FIFA 2022 World Cup Group stage: Sponsored by Bud

[mo]

:D

Song's reaction was quality.

[CJay]

Lacking actual hard data to back this up, but have there been very few goals scored from corners so far?

:cool:

[Jimmy Floyd]

That was an over-celebration of truly magnificent proportions. Minimum 4-1 Serbia after that.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Nice header from the big lad.

[CJay]

Two set piece goals. I'm taking credit for this.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Oh dear Cameroon.

Keeper with a shitter.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Looks like traditional goalkeeping doesn't include the ability to stop shots.

[thommo]

Anguissa is always good for one of those every game, pissing about with the ball under pressure and losing it in a bad area.

[Jimmy Floyd]

This subs running across the pitch to celebrate goals thing is so cringe. Red cards for everyone please.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Cameroon on the ropes.

[SvN]

Answered the phone 4 minutes ago when it was 1-0, just finished and saw that I've managed to miss 2 goals.

[Cord]

Best half of the tournament that. Maybe not as a storyline (as in Saudi/Argentina), but as a game.

[Don]

Another gulf in class here thanks to having a defensive unit of bums. The Arabs are saving African football.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Another gulf in class here thanks to having a defensive unit of bums. The Arabs are saving African football.

You mean Morocco are saving it. Tunisia are like watching a dog take a shit and then sniff it for 90 minutes.

Morocco are an unofficial European side anyway by heritage, as are Senegal to some extent. Africa has had no chance globally since all the money went into European facilities in the late 90s and 00s. Asia has no chance really either if we're talking about getting into the world's top 10. Mexico will fade away too.

[Don]

That's Tunisia since I came across the nation in '98 though, no need to rock the boat.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Over the next few years I'd expect to see Guinea, Algeria, Ghana, Nigeria come through and do well alongside Morocco/Senegal. Maybe Cameroon and DRC with a fair wind. These are the countries with loads of players piled into European academies. Not sure what the future holds for Egypt, they're a bit stuck out on a limb. Tunisia will always be the same unless they get a big time Frenchie to declare for them (Benzema was Tunisian I think).

South Africa and the like have no/very little chance.

[thommo]

Serbia have been pretty chaotic but they do play some great stuff. Especially with Tadic dropping in and playing some lovely passes for the runners.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

What a lovely goal that is.

Pure class.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I assume this keeper has just been dragged in off the street.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Aboubakar :drool:

[wullie]

Even if he was offside I'd give him that just for the finish.

[Jimmy Floyd]

That was onside wasn't it?

Yes, it was. Taxi for the lino.

[Cord]

That was a proper 'Don't see those in football anymore' finish.

Should count as two goals.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Also, why is Aboubakar no longer the starter? Is he injured or has Song lost his mind?

Or maybe this was the plan.

What a don Aboubakar is.

[Giggles]

That was a proper 'Don't see those in football anymore' finish.

Should count as two goals.

Don't get Jimmy started.

[wullie]

Wasn't expecting this game to be as good as it's been, nice swansong for the 10am kickoffs.

[Lofty]

Spunked my £5 free bet from Sky on Cameroon at 2-1 for 20/1, mon the terrible Serbian offside trap.

[SvN]

Best game of the tourney so far, this. Could end up 5-5.

[thommo]

What a fucking game this is. That Aboubakar goal was glorious, I feel like he wouldn't have gone for the outrageous lob if he knew he was onside.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Who could have foreseen Serbia massively losing their composure for no real reason.

[mo]

Went upstairs to put some washing away and assumed that scooped finish was ruled out, came back downstairs and it's 3-3 :cab:

[CJay]

This is absolutely fantastic. That scoop. :drool:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Another gulf in class here thanks to having a defensive unit of bums. The Arabs are saving African football.

:harold:

[SvN]

The scoop was a proper throwback, Poborsky-esque.

[Jimmy Floyd]

A draw suits neither team here so surely someone wins it. Utter chaos.

[Magic]

Fuck, completely forgot about this game!

[Ben]

I've subscribed to Jimmy's ball theory.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Andros Townsend has been brilliant in the tournament thus far.

He needs to be on more games.

[CJay]

The semi-automated offside system is a real triumph of technology. Haven't heard any complaints about offsides so far really.

[igor_balis]

Andros Townsend has been brilliant in the tournament thus far.

He needs to be on more games.

Agreed, much better commentator than player based on early evidence.

[Boydy]

After having last week off, of course the first game when I'm working again is a cracker.

[Jimmy Floyd]

The semi-automated offside system is a real triumph of technology. Haven't heard any complaints about offsides so far really.

