European: Lets Talk Football [Archive] - Page 21

The Rodent

07-12-21, 10:15 PM

The fights breaking out after the Soccer matches reminds me how many react after football games end. And basketball. And hockey (sometimes even during a game!).

Point is, while the above video is awful, it isn’t exclusive to any one nation or sports fans.

This.

Football for me was never a thing.
My daughter played for a while, meaning I followed her and her team's progress, then she quit... and I went back to not caring.

I watched the final on Sunday simply because it was my country's team in a final... but I have little interest in the sport.
My own disinterest toward Football comes from many places, and hooliganism is certainly one of those things, but not the main thing.
Now though, Twitter and Farcebook are packed with controversial posts, racism and xenophobia toward the players, hate posts toward fans, trolling, arguing, baiting.

Football is the biggest game in the world, has the most fans, the biggest budgets and wages...

... and, as I pointed out on Twitter earlier, the media loves to get involved when bad stuff happens.

The Football Hooliganism from a small percentage of England followers, I say followers, not fans, real fans don't act like that... but, the Football Hooliganism from a small percentage of England followers, is something the media will latch onto, heavily, repeatedly, because it's such a reoccurring incident.
Then, it riles people up, who then take to social media... it's a vicious circle.
They're the same people who go to regular matches, say Man U or Chelsea or whatever, just to cause trouble with the opposing audience.

And the media loves it. Because it sells.

Being a decent fan of Football, or any sport for that matter, does nothing to help newspapers make money.
Going to the match, and congratulating the opposite team for winning doesn't sell.

Basically sportsmanlike conduct between fans and/or players, doesn't sell papers.

My own sport is Snooker and Pool.
Ever noticed how the only time Snooker makes the papers is if one player or another throws a tantrum, or says something controversial in a post-match interview... or two players have a disagreement during a match... or someone match-fixes and brings the sport into disrepute.

Then it's everywhere in every news outlet for a few days... with everyone commenting about how cue sports never left their shady roots of underground gambling and dodgy pool halls behind and slagging off the players and fans on social media.

There's never any reporting of sportsmanly conduct during a meet of two teams in whatever sport they're playing.
There's never any "gracious in defeat" headlines. Because, again, that doesn't sell papers or get people clicking the websites.

Unless it's all just a coincidence of course :p

Enjoy your sport, whatever it may be... and avoid social media on the subject ;)

tatmmw2

07-13-21, 05:11 AM

Italians in England might have a hard time yes, but I'm more concerned about the increase in domestic violence after football matches

Flicker

07-13-21, 08:55 AM

Given the violence of English hooligans, it's true that many of us are happier to see them frustrated than satisfied. But I live next to France, and damn is France annoying when victorious. They act like mankind superior race for 50 years, they insert football victory chestpounding in every subject matter for decades, it's really crazy. So, they also have their "anyone but them please please please", actually both in France and around France. Generally, countries that are particularly prone to arrogant nationalism, and prone to over-exploiting idiotic kicked-the-ball sessions as symbol of national might, tend to be wished to lose. Just as there are sore losers, there are bad winners. Usually the ones who give too much importance to it.

But it's like the eurosongs. Once you start seeing it geopolitically, you end up with a full list of "please not them" and "please not us" (because every country is horrible, being made of humans and all that). Which becomes quite ridiculous in itself. As I don't care for football, each play I was hearing of ended being "oh I hope those ones won't win, oh I hope their opponents won't win either", for sports-unrelated reasons. Which is as bad and parasitic as nationalist mindsets. What matters are the people who enjoy the game in itself, especially those who can root for a team independently from their birthplace.

But my point is : hoping that the obnoxious neighbor (or the obnoxious self) won't win is quite natural and commonplace. It's not specific to England. When the German ordoliberalism was spearheading the violence of the EU financial crisis, setting the rules, asserting its dominance and punishing the less economically powerful states through obvious double standards, the German football victory felt quite unwelcome. Which, again, had nothing to do with football, but intertwined symbols, geopolitical moments, bitterness, projections. Flags flags flags.

In this case here, the over-investment of football by English hooligans is notorious, as well as the current hyper-nationalist moment of English history, and both are sufficient reasons for "eeeeh England maybe not". Thing is, these inter-national contests carry way too much symbolism, and those who -like me- denounce it do exactly the same. I feel genuinely sorry for people and players who simply wish to enjoy the game for its own sake.

79343

Yoda

07-13-21, 05:36 PM

I asked that we keep this about football and that clearly hasn't happened, so I'm locking it for a few days.

I'll reopen later this week and hopefully we can continue without the political stuff.

Yoda

07-19-21, 05:14 PM

Alright, re-opening, with most of the divergent posts removed. :)

Stirchley

07-19-21, 06:14 PM

Rory Smith, a Manchester-based British journalist who writes for The NY Times, wrote some terrific articles for Euro2020. This excerpt from one of his articles really resonated with me. Interesting POV, I think.

Solipsism does not fully explain England’s many and varied disappointments over the last 55 years, but it is certainly a contributory factor. Before every tournament, England asserts its belief that it is the team, the nation, that possesses true agency: the sense that, ultimately, whether England succeeds or fails will be down, exclusively, to its own actions. England is not beaten by an opponent; it loses by itself.

honeykid

07-20-21, 11:07 AM

For me the main problem with England (and possibly one of the reasons we've done well in the last 2 tournaments) is that we 'believe' in a messiah player. Keegan, Gazza, Beckham, Rooney. We took three of those to major tournaments injured because they 'had' to be there in order for us to win. Also, we 'had' to play 4-4-2 until about 15 years ago because the players 'couldn't' play any other formation with competence. Therefore, we played players in positions they shouldn't have been just to make space for them. The biggest change in English football in the last 15 years, IMO, is the quality of the managers who have plied their trade in the Premier League. That and St. George's Park.

kgaard

07-20-21, 03:07 PM

Let me just see why Gylfi Sigurdsson is trending ...

https://media.tenor.com/images/d0882cf6c74bf8a0a3a3a0d1e67475e1/tenor.gif

Chypmunk

07-21-21, 09:57 AM

Bet nobody correctly predicted the score in the Zambia / Netherlands game at the Olympics today - now I know why my bookies didn't offer any Correct Score market on that game :D

Stirchley

07-21-21, 02:09 PM

honeykid

07-22-21, 01:01 PM

Surely other countries do this too? Argentina & Brazil spring to mind.

To an extent, yes. They both have, but they've both done it with truly generational talents. Argentina have been especially guilty, but then, they've also done it. With Maradona and the recent Copa America, with Messi. Brazil are pretty much pinning everything on Neymar currently (and have failed thus far), but they've won the World Cup 5 times and the Copa 3 times since their last World Cup win in '02.

We've won the World Cup once. With a team. Semi finals in '90 and '96, with a team and most recently with teams. I'm not saying there weren't any stars in these teams, but there wasn't the same dependency on one player. It's a team game and I''m hoping that this current crop of England players (and the Italy win) along with some of the really good team play around Europe will counter the last 10-15 years of prominance on crap like the Balon D'Or.

Stirchley

07-23-21, 02:05 PM

We've won the World Cup once. With a team. Semi finals in '90 and '96, with a team and most recently with teams. I'm not saying there weren't any stars in these teams, but there wasn't the same dependency on one player. It's a team game and I''m hoping that this current crop of England players (and the Italy win) along with some of the really good team play around Europe will counter the last 10-15 years of prominance on crap like the Balon D'Or.

Speaking of the 1966 win, it was cool to see Sir Geoff Hurst in the stands at euro2020.

Redapplecigz

07-24-21, 08:40 AM

To an extent, yes. They both have, but they've both done it with truly generational talents. Argentina have been especially guilty, but then, they've also done it. With Maradona and the recent Copa America, with Messi. Brazil are pretty much pinning everything on Neymar currently (and have failed thus far), but they've won the World Cup 5 times and the Copa 3 times since their last World Cup win in '02.

We've won the World Cup once. With a team. Semi finals in '90 and '96, with a team and most recently with teams. I'm not saying there weren't any stars in these teams, but there wasn't the same dependency on one player. It's a team game and I''m hoping that this current crop of England players (and the Italy win) along with some of the really good team play around Europe will counter the last 10-15 years of prominance on crap like the Balon D'Or.

Brazil is the best team in the world. I don’t care about rankings. Mark my words, Brazil will win the World Cup. Neymar Jr. is a beast.

honeykid

08-05-21, 10:23 AM

Danny Ings has moved to Villa for £25m. Good business for all seems to be the chorus coming out, but I think Southampton are going to have trouble replacing those goals. They better hope they get this right otherwise they might be struggling, especially if reports that Ward-Prowse is a wanted man, too. Those of you who've been on this site long enough might remember just how much I like and rate that guy. Would still like to see him at United. He'd be a great squad player to have and keep the pressure on those around him for their place.

Villa already have paid £25m for Leon Bailey from Bayer Leverkusen, so any Villa fans still not coming to terms that Jack's off must surely have to agree now? If Bailey is anything like the player from FM18 he'll be a great signing. :D

I see La Liga is doing its best to keep Messi in the league. :rolleyes:

honeykid

08-06-21, 11:28 AM

I see La Liga is doing its best to keep Messi in the league. :rolleyes:

And now that La Liga has shown how desperate it is, Barca have applied pressure and 'suddenly' can't afford Messi. :suspicious:

Stirchley

08-06-21, 02:09 PM

Danny Ings has moved to Villa for £25m.

Aston Villa. My hometown. :p

honeykid

08-28-21, 09:21 AM

I don't know if it'll work out for the best or end up being a mistake, but it's exciting to have him back. That said, there are three downsides as I see it.

1. Never go back.
2. The last time we did this to City it didn't turn out well at all.
3. It wasn't the plan and I'm a big fan of plans.

Some say it's also blocking the path of Greenwood, as well as making Cavani a spare part. I can see the argument for both views, but surely if you can get Ronaldo instead of Cavani, you do and the benefit having Ronaldo and Cavani to learn from for Greenwood is about as good as it gets for a young striker?

Also, and this is really going into speculation and conspiracy theory stuff here, next season Haarland is available for £75m. We don't have a good relationship with his agent and his dad played for both City and Leeds, both those reasons were why I never believed that he'd come to United last summer and wouldn't expect him next summer, even if he has a good relationship with OGS. But Ronaldo is his hero. It's the player he adores and who he has modelled himself on. The chance to come and play with his idol for a season might be enough to make him decide to spend the next few years (at least) at United. If that happens then almost anything that happens with Ronaldo at United will have been worth it IMO.

Stirchley

08-30-21, 01:51 PM

honeykid

08-31-21, 10:13 AM

The £75m is the fee paid to the club, though if he signs a 5 years deal I'd guess that he'll probably earn about that in that time. Plus the signing on fee he'll get next summer may well put him over that. The truth is though that he's worth a lot more than that right now.

I'm not really bothered about what the top players earn. There's so much money in the game and I'd rather the players got a decent share of it than the owners, for the most part. The problem (as I see it) is the trickle down effect which inflates the wages of lower league players to levels the clubs struggle with. Also, agents fees are outrageous.

EsmagaSapos

08-31-21, 03:32 PM

This Ronaldo situation just shown how a cancer to football his agent is. He should be arrested, and he will be arrested when a football scandal break trough, when people decide to ask questions about money laundry and agent fees. About Cristiano, good marketing, nothing else. Juventus actually believed he could make a difference, he doesn't. He scores/scored insane amount of goals in the proper teams.

honeykid

09-14-21, 04:30 PM

Losing to Young Boys could be a real problem with this group. We can only hope we're not the only ones otherwise we may have to win the rest to qualify. Maybe it'll be the opposite of last year? Great start last year then threw it away and didn't qualify. If we reverse that then it'll all work out OK. Still, not pleased with another away loss in Europe even if it was with 10 men.

kgaard

09-24-21, 11:28 AM

Jarred Gillett is going to be the first referee from outside the British isles to referee a Premier League match this weekend (Watford v. Newcastle). Here he is mic'd up at his final A League match a couple of years ago (I love this kind of inside view stuff):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UR9wwqjbO1I

Stirchley

09-24-21, 02:34 PM

kgaard

09-24-21, 02:59 PM

So where is he from?

Australia. Well regarded there, I gather, but we'll see what English fans make of him.

honeykid

09-25-21, 03:30 PM

I didn't see the United game, but any loss to Villa is a bad sign unless we battered them for 90 minutes and the football gods weren't on our side. I doubt that was the case today judging by our recent form and the fact we missed a penalty. While even I wasn't expecting a loss, I wasn't completely confident of a win (even though it was Villa) because we're just not at it atm.

