tournament goal before bundling one in against Ukraine or somebody?

[SvN]

Imagine if that goal was in any way meaningful.

[Smjffy]

I'd totally agree and I've thought the same about Rooney. After Euro 2004 didn't he go about a decade without a tournament goal before bundling one in against Ukraine or somebody?

Slightly skewed stat if true though since England failed to qualify for one. 2008's? I can't even remember if it was Euro's or World Cup.

[Mellberg]

We’re fucking pummelling these. I hope we don’t sit back and shit the bed

I can’t believe Aston Villa waste John McGinn sitting in midfield

I'm hoping that's about to change. He used to play there. Luiz and Sanson deep. McGinn in front. Two from Traore/Buendia/Bailey wide. One of Watkins OR Ings up top. Martinez in goal. Cash, Konsa, Mings and Targett (for now if he doesn't sort his shit out) at the back. Decent bench. Job done.

Smith did himself in with that 352. He was trying to get Watkins and Ings in the same side, which I understand, but it ruined every other aspect of the team and he was way too slow to realise. Then Wolves happened and there's been no way back from there. Hope he does well. We were 7 points adrift with 4 to play, so he has it in his locker. Have absolutely no idea how shit Norwich are having not watched them.

[Offshore Toon]

Che fucking Adams, you don. :drool:

[Smjffy]

Not seen too much of them but if they had someone who could put the ball away then they'd stand half a chance. On paper there goals against seems like they are whooping boys but when you take into account that 15 of those were against Man City, Liverpool and Chelsea alone, the majority of their results seem pretty close. Not that that reflects in performances but doesn't seem as bad when you strip it down.

[Ian]

Slightly skewed stat if true though since England failed to qualify for one. 2008's? I can't even remember if it was Euro's or World Cup.

One tournament doesn't skew it that much, but if you'd like me to be fairer I've just checked and after 2004 I think he scored three in seventeen tournament games. There's no point pissing them in qualifying against dross if you're then going to do bugger all when it actually matters.

[Waffdon]

I’m in love with Ché Adams and his Scottish granny

[Waffdon]

Give us the Italians in the play off finals

[Mellberg]

What a result for the Jock bastards.

[Mellberg]

Are they seeded now?

[Manc]

Tremendous effort from Italy. Hopefully that penalty miss haunts Jorginho for the remainder of his days.

[Waffdon]

Are they seeded now?

Scotland are, if you mean them. We won’t lose at Hampden in the semis. Hopefully get another home game in the finals.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Fuck Italy and all who sail in her. Hopefully get dumped out by Wales or something equally embarrassing.

[Mellberg]

I hope top Ireland are blasting out It's Coming Rome.

[Smjffy]

One tournament doesn't skew it that much, but if you'd like me to be fairer I've just checked and after 2004 I think he scored three in seventeen tournament games. There's no point pissing them in qualifying against dross if you're then going to do bugger all when it actually matters.

Fair comment but then England as whole did bugger all during his time with them. Prime Rooney in this current England team (or at least the England team that shows up at times) would be considered a better player than he was then too, I reckon. There are a few players in this one that actually express themselves and don't shrink unlike the mismanaged Golden Generation.

Just my opinion, bias as you like.

[Lewis]

Wayne Rooney went into two tournaments injured and the others playing alongside some absolute shit (2014 must be the worst squad of my lifetime). He should have called it a day after 2014, but nobody was forcing us to pick him in pissing midfield.

[Ian]

I think Rooney often played quite poorly for England when it mattered even just taking into account the stuff he could personally control but then you'd have thought especially the years around 2010 they'd have just done what United did and had him stand in the box and focus on a way to get him the ball.

Also pretty sure Smiff's been hacked given we're talking about a former United player and he's the one defending him.

[phonics]

The font was really bad on the itv score bug and I got in from the cinema thinking we’d just beaten San Marino 0-40.

[Smjffy]

You couldn't really drop Wayne Rooney though. Well, you could but England have never really seemed to have a strong enough manager to do so. Southgate benching Kane in recent games is a good sign, not that I rate him all that much either but he's done more with your national team than most have. Still a bit too green for my liking.

Smiff's a changed man, he probably has been for the last two years but you may only see it a smidge as I appear to have found myself back amongst you full time instead of lurking every once in a while. Time will tell if that's a good thing or not because let's face it, history sticks. Off topic as it may be, I didn't realise I actually missed this place and what it offers at times.

