Soccer / Football banter

The shite trying to beg Jolly Jack Grealish off abu dhabi.

They never, ever learn.

Lovely romantic story with Tottenham earning a trip to Anfield in next round of the cyp.....showing that if you as a minnow fight through the early rounds of the cups you can get a plumb draw away against a big club when the big clubs enter.

All they have to do now is get a first win there since 2011.

Also, how about them Spurs?

Barry's booming and banging in Preston. 

Four goals in two matches. 

Barry cost the Toffees £27m while the redshite paid £125m for Isak!  It's amazing what you can save when you shop around.

The redshite shot their bolt in last summer's transfer window and now they're on queer street.

Leeds and Brentford is a match to watch this weekend.  Both sides have some good juju going on.

Quote from: BluerWhite on August 25, 2026, 03:46:04 PM Tidy little profit for Chelsea, for a striker who recorded a single Premier League goal for them 

A nice little tickle.  It looks like they're going to double their money selling Jackson to Villa as well.  Their player trading might be excessive but they seem to make money doing it.

The great, great man with his PFA merit award....

Defence wins you titles.

Tidy little profit for Chelsea, for a striker who recorded a single Premier League goal for them

Forest are muppets if they pay £50m for Liam Delap.

Midweek milk cup action for minnows like the shite, chelsea, and tottenham.

The big clubs don't enter until the next round.

Fastest goal of the season after 31 seconds.  That Alonso is crackers, lad.

Who's gonna be top gun this season?  Pedro or Barry?

Good solid point at a tricky away for the redmen.

Isak's having a longer dry spell than a married man.

Quote from: BluerWhite on August 23, 2026, 11:05:13 AM Bournemouth's 18-match PL unbeaten streak has been snapped, barely, by Man City at the Etihad.

Cherries watch officially ends.  Shame!

I’ll always remember that streak. Especially that game on May 19th.

Bournemouth's 18-match PL unbeaten streak has been snapped, barely, by Man City at the Etihad.

Cherries watch officially ends.  Shame!

How about those spurs

Relegation battle is ON!

Champions League football next season.

Everton looking like a powerhouse!

The irony was Leonard Rossiter was a genuine Liverpudlian - not like the fake plastic scousers on here - and he was offered professional terms by Everton FC, but turned them down becasue in those days middle class boys didn't go into football.

Hull putting belt to ManU ass   🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Quote from: Codeguy on August 20, 2026, 09:35:46 PM This is one of the many differences between American English and British English. It is in fact Defense in the USA.

American English

On Monday, the colorfully dressed attorney parked his gray sedan in the parking lot, took the elevator to his apartment, checked the mail, called his mom on his cell phone, and realized he'd left his sneakers and flashlight in the trunk, so he went downstairs, got them, and then wrote a check for the defense organization's new program.

British English:

On Monday, the colourfully dressed solicitor parked his grey saloon in the car park, took the lift to his flat, checked the post, rang his mum on his mobile phone, and realised he'd left his trainers and torch in the boot, so he went downstairs, got them, and then wrote a cheque for the defence organisation's new programme.

Marrying minors is still allowed in some american states....

A free hit on match week 1.

Not going to complain.

The Champions are back.

Footie Is BAAAAAAAAAAAACK. YIPEEEEEE

The redshite are getting desperate.  They've just offered £60m for Mintoes!  Still envious of Everton Mints.

Quote from: Codeguy on August 20, 2026, 09:35:46 PM This is one of the many differences between American English and British English. It is in fact Defense in the USA.

American English

On Monday, the colorfully dressed attorney parked his gray sedan in the parking lot, took the elevator to his apartment, checked the mail, called his mom on his cell phone, and realized he'd left his sneakers and flashlight in the trunk, so he went downstairs, got them, and then wrote a check for the defense organization's new program.

British English:

On Monday, the colourfully dressed solicitor parked his grey saloon in the car park, took the lift to his flat, checked the post, rang his mum on his mobile phone, and realised he'd left his trainers and torch in the boot, so he went downstairs, got them, and then wrote a cheque for the defence organisation's new programme.

HA nicely done

Football is back. I think for a lot of men, football is much more than just a game. It's a needed distraction from all the physical and emotional hustles.

It's a therapy.

For women who enjoy the game, it’s just entertainmemt. Like going to the movies.

Quote from: Codeguy on August 20, 2026, 09:35:46 PM This is one of the many differences between American English and British English. It is in fact Defense in the USA.

American English

On Monday, the colorfully dressed attorney parked his gray sedan in the parking lot, took the elevator to his apartment, checked the mail, called his mom on his cell phone, and realized he'd left his sneakers and flashlight in the trunk, so he went downstairs, got them, and then wrote a check for the defense organization's new program.

British English:

On Monday, the colourfully dressed solicitor parked his grey saloon in the car park, took the lift to his flat, checked the post, rang his mum on his mobile phone, and realised he'd left his trainers and torch in the boot, so he went downstairs, got them, and then wrote a cheque for the defence organisation's new programme.

Bro, that’s nothing compared to French vs Québécois…

This is one of the many differences between American English and British English. It is in fact Defense in the USA.

American English

On Monday, the colorfully dressed attorney parked his gray sedan in the parking lot, took the elevator to his apartment, checked the mail, called his mom on his cell phone, and realized he'd left his sneakers and flashlight in the trunk, so he went downstairs, got them, and then wrote a check for the defense organization's new program.

British English:

On Monday, the colourfully dressed solicitor parked his grey saloon in the car park, took the lift to his flat, checked the post, rang his mum on his mobile phone, and realised he'd left his trainers and torch in the boot, so he went downstairs, got them, and then wrote a cheque for the defence organisation's new programme.

Quote from: an tha on August 20, 2026, 05:47:27 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on August 19, 2026, 01:51:41 PM The Champions are flexing their muscles.

Konsa joins the best defense in the world.

You have come a long way, my friend - a member of the intelligentsia here.

But I have to insist you use the correct terminology - defence.

To my defense, in French it’s défense.

Also:

image embedding for forums

Quote from: Codeguy on August 20, 2026, 06:32:05 PM Quote from: an tha on August 20, 2026, 05:47:27 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on August 19, 2026, 01:51:41 PM The Champions are flexing their muscles.

Konsa joins the best defense in the world.

You have come a long way, my friend - a member of the intelligentsia here.

But I have to insist you use the correct terminology - defence.

Ah, yez scousers always gobbin' off, la....

Another one of those scouse cultural appropriators.  There seems a few on here.  It's like those white men who seem to think that it's cool to talk like black men for some reason.  Very strange.

Quote from: an tha on August 20, 2026, 05:47:27 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on August 19, 2026, 01:51:41 PM The Champions are flexing their muscles.

Konsa joins the best defense in the world.

You have come a long way, my friend - a member of the intelligentsia here.

But I have to insist you use the correct terminology - defence.

Ah, yez scousers always gobbin' off, la....

Quote from: MPare1966 on August 19, 2026, 01:51:41 PM The Champions are flexing their muscles.

Konsa joins the best defense in the world.

You have come a long way, my friend - a member of the intelligentsia here.

But I have to insist you use the correct terminology - defence.

Fun fact: Arsenal could « theoretically » field an all English starting XI:

Setford

MLS-Salmon-Konsa-White

Rice-Eze-Saka

Dowman-Nwaneri-Madueke

Quote from: Codeguy on August 19, 2026, 02:58:18 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on August 19, 2026, 01:51:41 PM The Champions are flexing their muscles.

Konsa joins the best defense in the world.

Gonna win their first back-to-back titles since the 1930's?

That would be awesome.

Quote from: MPare1966 on August 19, 2026, 01:51:41 PM The Champions are flexing their muscles.

Konsa joins the best defense in the world.

Gonna win their first back-to-back titles since the 1930's?

The Champions are flexing their muscles.

Konsa joins the best defense in the world.

1,000 games, 0 trophies.

"Another defeat at the Amazon Extension."

What a move for Rodri - finally gets to play for a big club.

Nice way to end the pre-season, Arsenal.

Quote from: Codeguy on August 10, 2026, 02:44:23 PM Right lads - place yer bets!

I’ll go with

1. Arsenal 2. United 3. Shitty 4. Liverpool 5. Chelsky …. 17. Spurs

1. Arsenal 2. Man City 3. Chelsea 4. Liverpool 5. Man U 6. Spurs 7. Brighton

12. Everton 14. Newcastle

Quote from: MPare1966 on August 15, 2026, 01:39:56 PM Amorim wasn’t the problem for United.

I've been enjoying reading and hearing all the mancs getting giddy after a half decent season last when they exited every cup comp at the first hurdle and had no europe so played a game a week.

And i suppose when you had finished 15th the year before - just let that sink in - FIFTEENTH - talk about embarassing.....a half decent season would come as relief, but to be giving it the big one and claim they are going to win league and that is just laughable.

It will be delightful watching reality bite.

Amorim wasn’t the problem for United.

Robbing gets:

Everton - Many season ticket holders have been hit by above-inflation price increases – in some instances of almost 10%......

Meanwhile at England's most successful football club price rises have been capped at inflation rate and frozen beyond that.

"Following further dialogue with its Supporters Board, the club can now confirm an inflationary increase of three per cent to general admission tickets for season 2026-27, followed by a price freeze for season 2027-28.

Further discussions will take place with the Supporters Board for future seasons.

The club and Supporters Board will use the certainty of these seasons to seek longer-term alternative solutions across the game and explore commercial ideas with the Supporters Board in an attempt to avoid future ticket price increases and address issues around affordability and accessibility for future generations."

The real people's club.

Another day another cheating blueshite rat...

The Football Association has charged Everton forward Martin Sherif with allegedly breaching betting rules over 15 months.

The 20-year-old is accused of placing 61 bets on games between 20 November, 2024, and 12 February, 2026.

Sherif has until Monday, 17 August to respond to the charges.

"Martin Sherif of Everton FC has been charged with breaching the FA's betting rules," read an FA statement.

"It's alleged that the player breached FA Rule E1.2 in respect of 61 bets placed on football matches between 20 November 2024 and 12 February 2026. Martin Sherif has until Monday 17 August to provide a response."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cvgvzpzxedjo

Quote from: an tha on August 12, 2026, 05:49:38 PM

Nah, that's not a total eclipse.

Quote from: MPare1966 on August 12, 2026, 03:23:28 PM Quote from: So Cruel on August 12, 2026, 02:51:46 PM Quote from: an tha on August 12, 2026, 02:40:58 PM The UK will experience an eclipse tonight as Gabriel’s penalty from the Champions League final travels in front of the sun

You’re so cruel…

He was misled. Pardon him.

It’s actually Harry Kane’s missed penalty from the 2022 WC that travelled back from the outreach of the Solar System and is passing in front of the Sun today.

One of the highlights of the last few years that - bottle job.

Quote from: So Cruel on August 12, 2026, 02:51:46 PM Quote from: an tha on August 12, 2026, 02:40:58 PM The UK will experience an eclipse tonight as Gabriel’s penalty from the Champions League final travels in front of the sun

You’re so cruel…

He was misled. Pardon him.

It’s actually Harry Kane’s missed penalty from the 2022 WC that travelled back from the outreach of the Solar System and is passing in front of the Sun today.

Quote from: an tha on August 12, 2026, 02:40:58 PM The UK will experience an eclipse tonight as Gabriel’s penalty from the Champions League final travels in front of the sun

You’re so cruel…

The UK will experience an eclipse tonight as Gabriel’s penalty from the Champions League final travels in front of the sun

Man United is the most popularly supported club on the Island of Ireland.

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Dirty blueshite rat...

"Stockbridge Village" was Cantril "Canny" Farm when I was a kid.

Got renamed due to bad rep.

Quote from: So Cruel on August 11, 2026, 02:05:20 PM Quote from: Tumbling Dice on August 11, 2026, 05:59:11 AM Everton welcome Brennan Johnson to Bramley Moore.  Johnson, Tyrique George, Rohl, Norgaard and Hackney signed thus far.  We need a new right-back now.

Good to see. Everton trending up.

Mid-table players.

Quote from: Tumbling Dice on August 11, 2026, 05:59:11 AM Everton welcome Brennan Johnson to Bramley Moore.  Johnson, Tyrique George, Rohl, Norgaard and Hackney signed thus far.  We need a new right-back now.

Good to see. Everton trending up.

Expect to see Dirty Sanchez wearing a red dress soon.

Everton welcome Brennan Johnson to Bramley Moore.  Johnson, Tyrique George, Rohl, Norgaard and Hackney signed thus far.  We need a new right-back now.

Quote from: So Cruel on August 10, 2026, 03:06:54 PM 1. Man U 2. Arsenal 3. Man C 4. Chelsea 5. How Bout them Spurs! 6. Everton 7. Liverpool

1. Manchester United 2. Manchester Citeh 3. Chelsea (One's to watch) 4. Tottenham Hotspur 5. Arsenal

I see the draw for the 2nd round of the milk cup has been completed today:

The big clubs do not enter until the 3rd round but some draw highlights see minnows like Tottenham, Chelsea and The Shite in action.

Northern section draw

Stoke v Hull

Newcastle v West Bromwich Albion

Blackburn v Sheffield United

Nottingham Forest v Leeds

Fleetwood v Shrewsbury

Bradford v Burnley

Sheffield Wednesday v Wolves

Blackpool v Lincoln

Preston v Everton

Barnsley v Crewe

Doncaster v Middlesbrough

Southern section draw

Stevenage v Reading

Cardiff v Norwich

Ipswich v Leicester

Walsall v Leyton Orient

Cambridge v Millwall

Birmingham v Brentford

Southampton v West Ham

Watford v Peterborough

Fulham v AFC Wimbledon

Plymouth/Exeter v Coventry

Chelsea v Luton

Tottenham v Charlton

1. Man U 2. Arsenal 3. Man C 4. Chelsea 5. How Bout them Spurs! 6. Everton 7. Liverpool

Right lads - place yer bets!

I’ll go with

1. Arsenal 2. United 3. Shitty 4. Liverpool 5. Chelsky …. 17. Spurs

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Quote from: an tha on August 09, 2026, 04:08:10 PM Quote from: So Cruel on August 08, 2026, 07:38:29 PM Quote from: an tha on August 08, 2026, 06:38:09 PM Quote from: So Cruel on August 08, 2026, 06:09:19 PM Quote from: an tha on August 08, 2026, 05:56:03 PM Messi's arl feller dead....

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c70gn3w5ek5o

What is an arl feller?

I know you are as bright as an eclipse but surely you can work it out by reading the article.

Quote from: So Cruel on August 08, 2026, 07:38:29 PM Quote from: an tha on August 08, 2026, 06:38:09 PM Quote from: So Cruel on August 08, 2026, 06:09:19 PM Quote from: an tha on August 08, 2026, 05:56:03 PM Messi's arl feller dead....

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c70gn3w5ek5o

What is an arl feller?

I know you are as bright as an eclipse but surely you can work it out by reading the article.

Luis Diaz is still doing the business for Bayern.

Quote from: an tha on August 08, 2026, 06:38:09 PM Quote from: So Cruel on August 08, 2026, 06:09:19 PM Quote from: an tha on August 08, 2026, 05:56:03 PM Messi's arl feller dead....

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c70gn3w5ek5o

What is an arl feller?

I know you are as bright as an eclipse but surely you can work it out by reading the article.

Quote from: So Cruel on August 08, 2026, 06:09:19 PM Quote from: an tha on August 08, 2026, 05:56:03 PM Messi's arl feller dead....

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c70gn3w5ek5o

What is an arl feller?

I know you are as bright as an eclipse but surely you can work it out by reading the article.

Quote from: an tha on August 08, 2026, 05:56:03 PM Messi's arl feller dead....

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c70gn3w5ek5o

What is an arl feller?

Messi's arl feller dead....

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c70gn3w5ek5o

Solid start to the season for the Hammers.

Where’s your club?

Quote from: So Cruel on August 06, 2026, 08:08:40 PM Quote from: an tha on August 06, 2026, 05:21:12 PM Quote from: So Cruel on August 05, 2026, 07:43:00 PM Mo Salah going out with a whimper. Signed with a team in Turkey.

You've never got to grips with this football lark have you.

Quote from: an tha on August 06, 2026, 05:21:12 PM Quote from: So Cruel on August 05, 2026, 07:43:00 PM Mo Salah going out with a whimper. Signed with a team in Turkey.

You've never got to grips with this football lark have you.

Quote from: So Cruel on August 05, 2026, 07:43:00 PM Mo Salah going out with a whimper. Signed with a team in Turkey.

You've never got to grips with this football lark have you.

Quote from: Codeguy on August 06, 2026, 12:29:30 PM Quote from: So Cruel on August 05, 2026, 07:43:00 PM Mo Salah going out with a whimper. Signed with a team in Turkey.

Turkeys domestic league is surprisingly good.

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Quote from: So Cruel on August 05, 2026, 07:43:00 PM Mo Salah going out with a whimper. Signed with a team in Turkey.

Turkeys domestic league is surprisingly good.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Quote from: So Cruel on August 05, 2026, 07:43:00 PM Mo Salah going out with a whimper. Signed with a team in Turkey.

That was last season.

Mo Salah going out with a whimper. Signed with a team in Turkey.

All fur coat and no knickers...

Moving to the state-of-the-art Hill Dickinson Stadium promised a new dawn but Everton's points-per-game tally of 1.2 at home last season was the lowest by any team to start life in a new stadium in the Premier League in the competition's history....

Norgaard out.

Guimaraes in.

I think that’s what you call an « upgrade ».

Quote from: BluerWhite on July 31, 2026, 07:01:52 PM Quote from: Tumbling Dice on July 30, 2026, 06:25:53 PM Eddie Howe would make a good Everton manager should David Moyes take the Scotland job.

EDDIE HOWE is 3/1 to become the next permanent England manager after leaving Newcastle, according to bookmaker Betfair.  SPONSORED link https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/39913981/eddie-howe-next-club-odds-job/

  For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.

I'd sack Tuchel and appoint Eddie Howe England manager.

Quote from: an tha on July 31, 2026, 07:46:12 PM UEFA wins!

For now....

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/czekr6kn58po

UEFA stood up for its fans and put Europe firmly back in charge of the International agenda, which is as it should be given that the World Cup is the European Open with Brazil, Argentina and also-rans.

Now, Infantino must be sacked. Someone from UEFA should run for President next march and put this sorry era behind us. UEFA should back a candidate who reforms the World Cup bidding process. No more dictatorships. No more leaders interfering, or denying a team their moment when they win. The last two World Cups both had their big moment taken from them by authoritarian leaders moving in on the trophy presentation. No more deference to host nation culture. The world cup should have women wearing whatever the fuck they want, alcohol available, LGBTQRST++ nobody arrested for being gay or having sex with a consenting adult, no world cups to countries like Russia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the worlds worst dictatorships.

In fact, I'd want to see a candidate that forces the Saudi's to follow the rules (alcohol available, no arrests for gay activities, no nationalist vistas outside the opening ceremony. )

UEFA wins!

For now....

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/czekr6kn58po

Quote from: So Cruel on July 31, 2026, 01:09:53 PM Isn’t the new England PM an Everton fan?

Starmer was a lifelong supporter of The Champions of England.

Quote from: Tumbling Dice on July 30, 2026, 06:25:53 PM Eddie Howe would make a good Everton manager should David Moyes take the Scotland job.

EDDIE HOWE is 3/1 to become the next permanent England manager after leaving Newcastle, according to bookmaker Betfair.  SPONSORED link https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/39913981/eddie-howe-next-club-odds-job/

  For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.

Tommy Fleetwood's an Everton fan.

Isn’t the new England PM an Everton fan?

Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk is available to play again after his doping ban was resolved by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the Football Association.

Mudryk, 25, has not represented Chelsea since November 2024 following a suspension for an adverse finding in a urine sample.

Quote from: MPare1966 on July 31, 2026, 11:48:25 AM Quote from: an tha on July 31, 2026, 10:54:24 AM Cheating scum....

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c5ygz42gedno

Fair - not many bigger cheats than the blueshite rats.

Wow! Is the British Government about to use its considerable power over world football to get rid of infantino?

Feel the BURN!

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Quote from: an tha on July 31, 2026, 10:54:24 AM Cheating scum....

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c5ygz42gedno

Cheating scum....

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c5ygz42gedno

Jesus, they want to buy Vini Jr AND Endrick. Don’t recognize my club anymore.

Exciting.

Eddie Howe would make a good Everton manager should David Moyes take the Scotland job.

The Americans are revolting! Concacaf on board with UEFA.

Revolution! To the barricades!

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Quote from: MPare1966 on July 30, 2026, 12:19:39 PM Quote from: Codeguy on July 30, 2026, 11:38:35 AM FIFA about to see the teeth of European football. UEFA boycotting World Cup

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"UEFA and its 55 member associations stand as one. We unanimously and unequivocally reject FIFA’s proposal to transfer ownership interests in the World Cup and other FIFA competitions to private investors.

"The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product. It is one of football’s greatest sporting legacies. It has been built over generations by players, national teams and supporters across every continent. No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors. The World Cup is not for sale.

"It is both irresponsible and indefensible that a proposal of such significance for football was conceived in secret and brought to the brink of approval without any meaningful consultation with those entrusted with stewarding the game. This is not merely a profound failure of leadership, but an abdication of FIFA’s duty as the custodian of world football.

"National associations around the world are now presented with an ultimatum: accept the irreversible capture of football’s greatest competitions or bear the consequences. This is not a “democratic decision”, but governance by intimidation – an act of coercion unworthy of an institution entrusted with the stewardship of the global game.

"But our opposition goes far beyond process. The moment external investors acquire ownership interests in FIFA competitions, football changes forever. Commercial return becomes a permanent obligation. Investor expectations become a daily pressure. From that moment onwards, every decision on the international calendar, every decision on competition formats and every decision shaping the future of football is no longer driven by what best serves the game, but by what best serves shareholders.

"This model has no place in world football. Football’s future cannot be dictated by the expectations of those whose first duty is to maximise financial return. Nor can the interests of national associations, leagues, clubs, players and supporters become subordinate to investor returns. Football cannot mortgage its future for financial gain.

"Europe’s position is clear. We will never lend this model our legitimacy. No one has the moral authority to sell what they merely hold in trust for the next generation.

I am surprised Ingerlund did not vote not to boycott hoping to get in next time and have an easier run to win it

They'd probably be scabs.

Of course they'd still fail to win it.

Quote from: MPare1966 on July 30, 2026, 12:19:39 PM Quote from: Codeguy on July 30, 2026, 11:38:35 AM FIFA about to see the teeth of European football. UEFA boycotting World Cup

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"UEFA and its 55 member associations stand as one. We unanimously and unequivocally reject FIFA’s proposal to transfer ownership interests in the World Cup and other FIFA competitions to private investors.

"The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product. It is one of football’s greatest sporting legacies. It has been built over generations by players, national teams and supporters across every continent. No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors. The World Cup is not for sale.

"It is both irresponsible and indefensible that a proposal of such significance for football was conceived in secret and brought to the brink of approval without any meaningful consultation with those entrusted with stewarding the game. This is not merely a profound failure of leadership, but an abdication of FIFA’s duty as the custodian of world football.

