2022 World Cup knockouts: RIP four games a day

[Giggles]

Whatever about trying to win a free kick, you’d wonder how embarrassed they must actually be when they pretend to be injured for so long like Mbappe did there.

[Lewis]

The slaphead who just nailed Mbappe has been the Player of the Tournament, but he can't win it because they had it engraved a month ago.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

They’re full of hustle and bustle but luck runs out. They’d have zero mentality to actually win it.

You're clearly watching a different match.

[Giggles]

You're clearly watching a different match.

Yet here we are.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I was drafting a team of the tournament just now and you could get five or six Moroccans in if you wanted. Amrabat and Ounahi surely lock out the midfield.

[Waffdon]

‘Making the most of that again’ Danny Murphy says as the Moroccan stamps on him.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Mbappé's general demeanour reminds me of that scene where Nigel Tufnel complains about the bread being too small.

[Waffdon]

Griezmann is fucking everywhere

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Hamdallah needed to hit that, wanted far too many touches.

[Giggles]

Job done.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Griezmann is fucking everywhere

He's been their best player in this tournament, not baps.

Macron can do one.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Balls.

[Giggles]

This one is lucky of course. If it had been last night we’d still be wiping media jizz out of our eyes.

[Yevrah]

Seems odd to say this given he's a good chance of winning back to back World Cups, but Deschamps is basically the French Southgate, isn't he?

[Don]

Mbappe's footwork there created that. Outrageous.

[Giggles]

Seems odd to say this given he's a good chance of winning back to back World Cups, but Deschamps is basically the French Southgate, isn't he?

Southgate if his balls had dropped.

[Lewis]

Let's have a red card or something to spice up the rioting across France later.

[Waffdon]

Seems odd to say this given he's a good chance of winning back to back World Cups, but Deschamps is basically the French Southgate, isn't he?

Pretty much. Done well with subs here at least though. They definitely win in spite of him.

[Waffdon]

Kounde has looked out his depth at right back throughout this tournament

[Yevrah]

Good good, proper final on Sunday. Morocco are decent, but basically an African/Arabic Croatia and only get so much praise as they performed well above expectations.

[Yevrah]

I would say they gave France a better run than we did mind.

[Waffdon]

That 3rd place play off will be one for the ages

[Giggles]

Lots of Messi tears in the final now please.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Me on Sunday:

https://www.warwickshireworld.com/images-o.jpimedia.uk/imagefetch/http://www.rugbyadvertiser.co.uk/webimage/Prestige.Item.1.109190197!image/image.jpg?width=640&quality=65&smart&enable=upscale

[Shindig]

I don't mind who wins. It's historic either way.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Can't work out if Drogba saying that Griezmann 'looks like Kanté' is just questionable English, or a bullet header into the top corner.

[Baz]

Bald Drogba makes me feel uneasy.

[Don]

Seems odd to say this given he's a good chance of winning back to back World Cups, but Deschamps is basically the French Southgate, isn't he?

Is this because you remember him as a player or something?

[Yevrah]

Is this because you remember him as a player or something?

More because France seem to be asleep for most of their games and individual quality seems to win through for them. Although I suppose with that talent at his disposal he's probably doing enough if he's keeping them all happy.

[Shindig]

I look at his CV and it does feel like a binman's legacy. He pissed the board off at Juve but seems good enough to land a couple of Ligue 1 titles. This French job is the one for him, it seems. Much like how Southgate has stumbled his way into Greatest living England Manager status.

[Lewis]

By rights he should have been sacked and exiled after Euro 2016, so let's not push that comparison or we'll never be rid of Southgate.

[Lewis]

I look at his CV and it does feel like a binman's legacy. He pissed the board off at Juve but seems good enough to land a couple of Ligue 1 titles. This French job is the one for him, it seems. Much like how Southgate has stumbled his way into Greatest living England Manager status.

I posted it before, but there is a good counter-factual where his Monaco win the 2004 Champions' League, he gets the Chelsea job, and Mourinho has some proto-Unai Emery career trajectory without Premierships getting him the Inter job.

[Shindig]

Nah, he'll still leave after 2024 to focus on life with his .... I presume he has a wife and kids. Or a punditry career.

