World Cup 2022 thread (football only)

[1960maaan]

8 minutes ago, italian dave said:

Yeah, I said much the same! But it’s sometimes the case that the ref doesn’t have the same view as we have, and there was certainly one angle on the replays where it looked far less obvious. I suppose at the end of the day we just have to recognise that at least the decision was right in the end (unlike at Rotherham - although that wasn’t in the box). Just a shame the penalty didn’t get the justice done. 

I know what you mean, and agree, to a point. It does seem Ref's don't make decisions incase the make mistakes. From every angle I've seen, it looks nailed on Free kick and a Pen.

TBF, looking at the whole 95 mins, I think the Ref did ok. But them made some monumental errors .

[Kid in the Riot]

3 minutes ago, WolfOfWestStreet said:

It's a real shame because we played really, really well against a fantastic opponent. 

The pathway was there for a world cup final appearance. Elite sport often comes down to tiny margins and it didn't roll out way this time.

This england team are a likeable bunch with great potential, not a time to be upset, the core of this team is really young we'll be back. 

I'd build around bellingham, foden, rice and Saka. Give jude the armband and go get that next euros.

Well said. Didier Deschamps has managed to make France a very non-emotional team, which isn't typically French. Their efficency is quite German. We kept Mbappe quiet. They scored a great opener. It's a gutter. Score that pen and who knows.

[Henry]

@Robboreddefinition of Latino stretches from Portugal to Brazil.

The fat ginger racist at it again

[Robbored]

6 minutes ago, Henry said:

@Robboreddefinition of Latino stretches from Portugal to Brazil.

The smart ginger realist at it again

All people from South America are Latino - regardless of which country they’re from.

There are numerous Latino players in Europe including Portugal which is why Portuguese is spoken in Brazil whereas other S American countries speak Spanish.

[maxjak]

5 hours ago, Sheltons Army said:

With due respect , considering your babbling posts , and their assembly

You are absolutely the last person on here who should be making points about anything in English language , including a dictionary 

 

Lay off the meths eh 

Thanks..I regard that as a compliment......as it is coming from an expert on the art of babbling......especially about Argentina

[WolfOfWestStreet]

7 minutes ago, Kid in the Riot said:

Well said. Didier Deschamps has managed to make France a very non-emotional team, which isn't typically French. Their efficency is quite German. We kept Mbappe quiet. They scored a great opener. It's a gutter. Score that pen and who knows.

What I like about this england team is they seem so relaxed, no crazy media stuff following them around, no front page scandals like we've seen before. Just a good honest bunch of lads with the world at their feet.

Yeah sometimes you get on the wrong end of a scoreline that arguably they don't deserve but that's sport, it's brutal. 

I'm a firm beliver in southgate and the culture he's built and I really do hope he decides to have another crack  

[robin_unreliant]

Maybe I've just become a bit cynical after so many years of England 'if only' stories. I just feel like we will always find a way to **** it up.

England are a constant sob story. Fact is we are not mentally strong enough to win the pressure games. We always find one way or another to lose when the pressure is on. Our players are now technically good enough but we are perennial losers because we lack the self-confidence to take advantage of our strengths when we are on top against the top teams.

[maxjak]

On 09/12/2022 at 22:47, joe jordans teeth said:

Is Messi the best footballer in the world,cmon he was great but is he really better then the French lad right now,hate to break it to you but the argies are worse than Brazil so change your bet to a England v Croatia final 

How did Mbappe get on tonight?  I know his team won, but was he on the pitch?........I can't remember?     

[W-S-M Seagull]

36 minutes ago, Kid in the Riot said:

Absolutely devastated. Thought we were the better team and we've been done yet again in a major tournament. Partially of course by our own errors, but also feel the ref / FIFA fancy a bit of France in the finale.  

I thought Southgate would leave after this tournament, and I still think he probably will. But there's a reality that there's maybe no-one better and he'll stay.

France are on the verge of winning three of the last six World Cups I think? Quite incredible 

His post match interview suggested that he could well call it a day. 

I could see him moving upstairs.

[wayne allisons tongues]

Personally feel Griezeman should of been sent off. Was on a yellow and lucky to not be booked a second time. Ref bottled it.

[italian dave]

26 minutes ago, 1960maaan said:

I don't want them to check every little thing, but they were checking the foul on Saka. I thought that was obvious, and the challenge on Kane, again obvious . VAR through this Tournament has been very poor. 