I still think United can/will be in the title race but I mean by that we'll be among the runners (unless there's a runaway leader) not that we'll be a genuine contender. We still don't have the squad to match City (or probably Chelsea) but I do think we have a first team which, staying free of injury, could be good enough to make a run of it. But not with this manager. The team is progressing but the manager isn't and his backroom team doesn't seem to be helping him enough to make up the shortfall in quality. After a bad first half United are usually good enough to make the adjustment and get control. That's not happening atm. I know they gave him a new contract but, surely, if nothing comes this year it's got to be OGS last at United? We're already out of one cup (though that team was the definition of a 'rest the first team/show me what you've got' for the fringe players) and I think OGS knew that, even if he did win that cup, with the team he now has that would be a hollow victory at best and not really something he could point to as a reason for him to stay. So while I've heard some get angry at being out of it, I think it was a calculated gamble OGS took and one in which he didn't have a great deal to lose in the long term.

honeykid

09-30-21, 12:07 PM

Moments like this cover up a multitude of sins.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3Gun8gJXas

Was a great moment though. I was just shouting "THAT'S WHAT HE DOES! THAT'S WHAT HE DOES!" :D

If you want a better overall view of how fortunate we were

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmU949Y5o3M

Best goal of the game at 4:32. Superb strike.

Stirchley

10-01-21, 02:05 PM

⬆️ Videos not available in the United States.

honeykid

10-02-21, 10:47 AM

Thanks for letting me know Stirchley. I thought that might be the case but gave it a shot.

Just watched todays game and it's pretty much the same. Individuals trying to do something to win a game. Looked a little more organised (certainly than Wednesday but we had a midfield this time) but it's still falling apart in the final third and there weren't many clear cut chances for us. The Everton goal was a good goal, but it shouldn't have gotten to that point for it to happen. I thought a draw was most likely from when I saw the team sheet.

honeykid

11-07-21, 04:16 PM

Surely this has to be the end now? Or the begining of the end? I still think he'll be there until they can't qualify for CL or maybe they'll just give it till the end of the season? It's like being abused now. You accept the beating and carry on, numb, because you know there's no end in sight. :(

honeykid

11-24-21, 08:41 AM

Wow. I really am the only one who cares on here, aren't I? :D

OK, just briefly, same as before even without Ole at the wheel. Which is to be expected as it's literally the next game with everything the same sans OGS. Performances was almost what you'd expect with De Gea keeping us in the game against a fairly poor side with little forward threat until we could capitalise on a mistake (good play by Fred though in forcing it) and Ronaldo doing what he does. On the plus side, we started to look better after the subs and the last 15 were OK. Sancho had his best game by far (not difficult) and I was pleased to see him score his first. We're through but every decent team in the last 16 will want us unless things are very different come February.

EsmagaSapos

12-07-21, 11:48 AM

Today we're having a good match, I hope it's a win for my club.

Porto v Atletico Madrid in a decisive game.

Internationally Porto has successfully maintained a good image playing against clubs with much large budgets.

I think the sucess is largely due to physical strength and team pressure. Obviously against British teams we had a harder time because that's also their strength, but they much greater players.

kgaard

12-07-21, 04:28 PM

Manchester United bringing in Chris Armas as an assistant feels like a very ...unusual move, but maybe Rangnick knows what he's doing. I mean, I hope not, but maybe!

honeykid

12-08-21, 05:07 AM

I'm behind Rangnick (I'm with all our managers until they show me they shouldn't get further) but the fact that he's never been at a big club (I mean the one of the real big boys) has to be a concern just because you're dealing with a different mindset. While the Armas thing feels odd at a club like United, I'm fine with anything he deems good for the backroom team and off field stuff.

Bad luck, EsmagaSapos I didn't watch the game but from what I heard you were the better team. Still, you did better than the current Serie A leaders.

kgaard

12-08-21, 11:59 AM

I'm side-eyeing the Armas move mostly because he flopped at NY Red Bulls (my hometown club) and then flopped even harder at Toronto (to be fair, in the middle of a pandemic and dealing with related challenges, like playing all of their matches away from home). But it's true that being part of the backroom staff is different from being in charge, so maybe that's just Armas's level.

But as a Spurs fan I'm obligated to hope that Rangnick faceplants and departs in shame (with a healthy payout, of course), as I bask in the glorious memories of, er, our 2008 League Cup trophy.

kgaard

01-29-22, 11:35 AM

Fulham-Blackpool is in a break because of a medical emergency in the stands. This is at least the third such incident I can recall this season (not counting, for example, Christian Eriksen's cardiac arrest last summer), and it certainly appears to be happening more frequently lately. My irresponsible speculation here is that Covid-related heart issues (https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/heart-problems-after-covid19) are responsible, even though obviously there's not enough data here to back that up.

kgaard

01-29-22, 11:37 AM

In more positive news, Josh Sargent will never score a better goal than this one (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2qidMwQVtw), especially if it helps keep Norwich up (though it probably won't).

Golgot

01-29-22, 12:01 PM

In more positive news, Josh Sargent will never score a better goal than this one (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2qidMwQVtw), especially if it helps keep Norwich up (though it probably won't).

Oh good for him. (Every time I've seen him play he's had an absolute mare in front of goal...)

But yeah, think Norwich probably doomed. (Newcastle ideally more doomed though ;))

kgaard

01-29-22, 02:38 PM

Oh good for him. (Every time I've seen him play he's had an absolute mare in front of goal...)

But yeah, think Norwich probably doomed. (Newcastle ideally more doomed though ;))

I'd be thrilled to see Newcastle go down, given their ownership, but I do think they'll buy enough to stay up.

Sargent is hard worker, but I'm not sure Norwich is the right place for him (or he for them) at this stage in his career. That's a fantastic memory for him to have at least.

Stirchley

01-31-22, 02:27 PM

EsmagaSapos

02-05-22, 07:58 AM

Liverpool got Luis Diaz for 45M, a bargain, that guy is going to destroy everything he comes across, very humble, a team player, very confident, when he arrived he run as fast attacking and defending, I knew right away he had something there, I never imagined Sérgio Conceição would transform him the way he did. When I saw Champion League matches against Liverpool and Manchester City and what he did, I knew he was going to be sold.

kgaard

03-10-22, 02:43 PM

I imagine a lot of folks at Chelsea are looking for the exit door with great haste.

honeykid

03-11-22, 09:29 AM

I find the indignation of some of the fans both funny and sad. This isn't new. They've known (or should have/been in denial) from the start that this was the case and now there's the cry of 'it's not fair on the fans'? Wow.

You've had 20 years of 'unearned' success, seen some great players and won everything. And then, there's even better news. This isn't the end. No the new owner probably won't fund the club like Roman did, but then, most owners don't do that, but you'll still be signing top players, still in the top competitions (perhaps with the odd season missing out but that happened with Roman too) and still expecting to win things, because you're going to benefit from the heights that money raised you to.

ScarletLion

06-05-22, 04:02 PM

WE ARE GOING TO THE WORLD CUP BABY

64 years

BBC News - World Cup play-off final: Wales edge Ukraine 1-0 to end 64-year World Cup wait
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60869800

https://twitter.com/Copa90/status/1533509779091595265?t=uR5HGCi1q2pDxIzy4E_s6g&s=19

honeykid

06-07-22, 03:09 PM

Yes, it was great to see, ScarletLion. I was really pleased for you guys.

Stirchley

06-08-22, 02:01 PM

WE ARE GOING TO THE WORLD CUP BABY

Wowser, that’s wonderful for the Welsh. Maybe you’ll get to play against England. :p

ScarletLion

06-09-22, 06:19 AM

Wowser, that’s wonderful for the Welsh. Maybe you’ll get to play against England. :p

We will. They're in the same group as us! Along with Iran and USA.

Populations of our World Cup group teams:

USA - 331m
Iran - 89.9m
England - 56.1m
Wales - 3.3m

honeykid

06-09-22, 11:47 AM

Yeah, it's an 'easy' but shitty group for England. On the one hand, they're the best team in that group by far and pretty much any other of the other seeded teams would be happy with it. On the other, having another home nation in there makes it a lot more difficult for us than it would any of those other seeds. Wales aren't a good team, but they are hard to beat (take a look at the scores, they rarely get beaten by more than a goal or two) and Bale is a match winner. The US will always be up for taking on England and have a decent young team. I don't know about Iran, but it's another country we have, shall we say 'history' with and I'd expect that without an early goal it'll be 11 men behind the ball. Something no team likes but England struggle to beat because of our reliance on speed. Someonelike Grealish will be vital in a game like that and Southgate, for whatever reason, doesn't seem to care for him.

Also, you can be fairly sure we'll make it more difficult for ourselves than we need to. Southgate doesn't help either in that respect. He's too safe and takes too long to make changes or press home an advantage. I'm not talking about going gung ho, but with the players that England have we should be more on the front foot than we are. His way has got us to the latter stages of the last two major tournaments (though with an unexpectedly easy ride) but against the big tests it almost always fails and, IMO, a quicker minded manager in those last two defeats could've/should've won both.

Stirchley

06-10-22, 01:36 PM

The US will always be up for taking on England and have a decent young team.

Yes, that will be a fun match to watch. I root for England, but secretly want the USA to win. Love their enthusiasm & great sporting spirit.

Refresh my memory: where is this all taking place this time? Why do I want to say Qatar of all places?

honeykid

06-16-22, 02:42 PM

WrinkledMind

06-17-22, 05:37 AM

Wow. I really am the only one who cares on here, aren't I? :D

https://i.makeagif.com/media/4-11-2018/FJ2nYU.gif

Stirchley

06-17-22, 01:43 PM

You're right, Stirchley , it is in Qatar because, well, bribery really. It starts in November because, and you're not going to believe this, after winning the bid, FIFA discovered that it's quite hot in the desert in the summer, so they shifted it to November so as not to, well, kill the players really. So it's going to happen mid-season for most European clubs.

Huge article in the Times about this yesterday. Not just to kill the players, the spectators too. They’ve built one place where each individual seat has a/c vents.

So who do you fancy for a winner this time? Who won last time? Can’t remember.

honeykid

06-17-22, 03:39 PM

France won last time and it could be them again, but I doubt it. If it's not one of the usual suspects though, I'll be stunned.

Argentina and Brazil are always fancied, but this year they both really look good and I'd expect both to make the semi's (I've not looked at the route for anyone so they could meet before then) unless they have a really off day. Back to back world cups are incredibly difficult and I wonder if the French defence and keeper are good enough to do it again. I also don't rate their coach (he coached them to victory at the last world cup but that team was more than talented enough to win with an average coach) so that's another mark against them.

Germany are the ones to watch though, for me. It might be a bit too soon, but they're coming on gangbusters and, as every English person knows, you never look past the Germans. Outside of them you have Belgium's last chance to win something with the very talented team they've had for the last 10 years. But it probably is a bridge too far now, especially with the aforementioned teams above them or Spain who have a good team but no cutting edge. Lastly England, it won't be (we'll go out to the first decent team we play as we always do) but we're a top 10 nation, so have to be mentioned, especially as Italy aren't there.

So, to answer your question, Brazil or Argentina. The time feel right and the narrative is there to be written as either Messi finally gets a World Cup and is totally taken to the hearts of the Argentine people like Maradona is, or Neymar fullfils his destiny and wins a World Cup for Brazil has been predicted/expected he would since he was about 16.

Stirchley

06-17-22, 03:53 PM

⬆️ Italy is not playing this year?

WrinkledMind

06-18-22, 06:07 AM

honeykid

06-18-22, 09:50 AM

Nope, they didn't qualify for the second time in a row. They are not happy and they were whooped 3-0 in the inter-continental champions cup (or whatever it's called. I'm English so I have never experienced it) but Argentina. :D

honeykid

06-18-22, 09:56 AM

Apart from the usual suspects, I would also keep an eye on Senegal. They have a decent mix of players, which includes a strong spine.

Portugal are dark horses for me. Some really good technically strong players.

I feel Portugal just haven't worked out how to blend their players together. On the odd occasion I see them (I don't really care about international football) it looks like they take each others space and/or haven't worked out how to be a team. Of course, if they do/have sorted that out, then they're a real later stage threat.

I didn't watch the ANC this year (like I said, I don't care about international football) so while I know they won, I've not seen them and don't know much about them. Historically, African nations don't succeed at world cups though, so later stages is the best I'd expect for them. They could create history and prove me wrong though. I'd like them to.

Stirchley

06-20-22, 01:37 PM

WE ARE GOING TO THE WORLD CUP BABY

Yes, you are & you even made it into The New York Times crossword puzzle yesterday.