[Jimmy Floyd]

His Monaco were utter dogshit (as they showed in the final) and Chelsea's first leg display to lose 3-1 to them was an utter disgrace. The tinkerman, having donned Wenger in the quarter-finals, first of all brought on a past it Veron at half time, then decided that 1-1 away against ten men (Zikos red card) was a good result and brought on Robert Huth to protect it for the last 20.

Probably the last farcical result of the Ken Bates shambles Chelsea era before Abramovich Proper kicked in over the 2004 summer.

[Pepe]

Mbappe's move for the second goal was better than Messi's yesterday.

I think the final might be good. Hopefully for France that Upamecano lad is still out.

[Pepe]

The slaphead who just nailed Mbappe has been the Player of the Tournament, but he can't win it because they had it engraved a month ago.

Surely who wins it will be decided by who of Messi and Mbappe scores more and/or lifts the trophy in the final, right? Or will Messi get it no matter what>

Speaking of, I still think that Cannavaro winning it over Zidane was criminal.

[Ian]

Mbappe possibly has the star power to win but they'll be keen to give it to Messi like they did in 2018 when Messi wasn't even Argentina's best player in the tournament.

[Adramelch]

Mbappe's move for the second goal was better than Messi's yesterday.

I think the final might be good. Hopefully for France that Upamecano lad is still out.

It was, but in the end he just got lucky with the deflection.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Last time 'FIFA World Cup' tweeted that Modric was the winner at 6.23pm on the day of the final. I'm hoping this means it still gets announced before the final (as was notoriously the case with Ollie Kahn in 2002) and that Messi is therefore a certainty.

[niko_cee]

Seems odd to say this given he's a good chance of winning back to back World Cups, but Deschamps is basically the French Southgate, isn't he?

Deschamps is clearly Southgate's model - ie negative pragmatism over anything else - Didier just has way better attacking resources to make a difference/has actually picked said players consistently [in fairness France have been quite attacking with their selections at least in this tournament which is probably why they look like they have stolen their way through every round].

[niko_cee]

first of all brought on a past it Veron at half time, then decided that 1-1 away against ten men (Zikos red card) was a good result and brought on Robert Huth to protect it for the last 20.


This has to rate as one of the all time bad managerial calls. Chelsea went from being a man-up to looking like they were playing with 9.

[Jimmy Floyd]

France have got through because they are solidly set up and Griezmann and Mbappé are brilliant. Same with Argentina/Messi.

England have the solidly set up bit but we don't have a player of that elevated quality to make things happen. Just an array of really good players. Which is why we should ditch the solid and go all out attack.

[Don]

I'm a bit of a refereeing sicko these days (I like watching the refs in other sports to inform aspects of my cricket umpiring), and I note that Argentina have had a European ref in all six of their matches, including last night's Italian twice. They even had a European ref when they played Poland in the group stage, which is unheard of in group stage play - ref is always from a neutral continent.

Think there's a better than evens chance (especially in light of what happened in the game vs Holland) that the Argie FA are hand picking their referees with FIFA. Would say the final referee is almost certain to be Szymon Marciniak from Poland, who they had vs Australia.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FkCXaooXwAMHCeP?format=jpg&name=small

[Lewis]

All Messi NARRATIVE-based conspiracy lols aside, why would FIFA allow Argentina to hand-pick their referees, and what exactly are the Argies looking for in a referee other than cowardice?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Poland in the World Cup final :drool:

[Don]

No one cares man, no bald plumber is gonna stop those twats from getting raped.


https://youtu.be/4REO0pucYY8

It's finally happening, white midget and all.

[Pepe]

Wait until we find out that THE BALL was designed to Argentinian specs to ensure that Messi would be able to score all of the goals.

[John Arne]

:d

1603418444782833667

[Jimmy Floyd]

All Messi NARRATIVE-based conspiracy lols aside, why would FIFA allow Argentina to hand-pick their referees, and what exactly are the Argies looking for in a referee other than cowardice?

Seven European refs in a row (including two instances of the same one returning) is basically impossible via the usual rules for appointments. I think in all likelihood their FA have some desperate clingy fucks who have a back channel into Collina or the committee around him and make it clear that they will only accept 'top' refs for Argentina matches. Collina/FIFA's choice is therefore either to accept this, or knowingly piss off the Argentine FA, and they've gone for appeasement.

Can't imagine a European nation bothering in the same way.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Bear in mind that the context for this is the very real threat (if not racing certainty) that CONMEBOL are going to marry up with UEFA and play in the Nations League from the next edition, which would be a huge blow to FIFA in the ongoing turf war for football's billions.