Agree, but I suppose that translates into VAR rules/guidelines which say that a VAR decision only changes a penalty, goal. And that’s why they didn’t come back and award either…because they were ‘only’ free kicks. 

Saka - they either felt it wasn’t a foul anyway, or they felt that it was but that it was too long before the goal to have had an immediate impact on it.

Kane - because it was either not a foul or, more likely, that it was outside the box. 

I’m just suggesting that you can see how it all ended up as it did - that it was a consequence of the way VAR works, and not of conspiracies or bribes! 

[W-S-M Seagull]

2 minutes ago, italian dave said:

Agree, but I suppose that translates into VAR rules/guidelines which say that a VAR decision only changes a penalty, goal. And that’s why they didn’t come back and award either…because they were ‘only’ free kicks. 

Saka - they either felt it wasn’t a foul anyway, or they felt that it was but that it was too long before the goal to have had an immediate impact on it.

Kane - because it was either not a foul or, more likely, that it was outside the box. 

I’m just suggesting that you can see how it all ended up as it did - that it was a consequence of the way VAR works, and not of conspiracies or bribes! 

If it was a foul, it should have been ruled out. Doesn't matter that it was 40 seconds before, it directly led to the goal. 

[2015]

I'd say on the balance of the game we shaded it but where France won was they had that killer instinct and experience that our players just don't seem to have in the big matches. Did we really create any guilt edge opportunities? We just didn't seem to put them under as much pressure as i'd have liked.

I think the future is bright with the talent coming through, but what hurts me tonight is it's a Tournament where we yet again lose in the big 50/50 match.

And yes their first goal was a foul on Saka and yes Kane should have had a penalty in the first half. No comments on the ref but wouldn't surprise me at all if Fifa want a France - Argentina final so its Mbappe vs Messi. Two players playing under Qatar owned PSG

[Rob k]

6 minutes ago, W-S-M Seagull said:

His post match interview suggested that he could well call it a day. 

I could see him moving upstairs.

I’ve been critical of Southgate before as most here will know, we now have some of the best Young players I’ve ever seen coming through - is Southgate the man to take these to the next level? It will be Southgates decision though as the FA want him to continue to the Euros, if i was him I’d want one last crack with this squad.

[pillred]

1 hour ago, shelts said:

We should never of been behind , the goal was a clear foul in the build up . A clear pen not given that would’ve gave us a chance in theory to go one up . We have been failed by the officials . Blatant cheating . 

I mean he only gave the second pen because he had to, if it had been up to him do you think we would have got it? no me neither.

[Simon bristol]

15 minutes ago, robin_unreliant said:

Maybe I've just become a bit cynical after so many years of England 'if only' stories. I just feel like we will always find a way to **** it up.

England are a constant sob story. Fact is we are not mentally strong enough to win the pressure games. We always find one way or another to lose when the pressure is on. Our players are now technically good enough but we are perennial losers because we lack the self-confidence to take advantage of our strengths when we are on top against the top teams.

Totally agree,, and its not a lot different than being a city fan!

[2015]

32 minutes ago, Kid in the Riot said:

Well said. Didier Deschamps has managed to make France a very non-emotional team, which isn't typically French. Their efficency is quite German. We kept Mbappe quiet. They scored a great opener. It's a gutter. Score that pen and who knows.

What France do really well under Deschamps is they control games very well without having the ball. They made it very difficult for England to create many chances this evening. They're lucky they have him as a Coach as he's made France into a Tournament winning machine.

[italian dave]

4 minutes ago, W-S-M Seagull said:

If it was a foul, it should have been ruled out. Doesn't matter that it was 40 seconds before, it directly led to the goal. 

But the first thing is not what the rules say and the second is debateable and the VAR officials took a different view.

Dont get me wrong, I share your frustration, but I am just suggesting that there’s a good reason why VAR only covers the very immediate (by which I mean less than 40:seconds) passage of play leading to a goal, penalty etc. Because otherwise how far back do you go, and you’d probably end up with half of all goals being ruled out because something in the preceding minute could or should have been given. 

[italian dave]

3 minutes ago, pillred said:

I mean he only gave the second pen because he had to, if it had been up to him do you think we would have got it? no me neither.

But it WAS up to him. He made that decision. 

[phantom]

Portugal, Argentina and now England on the end of multiple dubious referee decisions this weekend.... Can it really be a coincidence? 