[Baz]

luv u tim

[Ian]

Southgate benching Kane in recent games is a good sign

He'll start every important game he's fit for and likely see them all through to the end because Waistcoat works on the assumption he'll need penalty takers rather than trying to win the game.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Kane is perfect for slotting Albania, Slovakia, the Grand Duchy of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, and so on. It's in the top, top games where you wonder if he's contributing much. If there was even a Plan B it would be something, but it doesn't appear that there is.

[Spikey M]

Who would be plan b though? Abraham has been a donkey everytime I've seen him. Rashford? Lol. Calvert-Lewin is probably the only player you could potentially replace Kane with, but if he doesn't score then Southgate would get dragged over hot coals for doing it.

[niko_cee]

Harry Maguire false 9.

[Andy]

I’m in love with Ché Adams and his Scottish granny

His work off the ball is always so good that when he goes on one of these goal scoring runs he looks like one of the best strikers in Europe. Then he doesn't score for 10 matches and you're left pulling your hair out. Hopefully he finds a bit of goal scoring consistency, it's the only thing that let's him down.

[Dquincy]

1460392503723630595

Bellingham looking like he's been photoshopped into the photo.

[Andy]

Who would be plan b though? Abraham has been a donkey everytime I've seen him. Rashford? Lol. Calvert-Lewin is probably the only player you could potentially replace Kane with, but if he doesn't score then Southgate would get dragged over hot coals for doing it.

Kane has another year to play himself into domestic form ahead of the world cup. Rightly so he will be our main man again. I think long term it will be Greenwood, all the others Calvert-Lewin, Rashford, Ings, Watkins etc are just such a step down its better to try and force it with Kane.

[Baz]

Who’s that in front of Trent?

[Andy]

Who’s that in front of Trent?

I think it's Ramsdale.

[Shindig]

I think Rooney tended to get further into midfield just to get the ball and make something happen. Kane does get deeper but that usually allows Sterling or someone to become a threat. I can't think for the life of me who would've done something similar in Rooney's time.

[Jimmy Floyd]

A whole narrative developed around Rooney, from early in his career, that because he could pass, he would end up in midfield. Absolute horse shit as he didn't have the engine for it, but people believed it anyway.

[Ian]

We should get Kane back on corners. Recapture some of the Euro 2016 magic.

[Ian]

A whole narrative developed around Rooney, from early in his career, that because he could pass, he would end up in midfield. Absolute horse shit as he didn't have the engine for it, but people believed it anyway.

This is a bit like the whole "Beckham's passing is wasted on the right wing" thing that occasionally saw people try to play him as the "quarterback" despite him obviously not being up to much in that position.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Most of being a midfield player (especially post that Barcelona team) is just running and positioning. Passing is show pony stuff for the most part.

[Shindig]

And vision. What good is passing if you can't spot the run?

[Spikey M]

1460574815526531078?t=-WiV_VXZ5OUZ_0ww53_E5g&s=19

[Ian]

Is he still complaining about his cell not having an en-suite and a hot tub?

[SvN]

A whole narrative developed around Rooney, from early in his career, that because he could pass, he would end up in midfield. Absolute horse shit as he didn't have the engine for it, but people believed it anyway.

And yet he did end up there, for United and England.

[Yevrah]

The narrative is a powerful thing, look at Steve Bruce being a good manager who can organise a defence.

[Giggles]

He was too late for the 'midfielders don't need to be able to move' era.

[Jimmy Floyd]

And yet he did end up there, for United and England.

Not for long, and he shouldn't have been there.

[Pepe]

He was too late for the 'midfielders don't need to be able to move' era.

Plus he was not talented enough to play there.

[Baz]

Course he was. Rooney was fucking mega.

[SvN]

Not for long, and he shouldn't have been there.

His performances, particularly for England, were among the worst I've seen from a top level player. He was absolutely dreadful.

[Manc]

The narrative is a powerful thing, look at Steve Bruce being a good manager who can organise a defence.

Let it go.

[Kikó]

I think he's brain damaged.

[Pepe]

Course he was. Rooney was fucking mega.

He was a very good player, but he was no "number ten". Just like playing Zidane as a striker would have been pointless.

[Yevrah]

I think he's brain damaged.

I’m not the one who thinks a manager is good, but wouldn’t want him anywhere near his club, even on a short term basis.