[Yevrah]

So given all that Jim, which I'm now fully on board with, how did you single out the Pole for the final? And perhaps more importantly can one bet on these things and did you?

Top bombing either way.

[Jimmy Floyd]

The possible refs for the Argentina semi and final (based on who didn't get sent home early) were:

Orsato (Italy - who got the semi)
Makkelie (Holland - ruled out of contention after the Argentina v Holland QF fight)
Taylor (England - ruled out due to nationality)
Sampaio/Claus (Brazil - ruled out due to nationality)
Turpin (France - his team progressed)
Elfath (USA - but Moroccan born, and his team progressed)
Valenzuela (Venezuela - would be rejected by Argies, if I'm right about them insisting on European refs)
Barton (El Salvador - as above)
Al Jassim (Qatar - as above - has been given 3rd place match)
Mohammed (UAE - as above)
Ramos (Mexico - did the other semi)
Frappart - is only at the tournament because she's a woman, nowhere close to world standard ref
Marciniak - only one left

The red flag for Argentina choosing their own refs was the group stage game against Poland which was officiated by Makkelie, that just wouldn't happen normally. Lahoz from Spain might have been a final candidate, but sadly got liquidated by FIFA after the QF. Another ref to be placed into the death ray was Iran's Faghani, experienced enough for the final but who ended his chances by giving Portugal that late handball penalty against Uruguay.

And no, I don't think you can bet on it, but even if you could, everything changes as the tournament goes on so you can't really predict it early. I would however predict that Marciniak will now also get the CL final, so find a market for that.

[Don]

1603365898986827782

Those tears gonna be so delicious.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63998821

Sounds like the groups of 3 idea is done which is a good thing.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Bear in mind that the context for this is the very real threat (if not racing certainty) that CONMEBOL are going to marry up with UEFA and play in the Nations League from the next edition, which would be a huge blow to FIFA in the ongoing turf war for football's billions.

No sooner do I say this than The Hood announces a 32 team FIFA Club World Cup in 2025. Just perfect. All out war.

[Gray Fox]

So they're going to try and pretend this is a bigger deal that the Champions League then, right?

We're going to get to the point where players are getting maybe a week off between finishing one season and starting the next.

[Don]

Oh no, won't somebody think of their poor hamstrings. Fucking suck a dick.

Nah it's way past saturation point, I reckon Ill probs pump out a kid or two and join in the faeces chat instead soon.

[Jimmy Floyd]

The ridiculous durability of Messi and Ronaldo has covered for a lot of scheduling ills. Once they are gone and let's say Mbappé gets a stress fracture and misses a year and isn't the same player afterwards, that's hundreds of millions wiped off football purely because they're all greedy fucks.

[Don]

Sinisa Mihaijlijhijhhovic has died.

[Jimmy Floyd]

A defender with ludicrous dead ball prowess. That doesn't happen anymore, does it? Can't think of a single current example.

Trent I guess but he's an attacking wing back which is slightly different.

[niko_cee]

Pretty sure Sinisa played most of his career as a 'wingback' [or at least not primarily as a fullback in a back 4], in a defensive, lo-tempo league. Trent is probably a good example, save for being the wrong foot.

[Boydy]

Trippier? Or is he an attacking wing back too?

[Jimmy Floyd]

Trippier counts too if Trent does. I guess I'd think of them as the heirs of Roberto Carlos, while I'd have Mihajlovic, Hierro, Koeman etc in a different bracket. Might just be nostalgia, I dunno.

[niko_cee]

The difference is those were all players who dabbled [or played their careers] in central positions, be they defence or midfield.

Is Kimmich a modern-day Mijhailovic?

[Ian]

Irwin. :drool:

[niko_cee]

Dennis Irwin taking penalties would be categorically not permitted in modern football.

Probably Unsworth too.

[Giggles]

Irwin is our greatest ever player.

[John Arne]

Melbourne City derby abandoned after fans invade the pitch. Fans aren't happy at the moment after the Aussie FA announced that the next 3 grand finals would be held in Sydney, regardless of the teams involved.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCpMIqVDGnk&ab_channel=10Football

[Queenslander]

It was a crooked deal where only the NSW Government were allowed to bid in secret no other States were offered a chance to bid themselves.

The APL has nuked the League unless they overturn their deal with NSW.