[Rob k]

1 minute ago, italian dave said:

But the first thing is not what the rules say and the second is debateable and the VAR officials took a different view.

Dont get me wrong, I share your frustration, but I am just suggesting that there’s a good reason why VAR only covers the very immediate (by which I mean less than 40:seconds) passage of play leading to a goal, penalty etc. Because otherwise how far back do you go, and you’d probably end up with half of all goals being ruled out because something in the preceding minute could or should have been given. 

There’s still no consistency though - i remember a Man U goal V Burnley being disallowed for a very similar thing, A foul was made near the Man U box and they went and scored and they went back and disallowed the goal 

[italian dave]

Just now, Rob k said:

There’s still no consistency though - i remember a Man U goal V Burnley being disallowed for a very similar thing, A foul was made near the Man U box and they went and scored and they went back and disallowed the goal 

Oh, agree. Although I do think VAR generally works better in international tournaments than it does in the Premier League. 

[Kid in the Riot]

6 minutes ago, Rob k said:

I’ve been critical of Southgate before as most here will know, we now have some of the best Young players I’ve ever seen coming through - is Southgate the man to take these to the next level? It will be Southgates decision though as the FA want him to continue to the Euros, if i was him I’d want one last crack with this squad.

If we went for a change what are the options? No way we can go foreign again, I don't think. Potter or Cooper? Meh.

Howe never leaving Newcastle. So, who?

Pearson 

[Northern Red]

2 minutes ago, Kid in the Riot said:

If we went for a change what are the options? No way we can go foreign again, I don't think. Potter or Cooper? Meh.

Howe never leaving Newcastle. So, who?

Pearson 

[pillred]

2 minutes ago, italian dave said:

But it WAS up to him. He made that decision. 

Yes but only after he was MADE to go and look again, and basically had no choice but to award it, personally I think he hoped to get away with it. that is my opinion why the hell did he not give it straight away? I have a feeling the other way and he would not have been so reticent.

[italian dave]

3 minutes ago, Kid in the Riot said:

If we went for a change what are the options? No way we can go foreign again, I don't think. Potter or Cooper? Meh.

Howe never leaving Newcastle. So, who?

Pearson 

Job for C…….no, I’ll shut up!

[WolfOfWestStreet]

5 minutes ago, Kid in the Riot said:

If we went for a change what are the options? No way we can go foreign again, I don't think. Potter or Cooper? Meh.

Howe never leaving Newcastle. So, who?

Pearson 

This is it. There are no exciting English options, don't want foreign either.

Copper absolutely not, Potter - yes but he's a young coach this is too early for him.

Howe, yes please but he's currently managing one of the richest clubs in the world, and doing a stellar job so england isn't attractive. 

Then we're talking about the Parker's, Gerrard's of the world ... get to **** 

Stick for me, when you look at the options the FA should be BEGGING him to stay, double down on Gareth IMHO 

[italian dave]

1 minute ago, pillred said:

Yes but only after he was MADE to go and look again, and basically had no choice but to award it, personally I think he hoped to get away with it. that is my opinion why the hell did he not give it straight away? I have a feeling the other way and he would not have been so reticent.

Scenario 1: referee uses VAR to give himself a better view of a potential penalty call and decides with the benefit of that better view and replay that the correct decision is a penalty

Scenario 2: there’s an international/Qatari/FIFA conspiracy to ensure that certain teams reach the final and/or that England definitely don’t reach the final because no-one likes us

At the end of the day you can believe which you want, but I know which I find most convincing. 

And reaching for the conspiracy/everyone hates us excuse just because we’ve lost a big game just makes us seem like bad losers - or like ManU or Millwall fans!

[Rob k]

2 minutes ago, Kid in the Riot said:

If we went for a change what are the options? No way we can go foreign again, I don't think. Potter or Cooper? Meh.

Howe never leaving Newcastle. So, who?

Pearson 

The England job would be a massive pull with this group of players - I just want to see us win something and we have a massive opportunity over the next 2 tournaments. Would need to have a think who i would like as like you say, Howe won’t be taking it any time soon

[italian dave]

2 minutes ago, WolfOfWestStreet said:

This is it. There are no exciting English options, don't want foreign either.

Copper absolutely not, Potter - yes but he's a young coach this is too early for him.

Howe, yes please but he's currently managing one of the richest clubs in the world, and doing a stellar job so england isn't attractive. 