87620

WrinkledMind

06-23-22, 05:09 AM

Chelsea and Manchester United both interested in Michael Edwards. I would be annoyed if he goes to either one of those clubs.
The man wanted a break after leaving the club, and was expected to go to Madrid eventually. He was amazing for us.

honeykid

06-23-22, 10:08 AM

I think it'd be a good start at United but, like everything else there, he has to be allowed to work and his advice, more often that not, taken. A huge amount of money has been spent at United but, unfortunately, so much was stripped out from the club before we even got to that point, IMO, that when the Glazer's finally realised the Golden Goose was dying they didn't know or have the people around who knew how to stop it, so they just spent money on whatever seemed like a good idea at the time. Unfortunately everything around the team had been taken apart and/or parred back too much that we were now lagging behind those we were trying to keep pace with and since the money which should be being spent on rebuilding and improving it all has been spent on players with, often it appears to me, no idea who they are or how they'll play/fit into the team. You can get away with that on FM or FIFA, but this is the real world. If it was that easy the queue to manage United (and every other team) would be massive and most of us would be incredibly successful because we've got the saves to prove it.

honeykid

06-27-22, 02:33 PM

It's been a bad summer for United so far, not because we haven't bought anyone but because of who we haven't bought. I'd have had Darwin Núñez as my #1 target. Our need is greater than Liverpool's and we can spend more. Now, it's possible that the player just didn't want to or we knew he'd rather go to Liverpool, but otherwise it's baffling that we didn't try.

Kalvin Phillips is another one. Now again, it's entirely possible that coming through at Leeds and playing for them he'd have never come but he's gone to City for, what I think, is a very reasonable price (remember to factor in the 'he's English' bonus payment) who, again, would've been a great fit for United and a lot cheaper than De Jong will be (should he actually come. He doesn't want to, which is a big worry for me) or Rice who'll cost even more should De Jong fail to arrive. Bissouma has gone to Spurs and, while not a top name, I think he'd have done a really good job in the United midfield. Again, at a very reasonable price too, IMO.

Obviously we didn't have a chance with Haarland, but he's another gone and Tchouameni has gone to Real for about £70m. Some have looked at the price, but if he and Camavinga work out as you'd expect, that's the midfield for Real replaced for the next 10 years as Kroos and Modric are put out to pasture in the next season or two.

United get connected with pretty much anyone, such is our name, finances and need. Assuming ETH gets things on the right road we should still be looking at top 4, but if United want to 'make sure' of that then I think we need a forward (Martial is a bust and Rashford looks shot and uninterested.) Hopefully ETH's arrival will spark something in him but even if it does, he doesn't look to be developing into the goal machine we hoped 4 or 5 years ago. Obviously we can't go with Greenwood (maybe never will be able to) so a prolific forward is needed unless we're really going to rely on Ronaldo to play every game up front on his own. My solution? Victor Osimhen. He'll cost a lot, but he's young and improving. He has the size and strength to play alone up front and with Ronaldo if ETH plays two up top. If not, you play him alone with Ronaldo in a free role or just behind. With Fernandes and a, hopefully, much improved Sancho, maybe van de Beek (as I'd assume the coach will know how to use him effectively) and possibly De Jong around him to put him in, he'd score well. Should Rashford find form, he's another to work with. I think he's the one we should be looking at. At some point someone is going to pull the trigger and buy him from Napoli, our need is great right now, so let's take the risk.

Unless ETH doesn't want him or he won't fit with what he's going to do, the only reason I can see for not buying him is because we've been burnt so many times in the last 10 years or so, we're afraid of it hapenning again.

WrinkledMind

06-28-22, 05:09 AM

The problem is in United's system. And until they create a structure, the same mistakes will be repeated.

Losing out on Nunez was understandable, once a Champions League team came in, but not going for smart buys like Bissouma, Eriksen, Philips, etc early and/or sealing deals quickly shows a massive lack of a good setup.

Early signs for ETH are bad. He might have to seal with the same issues as the previous managers.

With both Arsenal and Spurs making good buys, United risk losing a lot of ground.

WrinkledMind

06-28-22, 12:16 PM

https://twitter.com/MelissaReddy_/status/1541798923135746048

Melissa is quite reliable. If she says so, then finally some movement for United.

https://youtu.be/3uS08M1l6a0

Also, this should be fun. I enjoyed the one on Juventus. It was much more interesting than the one made on City and Spurs, because the team at Amazon showed that they are learning.

honeykid

06-28-22, 03:55 PM

Yes there's been some mention of him today, WrinkledMind, though for a couple of million more than that price. I've not seen him, but again, if ETH wants he, they should be doing all they can to get him. Not just because that's what I expect every club to do for their manager, but because you'd assume that ETH has seen him up close a few times and knows what he can do.

I agree with you about the structure at United, too. All managers since Fergie have been doomed to failure thanks to those steering the ship. Even before Fergie we knew things were on the downward slope.

WrinkledMind

07-02-22, 12:38 PM

Ronaldo asking to leave, apparently. Thoughts honeykid ?

Personally, I thought he was one of the few bright spots for United last season, and received unnecessary criticism from some sections.
But his departure frees up massive wages and allows the new manager to build a proper pressing team.

On a side note, who will buy him now apart from Munich, PSG and Chelsea?

honeykid

07-03-22, 09:53 AM

I'm OK with him leaving, WrinkledMind. I thought he was an unhelpful signing at the time, (as pleased as I was to see him return) and put a block on whatever OGS had planned for last season (we can be fairly sure he wanted 4-3-3 and develop a pressing game as he'd mentioned it in interviews) though in no way am I defending OGS as being chosen as manager of United and I think he's unhelpful for ETH (though I doubt many managers would be unhappy with a talent like that in their team) as he limits what he wants to do and how to play. Plus he'd have to constantly take questions about where, when and how he was played when there was any deviation from 'the norm'. His leaving will free up wage budget (hugely) remove all those problems with playing him and, possibly, allow others to be responsible for themselves and the team, taking on responsibility rather than looking for Ronaldo. He's a great player, but he's not the future for United who need to rebuld and, like Messi at Barcelona (who I also thought should've been sold 3 or 4 seasons ago) if it's not about him, then he's a problem and one which only grows bigger, as it did at Barca.

What I'm not happy with is him asking now. I do understand he's had (and continues to have) a terrible time with the death of his son and can understand if he'd want to move away for that reason, but this is about Champions League which he knew, like the rest of us, we weren't in weeks ago. I go back to all the deals already done and being done which, had United known this weeks ago, they might've pushed to make their presence known. I'm not saying that someone like Nunez would've chosen United over Liverpool if they had, but at least the opportunity would've been there and we could've gone in early. If United know he's going, then plans can be made. Pre-season training/friendlies start next week and we're already in trouble.

The talk this morning is of Antony (someone who wants to come and was already rumoured to come) and that'll be easier now, but buying from the Dutch league is always a gamble. Sometimes you get van Nistelrooy and sometimes you get Kezman. It feels like the Kezman's happen more often.

WrinkledMind

07-15-22, 12:30 PM

Early observations, but fairly excited about Fabio Carvalho. Lad looks special.

As for Nunez, Klopp and Ward obviously know more than me, but the only good thing so far seems his tireless attitude and ability to make runs to stretch defences. Otherwise seems like he might not fit the fluid style of our play.

On a side note, how the hell Barca are signing players despite not having any cash?
Reckon they will end up with the same situation like last season, where they will find it difficult to register all players, prompting a big sale.

Stirchley

07-15-22, 05:40 PM

honeykid, have you seen “Sunderland Til I Die” on Netflix? Seems interesting.

WrinkledMind

07-15-22, 11:25 PM

honeykid, have you seen “Sunderland Til I Die” on Netflix? Seems interesting.

Both seasons are really good.

It's far better than all seasons of Amazon's All or Nothing or the series on Leeds.

honeykid

07-16-22, 04:04 PM

honeykid, have you seen “Sunderland Til I Die” on Netflix? Seems interesting.

No, I've not seen it. I don't have netflix but I've heard it's really good. Arguably the best of all these fly on the wall football docs.

Pleased to see we're making some signings and in positions we need, but still worried that if we get de Jong he won't really want to be there and will be looking to leave asap. That's what happened with Di Maria and, sure enough, the year after he was gone. Hopefully that won't be the case if he does make the move.

Stirchley

07-18-22, 01:51 PM

No, I've not seen it. I don't have netflix but I've heard it's really good. Arguably the best of all these fly on the wall football docs.

Pleased to see we're making some signings and in positions we need, but still worried that if we get de Jong he won't really want to be there and will be looking to leave asap. That's what happened with Di Maria and, sure enough, the year after he was gone. Hopefully that won't be the case if he does make the move.

Do you follow women’s soccer at all? Can’t say I do, but I’m glad there are many fans male & female.

honeykid

07-19-22, 04:51 PM

Do you follow women’s soccer at all? Can’t say I do, but I’m glad there are many fans male & female.

Not really, but I do catch the odd game now and then and have watched quite a few of the Women's Euro's which are on atm. I'll probably watch more now the knockout rounds are starting.

honeykid

07-22-22, 10:38 AM

The first two quarter finals of the Women's Euro's have been interesting and slightly worrying from an England pov and, had Alexia Putellas been there, we'd have been gone. Luckily for us she wasn't and, luckily for us, we have (arguably) the best manger in women's international football. Spain caned us for the first half and much of the second wasn't much better until they made subs and a tactical change. We reacted and, after that and from the moment we scored, we looked like we'd get that goal. A bit nervy at the end, but it did feel like job done from the moment the second went in.

Germany were dominant, but with better finishing Austria could've pulled off the upset. I have to admit that I turned the game off the moment the second goal went in, so I've just had to check to make sure it finished that way. :D Germany deserved it, but they made it more difficult than it needed to be.

Sweden v Belgium tonight and I think England play the winner. I'll be cheering for Belgium tonight because Sweden look good and we'll probably need home field advantage to beat them.

honeykid

07-25-22, 09:55 AM

God bless Belgium they really did try and they nearly took them to extra time, but not quite enough on the night. France v Netherlands was a good game thanks mainly to their keeper and one of the Dutch defenders (whose name I don't know, I'm sorry) who played above and beyond themselves.

Should be good Semi Finals this week.

honeykid

07-27-22, 04:54 PM

England, my England. Wow. To say I wasn't expecting that would be an understatement. I missed the first half and so was happy to see 1-0 as it sounded like we nearly lost a goal a few times in the first 20 minutes. But that second half? Once the second went in, it felt like every attack would result in a goal. I don't know if everyone will be able to see this or not, but check out the goals, especially the last two. Russo's goal is the kind of thing which can/could transform the way people look at women's football. Just astounding tenacity and imagination. For all that, I still think the woman of the match was the keeper. She's the reason we weren't 1 or 2 down in 20 minutes and also pulled off other great saves which could've given the Swede's a foothold in the game.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cISDG7Vualc

Half time in Germany/France and another couple of absolute crackers when it comes to goals. Looking forward to the second half.

Stirchley

07-27-22, 05:52 PM

England, my England. Wow. To say I wasn't expecting that would be an understatement. I missed the first half and so was happy to see 1-0 as it sounded like we nearly lost a goal a few times in the first 20 minutes. But that second half? Once the second went in, it felt like every attack would result in a goal. I don't know if everyone will be able to see this or not, but check out the goals, especially the last two. Russo's goal is the kind of thing which can/could transform the way people look at women's football. Just astounding tenacity and imagination. For all that, I still think the woman of the match was the keeper. She's the reason we weren't 1 or 2 down in 20 minutes and also :Dpulled off other great saves which could've given the Swede's a foothold in the game.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cISDG7Vualc

Half time in Germany/France and another couple of absolute crackers when it comes to goals. Looking forward to the second half.

One hell of a back-heel goal. (Your link doesn’t work in America, but I saw the video in The NY Times.) I think the commentators are the same ones who do the men’s games & I think the level of enthusiasm is great. Women have come a long way in soccer.

Found all the goals on YT. Such a good game. :D

WrinkledMind

07-30-22, 03:26 PM

Idiots will crack jokes on Haaland, after that miss, but the lad will score loads. However, I feel Alvarez looks more suited to Guardiola's side.
And it would be mad if they sell Bernardo.

I think Nunez will need time to adjust to our side, but he looks like an unpolished version of Cavani. Has the lungs to run all day and the strength, but needs to massively improve on his touch and link-up play. Might score a lot of headers - something we didn't have.

I am still more excited about Fabio Carvalho.

WrinkledMind

07-31-22, 03:55 PM

Congratulations England to the English fans on this forum.

Nausicaä

07-31-22, 07:06 PM

What a game. :D My cousin was at the game, very jealous!

https://previews.123rf.com/images/redkoala/redkoala1307/redkoala130700013/20668156-england-heart-retro-flag.jpg

Stirchley

08-01-22, 02:12 PM

What a game. :D My cousin was at the game, very jealous!

https://previews.123rf.com/images/redkoala/redkoala1307/redkoala130700013/20668156-england-heart-retro-flag.jpg

Dang, I forgot to watch! Cannot believe I completely forgot.