[Shindig]

What type of bogan brings a bucket to a fist fight?

[Boydy]

That freekick is up there with that Dutch one.

[Trancemeister]

goal of the tournament?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

That was really nice.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Morocco :cool:

[Adramelch]

That sort of chance is where you appreciate the "simple tap-in" strikers. En-Nesyri was far too forward there, at a place where any ball in would have been blocked by Livakovic.

[Adramelch]

Just as I was about to say that Orsic doesn't seem like a player that has enough quality to be in the Croatian squad.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

That's a lovely finish from Orsic.

[Magic]

That whole lolfest was enjoyable. Love the Moroccan guy just falling over in disbelief.

[Manc]

VAR at it again. It's ruined the sport.

[Pepe]

I was hoping for a Morocco win but after all that moaning they can fuck off.

[CJay]

Literally have no idea what Morocco are complaining about. If anything Croatia were the ones with a valid complaint re: the non-penalty on Gvardiol.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Have you watched a North African team lose by one goal before? It's always the same. Surprised there weren't a few red cards thrown in.

[Giggles]

I see the Argentines have been caught at the same as our women.

[Jimmy Floyd]

If we weren't such a generous and freedom-loving country, then Martinez x2, Romero, Alvarez and Mac Allister (whose father is a paedo, by the way) would all be turned around at the border when they attempt to return to their clubs next week.

[Queenslander]

What type of bogan brings a bucket to a fist fight?

Melbourne is full of eshays/chavs.

[Giggles]

Just seen the Croatian penalty that wasn’t given. There is no argument that exists for the existence of VAR when that wasn’t given. Too much bullshite and still not getting things right.

[randomlegend]

Fucking Southgate is staying on. Grim.

[Dave.]

Fucking Southgate is staying on. Grim.

Name me a suitable replacement.

[randomlegend]

Down for some Bielsa ball after having Gareth's turgid shite funneled into my eyes for half a decade.

[Lofty]

and Mac Allister (whose father is a paedo, by the way)

Is he? They didn't mention that bit on Football Weekly.

[Dave.]

Down for some Bielsa ball after having Gareth's turgid shite funneled into my eyes for half a decade.

He wouldn't be an interesting appointment that's for sure. I just don't think (of all the coaches readily available) that anyone could have done any better than Southgate (results-wise) at the last World Cup and would do any better going forward. Also, I think we played some good football in the World Cup and we were very unlucky against France who are likely to win the entire tournament.

[randomlegend]

We played some good football against Iran, who are fucking wank, and that's about it.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Another tournament of turgid football that you have no chance of winning but he'll get you close enough to start believing only to then lose the next match :drool:

[Lewis]

Croatia didn't deserve a penalty. The Moroccan accidentally brushed his left leg, and he immediately trailed his right foot on the floor and fell over like a cheating fanny.

[Dave.]

We played some good football against Iran, who are fucking wank, and that's about it.

And Wales. And Senegal. And I'd argue we were the better team against France too.

[phonics]

People expecting club football levels from international football are dumb fm inspired wankers.

[randomlegend]

And Wales. And Senegal. And I'd argue we were the better team against France too.

Don't agree we played any particularly good football against Wales or Senegal. We won because they have shit players in comparison to England, but we weren't impressive.

As per every other Gareth Southgate England tournament - and as I said would happen - we lost against the first good team we played.

[Dave.]

Another tournament of turgid football that you have no chance of winning but he'll get you close enough to start believing only to then lose the next match :drool:

Turgid football? Name me a football tournament in which England has played better football in your lifetime?

[Dave.]

Don't agree we played any particularly good football against Wales or Senegal. We won because they have shit players in comparison to England, but we weren't impressive.

As per every other Gareth Southgate England tournament - and as I said would happen - we lost against the first good team we played.

I predicted the same thing but was pleasantly surprised by how well we played against France and also by the football we played and the goals we scored (both things were a major improvement on previous tournaments).

[randomlegend]

Turgid football? Name me a football tournament in which England has played better football in your lifetime?

Not exactly a high bar is it. Like telling someone their day can't have been bad because they only got sexually assaulted when on the last 5 days they got fully raped.

[Ben]

Well it isn’t is it.

[Magic]

Not exactly a high bar is it. Like telling someone their day can't have been bad because they only got sexually assaulted when on the last 5 days they got fully raped.

On a bit of a roll here, predator boy.