The Aboubakar scoop goal also a triumph for the much-maligned 'Linesman has to wait before flagging' principle.

[Don]

The semi-automated offside system is a real triumph of technology. Haven't heard any complaints about offsides so far really.

Presumably it'll be brought in pronto for next season but the remainder of this season's club football is going to be like reverting back to the stone age and that's ignoring the other beauties like the stoppage time and not calling soft fouls.

[CJay]

A draw suits neither team here so surely someone wins it. Utter chaos.

Andros seems to think a draw suits Serbia, but yeah I can see Switzerland getting a point today, and if not, keeping a defeat to Serbia to a single goal.

[CJay]

The Aboubakar scoop goal also a triumph for the much-maligned 'Linesman has to wait before flagging' principle.

Yep. Why does the linesman even have to bother flagging there though? Just let VAR check. Maybe it feeds into their 'correct decisions' data.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Andros seems to think a draw suits Serbia, but yeah I can see Switzerland getting a point today, and if not, keeping a defeat to Serbia to a single goal.

Classic footballer thinking, 'oh we'll win the next game' / backing themselves more than is logical.

What if Switzerland win 1-0 against Brazil, then they're borderline out with a draw here.

[SvN]

Yep. Why does the linesman even have to bother flagging there though? Just let VAR check. Maybe it feeds into their 'correct decisions' data.

On the other hand, you have commenatators bitching about late flags because people are "clearly offside".

[thommo]

On the other hand, you have commenatators bitching about late flags because people are "clearly offside".

Jenas can't seem to comprehend why they let the play continue. I think he's moaned about it every game he's commentated.

[SvN]

Jenas can't seem to comprehend why they let the play continue. I think he's moaned about it every game he's commentated.

There was one a few days ago - can't remember the game - where someone looked offside and they let it go on, then called it back when the attack petered out. He was going mental about how stupid it is, and then just went quiet when the replay showed it was fucking close, and the guy was offside by a big toe.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Jenas is just shit. Simple.

[Adramelch]

Andros seems to think a draw suits Serbia, but yeah I can see Switzerland getting a point today, and if not, keeping a defeat to Serbia to a single goal.

That won't matter cause Serbia would be on 4 and Switzerland on 3 in that case no?

I don't think the draw is a good result for them, but it keeps them with a decent chance to go through for the most part.

[Jimmy Floyd]

It gives them a chance in the event that Brazil win later. If not they're likely boned.

[Adramelch]

Even in a draw, they will be able to go through by beating the Swiss by 2 goals or more, which is of course not a favorable scenario, but still not very unrealistic.

Basically, it's not one of those games where Serbia had nothing to lose and should have thrown everything at it in the end. That's my point.

[Lewis]

Lovely singing and dancing there from the Ghana boys. Any result is a bonus.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I heard a commentator last night saying that Croatia's fans had brought a lot of 'colour' to the tournament. He obviously hadn't read the script.

[Lewis]

Do Brazil still carry that shiny drum around with them, or did Dunga sell it as part of his business-first approach?

[Don]

Ghana are buoyed by Cameroon's victory here in the same way Croatia used the momentum of Poland's victory over the Saudis to see them over the line against Canada.

Asian technique vs African dumbells. Only one winner here...

[Lewis]

Asian what? I would describe this Korean team more in terms of things like discipline, hard work, and blindly following whatever the captain/coach says.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

I'm stunned that goal stands.

[Ben]

The goal sums up the game so far. Absolutely devoid of talent.

[wullie]

Korean disappointment in 4K is a treasure.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Imagine if you could defend crosses by running fast in tandem. Korea would be amazing then.

[Waffdon]

Both crosses from Jordan Ayew were class

[niko_cee]

Is it possible for England to be playing on Saturday evening or have I miscalculated (and they'll either be Saturday afternoon or Sunday evening)? 4-0 Wales notwithstanding, natch.

[Ben]

Saturday if we finish 2nd, Sunday 1st.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

That's a terrific header for the equaliser.

[mo]

I feel like there's been a lot of quick fire goals in this tournament. One side scoring two goals in quick succession.

[Boydy]

Another decent game with plenty of goals on my first day back at work. Go big on the overs for Brazil and Switzerland, lads.

7pm game will probably be 0-0 though.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Inaki Williams has been a bit tragic but thankfully they've got Kudus.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Portugal and Uruguay should be good. I'm not sure a draw works for the latter, especially if there's a winner in this game.

[Waffdon]

Didn’t have this group down as having all the goals especially after the 1st game in the group

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

That really should have been 3-3.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Son has spent 99% of this game thus far seething at his teammates.