Then we're talking about the Parker's, Gerrard's of the world ... get to **** 

Stick for me, when you look at the options the FA should be BEGGING him to stay, double down on Gareth IMHO 

Agree. And even with Howe….club and international management are very very different beasts and his success at club level certainly doesn’t guarantee he’d reproduce managing a national side. 

[City1970]

12 minutes ago, phantom said:

Portugal, Argentina and now England on the end of multiple dubious referee decisions this weekend.... Can it really be a coincidence? 

A corrupt country hosting a corrupt organised competition, anything can happen 

[W-S-M Seagull]

19 minutes ago, italian dave said:

But the first thing is not what the rules say and the second is debateable and the VAR officials took a different view.

Dont get me wrong, I share your frustration, but I am just suggesting that there’s a good reason why VAR only covers the very immediate (by which I mean less than 40:seconds) passage of play leading to a goal, penalty etc. Because otherwise how far back do you go, and you’d probably end up with half of all goals being ruled out because something in the preceding minute could or should have been given. 

The foul was during the attacking phase. 

[cidercity1987]

Best team in the tournament 

Best team at 0-0

Best team at 0-1 

Not necessarily the best team at 1-1 and that has cost us

No shame to anyone but so sad we couldn't win a tournament where we were the best by far

Nothing to say about Kane either , I think it's very difficult to score two penalties in the same game especially against your club mate

[WolfOfWestStreet]

4 minutes ago, italian dave said:

Agree. And even with Howe….club and international management are very very different beasts and his success at club level certainly doesn’t guarantee he’d reproduce managing a national side. 

1 million percent. 2 champions league winning managers didn't even get there teams to the QF stage. 

It might sound crazy, but Harry Redknapp is better suited to this game than a klopp/pep ... these players don't need coaching they need managing. 

Howe will manage England at some point though, its inevitable.

[WolfOfWestStreet]

7 minutes ago, cidercity1987 said:

Best team in the tournament 

Best team at 0-0

Best team at 0-1 

Not necessarily the best team at 1-1 and that has cost us

No shame to anyone but so sad we couldn't win a tournament where we were the best by far

Nothing to say about Kane either , I think it's very difficult to score two penalties in the same game especially against your club mate

Agree on that mate I think another player should have taken the second. Too much psychology on the second, that miserable woman Eni Aluko made the very point and its spot on. 

But in that exact moment I wouldn't have picked anyone else on earth. Hard luck Harry, you're a good bloke - this wont hang over him like it did southgate/pearce/waddle/beckham/batty/lampard/vassell 

**** when you write it down, we are so shit at penos

Edited December 11, 2022 by WolfOfWestStreet

[ORANGE500]

1 hour ago, Always Believesham said:

I don't agree there's an outright conspiracy but I do feel like there's both an arrogance from the English and an anti-English sentiment from officials that you see a glimpse of in every "big" game. When they collide it's incredibly stressful/frustrating to watch.

There were long periods where we didn't get a free-kick outside our own half tonight, unfortunate that the penalty (before the penalties) was outside the area. Hard to disagree that it was a foul though. The Saka one, mentioned, before the goal could have been given, but there also was at least one occasion where an England player was taken down and the tackle to win the ball back was penalised despite it being a perfectly good challenge.

Both penalties were stonewall in reality, only at Ashton Gate would you not see them given, and don't forget, he waved away the second one.

For what it's worth, I don't think we were that much worse than France that we needed 2 penalties to get anything in 90 minutes.

The game is the same across the world and it is as simple as having to score more goals than the opposition. We failed to do that tonight.

Although we weren't in control of the game, equalising wouldn't have been against the run of play.

Worse teams than that have won competitions. God it's like watching City.

Like watching City! But England losing doesn't matter nearly as much as  City losing and never will

[Kid in the Riot]

 

[Always Believesham]

12 minutes ago, ORANGE500 said:

Like watching City! But England losing doesn't matter nearly as much as  City losing and never will

It's weird, I can't work out whether it's because there's fewer games (and more jeopardy) in the international tournaments, or the fact that we don't get to enjoy big games at City. I get far more nervous watching England, and the feeling I had going into tonight was only really matched by how I felt going into the first Man City game.

It'll take me longer to "get over" England losing but I think I'll revel in the highs for a lot longer when City win something notable.