"National associations around the world are now presented with an ultimatum: accept the irreversible capture of football’s greatest competitions or bear the consequences. This is not a “democratic decision”, but governance by intimidation – an act of coercion unworthy of an institution entrusted with the stewardship of the global game.

"But our opposition goes far beyond process. The moment external investors acquire ownership interests in FIFA competitions, football changes forever. Commercial return becomes a permanent obligation. Investor expectations become a daily pressure. From that moment onwards, every decision on the international calendar, every decision on competition formats and every decision shaping the future of football is no longer driven by what best serves the game, but by what best serves shareholders.

"This model has no place in world football. Football’s future cannot be dictated by the expectations of those whose first duty is to maximise financial return. Nor can the interests of national associations, leagues, clubs, players and supporters become subordinate to investor returns. Football cannot mortgage its future for financial gain.

"Europe’s position is clear. We will never lend this model our legitimacy. No one has the moral authority to sell what they merely hold in trust for the next generation.

Quote from: Codeguy on July 30, 2026, 11:38:35 AM FIFA about to see the teeth of European football. UEFA boycotting World Cup

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"UEFA and its 55 member associations stand as one. We unanimously and unequivocally reject FIFA’s proposal to transfer ownership interests in the World Cup and other FIFA competitions to private investors.

"The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product. It is one of football’s greatest sporting legacies. It has been built over generations by players, national teams and supporters across every continent. No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors. The World Cup is not for sale.

"It is both irresponsible and indefensible that a proposal of such significance for football was conceived in secret and brought to the brink of approval without any meaningful consultation with those entrusted with stewarding the game. This is not merely a profound failure of leadership, but an abdication of FIFA’s duty as the custodian of world football.

"National associations around the world are now presented with an ultimatum: accept the irreversible capture of football’s greatest competitions or bear the consequences. This is not a “democratic decision”, but governance by intimidation – an act of coercion unworthy of an institution entrusted with the stewardship of the global game.

"But our opposition goes far beyond process. The moment external investors acquire ownership interests in FIFA competitions, football changes forever. Commercial return becomes a permanent obligation. Investor expectations become a daily pressure. From that moment onwards, every decision on the international calendar, every decision on competition formats and every decision shaping the future of football is no longer driven by what best serves the game, but by what best serves shareholders.

"This model has no place in world football. Football’s future cannot be dictated by the expectations of those whose first duty is to maximise financial return. Nor can the interests of national associations, leagues, clubs, players and supporters become subordinate to investor returns. Football cannot mortgage its future for financial gain.

"Europe’s position is clear. We will never lend this model our legitimacy. No one has the moral authority to sell what they merely hold in trust for the next generation.

FIFA about to see the teeth of European football. UEFA boycotting World Cup

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Eddie Howe is leaving NUFC

Quote from: an tha on July 29, 2026, 03:32:34 PM Quote from: Codeguy on July 29, 2026, 12:33:23 PM FIFA being sold to Donald trumps family MUST be the moment it breaks. Surely the big five in UEFA along with maybe Brazil and Argentina will break away and destroy the whole thing to end this level of utter corruption!

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Football is eating itself and has been since 1992.

The war between FIFA and UEFA is like a war between Israel and Israel - there are no good guys.

No doubt. But it's time for the big five to show us their willies, and bring Brazil and Argentina. A world cup without Spain, Argentina, Brazil, Italy, Germany, England, Netherlands and France isn't a world cup, it's division 2 stuff. So it's time to use that leverage. OK, I did laugh when I said Italy, but the point is still valid.

Time to create a breakaway group. FIFA will cave, they'll have no choice.

Quote from: Codeguy on July 29, 2026, 12:33:23 PM FIFA being sold to Donald trumps family MUST be the moment it breaks. Surely the big five in UEFA along with maybe Brazil and Argentina will break away and destroy the whole thing to end this level of utter corruption!

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Football is eating itself and has been since 1992.

The war between FIFA and UEFA is like a war between Israel and Israel - there are no good guys.

Quote from: So Cruel on July 29, 2026, 02:34:40 PM Quote from: Tumbling Dice on July 29, 2026, 02:23:51 PM Quote from: So Cruel on July 29, 2026, 02:19:52 PM Quote from: Codeguy on July 29, 2026, 12:33:23 PM FIFA being sold to Donald trumps family MUST be the moment it breaks. Surely the big five in UEFA along with maybe Brazil and Argentina will break away and destroy the whole thing to end this level of utter corruption!

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UEFA needs to stand firm. Without Europe FIFA is nothing. Trump/Kushner with funding from the Saudi’s is the worst thing FIFA could do. Need to get rid of the Italian who’s only goal is to make as much money as possible, even if it hurts the integrity of the tournament and game.

Integrity of the tournament?  Did you see the '86 WC?

Going from 32 to 46 teams created a lot of garbage games in the opening 2 rounds. The product suffered but FiFa had more games and sold more tickets and TV rights so all was good for them. Now they want to increase to 64 teams, all in the name of money. Product will be even more watered down. Trump already inserted his influence with the American red card, showing FIFA leadership is a joke. Now you bring in Saudi money and you want them having a say in the direction of the game? Fuck that.

Couldn’t agree more. It’s time for a revolution. The irony is that Infantino owes his career to a U.S.-led corruption probe into Sepp blatter

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Quote from: So Cruel on July 29, 2026, 02:34:40 PM Quote from: Tumbling Dice on July 29, 2026, 02:23:51 PM Quote from: So Cruel on July 29, 2026, 02:19:52 PM Quote from: Codeguy on July 29, 2026, 12:33:23 PM FIFA being sold to Donald trumps family MUST be the moment it breaks. Surely the big five in UEFA along with maybe Brazil and Argentina will break away and destroy the whole thing to end this level of utter corruption!

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UEFA needs to stand firm. Without Europe FIFA is nothing. Trump/Kushner with funding from the Saudi’s is the worst thing FIFA could do. Need to get rid of the Italian who’s only goal is to make as much money as possible, even if it hurts the integrity of the tournament and game.

Integrity of the tournament?  Did you see the '86 WC?

Going from 32 to 46 teams created a lot of garbage games in the opening 2 rounds. The product suffered but FiFa had more games and sold more tickets and TV rights so all was good for them. Now they want to increase to 64 teams, all in the name of money. Product will be even more watered down. Trump already inserted his influence with the American red card, showing FIFA leadership is a joke. Now you bring in Saudi money and you want them having a say in the direction of the game? Fuck that.

I must say the Americans did put on a good WC.

Quote from: Tumbling Dice on July 29, 2026, 02:23:51 PM Quote from: So Cruel on July 29, 2026, 02:19:52 PM Quote from: Codeguy on July 29, 2026, 12:33:23 PM FIFA being sold to Donald trumps family MUST be the moment it breaks. Surely the big five in UEFA along with maybe Brazil and Argentina will break away and destroy the whole thing to end this level of utter corruption!

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UEFA needs to stand firm. Without Europe FIFA is nothing. Trump/Kushner with funding from the Saudi’s is the worst thing FIFA could do. Need to get rid of the Italian who’s only goal is to make as much money as possible, even if it hurts the integrity of the tournament and game.

Integrity of the tournament?  Did you see the '86 WC?

Going from 32 to 46 teams created a lot of garbage games in the opening 2 rounds. The product suffered but FiFa had more games and sold more tickets and TV rights so all was good for them. Now they want to increase to 64 teams, all in the name of money. Product will be even more watered down. Trump already inserted his influence with the American red card, showing FIFA leadership is a joke. Now you bring in Saudi money and you want them having a say in the direction of the game? Fuck that.

Quote from: So Cruel on July 29, 2026, 02:19:52 PM Quote from: Codeguy on July 29, 2026, 12:33:23 PM FIFA being sold to Donald trumps family MUST be the moment it breaks. Surely the big five in UEFA along with maybe Brazil and Argentina will break away and destroy the whole thing to end this level of utter corruption!

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UEFA needs to stand firm. Without Europe FIFA is nothing. Trump/Kushner with funding from the Saudi’s is the worst thing FIFA could do. Need to get rid of the Italian who’s only goal is to make as much money as possible, even if it hurts the integrity of the tournament and game.

Integrity of the tournament?  Did you see the '86 WC?

Quote from: Codeguy on July 29, 2026, 12:33:23 PM FIFA being sold to Donald trumps family MUST be the moment it breaks. Surely the big five in UEFA along with maybe Brazil and Argentina will break away and destroy the whole thing to end this level of utter corruption!

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UEFA needs to stand firm. Without Europe FIFA is nothing. Trump/Kushner with funding from the Saudi’s is the worst thing FIFA could do. Need to get rid of the Italian who’s only goal is to make as much money as possible, even if it hurts the integrity of the tournament and game.

Why would anyone want the dirty cheating bastards in their competition?

FIFA being sold to Donald trumps family MUST be the moment it breaks. Surely the big five in UEFA along with maybe Brazil and Argentina will break away and destroy the whole thing to end this level of utter corruption!

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The west london blue cheats potentially adding new meaning to chelsea pensioners....

Quote from: So Cruel on July 25, 2026, 01:58:05 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on July 25, 2026, 01:42:37 PM OrnBomb dropped.

Pay extra for the chin?

Nobody wants Vini until everyone wants him.

Uber United fan Goldbridge is fuming they’re not going for him.

Quote from: MPare1966 on July 25, 2026, 01:42:37 PM OrnBomb dropped.

Pay extra for the chin?

OrnBomb dropped.

Owen fucked the redshite big style leaving for a beggarly £8m fee.

At least Stevie G. showed some loyalty.  But then again on the Titanic the band played on.

Quote from: an tha on July 24, 2026, 05:20:39 PM Quote from: So Cruel on July 24, 2026, 01:44:25 PM Quote from: Codeguy on July 24, 2026, 12:32:48 PM Quote from: So Cruel on July 24, 2026, 02:11:08 AM Watched a documentary on Netflix about the 2005 Liverpool Champions League final. Pretty good watch, was interesting to see how they didn’t really like/respond to the manager when he first got there.

Carragher said at the end - it wasn’t the Liverpool club that had the best players, wasn’t the best Liverpool team, didn’t have the best manager, but it was the most memorable. I guess An Tha can say if that’s true or not.

All of the above. It was our finest hour.

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This is the 2nd Untold UK documentary on Netflix I watched. First was on Jamie Vardy. Both are well done. One thing I found funny was at the 2004 England team practices in Portugal, Liverpool sent the new manager Rafa to introduce himself to Gerrard, Carragher, and Michael Owen. All 3 said it went horribly. Instead of greeting them he went right into their weaknesses and the areas they needed to improve on. Owen ended up leaving and I wasn’t aware how close Gerrard was to leaving to Chelsea.

Michael Owen was finished by that time anyway - his injuries had killed his biggest asset - pace - and he was never able to perform as he had previously, said himself it was always in his mind if he tried to get up to top pace that he'd snap again and he was petrified of it happening.

Some talent before the injuries mind.

Remains the last English player to date to win the Ballon d'or in 2001 at Liverpool

I’ll never forget his introduction to the world at the 1998 World Cup when he was a teenager.

In the doc Owen and Gerrard talked about how they grew up as big Liverpool fans.

Quote from: So Cruel on July 24, 2026, 01:44:25 PM Quote from: Codeguy on July 24, 2026, 12:32:48 PM Quote from: So Cruel on July 24, 2026, 02:11:08 AM Watched a documentary on Netflix about the 2005 Liverpool Champions League final. Pretty good watch, was interesting to see how they didn’t really like/respond to the manager when he first got there.

Carragher said at the end - it wasn’t the Liverpool club that had the best players, wasn’t the best Liverpool team, didn’t have the best manager, but it was the most memorable. I guess An Tha can say if that’s true or not.

All of the above. It was our finest hour.

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This is the 2nd Untold UK documentary on Netflix I watched. First was on Jamie Vardy. Both are well done. One thing I found funny was at the 2004 England team practices in Portugal, Liverpool sent the new manager Rafa to introduce himself to Gerrard, Carragher, and Michael Owen. All 3 said it went horribly. Instead of greeting them he went right into their weaknesses and the areas they needed to improve on. Owen ended up leaving and I wasn’t aware how close Gerrard was to leaving to Chelsea.

Michael Owen was finished by that time anyway - his injuries had killed his biggest asset - pace - and he was never able to perform as he had previously, said himself it was always in his mind if he tried to get up to top pace that he'd snap again and he was petrified of it happening.

Some talent before the injuries mind.

Remains the last English player to date to win the Ballon d'or in 2001 at Liverpool

Quote from: So Cruel on July 24, 2026, 02:11:08 AM Watched a documentary on Netflix about the 2005 Liverpool Champions League final. Pretty good watch, was interesting to see how they didn’t really like/respond to the manager when he first got there.

Carragher said at the end - it wasn’t the Liverpool club that had the best players, wasn’t the best Liverpool team, didn’t have the best manager, but it was the most memorable. I guess An Tha can say if that’s true or not.

Benitez was a proven winner who had won things as manager at Valencia - a club who had won very little in the years before his arrival and who won very little after he left - to win la liga twice in three years (Valencia's first titles in 30 years plus) and a uefa cup with the massive disadvantage all the other teams in Spain face against Barcelona and Real Madrid marked him out as an elite manager and someone spot on for a club the stature of Liverpool.

The side that won that european cup in 2005 were by no means a vintage Liverpool team - but that run to win the biggest prize in club football was very, very special and Benitez was tactically absolutely spot on throughout the run - outwitting better sides on paper including Mourinho's Chelsea in the semi and a fantastic backs to the wall display away in Turin against Juventus after a narrow 1st leg win at home.

Mind you they very nearly failed to get out their group - a magnificent late goal by Steven Gerrard edging them through - one of (even by the lofty standards of such a rich european history the club have) the most dramatic moments seen at Anfield.

Benitez's style was arguably better suited to European competition but his PL record was not too shabby - he finished 5th, 3rd, 3rd, 4th and 2nd before a bad final season with the club in turmoil off the pitch saw a 7th place finish - the season finished in 2nd they only lost 2 league games all season and did the double over the team who finished above them - too many draws ultimately cost them the title though.

He also won an FA cup with them.

Ultimately he split the fanbase in the end - his style of play was pragmatic and there is a big, big core of Liverpool fans who demand front foot and attacking football - but of course when you win the biggest prize in the game you go down in history as a club legend.

Quote from: So Cruel on July 24, 2026, 02:46:50 PM Quote from: Tumbling Dice on July 24, 2026, 02:31:07 PM Quote from: So Cruel on July 24, 2026, 02:24:40 PM Quote from: Tumbling Dice on July 24, 2026, 02:17:48 PM Stevie G could have won three Premier League titles and a CL title had he gone to Chelsea in 2005.   Oh well...

It would have been interesting. Would Chelsea have kept Lampard? They never really worked well together for England.

Maybe played Stevie G. on the right side of midfield.  Maybe with Stevie G, Chelsea would have won even more honours.  Something he'll just have to live with for the rest of his life.

Some great insight there TD

And if he'd played under Jose Mourinho he could have learned how to be a great coach.

Quote from: Tumbling Dice on July 24, 2026, 02:31:07 PM Quote from: So Cruel on July 24, 2026, 02:24:40 PM Quote from: Tumbling Dice on July 24, 2026, 02:17:48 PM Stevie G could have won three Premier League titles and a CL title had he gone to Chelsea in 2005.   Oh well...

It would have been interesting. Would Chelsea have kept Lampard? They never really worked well together for England.

Maybe played Stevie G. on the right side of midfield.  Maybe with Stevie G, Chelsea would have won even more honours.  Something he'll just have to live with for the rest of his life.

Some great insight there TD

Quote from: So Cruel on July 24, 2026, 02:24:40 PM Quote from: Tumbling Dice on July 24, 2026, 02:17:48 PM Stevie G could have won three Premier League titles and a CL title had he gone to Chelsea in 2005.   Oh well...

It would have been interesting. Would Chelsea have kept Lampard? They never really worked well together for England.

Maybe played Stevie G. on the right side of midfield.  Maybe with Stevie G, Chelsea would have won even more honours.  Something he'll just have to live with for the rest of his life.

Quote from: Tumbling Dice on July 24, 2026, 02:17:48 PM Stevie G could have won three Premier League titles and a CL title had he gone to Chelsea in 2005.   Oh well...

It would have been interesting. Would Chelsea have kept Lampard? They never really worked well together for England.

Stevie G could have won three Premier League titles and a CL title had he gone to Chelsea in 2005.   Oh well...

Quote from: Codeguy on July 24, 2026, 12:32:48 PM Quote from: So Cruel on July 24, 2026, 02:11:08 AM Watched a documentary on Netflix about the 2005 Liverpool Champions League final. Pretty good watch, was interesting to see how they didn’t really like/respond to the manager when he first got there.

Carragher said at the end - it wasn’t the Liverpool club that had the best players, wasn’t the best Liverpool team, didn’t have the best manager, but it was the most memorable. I guess An Tha can say if that’s true or not.

All of the above. It was our finest hour.

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This is the 2nd Untold UK documentary on Netflix I watched. First was on Jamie Vardy. Both are well done. One thing I found funny was at the 2004 England team practices in Portugal, Liverpool sent the new manager Rafa to introduce himself to Gerrard, Carragher, and Michael Owen. All 3 said it went horribly. Instead of greeting them he went right into their weaknesses and the areas they needed to improve on. Owen ended up leaving and I wasn’t aware how close Gerrard was to leaving to Chelsea.

Quote from: So Cruel on July 24, 2026, 02:11:08 AM Watched a documentary on Netflix about the 2005 Liverpool Champions League final. Pretty good watch, was interesting to see how they didn’t really like/respond to the manager when he first got there.

Carragher said at the end - it wasn’t the Liverpool club that had the best players, wasn’t the best Liverpool team, didn’t have the best manager, but it was the most memorable. I guess An Tha can say if that’s true or not.

All of the above. It was our finest hour.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Watched a documentary on Netflix about the 2005 Liverpool Champions League final. Pretty good watch, was interesting to see how they didn’t really like/respond to the manager when he first got there.

Carragher said at the end - it wasn’t the Liverpool club that had the best players, wasn’t the best Liverpool team, didn’t have the best manager, but it was the most memorable. I guess An Tha can say if that’s true or not.

Quote from: So Cruel on July 23, 2026, 02:24:18 PM Quote from: Tumbling Dice on July 23, 2026, 02:14:05 PM My PL finish predictions for next season are:

1. Man United 2. Man Citeh 3. Chelsea 4. Tottenham Hotspur 5. Arsenal

Gotta say, it’s nice to see someone with decades of knowledge put thought into creating a list like this.

I've been an expert on football since the early 1980s.

Quote from: Tumbling Dice on July 23, 2026, 02:14:05 PM My PL finish predictions for next season are:

1. Man United 2. Man Citeh 3. Chelsea 4. Tottenham Hotspur 5. Arsenal

Gotta say, it’s nice to see someone with decades of knowledge put thought into creating a list like this.

My PL finish predictions for next season are:

1. Man United 2. Man Citeh 3. Chelsea 4. Tottenham Hotspur 5. Arsenal

Quote from: MPare1966 on July 22, 2026, 08:49:45 PM Shaktar Donetsk in in talks with Chelsea to potentially use Stamford Bridge as their home stadium for the 2026/2027 UEFA Champions league matches.

Chelsea (self-declared The Biggest Club in London) to loan out their unused stadium mid-week. 🤣🤣🤣

Hey they only finished a point behind those giants Brentford last season.....

Shaktar Donetsk in in talks with Chelsea to potentially use Stanford Bridge as their home stadium for the 2026/2027 UEFA Champions league matches.

Chelsea (self-declared The Biggest Club in London) to loan out their unused stadium mid-week. 🤣🤣🤣

Quote from: BluerWhite on July 22, 2026, 05:49:19 PM Quote from: an tha on July 22, 2026, 05:22:03 PM Mega flop Garnacho farmed out on loan to Aston Villa.

Personally I would ban loans between PL clubs.

Seems as though it avoids a 'swap' in UEFA's eyes.  Rogers for Garnacho.  A clean and quick swap would have negative financial implications for both Villa and Chelsea.

Clever business moves for now.

Chelsea are definitely one to watch next season.  Alonso could well bring the Bayern Leverkusen success to the PL.

He could play Rogers and Cole Palmer as dual No.10s.

Quote from: BluerWhite on July 22, 2026, 05:49:19 PM Quote from: an tha on July 22, 2026, 05:22:03 PM Mega flop Garnacho farmed out on loan to Aston Villa.

Personally I would ban loans between PL clubs.

Seems as though it avoids a 'swap' in UEFA's eyes.  Rogers for Garnacho.  A clean and quick swap would have negative financial implications for both Villa and Chelsea.

Clever business moves for now.

Just another example of the shitshow modern footy at the highest level has become and the shitty financial trickery clubs are engaged in.

Chelsea of course being about as dodgy as can get.

Quote from: an tha on July 22, 2026, 05:22:03 PM Mega flop Garnacho farmed out on loan to Aston Villa.

Personally I would ban loans between PL clubs.

Seems as though it avoids a 'swap' in UEFA's eyes.  Rogers for Garnacho.  A clean and quick swap would have negative financial implications for both Villa and Chelsea.

Clever business moves for now.

Mega flop Garnacho farmed out on loan to Aston Villa.

Personally I would ban loans between PL clubs.

Quote from: Smee on July 21, 2026, 07:15:26 AM Roll on the start of the Domestic season. That is what really gets me excited. Not a big fan of International footie....especially "International Breaks" I preferred the days when international footie was played on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (Mostly)

Less breaks for international shite this season but the Sep one is longer.

A restructuring of the international match calendar means the first break of 2026-27 will begin on September 21st.

Up to four matches can be played by countries until October 6th.

International windows featuring two games follow in November (9-17) and March (22-30).

Quote from: an tha on July 20, 2026, 05:14:53 PM Quote from: So Cruel on July 20, 2026, 05:00:17 PM Quote from: an tha on July 20, 2026, 03:53:45 PM Quote from: So Cruel on July 20, 2026, 12:29:16 PM Chris Martin’s World Cup half-time show was an atrocity for the ages

Chris Martin has finally done it. As “creative curator” of Fifa’s spectacularly toe-curling half-time World Cup final show he has ascended to a higher universe of naff. Cheesy, tepid, annoying – Martin’s answer to the Super Bowl half-time somehow squeezed a decade worth of Coldplay albums into 11 maddening minutes.

On the BBC, noted music critic Wayne Rooney put it best. “I like a lot of the artists,” he said. “But I thought it was absolute crap.”

https://inews.co.uk/culture/music/chris-martins-world-cup-half-time-show-was-an-atrocity-for-the-ages-4645840?srsltid=AfmBOorWneXUoYk3M0W31UT0w14xPLeTyFRMUMgav1uQxtd7TkUYvHVV

Waybe Ronney is thicker than a boxing day crap.

Did you see that halftime?? Rooney was spot on.

I'd rather watch listen to Van Halen's "Greatest" Hits than watch that shite - but what that has to do with Rooney being a thick meff I do not know.