[CJay]

Son has spent 99% of this game thus far seething at his teammates.

He's been crap. Had a great chance a short while ago where he should have taken it on his left but cut back into about 6 Ghanaians.

Either unfit or hampered by his mask.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

He's been crap. Had a great chance a short while ago where he should have taken it on his left but cut back into about 6 Ghanaians.

Either unfit or hampered by his mask.

After which he moaned at his teammate for the pass not being quick enough.

[Lewis]

The Korean manager will be getting sacked for booting off at the rules like that.

[Jimmy Floyd]

lol at the seething Koreans. Get it up you, lads. The Black European Mercenary XI have had your number.

[SvN]

I can only assume Son isn't fit, because he's been nowhere near the player he is for Spurs today. Another cracking game though.

[Ian]

Two cracking games to set us up for the Swiss boring us to death.

Still, if they beat Brazil then I shall lol all the same.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I don't understand the level of seethe at there not being time for the corner. It was already 101 minutes. Is there something in the rules/guidelines that says a corner kick extends time indefinitely?

[Lewis]

United would probably have a couple of extra titles with this new stoppage time rule. I'm a big fan.

[Don]

I don't understand the level of seethe at there not being time for the corner. It was already 101 minutes. Is there something in the rules/guidelines that says a corner kick extends time indefinitely?

The Ghanaians were easting time from 40th min onwards and in stoppage time they'd wasted in excess of 1 minute.

South Korea (and Ghana tbf) always deliver the entertainment. Great stuff.

[Jimmy Floyd]

The Ghanaians were easting time from 40th min onwards and in stoppage time they'd wasted in excess of 1 minute.

South Korea (and Ghana tbf) always deliver the entertainment. Great stuff.

I know, but that would normally just be a normal seethe, rather than a turbocharged mega-seethe leading to a red card (he must have said something pretty bad to get a straight red as well).

[Magic]

Amazing this is happening on Monday after a series of dreadful weekend games.

[Baz]

Can someone please post all the qualification permutations for each group, going into the final games, after tonight’s?

[Giggles]

RTE had Joey Ndo on today with the few Africans playing and basically patronised him for the day.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Can someone please post all the qualification permutations for each group, going into the final games, after tonight’s?

A: Holland through with a draw. Senegal-Ecuador the winner goes through, with a draw favouring Ecuador. They can only both go through if they drew and Qatar beat Holland.
B: England through with anything except a 4-goal defeat. Wales need to win and hope that Iran-USA is a draw. Iran qualify with a point if Wales don't win, and qualify regardless with a win. USA qualify with a win.
C: Poland qualify with a point. Argentina are through with a win. If they draw, Argentina must hope that Mexico at least draw, but win by no more than three. Saudi Arabia go through with a win. A draw will only do if Argentina lose. Mexico need to beat Saudi Arabia and also hope for a winner in Poland-Argentina. If Poland lose, Mexico will qualify with a four-goal swing across the two games.
D: France are already through. Australia need a point to join them, as long as Tunisia don't beat France. If Denmark win, they progress unless Tunisia beat France by more.
E: Spain qualify with a point. Japan qualify with a win. If they draw, Germany will overhaul Japan on goal difference if they beat Costa Rica by two goals. Germany have to win to have a chance. Costa Rica qualify with a point if Japan lose, or with a win if Japan don't win.
F: Morocco and Croatia both need a point to qualify. If Belgium win, they will go through. If Morocco lose to Canada, they could go out if Belgium win, or if Belgium-Croatia is a draw (in this case, only if Morocco lose by three goals).

I'll do G and H later.

[-james-]

I have reached peak football. I probably looked at my stream for about five minutes total during today's first two games. Four kick offs a day is simply too many.

[Don]

Ya, I really am looking forward to some air to breathe from tomorrow onwards. I feel hideous living like a Mahow for the last fortnight.

1597255492639883264

[Jimmy Floyd]

Yeah, I saved myself for this by hardly watching any club football this season, but the brain goes mental around the middle of the third game. Think I've only missed about two or three games so far, which teenage me would be proud of but adult me views with shame.

I'm out having a life for at least one, maybe two of the quarter-finals so that will be important.

[Lewis]

Ya, I really am looking forward to some air to breathe from tomorrow onwards. I feel hideous living like a Mahow for the last fortnight.

1597255492639883264

:lol:

Size of him as well.

[Waffdon]

Hopefully Portugal win later today so it sets up Uruguay/Ghana for winner takes all. Hopefully involves more Suarez induced seethe

[Cord]

There really isn't any sensible reason why Switzerland haven't been banned from all sport.