Watched the highlights. Good game.

kgaard

08-01-22, 04:47 PM

Toone's goal was a pretty special one for a final. Congrats to England.

kgaard

08-01-22, 04:49 PM

WrinkledMind

08-01-22, 05:20 PM

Here at home I was at the friendly between NYRB and Barcelona on Saturday. It was entertaining even if Lewandowski isn't sharp yet. The Barca fans really seemed to have it in for Gerard Pique, not sure what that was about. Something to do with Shakira?

More to do with his massive wages (he has taken a pay cut currently but with deferred wages, which means that the club still owes him around 50 mil). Then there's his dip in form and he still continues to feature while giving lectures of how people not good enough should leave. There were also some rumours last year that he was behind Messi's departure, and he is part of the boardroom politics (considering he sees himself as the future President of the club).

I personally don't get the hate around contract and massive wages. Not his, or Frenkie De Jong's or Busquets', etc fault that these players received big contracts. And they are entitled to their money. But a lot of Barca fans believe that these players should make personal sacrifices for the club. And when they don't, well, they turn on them. Even last year the likes of Umtiti received terrible abuse.

kgaard

08-01-22, 05:40 PM

More to do with his massive wages (he has taken a pay cut currently but with deferred wages, which means that the club still owes him around 50 mil). Then there's his dip in form and he still continues to feature while giving lectures of how people not good enough should leave. There were also some rumours last year that he was behind Messi's departure, and he is part of the boardroom politics (considering he sees himself as the future President of the club).

I personally don't get the hate around contract and massive wages. Not his, or Frenkie De Jong's or Busquets', etc fault that these players received big contracts. And they are entitled to their money. But a lot of Barca fans believe that these players should make personal sacrifices for the club. And when they don't, well, they turn on them. Even last year the likes of Umtiti received terrible abuse.

Ah, that makes sense. I'm always pro-player in these instances. I have no resentment toward Modric or Bale or Eriksen or any other player who has left Spurs over the years. And if Kane had managed to get his move I would have felt the same. I mean, I hate the idea of seeing Eriksen at Manchester United (or Kane at City) but people are always going to do what they feel is best for them. Which I think is fine. But I seem to be an outlier in this regard.

Nausicaä

08-02-22, 02:45 PM

I particularly liked this part of the game:

https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Jill-e61e.gif?quality=90&strip=all&zoom=1&resize=480%2C270

Apparently it's '**** off, you ****ing pr**k'. German deserved it.

:D

honeykid

08-05-22, 09:57 AM

Finally it's the start of the season. Tough start for United. Not traditionally, of course, a home game with Brighton should be an assumed 3 points regadless of how good Brighton currently are. But, with all the change, current turmoil and, let's face it, how poor we were last season, while I still think it'll be a win, I can definitely see other outcomes. Will Ronaldo even start? It sounds like a stupid question even if he doesn't fit properly with ETH's way of playing (or most top modern football teams but that's a whole different problem) but with things as they are, will he risk embarassing him right at the start and hope Ronny finds a club by the end of the month? Or ask him to do a job he can't? Or be smart and ask him to play a more deliberate thinking pressing game? He can't press as you'd expect, but if the plan is to force them to play down the left (for example) then he'd be able to position himself and push the defender that way, which should have the same effect as relentlessly chasing the player down in terms of where you want to make them play.

Chypmunk

08-05-22, 10:04 AM

Tonight is our best chance for ages to go top of the table so no doubts they'll screw it up and either draw or lose to the mighty Palace :( Looks a two-horse race for the league again, best we can probably hope for is Top 4 though it wouldn't surprise if we are scrapping for Europa League football at the business end of the season.

WrinkledMind

08-05-22, 04:03 PM

Here's wishing a happy start of the football season to everyone.

And I bring happy news with it.
https://twitter.com/FootieWriter/status/1555592863358062592

Really hope the entitled Muppets don't get out of this mess easily.

As for the season. Here's wishing we go one step further this year in the league.

honeykid

08-06-22, 02:46 PM

I really hope that La Liga doesn't give them any leaway. If it makes the cut, then so be it, but (in my best Kevin Keegan voice) I would love it if they fail. Love it! They're really taking a gamble with the funding model they've chosen. It looks different, but it could be worse than before as they're signing away future revenue. I don't know if all the deals are permanent though? At least one of them is for 25 years, I think, so it might be that they're all structured that way. Either way, they're giving up hundreds of millions of Euros even with their own figures.

Considering how much I used to like Barca, it's really sad to see how un-Barca they have become over the last 20 years or so. Or, maybe, I've just been exposed to them more and just don't like what I've seen?

honeykid

08-08-22, 09:34 AM

Brighton winning wasn't a surprise, Ronny not starting wasn't a surprise. Using a false 9 was and using Erikssen as that false 9 was even more of a surprise. I don't blame ETH. He had to do something. Martial is injured, Rashford has been awful for months (and isn't a central forward) and I don't think putting him upfront on day one would've helped his confidence, we don't have Greenwood available for obvious reasons and Ronaldo has had 45 minutes pre-season and everything which is going on behind the scenes. What would I have done? I really don't know. Maybe I'd have bitten the bullet and put Rashford up front and done my best to prepare/shield him for the performance and probable backlash? But I don't see him Erikssen works as a false 9. Surely it's better to have his creativity behind, finding passes for someone else? But that's why he's a professional manager at an elite level and I'm some bloke who plays FM22? :D Had it worked out, I'd have been saying what a genius! I'd have never thought of playing him there in that role.

I have to say that losing to Brighton isn't the end of the world though. This is going to be a long process and there'll be many more losses before we start to turn this around. It was nice to see Danny Wellbeck play well and for Graham Potter to get another feather in his cap. As some of you might know, I like Potter a lot and would've actually liked him at United. We'd have never given him the chance (we gave OGS 3 years, but an Englishman who's never managed a higher profile club than Brighton?) but I'd have been interested to see if he could do it.

WrinkledMind

08-10-22, 04:15 PM

Worst club on the planet. I really hope they go out of the UCL group stages, to increase the financial pressure on them. They deserve a bigger financial meltdown, and a decade or so of bottom table mediocrity.

https://twitter.com/Millar_Colin/status/1557405104881410049

honeykid

08-12-22, 11:55 AM

I agree it's horrible. I don't think (and haven't for a long time now) that he'll come to United and, tbh, I don't want a player that doesn't want to be there. Even one as good as FdJ.

The Spurs drum is being beaten more and more loudly for 3rd place. Opening weekend syndrome or genuinely thinking they'll beat both Chelsea and, to a lesser extent IMO, Arsenal?

Also, there appears to be trouble at Villa already. United are looking for a forward/attackers with pace? Ollie has fallen out with Gerrard. It'd probably cost too much because of the Premier League bonus but, unless we're going to start using players like Elanga, Shoretire, Garnacho, Diallo or Pellistri to see if they can do a job, I think he'd fit nicely into what ETH might want and we need to replace Greenwood because it feels like even if he's innocent, it'll be very difficult for him to come back.

kgaard

08-15-22, 01:18 PM

Let's hope the FA sees common sense and requires that the Chelsea-Spurs reverse fixture is just Conte and Tuchel in a cage match at midfield. It's what the people want.

WrinkledMind

08-16-22, 08:39 AM

Relegation 6 pointer next Monday at Old Trafford:p.

honeykid

08-17-22, 09:23 AM

^^ :D ^^

So glad the Elon Musk thing was a joke. I didn't even hear about it until it'd been denied, but still. There are plenty of people I don't want running United regardless of how much money they have (Hello City, PSG, Newcastle as classic examples) and Musk would definitely be one of them, though that's a personal thing, not moral like those examples. Whether or not you think it's better or worse is up to you. :D

I see Ronny is making more vague tweets/statements about what's going to happen. :rolleyes: Just go mate. Take less money and go. It's best for everyone.

WrinkledMind

08-17-22, 12:30 PM

I doubt Glazers will ever sell United. It's a golden egg laying goose for them. And despite the club's poor run, they still are globally popular and commercially profitable.

I agree that Ronaldo needs to go. But I really doubt if that will happen this window. No club wants him at that age and on those wages. Plus reading today, that even the Galzers want him to stay for commercial reasons.

Now that FDJ is almost off the table, the Rabiot deal is bizarre. You lot are only inviting another clown in your circus.

Really crazy how United didn't go for Bissouma.

I think Ten Haag probably regrets going there. The City job would be available in couple of years, and he could have instead continued to improve his reputation at Ajax before going to Etihad instead.

Kinda feel bad for the guy. He looked shocked on the touchline against Brentford.

honeykid

08-18-22, 03:35 PM

I doubt Glazers will ever sell United. It's a golden egg laying goose for them. And despite the club's poor run, they still are globally popular and commercially profitable.
Agreed to an extent, I can see them selling parts but still being the major shareholder. I've been saying so for years. It makes them huge amounts of money and, as football is a cash game, there's plenty of liquidity too which allows them to buy/fund/advance other ventures as and when necessary.

I agree that Ronaldo needs to go. But I really doubt if that will happen this window. No club wants him at that age and on those wages. Plus reading today, that even the Galzers want him to stay for commercial reasons.
Again, I mostly agree. But I just can't get past the fact it's good for everyone and, as the deadline draws close, someone will panic and pull the trigger?

Of course the Glazer's want him. He's money in the bank and keeps United topical and in the news/SM more, keeping the profile of the club higher than the current results will. For what their aiming for, he's perfect.

Now that FDJ is almost off the table, the Rabiot deal is bizarre. You lot are only inviting another clown in your circus.
I'm more drawn on this one. I agree that he's more trouble than he's worth. But, I also know he's a quality player, but I don't know how ETH would want to play him as I can't see how he works unless he thinks he can do something else with him.

IReally crazy how United didn't go for Bissouma.
Yep. But then, it's been crazy at United for most of the Glazer's reign. It's what happens when you come into a top club, strip it of anything which doesn't directly make money (scouting networks, backroom staff, women's team and everything else) coast along with aging players (Fergie always said they'd get him whoever he asked for, but we knew that was bull just by looking at the difference in his buys from when the Glazer's came in) and then lose the figurehead who'd spent 30 years keeping it all together. It was always going to fall apart once he left, but if people knew what they were doing, it could've been righted by now.

II think Ten Haag probably regrets going there. The City job would be available in couple of years, and he could have instead continued to improve his reputation at Ajax before going to Etihad instead.
I don't know about that. I think City would've wanted him to move and be successful elsewhere before taking him on. United have only really done it because there wasn't much choice (to their way of thinking) but in a perfect world, he'd have gone and proved himself in one of the top 5 league before making a move for him.

IKinda feel bad for the guy. He looked shocked on the touchline against Brentford.

He shouldn't be. Disappointed but not shocked. Though it did feel a bit like RR's 2nd or 3rd game, where he's starting to realise that they can't do what he wants them too and so is going to have to find a halfway house until he can get some of them out and players in who can. I did wonder if he was seriously regretting allowing Henderson to go on loan for the season though. If you're going to insist on playing out from the back then, as much as United fans love the guy, De Gea has to go because he simply cannot do it. Never has and probably never will. Top teams play out with a keeper who's good with his feet and a forward who presses. We've got top quality at both ends but neither of them can do what's required by most elite teams (which is why getting rid of Ronaldo hasn't happened yet)

honeykid

08-19-22, 07:26 AM

Casemiro? Really? Great player and I don't care how much he costs, but it does look (once again) as if they're trying to get someone 'big' in to appease the fans, rather than following a plan. (Maybe with one eye on Liverpool next on the slate?) Probably because I don't think there is a plan and I do wonder who is making the decisions? Is it the same person, in which case I'd say get some one else to do it. Or a committee or their taking turns like penalties (you miss, I'll take the next one.) Don't get me wrong, he'll improve our team and midfield no end (and I don't care he's only coming for the money, cos that's where we are now and you either do this or scout well and bring in younger players and wait/hope that they'll become the player you think they will) but can he work at his best in an ETH midfield? I don't watch Spanish football, but I've heard more than few think he's on the downward slide. Maybe it was just a poor year and, at 30, you'd expect him to still have a few years at the top. Of course, we've had a couple of players about to sign who didn't, so I won't get excited until he's signed. But as a player and a name, it's a top signing. But you have to wonder about a man of 30 leaving the current La Liga and CL winners for this United side while he's still the #1 choice for that team. For Real it's a no brainer, surely?

WrinkledMind

08-19-22, 09:07 AM

World Class signing, mate. Even at his age. He is leaving because his game time will be limited with the arrival of Tchouaméni at Real Madrid. And Camavinga showed last season, that he is also ready for a starting berth as well.

Casemiro is the perfect signing for United. Solves probably your biggest problem, which is midfield. Also Fred pairs well with him, so much so that he starts ahead of Fabinho for Brazil alongside Casemiro.