[randomlegend]

Well it isn’t is it.

It is. "The football can't have been turgid because it was better than what they normally serve up". No. It was still turgid. It's just usually absolutely eyebleeding.

[randomlegend]

On a bit of a roll here, predator boy.

You genuinely considered trying to film your wife's friends getting spray tanned in your house.

[Ben]

It is. "The football can't have been turgid because it was better than what they normally serve up". No. It was still turgid. It's just usually absolutely eyebleeding.

So in your metaphor rape and sexual assault is turgid? My point being comparing those to Southgate’s style of play is an odd choice.

[randomlegend]

It's an analogy not a metaphor.

The only comparison is that just because something was previously worse doesn't mean it can't still be bad.

[Lewis]

The playing style isn't the problem. It's his inability to change anything during games, which, ultimately, is an equally important part of tournament management.

[Magic]

It's an analogy not a metaphor.

The only comparison is that just because something was previously worse doesn't mean it can't still be bad.

Imagine your child being in the care of this lunatic.

[Dave.]

Not exactly a high bar is it. Like telling someone their day can't have been bad because they only got sexually assaulted when on the last 5 days they got fully raped.

Well, I didn't expect this analogy/metaphor when I started discussing this.:lol:

With England, we are dealing with a relatively low bar here, this is true. But all we can expect is improvements in terms of performance and results. Southgate has delivered both. Unless there is someone out there who can deliver further improvements, then replacing him is pointless.

[randomlegend]

Imagine your child being in the care of this lunatic.


I didn't realise you were still so sensitive about the cheating ex-wife jokes, sorry mate.

[randomlegend]

Well, I didn't expect this analogy/metaphor when I started discussing this.:lol:

With England, we are dealing with a relatively low bar here, this is true. But all we can expect is improvements in terms of performance and results. Southgate has delivered both. Unless there is someone out there who can deliver further improvements, then replacing him is pointless.

Get DS in with one of his cheat tactics.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Is he? They didn't mention that bit on Football Weekly.

https://zonalpress.com.ar/nota/1143/denuncia-de-abusos-en-el-club-mac-allister-

Not seen anything in the English language, but very much a Barry Bennell / Big Jock Knew type situation.

[Pepe]

Croatia didn't deserve a penalty. The Moroccan accidentally brushed his left leg, and he immediately trailed his right foot on the floor and fell over like a cheating fanny.

Agreed. He was through on goal, if he had just chosen to keep running.

[Dquincy]

Yevrah after hearing this morning's news.

1601897348115976193

[Ian]

1604144328997490691

[Jimmy Floyd]

Why is the final kicking off at 3 when all the previous games were at 7? Caught me right out. Infantino has to go.

[Pepe]

10 am over here. Completely fucking up my schedule

[Spikey M]

1604144328997490691

:D fuck me

[Magic]

Why is the final kicking off at 3 when all the previous games were at 7? Caught me right out. Infantino has to go.

Yesterday.

[Baz]

Why is the final kicking off at 3 when all the previous games were at 7? Caught me right out. Infantino has to go.

So I have to suffer watching football with my father-in-law :worried:

[Giggles]

I thought it would be 7 too. It’s clashing with a hurling match now so I’ll only likely catch the last 10 minutes.

[Ian]

:D fuck me

Imagine your life hitting a point where you're being lolled to death for being thick by Merson and Morrison.

[Spikey M]

I'm taking the kids to a party at 4 so I won't be watching any of it. +1 for the 7pm crew.

[Spikey M]

Imagine your life hitting a point where you're being lolled to death for being thick by Merson and Morrison.

He must be trying to replace Chris Kamara.

[Yevrah]

Yevrah after hearing this morning's news.

1601897348115976193

Taking time to think about his future was such a flange/genius move. The discussions should have been whether we wanted to keep him, instead he span that to it all being down to him to decide despite already having signed a contract to take him to 2024.

[Shindig]

I keep saying this: England do not sack people over an expected Quarter final exit. It was never on the cards for him to walk or get pushed.

[Ian]

He must be trying to replace Chris Kamara.

I always thought it was a bit odd that mostly because of the "I dunno Jeff" moment he because the butt of all jokes on Soccer Saturday then you'd stick Sunday Supplement on and he'd be there being one of Sky's best pundits.