[Don]

Which absolute terrorist advised Paqueta to accept a move to a David Moyes West Ham? :D

Brazil look solid, it's a shame about Neymar, it's always far spicier with that cunt about.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Finally a goal, this has been pretty crap thus far.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

VAR is wank.

[7om]

Oh fuck off with that offside. Good god.

[niko_cee]

Yeah, good job these decisions are being got right now.

Am I right in thinking that had the flailing Brazilian got a touch on that then Richarlison would have then been rendered onside at that point?

[Waffdon]

Yeah, he would have been as was back onside at that point. He did look massively offside at the time so I’m not sure what took so long

[Jimmy Floyd]

Here's one to rile some of you up. What if we stopped awarding 1 point for a draw? Just 3 points for a win, and goal difference.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

The Swiss special.

1-0 the first game then draw the remaining two 0-0.

[niko_cee]

Going through with 0 points would be quite funny [assuming 1 team draws all 3, 2 others draw 2 and lose 1, and 1 wins all 3].

Realistically that idea leads to full-on Americanisation of the sport.

Maybe you need the Amsterdam Tournament scoring system.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

That was a cracking goal.

Casemiro :cool:

[Boydy]

Here's one to rile some of you up. What if we stopped awarding 1 point for a draw? Just 3 points for a win, and goal difference.

How about instead of Group A winner plays Group B runner-up etc, they just stick all qualifying teams into a big league table and the top plays the bottom, second plays second bottom etc? More incentive to go for wins and score more goals in the group stage if you'll get an easier draw in the first knockout round?

[Manc]

Switzerland offering absoutley nothing. Hopefully Serbia smash them.

[niko_cee]

He massively shanked that, didn't he?

[Giggles]

How about instead of Group A winner plays Group B runner-up etc, they just stick all qualifying teams into a big league table and the top plays the bottom, second plays second bottom etc? More incentive to go for wins and score more goals in the group stage if you'll get an easier draw in the first knockout round?

Open draw after every round.

[randomlegend]

Eder Militao looks like one of the fake players you get given at the start of the Master League on about Pro Evo 6.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Switzerland will draw 0-0 with Serbia to qualify, draw 0-0 with Portugal in the second round game (and win on penalties), then they probably have Germany in the nazi gold derby, win that 1-0, into the semis. Parties in Zurich, orgies in Basel, tax forms used as condoms in Schaffhausen.

[Manc]

Akanji is the real deal.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Just seen the disallowed one. Jesus wept. VAR is like misery's lawyer.

[Don]

With Alisson and those CBs, they don't half look solid but if Neymar doesn't come back they'll struggle against the proper sides with shite like Raphinha/Richarlison/Antony.

[Pepe]

VAR is shit. Not sure how, but we need to get rid of it. Maybe claim that it targets minorities at a higher rate?

Casemiro's goal only went in because THE BALL deflected off a defender, otherwise it would have ended on row Z.

[niko_cee]

Just seen the disallowed one. Jesus wept. VAR is like misery's lawyer.

What that sort of decision underlines is how out of step the modern VAR interpretation of VAR Offside is with, if not the original purpose of the law, then at the very least it's post-'94 variant. Coming back from an offside position, where no advantage is gained from having been in said position, needs to be something that is taken into account [and probably needs the law redrafting] because, at the moment, it works a bit like the strict liability that the 1994 reforms [I say '94 as I think that was the first World Cup they featured in] were designed to eliminate/mitigate.

[Waffdon]

I’m not really sure it’s VARs fault on this occasion though. He was 2 yards offside, the assistant would have just flagged immediately if it didn’t exist.

Still not Leao for Portugal. In comes Carvalho to partner Neves against a back 5 of Uruguay.

[Pepe]

He should have done that then. Going through celebrations only to then say 'lol nevermind' is very annoying.

[niko_cee]

When I saw the first replay I thought they might try to catch Vinicius with a halfway-line toenail offside, but when I saw someone else had touched it I thought he'd got away with it, only to walk in 5 minutes later and see it had been chalked off. It's a problem with the rule as much as it is its implementation, but VAR just amplifies it by looking for very marginal situations [although granted this one wasn't].

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

No Leao is criminal.

[Don]

Hopefully a filthy Uruguay win here, seethes all over the gaff and Suarez rested for Ghana. Scenes.

“We have said many times that we have solidarity of all humanitarian causes,” Queiroz said. “But we have solidarity with causes all over the world whoever they are. If you talk human rights, racism, kids dying at schools from shooting, we have solidarity with all. But we bring a smile for 90 minutes, that is our mission.”

:lol:

[niko_cee]

It's a top trolling effort.