Now imagine Eriksen with these two Brazilians, in a midfield three. For once in a long while United are signing a proper player, even if they are massively overpaying. But it's better that money goes for transfers instead of the Glazers' pockets.

honeykid

08-23-22, 09:34 AM

I know it's just one game but, as a United fan, if you can't celebrate beating Liverpool then what's the point?

https://www.unilad.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/cantona-celebrate.gif
https://i.makeagif.com/media/9-12-2015/9oiY9_.gif

Chypmunk

08-23-22, 09:35 AM

There's a point to United fans???

:D

('grats on the win though - as a lifelong Gooner I'm happy enough if both take turns dropping points ;))

WrinkledMind

08-23-22, 04:29 PM

Knew this lot would get themselves up for us.

On a serious note, fair play to United. They were up for it from the beginning. We worryingly have looked a little jaded right from the preseason. Maybe it's effects of last season.

Injuries haven't helped. Not signing a midfielder has further worsened the problem. This method of only signing our main targets or instead waiting cost us a season, when the club didn't replace Lovren and the other CBs got injured.

After missing out on Tchouaméni, to not go for Bellingham is probably going to cost us this season.

At least Elliott and Carvalho look promising.

WrinkledMind

08-30-22, 05:57 AM

First sacking of the season in Parker.

Sums up modern day ownership. Looks more do with his demands for transfers rather than his output, cause what did they expect to get against City, Arsenal and LFC. He won against Villa.

WrinkledMind

09-04-22, 12:34 AM

Even though they dropped points against Villa, and frankly should have lost considering that Coutinho goal wasn't offside, I still believe it's City's title to lose.

Arsenal won't keep up with them, once Europe starts. Chelsea and Spurs still need few more signings to match up.

As for us. We have signed a useless lump up top, but I don't think we will have issues with our attack. In Salah, Jota, Diaz, Bobby and Carvalho we have plenty of options.

Our main problem is that we have no functioning midfield when one of Thiago and Fabinho is injured. It's clear for everyone to see that we need at least two midfielders.

Even the manager and Julian Ward knew it, and they tried to sign Tchouaméni. But my issue is that, when he went to Madrid, why didn't we sign someone else. Or use that Nunez money on Bellingham or someone else instead.

And speaking of Bellingham, I don't think it's a given he signs for LFC next season. Imagine Bernardo finally leaves for Barcelona, then I see City snapping him. I bet even Madrid will make an attempt. LFC won't match the wages these clubs will offer.

It's a shame the owners are wasting a top quality manager and prime years of several world class players.

honeykid

09-06-22, 11:41 AM

I've stayed quiet since the Liverpool win because that's a game United should always get up for, but three wins since (though two of the performances weren't that good) has me thinking this could be the beginning. Not of a challenge or anything, but of getting back on track. The summer business has been good (if slow, unnecessarily expensive and scattershot showing there's still a real lack of direction at the top) but I think we've ended up with both quality and improvement. The real cause for my optimism though is the EtH is doing it his way, which is the least I want for any manager. if you're going to be shit and get sacked, at least do it because you thought it was the right way to do it. Dropping Maguire and Ronaldo should be obvious to most, but to actually be the person who has to do it and do it puts a marker down for what you want. Not just for a game as a show of strength, but to actually do it because you think (rightly IMO) that it's right for what you want to do and how you want to play. As I've said before, I believe it's one of the big reasons OGS went as he did, because he wouldn't/couldn't do it (or was deluded enough to think he could make it work) and had to throw out everything he and his team had been thinking and doing all summer on the last day of the transfer window last summer.

United will still play badly. They'll still lose. That's football and life in general. But if they're all being lead by someone who knows what he wants and has the means to do it, it's the start of the right path and that will, hopefully, lead to success.

kgaard

09-07-22, 02:36 PM

Bad news day for Brighton & Hove Albion fans.

WrinkledMind

09-07-22, 03:01 PM

Bad news day for Brighton & Hove Albion fans.

But a great opportunity for Potter. The only issue is that the owner seems to be reading from Moshiri's book of How to (not) run a club.

kgaard

09-07-22, 03:42 PM

I have to think it would be very difficult for Potter to pass this up. And while it's unclear if the owner knows how to run a football club (which has its own special ecosystem), he's done well enough at baseball.

It's a shame in a way, though, because with Potter I think Brighton had a very decent chance at getting into Europe for next season.

honeykid

09-07-22, 05:57 PM

kgaard

09-07-22, 06:04 PM

Richarlison to the rescue, but it remains to be seen if Conte can wring a trophies out of these nitwits before wearing out his welcome. And with the league a(n almost) foregone conclusion and the CL out of reach (barring a miracle) it's gotta be the league or FA cup.

WrinkledMind

09-08-22, 04:25 PM

I agree about Potter. A really good manager and someone I would've been happy to see at United. As I believe I said at the time, were it not that he's English and at Brighton, I think we (and other top clubs) would've taken the chance to get him before now. I for one will be really interested to see how he does.

Bad night for Liverpool fans. Good night for me though. :D I wonder if the talk about Klopp's 7 year itch will get stronger. If they don't get it together once a few of the injuries return, this could be a watershed season for Liverpool.

More to do with the penny pinching bastards in US than Klopp.

Was coming and expected.
We haven't rebuilt our midfield since selling Gini. Milner is passed it. Hendo is ageing. Keita is made of glass.

Without Fab and Thiago playing together we look poor. Elliott has been a pleasant surprise, but he is still young and needs time.

We will probably need two-three midfielders next season.

Also, don't understand this new found obsession of playing Salah wide. He is wasted there. He has cut inside only few times this season. And this tactic is not working at all.

And, yes, we probably will have a bad season. I will be happy with top four and a good cup run.

WrinkledMind

09-14-22, 05:20 AM

Thiago plays in our side, and the world becomes a happy place again.

WrinkledMind

10-13-22, 05:06 AM

Barcelona on the verge of dropping down to Europa League.
https://giphy.com/gifs/cbs-kids-say-the-darndest-things-darnedest-season-2-z8XtwKGIRQSBCmU4sW

honeykid

10-13-22, 05:19 PM

Such a shame it didn't happen last night. While there's a chance it always feels like they'll do it and Inter are the Italian Spurs. If there's an Italian giant which can lose a game like that, it's Inter.

honeykid

11-28-22, 08:57 AM

John-Connor

11-28-22, 09:04 AM

Chypmunk

11-28-22, 09:19 AM

I've probably watched about half the matches. Like hk I've less interest than usual because of where it's being held and the resultant speeded-up schedule (four games a day is simply too many imho) .... not to mention it breaking up the most decent start to a season Arsenal have had in ages which angers me. Backed Argentina before the tourney started but they've been pretty sh*te thus far, like j-c I'd say Brazil have probably looked the best thus far.

Guaporense

11-28-22, 07:39 PM

No activity for 6 weeks even with a World Cup going on? Does that speak of disinterest in the sport on here or a lack of passion for this years World Cup? I know I've barely watched it compared to what I'd normally do and most of that is to do with how I feel about where and when it's being held.

People from football-loving countries are not very active these days. I remember the glory days of discussion involving the 2014 and 2018 world cups.

At this point, my country's team Brazil, had a good performance: we won 2 matches out of Serbia and Switzerland; in 2018, we had the same countries in our group, and we only won against one, Serbia, while tying with Switzerland. So I think that is good luck for this cup. Brazil's team is slightly better than in the last world cup, so I hope the team is also more psychologically prepared to play at a disadvantage (like if the opposing team begins by scoring first). In all world cups since we won in 2002, we lost after starting at a disadvantage and being unable to recover, while we never won a single match since the 2002 world cup (so that's four world cups) by reverting to a disadvantage except with a few easy matches in the group stage like the match with Japan in 2006 or Croatia in 2014.

However, I think that this cup is extremely competitive. All major teams that qualified are playing well except Italy, which didn't qualify. Belgium is playing much worse, but that is expected since Belgium's golden generation peaked around the time of the last WC, and since it's a small country, they don't typically produce great players all the time. France, Spain, Germany, and Argentina are the other favorites IMO.

I think that it would be more interesting if South America should have a couple of spots from North America. In this cup North America gets to send 4 teams, South America, 4 teams, and Europe 13 teams. So very good South American teams often don't qualify like Chile and Colombia (both played very well in 2014), while Costa Rica and Canada qualify and become punching bags. Well, in 2026, the Cup will have 48 teams, so Italy and Sweden, and the good South American teams will likely be all in.

WrinkledMind

11-28-22, 10:40 PM

Less interest this time around. Doesn't really feel like a proper World Cup. But at least it paused the awful season LFC is having.

I caught few matches. Japan vs Germany was the pick for me, though yesterday's second half between Serbia and Cameroon was equally fun.

Reckon it will be one of Brazil or France. Spain for all their passing glory, will come unstuck soon.
Don't really see any other team challenging.
Belgium's demise is sad. A generation of special talent (now old and jaded), wasted in the hands of Martinez, who should have been sacked several years ago.

honeykid

11-30-22, 10:29 AM

I've seen everything with the exception of 3 matches.. I'm actually loving this World Cup, especially the unpredictability.. Of Course i’m rooting for the Netherlands but Brazil impressed me most so far..

If you're interested in speaking about it on here I'd encourage you to do so. :)

Personally I think that you'll probably make the quarter finals, but the Netherlands look quite poor. Certainly from an outside pov it seems to be a team bereft of the kind of talents you expect in a Dutch side. That said, Gakpo seems to have found his feet on the world stage. :up: Do you think PSV will hold onto him unitl the summer or accept a big offer (I'm sure someone will make) during the January window? I know United were very interested last summer (I'd have loved to see him come over) though, obviously, we aren't the only ones.

Backed Argentina before the tourney started but they've been pretty sh*te thus far, like j-c I'd say Brazil have probably looked the best thus far.
I think a repeat of the 1998 final looks the most likely atm with Brazil and France looking like they'll be able to make the grade. TBH though, no one has really looked like they'll dominate (which isn't a bad thing) but Brazil and France both have the experience and players who can do something to win a game even if they/the team are having a bad day. Obviously Argentina and Spain will have something to say about that, but barring a particularly bad day/great game from an opponent, that's what I expect.

I think that it would be more interesting if South America should have a couple of spots from North America. In this cup North America gets to send 4 teams, South America, 4 teams, and Europe 13 teams. So very good South American teams often don't qualify like Chile and Colombia (both played very well in 2014), while Costa Rica and Canada qualify and become punching bags. Well, in 2026, the Cup will have 48 teams, so Italy and Sweden, and the good South American teams will likely be all in.
I'd like that too, but it's not politically savvy for FIFA. TBH, I don't want the 48 team World Cup and, while the FA's of the extra countries will endorse it, I think many of the fans and even players, will feel a little 'unworthy'. Yeah, it's 'a festival of football for everyone' but it already feels like there's too many dead rubbers or poor teams padding out the tournament and once you get past the excitement of seeing your country there, getting pummelled and outplayed by better teams enforcing that feeling that you've been let in to somewhere you shouldn't yet be.

John-Connor

11-30-22, 10:47 AM

If you're interested in speaking about it on here I'd encourage you to do so. :)

Personally I think that you'll probably make the quarter finals, but the Netherlands look quite poor. Certainly from an outside pov it seems to be a team bereft of the kind of talents you expect in a Dutch side. That said, Gakpo seems to have found his feet on the world stage. :up: Do you think PSV will hold onto him unitl the summer or accept a big offer (I'm sure someone will make) during the January window? I know United were very interested last summer (I'd have loved to see him come over) though, obviously, we aren't the only ones.

Arsenal, ManU, Liverpool are all interested and their offers are around £80 million. Don’t know the moment he will go but the word on the street is PSV will hold on until the offer is closer to 100 million.

Regarding the The Netherlands, van Gaal has a lot of tournament experience and I feel he’s deliberately not going with his strongest 11 or gameplan. He wants them to be and feel like 'underdogs' with something to prove constantly if that makes any sense. In short I think/hope it’s van Gaal's sneaky tourney tactics.

Chypmunk

11-30-22, 10:54 AM

I think a repeat of the 1998 final looks the most likely atm with Brazil and France looking like they'll be able to make the grade. TBH though, no one has really looked like they'll dominate (which isn't a bad thing) but Brazil and France both have the experience and players who can do something to win a game even if they/the team are having a bad day. Obviously Argentina and Spain will have something to say about that, but barring a particularly bad day/great game from an opponent, that's what I expect.
May well be a France/Brazil final (assuming the knockout draws allow for it, don't know - not really had enough interest to check that type of stuff), Argentina don't look like the feisty, battling team who are capable of bullying their way to a win if needed that they usually are - Spain may have more of a say but I wouldn't be overly surprised to see them come unstuck by someone that can harass them for the full 108 minutes that seems to be about the norm for this tourney :D

WrinkledMind

11-30-22, 01:41 PM

Argentina don't really have a midfield. Better teams will isolate Messi, bypass the midfield and have a field day against them. I won't be surprised if Poland do them over tonight, despite Argentina being favourites.