[Spikey M]

I don't think I've watched the Sunday Supplement since the days of Jimmy Hill. Cracking flash back to the hungover Sundays of my 20's.

[Giggles]

Is Sunday Supplement still on the go? Used to love it.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Sunday Supplement was cancelled a while back, a pity really as it was the only place on Sky where you'd get any kind of informed opinion. Goals on Sunday (which Ian refers to) is still going but Shepherd/Kamara are gone.

Sky have been desperately cutting costs on the talent for about 7/8 years now and it shows in the quality of their output.

[Waffdon]

Upamecano straight back into the line up over Konate :lol:

[Don]

Wtf is Di Maria doing in there? And is that on Mbappe's side? Mon the Messi tears.

[Jimmy Floyd]

If this doesn't go Argentina's way I can see a few meltdowns. Either way I'd like massive controversy, please. But more than anything, allez la France.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Allez Les bleus.

[Gray Fox]

Upamecano straight back into the line up over Konate :lol:

For this reason only, fuck France.

[Baz]

Where do people view Mbappe on the GOAT list?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Near the bottom. It's too soon.

[Don]

I'm still recovering from the Deschamps-Southgate comparisons.

[Lewis]

He can win every World Cup until he retires and he'll still be a chump unless he goes to a proper league.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Mbappé should join Arsenal. Would be worshipped by their mong fans, decent baguettes at Upper Crust at most major rail hubs. Eurostars back to Gare du Nord whenever he likes. The chance to own a team but be in a proper league.

Instead of that he'll join Real Madrid, do less well than Ronaldo did (even a goal a game for ten years would be less well than Ronaldo did) and remain in the shadow of those before him.

[Gray Fox]

When Messi goes off to a retirement home to be managed by Phil Neville, he assumes defacto best in the world status. We'll only know the rest in about 15 years time.

[Spikey M]

Where do people view Mbappe on the GOAT list?

Fraud until he does it in a proper league.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Lineker is about two breaths here from saying las islas malvinas son argentinas. Nauseating stuff. Hopefully he gets sent off or something.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Jermaine Jenas, co-comms on the World Cup final? I thought we were a serious nation.

[Magic]

Jermaine Jenas? Matterface? Shocking from both channels.

[Don]

Yeah, what we really need is a 5 minute bit on the mood inside the England camp.

[Magic]

I know the French will walk this but desperate for a Messi win.

[Lewis]

Scaloni wearing his trackies for a World Cup final is forfeit-worthy.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Feeling a bit for the ref here, this is going to be mega hard to officiate. Argies right at it already.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Dire Maria :harold:

[Boydy]

The commentators on BBC were talking about the FIFA rankings there (Argentina third, France fourth) and I looked them up to see who was first and second. Brazil are top and fucking Belgium are still second. How?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Because they haven't been updated for the World Cup.

[Adramelch]

VAR should overturn this. What a glorious dive.

[Boydy]

Dive Maria.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Not a pen for me.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Dive, but so poor from Dembele to give the ref the chance.

[Boydy]

Because they haven't been updated for the World Cup.

Nah, but even before that. They only made it to the quarters of the Euros last year.

[Gray Fox]

The fix is in.

[Giggles]

Dire Maria :harold:

:harold:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

:harold:

Yeah, he's amazing because he knows how to dive.

[Ben]

It looks a bit divey but Dembele looked guilty as fuck. He knows he’s done enough to give it away.

[Cord]

They've been desperate to give the Argies penalties all tournament.

[Giggles]

Yeah, he's amazing because he knows how to dive.

It’s 1-0 because of him.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

It’s 1-0 because of him.

Think it's a bit more due to Messi who actually put the ball in the net.

[Giggles]

Dembele was stupid enough to catch him in the process of the dive.

[Jimmy Floyd]

It was a penalty, he's just dived to make sure he gets it.

Goal puts some spice into the game which is good for the 'neutral'.

[Giggles]

Think it's a bit more due to Messi who actually put the ball in the net.

You absolute chancer :D

[Adramelch]

Yeah France were way too passive, so I think this will make for a better game.

[Giggles]

God it’s a shocking sport to watch when the players are in full pussy mode.

[Magic]

Do Qatar not own France.

[Jimmy Floyd]

This feels a bit like the 1998 final except France are playing the part of Brazil.

[Manc]

Just tuning in. What have I missed?

[Magic]

This feels a bit like the 1998 final except France are playing the part of Brazil.