[Spikey M]

The Septics are going to love that.

[Jimmy Floyd]

The national anthem of ooruguay really is the best of them all. A full minute of fucking around before the singing even starts.

[Lewis]

Good to see Pepe going round again.

[Giggles]

It would all carry more weight if Queiroz wasn't a mercenary. He probably couldn't have pointed out Iran on a map before he got the wheelbarrow of money, and he'd be strutting around in a stetson if the yanks would pay him more.

[Don]

It would all carry more weight if Queiroz wasn't a mercenary. He probably couldn't have pointed out Iran on a map before he got the wheelbarrow of money, and he'd be strutting around in a stetson if the yanks would pay him more.

Please do not comment on things you have no knowledge on because you will often make such hideously wrong statements.

[Jimmy Floyd]

The best Iranian at the World Cup is this ref, who is taking no shit. I think Gimenez had his entire fist up Joao Felix's arsehole then.

[Shindig]

Okay, that Aboubakar lob was pretty special.

[Giggles]

Please do not comment on things you have no knowledge on because you will often make such hideously wrong statements.

:D It's Carlos fucking Queiroz. Get your head out of your hole.

[Lewis]

Carlos Queiroz is a legend. One of Sir Alex Ferguson's top ten post-1999 transfers.

[Manc]

I'd pay good money to see a Keane v Queiroz punch up.

[Shindig]

The winner can fight Souness.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Doesn't it all go back to Queiroz booking them bad hotel rooms or something?

[Giggles]

Haven't seen a massive pile of games in this but this is easily the worst I've witnessed.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Pitch invader about to get beheaded.

[Lewis]

Has he even touched that?

[Jimmy Floyd]

It saddens me to say this, as I quite want them to play Brazil in the R16 for historical echoes, but Uruguay are absolutely dogshit. Barely good enough to be here.

[Lewis]

Siuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!

[Spikey M]

Why are they wanking themselves silly over that? :D

[Manc]

Has he even touched that?

Not a chance.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Has he even touched that?

They'll probably chalk up any Portugese goal as his, the way things are going. Half the crowd screamed like children when he did a couple of stepovers earlier.

[Pepe]

Claiming that goal. :D

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FirUqtOXgAAbYNo?format=jpg

Some real balls on that guy.

[CJay]

Has he even touched that?

Why are the commentators not even mentioning it? :D

[Pepe]

Lol I want to see the seethe if they give it to Fernandes.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Ally McCoist has been chatting bollocks all game. He even brought Johan Cruyff back to life a few minutes ago.

[Waffdon]

If Portugal somehow win the the whole thing with Ronaldo doing bits he should just retire. Cement himself as the greatest rapist to ever live

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Stadium announcer said it was Fernandes' :drool:

[Manc]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FirUqtOXgAAbYNo?format=jpg

Some real balls on them.

Fixed.

[Lewis]

The Goal Contribution Machine assisting his own goal.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

FIFA have officially given it to Bruno.

[Lewis]

His celebration suggests that he knew he didn't.

[Manc]

Refereeing at it's finest.

[Pepe]

This ref. :cool:

[Jimmy Floyd]

Uruguay kind of need one here because, aside from having to beat Ghana, from 1 point they're also vulnerable to Korea running a few past Portugal Reserves.

[Manc]

Portugal have lost thier best defender with Darwin coming off. Breaking down Uruguay attacks one after the other.

[Lewis]

Is Pellistri really worse than Elanga?

[Jimmy Floyd]

Was going to say, that's a clear penalty. Justice for Bruno Fernandes.

[Pepe]

Yawn.

[Pepe]

Lol they took Ronaldo off.

[Lewis]

That Uruguay shirt is crap. Like the works team for a fictional railway.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Bruno with a brace.

[Pepe]

The usual blue/black is nice too.

[niko_cee]

That's an utterly outrageous decision [Baggio chipping it into whichever Chilean's hand it was bad] but Uruguay fully deserve to be condemned to their certain fate.

[Pepe]

The fuck was that? :D

[Jimmy Floyd]

Bruno's penalty taking style is basically the same as running a rainbow flag across the pitch. That bloke will get beheaded in vain.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Lovely shot of some Uruguayan's showing their middle fingers.

[Pepe]

Another suit with white sneakers cunt.

[Boydy]

What are "forced turnovers"?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Turnovers that have been forced.

The opposite of unforced turnovers.

[Pepe]

Whatever they are, they are very important.

[Manc]

Man Utd winning the World Cup.

[Lewis]

What are "forced turnovers"?

They keep your suit off your white trainers.