I agree that Netherlands are a sneaky team. The other one for me is Portugal. Old defence and Ronnie, but that midfield four looks absolutely mint. Bruno, especially, who is playing the best I have seen him play for a while now.

Brilliant from Australia just now. But absolutely woeful from the Danes. I expected them to come second, but that was shambolic. Them, Belgium and Uruguay have been disappointing.

John-Connor

11-30-22, 03:50 PM

That was some impressive goalkeeping by Szczęsny!

WrinkledMind

12-01-22, 02:56 AM

That was some impressive goalkeeping by Szczęsny!

But I really hope they get the living daylights spanked out of them against France. What an impotent performance by the rest of the side.

John-Connor

12-01-22, 03:02 AM

But I really hope they get the living daylights spanked out of them against France. What an impotent performance by the rest of the side.
Yeah agreed that last 30 min. or so, it's like they had some kind of agreement with ARG to just play out the match and hope Mexico doesn't score..

honeykid

12-01-22, 12:33 PM

May well be a France/Brazil final (assuming the knockout draws allow for it, don't know - not really had enough interest to check that type of stuff), Argentina don't look like the feisty, battling team who are capable of bullying their way to a win if needed that they usually are - Spain may have more of a say but I wouldn't be overly surprised to see them come unstuck by someone that can harass them for the full 108 minutes that seems to be about the norm for this tourney :D
If things go 'according to plan' then it's a Brazil/Argentina semi final on one side of the draw and France are on the other side. That's if things finish as expected before the tournament started, but with the state of some of the groups, it might not be the case. As it stands England are still on course to get knocked out in the quarters by France as predicted before it all began. :D

Arsenal, ManU, Liverpool are all interested and their offers are around £80 million. Don’t know the moment he will go but the word on the street is PSV will hold on until the offer is closer to 100 million.
That price tag is problematic, IMO. For United, anyway, as I don't see that he's worth that much. But I do know that ETH knows a hell of a lot more about it and him than I do, so if he wants him, we may well get him even at that price.

Fabulous

12-02-22, 11:02 PM

Netherlands v USA
Argentina v Australia

France v Poland
England v Senegal

Japan v Croatia
Brazil v Korea

Morocco v Spain
Portugal v Switzerland

WrinkledMind

12-03-22, 03:46 AM

Quite a mad few games in the final round. Karma deliciously being served to the Uruguayans, who should see few punishments for their post match behaviour.
Nice to see Asia closing the gap with the rest.

Japan and Senegal could provide the potential shocks in this round.
England is far superior in terms of quality, but I don't rate Southgate.

honeykid

12-04-22, 09:20 AM

Japan and Senegal could provide the potential shocks in this round. England is far superior in terms of quality, but I don't rate Southgate.
Quoted for truth.

A few people IRL have asked who I think will win the England v Senegal game and my basic answer is the same - it depends on which England turn up. I expect it to be the Southgate tournament England, so it's risk adverse and defensive first. It's a strategy I understand (especially from someone as risk adverse and (IMO) tactically naive as Southgate) but it means a nervy 90+ minutes with England rarely creating good chances and, if we go behind in the second half, maybe not having the time for Southgate to make necessary changes (mostly because it takes him so long to work out and then impliment what needs to be done. One of the few respects he reminds me of OGS) and losing because the players can't get it to work.

An early goal will make all difference. Obviously for England, but even an early Senegal goal will force a change at half time as he'll have the time to evaluate what need to be done.

Should England win? Yes. Senegal are African Cup of Nations champions but are missing their best player and have a player suspended from this match (is it Sarr? I can't remember.) Man for man England also have the better players, so a win is expected. Which is just another reason why they might not do it. :D

Anyone else fearing a game of his life performance from Mendy?

If France do anything but win against Poland they should all retire. Other than Qatar I think they're the worst/least effective team I've seen at this world cup.

Chypmunk

12-04-22, 09:48 AM

Anyone else fearing a game of his life performance from Mendy?
Change 'fearing' to 'hoping for' and I'm right with ya ;)

WrinkledMind

12-05-22, 04:00 AM

I was a bit harsh on the Polish, after their game against Argentina.
I think they got their tactics right against France , but just couldn't sustain it for 90 minutes and we're undone by quality of France which is far superior.

Props to Griezmann and Rabiot for working their socks of for the likes of Mbappe and Dembele, who despite being quality, offered absolutely nothing in defence.

And Mbappe is absolute quality. And I thought Matty Cash had a good game, and matched him for speed at times.

Didn't watch the England game, but from the highlights I can see that's a wonderful win. I hope Southgate persists with Foden, and while France is more experienced and slightly superior, there is no reason why this group of English lads can't win against them.

honeykid

12-06-22, 10:24 AM

That England/Senegal game was an odd watch for an Englishman... because it became so comfortable that it was boring by the end. First 30 minutes were usual. We started quite well, made a few chances and/or couldn't make the final pass for a good chance. Senegal found their feet after about 10 minutes and started to press. They made a couple of chances, we got a little lucky with a misplaced pass or something and Pickford made a good save. But once that first goal went it everything settled down (as I hoped it would if we'd scored an early goal) it was ok. The second just before half time pretty much killed the game and an early third put the tin hat on it. After that I didn't really pay much attention tbh. England were in control, Senegal kept trying but knew they were done and the game played out.

I expect England to go to the quarter finals in every tournament they're in because that's pretty much our level. We're usually around the top 10 (for what the ratings are worth) and therefore the final eight is where you expect. The other way to say that (and I have for decades now) is that we'll go out against the first good team we play. A full strength Senegal might've been a different proposition, but I do actually feel that we could beat this France team. With the players they have missing there's enough in this England team (if they play well) to win. Despite winning a world cup I don't rate Deschamps as a manager, so I''m not as worried about Southgate as I am against better managers. There's no Benzema, Pogba, Nkunku, Kante, Digne or Boubacar Kamara. That's a lot of experience and talent to not have and you'll miss it regardless of how well you play. Defensively I think both teams are weak in defence , which does make me think that Southgate will revert to his usual manner of playing, which will probably mean less chance of creating chances. But, for once (and contrary to how I felt when the draw was made) it does feel like we could beat this French team. France are still favourites, IMO (and not only mine I'm sure) but it's not as certain as it'd usually be.

Conspiracy theory. Did Santos take Ronaldo off, confident that he'd react (or at least 'react' as far as the media are concerned), and be able to take advantage of that to drop Ronaldo? I think (and have for a year or two) that Portugal are better off without Ronaldo because what he does doesn't fit how they want/need to play to get the best out of the team. They need to learn to be without him and use the best of their players (of which he isn't one, IMO) in their best roles, playing in a way which allows them to play to their best. The Swiss are definitely good enought to beat Portugal and a Portugal playing to their best has a better chance of winning.

Having said that, he'll probably start and score a hattrick now. :D

Chypmunk

12-06-22, 10:47 AM

I think both todays games might be fairly close affairs, Spain should go through but I don't think it'll be the relative doddle the bookies odds are suggesting (wouldn't be overly surprised if they get an early goal and I'm totally wrong on that though). Can't abide the boring Swiss so I'll be rooting for Portugal regardless ..... but I also can't abide Ronaldo either so if he is dropped all the better from my perspective.

Chypmunk

12-06-22, 01:49 PM

And it's adiós to Spain. If Switzerland go through tonight I can't even begin to imagine how exciting that QF might be :D

WrinkledMind

12-06-22, 03:08 PM

Fabulous

12-06-22, 05:11 PM

Croatia v Brazil
Netherlands v Argentina

Morocco v Portugal
England v France

Stirchley

12-07-22, 02:03 PM

Croatia v Brazil
Netherlands v Argentina

Morocco v Portugal
England v France

Are the countries in bold your predicted winners? If so, I agree. Let me edit this: France will probably beat England.

honeykid

12-07-22, 02:28 PM

Not taking Thiago Alcantara was a stupid decision in hindsight. I have lost count of the times I have seen him opening up teams in the final third. Not necessarily always an assist, but also a pass leading up to it.
Also, he is hugely experienced. Spain could have used that.

Spain's problem isn't opening teams up, it's scoring goals. It's why I'm still a little suprised that there's been any talk of it being an upset. Yes, the Spanish were favourites, but favourites lose quite a lot and a team which can't/doesn't score is far more likely to lose than one which can/does more often. That's just basic. I only watched the first 15 minutes or so but turned back for penalites and was very pleased to see Spain lose. Nothing against the place, people or even the players, it's just they're very, very dull to watch.

I'm guessing Santos will have less trouble explaining to Ronaldo why he's not starting in the quarter final. :D

Fabulous

12-07-22, 05:45 PM

Are the countries in bold your predicted winners? If so, I agree. Let me edit this: France will probably beat England.

Those are my predictions. I just think England will reach the final.

Stirchley

12-07-22, 06:04 PM

Those are my predictions. I just think England will reach the final.

Who would they be playing do you think?

Fabulous

12-07-22, 06:14 PM

Who would they be playing do you think?

They would lose to Brazil.

honeykid

12-08-22, 04:36 PM

It feels like everyone will lose to Brazil atm. Of course, it felt like that in 82, too. It does feel, atm, though that the semi between Brazil and Argentina is the defacto final.

Tugg

12-09-22, 12:41 AM

I think favorites to win are:
1. France
2. Brazil
3. England
4. Portugal
5. Argentina

Chypmunk

12-09-22, 01:48 PM

Croatia through on pens to upset Brazil. Not sure Neymar can believe it.
A Croatia-Argentina semi would be interesting ..... could be anything from a decent game of football to one of the biggest kicking sessions going :D

honeykid

12-11-22, 02:37 PM

Anyone else hoping for a Morocco/Croatia final?

Fabulous

12-11-22, 05:58 PM

Argentina - Croatia

France - Morocco

WrinkledMind

12-12-22, 04:29 AM

Anybody but Argentina for me, after their behaviour during the Dutch match. I know the Dutch weren't particularly angels themselves, but that was horrible from both the sides.

England should be proud of their performance against France.

Ideally I want Croatia to win this.

gandalf26

12-12-22, 06:22 AM

No great love of Argentina but I think it would be nice for Messi to win a world cup.

Guaporense

12-12-22, 09:36 AM

Messi deserves to win a WC. He is the greatest player of the 21st century.

John-Connor

12-12-22, 11:06 AM

Greatest volleyball player maybe..:p

https://brobible.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/lionel-messi-hand-ball-argentina.png?w=1083

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YTkhOrHQKc

Stirchley

12-12-22, 03:04 PM

Guaporense

12-13-22, 11:09 AM

It feels like everyone will lose to Brazil atm. Of course, it felt like that in 82, too. It does feel, atm, though that the semi between Brazil and Argentina is the defacto final.

Then Croatia came...

While football is unpredictable, so you cannot say losing a match means the team is bad, but Brazil had had an issue over the past 5-world-cups in that they systematically got eliminated by teams in elimination rounds that before the match they were not expected to lose. In the case of Belgium in 2018 and Croatia now, it certainly looks like Brazil lost both rounds at the strategic level. In the case of Germany in 2014, that was also true (although that match is a weird case of the nervous breakdown of a team, the management of the team was certainly inept before the nervous breakdown happened).

So I think that the issue is that Brazilian managers are outdated compared to European managers. While the Seleção has tons of great players, there is a lack of Brazilian managers operating at the highest level since they only manage teams in Brazil.

A few decades ago, that was not an issue because the Brazilian league was not much worse than the big European leagues (the 1994 Seleção, which won the world cup, for instance, had more than half of its players playing in Brazil at the time), so Brazilian managers had experience with football close to the highest level.

Now, as a massive technical gap opened up over the past 30 years between the Brazilian league and the Premier League and La Liga, we still have a manager of the Seleção who had a career managing Brazilian teams which play much inferior level than Barcelona or Bayern, after which they managed the Seleção playing with much worse teams like South Korea, which makes their job appear easy. Then comes the first effective opposition, like Croatia, and they don't know what to do because they have never managed high-level football before.

ScarletLion

12-13-22, 11:14 AM

Then Croatia came...

While football is unpredictable, so you cannot say losing a match means the team is bad, but Brazil had had an issue over the past 5-world-cups in that they systematically got eliminated by teams in elimination rounds that before the match they were not expected to lose. In the case of Belgium in 2018 and Croatia now, it certainly looks like Brazil lost both rounds at the strategic level. In the case of Germany in 2014, that was also true (although that match is a weird case of the nervous breakdown of a team, the management of the team was certainly inept before the nervous breakdown happened).

So I think that the issue is that Brazilian managers are outdated compared to European managers. While the Seleção has tons of great players, there is a lack of Brazilian managers operating at the highest level since they only manage teams in Brazil.