In any case, the wider point here is that THE NARRATIVE is probably the strongest single force in sport. It kept Bruce in top level management for years, diverted Rooney from the knackers yard and into midfield and was so powerful with Roberto Martinez, he’s still getting linked to top jobs.

[Jimmy Floyd]

My new pilot for 'Yevrah' will involve a premise where he wakes up one morning and everyone else in the world is now Steve Bruce. Next door neighbour is Steve Bruce, the milkman is Steve Bruce, the builders outside are all Steve Bruce; the bus to work is crammed full of 30 odd Steve Bruces, all of them good managers, all of them able to organise a defence, none of them able to get a job in football management. Two Steve Bruces are fucking loudly downstairs while another Steve Bruce watches. Steve Bruce is everywhere, and Steve Bruce is everything.

[Yevrah]

That would also mean that Steve Bruce would be at the cricket and England would never win anything again.

[Spikey M]

My new pilot for 'Yevrah' will involve a premise where he wakes up one morning and everyone else in the world is now Steve Bruce. Next door neighbour is Steve Bruce, the milkman is Steve Bruce, the builders outside are all Steve Bruce; the bus to work is crammed full of 30 odd Steve Bruces, all of them good managers, all of them able to organise a defence, none of them able to get a job in football management. Two Steve Bruces are fucking loudly downstairs while another Steve Bruce watches. Steve Bruce is everywhere, and Steve Bruce is everything.

Of course the only mirror in the house has a sheet hanging over it and in the season finale he finally rips it down. Discovering what he's always know deep down.

Yes.

Yevrah is Mark Hughes.

[Don]

I’m not the one who thinks a manager is good, but wouldn’t want him anywhere near his club, even on a short term basis.

In any case, the wider point here is that THE NARRATIVE is probably the strongest single force in sport. It kept Bruce in top level management for years, diverted Rooney from the knackers yard and into midfield and was so powerful with Roberto Martinez, he’s still getting linked to top jobs.

So powerful was THE NARRATIVE it won Wigan Athletic the FA Cup :happycry:

[Kikó]

Of course the only mirror in the house has a sheet hanging over it and in the season finale he finally rips it down. Discovering what he's always know deep down.

Yes.

Yevrah is Mark Hughes.

I hope Ricky Gervais is free for this.

[Shindig]

Is he still complaining about his cell not having an en-suite and a hot tub?

I had to double-check the Louis Saha that was also arrested wasn't the ex-United bloke.

[-james-]

Netherlands vs Norway is eye-bleedingly bad. Netherlands drop from first to third if Norway score though so soldiering on in the interests of potential banter.

[-james-]

Turkey currently in the play-off spot having conceded 16 goals in 10 games. That's got to be some sort of record for a team that progresses.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Cameroon have done away with the Ivory Coast tonight. Probably for the best as the latter started with 33 year old Max Gradel and Sebastien Haller.

Zambo-powered Cameroon not the worst prospect perhaps.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Hang on, the Dutch both managed to screw that game against Montenegro and are back to behind closed doors? What a stupid, if tall, race of people.

[Smjffy]

Cameroon have done away with the Ivory Coast tonight. Probably for the best as the latter started with 33 year old Max Gradel and Sebastien Haller.

Zambo-powered Cameroon not the worst prospect perhaps.

I thought Haller was Dutch for some reason so imagine my surprise when a Google showed he's neither and was actually born in France but plays for the Ivory Coast.

Not a fan of players playing for pretty much anyone. What's the link here?

[Ian]

His mum is Ivorian.

[Manc]

Know her well?

[Waffdon]

Turkey getting through will do nicely. Ché Adams will run riot against them

[Smjffy]

Aye, I clocked that.

On to more important matters.

Wales. :cool: We're absolutely holding our own against Belgium.

Cursing the 0-0'er against Estonia not so long back but I reckon we'll be at the World Cup.

[Shindig]

Altrincham 2-3 Gateshead

Macauley Langstaff with a 91st minute winner. A live TV tie against Charlton is up next.

[Ian]

Know her well?

Of course, how else would I have known?

[Jimmy Floyd]

I only know her vaguely, so I've never brought it up. It's kind of the elephant in the room.

[Adramelch]

If it's the one I'm thinking of, then you're not missing much.

[Ian]

I only know her vaguely, so I've never brought it up. It's kind of the elephant in the room.