[Kid in the Riot]

38 minutes ago, Rob k said:

The England job would be a massive pull with this group of players - I just want to see us win something and we have a massive opportunity over the next 2 tournaments. Would need to have a think who i would like as like you say, Howe won’t be taking it any time soon

Don't want another Capello or Sven though. English manager seems to work best (maybe Hodgson aside!) Can't see one available better than Southgate right now. 

[Ska Junkie]

39 minutes ago, City1970 said:

A corrupt country hosting a corrupt organised competition, anything can happen 

Please excuse me as I've had a few.

A guy said tonight at a party I was at that FIFA were dreading England v Argentina so the ref was told that.

Makes sense given some of the decisions but we're out so good luck to the French.

Cheese eating surrender monkeys that they are but allez Les bleu now.

[downendcity]

3 hours ago, Northern Red said:

This thing about a second taker is hindsight at its finest, and not just on here either.

Suppose someone else had taken it with the same result. Then what?

Kane is one those that you would want to take a pen if you had to bet your house on it - including taking a second penalty!

Edited December 11, 2022 by downendcity

[Tinmans Love Child]

51 minutes ago, Ska Junkie said:

Please excuse me as I've had a few.

A guy said tonight at a party I was at that FIFA were dreading England v Argentina so the ref was told that.

Makes sense given some of the decisions but we're out so good luck to the French.

Cheese eating surrender monkeys that they are but allez Les bleu now.

 

I just don't buy any conspiracy theories, yeh the ref was poor but suggesting that he was trying to influence the result through his decisions is ridiculous.  If he wanted France to win, surely he would awarded them a penalty or sent one of our players off?  He awarded us 2 penalties, which is a strange way to influence the game in France's favour unless Kane was also involved in the FIFA conspiracy and deliberately ballooned the penalty over the bar to make sure nobody suspected the referee of being involved in the FIFA conspiracy as well?  

 

[And Its Smith]

1 hour ago, Ska Junkie said:

Please excuse me as I've had a few.

A guy said tonight at a party I was at that FIFA were dreading England v Argentina so the ref was told that.

Makes sense given some of the decisions but we're out so good luck to the French.

Cheese eating surrender monkeys that they are but allez Les bleu now.

Well if a guy at a party said it, it must be true!

[Malago]

1 hour ago, downendcity said:

Kane is one those that you would want to take a pen if you had to bet your house on it - including taking a second penalty!

Who would you bet on if you had to bet your house on it?

[W-S-M Seagull]

4 hours ago, downendcity said:

Kane is one those that you would want to take a pen if you had to bet your house on it - including taking a second penalty!

It's easy for people to say in hindsight that someone else should have taken it. What if they would have missed? The same people would be saying Kane should have took it. Can't win. 

It's just one of those things. 

[Numero Uno]

7 hours ago, robin_unreliant said:

Maybe I've just become a bit cynical after so many years of England 'if only' stories. I just feel like we will always find a way to **** it up.

England are a constant sob story. Fact is we are not mentally strong enough to win the pressure games. We always find one way or another to lose when the pressure is on. Our players are now technically good enough but we are perennial losers because we lack the self-confidence to take advantage of our strengths when we are on top against the top teams.

Couldn’t agree less to be honest with you. For me the two best sides in the tournament went head to head, it was tight, both sides gave it a go and one had to win. No psychological bollocks required, we lost a very tight game of football between two evenly matched sides 2-1 and our lads gave their all. If you’re cynical after that find a different sport to watch and make sure you actually enjoy it, the whole point of following it.

[Port Said Red]

8 hours ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Were I a believer in the conspiracy side, I'd say that FIFA want a lot of shocks but ultimately.

Not the Messi v Ronaldo final that many state but France v Argentina aka Mbappe v Messi final.

Passing of the torch to the new greatest player from the last. (Arguable, granted).

Where do both play? PSG.

Who owns PSG? Qatar.

Where is the tournament? Qatar.

Passing from the old to the new in the World Cup final would truly reflect the glory of Qatar- and perhaps by association, PSG.

I mentioned the FIFA engineered final of choice, but thank you for expanding the detail. I am convinced this is the case myself. We all know how corrupt FIFA are, that's why we are here in the first place, nobody could say that it was beyond them.

Mind you, with the Saka challenge I do think it highlights how inept the officials are across the board. 