Dem is fighting words. Van Halen sucks.  Now there’s two of us. Put em up! Put em up!

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30 days until your various clubs get the privilege of playing against the Premier League Champions.

Enjoy the pre-season, boys and girls.

I prefered it when all the matches were every Saturday with a 3pm kick off.

Roll on the start of the Domestic season. That is what really gets me excited. Not a big fan of International footie....especially "International Breaks" I preferred the days when international footie was played on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (Mostly)

Wayne Rooney's a proper scouser making good.

Quote from: an tha on July 20, 2026, 05:14:53 PM Quote from: So Cruel on July 20, 2026, 05:00:17 PM Quote from: an tha on July 20, 2026, 03:53:45 PM Quote from: So Cruel on July 20, 2026, 12:29:16 PM Chris Martin’s World Cup half-time show was an atrocity for the ages

Chris Martin has finally done it. As “creative curator” of Fifa’s spectacularly toe-curling half-time World Cup final show he has ascended to a higher universe of naff. Cheesy, tepid, annoying – Martin’s answer to the Super Bowl half-time somehow squeezed a decade worth of Coldplay albums into 11 maddening minutes.

On the BBC, noted music critic Wayne Rooney put it best. “I like a lot of the artists,” he said. “But I thought it was absolute crap.”

https://inews.co.uk/culture/music/chris-martins-world-cup-half-time-show-was-an-atrocity-for-the-ages-4645840?srsltid=AfmBOorWneXUoYk3M0W31UT0w14xPLeTyFRMUMgav1uQxtd7TkUYvHVV

Waybe Ronney is thicker than a boxing day crap.

Did you see that halftime?? Rooney was spot on.

I'd rather watch listen to Van Halen's "Greatest" Hits than watch that shite - but what that has to do with Rooney being a thick meff I do not know.

I can arrange a listening party for Van Halen’s Greatest Hits if need be…

Decent little tribute from itv

Quote from: So Cruel on July 20, 2026, 05:00:17 PM Quote from: an tha on July 20, 2026, 03:53:45 PM Quote from: So Cruel on July 20, 2026, 12:29:16 PM Chris Martin’s World Cup half-time show was an atrocity for the ages

Chris Martin has finally done it. As “creative curator” of Fifa’s spectacularly toe-curling half-time World Cup final show he has ascended to a higher universe of naff. Cheesy, tepid, annoying – Martin’s answer to the Super Bowl half-time somehow squeezed a decade worth of Coldplay albums into 11 maddening minutes.

On the BBC, noted music critic Wayne Rooney put it best. “I like a lot of the artists,” he said. “But I thought it was absolute crap.”

https://inews.co.uk/culture/music/chris-martins-world-cup-half-time-show-was-an-atrocity-for-the-ages-4645840?srsltid=AfmBOorWneXUoYk3M0W31UT0w14xPLeTyFRMUMgav1uQxtd7TkUYvHVV

Waybe Ronney is thicker than a boxing day crap.

Did you see that halftime?? Rooney was spot on.

I'd rather watch listen to Van Halen's "Greatest" Hits than watch that shite - but what that has to do with Rooney being a thick meff I do not know.

Quote from: Shank on July 20, 2026, 12:30:10 PM I wasn't going to bother watching the match against France because no one cares about the third place match, but was glad i did.  Very entertaining match and i always root against France regardless.

Think it was kind of BS that Mmmbop played the match.  He wanted goals for the golden boot and the overall WC goals record and that was  match where there were was a higher potential for goals against a weaker roster that England put out.

No defense played, but we were spared of the players rolling around on the floor all game faking agony.  Felt like a proper all-star game.

For some reason every time I see Mbappe I think 'Bond villain.'  In the best way though  haha

Quote from: So Cruel on July 20, 2026, 05:00:17 PM Quote from: an tha on July 20, 2026, 03:53:45 PM Quote from: So Cruel on July 20, 2026, 12:29:16 PM Chris Martin’s World Cup half-time show was an atrocity for the ages

Chris Martin has finally done it. As “creative curator” of Fifa’s spectacularly toe-curling half-time World Cup final show he has ascended to a higher universe of naff. Cheesy, tepid, annoying – Martin’s answer to the Super Bowl half-time somehow squeezed a decade worth of Coldplay albums into 11 maddening minutes.

On the BBC, noted music critic Wayne Rooney put it best. “I like a lot of the artists,” he said. “But I thought it was absolute crap.”

https://inews.co.uk/culture/music/chris-martins-world-cup-half-time-show-was-an-atrocity-for-the-ages-4645840?srsltid=AfmBOorWneXUoYk3M0W31UT0w14xPLeTyFRMUMgav1uQxtd7TkUYvHVV

Waybe Ronney is thicker than a boxing day crap.

Did you see that halftime?? Rooney was spot on.

Both can be true.

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Quote from: So Cruel on July 20, 2026, 05:00:17 PM Quote from: an tha on July 20, 2026, 03:53:45 PM Quote from: So Cruel on July 20, 2026, 12:29:16 PM Chris Martin’s World Cup half-time show was an atrocity for the ages

Chris Martin has finally done it. As “creative curator” of Fifa’s spectacularly toe-curling half-time World Cup final show he has ascended to a higher universe of naff. Cheesy, tepid, annoying – Martin’s answer to the Super Bowl half-time somehow squeezed a decade worth of Coldplay albums into 11 maddening minutes.

On the BBC, noted music critic Wayne Rooney put it best. “I like a lot of the artists,” he said. “But I thought it was absolute crap.”

https://inews.co.uk/culture/music/chris-martins-world-cup-half-time-show-was-an-atrocity-for-the-ages-4645840?srsltid=AfmBOorWneXUoYk3M0W31UT0w14xPLeTyFRMUMgav1uQxtd7TkUYvHVV

Waybe Ronney is thicker than a boxing day crap.

Did you see that halftime?? Rooney was spot on.

Our Scouser friend would rather watch bowling than the WC. You should know that by now.

Quote from: an tha on July 20, 2026, 03:53:45 PM Quote from: So Cruel on July 20, 2026, 12:29:16 PM Chris Martin’s World Cup half-time show was an atrocity for the ages

Chris Martin has finally done it. As “creative curator” of Fifa’s spectacularly toe-curling half-time World Cup final show he has ascended to a higher universe of naff. Cheesy, tepid, annoying – Martin’s answer to the Super Bowl half-time somehow squeezed a decade worth of Coldplay albums into 11 maddening minutes.

On the BBC, noted music critic Wayne Rooney put it best. “I like a lot of the artists,” he said. “But I thought it was absolute crap.”

https://inews.co.uk/culture/music/chris-martins-world-cup-half-time-show-was-an-atrocity-for-the-ages-4645840?srsltid=AfmBOorWneXUoYk3M0W31UT0w14xPLeTyFRMUMgav1uQxtd7TkUYvHVV

Waybe Ronney is thicker than a boxing day crap.

Did you see that halftime?? Rooney was spot on.

Quote from: So Cruel on July 20, 2026, 12:29:16 PM Chris Martin’s World Cup half-time show was an atrocity for the ages

Chris Martin has finally done it. As “creative curator” of Fifa’s spectacularly toe-curling half-time World Cup final show he has ascended to a higher universe of naff. Cheesy, tepid, annoying – Martin’s answer to the Super Bowl half-time somehow squeezed a decade worth of Coldplay albums into 11 maddening minutes.

On the BBC, noted music critic Wayne Rooney put it best. “I like a lot of the artists,” he said. “But I thought it was absolute crap.”

https://inews.co.uk/culture/music/chris-martins-world-cup-half-time-show-was-an-atrocity-for-the-ages-4645840?srsltid=AfmBOorWneXUoYk3M0W31UT0w14xPLeTyFRMUMgav1uQxtd7TkUYvHVV

Waybe Ronney is thicker than a boxing day crap.

Now that the WC extravaganza is over, good to see the lads back in training today.

Lot’s of work for The Champions, and hopefully, the guys that were at the WC will come back in top shape.

Quote from: Codeguy on July 20, 2026, 12:39:25 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on July 20, 2026, 07:05:02 AM Quote from: So Cruel on July 20, 2026, 12:28:43 AM Argentina should be ashamed of what they put on the field today. They had no intent to try and win that game during the play of the game, just trying for penalties. Played like thugs. Just a really shitty final.

A part from Messi, the vast majority of players in that squad are detestable. Was so funny when Enzo got the red card.

Yeah. The refereeing was atrocious. Argentina’s tactics were clear from the very beginning and he needed to start handing out yellows to force them to play football. First yellow was right before halftime, should’ve been in the first five minutes. Also, if there was ever an argument for changing the offside rule, the second Spanish goal was it. Under the current rules yes it was offside, but the rules stink.

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Say all the bad things you want about Michael Oliver, but I’m certain he would’ve given a bunch of yellows, no doubt.

He did it in one of his games in the tournament.

I liked the way Kevin Keegan and Mrs Keegan embraced German culture.

Fat Ronaldo got closer to the Spanish net than Messi

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Quote from: an tha on July 20, 2026, 11:08:06 AM Quote from: Smee on July 20, 2026, 10:35:07 AM Quote from: an tha on July 20, 2026, 10:28:49 AM Kevin Keegan dies aged 75.

Won the european cup, 3 league titles, the fa cup and 2 uefa cups in a 6 year Liverpool career.

This is a sore one for me. King Kev was the reason I decided to follow Newcastle Utd and make them my team, back in the 80s. I always liked the fella. I was really hoping he would defy the odds and come through the other side. Alas, it wasnt to be. Rest Easy King Kev 

Aye I know him joining Newcastle albeit in the twilight of his career was a big thing for Newcastle.

His time at Liverpool pre-dated my football fandom - I was only 5 when they sold him - but my arl feller loved him and he was always held in the highest regard by that era's fans.

Think he finished top 10 in a massive survey the club carried out for all time best players at the club - and of course what he won in his time there was fantastic.

Of course the man they bought to replace him went on to even greater heights and to even greater legend status.

By all accounts Keegan was a nice feller too.

And even though they never quite managed to get over the line and be winners the newcastle sides he managed in the 90s were a great watch - properly entertaining and played lovely football.

I was at the first of those famous 4-3 games at anfield where he managed newcastle.....great game.

Yeah same here; only really knew him as the guy before Kenny D, but grew to respect him later on. That year Newcastle almost won the Premier league, I was rooting for them. Just because of Kevin.

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Quote from: MPare1966 on July 20, 2026, 07:05:02 AM Quote from: So Cruel on July 20, 2026, 12:28:43 AM Argentina should be ashamed of what they put on the field today. They had no intent to try and win that game during the play of the game, just trying for penalties. Played like thugs. Just a really shitty final.

A part from Messi, the vast majority of players in that squad are detestable. Was so funny when Enzo got the red card.

Yeah. The refereeing was atrocious. Argentina’s tactics were clear from the very beginning and he needed to start handing out yellows to force them to play football. First yellow was right before halftime, should’ve been in the first five minutes. Also, if there was ever an argument for changing the offside rule, the second Spanish goal was it. Under the current rules yes it was offside, but the rules stink.

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Quote from: So Cruel on July 20, 2026, 12:28:43 AM Argentina should be ashamed of what they put on the field today. They had no intent to try and win that game during the play of the game, just trying for penalties. Played like thugs. Just a really shitty final.

Little Messi's level is to try to get Cucuralla sent off for speaking to him.  Pathetic.

Keep your eyes on the Falkland Islands, Argies, because you'll never get your hands on it.

I was camping for a week and was able to find a mexican restaurant in a tiny town that was showing the england match against argentina.  It was only me and three old farmers watching and i was certain they were making fun of me as i was wearing an england jersey and quite vocal but they were surprisingly into it and knew all the players.  Felt England should've won.  That collapse was pathetic.

I wasn't going to bother watching the match against France because no one cares about the third place match, but was glad i did.  Very entertaining match and i always root against France regardless.

Think it was kind of BS that Mmmbop played the match.  He wanted goals for the golden boot and the overall WC goals record and that was  match where there were was a higher potential for goals against a weaker roster that England put out.

Chris Martin’s World Cup half-time show was an atrocity for the ages

Chris Martin has finally done it. As “creative curator” of Fifa’s spectacularly toe-curling half-time World Cup final show he has ascended to a higher universe of naff. Cheesy, tepid, annoying – Martin’s answer to the Super Bowl half-time somehow squeezed a decade worth of Coldplay albums into 11 maddening minutes.

On the BBC, noted music critic Wayne Rooney put it best. “I like a lot of the artists,” he said. “But I thought it was absolute crap.”

https://inews.co.uk/culture/music/chris-martins-world-cup-half-time-show-was-an-atrocity-for-the-ages-4645840?srsltid=AfmBOorWneXUoYk3M0W31UT0w14xPLeTyFRMUMgav1uQxtd7TkUYvHVV

Quote from: Smee on July 20, 2026, 10:35:07 AM Quote from: an tha on July 20, 2026, 10:28:49 AM Kevin Keegan dies aged 75.

Won the european cup, 3 league titles, the fa cup and 2 uefa cups in a 6 year Liverpool career.

This is a sore one for me. King Kev was the reason I decided to follow Newcastle Utd and make them my team, back in the 80s. I always liked the fella. I was really hoping he would defy the odds and come through the other side. Alas, it wasnt to be. Rest Easy King Kev 

Aye I know him joining Newcastle albeit in the twilight of his career was a big thing for Newcastle.

His time at Liverpool pre-dated my football fandom - I was only 5 when they sold him - but my arl feller loved him and he was always held in the highest regard by that era's fans.

Think he finished top 10 in a massive survey the club carried out for all time best players at the club - and of course what he won in his time there was fantastic.

Of course the man they bought to replace him went on to even greater heights and to even greater legend status.

By all accounts Keegan was a nice feller too.

And even though they never quite managed to get over the line and be winners the newcastle sides he managed in the 90s were a great watch - properly entertaining and played lovely football.

I was at the first of those famous 4-3 games at anfield where he managed newcastle.....great game.

Quote from: an tha on July 20, 2026, 10:28:49 AM Kevin Keegan dies aged 75.

Won the european cup, 3 league titles, the fa cup and 2 uefa cups in a 6 year Liverpool career.

This is a sore one for me. King Kev was the reason I decided to follow Newcastle Utd and make them my team, back in the 80s. I always liked the fella. I was really hoping he would defy the odds and come through the other side. Alas, it wasnt to be. Rest Easy King Kev

Kevin Keegan dies aged 75.

Won the european cup, 3 league titles, the fa cup and 2 uefa cups in a 6 year Liverpool career.

Quote from: So Cruel on July 20, 2026, 12:28:43 AM Argentina should be ashamed of what they put on the field today. They had no intent to try and win that game during the play of the game, just trying for penalties. Played like thugs. Just a really shitty final.

A part from Messi, the vast majority of players in that squad are detestable. Was so funny when Enzo got the red card.

Argentina should be ashamed of what they put on the field today. They had no intent to try and win that game during the play of the game, just trying for penalties. Played like thugs. Just a really shitty final.

A good year for this trio.

Quote from: So Cruel on July 19, 2026, 04:15:52 PM Aside from Shakira shaking her ass that halftime was hot garbage

Norwegian pundit went even further 🤭 "I'd rather watch my own father wipe his ass before I'd watch whatever this was".

A.B.E.

Job done

Dirty cheating bastards.

Quote from: So Cruel on July 19, 2026, 04:15:52 PM Aside from Shakira shaking her ass that halftime was hot garbage

So was the pregame ceremony. Fucking embarrassing

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Aside from Shakira shaking her ass that halftime was hot garbage

hahahahahahahahahaha wtf omfg, that wasn't football, that was an NBA All-Star game hahahahahahahaha dubious defense at best, but entertaining af to watch.  🍻

Morgan Rogers is an excellent signing for Chelsea.  Clearly the managerial stature of Xabi Alonso played a big role in the transfer.

France are always easier to hate-watch than England.

Quote from: So Cruel on July 18, 2026, 11:32:47 AM Quote from: an tha on July 18, 2026, 10:01:20 AM Quote from: MPare1966 on July 17, 2026, 10:20:54 PM Quote from: an tha on July 17, 2026, 07:42:15 PM Has been fantastic watching the wailing and gnashing of teeth here the last few days following Ingerlund's latest inevitable failure.

Quote from: an tha on July 18, 2026, 10:01:20 AM Quote from: MPare1966 on July 17, 2026, 10:20:54 PM Quote from: an tha on July 17, 2026, 07:42:15 PM Has been fantastic watching the wailing and gnashing of teeth here the last few days following Ingerlund's latest inevitable failure.

Quote from: MPare1966 on July 17, 2026, 10:20:54 PM Quote from: an tha on July 17, 2026, 07:42:15 PM Has been fantastic watching the wailing and gnashing of teeth here the last few days following Ingerlund's latest inevitable failure.

Quote from: Codeguy on July 18, 2026, 09:47:40 AM Quote from: an tha on July 17, 2026, 07:42:15 PM Has been fantastic watching the wailing and gnashing of teeth here the last few days following Ingerlund's latest inevitable failure.

The further they go, the more fun it gets to watch them fail

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The beauty is how they never ever learn

Quote from: an tha on July 17, 2026, 07:42:15 PM Has been fantastic watching the wailing and gnashing of teeth here the last few days following Ingerlund's latest inevitable failure.

The further they go, the more fun it gets to watch them fail

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Quote from: an tha on July 17, 2026, 07:42:15 PM Has been fantastic watching the wailing and gnashing of teeth here the last few days following Ingerlund's latest inevitable failure.

Has been fantastic watching the wailing and gnashing of teeth here the last few days following Ingerlund's latest inevitable failure.

Trossard out, here comes Tzolis.

Quote from: MPare1966 on July 15, 2026, 11:58:00 PM Quote from: So Cruel on July 15, 2026, 11:07:42 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on July 15, 2026, 10:41:02 PM Quote from: So Cruel on July 15, 2026, 10:29:17 PM Mpare will understand this. England when up against a quality team adapt the equivalent of North American Football’s style prevent defence. We see it in our football all the time, and all it does is allow the other team to take the momentum and get back into the game.

True..

Although it is possible to defend properly a 1-0 in soccer. But you need top defenders to do that, and the England squad was lacking on that front.

Also, got to give credit to Argentina and the little magicien here. They never stopped going for it.

You can defend 1-0, but not for 40 minutes backing up and giving a top team 88% possession. You can’t give the best player ever all the time in the world to pick you apart. You can’t have all the play inside your own box.

Keeping possession and a high line is a lot better form of defence then backing up and letting the other team stay inside your box. They weren’t down to 10 men like they were against Mexico and playing at altitude. No other top teams in the world play that style of defence. Tuchel took off players who could keep the ball and put on 3 defenders. Where was Kobbie Mainoo? A midfielder who is good at possessing the ball? Where was Rashford? A guy with speed who could have made some runs and been good on the counter. Cole Palmer sitting on his ass at home. A guy who is a difference maker. Gareth Tuchel hung em out to dry, and he’s rightfully taking a lot of heat right now.

Oh I agree. Defending like they did, all cramed up in the box, in a sort of 8-2 shape, was a disaster.

A 4-4-2 shape, with the midfielders outside the box, and regaining possession of the ball quickly, is how you see out those 1-nil. The Champions of England were quite good at it last season. 

I was watching commentary. Steve McManaman said they weren’t even dropping into the 18 yd box, they were dropping into the 6 yd box!

Quote from: So Cruel on July 15, 2026, 11:07:42 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on July 15, 2026, 10:41:02 PM Quote from: So Cruel on July 15, 2026, 10:29:17 PM Mpare will understand this. England when up against a quality team adapt the equivalent of North American Football’s style prevent defence. We see it in our football all the time, and all it does is allow the other team to take the momentum and get back into the game.

True..

Although it is possible to defend properly a 1-0 in soccer. But you need top defenders to do that, and the England squad was lacking on that front.

Also, got to give credit to Argentina and the little magicien here. They never stopped going for it.

You can defend 1-0, but not for 40 minutes backing up and giving a top team 88% possession. You can’t give the best player ever all the time in the world to pick you apart. You can’t have all the play inside your own box.

Keeping possession and a high line is a lot better form of defence then backing up and letting the other team stay inside your box. They weren’t down to 10 men like they were against Mexico and playing at altitude. No other top teams in the world play that style of defence. Tuchel took off players who could keep the ball and put on 3 defenders. Where was Kobbie Mainoo? A midfielder who is good at possessing the ball? Where was Rashford? A guy with speed who could have made some runs and been good on the counter. Cole Palmer sitting on his ass at home. A guy who is a difference maker. Gareth Tuchel hung em out to dry, and he’s rightfully taking a lot of heat right now.

Oh I agree. Defending like they did, all cramed up in the box, in a sort of 8-2 shape, was a disaster.

A 4-4-2 shape, with the midfielders outside the box, and regaining possession of the ball quickly, is how you see out those 1-nil. The Champions of England were quite good at it last season.

Quote from: MPare1966 on July 15, 2026, 10:41:02 PM Quote from: So Cruel on July 15, 2026, 10:29:17 PM Mpare will understand this. England when up against a quality team adapt the equivalent of North American Football’s style prevent defence. We see it in our football all the time, and all it does is allow the other team to take the momentum and get back into the game.

True..

Although it is possible to defend properly a 1-0 in soccer. But you need top defenders to do that, and the England squad was lacking on that front.

Also, got to give credit to Argentina and the little magicien here. They never stopped going for it.

You can defend 1-0, but not for 40 minutes backing up and giving a top team 88% possession. You can’t give the best player ever all the time in the world to pick you apart. You can’t have all the play inside your own box.

Keeping possession and a high line is a lot better form of defence then backing up and letting the other team stay inside your box. They weren’t down to 10 men like they were against Mexico and playing at altitude. No other top teams in the world play that style of defence. Tuchel took off players who could keep the ball and put on 3 defenders. Where was Kobbie Mainoo? A midfielder who is good at possessing the ball? Where was Rashford? A guy with speed who could have made some runs and been good on the counter. Cole Palmer sitting on his ass at home. A guy who is a difference maker. Gareth Tuchel hung em out to dry, and he’s rightfully taking a lot of heat right now.

Quote from: So Cruel on July 15, 2026, 10:29:17 PM Mpare will understand this. England when up against a quality team adapt the equivalent of North American Football’s style prevent defence. We see it in our football all the time, and all it does is allow the other team to take the momentum and get back into the game.

True..

Although it is possible to defend properly a 1-0 in soccer. But you need top defenders to do that, and the England squad was lacking on that front.

Also, got to give credit to Argentina and the little magicien here. They never stopped going for it.

Mpare will understand this. England when up against a quality team adapt the equivalent of North American Football’s style prevent defence. We see it in our football all the time, and all it does is allow the other team to take the momentum and get back into the game.

I think Tuchel's taken England as far as he's going to.  I know he's contracted for the Euros but maybe he should part ways with the FA and go back into club management and Eddie Howe should be given the opportunity.

Quote from: MPare1966 on July 15, 2026, 06:25:42 PM Quote from: So Cruel on July 15, 2026, 05:38:36 PM After the England goal the possession was 88% Argentina. Tuchel went full on Gareth Southgate and subbed in defensive players instead of putting on a team that could control the ball and counter attack. Tuchel is just another Southgate.