I'd thank you to not talk about my friend that way.

[Smjffy]

PSG Womens player Aminata Diallo has been arrested after it was found she hired masked men to beat her teammate with iron bars, to get her out of the way and ensure herself more playing time. :cab:

Plot twist. Probably late to the party but if not...

https://www.espn.com/soccer/paris-saint-germain--frapsg/story/4521083/psg-attack-investigation-eric-abidal-to-be-questioned-by-french-police

[Luca]

i only know her vaguely, so i've never brought it up. It's kind of the éléphant in the room.

ftfy

[igor_balis]

Elephunk

[Lewis]

His dad bringing his elephant washing business home.

[Dquincy]

The seeding for the 2022 World Cup play offs:

Pot 1:

🇵🇹 Portugal
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
🇮🇹 Italy
🇷🇺 Russia
🇸🇪 Sweden
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Wales

Pot 2:

🇹🇷 Turkey
🇵🇱 Poland
🇲🇰 North Macedonia
🇺🇦 Ukraine
🇦🇹 Austria
🇨🇿 Czech Republic

Only 3 nations will go to Qatar 2022. Who's your 3?

[Pen]

Let’s hope the mum doesn’t bring her work home too.

Speaking of which, I noticed an Adebayor got a hat trick for Niger few days ago.

[Waffdon]

The seeding for the 2022 World Cup play offs:

Pot 1:

���� Portugal
�������������� Scotland
���� Italy
���� Russia
���� Sweden
�������������� Wales

Pot 2:

���� Turkey
���� Poland
���� North Macedonia
���� Ukraine
���� Austria
���� Czech Republic

Only 3 nations will go to Qatar 2022. Who's your 3?

Wales and Sweden being a top seed is nice. Hopefully Poland draw Italy or Portugal and the latter two are in the same path. Never happening though, we’ll get Poland at home with the winner facing Italy away.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Think you're mistaking Poland for a good team.

40% chance you get in the same bath as Portugal or Italy, 60% chance you don't. Nothing to fear from a home tie vs anyone unseeded, imo.

[Mellberg]

Yeah, the draw is absolutely key here. Wales or Scotland beating Italy or Portugal at this stage would take a monumental effort. Not impossible, but extremely unlikely. Shouldn't fear Sweden or Russia either. Good enough to turn both over. I hope you both make it, but it's one maximum and even that will be a challenge.

Chances of Italy and Portugal being in the same group are zero.

[Giggles]

Is there any way Wales can knock Scotland out? :drool:

[Adramelch]

Let’s hope the mum doesn’t bring her work home too.

Speaking of which, I noticed an Adebayor got a hat trick for Niger few days ago.

That's not THE Adebayor is it? He was playing for Togo.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Chances of Italy and Portugal being in the same group are zero.

It's 20%, unless they use the warm balls technique which has been prolifically deployed in previous playoffs.

[Spikey M]

Is there any way Wales can knock Scotland out? :drool:

I've no idea how this stuff works, but I imagine it's Pot 1 vs Pot 2, sadly.

[Bernanke]

Presumably if they both beat their pot 2 matchups and are in the same "group" or whatever it's called they will meet in the "final playoff"?

[Giggles]

I've no idea how this stuff works, but I imagine it's Pot 1 vs Pot 2, sadly.

It’s not just one round though is it? Be far too many European teams to let through at the expense of Burkina Faso and Yemen.



_

[Ian]

They're mixed in with Nations League teams so you basically have three teams qualifying from a few four-team playoffs as I understand it.

But does that mean even if Wales and Scotland are pot 1 there'll still be multiple pot 1 teams per four-team playoff?

[Jimmy Floyd]

I was looking at the format for the next World Cup (48 teams) the other day, and it really is going to be a car crash. 16 groups of three, so the final games will be played with both teams knowing what they have to do, and there is talk of the West Germany v Austria scenario being mitigated by having compulsory penalty shootouts for any draw.

Infantino is a very bad man indeed, possibly as bad as Blatter.

[Jimmy Floyd]

They're mixed in with Nations League teams so you basically have three teams qualifying from a few four-team playoffs as I understand it.

But does that mean even if Wales and Scotland are pot 1 there'll still be multiple pot 1 teams per four-team playoff?

There are 12 teams, 6 seeded and 6 not. They are divided into three 'paths' which each have a semi and a final. So Scotland and Wales, both seeded, could play each other in the final if they are drawn into the same path.