When asked if it would be looked at by VAR, ITV's pet referee said "Yes, it would have been looked at as it was part of one attacking phase of play that led to the goal, and they look at every aspect of that. But for me, it wasn't a foul because SAKA GOES DOWN TOO EASILY"! Well Walton you are as bad as the bloke on the field, the assistant ref and VAR then.

It's a joke, the player got nowhere near the ball and swept Saka's feet from under him, he couldn't have stayed on his feet. For both that and the penalty on Kane, Mbappe gets both decisions 100%.

[TedsHeadIs Red]

1 hour ago, W-S-M Seagull said:

It's easy for people to say in hindsight that someone else should have taken it. What if they would have missed? The same people would be saying Kane should have took it. Can't win. 

It's just one of those things. 

Very true. So easy for those with the wisdom of hindsight to criticise those with only the lottery of foresight. 

[Tinmans Love Child]

20 minutes ago, Port Said Red said:

I mentioned the FIFA engineered final of choice, but thank you for expanding the detail. I am convinced this is the case myself. We all know how corrupt FIFA are, that's why we are here in the first place, nobody could say that it was beyond them.

I can 100% say that FIFA conspiring to rig the results of the World Cup to engineer a World Cup final is total BS!  e.g. if they wanted the Messi v Ronaldo final then were Morocco not in on it, did they refuse to co-operate to allow Portugal safe passage through? Is the conspiracy to just keep England away from the final at all costs so they brought in a referee who would make us lose?  Was Kane involved and was directed by FIFA to miss the second penalty?  Absolute rubbish 

[Port Said Red]

6 minutes ago, Tinmans Love Child said:

I can 100% say that FIFA conspiring to rig the results of the World Cup to engineer a World Cup final is total BS!  e.g. if they wanted the Messi v Ronaldo final then were Morocco not in on it, did they refuse to co-operate to allow Portugal safe passage through? Is the conspiracy to just keep England away from the final at all costs so they brought in a referee who would make us lose?  Was Kane involved and was directed by FIFA to miss the second penalty?  Absolute rubbish 

They did as much as they could without making it obvious, I am pretty sure it's a Messi V Mbappe final they want for the reasons given by @Mr Popodopolous. Despite being within 5 yards of the Mount penalty, he wasn't going to give it. VAR had to give it, to not give it would have raised suspicion higher. If Kane had scored, I am convinced there would have been a very dubious pro France decision further down the line. 

[Tinmans Love Child]

1 minute ago, Port Said Red said:

They did as much as they could without making it obvious, I am pretty sure it's a Messi V Mbappe final they want for the reasons given by @Mr Popodopolous. Despite being within 5 yards of the Mount penalty, he wasn't going to give it. VAR had to give it, to not give it would have raised suspicion higher. If Kane had scored, I am convinced there would have been a very dubious pro France decision further down the line. 

[Port Said Red]

4 minutes ago, Tinmans Love Child said:

That's fine, you don't agree. But the thing is, it's just our turn this time. I have seen this all before in previous World Cups. The Argentina v Peru game in '78, The German Dutch final in '74, and numerous other results since my first World Cup in '70. Part of the reason they made the final group games kick off at the same time was because of the betting syndicates making small fortunes on the outcomes.  

[Tinmans Love Child]

Just now, Port Said Red said:

That's fine, you don't agree. But the thing is, it's just our turn this time. I have seen this all before in previous World Cups. The Argentina v Peru game in '78, The German Dutch final in '74, and numerous other results since my first World Cup in '70. Part of the reason they made the final group games kick off at the same time was because of the betting syndicates making small fortunes on the outcomes.  

I'll refer you to my previous answer.  What are your thoughts on the aliens in Area 51?

[Fordy62]

******* Harry Kane. 

[Port Said Red]

7 minutes ago, Tinmans Love Child said:

I'll refer you to my previous answer.  What are your thoughts on the aliens in Area 51?

I haven't seen things there with my own eyes, so I have to rely on the testimony of others, the ex-military are probably the most convincing but generally spoiled by them being Americans. Overall, I think it's unlikely.

 

[Fordy62]

Still struggling with the master stroke to substitute our most threatening player. What was he thinking?

[Midred]

1 hour ago, Port Said Red said:

I mentioned the FIFA engineered final of choice, but thank you for expanding the detail. I am convinced this is the case myself. We all know how corrupt FIFA are, that's why we are here in the first place, nobody could say that it was beyond them.

Mind you, with the Saka challenge I do think it highlights how inept the officials are across the board. 