He gambled and it blew up in his face.

Rooney and Owen agree about Tuchel. He cost England.

And ex-Everton striker Rooney said he believes the German, who was brought in to lead England to glory after his predecessor Gareth Southgate lost two European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final and quarter-final, got it wrong.

Speaking on BBC One, he said: "You can't go a goal up and then surrender. Surrender the ball and surrender any opportunity of trying to get the second goal. You want to be on the front foot when the pressure is on Argentina to get back in the game.

"If you’re on that pitch, go 1-0 up and then see the changes the manager is making… you are losing belief. There's only so many times you can get away with it. You start thinking: 'We're going to sit back, how are we going to get through this?'

"We got ourselves in such a good position, and then we didn't know what to do. We sat back, we allowed them to come onto us. They were creating a number of chances, then we cracked. Really disappointed.

"These fans have spent a lot of money to be out here. I expected more in this game. Argentina are the world champions. We knew it was going to be the difference. The changes we made didn't help us. Devastated. Sometimes you need a bit of luck to win these tournaments.

"Once we got the first goal, we didn't look to go for the second goal.

"For the players, and for me, Thomas Tuchel made the decision, and when you make the decision, it is a gamble. The gamble he made was to go with five at the back, which allowed them to dictate the game.

"The decisions Thomas Tuchel made, we have to be honest, have cost us tonight."

A damning statistic emerged after the semi-final that the Three Lions had just 12% possession of the ball between Gordon's opener and Martinez's 92nd-minute winner.

And former Liverpool forward Owen, who partnered Rooney in attack for England during their playing days, took to X to deliver his verdict on the latest heartbreak.

A gesture of sporting goodwill after the game.

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Quote from: So Cruel on July 15, 2026, 05:23:46 PM Quote from: an tha on July 15, 2026, 05:17:42 PM Is it "coming home"....?

So cruel once again An Tha…

They've got probably the deepest talent pool around at present - fortunately that deeply set losers mentality always prevails.

Thankfully the arrogant and OTT media will now knock off all their shite and the gobshites who follow them can pipe down again.

Quote from: So Cruel on July 15, 2026, 05:38:36 PM After the England goal the possession was 88% Argentina. Tuchel went full on Gareth Southgate and subbed in defensive players instead of putting on a team that could control the ball and counter attack. Tuchel is just another Southgate.

He gambled and it blew up in his face.

After the England goal the possession was 88% Argentina. Tuchel went full on Gareth Southgate and subbed in defensive players instead of putting on a team that could control the ball and counter attack. Tuchel is just another Southgate.

I was actually shouting for Enger-land. Oh well.

Argentina were on fire in the last 30 minutes or so, surprised they didn't win it by 2 or 3 goals.

Quote from: an tha on July 15, 2026, 05:17:42 PM Is it "coming home"....?

So cruel once again An Tha…

Is it "coming home"....?

Bread and circuses.

The better team won.

Same shit, different tournament. Get a lead, sit back, give up all possession and blow the lead. It never fucking works and they never fucking learn.

Scummy club doing scummy things again....

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/jul/12/uk-unlicensed-casinos-football-sponsorship-gambling-commission

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1Bf3FTqMrE/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Congratulations to England fans in Dublin for learning how to say  “It’s coming home” in Irish. Of course, asking an Irish bartender how to say “it’s coming home “in Irish was probably not the best move.

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Swiss coach looks like a James Bond villain.

Quote from: So Cruel on July 11, 2026, 09:35:18 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on July 11, 2026, 09:31:18 PM Quote from: So Cruel on July 11, 2026, 07:56:12 PM Sail on back to Norway Haaland…

The Big Guy won the hearts of many football fans Worldwide in this WC.

I don’t like him in the Prem, as he’s a huge rival, but got to give it to him, he’s genuinely funny on socials and doesn’t seem to take himself too seriously. Basically the complete opposite of Zlatan or Ronaldo.

For sure, great player, but I wanted England to win.

Fair enough.

But France is unbeatable.

Terrifying team.

Quote from: MPare1966 on July 11, 2026, 09:31:18 PM Quote from: So Cruel on July 11, 2026, 07:56:12 PM Sail on back to Norway Haaland…

The Big Guy won the hearts of many football fans Worldwide in this WC.

I don’t like him in the Prem, as he’s a huge rival, but got to give it to him, he’s genuinely funny on socials and doesn’t seem to take himself too seriously. Basically the complete opposite of Zlatan or Ronaldo.

For sure, great player, but I wanted England to win.

Quote from: So Cruel on July 11, 2026, 07:56:12 PM Sail on back to Norway Haaland…

The Big Guy won the hearts of many football fans Worldwide in this WC.

I don’t like him in the Prem, as he’s a huge rival, but got to give it to him, he’s genuinely funny on socials and doesn’t seem to take himself too seriously. Basically the complete opposite of Zlatan or Ronaldo.

Every 2nd commercial has Beckham in it. In the last 20 minutes I’ve seen him sponsor a beer, lays chips, Home Depot, and soccer camps for schools.

Sail on back to Norway Haaland…

Quote from: Shank on July 10, 2026, 12:22:43 PM I thought Morocco would've put up a better fight.

Bloody boring match.

I thought Morocco would've put up a better fight.

It wasn't so much a save as he went to have a lie down and landed on the ball.

Ok let’s do it. Bono saves a penalty for Morocco. If they win on penalties and he’s the hero the headline reads?

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Quote from: Codeguy on July 09, 2026, 12:17:31 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on July 08, 2026, 12:12:37 PM Great article in the Globe and Mail today…

America rigs the World Cup, then bows out as a laughingstock

by Cathal Kelly

I can think of only one thing more satiric than the only country on Earth that still routinely makes fun of soccer fixing the world’s biggest soccer tournament in their own favour. That would be fixing it and losing anyway.

Say this much for Donald Trump – he did what he could. He made the call to FIFA and got forward Folarin Balogun’s red card rescinded. Not that anyone can prove it. It’s one of those bend the nose and say no more type things.

Everybody got angry about it, especially Belgium, who had to play the U.S. on Monday night. One can only imagine the rage at (don’t call them French) Fries HQ as they realized they would have to face Balogun. This would be after they’d called up some YouTube clips to jog their memory about who Balogun is.

Until three weeks ago, most people had no idea that Balogun is a) American by birthright citizenship and b) alive. He plays in France for Monaco who, even by France’s middling standards, are pretty average.

Then Balogun showed up at the World Cup, scored a couple of goals, and all of a sudden he’s Johan Cruyff. America can’t make it without him, this guy none of them had ever heard of before. Cue Watergate version infinity.

Poor Balogun. He didn’t ask for any of this. On Monday, he played like a man who can see two possible futures for himself. In one, he’s tied to Trump like a tin can for the rest of his career, the President’s pet soccer player. In the other, he goes back to the Riviera and forgets any of this happened. Balogun chose door number two.

As it turned out, scoring goals was not the U.S. team’s biggest problem. Preventing them was. Belgium – a team that is often an odd combo of over-talented and underpowered – stuck four by the Americans. It ended 4-1.

The really delicious part is that after doing everything wrong for a year and a half, America was getting it all right at the World Cup.

Ahead of the tournament, the prevailing narrative was that everyone would be terrified to travel to the U.S., lest they be swept up in an ICE dragnet. Aside from that, too expensive, too big and too unwelcoming.

People came anyway, and a strange thing happened. Once ensconced in Kansas City and Atlanta, European fans began to carry back tales of rural chain restaurants and the strange beauty of tract housing. Every summer, the kids discover some cool, new thing. This year, it was Flyover Country.

Top 8 ranking nations before World Cup started

France Argentina Spain England Brazil Portugal Holland Morrocco

Last 8 in World Cup

 France Argentina Spain England Morrocco Norway Switzerland Belgium

So what 3 nations fucked up? And who managed them?.....

Once Everton touches you 😂😂

39yo and levels above. Unbelievable

Quote from: MPare1966 on July 08, 2026, 12:12:37 PM Great article in the Globe and Mail today…

America rigs the World Cup, then bows out as a laughingstock

by Cathal Kelly

I can think of only one thing more satiric than the only country on Earth that still routinely makes fun of soccer fixing the world’s biggest soccer tournament in their own favour. That would be fixing it and losing anyway.

Say this much for Donald Trump – he did what he could. He made the call to FIFA and got forward Folarin Balogun’s red card rescinded. Not that anyone can prove it. It’s one of those bend the nose and say no more type things.

Everybody got angry about it, especially Belgium, who had to play the U.S. on Monday night. One can only imagine the rage at (don’t call them French) Fries HQ as they realized they would have to face Balogun. This would be after they’d called up some YouTube clips to jog their memory about who Balogun is.

Until three weeks ago, most people had no idea that Balogun is a) American by birthright citizenship and b) alive. He plays in France for Monaco who, even by France’s middling standards, are pretty average.

Then Balogun showed up at the World Cup, scored a couple of goals, and all of a sudden he’s Johan Cruyff. America can’t make it without him, this guy none of them had ever heard of before. Cue Watergate version infinity.

Poor Balogun. He didn’t ask for any of this. On Monday, he played like a man who can see two possible futures for himself. In one, he’s tied to Trump like a tin can for the rest of his career, the President’s pet soccer player. In the other, he goes back to the Riviera and forgets any of this happened. Balogun chose door number two.

As it turned out, scoring goals was not the U.S. team’s biggest problem. Preventing them was. Belgium – a team that is often an odd combo of over-talented and underpowered – stuck four by the Americans. It ended 4-1.

The really delicious part is that after doing everything wrong for a year and a half, America was getting it all right at the World Cup.

Ahead of the tournament, the prevailing narrative was that everyone would be terrified to travel to the U.S., lest they be swept up in an ICE dragnet. Aside from that, too expensive, too big and too unwelcoming.

People came anyway, and a strange thing happened. Once ensconced in Kansas City and Atlanta, European fans began to carry back tales of rural chain restaurants and the strange beauty of tract housing. Every summer, the kids discover some cool, new thing. This year, it was Flyover Country.

Martin Ø.

Leader of Men.

https://x.com/dailyafc/status/2075246471067156703?s=61&t=xTeqGpGpjkxH_9_aKRc3ow

Xabi Alonso officially started work for Chelsea today.  The Blues played a blinder signing him up.

Meanwhile across Lahnden, Spurs are going great guns snapping up quality players.

My top five predictions for the coming season are:

1. Man United 2. Man Citeh (dependent on any points deductions) 3. Chelsea 4. Tottenham Hotspur 5. Arsenal

Like I said, the stink's never gonna wash off.

Great article in the Globe and Mail today…

America rigs the World Cup, then bows out as a laughingstock

by Cathal Kelly

I can think of only one thing more satiric than the only country on Earth that still routinely makes fun of soccer fixing the world’s biggest soccer tournament in their own favour. That would be fixing it and losing anyway.

Say this much for Donald Trump – he did what he could. He made the call to FIFA and got forward Folarin Balogun’s red card rescinded. Not that anyone can prove it. It’s one of those bend the nose and say no more type things.

Everybody got angry about it, especially Belgium, who had to play the U.S. on Monday night. One can only imagine the rage at (don’t call them French) Fries HQ as they realized they would have to face Balogun. This would be after they’d called up some YouTube clips to jog their memory about who Balogun is.

Until three weeks ago, most people had no idea that Balogun is a) American by birthright citizenship and b) alive. He plays in France for Monaco who, even by France’s middling standards, are pretty average.

Then Balogun showed up at the World Cup, scored a couple of goals, and all of a sudden he’s Johan Cruyff. America can’t make it without him, this guy none of them had ever heard of before. Cue Watergate version infinity.

Poor Balogun. He didn’t ask for any of this. On Monday, he played like a man who can see two possible futures for himself. In one, he’s tied to Trump like a tin can for the rest of his career, the President’s pet soccer player. In the other, he goes back to the Riviera and forgets any of this happened. Balogun chose door number two.

As it turned out, scoring goals was not the U.S. team’s biggest problem. Preventing them was. Belgium – a team that is often an odd combo of over-talented and underpowered – stuck four by the Americans. It ended 4-1.

The really delicious part is that after doing everything wrong for a year and a half, America was getting it all right at the World Cup.

Ahead of the tournament, the prevailing narrative was that everyone would be terrified to travel to the U.S., lest they be swept up in an ICE dragnet. Aside from that, too expensive, too big and too unwelcoming.

People came anyway, and a strange thing happened. Once ensconced in Kansas City and Atlanta, European fans began to carry back tales of rural chain restaurants and the strange beauty of tract housing. Every summer, the kids discover some cool, new thing. This year, it was Flyover Country.

Quote from: So Cruel on July 07, 2026, 05:22:10 PM My 15 yr old daughter is now following the World Cup. We had the Spain game on yesterday and she said she isn’t impressed with Spain’s kit. A little shocking she knew the word kit. She also said she follows Haaland on Instagram. Her English heritage is in her blood as she was cheering against Argentina today.

I was a child in 1986 some forty years ago when I realised the WC was rotten to the core.  I learned a hard early lesson that openly dirty, cheating bastards can win the tournament.

My 15 yr old daughter is now following the World Cup. We had the Spain game on yesterday and she said she isn’t impressed with Spain’s kit. A little shocking she knew the word kit. She also said she follows Haaland on Instagram. Her English heritage is in her blood as she was cheering against Argentina today.

Quote from: Codeguy on July 07, 2026, 02:50:05 PM Quote from: Shank on July 07, 2026, 02:29:52 PM Thought it was kind of funny to see the US get wholloped.  People in Portland and Seattle have been going nuts the past few weeks but i never expected them to beat an actual quality team.

There’s only one great player on the USA team

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Who? Pulisic? He’s a JAG (Just Another Guy). His production in the Premier League was minimal and he certainly isn’t lighting it up in Italy.

I was watching the sports shows in the US this morning and the host asked “why are the other superstars like Messi, Kane, Haaland producing but  Pulisic didn’t”. The guest was the ex-USA coach and he replied “he’s not at their level”. Pulisic is probably the most overrated player in soccer.

Quote from: Shank on July 07, 2026, 03:14:15 PM Quote from: Codeguy on July 07, 2026, 02:50:05 PM Quote from: Shank on July 07, 2026, 02:29:52 PM Thought it was kind of funny to see the US get wholloped.  People in Portland and Seattle have been going nuts the past few weeks but i never expected them to beat an actual quality team.

There’s only one great player on the USA team, anyone who knew anything about the game knew USA wasn’t getting far, but it is nice to see the massive fan base. USA 94 was going on when I first went to the U.S., and most people didn’t care or even know about it. They went out in the round of 16 then too. But this time, it’s a big deal. The football footprint in North America has grown a lot even if its talent pool is still not there. It does bode well for the future.

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Agree but i've also been hearing that since 2002.  I enjoyed how the results were elevating the tournament in the US, but man, the US had the perfect stage to do something amazing and they laid an egg.  I didn't realize going into the match that the US were considered slight favorites.

The USA were simply outclassed by a good European side.  But it would have been good for the host team to have made the quarter-finals and maintained greater domestic interest in the tournament.

The way the NBA's going it's not beyond the possibility of soccer becoming bigger in the USA than Basketball in terms of viewing figures.

Quote from: Codeguy on July 07, 2026, 02:50:05 PM Quote from: Shank on July 07, 2026, 02:29:52 PM Thought it was kind of funny to see the US get wholloped.  People in Portland and Seattle have been going nuts the past few weeks but i never expected them to beat an actual quality team.

There’s only one great player on the USA team, anyone who knew anything about the game knew USA wasn’t getting far, but it is nice to see the massive fan base. USA 94 was going on when I first went to the U.S., and most people didn’t care or even know about it. They went out in the round of 16 then too. But this time, it’s a big deal. The football footprint in North America has grown a lot even if its talent pool is still not there. It does bode well for the future.

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Agree but i've also been hearing that since 2002.  I enjoyed how the results were elevating the tournament in the US, but man, the US had the perfect stage to do something amazing and they laid an egg.  I didn't realize going into the match that the US were considered slight favorites.

Quote from: Shank on July 07, 2026, 02:29:52 PM Thought it was kind of funny to see the US get wholloped.  People in Portland and Seattle have been going nuts the past few weeks but i never expected them to beat an actual quality team.

There’s only one great player on the USA team, anyone who knew anything about the game knew USA wasn’t getting far, but it is nice to see the massive fan base. USA 94 was going on when I first went to the U.S., and most people didn’t care or even know about it. They went out in the round of 16 then too. But this time, it’s a big deal. The football footprint in North America has grown a lot even if its talent pool is still not there. It does bode well for the future.

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Quote from: Shank on July 07, 2026, 02:28:48 PM Quote from: So Cruel on July 07, 2026, 02:23:19 PM Quote from: Shank on July 07, 2026, 02:13:20 PM I could only listen to the second half at my desk but it seems like FIFA had a play in this Argentina victory.

I watched it. Only an Egyptian would say FIFA had a hand in it. There was a few close calls, but nothing that you’d say the ref botched. The truth is Egypt collapsed and only have themselves to blame for not moving on. Great game.

The commentators i was listening to said the Egyptian goal shouldn't have been taken away and that an official saw the foul and didn't call it and then Egypt scored only to the have the foul reviewed, and they all said it was VAR overstepping what it was intended to do.  Just repeating what i heard.  Like i said, i didn't see it.

I’m not sure on VAR rules, but the Egyptian guy clearly had a hold of the back of the jersey. Argentina turned it on in the last 15 minutes and Egypt couldn’t handle it.

Thought it was kind of funny to see the US get wholloped.  People in Portland and Seattle have been going nuts the past few weeks but i never expected them to beat an actual quality team.

Quote from: So Cruel on July 07, 2026, 02:23:19 PM Quote from: Shank on July 07, 2026, 02:13:20 PM I could only listen to the second half at my desk but it seems like FIFA had a play in this Argentina victory.

I watched it. Only an Egyptian would say FIFA had a hand in it. There was a few close calls, but nothing that you’d say the ref botched. The truth is Egypt collapsed and only have themselves to blame for not moving on. Great game.

The commentators i was listening to said the Egyptian goal shouldn't have been taken away and that an official saw the foul and didn't call it and then Egypt scored only to the have the foul reviewed, and they all said it was VAR overstepping what it was intended to do.  Just repeating what i heard.  Like i said, i didn't see it.

Quote from: Shank on July 07, 2026, 02:13:20 PM I could only listen to the second half at my desk but it seems like FIFA had a play in this Argentina victory.

I watched it. Only an Egyptian would say FIFA had a hand in it. There was a few close calls, but nothing that you’d say the ref botched. The truth is Egypt collapsed and only have themselves to blame for not moving on. Great game.

Quote from: Shank on July 07, 2026, 02:13:20 PM I could only listen to the second half at my desk but it seems like FIFA had a play in this Argentina victory.

Doubtful Trump called in a favor for Argentina.

Quote from: Codeguy on July 07, 2026, 02:09:10 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on July 07, 2026, 02:06:29 PM Inevitable Messi.

Brilliant game. But Argentina is struggling to beat mediocre teams and is wholly reliant on a 39 year old player. Good enough to get through to a semi final maybe. But to win? To beat probably France in the final? Highly doubt it

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France are way too explosive.

Argentina would need to make some serious adjustments defensively.

I could only listen to the second half at my desk but it seems like FIFA had a play in this Argentina victory.

Salah's been shite for a while now.

Quote from: MPare1966 on July 07, 2026, 02:06:29 PM Inevitable Messi.

Brilliant game. But Argentina is struggling to beat mediocre teams and is wholly reliant on a 39 year old player. Good enough to get through to a semi final maybe. But to win? To beat probably France in the final? Highly doubt it

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Inevitable Messi.

I don’t think you can blame Trump for the USA being so abysmal yesterday.

They get the idea that they deserve to be on the highest stage but the reality remains that USA and North American football are small time.

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Good luck Mo & Co.

Epic trolling from the Belgium squad.

https://x.com/pamphletsy/status/2074510119497613701?s=61&t=xTeqGpGpjkxH_9_aKRc3ow

Quote from: MPare1966 on July 06, 2026, 09:57:52 PM Funny old thing, karma.

Everything the Prez touches he fucks it up…

Funny old thing, karma.

He was only there as a mascot.  He can still be a mascot with his arm in a sling.

It's not mine to reason why but I knew it was mistake not to bring Trent along.

Quote from: Codeguy on July 06, 2026, 02:47:29 PM Jordan HendersonBooked and injured in a match in which he didn’t play!

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Shit happens….

Jordan HendersonBooked and injured in a match in which he didn’t play!

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I'm still recovering after the wild England match.  The pub i was in was 90% Mexico fans, but we were all drinking together and taking pictures together.  After Mexico scored, the place errupted into a Mex-i-co chant.  I pulled out my vuvuzela and broke it up appropriately.  Great match.  Switching from IPAs to light beer in the second half saved me.

Quote from: MPare1966 on July 06, 2026, 06:41:57 AM Quote from: So Cruel on July 06, 2026, 01:54:32 AM What a sham Fifa is. They reversed the red card against U.S’s Flo Balogun. First time since 1962. Bullshit

Integrity of the competition is gone.

A debatable red, but yeah, this is ridiculous. It was reviewed VAR confirmed to be a second yellow card.

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Big match tonight for the USA.  I hope the hosts make it through to the quarter-finals.

The damage this decision has done to the present and future US team is immeasurable. This is the kind of stink that never washes off.

Captain Fantastic.  President Trump knows.

Quote from: So Cruel on July 06, 2026, 01:54:32 AM What a sham Fifa is. They reversed the red card against U.S’s Flo Balogun. First time since 1962. Bullshit

Integrity of the competition is gone.

What a sham Fifa is. They reversed the red card against U.S’s Flo Balogun. First time since 1962. Bullshit

England showed a lot of guts. Hell of a game.

Massive defensive work from England after the red card.

What a game.

Quote from: So Cruel on July 05, 2026, 10:01:20 PM England playing way too far off the ball. Cant give Mexico so much time. Press em. Pickford has been outstanding.

Completely wild game.

England playing way too far off the ball. Cant give Mexico so much time. Press em. Pickford has been outstanding.

Bit of a shame Jude doesn’t play in the Prem.

What a footballer.

Two more Arsenal players out.

All good.

Bra-zilch

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The Beast.

Norway v Mexico quarter final anyone?

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Quote from: Tumbling Dice on July 05, 2026, 02:16:36 PM Two good matches tonight.  Exciting.

The Beast vs Vinicius is a real treat in this round.

When might their paths cross again?

Two good matches tonight.  Exciting.

Lost the hockey, lost the football, but things could be worse, at least you still have your trousers.

Tough game for Canada. We outplayed Morocco in the first half, but we lack that added touch and finish.

The Canadian coach Jessie Marsh’s comment that he would rather be Canada right now than Morocco is absurd. You just lost 3-0. There’s no ribbon for playing well in one half.