This is the best summary.

[Adramelch]

This feels a bit like the 1998 final except France are playing the part of Brazil.

Greek commentator just said the exact same thing so you should be getting paid for this evidently.

[Shindig]

It's coming Mahowme.

[Lewis]

Where do people view Mbappe on the GOAT list?

Back to this, I thought he was two years younger than he is. He isn't anywhere near as good at his age as Ronaldo and Messi were.

[Boydy]

Did we ever get an explanation for them changing the ball? I don't think I've seen or heard any presenters or commentators mention it.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Now you can lol at me for the Dire Maria comment :(

[Dquincy]

Get in! Come you argies!

[Waffdon]

Cannot believe he brought Rabiot back in for this. France look like they have 8 players outfield. Need to take Giroud off as well.

[Dquincy]

Messi is so good. :drool:

[Magic]

Oh my god. :drool:

[Adramelch]

That was a textbook counter-attack. Good stuff.

[Gray Fox]

Di Maria donning Mahow once again.

[Manc]

Sublime.

[Waffdon]

What a goal that was. France are an absolute bombscare and it’s all on the manager. Fucking Upamecano and Rabiot in a World Cup final

[Yevrah]

Cracking goal. France have been a disgrace.

[Max Power]

Brilliant goal. Best goal in a final for ages.

They are already crying though - could be a meltdown on the cards.

[Lewis]

Very un-France this, collapsing when the pressure is really on.

[Ben]

Southgate > Deschamps

[Jimmy Floyd]

We would be giving them a far better game than this (fucking wish we had made it, what a final that would be).

[Shindig]

Even when the French get forward, they've only got one idea.

[Yevrah]

Southgate > Deschamps

I think they're basically one and the same, the latter just has better players at their disposal.

[Yevrah]

We would be giving them a far better game than this (fucking wish we had made it, what a final that would be).

Goes to show what might have happened if we'd taken the game to France.

[Gray Fox]

This is barely a contest.

[Lewis]

Mourinho substitutions. :cool:

[Jimmy Floyd]

Love this shit from Didier. Mourinho-esque.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

A quick double sub :drool:

[Magic]

Pahaha Deschamps panicking.

[Ben]

Did we ever get an explanation for them changing the ball? I don't think I've seen or heard any presenters or commentators mention it.

Bumping this because I want to know too. Infantino must be a lurker on here.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Very un-Southgate move.

[Yevrah]

What the fuck is that for a substitution? This could have eight goals in it now.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Thuram to score the winner.

[Gray Fox]

The Ball must never be questioned.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Tchouameni should go at half time as well, if they have any sort of midfielder on the bench.

[Waffdon]

Them subs are tragic. Not even bothering to change the formation. Might get lucky but the midfield is still gonna get trampled

[Boydy]

Did we ever get an explanation for them changing the ball? I don't think I've seen or heard any presenters or commentators mention it.
Bumping it again. When I first posted the second goal happened and Ben's bump was at the bottom of the last page.

[igor_balis]

Bumping it again. When I first posted the second goal happened and Ben's bump was at the bottom of the last page.

Who gives a shit you boring northern irish gimp

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

*Top Irish gimp.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I think they always have a special ball for the final, but I'm pretty sure they changed the actual nature of the ball before the semis this time.

[Ben]

There’s going to be plenty of needle late doors in this one. :drool:

[Shindig]

https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2022/12/12/new-dream-ball-introduced-for-world-cups-final-matches#:~:text=The%20Al%20Hilm%20%E2%80%94%20'the %20dream,%2Dplace%20playoff%2C%20and%20final.&text=FIFA%20has%20confirmed%20a%20new,throughout%2 0the%20tournament%20so%20far.

It's probably just a dumb Qatari vanity move. Their super special World Cup needs a special ball for the special games at the end.


The Al Hilm, with a gold base design and triangular pattern, pays tribute to the deserts surrounding the host nation’s capital city, Doha, FIFA said in a statement.

[Josh]

Rodrigo De Paul is a horrible, nasty bastard and unfortunately is exactly what Argentina have needed for a while.

[Ben]

Absolute shithouses these Argies. :D

[Manc]

When did they move the final to Buenos Aires?

[Jimmy Floyd]

France badly need to find a goal asap, put some more jeopardy in the game. It's just been pathetic and weak from them so far.