A few decades ago, that was not an issue because the Brazilian league was not much worse than the big European leagues (the 1994 Seleção, which won the world cup, for instance, had more than half of its players playing in Brazil at the time), so Brazilian managers had experience with football close to the highest level.

Now, as a massive technical gap opened up over the past 30 years between the Brazilian league and the Premier League and La Liga, we still have a manager of the Seleção who had a career managing Brazilian teams which play much inferior level than Barcelona or Bayern, after which they managed the Seleção playing with much worse teams like South Korea, which makes their job appear easy. Then comes the first effective opposition, like Croatia, and they don't know what to do because they have never managed high-level football before.

This is spot on. The pressure, lack of tactics to combat stubborn and defensively rigid teams together with a lack of a plan b means that Brazilian managers don't fare well against European teams who have lesser players but the sum of their parts are more adapted to modern knockout football. Makes tonight's game a fascinating one - can Argentina buck that trend?

Hope so. I'd love to see the best player of all time lift the cup.

ScarletLion

12-13-22, 11:15 AM

Too bad Kane missed his penalty kick. Disappointing.

I was dancing around the room ;)

WrinkledMind

12-14-22, 02:47 AM

Fair enough, Argentina. Fair enough, Messi. You make one of the best defenders of this World Cup, Gvardiol, look helpless with that pass.

Maybe it's destiny.

Stirchley

12-14-22, 01:50 PM

Fair enough, Argentina. Fair enough, Messi. You make one of the best defenders of this World Cup, Gvardiol, look helpless with that pass.

Maybe it's destiny.

Who do you fancy for the World Cup winner?

WrinkledMind

12-14-22, 02:41 PM

Who do you fancy for the World Cup winner?

Wanted Netherlands to win it for Van Gaal and Van Dijk. Now I hope France wins it. But we know one man stand between that.

Fabulous

12-14-22, 06:49 PM

Croatia - Morocco

Argentina - France

Chypmunk

12-18-22, 01:58 PM

Delighted for Messi, heck of a thriller to finish the comp.
Also delighted for Mbappe on at least picking up the Golden Boot.

Yoda

12-18-22, 01:59 PM

Not the biggest fan of the sport, but like most people I got sucked in a little here and there, and yeah, wow, what a match.

WrinkledMind

12-18-22, 02:56 PM

Messi goes down as the GOAT.
Best World Cup final, & second best football final for me behind UCL 2005.

I hate everything that Qatar stands for, & am nauseated by the deaths of migrants, but strictly speaking of football, this was a one of the best tournaments. Upsets, twists and then that final.

And quite a few stars to look forward to in the future. Mbappe and Haaland (who wasn't here) will be there, but add Bellingham, Enzo, Camavinga, etc.

Nice to see Aguero part of the celebrations.

Back to more important football, where we hope against hope that City don't run away with the league, even if it means Lego Pep winning it for Arsenal.

Daniel M

12-18-22, 03:03 PM

WrinkledMind

12-18-22, 03:05 PM

Nice to know there is a fellow Red in here.

Guaporense

12-18-22, 03:43 PM

Very emotional world cup final, IMO Argentina should have won more easily, given they technically crushed France for the first 75 minutes. That shows an issue with south-American teams; they think after having an advantage that they have already won and become vulnerable at the end of the match (happened to Brazil against Croatia and South Korea, and to Argentina against the Netherlands and Australia, in two cases led to penalties as well as this match).

Messi finally got his world cup, the last title he still needed to win. Of course, he is still not the GOAT; that is Pelé. Messi might claim to be the best since Pelé retired in 1977, so the past of the last 50 years, although I might think that Cruyff and Maradona are also strong contenders :D:

https://youtu.be/w9n9SIkna-M

honeykid

12-19-22, 04:15 PM

Incredibly exciting... after the 78th (or whatever it was) minute. Before that, just dull. Although I wasn't really paying much attention after the first 30 minutes, so I can't say that categorically, but I've felt disengaged through much of this World Cup and almost certainly missed more games than I saw. But I can say I don't really care who won or that Messi now has a World Cup. All that said, from the 80th minute onwards it was enthralling and seeing Mbappe put France on his shoulders and carry them for the rest of the match was so impressive. The technique for his second goal was magical and such a pure shot. Just brilliant.

I do feel a little for France because of how many players they were missing before the start of the tournament and then losing them during and the illness just before this match (I was genuinely concerned for Varane when I saw him on his knees just before he came off) I can't think of another team who could miss that many first team players and still make the final. Though, obviously, they needed the luck of the draw to do it (England/Morocco could've been more difficult) but they did what was asked of them. Unless something similar happens I can't see anyone but them winning the Euro's atm and this team could/should be in finals for the next 10 years at least.

Lastly, can I just say I wish Infantino and the Emir of Qatar would just **** off and leave football alone. Seeing Messi coerced into wearing a Bisht (as I've learned it is) for the pics was disgraceful. Moreso, considering Infantino's talk of not allowing politics into football as one of the main reasons for the banning of armbands and other things not being allowed into stadiums. I don't know if Messi cared or not, but it just left me feeling sad.

WrinkledMind

12-27-22, 04:16 AM

Gakpo came out of the blue. We are in dire need of midfielders, but I won't mind a 23 year old versatile forward at 37 mil, especially when Jota and Diaz are mostly likely out for a long stretch.

I wonder how honeykid feels about this, especially when ETH clearly wanted him. I personally think Antony has a much higher ceiling than Gakpo. Also, I think you lot need an out and out striker, but will now overpay on someone like Félix.

honeykid

12-27-22, 11:29 AM

It does feel a bit out of left field, WrinkledMind but I think it's an excellent buy, especially for the price if it's as advertised. You need some creativity in midfield and if that's where he plays I think he'll be just what you need. I suppose he might play on the left for Diaz until he returns? But I think it'll be centre mid for the best results.

I don't know much about him, but the fact that ETH wanted him and has seen him up close and set up a team to play against him makes me think it's a shame we'll not get him. Again, especially at that price.

I also agree with your last three points, although I don't think Felix will come unless we're the best that tries. I think PSG or Chelsea are more likely. I'd still have rather we'd saved our money on Antony and gone for Osimhen, but I think it's really going to cost for him now and it's not like Antony's a bad option. Just an overpriced one.

WrinkledMind

12-29-22, 03:09 PM

RIP Pelé. One of the greatest.

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRIrLntUvfxhA39cq4gLmn-HvXvL3P5jpnHBQ&usqp=CAU

honeykid

12-29-22, 04:03 PM

It's been expected for a few weeks now, but still sad news. R.I.P. Pele.

Chypmunk

12-29-22, 04:39 PM

Wonderful player, a sad day indeed :(
Requiescat in pace Pelé.

honeykid

12-30-22, 09:34 AM

OK, it annoyed me when I saw it and it's annoyed me again now, so I'm going to point it out. Pele is holding the wrong versions of the World Cups he won in that photo.

Aaahhhhhhhh, that feels better. :)

Stirchley

12-30-22, 11:25 AM

honeykid

12-31-22, 02:13 PM

Was Pelé the GOAT?
I don't believe in this GOAT stuff. Not for football, anyway.

I honestly think it's impossible to say which player was the best because so much changes through the years (technology, pitches, law changes, tactics, etc.) Best of his generation? I'd expect so, especially as everyone else (the great players) from that era say he was. If the people I'd expect to be in the conversation all agree it was him, I'm happy to say he was. Best of all time? I can't say that, but I don't think you could have a conversation of who's the best without him being one of the options.

WrinkledMind

01-01-23, 11:25 AM

honeykid

01-03-23, 09:20 AM

What's happened to VVD, WrinkledMind ? Do you think he's still mentally affected by the injury? Luke Shaw was definitely not the same player after his bad leg break for a couple of years (arguably never will be depending on what you think of him). Has his hunger been sated by Liverpool's recent success? I can think of a couple of players I believe that's happened with. Has he just peaked? Or is the midfield not doing their job and the whole defence is getting exposed too often? Do you have another idea/reason? Anyone else?

Liverpool are reminding me of Klopp's team before Alisson and VVD were signed and his last year at Dortmund. Dortmund lost a couple of key players, the defence stopped working and they lost their key attackers. I've always thought that Klopp is too loyal to his team and doesn't move players on/refresh enough/too late and once the rot sets in it's hard to stop. If I'm right, that's what I think is happening now and it'll probably end with him leaving. Especially if the club is sold.

WrinkledMind

01-04-23, 04:24 AM

honeykid
VVD has a lost a bit of pace. It was evident against Brentford too. A man who in the past casually caught up the likes of A Traore, Mbappe, Haaland, etc was struggling to keep up with Wissa (no disrespect to him).

That shouldn't be an issue. Hyypia was slow as a turtle & yet amazing. VVD still has good positional sense, but the biggest change in his game post injury is not tackling. He simply refuses to tackle. In the past he would bully people off the ball, even in the box. Now he tries to maneouver them away from the goal.

However, the reason we are struggling is the midfield - or the lack of it. Defence receives no protection from them.

It was the right time to bin Wijnaldum, but we should've moved on Milner, Henderson too. Fabinho's fall in form is worrying as well. Keita is a flop.

Curtis hasn't become the player we hoped he would. Elliott is good & shown really good potential but needs time, which leaves poor Thiago, who is still World class, to do a job of three.

We needed two new midifleders since the last three windows, but our transfer strategy of only signing our primary targets has ensured we are left hanging with none. Tchouameni & Bellingham were our primary targets. One chose Madrid at the last minute, & the other will do the same next summer.

It's baffling that club's unofficial mouthpieces like Melissa Reddy stated in the last summer that we also heavily scouted Enzo, Nunes & Caicedo, but decided to wait for Bellingham.

This strategy ensures you either get amazing players or no players, until you're forced to make emergency temporary loan moves like Arthur, or Kabak, etc.

Also, you are right, Klopp is no Fergie or Paisley, both of whom knew when to move players on. He is a bit too loyal.

I will be happy with a top four finish, but I won't be surprised if we miss out on it. You lot look settled under ETH & Newcastle seem to be playing with the same confidence as Arsenal (now) or Leicester (past).

WrinkledMind

01-16-23, 04:11 AM

WrinkledMind

01-17-23, 10:31 PM

I love British humour.

https://twitter.com/SionBen86/status/1615434614650069014

https://twitter.com/charlieBL/status/1615433569253425153

https://twitter.com/GaryLineker/status/1615435956290551810

honeykid

01-21-23, 11:13 AM

It might not matter in the grander scheme of things, but if Qatar buys LFC (according to unconformed reports this morning), then I would stop supporting the club.

I hate everything that City & PSG stand for, & this would be no different.

I really, really hope the local fans group oppose this.

I remember fearing this and wondering how I'd feel about United being owned by the Saudis when that kept coming up. Then the bought Newcastle and I was relieved, but sorry for those who'd always wanted that success and then saw this price. There's always a chance of someone/other state doing it. I honestly don't think I could stop supporting United unless I just stopped watching football, but I don't know how I'd feel about it.

I see Juve have been caught being the dodgy gits they are. It does make you wonder if they're the only team in Italy doing it because no one else seems to get caught. :D

Did anyone go with their gut and assume that Liverpool/Chelsea would be 0-0 or think that surely at least one of them would actually score a goal? I'm definitely in the latter category.

I'm enjoying United atm, but this talk of title challenge is silly, IMO and, even if we win tomorrow (which I don't think is likely, especially as Casemiro won't be in midfield) I don't think there's a title race in which United are a key unless this league is actually worse than I think it is.

That said, it is starting to feel a little like the 15/16 season when Leicester won, in that all the 'usual suspects' are tripping over each other to throw away any advantage they might've had. Even so, Arsenal do see to be the best of a bad bunch.

WrinkledMind

02-04-23, 03:36 PM

This season just keeps getting worse, & to make matters worse United are back on the ascendancy.

I am geniuely worried about losing Alisson, cause I reckon some clubs might come in for him if we don't finish in the top four, which is now looking like a certainty.

honeykid

02-05-23, 11:19 AM

I was just wondering today, is this what it was like to be a Liverpool fan at the start of the season? Even I had Liverpool sneaking a 1-0 win, though 0-0 wouldn't have surprised me. But 3 agaiinst the lowest scoring club in the league? It was a strange weekend (so far) with Chelsea not beating Fulham, Arsenal and Liverpool losing to teams they should easily beat, Leicester putting four past Villa.

I hope the Casemiro red gets rescinded as that reverse shot showed he didn't have him by the neck but by the shirt. I don't blame the ref though, as that was the view he saw and it definitely looked like he held him by the neck. Three games without Casemiro could be troublesome even though two of them are agaisnt Leeds, that rivalry means it won't be as easy as the league might tell you. Leicester scoring 4 isn't calming nerves either. Still, if it isn't, at least he'll be fresh for the two games against Barca.