I’m in the U.S right now and the Fox panels coverage is embarrassing. One guy after the game was asked about Canada’s tournament and he says “expanded teams so they had easier matches, win games they should have but lost games they should have”. How the fuck is that any different than the US or other teams?? The other panelist when asked about the game said “I’m just thinking about the U.S game.” Clown show.

Can the Canucks pull their chestnuts out of the fire?

Arsenal have sold Leandro Trossard for a fee close to what we paid, after the best years of his career with 36 goals and 34 assists in 174 games. He will go down in history as the player who scored our most important, the title winning goal; a true cult hero.

Quote from: MPare1966 on July 03, 2026, 09:19:55 PM Close call for Argentina!

Stayed up late to watch it, it was crazy - CV could easily have equalized, great save for Martinez late in extra time.

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Close call for Argentina!

Quote from: BluerWhite on July 03, 2026, 05:06:12 PM Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard could be well on his way to Istanbul soon.

The only Arsenal player going to Istanbul is Trossard. Cause he’s 31.

Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard could be well on his way to Istanbul soon.

Saw a bit on yesterdays Sky Sports News channel. Talking about Transfer fees. Apparently, if you took the fee Newcastle paid for Alan Shearer in 1996, and adjusted for inflation in 2026, they paid the equivalent of £279M for him.

Quote from: Shank on July 02, 2026, 12:31:06 PM Worried about the elevation and Mexican crowd for England.

So long as the England players don't allow any of the Mexican players to run with the ball from the halfway line to score without even tackling them once, we should be grand.  Also if no goals scored with a handball are allowed to stand.

Quote from: Shank on July 02, 2026, 12:31:06 PM Worried about the elevation and Mexican crowd for England.

Yeah my 2c is Mexico is favorites

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Smooth sailing for Spain.

Worried about the elevation and Mexican crowd for England.

Oh my, Belgium.

La Remontada.

I didn't think Captain Fantastic would have 5 goals by this stage.

So Mexico v England and Norway v Brazil.

Mexico v Norway quarter final anyone?

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Captain Fantastic.

Quote from: Shank on July 01, 2026, 12:30:04 PM What's happening England?  Look confused in this match...

Congo keeper doing a number.

What's happening England?  Look confused in this match...

Will be a major challenge for England at the Azteca.

Man, Caicedo is so bad.

And some idiots on socials were comparing him to Rice.

Jesus.

Amazing first half.  France and Sweden.

Quote from: MPare1966 on June 30, 2026, 01:22:49 PM Quote from: Codeguy on June 30, 2026, 12:45:39 PM Morocco could be the first African semi finalist

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Been there, done that would be their answer.

Thought it was a quarter final. Ok, nothing to see here.

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Quote from: Codeguy on June 30, 2026, 12:45:39 PM Morocco could be the first African semi finalist

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Been there, done that would be their answer.

Morocco could be the first African semi finalist

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Quote from: Shank on June 30, 2026, 12:04:45 PM Can't believe the Dutchies are out already.  I thought they'd go deep.  Morocco is going to be tough for Canada.

I think Canada's got a better chance against Morocco.

Can't believe the Dutchies are out already.  I thought they'd go deep.  Morocco is going to be tough for Canada.

One hell of game that!

So Morocco for Canada next.

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First penalty shootout!

Quote from: Codeguy on June 29, 2026, 04:55:22 PM Quote from: an tha on June 29, 2026, 04:44:39 PM

Neverton are at it again.

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They love this time of year - they can win the transfer market again - pretend that whoever they buy is top drawer and is going to be boss for them, fantasise about the 'power shift' that of course never comes and how the 'sleeping giant' is about to wake (some sleep more like a fucking coma)

And they get to go the longest they have gone or will go without losing for ages....

Then sadly for them come mid August the football starts again and reality bites - they are still shite, all their new players are shite and the defeats start piling up.

Quote from: Shank on June 29, 2026, 04:06:48 PM Netherlands and Morocco is a great match, probably the only tough match in this round.

There’s been some great coverage on this Moroccan team, who on paper are not Moroccan at all, most are European and a few are actually born in the Netherlands to Moroccan parents or grandparents. But when you plunder your neighboring continent for hundreds of years and create mass emigration, some of those migrants have children that grow up and win you world cups (France, looking at you) while some have to face stronger opposition from people who declare for their ancestral homeland (England and Netherlands, looking at you).

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Quote from: an tha on June 29, 2026, 04:44:39 PM

Neverton are at it again.

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Netherlands and Morocco is a great match, probably the only tough match in this round.

Quote from: So Cruel on June 28, 2026, 01:41:08 AM Quote from: Codeguy on June 28, 2026, 01:25:58 AM Quote from: So Cruel on June 28, 2026, 12:09:14 AM Quote from: Codeguy on June 27, 2026, 08:35:57 PM Quote from: imaginary friend on June 27, 2026, 07:27:43 PM goddamn, Colombia's got some beautiful fans...

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Ahh, Columbia. Brings back some good memories…

Oh cool. We should war stories. I lived in Cartagena for six months. Shitty infrastructure. Incredible women, I mean people. Ahem.

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Never been to Columbia, but have been in a ….

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Congrats to Canada

Quote from: Tumbling Dice on June 28, 2026, 05:03:10 PM Always good to see a host nation stay in the competition, but Holland will be a tough match.

I don’t see them getting by Holland, but to even be on the final 16 is a big achievement for Canada. Before this tournament we had never won a game at the World Cup and have actually only made it to 3 World Cups.

Quote from: So Cruel on June 28, 2026, 04:59:12 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on June 28, 2026, 04:58:10 PM

I had the exact same gif lined up!

My brother!

Always good to see a host nation stay in the competition, but Holland will be a tough match.

Quote from: MPare1966 on June 28, 2026, 04:58:10 PM

I had the exact same gif lined up!

Quote from: Codeguy on June 28, 2026, 01:25:58 AM Quote from: So Cruel on June 28, 2026, 12:09:14 AM Quote from: Codeguy on June 27, 2026, 08:35:57 PM Quote from: imaginary friend on June 27, 2026, 07:27:43 PM goddamn, Colombia's got some beautiful fans...

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Ahh, Columbia. Brings back some good memories…

Oh cool. We should war stories. I lived in Cartagena for six months. Shitty infrastructure. Incredible women, I mean people. Ahem.

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Never been to Columbia, but have been in a ….

Quote from: So Cruel on June 28, 2026, 12:09:14 AM Quote from: Codeguy on June 27, 2026, 08:35:57 PM Quote from: imaginary friend on June 27, 2026, 07:27:43 PM goddamn, Colombia's got some beautiful fans...

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Ahh, Columbia. Brings back some good memories…

Oh cool. We should war stories. I lived in Cartagena for six months. Shitty infrastructure. Incredible women, I mean people. Ahem.

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Quote from: Codeguy on June 27, 2026, 08:35:57 PM Quote from: imaginary friend on June 27, 2026, 07:27:43 PM goddamn, Colombia's got some beautiful fans...

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Ahh, Columbia. Brings back some good memories…

Quote from: imaginary friend on June 27, 2026, 07:27:43 PM goddamn, Colombia's got some beautiful fans...

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goddamn, Colombia's got some beautiful fans...

Quote from: So Cruel on June 27, 2026, 05:52:11 PM Lifeless 1st half from England. No imagination in their attack.

I don't have England in my final four, but I think they'll be fine.

Still, so far today they remind me of the old Boston Red Sox quote:

"25 guys, 25 cabs."

Quote from: So Cruel on June 27, 2026, 05:52:11 PM Lifeless 1st half from England. No imagination in their attack.

Give Mainoo, Toney and Watkins some time.  Having said that if they did Pickers would be the only white player left on the pitch for England.

Lifeless 1st half from England. No imagination in their attack.

Quote from: BluerWhite on June 25, 2026, 07:52:47 PM Forest did very well with Anderson.

He is massively overrated - Alex Scott at Bournemouth can be bought for roughly half of what the oil cheats are going to pay for Anderson and is comfortably as good.

Nobody tips at McDonalds.

Quote from: So Cruel on June 26, 2026, 08:54:48 PM Quote from: an tha on June 26, 2026, 06:57:30 PM Seems some places in US are critical of visitors for the football not tipping or not tipping enough and signs like this have become a thing.

Personally I think it is disgusting.

Pay your staff a living wage, you greedy bastards.

If you can't afford to pay your staff a living wage then don't run a business and expect others to pay them for you whilst trying to shame those people into doing so.

Someone should report the owner. The US have a minimum wage standard and most states add on to it. $3.50 per hour wouldn’t be legal.

No it’s perfectly legal. The federal minimum wage for tip earners is $2.13/hr, as long as the employer believes the tips bring total wages to the standard federal minimum wage.

But then state law can add more stringent rules and as a general rule the coastal states do, but some of these games are being played in places like Texas and Kansas where they add no state laws.

It’s an absurdity, and it leads to waiters hating tourists because they “don’t tip well.”

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Quote from: So Cruel on June 26, 2026, 09:55:30 PM That’s fucked up. If the owner is bringing in more patrons during the World Cup and he’s making more money then give your employees a bonus from the increase in revenue.

‘Murica, mate.

The little guy has no leverage.

That’s fucked up. If the owner is bringing in more patrons during the World Cup and he’s making more money then give your employees a bonus from the increase in revenue.

Quote from: an tha on June 26, 2026, 09:36:49 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on June 26, 2026, 09:30:15 PM Quote from: So Cruel on June 26, 2026, 08:54:48 PM Quote from: an tha on June 26, 2026, 06:57:30 PM Seems some places in US are critical of visitors for the football not tipping or not tipping enough and signs like this have become a thing.

Personally I think it is disgusting.

Pay your staff a living wage, you greedy bastards.

If you can't afford to pay your staff a living wage then don't run a business and expect others to pay them for you whilst trying to shame those people into doing so.

Someone should report the owner. The US have a minimum wage standard and most states add on to it. $3.50 per hour wouldn’t be legal.

Tipping culture in North America is a lot different than in Europe. So I’m not overly surprised visitors from abroad are not tipping at levels expected.

Minimum wage for tipped employees is actually 7.25$/hour in the States (in varies).

In the case cited by An Tha, it appears the owner doesn't want to compensate the lower tips his employees are receiving. But end of day, he’ll have to pay by law. He’s just pissed about it.

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/minimum-wage/tipped

See my post above which has crossed with this one. Saying same thing basically.

FWIW, living in a society where 15% minimum tip is expected, regardless of service received (and nowadays if you’re not giving 18%-20% you get a look…) I much prefer the way it’s done in most of Europe. Service charge is automatically added on your bill and you round off the bill with a few quids/euros if you got real good service. Bill comes to 57.50€ and you leave 60€. Everybody is happy. Am I wrong?

Quote from: MPare1966 on June 26, 2026, 09:30:15 PM Quote from: So Cruel on June 26, 2026, 08:54:48 PM Quote from: an tha on June 26, 2026, 06:57:30 PM Seems some places in US are critical of visitors for the football not tipping or not tipping enough and signs like this have become a thing.

Personally I think it is disgusting.

Pay your staff a living wage, you greedy bastards.

If you can't afford to pay your staff a living wage then don't run a business and expect others to pay them for you whilst trying to shame those people into doing so.

Someone should report the owner. The US have a minimum wage standard and most states add on to it. $3.50 per hour wouldn’t be legal.

Tipping culture in North America is a lot different than in Europe. So I’m not overly surprised visitors from abroad are not tipping at levels expected.

Minimum wage for tipped employees is actually 7.25$/hour in the States (in varies).

In the case cited by An Tha, it appears the owner doesn't want to compensate the lower tips his employees are receiving. But end of day, he’ll have to pay by law. He’s just pissed about it.

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/minimum-wage/tipped

See my post above which has crossed with this one. Saying same thing basically.

Quote from: So Cruel on June 26, 2026, 08:54:48 PM Quote from: an tha on June 26, 2026, 06:57:30 PM Seems some places in US are critical of visitors for the football not tipping or not tipping enough and signs like this have become a thing.

Personally I think it is disgusting.

Pay your staff a living wage, you greedy bastards.

If you can't afford to pay your staff a living wage then don't run a business and expect others to pay them for you whilst trying to shame those people into doing so.

Someone should report the owner. The US have a minimum wage standard and most states add on to it. $3.50 per hour wouldn’t be legal.

Tipping culture in North America is a lot different than in Europe. So I’m not overly surprised visitors from abroad are not tipping at levels expected.

Minimum wage for tipped employees is actually 7.25$/hour in the States (in varies).

In the case cited by An Tha, it appears the owner doesn't want to compensate the lower tips his employees are receiving. But end of day, he’ll have to pay by law. He’s just pissed about it.

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/minimum-wage/tipped

Quote from: So Cruel on June 26, 2026, 08:54:48 PM Quote from: an tha on June 26, 2026, 06:57:30 PM Seems some places in US are critical of visitors for the football not tipping or not tipping enough and signs like this have become a thing.

Personally I think it is disgusting.

Pay your staff a living wage, you greedy bastards.

If you can't afford to pay your staff a living wage then don't run a business and expect others to pay them for you whilst trying to shame those people into doing so.

Someone should report the owner. The US have a minimum wage standard and most states add on to it. $3.50 per hour wouldn’t be legal.

Seems that is not case from what I read:

In many US states, servers are paid a base wage near $3.50 per hour, but federal law guarantees they must make at least the standard minimum wage (e.g., $7.25 federally) through tips. If their direct base wage plus tips falls short, the employer is legally required to make up the difference.

State laws vary heavily. While the federal tipped minimum wage is only $2.13 per hour, some states mandate base rates above $3.50, and others prohibit lower tipped wages entirely.

Seems to be a bit messy to me and why the punter should fund the bulk of the wage I do not know - can see why this is an issue as it is not same over here. I suppose the counter argument would be menu prices are cheaper and if the places paid higher wages and the servers got less tips it would be same overall - but personally I don't like look of it and of course are menu prices lower and are servers getting fair pay?

Surely the servers incomes become unpredictable, depending massively on customer volume, generosity, weather etc etc and of course economic conditions - when money is tight there is less to give away in tips.

A shit load of foreigners in places now would not know about this "system" as well.

I read some places are whacking 20% on top to "cover it"

Quote from: an tha on June 26, 2026, 06:57:30 PM Seems some places in US are critical of visitors for the football not tipping or not tipping enough and signs like this have become a thing.

Personally I think it is disgusting.

Pay your staff a living wage, you greedy bastards.

If you can't afford to pay your staff a living wage then don't run a business and expect others to pay them for you whilst trying to shame those people into doing so.

Someone should report the owner. The US have a minimum wage standard and most states add on to it. $3.50 per hour wouldn’t be legal.

Seems some places in US are critical of visitors for the football not tipping or not tipping enough and signs like this have become a thing.

Personally I think it is disgusting.

Pay your staff a living wage, you greedy bastards.

If you can't afford to pay your staff a living wage then don't run a business and expect others to pay them for you whilst trying to shame those people into doing so.

Quote from: Shank on June 26, 2026, 12:16:22 PM This new format is a joke.  And it allows all the records to fall.

Once we get down to the last 32, I think it's a better format.  One more knock out fixture to win the tournament and that means more jeopardy.  It does mean there's less jeopardy in the group stages against weaker competition which makes those matches less important.  I've hardly watched any of the group stage matches for that reason, but I'll probably watch a lot more in the knock out stages.

Wat about us Jocks tho eh. Wat a shit show that has been. Likely the most boring team in the competition. Why Clarke was offered another 4 year contract is beyond MOST Scottish people i know (Except those that are destroying the game in scotland....the SFA)

This new format is a joke.  And it allows all the records to fall.

Quote from: MPare1966 on June 25, 2026, 10:05:15 PM So it’s Canada vs South Africa on Sunday.

That’s a game we can certainly take.

I agree - Canada for last 16.

USA got a little unlucky today, although their first goal shouldn’t have stood.

The real World Cup starts next week. The bottom third of this World Cup are absurdly bad. Expanding to 48 teams was a huge mistake. Of course it’s about money so it’s not a mistake at all. It’s the only reason why the USA gets another world cup and Saudi Arabia is getting one. USA does not remotely deserve to host, they have done nothing for the sport (well, the men’s game at least). Consider that England - the country that did more for the game than anyone else, has not hosted in 60 years and can’t host until 2042 at the earliest.

Which reminds me: FIFA is in a bind for the 2038 World Cup. Under their current rotation rule, no continent can host if it has been less than 12 years since the last time that continent hosted. Since North America gets this World Cup and Europe, Africa and South America all have hosting duties in 2030 and Asia (Saudi Arabia) hosts in 2034, in theory the 2038 World Cup can’t be held in any region except Oceania. This means a combined Australia/New Zealand bid would likely run unopposed. But FIFA is extremely unlikely to accept this because it’s their moneymaker. They could argue that South America is only involved for symbolic reasons, so a joint bid by Argentina, Chile and a couple of smaller countries might work, but if FIFAs objection to Oceania is that there’s no money in it, Argentina and Chile wouldn’t be much better.

So watch FIFA change the rules to allow continents to host every 8 years rather than every 12.

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So it’s Canada vs South Africa on Sunday.

That’s a game we can certainly take.

Gordon had been very underwhelming this World Cup. Rashford, while being immature, has looked better.

Quote from: Tumbling Dice on June 25, 2026, 07:58:29 PM Quote from: BluerWhite on June 25, 2026, 07:52:47 PM Forest did very well with Anderson.

It will be a nice tickle.

Everton did nicely with Anthony Gordon.  The redshite released him for free.

Truth.

Newcastle did fine with the Gordon $ale, too.  But a lot of work left to do this summer.  Probably too much

Quote from: BluerWhite on June 25, 2026, 07:52:47 PM Forest did very well with Anderson.

It will be a nice tickle.

Everton did nicely with Anthony Gordon.  The redshite released him for free.

Forest did very well with Anderson.

I'd like to see how many bookings the Extension has had since the Everton Stadium opened for business last year.

Quote from: Smee on June 25, 2026, 10:11:23 AM Quote from: an tha on June 25, 2026, 09:51:50 AM I see one of the biggest stadium acts in the world are playing a stadium show tonight in Liverpool - the first of two dates in the city.

At Anfield of course.

Who is that?

Foo Fighters

Quote from: Codeguy on June 25, 2026, 01:06:32 PM Quote from: an tha on June 25, 2026, 09:51:50 AM I see one of the biggest stadium acts in the world are playing a stadium show tonight in Liverpool - the first of two dates in the city.

At Anfield of course.

Not the shiny new big Dickerson stadium?

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The sewage works stadium can't attract the big names.

Anfield has had in last 5 years:

Bruce Springsteen The Rolling Stones Taylor Swift Dua Lipa Foo Fighters Elton John The Eagles Pink Lana Del Rey

Everton stadium has got the Rugby Union and we're hosting five matches at Euro '28.  The Extension isn't hosting any.

Quote from: an tha on June 25, 2026, 09:51:50 AM I see one of the biggest stadium acts in the world are playing a stadium show tonight in Liverpool - the first of two dates in the city.

At Anfield of course.

Not the shiny new big Dickerson stadium?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Quote from: an tha on June 25, 2026, 09:51:50 AM I see one of the biggest stadium acts in the world are playing a stadium show tonight in Liverpool - the first of two dates in the city.

At Anfield of course.

Who is that?

I see one of the biggest stadium acts in the world are playing a stadium show tonight in Liverpool - the first of two dates in the city.

At Anfield of course.

Quote from: Codeguy on June 24, 2026, 07:03:22 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on June 24, 2026, 05:18:15 PM Quote from: an tha on June 24, 2026, 04:33:05 PM Quote from: Shank on June 24, 2026, 03:09:49 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on June 23, 2026, 09:00:13 PM Quote from: So Cruel on June 23, 2026, 08:25:42 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on June 23, 2026, 07:56:55 PM Quote from: Codeguy on June 23, 2026, 07:11:30 PM Quote from: So Cruel on June 23, 2026, 06:14:58 PM Quote from: Tumbling Dice on June 23, 2026, 06:00:07 PM Kane's not going to win the Golden Boot.  He couldn't hit a barn door.

Tournament is young. No need to panic. Ghana played like a team whose goal was to tie. They played everyone back. One of the most boring games I’ve seen.

If that’s what they’re like against a crap side like Ghana I can’t wait to see what France would do to them

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Against France, you’d have a more open game.

England has plenty of talent. But this low block today from Ghana was murder.

Exactly. Ghana lined everyone up to defend. They weren’t trying to score.

Spain drew 0-0 against Cape Verde. People in England need to chill. There’s no jeopardy in the group stage for the big teams.

Exactly what i was thinking. England always has a draw in their opening round.

And a defeat in their last......

The only question is who will join the penalty miss Hall of shame.

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If I could choose it would be little arms

Quote from: MPare1966 on June 24, 2026, 05:18:15 PM Quote from: an tha on June 24, 2026, 04:33:05 PM Quote from: Shank on June 24, 2026, 03:09:49 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on June 23, 2026, 09:00:13 PM Quote from: So Cruel on June 23, 2026, 08:25:42 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on June 23, 2026, 07:56:55 PM Quote from: Codeguy on June 23, 2026, 07:11:30 PM Quote from: So Cruel on June 23, 2026, 06:14:58 PM Quote from: Tumbling Dice on June 23, 2026, 06:00:07 PM Kane's not going to win the Golden Boot.  He couldn't hit a barn door.

Tournament is young. No need to panic. Ghana played like a team whose goal was to tie. They played everyone back. One of the most boring games I’ve seen.

If that’s what they’re like against a crap side like Ghana I can’t wait to see what France would do to them

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Against France, you’d have a more open game.

England has plenty of talent. But this low block today from Ghana was murder.

Exactly. Ghana lined everyone up to defend. They weren’t trying to score.

Spain drew 0-0 against Cape Verde. People in England need to chill. There’s no jeopardy in the group stage for the big teams.

Exactly what i was thinking. England always has a draw in their opening round.

And a defeat in their last......

The only question is who will join the penalty miss Hall of shame.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Quote from: an tha on June 24, 2026, 04:33:05 PM Quote from: Shank on June 24, 2026, 03:09:49 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on June 23, 2026, 09:00:13 PM Quote from: So Cruel on June 23, 2026, 08:25:42 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on June 23, 2026, 07:56:55 PM Quote from: Codeguy on June 23, 2026, 07:11:30 PM Quote from: So Cruel on June 23, 2026, 06:14:58 PM Quote from: Tumbling Dice on June 23, 2026, 06:00:07 PM Kane's not going to win the Golden Boot.  He couldn't hit a barn door.

Tournament is young. No need to panic. Ghana played like a team whose goal was to tie. They played everyone back. One of the most boring games I’ve seen.

If that’s what they’re like against a crap side like Ghana I can’t wait to see what France would do to them

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Against France, you’d have a more open game.

England has plenty of talent. But this low block today from Ghana was murder.

Exactly. Ghana lined everyone up to defend. They weren’t trying to score.

Spain drew 0-0 against Cape Verde. People in England need to chill. There’s no jeopardy in the group stage for the big teams.

Exactly what i was thinking. England always has a draw in their opening round.

And a defeat in their last......