[Manc]

I'd put good money down on Sweden reaching Qatar.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I watched their game vs Georgia, having re-introduced Zlatan they were utterly dire. He is a bad player who disrupts the team and they need to bin him to have any chance.

[Ian]

I was looking at the format for the next World Cup (48 teams) the other day, and it really is going to be a car crash. 16 groups of three, so the final games will be played with both teams knowing what they have to do, and there is talk of the West Germany v Austria scenario being mitigated by having compulsory penalty shootouts for any draw.

Infantino is a very bad man indeed, possibly as bad as Blatter.

It is atrocious. International tournaments are the only football I actively look forward to these days and they're ruining that too.

[Spikey M]

What a mess this bollocks is. They must dying for a few civil wars so they can squeeze some more countries in.

[Manc]

I watched their game vs Georgia, having re-introduced Zlatan they were utterly dire. He is a bad player who disrupts the team and they need to bin him to have any chance.

The Isak-Forsberg combination will see them through.

[Waffdon]

Think you're mistaking Poland for a good team.

40% chance you get in the same bath as Portugal or Italy, 60% chance you don't. Nothing to fear from a home tie vs anyone unseeded, imo.

I think we could beat them at home but they’re probably the best team in the unseeded pot. Maybe Austria if they get their act together but we really should have beaten them home and away rather than just away.

I really wouldn’t fancy an away game to Russia. Referees on the pay roll and all that

[Pen]

That's not THE Adebayor is it? He was playing for Togo.

Yeah, obviously not. Was hoping that Jimmy would’ve been triggered by my post to tell us the untold tales of the Adebayors. Seemingly Victorien lives for the national team judging by his stats.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victorien_Adebayor

[Don]

Portugal, Italy and ideally seeing the Russian World Cup Committee dump Wales or Scotland out in the most disgusting manner possible, please.

[Adramelch]

I watched their game vs Georgia, having re-introduced Zlatan they were utterly dire. He is a bad player who disrupts the team and they need to bin him to have any chance.

I could see the value in having Zlatan with them, but it'd have to be on a "our system's not working, we're creating nothing, let's get Zlatan on as a sub and hope he does something" basis, rather than him starting/building the tactic around him. Doubt he'd go for it though.

[Waffdon]

Portugal, Italy and ideally seeing the Russian World Cup Committee dump Wales or Scotland out in the most disgusting manner possible, please.

You love us.

[Don]

I do and Scotland is definitely in the top 4 sides out of that lot in terms of value they'd be adding to the tournament but the Russian World Cup Committee offer potential seethe from the dirty European cunts and obviously bring the hotties too.

[Pen]

Zlatan will be banned for Swedens first game in the playoffs as he got his second yellow against Spain.

[Giggles]

Russia are a European country @Don (https://www.thethirdhalf.co.uk/member.php?u=69) you mong, but yes I like the sentiment though. Russia, Italy, and Portugal would probably annoy the most. Poland would be acceptable too.

[Spikey M]

The majority of Russia is in Asia.

Edit: No it isn't. Fuck off Spikey, you dickhead.

[Pen]

I would prefer to have Italy and Portugal in the World Cup out if that lot with Scotland and maybe Sweden.

Wales, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine would be the worst possible outcome for me.

[Ian]

Edit: No it isn't. Fuck off Spikey, you dickhead.

:D

[Waffdon]

I would prefer to have Italy and Portugal in the World Cup out if that lot with Scotland and maybe Sweden.

Wales, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine would be the worst possible outcome for me.

Ilmari Niskanen is going to be one of my favourite players over the last few years. He smiles more than Ngolo Kante :wub:

[Jimmy Floyd]

I want Wales and Scotland to go through.

I'll take one of Italy and Portugal in the finals and the other one to crash out in hilarious fashion with tears aplenty.

[Spikey M]

Nobody cries like Ronaldo, but I want Italian suffering. The bastards.

[Waffdon]

It’ll be tough to knock out our Italian brothers after the shift they put in during the summer if we face each other but you have to do what you gotta do sometimes

[Don]

Russia are as European as Israel.

[Giggles]

Russia are as European as Israel.

What? :D

Half the continent is basically a model of them.

[Giggles]

One one hand I am no Ronaldo fan but I'd suck up him winning a dodgy pen to win it and then giving it the big one for all that beautiful seethe.