[Jimmy Floyd]

If the porkos allow Korea to win say 2-0, then Uruguay have to win by three. Even winning/scoring at all will be a challenge based on that game.

[Lewis]

Ronaldo is picturing a brace of headers against Korean manlets as we speak. They aren't letting that go.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I'll do G and H later.


Can someone please post all the qualification permutations for each group, going into the final games, after tonight’s?

G: Brazil are already through. Switzerland will join them if they beat Serbia, or if they get a point and Cameroon fail to beat Brazil. Serbia qualify if they win and Cameroon fail to beat Brazil. If Cameroon do beat Brazil, they can go through, but they will also need Switzerland not to win, and goal difference to break their way.
H: Portugal are through. The winner of Uruguay-Ghana will join them, unless Korea beat Portugal. If Uruguay and Ghana draw, then Korea can still pip Ghana if they beat Portugal by three goals. Otherwise, a draw will do for Ghana. Uruguay have to win and hope that Korea do not.

[niko_cee]

Danny Gabbidon sounds EXACTLY like Tom Kerridge. It's unnerving.

[Ben]

Glad it's not just me that says that. :D

[Giggles]

I don't think I knew who it actually was but he sounds so like him.

[SvN]

Just excitedly checked what game is on at 10am, only to find that they're both on at 3pm. Gutted, I guess that's it for 10am games now?

[Jimmy Floyd]

I'm looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, when Oman v Finland will be kicking off about now.

EDIT: in group P.

[CJay]

Just excitedly checked what game is on at 10am, only to find that they're both on at 3pm. Gutted, I guess that's it for 10am games now?

Yep - real shame for us WFHers.

[John Arne]

England-Wales at 2am for me :(

[Jimmy Floyd]

I've made a decision tonight. I'm not watching Southgate's England deliberately lose 1-0 to Wales. I'm watching the other game.

[Don]

Imagine opting to watch that festival of gammon.

[niko_cee]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63780564

:harold:

Get over yourself mate.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Some of the quotes coming from the players/manager during this tournament have been pretty odd, like they're living in a completely different universe to everyone else. Which I suppose they are.

[Yevrah]

If he isn't fit that's another one to the pile of players in the team that through fitness, form or even just playing for their club, that shouldn't be there.

[Boydy]

1597524845147082752

[Guybrush]

Hardly surprising when he doesn't even know what an encyclopedia is.

[John Arne]

The guy couldn't point out Birmingham on a map of the UK. Thick as pig shit.

[randomlegend]

The guy couldn't point out Birmingham on a map of the UK. Thick as pig shit.

That's overly generous, he couldn't even recognise that it was a map of a the UK.

[thommo]

Just excitedly checked what game is on at 10am, only to find that they're both on at 3pm. Gutted, I guess that's it for 10am games now?

I'm fucked for that batch of matches, slap bang in the middle of the school run. The 7pm slot better make up for it.

[Don]

Poor Jackie lad bedding unlimited baddies yet still having to live with the shame of you virgins mocking his intellect.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Word on the street is that he does not struggle for, how can I put this, achieving a low centre of gravity.

[Adramelch]

Not to downplay his lack of intellect, but looking at his mouth shape he could actually be saying bread just with the gum and whatnot it sounds like veg.

[Don]

Word on the street is that he does not struggle for, how can I put this, achieving a low centre of gravity.

I hadn't heard that but it was clear as soon as I saw this masterpiece....


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E5EXjsDWUAg8e4H?format=jpg&name=medium

Proper don.

[Baz]

Living the dream.

[niko_cee]

I've made a decision tonight. I'm not watching Southgate's England deliberately lose 1-0 to Wales. I'm watching the other game.

Second in the group works better for me in terms of future scheduling so all aboard the misery express.

[Ben]

The fact we're talking about doing this just to avoid France is embarrassing. Via the other route we play Netherlands then (probably) Argentina. One of those two will probably dump us out anyway.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Picture the scene. 0-0 towards the end of the 13 added minutes. Dan James is set away by a cute Daffydd Llewellyn through ball. Clumsy oaf Maguire stumbles into the flying winger and scythes him down in the box. The referee waves away the protests. The fourth official is immediately besieged by furious complaints from... BOTH MANAGERS.

[Yevrah]

How are these rumours of us deliberately tanking the game manifesting themselves? Surely not from the England camp.

I hated it when we did it against Belgium four years ago, but we'd at least already won the first two games and had qualified.

[Jimmy Floyd]

We'll control the game from the back and remain in a good position in the group. Very few teams win all three group games.