Quote from: Shank on June 24, 2026, 03:09:49 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on June 23, 2026, 09:00:13 PM Quote from: So Cruel on June 23, 2026, 08:25:42 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on June 23, 2026, 07:56:55 PM Quote from: Codeguy on June 23, 2026, 07:11:30 PM Quote from: So Cruel on June 23, 2026, 06:14:58 PM Quote from: Tumbling Dice on June 23, 2026, 06:00:07 PM Kane's not going to win the Golden Boot.  He couldn't hit a barn door.

Tournament is young. No need to panic. Ghana played like a team whose goal was to tie. They played everyone back. One of the most boring games I’ve seen.

If that’s what they’re like against a crap side like Ghana I can’t wait to see what France would do to them

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Against France, you’d have a more open game.

England has plenty of talent. But this low block today from Ghana was murder.

Exactly. Ghana lined everyone up to defend. They weren’t trying to score.

Spain drew 0-0 against Cape Verde. People in England need to chill. There’s no jeopardy in the group stage for the big teams.

Exactly what i was thinking. England always has a draw in their opening round.

And a defeat in their last......

Quote from: MPare1966 on June 23, 2026, 09:00:13 PM Quote from: So Cruel on June 23, 2026, 08:25:42 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on June 23, 2026, 07:56:55 PM Quote from: Codeguy on June 23, 2026, 07:11:30 PM Quote from: So Cruel on June 23, 2026, 06:14:58 PM Quote from: Tumbling Dice on June 23, 2026, 06:00:07 PM Kane's not going to win the Golden Boot.  He couldn't hit a barn door.

Tournament is young. No need to panic. Ghana played like a team whose goal was to tie. They played everyone back. One of the most boring games I’ve seen.

If that’s what they’re like against a crap side like Ghana I can’t wait to see what France would do to them

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Against France, you’d have a more open game.

England has plenty of talent. But this low block today from Ghana was murder.

Exactly. Ghana lined everyone up to defend. They weren’t trying to score.

Spain drew 0-0 against Cape Verde. People in England need to chill. There’s no jeopardy in the group stage for the big teams.

Exactly what i was thinking. England always has a draw in their opening round.

Quote from: So Cruel on June 23, 2026, 08:25:42 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on June 23, 2026, 07:56:55 PM Quote from: Codeguy on June 23, 2026, 07:11:30 PM Quote from: So Cruel on June 23, 2026, 06:14:58 PM Quote from: Tumbling Dice on June 23, 2026, 06:00:07 PM Kane's not going to win the Golden Boot.  He couldn't hit a barn door.

Tournament is young. No need to panic. Ghana played like a team whose goal was to tie. They played everyone back. One of the most boring games I’ve seen.

If that’s what they’re like against a crap side like Ghana I can’t wait to see what France would do to them

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Against France, you’d have a more open game.

England has plenty of talent. But this low block today from Ghana was murder.

Exactly. Ghana lined everyone up to defend. They weren’t trying to score.

Spain drew 0-0 against Cape Verde. People in England need to chill. There’s no jeopardy in the group stage for the big teams.

Quote from: MPare1966 on June 23, 2026, 07:56:55 PM Quote from: Codeguy on June 23, 2026, 07:11:30 PM Quote from: So Cruel on June 23, 2026, 06:14:58 PM Quote from: Tumbling Dice on June 23, 2026, 06:00:07 PM Kane's not going to win the Golden Boot.  He couldn't hit a barn door.

Tournament is young. No need to panic. Ghana played like a team whose goal was to tie. They played everyone back. One of the most boring games I’ve seen.

If that’s what they’re like against a crap side like Ghana I can’t wait to see what France would do to them

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Against France, you’d have a more open game.

England has plenty of talent. But this low block today from Ghana was murder.

Exactly. Ghana lined everyone up to defend. They weren’t trying to score.

Quote from: Codeguy on June 23, 2026, 07:11:30 PM Quote from: So Cruel on June 23, 2026, 06:14:58 PM Quote from: Tumbling Dice on June 23, 2026, 06:00:07 PM Kane's not going to win the Golden Boot.  He couldn't hit a barn door.

Tournament is young. No need to panic. Ghana played like a team whose goal was to tie. They played everyone back. One of the most boring games I’ve seen.

If that’s what they’re like against a crap side like Ghana I can’t wait to see what France would do to them

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Against France, you’d have a more open game.

England has plenty of talent. But this low block today from Ghana was murder.

Quote from: So Cruel on June 23, 2026, 06:14:58 PM Quote from: Tumbling Dice on June 23, 2026, 06:00:07 PM Kane's not going to win the Golden Boot.  He couldn't hit a barn door.

Tournament is young. No need to panic. Ghana played like a team whose goal was to tie. They played everyone back. One of the most boring games I’ve seen.

If that’s what they’re like against a crap side like Ghana I can’t wait to see what France would do to them

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Quote from: Tumbling Dice on June 23, 2026, 06:00:07 PM Kane's not going to win the Golden Boot.  He couldn't hit a barn door.

Tournament is young. No need to panic. Ghana played like a team whose goal was to tie. They played everyone back. One of the most boring games I’ve seen.

Kane's not going to win the Golden Boot.  He couldn't hit a barn door.

Martin Ødegaard. Leader of Men.

https://x.com/TotalFootball/status/2069243732264988679/video/1?s=61

Quote from: BluerWhite on June 22, 2026, 02:59:54 PM How much fun is Messi ??

His 2nd goal at the end of the match, at 39yo, is simply not normal.

How much fun is Messi ??

Manchester United have taken a significant step towards a new 100,000-capacity stadium by buying the majority of the land needed to build it close to their current home at Old Trafford.

There had been few signs of any movement since minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe unveiled his grand vision in London in March 2025.

However, talks around land acquisition have been going on behind the scenes.

According to sources, United have now acquired a triangle of roads (located between Wharfside Way, Europa Way and John Gilbert Way) that connect close to the car parks behind the Stretford End, which gives them a 25-acre site sufficient for their new stadium.

Plans and costings for the ground are yet to be agreed, and negotiations will be needed with some of the existing leaseholders in the affected area.

"Today's news highlights the progress we're making towards a world-class new home for Manchester United and represents a significant milestone as we move into the next phase of development," said Collette Roche, Manchester United's new stadium development chief executive.

"Being able to build so close to Old Trafford allows us to preserve the heritage, traditions and rituals that are so important to our fans. We are committed to building a world-class stadium with our supporters, not just for them, with atmosphere, affordability and accessibility at the heart of our thinking.

"This is a generational opportunity that is fully aligned with both local and national growth ambitions. Securing the right land for our new home has been absolutely critical."

Arsenal are about to make a move to get the next Kvaratshelia.

Also the club will open talks with Aston Villa for Morgan Rogers.

Gunners not resting on their laurels.

Barry says:

Tell you what, mate, I’m proper buzzing about the England national football team right now, even if it’s thanks to a German manager. We look absolutely brilliant. Sharp, disciplined, dangerous on ze break. You can see ze influence of Thomas Tuchel all over zis side, can’t you? Proper structure, pressing, everyone knowing vere zey’re meant to be.

And fair play, I’m glad he’s brought zat German efficiency over. But, äh… no offence, right, I don’t vant any more from Germany, danke schön. Ve’ve got enough. Manager? Ja, fine. But zat’s it. No more inheriting, nein nein.

It’s just nice to see England playing mit a bit of… how you say… Ordnung. Ze defence is tighter, ze midfield ist controlling ze Raum much besser. Harry’s looking fantastisch, Jude ist ein Maschine, and ze vibes are… wunderbar.

I mean, before, ve’d just lump it upfield und hoffen for ze best, ja? Now ve build patiently, ve transition schnell, ve exploit ze Halbräume—sorry, half-spaces—like proper continental giants.

And honestly, if zis keeps up, I sink ve can vin it. Nein question. Ze boys are voller Selbstvertrauen. Nobody can stop us if ve keep zis Intensität.

It’s coming home, mein Freund. Es kommt nach Hause. Ze Fußball… he is… how you say… coming heimwärts.

Ve marchieren onward, ja? Ein Spiel nach dem anderen, keine Panik, nur Glaube. Ze trophy vill be ours, und zen all of Europe vill have to sagen:

‘Ja, England… sie waren einfach zu stark, ja?’

Vot a time to be alive. Absolut fantastisch. Wirklich, ich bin sehr glücklich, aber also ein bisschen nervös, because, you know… penalties. Immer die verdammten Elfmeter.

England, England, über alles, Über alles in der Welt!!

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Quote from: Codeguy on June 19, 2026, 05:16:32 PM Quote from: So Cruel on June 18, 2026, 07:41:03 PM Quote from: Codeguy on June 18, 2026, 07:36:33 PM Quote from: So Cruel on June 18, 2026, 07:24:17 PM Things just turned sour in Vancouver. Canada up 3-0 against Qatar when a Qatar player fouled Ismail Kone of Canada and it looks like he broke his leg. You could see it and it looked bad. Qatar player got a red card.

Terrible tackle, hopefully he gets a serious suspension. Nice to see Canada up 4-0 though ….

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They didn’t show the replay here due to the injury.

Same here. Of course I’m back in the USA for a few days, so thanks to Janet Jackson we don’t get to watch anything fully live. Like we haven’t seen a nipple before.

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TD hasn’t seen one in 17 years…

Quote from: So Cruel on June 18, 2026, 07:41:03 PM Quote from: Codeguy on June 18, 2026, 07:36:33 PM Quote from: So Cruel on June 18, 2026, 07:24:17 PM Things just turned sour in Vancouver. Canada up 3-0 against Qatar when a Qatar player fouled Ismail Kone of Canada and it looks like he broke his leg. You could see it and it looked bad. Qatar player got a red card.

Terrible tackle, hopefully he gets a serious suspension. Nice to see Canada up 4-0 though ….

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They didn’t show the replay here due to the injury.

Same here. Of course I’m back in the USA for a few days, so thanks to Janet Jackson we don’t get to watch anything fully live. Like we haven’t seen a nipple before.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Nice win Canada.  Guessing the US will win today.  Rooting for Scotland to get at least a draw later.

6-0

Hat trick for Jonathan David.

Watch your back, Leo.

Quote from: Codeguy on June 18, 2026, 07:36:33 PM Quote from: So Cruel on June 18, 2026, 07:24:17 PM Things just turned sour in Vancouver. Canada up 3-0 against Qatar when a Qatar player fouled Ismail Kone of Canada and it looks like he broke his leg. You could see it and it looked bad. Qatar player got a red card.

Terrible tackle, hopefully he gets a serious suspension. Nice to see Canada up 4-0 though ….

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

They didn’t show the replay here due to the injury.

Quote from: Codeguy on June 18, 2026, 07:36:33 PM Quote from: So Cruel on June 18, 2026, 07:24:17 PM Things just turned sour in Vancouver. Canada up 3-0 against Qatar when a Qatar player fouled Ismail Kone of Canada and it looks like he broke his leg. You could see it and it looked bad. Qatar player got a red card.

Terrible tackle, hopefully he gets a serious suspension. Nice to see Canada up 4-0 though ….

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Horrific injury.

Kone is that guy that came out of an amateur Montreal club a few years ago, then became pro in MLS. Did a couple seasons with Watford.

So sad for him.

Quote from: So Cruel on June 18, 2026, 07:24:17 PM Things just turned sour in Vancouver. Canada up 3-0 against Qatar when a Qatar player fouled Ismail Kone of Canada and it looks like he broke his leg. You could see it and it looked bad. Qatar player got a red card.

Terrible tackle, hopefully he gets a serious suspension. Nice to see Canada up 4-0 though ….

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Things just turned sour in Vancouver. Canada up 3-0 against Qatar when a Qatar player fouled Ismail Kone of Canada and it looks like he broke his leg. You could see it and it looked bad. Qatar player got a red card.

Quote from: Shank on June 18, 2026, 03:43:50 PM Other than France playing well, this has been a good tournament so far.

I actually watched that match.  I've only seen two matches, England and France.  Both were enjoyable.  I'd say they are a pretty evenly matched teams.  It could come down to whose on fire the most, Captain Fantastic or Mbeppe.

Other than France playing well, this has been a good tournament so far.

Corner? Open play? Direct free kick?

Quote from: Tumbling Dice on June 18, 2026, 12:23:38 PM Who's going to be the Golden Boot?  Captain Fantastic, Mbeppe, Messi or the Beast?

If Captain Fantastic has a good World Cup he should be the front runner for the Ballon D’Or

Quote from: MPare1966 on June 16, 2026, 10:54:30 PM (All times Eastern Time)

Goals in WC at 3PM:

Messi 13 Mbappé 12

Goals in WC at 5PM:

Mbappé 14 Messi 13

Goals in WC at 10:30PM:

Messi 16 Mbappé 14

They will both surpass the previous record of 16. It’s just a question of who ends up higher.

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Who's going to be the Golden Boot?  Captain Fantastic, Mbeppe, Messi or the Beast?

Ronaldo is riding a very long drought for goals in major tournaments.  10 matches scoreless.

(All times Eastern Time)

Goals in WC at 3PM:

Messi 13 Mbappé 12

Goals in WC at 5PM:

Mbappé 14 Messi 13

Goals in WC at 10:30PM:

Messi 16 Mbappé 14

There you go.

The GOAT has a hat trick.

Pack your bags, Mbappé.

Bro bagged a 2nd. 

Unreal.

What a fucking beautiful goal by the GOAT.

https://x.com/cfc_janty/status/2067057708503593140?s=61&t=xTeqGpGpjkxH_9_aKRc3ow

Quote from: BluerWhite on June 16, 2026, 06:32:41 PM Haaland has landed in the Americas 

Was talking with my French colleague after the France game. We both actually said the Cyborg would send a clear message that he has arrived at the WC. Bingo.

Haaland has landed in the Americas

Quote from: Shank on June 15, 2026, 02:07:08 PM Spain- hahahaha

Pre tournament favorites too…… and my pick to win the whole thing - though I’d rank France almost equal

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Spain- hahahaha

Australia has a housing crisis.  Generations can't afford a roof over their heads.

Quote from: So Cruel on June 14, 2026, 04:33:00 PM Pretty cool scene in Vancouver yesterday as we were taken over by the Aussies. The fans in BC Place stadium breaking into Men at Works Down Under when the Socceroo’s won was awesome.

I love how Australia has taken to footie in recent years - sadly it’s at the expense of my beloved rugby, but Aussie is a nation on the rise, in sport and in life!

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Number of players in the WC that were born in France: 99

Pretty cool scene in Vancouver yesterday as we were taken over by the Aussies. The fans in BC Place stadium breaking into Men at Works Down Under when the Socceroo’s won was awesome.

Deutschland, Deutschland uber alles, uber alles in die welt!

…….

Um, it’s Curacao. I bet you can’t find it on a map.

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Oh Flower of Scotland, when will we see, yer like again? Who fought and died for Yer wee bit hill and Glen And stood against him? (Who?) Proud Edward’s army (Bastard!) And sent him homeward Tae think again!!

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England needs better locks on their vans.

USA is rampant with low life criminals.

Jordan Pickford had better be careful what he eats and drinks over there.

Quote from: Codeguy on June 13, 2026, 11:00:17 AM Quote from: an tha on June 12, 2026, 04:37:22 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on June 10, 2026, 10:06:00 PM Quote from: an tha on June 10, 2026, 07:48:39 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on June 10, 2026, 11:57:50 AM Quote from: an tha on June 10, 2026, 11:37:16 AM Haha cheating rat bastards.

They should have been relegated not made to pay Burnley but at least it is some sort of justice.

https://www.thelawyer.com/everton-fc-to-pay-burnley-millions-over-psr-breaches/

Making cheats pay is at least something I suppose.

If the cheating blueshite had been punished in the season they cheated then they would have been relegated not Burnley - so it is only right Burnley sue them and win like they have done. £40m or so in total.

If 115 FC get found guilty then it is only right clubs who lost out on titles and the financial benefits they would have brought sue 115 FC....same with Chelsea and european places.

Sadly these cheating bastards are a stain on the game and it is so sad that these situations occur.

Problem is oil-state owned 115 FC have unlimited funds for lawyers and shit, so I doubt anyone will go after them. Not a level playing field. Sadly.

The best defender in PL history is 115 FC's lawyer....

You got yer facts wrong there AnTha - Virgil is with the Netherlands side at the World Cup ..

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Only until a major injury ends it for him.....

Qatar drawing vs Switzerland is huge for us.

Quote from: So Cruel on June 13, 2026, 02:22:06 PM Quote from: an tha on June 13, 2026, 02:05:37 PM

You’re so cruel…

Quote from: Codeguy on June 13, 2026, 02:04:08 PM USA!!!!!

Biggest result by the USA men’s national team at the World Cup since 1930.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hale End shining again on the World stage

Quote from: So Cruel on June 13, 2026, 02:22:06 PM Quote from: an tha on June 13, 2026, 02:05:37 PM

You’re so cruel…

Don’t shoot the messenger…

Quote from: an tha on June 13, 2026, 02:05:37 PM

You’re so cruel…

USA!!!!!

Biggest result by the USA men’s national team at the World Cup since 1930.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Quote from: an tha on June 12, 2026, 04:37:22 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on June 10, 2026, 10:06:00 PM Quote from: an tha on June 10, 2026, 07:48:39 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on June 10, 2026, 11:57:50 AM Quote from: an tha on June 10, 2026, 11:37:16 AM Haha cheating rat bastards.

They should have been relegated not made to pay Burnley but at least it is some sort of justice.

https://www.thelawyer.com/everton-fc-to-pay-burnley-millions-over-psr-breaches/

Making cheats pay is at least something I suppose.

If the cheating blueshite had been punished in the season they cheated then they would have been relegated not Burnley - so it is only right Burnley sue them and win like they have done. £40m or so in total.

If 115 FC get found guilty then it is only right clubs who lost out on titles and the financial benefits they would have brought sue 115 FC....same with Chelsea and european places.

Sadly these cheating bastards are a stain on the game and it is so sad that these situations occur.

Problem is oil-state owned 115 FC have unlimited funds for lawyers and shit, so I doubt anyone will go after them. Not a level playing field. Sadly.

The best defender in PL history is 115 FC's lawyer....

You got yer facts wrong there AnTha - Virgil is with the Netherlands side at the World Cup ..

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Quote from: Shank on June 12, 2026, 04:32:59 PM Bad start for Canada. I just hope France or Spain don't win it all... or Brazil... or Italy

I can tell you for certain that Italy won’t win. In fact I’ll offer you 1,000/1 for a thousand dollar bet

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It is a bloodbath.

Don’t know if it’s the USA playing at 1.25x speed or Paraguay at 0.75x, but this could turn into a bloodbath.

Quote from: MPare1966 on June 12, 2026, 08:15:48 PM Quote from: So Cruel on June 12, 2026, 08:09:13 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on June 12, 2026, 05:01:46 PM Quote from: Shank on June 12, 2026, 04:32:59 PM Bad start for Canada. I just hope France or Spain don't win it all... or Brazil... or Italy

Good game.

First ever point in WC.

Yup. A key point.

We controlled the match, but a lack of finish hurt us. We gotta hit on more of those chances. Me or you could have done better on a few of those.

Second half was excellent.

Hoping that by the time we face Switzerland, Alphonso will be fully fit. No need to rush him back in the squad for Qatar.

The point was huge. Even if we lose to Switzerland, we will still likely get through with a win against Qatar.

Quote from: So Cruel on June 12, 2026, 08:09:13 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on June 12, 2026, 05:01:46 PM Quote from: Shank on June 12, 2026, 04:32:59 PM Bad start for Canada. I just hope France or Spain don't win it all... or Brazil... or Italy

Good game.

First ever point in WC.

Yup. A key point.

We controlled the match, but a lack of finish hurt us. We gotta hit on more of those chances. Me or you could have done better on a few of those.

Second half was excellent.

Hoping that by the time we face Switzerland, Alphonso will be fully fit. No need to rush him back in the squad for Qatar.

Quote from: MPare1966 on June 12, 2026, 05:01:46 PM Quote from: Shank on June 12, 2026, 04:32:59 PM Bad start for Canada. I just hope France or Spain don't win it all... or Brazil... or Italy

Good game.

First ever point in WC.

Yup. A key point.

We controlled the match, but a lack of finish hurt us. We gotta hit on more of those chances. Me or you could have done better on a few of those.

Quote from: Codeguy on June 11, 2026, 04:57:03 PM For me:

Favorites: France Silver: Spain Bronze: England Darkhorse: Portugal

Oh and England to lose on penalties of course.

Spain - Winner Portugal - Runner-up

3rd: Argentina 4th: Germany

Quote from: Shank on June 12, 2026, 04:32:59 PM Bad start for Canada. I just hope France or Spain don't win it all... or Brazil... or Italy

Good game.

First ever point in WC.

Quote from: MPare1966 on June 10, 2026, 10:06:00 PM Quote from: an tha on June 10, 2026, 07:48:39 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on June 10, 2026, 11:57:50 AM Quote from: an tha on June 10, 2026, 11:37:16 AM Haha cheating rat bastards.

They should have been relegated not made to pay Burnley but at least it is some sort of justice.

https://www.thelawyer.com/everton-fc-to-pay-burnley-millions-over-psr-breaches/

Making cheats pay is at least something I suppose.

If the cheating blueshite had been punished in the season they cheated then they would have been relegated not Burnley - so it is only right Burnley sue them and win like they have done. £40m or so in total.

If 115 FC get found guilty then it is only right clubs who lost out on titles and the financial benefits they would have brought sue 115 FC....same with Chelsea and european places.

Sadly these cheating bastards are a stain on the game and it is so sad that these situations occur.

Problem is oil-state owned 115 FC have unlimited funds for lawyers and shit, so I doubt anyone will go after them. Not a level playing field. Sadly.

The best defender in PL history is 115 FC's lawyer....

Bad start for Canada. I just hope France or Spain don't win it all... or Brazil... or Italy

Oh man. 

The National Anthem being played before the match in Toronto was something else.

World Cup is nice and all that, but personally, I’m still here

Quote from: Codeguy on June 11, 2026, 04:57:03 PM Ok lads time to show us yer Willies!

Pick your team to win the big one!

For me:

Favorites: France Silver: Spain Bronze: England Darkhorse: Portugal

Oh and England to lose on penalties of course.

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I think Spain wins it.

As for my country’s team, we are looking for our first ever point in the WC. So just a single draw would be progress.

Quote from: Tumbling Dice on June 11, 2026, 05:49:59 PM Quote from: So Cruel on June 11, 2026, 05:43:47 PM Quote from: Codeguy on June 11, 2026, 04:57:03 PM Ok lads time to show us yer Willies!

Pick your team to win the big one!

For me:

Favorites: France Silver: Spain Bronze: England Darkhorse: Portugal

Oh and England to lose on penalties of course.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You want a dick pick or picks for the World Cup? Please be clear as I may have to close my office door for one of them

So your colleagues don't see you're a closet England fan?

Haha.. England and Canada all the way my friend!

Quote from: So Cruel on June 11, 2026, 05:43:47 PM Quote from: Codeguy on June 11, 2026, 04:57:03 PM Ok lads time to show us yer Willies!

Pick your team to win the big one!