[Pepe]

Did I hear correctly that Argentina has been given five penalties this tournament? The state of the modern game is tragic.

[Giggles]

Did I hear correctly that Argentina has been given five penalties this tournament? The state of the modern game is tragic.

If they were penalties they were penalties, not some big conspiracy.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

That clip of the Argentinian commentator is sad.

Going that hard for a fucking penalty.

[Pepe]

I am not talking about conspiracies, I am talking about how every minor contact is given as a penalty. In summary: fuck VAR.

[Pepe]

And that was definitely a dive from Di Maria. What do you have video for if you are not going to correct those decisions?

[7om]

Get Allan Saint-Maximin on.

[Giggles]

I am not talking about conspiracies, I am talking about how every minor contact is given as a penalty. In summary: fuck VAR.

Yeah sorry I copped that after. There’s a lot of it about.

[Don]

Here's to an early France goal, Coman masterclass and absolute shithousery of the highest order for the last 20 mins leading to an Argie meltdown.

[Jimmy Floyd]

That clip of the Argentinian commentator is sad.

Going that hard for a fucking penalty.

With the South Americans you have to remember this is literally all they've got.

[Giggles]

Probably want Argentina to win more than I want Messi to lose at this stage.

[Pepe]

As much as I dislike them, they played really well on that first half.

[Giggles]

That clip of the Argentinian commentator is sad.

Going that hard for a fucking penalty.

Yeah what a fucking sap. And it only a goal in a World Cup final.

[Jimmy Floyd]

This Alvarez is the ultimate modern forward. Runs and runs and runs, as his main attribute, but a tidy finisher also. I bet Guardiola secretly prefers him to Haaland.

[igor_balis]

That clip of the Argentinian commentator is sad.

Going that hard for a fucking penalty.

What the fuck are you on about?

[Jimmy Floyd]

Something I noticed was that at half time whistle, even while 2-0 up, the Argentina players all furiously surrounded the referee. They're clearly obsessed with refereeing in some way.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

What the fuck are you on about?

At half time on the BBC they played clips of the Argentinian commentator going mental at both goals.

He made the penalty sound almost like it was one of the greatest goals he had ever seen.

[Giggles]

Something I noticed was that at half time whistle, even while 2-0 up, the Argentina players all furiously surrounded the referee. They're clearly obsessed with refereeing in some way.

I think you’re starting to sound obsessed with Argentina.

[Pepe]

The British would celebrate a PK goal on a final with a grin and a nod of the head.

[Giggles]

The British would celebrate a PK goal on a final with a grin and a nod of the head.

He’s definitely never heard a South American commentator before in his life anyway.

[igor_balis]

At half time on the BBC they played clips of the Argentinian commentator going mental at both goals.

He made the penalty sound almost like it was one of the greatest goals he had ever seen.

His team had scored a goal in the final of a world cup, the quality of the goal is barely relevant, how can you be this dense?

[Magic]

At half time on the BBC they played clips of the Argentinian commentator going mental at both goals.

He made the penalty sound almost like it was one of the greatest goals he had ever seen.

You are a desperately sad individual.

[Adramelch]

To be fair to Argentina, I do think they've been the best of the (very average) bunch in this tournament.

[Jimmy Floyd]

The gooooool for the penalty was a very restrained one, for the second goal the same guy went mental.

[Pepe]

Messi miles ahead of Mbappe today.

[Pepe]

Di Maria miles ahead of Mbappe too.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I can't see how France are even going to fashion a chance here, let alone score. I can't believe we let that fucking 30 yarder from Tchouameni go in.

[Magic]

I can't see how France are even going to fashion a chance here, let alone score. I can't believe we let that fucking 30 yarder from Tchouameni go in.

The only thing to make this better would be England doing what France are doing now in this final. :drool:

[Spikey M]

Glad I'm not watching. Fucking surrender monkeys.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

If France aren't going to get back into this can we at least start getting some dirty fouls in?

[Pepe]

If France aren't going to get back into this can we at least start getting some dirty fouls in?

They don't look arsed enough even for that.

[7om]

Mbappe the bald fraud has given up, seemingly.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I'll tell you who has been France's worst player, from many candidates: Griezmann. Their best in the rest of the tournament.

[Ben]

Rabiot might be keen for scything someone down if all is lost.

[7om]

I wonder how Taz will spin all of these French ebony dons playing like a pub team. Maybe the manager is racist and demoralised them?