When asked if it would be looked at by VAR, ITV's pet referee said "Yes, it would have been looked at as it was part of one attacking phase of play that led to the goal, and they look at every aspect of that. But for me, it wasn't a foul because SAKA GOES DOWN TOO EASILY"! Well Walton you are as bad as the bloke on the field, the assistant ref and VAR then.

It's a joke, the player got nowhere near the ball and swept Saka's feet from under him, he couldn't have stayed on his feet. For both that and the penalty on Kane, Mbappe gets both decisions 100%.

If it's a case of "going too easily" perhaps they could explain why certain celebrity players are regularly awarded free kicks and penalties? 

[TV Tom]

22 minutes ago, Fordy62 said:

Still struggling with the master stroke to substitute our most threatening player. What was he thinking?

Indeed, and what was worse was bringing on the woefully out of form Sterling 

[Tinmans Love Child]

23 minutes ago, Fordy62 said:

Still struggling with the master stroke to substitute our most threatening player. What was he thinking?

Southgate is on the FIFA gravy train as well, he was instructed to do it

[Super]

Watched in Wales amazed to see how many there were supporting England.

[TV Tom]

Reminds me of the same feelings in ‘90 & ‘96 where we were unlucky to go out and we were even better last night than in those two games, fair play to the French players and their manager after the game with the respect they showed to the English players which is something the Argentinians could learn from

[ExiledAjax]

3 minutes ago, Super said:

Watched in Wales amazed to see how many there were supporting England.

It's almost as though we're all one country.

[Fordy62]

12 minutes ago, harrys said:

Indeed, and what was worse was bringing on the woefully out of form Sterling 

My mate summed it up: “bring on a bloke who’s more concerned about how many of his watches were nicked.”

[Henry]

9 hours ago, Robbored said:

All people from South America are Latino - regardless of which country they’re from.

There are numerous Latino players in Europe including Portugal which is why Portuguese is spoken in Brazil whereas other S American countries speak Spanish.

Not sure editing my post in your quote makes you less of a racist.

[ralphindevon]

Day after thinking. Going into this tournament we were so out of form some were worried we wouldn’t get out of the group.

France are probably the best team and we’ve taken them to the wire. I don’t know if that makes us the second best team but we’re certainly up there amongst the best.

Oh, and however many French flags and chants Swansea fans bring in a few weeks, Wales were along with Qatar the worse team in the tournament.

[TV Tom]

18 minutes ago, ralphindevon said:

Day after thinking. Going into this tournament we were so out of form some were worried we wouldn’t get out of the group.

France are probably the best team and we’ve taken them to the wire. I don’t know if that makes us the second best team but we’re certainly up there amongst the best.

Oh, and however many French flags and chants Swansea fans bring in a few weeks, Wales were along with Qatar the worse team in the tournament.

Just remind them “They lost to Iran”

[Davefevs]

2 hours ago, Port Said Red said:

I mentioned the FIFA engineered final of choice, but thank you for expanding the detail. I am convinced this is the case myself. We all know how corrupt FIFA are, that's why we are here in the first place, nobody could say that it was beyond them.

Mind you, with the Saka challenge I do think it highlights how inept the officials are across the board. 

When asked if it would be looked at by VAR, ITV's pet referee said "Yes, it would have been looked at as it was part of one attacking phase of play that led to the goal, and they look at every aspect of that. But for me, it wasn't a foul because SAKA GOES DOWN TOO EASILY"! Well Walton you are as bad as the bloke on the field, the assistant ref and VAR then.

It's a joke, the player got nowhere near the ball and swept Saka's feet from under him, he couldn't have stayed on his feet. For both that and the penalty on Kane, Mbappe gets both decisions 100%.

Spot on re Walton

[sticks 1969]

Still think it is a good world if you take the politics out of it 

no trouble out there and all fans mixing  

easy to do a couple of games a day 

very well organised and the grounds and  metro we’re stunning 

just gutted to have missed a golden chance to go all the way 

next stop Naples in March 

[AshtonGreat]

43 minutes ago, harrys said:

Indeed, and what was worse was bringing on the woefully out of form Sterling 

He played well in the group games, I thought

Edited December 11, 2022 by AshtonGreat

[2015]

On 15/11/2022 at 16:44, Super said:

Be interesting to see people's predictions.

Winners - France

Top Scorer - Mbappe

How far will England get - QF

Interesting