For me:

Favorites: France Silver: Spain Bronze: England Darkhorse: Portugal

Oh and England to lose on penalties of course.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You want a dick pick or picks for the World Cup? Please be clear as I may have to close my office door for one of them

So your colleagues don't see you're a closet England fan?

Quote from: Codeguy on June 11, 2026, 04:57:03 PM Ok lads time to show us yer Willies!

Pick your team to win the big one!

For me:

Favorites: France Silver: Spain Bronze: England Darkhorse: Portugal

Oh and England to lose on penalties of course.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You want a dick pick or picks for the World Cup? Please be clear as I may have to close my office door for one of them

Ok lads time to show us yer Willies!

Pick your team to win the big one!

For me:

Favorites: France Silver: Spain Bronze: England Darkhorse: Portugal

Oh and England to lose on penalties of course.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Quote from: BluerWhite on June 10, 2026, 06:24:37 PM

That's the English premium whereby clubs have to pay extra for English talent.

Quote from: Codeguy on June 11, 2026, 08:49:03 AM Quote from: an tha on June 10, 2026, 07:27:21 PM

Shithole countries

Shows how corrupt fifa is. Qatar. Saudi Arabia. Russia. 

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Next one is Spain-Portugal-Morocco

I guess it’s a step in the right direction.

Oops. Not really. Going to Saudi Arabia in 2034.

Quote from: an tha on June 10, 2026, 07:27:21 PM

Shithole countries

Shows how corrupt fifa is. Qatar. Saudi Arabia. Russia. 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Quote from: an tha on June 10, 2026, 07:48:39 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on June 10, 2026, 11:57:50 AM Quote from: an tha on June 10, 2026, 11:37:16 AM Haha cheating rat bastards.

They should have been relegated not made to pay Burnley but at least it is some sort of justice.

https://www.thelawyer.com/everton-fc-to-pay-burnley-millions-over-psr-breaches/

Making cheats pay is at least something I suppose.

If the cheating blueshite had been punished in the season they cheated then they would have been relegated not Burnley - so it is only right Burnley sue them and win like they have done. £40m or so in total.

If 115 FC get found guilty then it is only right clubs who lost out on titles and the financial benefits they would have brought sue 115 FC....same with Chelsea and european places.

Sadly these cheating bastards are a stain on the game and it is so sad that these situations occur.

Problem is oil-state owned 115 FC have unlimited funds for lawyers and shit, so I doubt anyone will go after them. Not a level playing field. Sadly.

Quote from: MPare1966 on June 10, 2026, 11:57:50 AM Quote from: an tha on June 10, 2026, 11:37:16 AM Haha cheating rat bastards.

They should have been relegated not made to pay Burnley but at least it is some sort of justice.

https://www.thelawyer.com/everton-fc-to-pay-burnley-millions-over-psr-breaches/

Making cheats pay is at least something I suppose.

If the cheating blueshite had been punished in the season they cheated then they would have been relegated not Burnley - so it is only right Burnley sue them and win like they have done. £40m or so in total.

If 115 FC get found guilty then it is only right clubs who lost out on titles and the financial benefits they would have brought sue 115 FC....same with Chelsea and european places.

Sadly these cheating bastards are a stain on the game and it is so sad that these situations occur.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c2dylj8kj82o

And this is why the USA should not get the World Cup. So many more nations who wouldn’t pull this shit.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c2dylj8kj82o

A referee with suspected ties to terror? Wait until the fans start showing up, it could get ugly.

England, Italy and Argentina are three countries that come to mind who have not hosted the World Cup in forever and who wouldn’t pull this shit. FIFA is a bunch of crooks. It’s all about the money.

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Quote from: an tha on June 10, 2026, 11:37:16 AM Haha cheating rat bastards.

They should have been relegated not made to pay Burnley but at least it is some sort of justice.

https://www.thelawyer.com/everton-fc-to-pay-burnley-millions-over-psr-breaches/

Haha cheating rat bastards.

They should have been relegated not made to pay Burnley but at least it is some sort of justice.

https://www.thelawyer.com/everton-fc-to-pay-burnley-millions-over-psr-breaches/

Quote from: Shank on June 09, 2026, 11:46:49 AM Quote from: an tha on June 08, 2026, 04:41:06 PM Quote from: Shank on June 08, 2026, 02:18:28 PM Quote from: an tha on June 06, 2026, 04:44:39 PM Quote from: Shank on June 05, 2026, 01:29:49 PM Quote from: an tha on June 03, 2026, 06:23:15 PM You couldn't pay me enough to watch Ingerlund.

Why no love for your own country's team?  What national team do you support?

I became a fan of England before i married my english wife.  I won't root for the US because most people in the states still make fun of the sport and i feel closer ties with england by far. Netherlands is my second team only because i have a lot of dutch friends and we watch matches together over there.

I don't like international football full stop.

Haven't watched it in well over 30 years - maybe longer.

I have absolutely zero desire to share the same cause as people who sing things like 'sign on' 'feed the scousers' and other poverty mocking chants and acts as well as boo silences for people killed in tragedies.....you can find videos of england fans at games singing 'we all hate scousers'....I also oppose massively the overly nationalistic sentiment that many england followers display that frankly often manifests as xenohopbia and racism.

This country covered up, lied about and passed the blame onto the wrong people for the deaths of 97 Liverpool supporters and denied their familiies, friends etc justice - whilst swathes of the rest of the country supported the lies and worse still repeated them - i've had fans of other clubs at games scream 'murderer' in my face, wave copies of the s*n newspaper at us (who wrongly accused us of pissing on and robbing our dead) and make crushing gestures towards me and my friends - no self respecting Liverpudlian would want to stand 'shoulder to shoulder' with those people. I've stood in a stadium honouring a silence for our dead whilst opposition fans boo and chant.....and yes Liverpool fans have booed the national anthem and mocked the death of Thatcher and sung over the national anthem - two wrongs do not make a right of course, but you get the picture - you see the disconnect....

And that is before get into the political situation which saw the tories try and kill Liverpool as a city in the 1980s through managed decline....

It would be hypocritical to stand arm in arm for "England" - I sincerely hope their 60 years of misery in international tournaments continues.

Quote from: an tha on June 08, 2026, 04:41:06 PM Quote from: Shank on June 08, 2026, 02:18:28 PM Quote from: an tha on June 06, 2026, 04:44:39 PM Quote from: Shank on June 05, 2026, 01:29:49 PM Quote from: an tha on June 03, 2026, 06:23:15 PM You couldn't pay me enough to watch Ingerlund.

Why no love for your own country's team?  What national team do you support?

I became a fan of England before i married my english wife.  I won't root for the US because most people in the states still make fun of the sport and i feel closer ties with england by far. Netherlands is my second team only because i have a lot of dutch friends and we watch matches together over there.

I don't like international football full stop.

Haven't watched it in well over 30 years - maybe longer.

I have absolutely zero desire to share the same cause as people who sing things like 'sign on' 'feed the scousers' and other poverty mocking chants and acts as well as boo silences for people killed in tragedies.....you can find videos of england fans at games singing 'we all hate scousers'....I also oppose massively the overly nationalistic sentiment that many england followers display that frankly often manifests as xenohopbia and racism.

This country covered up, lied about and passed the blame onto the wrong people for the deaths of 97 Liverpool supporters and denied their familiies, friends etc justice - whilst swathes of the rest of the country supported the lies and worse still repeated them - i've had fans of other clubs at games scream 'murderer' in my face, wave copies of the s*n newspaper at us (who wrongly accused us of pissing on and robbing our dead) and make crushing gestures towards me and my friends - no self respecting Liverpudlian would want to stand 'shoulder to shoulder' with those people. I've stood in a stadium honouring a silence for our dead whilst opposition fans boo and chant.....and yes Liverpool fans have booed the national anthem and mocked the death of Thatcher and sung over the national anthem - two wrongs do not make a right of course, but you get the picture - you see the disconnect....

And that is before get into the political situation which saw the tories try and kill Liverpool as a city in the 1980s through managed decline....

It would be hypocritical to stand arm in arm for "England" - I sincerely hope their 60 years of misery in international tournaments continues.

More rats leaving the sinking ship

Quote from: Codeguy on June 07, 2026, 07:46:53 PM Quote from: an tha on June 06, 2026, 04:44:39 PM Quote from: Shank on June 05, 2026, 01:29:49 PM Quote from: an tha on June 03, 2026, 06:23:15 PM You couldn't pay me enough to watch Ingerlund.

Why no love for your own country's team?  What national team do you support?

I became a fan of England before i married my english wife.  I won't root for the US because most people in the states still make fun of the sport and i feel closer ties with england by far. Netherlands is my second team only because i have a lot of dutch friends and we watch matches together over there.

I don't like international football full stop.

Haven't watched it in well over 30 years - maybe longer.

I have absolutely zero desire to share the same cause as people who sing things like 'sign on' 'feed the scousers' and other poverty mocking chants and acts as well as boo silences for people killed in tragedies.....you can find videos of england fans at games singing 'we all hate scousers'....I also oppose massively the overly nationalistic sentiment that many england followers display that frankly often manifests as xenohopbia and racism.

This country covered up, lied about and passed the blame onto the wrong people for the deaths of 97 Liverpool supporters and denied their familiies, friends etc justice - whilst swathes of the rest of the country supported the lies and worse still repeated them - i've had fans of other clubs at games scream 'murderer' in my face, wave copies of the s*n newspaper at us (who wrongly accused us of pissing on and robbing our dead) and make crushing gestures towards me and my friends - no self respecting Liverpudlian would want to stand 'shoulder to shoulder' with those people. I've stood in a stadium honouring a silence for our dead whilst opposition fans boo and chant.....and yes Liverpool fans have booed the national anthem and mocked the death of Thatcher and sung over the national anthem - two wrongs do not make a right of course, but you get the picture - you see the disconnect....

And that is before get into the political situation which saw the tories try and kill Liverpool as a city in the 1980s through managed decline....

It would be hypocritical to stand arm in arm for "England" - I sincerely hope their 60 years of misery in international tournaments continues.

If you want to read a little more about this issue - see link below - not a very in depth piece but touches on the issue in an easy to digest way.

Quote from: Shank on June 08, 2026, 02:18:28 PM Quote from: an tha on June 06, 2026, 04:44:39 PM Quote from: Shank on June 05, 2026, 01:29:49 PM Quote from: an tha on June 03, 2026, 06:23:15 PM You couldn't pay me enough to watch Ingerlund.

Why no love for your own country's team?  What national team do you support?

I became a fan of England before i married my english wife.  I won't root for the US because most people in the states still make fun of the sport and i feel closer ties with england by far. Netherlands is my second team only because i have a lot of dutch friends and we watch matches together over there.

I don't like international football full stop.

Haven't watched it in well over 30 years - maybe longer.

I have absolutely zero desire to share the same cause as people who sing things like 'sign on' 'feed the scousers' and other poverty mocking chants and acts as well as boo silences for people killed in tragedies.....you can find videos of england fans at games singing 'we all hate scousers'....I also oppose massively the overly nationalistic sentiment that many england followers display that frankly often manifests as xenohopbia and racism.

This country covered up, lied about and passed the blame onto the wrong people for the deaths of 97 Liverpool supporters and denied their familiies, friends etc justice - whilst swathes of the rest of the country supported the lies and worse still repeated them - i've had fans of other clubs at games scream 'murderer' in my face, wave copies of the s*n newspaper at us (who wrongly accused us of pissing on and robbing our dead) and make crushing gestures towards me and my friends - no self respecting Liverpudlian would want to stand 'shoulder to shoulder' with those people. I've stood in a stadium honouring a silence for our dead whilst opposition fans boo and chant.....and yes Liverpool fans have booed the national anthem and mocked the death of Thatcher and sung over the national anthem - two wrongs do not make a right of course, but you get the picture - you see the disconnect....

And that is before get into the political situation which saw the tories try and kill Liverpool as a city in the 1980s through managed decline....

It would be hypocritical to stand arm in arm for "England" - I sincerely hope their 60 years of misery in international tournaments continues.

If you want to read a little more about this issue - see link below - not a very in depth piece but touches on the issue in an easy to digest way.

Quote from: an tha on June 06, 2026, 04:44:39 PM Quote from: Shank on June 05, 2026, 01:29:49 PM Quote from: an tha on June 03, 2026, 06:23:15 PM You couldn't pay me enough to watch Ingerlund.

Why no love for your own country's team?  What national team do you support?

I became a fan of England before i married my english wife.  I won't root for the US because most people in the states still make fun of the sport and i feel closer ties with england by far. Netherlands is my second team only because i have a lot of dutch friends and we watch matches together over there.

I don't like international football full stop.

Haven't watched it in well over 30 years - maybe longer.

I have absolutely zero desire to share the same cause as people who sing things like 'sign on' 'feed the scousers' and other poverty mocking chants and acts as well as boo silences for people killed in tragedies.....you can find videos of england fans at games singing 'we all hate scousers'....I also oppose massively the overly nationalistic sentiment that many england followers display that frankly often manifests as xenohopbia and racism.

This country covered up, lied about and passed the blame onto the wrong people for the deaths of 97 Liverpool supporters and denied their familiies, friends etc justice - whilst swathes of the rest of the country supported the lies and worse still repeated them - i've had fans of other clubs at games scream 'murderer' in my face, wave copies of the s*n newspaper at us (who wrongly accused us of pissing on and robbing our dead) and make crushing gestures towards me and my friends - no self respecting Liverpudlian would want to stand 'shoulder to shoulder' with those people. I've stood in a stadium honouring a silence for our dead whilst opposition fans boo and chant.....and yes Liverpool fans have booed the national anthem and mocked the death of Thatcher and sung over the national anthem - two wrongs do not make a right of course, but you get the picture - you see the disconnect....

And that is before get into the political situation which saw the tories try and kill Liverpool as a city in the 1980s through managed decline....

It would be hypocritical to stand arm in arm for "England" - I sincerely hope their 60 years of misery in international tournaments continues.

If you want to read a little more about this issue - see link below - not a very in depth piece but touches on the issue in an easy to digest way.

Quote from: an tha on June 06, 2026, 04:44:39 PM Quote from: Shank on June 05, 2026, 01:29:49 PM Quote from: an tha on June 03, 2026, 06:23:15 PM You couldn't pay me enough to watch Ingerlund.

Why no love for your own country's team?  What national team do you support?

I became a fan of England before i married my english wife.  I won't root for the US because most people in the states still make fun of the sport and i feel closer ties with england by far. Netherlands is my second team only because i have a lot of dutch friends and we watch matches together over there.

I don't like international football full stop.

Haven't watched it in well over 30 years - maybe longer.

I have absolutely zero desire to share the same cause as people who sing things like 'sign on' 'feed the scousers' and other poverty mocking chants and acts as well as boo silences for people killed in tragedies.....you can find videos of england fans at games singing 'we all hate scousers'....I also oppose massively the overly nationalistic sentiment that many england followers display that frankly often manifests as xenohopbia and racism.

This country covered up, lied about and passed the blame onto the wrong people for the deaths of 97 Liverpool supporters and denied their familiies, friends etc justice - whilst swathes of the rest of the country supported the lies and worse still repeated them - i've had fans of other clubs at games scream 'murderer' in my face, wave copies of the s*n newspaper at us (who wrongly accused us of pissing on and robbing our dead) and make crushing gestures towards me and my friends - no self respecting Liverpudlian would want to stand 'shoulder to shoulder' with those people. I've stood in a stadium honouring a silence for our dead whilst opposition fans boo and chant.....and yes Liverpool fans have booed the national anthem and mocked the death of Thatcher and sung over the national anthem - two wrongs do not make a right of course, but you get the picture - you see the disconnect....

And that is before get into the political situation which saw the tories try and kill Liverpool as a city in the 1980s through managed decline....

It would be hypocritical to stand arm in arm for "England" - I sincerely hope their 60 years of misery in international tournaments continues.

If you want to read a little more about this issue - see link below - not a very in depth piece but touches on the issue in an easy to digest way.

Quote from: MPare1966 on June 07, 2026, 07:02:14 AM Yes, quite amazing.

https://www.premierleague.com/en/news/4673528?utm_source=x&utm_medium=organic-social&utm_campaign=analysis&utm_content=iraola_alonso_arteta

Amazing - quite something how two of them now manage two of the biggest football clubs in the world.

Yes, quite amazing.

https://www.premierleague.com/en/news/4673528?utm_source=x&utm_medium=organic-social&utm_campaign=analysis&utm_content=iraola_alonso_arteta

Quote from: Shank on June 05, 2026, 01:29:49 PM Quote from: an tha on June 03, 2026, 06:23:15 PM You couldn't pay me enough to watch Ingerlund.

Why no love for your own country's team?  What national team do you support?

I became a fan of England before i married my english wife.  I won't root for the US because most people in the states still make fun of the sport and i feel closer ties with england by far. Netherlands is my second team only because i have a lot of dutch friends and we watch matches together over there.

I don't like international football full stop.

Haven't watched it in well over 30 years - maybe longer.

I have absolutely zero desire to share the same cause as people who sing things like 'sign on' 'feed the scousers' and other poverty mocking chants and acts as well as boo silences for people killed in tragedies.....you can find videos of england fans at games singing 'we all hate scousers'....I also oppose massively the overly nationalistic sentiment that many england followers display that frankly often manifests as xenohopbia and racism.

This country covered up, lied about and passed the blame onto the wrong people for the deaths of 97 Liverpool supporters and denied their familiies, friends etc justice - whilst swathes of the rest of the country supported the lies and worse still repeated them - i've had fans of other clubs at games scream 'murderer' in my face, wave copies of the s*n newspaper at us (who wrongly accused us of pissing on and robbing our dead) and make crushing gestures towards me and my friends - no self respecting Liverpudlian would want to stand 'shoulder to shoulder' with those people. I've stood in a stadium honouring a silence for our dead whilst opposition fans boo and chant.....and yes Liverpool fans have booed the national anthem and mocked the death of Thatcher and sung over the national anthem - two wrongs do not make a right of course, but you get the picture - you see the disconnect....

And that is before get into the political situation which saw the tories try and kill Liverpool as a city in the 1980s through managed decline....

It would be hypocritical to stand arm in arm for "England" - I sincerely hope their 60 years of misery in international tournaments continues.

If you want to read a little more about this issue - see link below - not a very in depth piece but touches on the issue in an easy to digest way.

Quote from: Codeguy on June 05, 2026, 01:34:01 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on June 05, 2026, 07:45:26 AM Quote from: an tha on June 04, 2026, 03:56:35 PM List of manchester united managers since they last won the league.

David Moyes Ryan Giggs Louis van Gaal Jose Mourinho Ole Gunnar Solskjær Michael Carrick Ralf Rangnick Erik ten Hag Ruud van Nistelrooy Ruben Amorim Darren Fletcher Michael Carrick

They get a gold watch if they last a year.

Pretty wild that in the past 40 years, Arsenal have been managed by only 4 different permanent managers.

And it will stay that way for at least another 5 years.

I would say Arsenal is now poised for a golden age. The “New Stadium curse” is real - when a club finances a massive new stadium, it creates local fan discontent, disrupts transfer market activity etc and it takes a while to recover. They are now fully recovered and will one day be European champions. Unlike some other north London clubs.

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Well yes, all that of course.

But the current positive state has to do with a lot more than just that.

It’s the fogging estandards, mate.

This is why we can’t have nice things!

The World Cup final - already spoiled by things like the iconic image of a Saudi Arabian dictator ruining Messi’s glory moment by covering his Argentine shirt with an Arab fashion statement before he lifted the trophy  - will this year feature an extended half time break to accommodate a superbowl style halftime show.

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Quote from: Shank on June 05, 2026, 01:26:58 PM Quote from: Tumbling Dice on June 05, 2026, 12:21:40 PM Quote from: So Cruel on June 05, 2026, 12:08:40 PM Back to the greediness of Fifa. The game tickets are ludicrous, costing in most cases over $1000 per ticket, but what is also ridiculous is the FIFA fan experience.

In Vancouver we built and are opening tonight an outdoor venue that holds 10,000. I drive by it every day when I take my daughter to school. It will be the sight of the Fifa fan experience where people can watch games on the large screen and buy drinks, etc…

Venue looks cool but what isn’t cool is the price. $125 per seat to watch a game on a screen. If you’re lucky to get the limited lawn section it’s $50. I’m sure drinks and parking won’t be cheap. Every last penny they can squeeze…

Well you know what to do, don't hand the money over.  Let them play in empty stadiums.

And it will probably be torn down in 6 months

We have the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) the last few weeks of August where they have a concert every night. The PNE attracts a lot of people as it has rides, games, food, etc…

For the summer concert series, no A list artists, but recognizable names. This summer they will have the Barenaked Ladies, the Guess Who, Nelly, Boy George, and others. About 30 years ago I saw INXS a few months before Hutchence died at the PNE summer concerts.

This new venue gives them a better place for people to see the shows.

Quote from: MPare1966 on June 05, 2026, 07:45:26 AM Quote from: an tha on June 04, 2026, 03:56:35 PM List of manchester united managers since they last won the league.

David Moyes Ryan Giggs Louis van Gaal Jose Mourinho Ole Gunnar Solskjær Michael Carrick Ralf Rangnick Erik ten Hag Ruud van Nistelrooy Ruben Amorim Darren Fletcher Michael Carrick

They get a gold watch if they last a year.

Pretty wild that in the past 40 years, Arsenal have been managed by only 4 different permanent managers.

And it will stay that way for at least another 5 years.

I would say Arsenal is now poised for a golden age. The “New Stadium curse” is real - when a club finances a massive new stadium, it creates local fan discontent, disrupts transfer market activity etc and it takes a while to recover. They are now fully recovered and will one day be European champions. Unlike some other north London clubs.

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Quote from: an tha on June 03, 2026, 06:23:15 PM You couldn't pay me enough to watch Ingerlund.

Why no love for your own country's team?  What national team do you support?

I became a fan of England before i married my english wife.  I won't root for the US because most people in the states still make fun of the sport and i feel closer ties with england by far. Netherlands is my second team only because i have a lot of dutch friends and we watch matches together over there.

Quote from: Tumbling Dice on June 05, 2026, 12:21:40 PM Quote from: So Cruel on June 05, 2026, 12:08:40 PM Back to the greediness of Fifa. The game tickets are ludicrous, costing in most cases over $1000 per ticket, but what is also ridiculous is the FIFA fan experience.

In Vancouver we built and are opening tonight an outdoor venue that holds 10,000. I drive by it every day when I take my daughter to school. It will be the sight of the Fifa fan experience where people can watch games on the large screen and buy drinks, etc…

Venue looks cool but what isn’t cool is the price. $125 per seat to watch a game on a screen. If you’re lucky to get the limited lawn section it’s $50. I’m sure drinks and parking won’t be cheap. Every last penny they can squeeze…

Well you know what to do, don't hand the money over.  Let them play in empty stadiums.

And it will probably be torn down in 6 months

Quote from: So Cruel on June 05, 2026, 12:08:40 PM Back to the greediness of Fifa. The game tickets are ludicrous, costing in most cases over $1000 per ticket, but what is also ridiculous is the FIFA fan experience.