[Yevrah]

I have to say Jim I'm enjoying your seeing the light over the complete tool we have in charge.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I don't know what it was in that USA game, but I definitely got triggered hard. I think it was the chorus of England players coming out afterwards saying 'good position in the group' that confirmed they had talked about 0-0 being a good result before the game and even planned a fucking media grid around the result with lines to take, like it was a botched Tory policy announcement.

And the fact that it followed a 6-2 win.

[Don]

Belgium camp seems to have exploded. KDB comments really fucked shit up it seems, was it all off the back of that dogshit Guardian interview? He seems a massive cunt.

[Yevrah]

I don't know what it was in that USA game, but I definitely got triggered hard. I think it was the chorus of England players coming out afterwards saying 'good position in the group' that confirmed they had talked about 0-0 being a good result before the game and even planned a fucking media grid around the result with lines to take, like it was a botched Tory policy announcement.

And the fact that it followed a 6-2 win.

You could see in his comments after the first game that Southgate put far more emphasis on the two conceded against Iran than the six (some of them very good) goals scored, so probably spent the intervening period working on that as he's terrified of defensive lapses when we play a stronger side. Which he needn't be as he has his ace in the pack to pull out then of 5 defenders and two holding midfielders.

[niko_cee]

Yeah, his visceral anger at conceding 2 against Iran was far more telling than the bullshit party line which followed the last game.

You could see in the last game that Trippier seemed to have been issued with some sort of do not cross the halfway line instruction. I'm not Trippier's biggest fan generally, and I think his in game attacking output has waned a lot as he's got older, but to have him playing as some sort of utility crab-back against the USA was crimous. At least Shaw is too thick to follow such instructions so continues his largely ineffective bombing on the other flank.

The thing Southgate seems to have missed amidst all of the 'pragmatism wins' thinking is that those pragmatic, defensive teams he seeks to emulate always had at least one match-winner/wildcard player [in the mould of Pogba say] who could be looked to to actually win games. Southgate would pick Mason Mount ahead of Paul Pogba.

[Yevrah]

Indeed. If we had better players (while it would obviously being an even bigger crime against talent) you could sort of see this shit working. But who is going to pull something inspirational out of the bag to win or keep us in a tight game against a good/very good side?

As for Trippier, while it's obvious why he doesn't, so much more should be made of Alexander-Arnold never getting a kick. I know all the he's crap for Liverpool lol stuff, but so are Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw for their club. I see he's also been doing the media rounds about not putting too much pressure on Phil Foden. The lad will be itching to play so he's in proper cunt territory with that one, all to suit his shitty agenda and tactics. I can't recall disliking an England manager more now I think about it. Which given he's probably a decent bloke away from his media shite and his record on paper with England, is properly fucked.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Four changes, Gareth? Four? That's insane.

[Yevrah]

If The Sun are right are we playing without a left back and Rice and Henderson?

[Luke Emia]

Indeed. If we had better players (while it would obviously being an even bigger crime against talent) you could sort of see this shit working. But who is going to pull something inspirational out of the bag to win or keep us in a tight game against a good/very good side?

As for Trippier, while it's obvious why he doesn't, so much more should be made of Alexander-Arnold never getting a kick. I know all the he's crap for Liverpool lol stuff, but so are Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw for their club. I see he's also been doing the media rounds about not putting too much pressure on Phil Foden. The lad will be itching to play so he's in proper cunt territory with that one, all to suit his shitty agenda and tactics. I can't recall disliking an England manager more now I think about it. Which given he's probably a decent bloke away from his media shite and his record on paper with England, is properly fucked.

Alexander-Arnold should be playing in these exact games as well as Foden for the fact that they do offer a bit of creativity. Trippier should specifically be used for a game like France where keeping it tight is far more important. But, even in that game if you are losing with 20 minutes to go Trent should be being chucked on to offer a bit more. The thing with him as well is yes he can be a bit shit at the back but he's also one of the few players in the squad who has played in multiple big cup finals he can't be that fucking bad.

[Jimmy Floyd]

If The Sun are right are we playing without a left back and Rice and Henderson?

The thing I read had the England's Three Lions lining up like this (and whoever in the camp leaks the XIs hours in advance should genuinely be guillotined in the national interest):

Pickford
Walker - Stones - Maguire - Shaw
Henderson - Rice - Bellingham
Foden - Kane - Trashford

[niko_cee]

It's probably Trent leaking.

[igor_balis]

Presumably Ecuador vs Senegal on ITV4 is the go to?

[Jimmy Floyd]

I never understand why they don't put the good game on the main channel in these scenarios. It's not like there's a massive Dutch diaspora here gagging to see LVG's boys in action. Actually, today is census data day so I can check.

*holding music*

23,723 Dutchies in the UK. 23,722 if you don't include Nathan Aké. Fuck them all.

[Manc]

ITV want taking off air for that decision.

[Waffdon]

Dutchies might look alright if Depay manages to get up to speed by the knockouts. Defence should be fine and that front two is nice if both fit

[CJay]

And I'v just found out Bouba Diop died 2 years ago. Totally missed that.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Ecuador clinging on a bit here. Wouldn't be a contest if Mané fit.

[CJay]

So we're looking at at best 2 South Americans and likely no North American sides in the knockout stage? Ouch.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I think it'll be more than that, but it's been a handy tournament for Asia/Africa in the last week or so.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Caicedo :cool:

Absolutely no one picked him up.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Senegal finding a second almost immediately.

Final 20 minutes should be cracking.

[Lewis]

I never understand why they don't put the good game on the main channel in these scenarios. It's not like there's a massive Dutch diaspora here gagging to see LVG's boys in action. Actually, today is census data day so I can check.

*holding music*

23,723 Dutchies in the UK. 23,722 if you don't include Nathan Aké. Fuck them all.

And they are all Somalians who moved here on Dutch passports, so we've got the worst of all conceivable worlds.

[Jimmy Floyd]

These two countries not the world centres for set piece defending, by the looks.

[Pepe]

That LAD dancing. :lol:

[niko_cee]

Hang on, the commentator in the Dutch game just said that at the next World Cup there will be no draws in the group stage, but rather there will be penalty shoot outs after every group game that ends in a draw. :sick:

[Lewis]

Switzerland rubbing their hands.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Hang on, the commentator in the Dutch game just said that at the next World Cup there will be no draws in the group stage, but rather there will be penalty shoot outs after every group game that ends in a draw. :sick:

I don't think any official decision has been made about that although it has been mentioned.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Ecuador :(

Gutted that they've lost and gone out.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I'm not. Aliou Cissé :cool:

Senegal deserve that after honking bad luck in 2018 and with the injury to Mané.

[Waffdon]

England to beat Senegal on penalties after a long and full affair.

[niko_cee]

The leak was right, lol.

Keifer Moore hattrick, Bale 98th minute thunderbolt for the first proper goal from range in the tournament.

[phonics]

Have we all forgot that Foden was total wank at the Euros and dropped for being so? Why's Saka being binned off for some chav so Jordan Henderson can have some minutes?

[Jimmy Floyd]

As a statement of malice against Arsenal FC.

If we balls this up and finish 2nd, Southgate should be gone by morning prayers. I'm sure there are a few qualified coaches out there who could step in. Gary Neville? Martin Tyler's done a bit with Woking.

[Yevrah]

The sad reality is it matters not which front 3 Southgate plays as he hasn't a clue how to get them functioning.

[Dquincy]

As a statement of malice against Arsenal FC.

If we balls this up and finish 2nd, Southgate should be gone by morning prayers. I'm sure there are a few qualified coaches out there who could step in. Gary Neville? Martin Tyler's done a bit with Woking.
If you look past Keys and Gray for interim manager, shame on you.

[niko_cee]

The sad reality is it matters not which front 3 Southgate plays as he hasn't a clue how to get them functioning.

This is it. Maybe a bit harsh on Saka, but he's functional at best most if the time and generally has about as much creative flair as a peanut. Saka and Rashford on the break against better teams in a zero flair team.

[Shindig]

Steve Bruce. It could be worse, lads.

[Yevrah]

Or Gerrard or Lampard. So yeah, I agree, it could be worse.

[Pepe]

I think that I'll be on US-Iran. The England match is bound to be dreadful and I am on the Iran for lols train.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Or Gerrard or Lampard. So yeah, I agree, it could be worse.

Maybe they could manage us together. One to handle the defensive side of things, one to help us push on in attack.

[Lewis]

I didn't even know who the England coaching staff were until I just looked it up, and now I still don't know, so there isn't a binman in there to do the business.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Crowd is great in the Iran/USA game.

Hopefully the players are up for it.

[Dquincy]

Gashford should suit this match, effectively playing against Championship quality.

[Dquincy]

Scratch that, this match is more League One levels.

[Ben]

Kane has been finished for about 18 months now. We play with him as the one striker and he doesn’t even get on the the line of defence when a cross comes in. Complete waste of space these days.

[Magic]

Fucking hell what a boring pile of shite.

[Giggles]

I was looking forward to a bit of kicking and needle in the Free World vs Allah game but the fucking thing isn't on.

[Pepe]

US looking good. Can't wait for the Iran shit goal and shut down.