In Vancouver we built and are opening tonight an outdoor venue that holds 10,000. I drive by it every day when I take my daughter to school. It will be the sight of the Fifa fan experience where people can watch games on the large screen and buy drinks, etc…

Venue looks cool but what isn’t cool is the price. $125 per seat to watch a game on a screen. If you’re lucky to get the limited lawn section it’s $50. I’m sure drinks and parking won’t be cheap. Every last penny they can squeeze…

Well you know what to do, don't hand the money over.  Let them play in empty stadiums.

Back to the greediness of Fifa. The game tickets are ludicrous, costing in most cases over $1000 per ticket, but what is also ridiculous is the FIFA fan experience.

In Vancouver we built and are opening tonight an outdoor venue that holds 10,000. I drive by it every day when I take my daughter to school. It will be the sight of the Fifa fan experience where people can watch games on the large screen and buy drinks, etc…

Venue looks cool but what isn’t cool is the price. $125 per seat to watch a game on a screen. If you’re lucky to get the limited lawn section it’s $50. I’m sure drinks and parking won’t be cheap. Every last penny they can squeeze…

Quote from: an tha on June 04, 2026, 03:56:35 PM List of manchester united managers since they last won the league.

David Moyes Ryan Giggs Louis van Gaal Jose Mourinho Ole Gunnar Solskjær Michael Carrick Ralf Rangnick Erik ten Hag Ruud van Nistelrooy Ruben Amorim Darren Fletcher Michael Carrick

They get a gold watch if they last a year.

List of Liverpool managers since they last won the league:

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Quote from: an tha on June 04, 2026, 03:56:35 PM List of manchester united managers since they last won the league.

David Moyes Ryan Giggs Louis van Gaal Jose Mourinho Ole Gunnar Solskjær Michael Carrick Ralf Rangnick Erik ten Hag Ruud van Nistelrooy Ruben Amorim Darren Fletcher Michael Carrick

They get a gold watch if they last a year.

Pretty wild that in the past 40 years, Arsenal have been managed by only 4 different permanent managers.

And it will stay that way for at least another 5 years.

Quote from: Tumbling Dice on June 04, 2026, 04:00:34 PM The redshite finishing 11 points behind Michael Carrick's Manchester United finished Slot off.

The redshite finishing 11 points behind Michael Carrick's Manchester United finished Slot off.

List of manchester united managers since they last won the league.

David Moyes Ryan Giggs Louis van Gaal Jose Mourinho Ole Gunnar Solskjær Michael Carrick Ralf Rangnick Erik ten Hag Ruud van Nistelrooy Ruben Amorim Darren Fletcher Michael Carrick

They get a gold watch if they last a year.

Quote from: Codeguy on June 04, 2026, 03:06:12 PM Iraola is looking like a bad choice for me. I understand why they fired slot - fifth and no trophies is a bad season for LFC, and the points tally is even worse, but a lot of that is due to bad luck. I mean a key player dies in a car accident, and another on the same side of the park departed unexpectedly after it was too late to replace them. Meanwhile two of the key new players spent most of the season injured - and our star goalkeeper was also missing for many games, while Salahs blame on the manager was misplaced anger that he no longer had Trent making him look even better than he already is.

I like the rumors on transfer targets and it’s nice that Allison committed to the club (but they need a new goalkeeper anyway), but I’m not as impressed with his Bournemouth performance as others. Brendan Rodgers was great at Swansea - but had no idea how to manage a club as huge as Liverpool.

As a fan I will get behind the team. But Slot had one amazing season (not only winning the premier league by a country mile but going out only on penalties to the winners PSG in the champions league. One penalty different and Slot might have been on an open top bus counting to six on his fingers and then going “ah, seven”.

So I’d personally have given him a third year to get it right.

But I like what I see in the transfer rumors so …….

The big question is can Iraola rise from a recent championship team - who he admittedly took to European football, a huge achievement for a club like Bournemouth - to a club that expects to be challenging for the premier league and champions league every year and thinks 5th in the EPL and champions league quarter finals despite tragedy, bad luck and massive injuries - isn’t good enough.

Time will tell.

Meanwhile Kevin Keegan on deaths door and Kenny D accidentally announcing his cancer diagnosis - really sad …..

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When standards are as high as they are at the most successful football club in the land it is always a big ask for a new manager.

No finishing 15th like at Manchester United....or a top half finish a cause for celebration - this is a football club where the highest of standards are set and of course often achieved even without spending the sort of money failures like Manchester United and Chelsea do.

The new lad has a big job on his hands only time will tell if he is up to it - he is following successive league title winning managers of course, which only adds to the pressure of managing at the very top at a giant of a football club.

If Ingerlund were playing at the bottom of my garden i'd pull the curtains.

Will they give Iraola £400m to spend this summer?

Iraola is looking like a bad choice for me. I understand why they fired slot - fifth and no trophies is a bad season for LFC, and the points tally is even worse, but a lot of that is due to bad luck. I mean a key player dies in a car accident, and another on the same side of the park departed unexpectedly after it was too late to replace them. Meanwhile two of the key new players spent most of the season injured - and our star goalkeeper was also missing for many games, while Salahs blame on the manager was misplaced anger that he no longer had Trent making him look even better than he already is.

I like the rumors on transfer targets and it’s nice that Allison committed to the club (but they need a new goalkeeper anyway), but I’m not as impressed with his Bournemouth performance as others. Brendan Rodgers was great at Swansea - but had no idea how to manage a club as huge as Liverpool.

As a fan I will get behind the team. But Slot had one amazing season (not only winning the premier league by a country mile but going out only on penalties to the winners PSG in the champions league. One penalty different and Slot might have been on an open top bus counting to six on his fingers and then going “ah, seven”.

So I’d personally have given him a third year to get it right.

But I like what I see in the transfer rumors so …….

The big question is can Iraola rise from a recent championship team - who he admittedly took to European football, a huge achievement for a club like Bournemouth - to a club that expects to be challenging for the premier league and champions league every year and thinks 5th in the EPL and champions league quarter finals despite tragedy, bad luck and massive injuries - isn’t good enough.

Time will tell.

Meanwhile Kevin Keegan on deaths door and Kenny D accidentally announcing his cancer diagnosis - really sad …..

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Tickets to see the African teams are much cheaper, which makes France an economical option.

You couldn't pay me enough to watch Ingerlund.

I looked up tickets to see England and couldn't believe how expensive they were.  England is playing friendlies in the states prior to the tournament and the tickets are about 1/10 the price for those matches.

Quote from: Tumbling Dice on June 03, 2026, 04:21:12 PM World Cups should only be held in countries that understand the game.  The USA had the WC as recently as 1994 and Mexico in 1986.  The UK hasn't had the WC since 1966.

The UK obviously should have had a WC in the last few decades. Soccer is pretty popular here. My core group of friends parents/grandparents all came from European countries. In our neighbourhood during WC or Euros you always see lots of Italy, England, Portugal, Croatia, etc flags on cars or on houses.

Popularity of the sport really isn’t the question, it’s Fifa pricing. Take a look at all the west coast games for this WC. Would you pay $1000 per ticket to watch any of these?

Vancouver

Australia vs. Türkiye, Canada vs. Qatar, New Zealand vs. Egypt, Canada vs. Switzerland, New Zealand vs. Belgium

Seattle

Belgium vs. Egypt, USA vs. Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Qatar, Egypt vs. Iran

San Francisco

Qatar vs. Switzerland, Austria vs. Jordan, Paraguay vs. Türkiye, Jordan vs. Algeria, Paraguay vs. Australia

Los Angeles

USA vs. Paraguay, Iran vs. New Zealand, Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Belgium vs. Iran, Türkiye vs. USA

The whole west coast got served dog shit games

World Cups should only be held in countries that understand the game.  The USA had the WC as recently as 1994 and Mexico in 1986.  The UK hasn't had the WC since 1966.

Quote from: MPare1966 on June 03, 2026, 01:38:49 PM Quote from: So Cruel on June 03, 2026, 01:13:15 PM This World Cup is looking to be a disaster for the host cities.

Here in Vancouver where the city and our country has spent a lot of money to bring the World Cup, FIFA massively fucked up.

A) the cost of tickets is obscene B) they watered down the tournament by allowing more teams

They went from 32 teams to 48. I’m not paying thousand dollars per ticket to see soccer powers like Qatar, Panama, Jordan, or Curaçao. I was planning to go to a game or 2 and bring my daughter, but for Australia vs Turkey or New Zealand vs Egypt at the exuberant prices? No thanks.

And sadly, this is how most people feel. There was a report last week that our hotels are actually reporting lower bookings this year than last year! That is astonishing. They got greedy and now it’s fucked up our chances to recoup the money we paid to host the games.

I read the same type of thing from other host cities. Hotel bookings are down. People just aren’t travelling to this World Cup and a lot of it has to do with cost of tickets. Greedy pricks.

I remember when FIFA wanted Montreal to be one of the host cities.

Our provincial government looked at what FIFA was requesting, amongst other things to cancel all other major events, like the International Jazz Festival, and they said no fucking way.

Looks like it was the correct decision.

Sad but true. I was pretty stoked about the World Cup coming here, but the pricing has set most people here off. Both Toronto and Vancouver got pretty shitty games.  The Canada games are obviously a draw, but the only semi-decent team we got is Belgium. Toronto got no decent teams. None of the games in both Toronto and Vancouver are sold out.

Quote from: So Cruel on June 03, 2026, 01:13:15 PM This World Cup is looking to be a disaster for the host cities.

Here in Vancouver where the city and our country has spent a lot of money to bring the World Cup, FIFA massively fucked up.

A) the cost of tickets is obscene B) they watered down the tournament by allowing more teams

They went from 32 teams to 48. I’m not paying thousand dollars per ticket to see soccer powers like Qatar, Panama, Jordan, or Curaçao. I was planning to go to a game or 2 and bring my daughter, but for Australia vs Turkey or New Zealand vs Egypt at the exuberant prices? No thanks.

And sadly, this is how most people feel. There was a report last week that our hotels are actually reporting lower bookings this year than last year! That is astonishing. They got greedy and now it’s fucked up our chances to recoup the money we paid to host the games.

I read the same type of thing from other host cities. Hotel bookings are down. People just aren’t travelling to this World Cup and a lot of it has to do with cost of tickets. Greedy pricks.

I remember when FIFA wanted Montreal to be one of the host cities.

Our provincial government looked at what FIFA was requesting, amongst other things to cancel all other major events, like the International Jazz Festival, and they said no fucking way.

Looks like it was the correct decision.

This World Cup is looking to be a disaster for the host cities.

Here in Vancouver where the city and our country has spent a lot of money to bring the World Cup, FIFA massively fucked up.

A) the cost of tickets is obscene B) they watered down the tournament by allowing more teams

They went from 32 teams to 48. I’m not paying thousand dollars per ticket to see soccer powers like Qatar, Panama, Jordan, or Curaçao. I was planning to go to a game or 2 and bring my daughter, but for Australia vs Turkey or New Zealand vs Egypt at the exuberant prices? No thanks.

And sadly, this is how most people feel. There was a report last week that our hotels are actually reporting lower bookings this year than last year! That is astonishing. They got greedy and now it’s fucked up our chances to recoup the money we paid to host the games.

I read the same type of thing from other host cities. Hotel bookings are down. People just aren’t travelling to this World Cup and a lot of it has to do with cost of tickets. Greedy pricks.

The greatest of them all fighting the dreaded Cancer.

Literally (my lad aside) the only man walking the earth i'd shed tears over.

Get well soon.

https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/sir-kenny-dalglish-confirms-cancer-diagnosis

Quote from: So Cruel on June 01, 2026, 07:01:26 PM Arsenal..bunch of bloody hooligans…both fans and players. Odegaard should be in prison for the assault of the police officer!

Shithousery King, Ben White, throwing Ø’s Meta sunglasses in the crowd was funny as hell.

Arsenal..bunch of bloody hooligans…both fans and players. Odegaard should be in prison for the assault of the police officer!

Quote from: Tumbling Dice on June 01, 2026, 02:49:21 PM Six stabbings in London during the Arsenal parade.

An unruly bunch…

Six stabbings in London during the Arsenal parade.

Quote from: Tumbling Dice on June 01, 2026, 08:28:21 AM Dead silence from the resident rednecks about the sacking of their 'here today gone tomorrow' ex head coach. 

Cowards.

No time “Slot” in their day to make a post…

Get it? …No “Slot”….?

Quote from: MPare1966 on June 01, 2026, 06:03:11 AM Quote from: an tha on May 31, 2026, 08:52:24 PM European Cups?

Not even close is it.....

2017-2023 Not in UCL 2023-2024 1/4 finalists 2024-2025 1/2 finalists 2025-2026 finalists, lost on penalties. 2026-2027 Winners

You heard it here first. 

Come back to me when arsenal have six....

Count 'em......6

Dead silence from the resident rednecks about the sacking of their 'here today gone tomorrow' ex head coach. 

Cowards.

Quote from: an tha on May 31, 2026, 08:52:24 PM European Cups?

Not even close is it.....

2017-2023 Not in UCL 2023-2024 1/4 finalists 2024-2025 1/2 finalists 2025-2026 finalists, lost on penalties. 2026-2027 Winners

You heard it here first.

Quote from: an tha on May 31, 2026, 08:44:23 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on May 31, 2026, 01:47:36 PM Massive. Just massive.

Next year, I need to time my London trip accordingly.

You do realise that is a fake don't you.

The ground is full on that pic and was not used anyway today and the route did not pass by the stadium and people were told to stay away from that area

Yes, bad Gooner me! Should double check sources.

These look like actual pics, though.

Still a great celebration and wish I’d seen it.

https://archive.is/20260601083030/https://www.thetimes.com/sport/football/article/mourning-after-the-night-before-no-just-one-big-arsenal-title-party-h3ws7k6bm

European Cups?

Not even close is it.....

Quote from: MPare1966 on May 31, 2026, 01:47:36 PM Massive. Just massive.

Next year, I need to time my London trip accordingly.

You do realise that is a fake don't you.

The ground is full on that pic and was not used anyway today and the route did not pass by the stadium and people were told to stay away from that area

Bread and circuses while Rome burns.

Massive. Just massive.

Next year, I need to time my London trip accordingly.

Sir Alex and Pep Guardiola won Trebles.

Quote from: MPare1966 on May 30, 2026, 05:27:04 PM Football tradition

Captains kissing shiny things at the end of season.

Winning Champions League is pretty cool too….

Quote from: an tha on May 30, 2026, 05:58:35 PM Quote from: So Cruel on May 30, 2026, 04:03:54 PM Quote from: an tha on May 30, 2026, 03:48:05 PM Quote from: So Cruel on May 30, 2026, 03:39:29 PM Quote from: an tha on May 30, 2026, 03:29:55 PM Quote from: So Cruel on May 30, 2026, 01:45:48 AM Quote from: an tha on May 29, 2026, 08:15:37 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on May 29, 2026, 03:35:02 PM Quote from: So Cruel on May 29, 2026, 03:25:42 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on May 29, 2026, 01:57:03 PM Quote from: So Cruel on May 26, 2026, 09:57:45 AM An Tha still hasn’t recognized the superior play of Man U in the 2nd half of the season…

Behave and act like a proper club before crying like this.

postimages hotlink original size

You play your schedule. The way it is and always has been. Kinda funny to see people crying about number of games played.

You made your own schedule by being shit, mate.

Behave.

Give the lad a break he knows fuck all about football.

Wouldn't have the first idea about the issue you are referencing.

Quote from: So Cruel on May 30, 2026, 04:03:54 PM Quote from: an tha on May 30, 2026, 03:48:05 PM Quote from: So Cruel on May 30, 2026, 03:39:29 PM Quote from: an tha on May 30, 2026, 03:29:55 PM Quote from: So Cruel on May 30, 2026, 01:45:48 AM Quote from: an tha on May 29, 2026, 08:15:37 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on May 29, 2026, 03:35:02 PM Quote from: So Cruel on May 29, 2026, 03:25:42 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on May 29, 2026, 01:57:03 PM Quote from: So Cruel on May 26, 2026, 09:57:45 AM An Tha still hasn’t recognized the superior play of Man U in the 2nd half of the season…

Behave and act like a proper club before crying like this.

postimages hotlink original size

You play your schedule. The way it is and always has been. Kinda funny to see people crying about number of games played.

You made your own schedule by being shit, mate.

Behave.

Give the lad a break he knows fuck all about football.

Wouldn't have the first idea about the issue you are referencing.

Football tradition

Captains kissing shiny things at the end of season.

Quote from: an tha on May 30, 2026, 03:48:05 PM Quote from: So Cruel on May 30, 2026, 03:39:29 PM Quote from: an tha on May 30, 2026, 03:29:55 PM Quote from: So Cruel on May 30, 2026, 01:45:48 AM Quote from: an tha on May 29, 2026, 08:15:37 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on May 29, 2026, 03:35:02 PM Quote from: So Cruel on May 29, 2026, 03:25:42 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on May 29, 2026, 01:57:03 PM Quote from: So Cruel on May 26, 2026, 09:57:45 AM An Tha still hasn’t recognized the superior play of Man U in the 2nd half of the season…

Behave and act like a proper club before crying like this.

postimages hotlink original size

You play your schedule. The way it is and always has been. Kinda funny to see people crying about number of games played.

You made your own schedule by being shit, mate.

Behave.

Give the lad a break he knows fuck all about football.

Wouldn't have the first idea about the issue you are referencing.

Quote from: So Cruel on May 30, 2026, 03:39:29 PM Quote from: an tha on May 30, 2026, 03:29:55 PM Quote from: So Cruel on May 30, 2026, 01:45:48 AM Quote from: an tha on May 29, 2026, 08:15:37 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on May 29, 2026, 03:35:02 PM Quote from: So Cruel on May 29, 2026, 03:25:42 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on May 29, 2026, 01:57:03 PM Quote from: So Cruel on May 26, 2026, 09:57:45 AM An Tha still hasn’t recognized the superior play of Man U in the 2nd half of the season…

Behave and act like a proper club before crying like this.

postimages hotlink original size

You play your schedule. The way it is and always has been. Kinda funny to see people crying about number of games played.

You made your own schedule by being shit, mate.

Behave.

Give the lad a break he knows fuck all about football.

Wouldn't have the first idea about the issue you are referencing.

And let's not forget, Arsenal made history tonight as they became the first English side to lose a CL final on penalties.

Quote from: an tha on May 30, 2026, 03:29:55 PM Quote from: So Cruel on May 30, 2026, 01:45:48 AM Quote from: an tha on May 29, 2026, 08:15:37 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on May 29, 2026, 03:35:02 PM Quote from: So Cruel on May 29, 2026, 03:25:42 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on May 29, 2026, 01:57:03 PM Quote from: So Cruel on May 26, 2026, 09:57:45 AM An Tha still hasn’t recognized the superior play of Man U in the 2nd half of the season…

Behave and act like a proper club before crying like this.

postimages hotlink original size

You play your schedule. The way it is and always has been. Kinda funny to see people crying about number of games played.

You made your own schedule by being shit, mate.

Behave.

Give the lad a break he knows fuck all about football.

Wouldn't have the first idea about the issue you are referencing.

To think 11 years ago David Rayas was playing between the sticks at Haig Ave and tonight starred in a European Cup final.

But then my dad once coached a youth team and he had a young Jimmy Rimmer in goal smoking woodbines.

Quote from: So Cruel on May 30, 2026, 01:45:48 AM Quote from: an tha on May 29, 2026, 08:15:37 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on May 29, 2026, 03:35:02 PM Quote from: So Cruel on May 29, 2026, 03:25:42 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on May 29, 2026, 01:57:03 PM Quote from: So Cruel on May 26, 2026, 09:57:45 AM An Tha still hasn’t recognized the superior play of Man U in the 2nd half of the season…

Behave and act like a proper club before crying like this.

postimages hotlink original size

You play your schedule. The way it is and always has been. Kinda funny to see people crying about number of games played.

You made your own schedule by being shit, mate.

Behave.

Give the lad a break he knows fuck all about football.

Wouldn't have the first idea about the issue you are referencing.

Us Gooners are a patient lot. The UCL will be ours one day. Maybe before I die. Maybe not.

In the meantime, I’m still in seventh heaven following our EPL title and nothing, absolutely nothing, can squash that feeling.

Peace all.

We’ll talk at the WC.

That's twice Paris SG have knocked the redshite out of the competition and then gone on to win the European Cup.  Way to go, Slot!

Should have gone to Specsavers.

Reminds me of Roberto Baggio…..

Paris SG always find a way!

Quote from: Tumbling Dice on May 30, 2026, 08:45:56 AM The word was out.  The bosses had had enough of slot.  They had enough.  How much more were they gonna take?

They weren't gonna give the guy another £400m to piss up the wall.

Slot have a brother ?

The word was out.  The bosses had had enough of slot.  They had enough.  How much more were they gonna take?

They weren't gonna give the guy another £400m to piss up the wall.

Quote from: So Cruel on May 29, 2026, 03:25:42 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on May 29, 2026, 01:57:03 PM Quote from: So Cruel on May 26, 2026, 09:57:45 AM An Tha still hasn’t recognized the superior play of Man U in the 2nd half of the season…

Behave and act like a proper club before crying like this.

postimages hotlink original size

You play your schedule. The way it is and always has been. Kinda funny to see people crying about number of games played.

If only Man United had appointed Carrick at the start of the season they'd have won the premiership.

Quote from: an tha on May 29, 2026, 08:15:37 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on May 29, 2026, 03:35:02 PM Quote from: So Cruel on May 29, 2026, 03:25:42 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on May 29, 2026, 01:57:03 PM Quote from: So Cruel on May 26, 2026, 09:57:45 AM An Tha still hasn’t recognized the superior play of Man U in the 2nd half of the season…

Behave and act like a proper club before crying like this.

postimages hotlink original size

You play your schedule. The way it is and always has been. Kinda funny to see people crying about number of games played.

You made your own schedule by being shit, mate.

Behave.

Give the lad a break he knows fuck all about football.

Wouldn't have the first idea about the issue you are referencing.

Quote from: Codeguy on May 28, 2026, 02:42:08 PM Quote from: an tha on May 25, 2026, 09:31:10 AM It is an absolute mystery why Tottenham are even considered a "big club"

2 league titles in their history - the last of which was in 1961

Never won the European Cup.

Last FA Cup win was 1991.

Big club my arse.

Well they do have that big new stadium ….

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Oh yeah and they won the league 65 years ago.....

Quote from: MPare1966 on May 29, 2026, 03:35:02 PM Quote from: So Cruel on May 29, 2026, 03:25:42 PM Quote from: MPare1966 on May 29, 2026, 01:57:03 PM Quote from: So Cruel on May 26, 2026, 09:57:45 AM An Tha still hasn’t recognized the superior play of Man U in the 2nd half of the season…

Behave and act like a proper club before crying like this.

postimages hotlink original size

You play your schedule. The way it is and always has been. Kinda funny to see people crying about number of games played.

You made your own schedule by being shit, mate.

Behave.

Give the lad a break he knows fuck all about football.

Wouldn't have the first idea about the issue you are referencing.