I've been hoping that the Bellingham hype train would capture all the rich top clubs so we could sneak in and have a (relatively) clear run at Osimhen. Today I see that Chelsea have made him their top priority so, depending on where they (and us to an extent) end up, that might not be the case. I heard someone say the other day that Napoli will want at least £90m for him and I thought, yeah, at least is right. If we can get him for £90m slap the money down now because I'm guessing we'll have to pay more than that. I know that sounds stupid because we're talking £90m, but that's where we are now. Were it not for the pandemic I think it'd be even more.

Imagine being Chelsea, having spent about half a billion pounds in two windows and still needing a striker?

WrinkledMind

02-06-23, 04:17 AM

Yeah, Casemiro didn't deserve the red.

Also, agree Osimhen at 90 is cheap, but I think he will go for more than that.

I can't see United being proactive about it. Still they are lucky most teams are tied with forwards, though I won't be surprised if Madrid make a move. Their midifled is stacked with quality youngsters, so they just might make a move for a forward as a long term replacement for Benzema. But then Perez the nut could go & buy Bellingham just to make a statement. I really hope Camavinga gets more & more upset with the less chances he is getting there. He would be perfect for us.
& then there's Chelsea, whose owner is acting like a kid in a toy store.

I wonder who Newcastle will buy, considering I do fancy them finishing in the top four.

On a side note, that game between Spurs & City was fun. I really can't understand what Guardiola was trying to achieve with that starting lineup.

honeykid

02-06-23, 10:53 AM

I suspect either Pep did his usual outthinking himself or there's more problems behind the scenes/in the dressing room at City than Cancelo. I think there might be similar problems at City as I suspect is one of the root causes at Liverpool. That is, for 3 or 4 years they've been at the top of their game and winning/challenging for everything. You can only keep doing that for so long and most managers can't keep it fresh enough/choose players with an almost insatiable hunger to keep this from happening. If Arsenal win the league this season and there's a clear out/money at Liverpool, I'd expect both to be back next season.

I can't see United being proactive about Osimhen either unless there's been a really big change in how they go about these things. There were some signs of that in the summer, though the way they fumbled around and ended up paying nearly twice the price for Antony than they could've got him for at the start of the summer, makes me worry.

WrinkledMind

02-07-23, 04:24 AM

Raise your hand if you are happy with City being charged with fraud!!!

I hope they are relegated and stripped off their titles. But I won't be surprised if they are just let off with a fine, which would just be peanuts for them.

Chypmunk

02-07-23, 05:38 AM

I'd accept a massive fine and a fifty point deduction for them for the next five seasons ..... that would at least make things a little bit more interesting :D

honeykid

02-07-23, 10:20 AM

My understanding is that a fine and point deduction is all they can do. I'd gues, though don't know, that there are limits to both as well. I'm interested to know what they are though. Juve have been deducted 15 points by the league.

This will probably be appealed and tied up for ages though.

honeykid

02-19-23, 09:42 AM

Well that was quite the Saturday OK, there was some dull football, but some strong results and the narratives keep turning.

After looking like the title wobble was in full effect, Arsenal show some gumption and claw it back against a Villa they really shouldn't have had any trouble with at all. It's a good win though and the kind of thing which has to happen in tough times if you've any chance of getting the title.

Chelsea (who I thought would end their goal drought against the Saints) showed that half a billion means nothing if you don't buy someone who can put the ball over the line., while JWP showed, once again, why I've wanted him at United since he was about 18 years old. I'm still happy to see him go there and I'll be happy to see him beat Beckham's 'record' (I put it like that because some of us are old enough to remember football existed before the PL and some of those players were quite good too) not because I have any problem with Beckham. That performance also made it crystal clear that those players weren't going to work for Nathan Jones. I don't know if he was out of his depth or the players just didn't like what they heard, but that performance was never coming from his Southampton.

Are Liverpool back? I do hope not. Beating Newcastle should feel like a more positive thing, but they've dropped off a lot in the last 4 or 5 games and just aren't scoring atm. Something I hope continues next Sunday in the final. Also interesting to note that with Pope getting sent off (what was he doing?) and their back up having played for United in the cup already (he was on loan for those who didn't know) it'll be their 3rd choice or youth keeper in the final. He'll probably end up having a worldy and annoy the hell out of me never to be heard of again, but we'll see.

Everton beat (dirty) Leeds, thank you. Great goal too and City drew despite having a good number of gilt edged chances, all of which gave me a nice warm feeling. And, for the first time this season (I think) Old Brighton showed up, having lots of chances and missing them all.

After all that I just need United to turn up and beat Leicester (who naturally have decided to turn up in time for the United game having scored 4 in each of their last two games having been crap up until then) and I'll have had quite the weekend.

Taz

02-19-23, 05:42 PM

ManUre win as does Spurs, back into the Top 4 down in England. But that's all just the sideshow to the mainshow...

More importantly, Celtic keep rolling, picking up another win, 4-0 over the Dons. Sevco once again benefitting from a pen and red card against Livi, St M proved the Hibs result last week was a blip as they were back in winning ways in Paisley, while St J & Hibs both picked up W's also.

Today, Motherwell put together back to back wins for the first time since August with their win over Hearts. And this was after picking up their first win in the League since the end of October. If they can keep picking up a few points and Aberdeen's home form is more than enough to keep them safe (no matter how poor they've been away from the North-East), then it would increasingly seem to be a battle for survival between United, Killie & County.

WrinkledMind

02-20-23, 04:10 AM

Karius could feature in the Carling Cup.

Not that I need reasons to wish for Manchester United to lose, but seeing Karius playing that match & ending up with a winner's medal, after the crap that he has been through post that UCL final, would be amazing.

EDIT
I can remember the last four to five games where a player from the opposition got sent off. Twice against Chelsea, one domestic Cup game, one in Europe and then Newcastle.
& we have struggled against ten men. It's just bizarre.

I thought Newcastle were the better side with ten men on Saturday.

WrinkledMind

02-22-23, 03:10 AM

Despite having an early morning meeting, I stayed up all night for that mess. The two goal lead gave me hope. But the worst part was me staying up till the last minute, even when it was not looking good.

The sad bit was that this wasn't least bit surprising. It's just been a car crash of a season.

The players have given up. I will still back Klopp, but he needs to make substantial changes to that squad.

honeykid

02-22-23, 10:16 AM

I thought Newcastle were the better side with ten men on Saturday.
I only saw the highlights, but that and the match stats would seem to back that view.

I must confess that I played my part in Liverpools downfall last night. I had a treatment yesterday after which I usually go to bed for the rest of the day, but I got up to watch as much of the match as I could. As the second went in with a keepers mistake (which turned out not the be the worst on of the night) I said out loud "well if you're not going to try I'm going to go to bed." and after that, Real looked a lot better. :D

I did go to bed at half time to listen to the rest on the radio, but did so assured that Real would win the match. But even then I didn't expect that capituation. Watching football pensioner Modric run past an 18 year old in the build up to that last goal showed just how beaten Liverpool were by that point. I'll admit that, even as a United fan, part of me did want Liverpool to score one more just to make the 2nd leg look a little interesting. But the United fan part of me wanted Real to score at least one more to really hammer it home.

Klopp's work has never been clearer and, if he's given some money, surely even he will have to admit to a rebuild and get rid of some players who, while they've been very good for him, shouldn't be there anymore?

Any time I mention it most fans don't agree with me, but Salah has never been what Pool fans think/claim he is. Put a proper goalscorer in there and he'll dwarf Salah's numbers. I still think they sold the wrong one, not that Mane would make this team work like it used to either because this isn't Salah's fault.

The other one I get pushback on is Thiago, who is a exceptionally good player. Just not a Klopp player and doesn't really work in this kind of team.

Keita, Milner, Firmino, Henderson all need to be moved on, while I'd give the younger academy players longer to see if they can really make an impression or just be squad players/eligibility fillers for competion rules.

WrinkledMind

02-27-23, 03:53 AM

Mane was well on the decline for couple of years before he left. He had a mini revival when he was used as a striker. Diaz was the perfect replacement. His injury hasn't helped us.

Thiago is still our best midfielder & consistently performing. Him & Fabinho were responsible for getting us the top four couple of seasons ago, when our entire central defence was injured.

The rest of the midifled needs immediate binning, with the exception of Elliott, who has potential.

Anyways, congrats honeykid on the cup.
ETH is definitely building something brilliant there.

Dive Bar Casanova

02-27-23, 07:59 PM

There’s a cool little Dive Bar I love located outside the TMZ.
It’s the Rudder Room located right on the beach in the corner of a beachfront neighborhood.
Channel Islands Ca.

Been there for decades and decades. Cheap and kick back.

Brits gather there for Premiere Games on TV.
A yellow card and the building shakes, red card and fists fly.

The Brits are always keen to explain the game and the specifics on the particular game on TV.
Makes it really interesting.
It’s not a simple game IMHO.

I take in friends that aren’t hep on Soccer and they have a great time.

What really gets the new to the game interested is the Relegation rule.
To me the greatest rule in sports - arguably the most hated.

honeykid

03-05-23, 09:09 AM

It's the best/worst/scariest day of the year - Liverpool v United. We all know if they're going to put up a performance, it'll be today and I think the thumping at the hands of Real will make them even more determined, if that's possible.

Felt the 'the day' for Arsenal yesterday. 2-0 down and winning with the last kick of the game? Just has that feeling, doesn't it?

WrinkledMind

03-05-23, 03:08 PM

I love this game.
I love this team.

https://media0.giphy.com/media/eHRfGFoEHmgxwBhlsz/giphy.webp?cid=6c09b952b1bbbf96ef59afb288d98f5e97515c60ff5a49fb&rid=giphy.webp&ct=g

honeykid

03-06-23, 08:32 AM

I told you it'd be that day if anything, but obviously no one expects 7. That's ridiculous. A terrible performance which everyone, including ETH to an extent, has to take responsibility for. I understand Rashford up the middle as has been played lately, but when you have TAA against your top, on form player, that's what I'm doing all day. At least force Liverpool to adjust to cover for him or leave him exposed. Of course ETH has forgotten more than I'll ever know, but no one's above questioning and I just don't understand that.

As usual, I'd have been happy with a draw before kick off, but if someone had said it'd be 7-0 I'd have just assumed it'd be United, because that Liverpool performance hasn't been anywhere this season. Had someone hypnotised the teams and told them it's 2021 again? Because that's what both teams looked like. The 2021-22 versions. The forwards were clinical and the midfield worked, hassled and harried continuously.

United haven't played well the last few games and a loss has been coming since last month, but not that 2nd half performance. That was embarassing and, worse, unprofessional. That wasn't 'just one of those days'. At 3-0, 4-0, it's one of those days, shut up shop and leave with your tail between your legs. 7-0 between, almost, any two professional teams in any league is mentally worrying/unprofessional and the match stats (only stats but still) don't scream 7-0. Pool had 8 shots on target and scored 7 of them! So it's between the ears which is was the problem. Gave up? Lost heart? Didn't care? I don't know, but I'm sure ETH will be going through that match (and the players) extensively and I think there's going to be a few players in particular who'll be told to change or leave.

Congrats WrinkledMind and enjoy it. I would be.

ScarletLion

03-06-23, 08:39 AM

Lovely stuff. I don't particularly like either team but it's nice to see Man Utd get a complete and utter humilification!

honeykid

03-11-23, 09:41 AM

Good win for us midweek. Excellent second half especially.

Not strictly football, but pleased to see professionals standing with Lineker over this ridiculous affair.

WrinkledMind

03-11-23, 03:00 PM

From the most surprising result to the least surprising result, all in the space of a week.
Liverpool FC 2022-23.

honeykid

03-12-23, 11:57 AM

Yep, couldn't help but chuckle when I saw the result. Not because they lost, but because it was quite predictable. Massive, historic win the week before against their fiercest rivals, scoring 7 from 8 shots on target, to losing 1-0 to the bottom club, having Salah miss a penalty (and how), two thirds of the possesion, 15 shots with 6 on target and.... Nothing. Very 'on brand' for Liverpool this season.

Casemiro has been sent off. Let's see if we can pull this around without him. History isn't on our side, but hopefully Southampton won't find the ingredient they've been missing in the next 45 minutes.

WrinkledMind

03-20-23, 05:03 AM

What mad game between United & Fulham yesterday. Or rather just few minutes of madness from Mitrovic & his manager.

honeykid

03-20-23, 12:35 PM

I'm not sure if we got lucky or not? We didn't play well (again) but they just blew it completely and for no reason, IMO. We were already on the charge at the time of the penalty, but suddenly being 2 players up it would've been an embarrasment to lose.

We need to pick things up because we'll win nothing else this season playing as we have most of this year. Even top 4 could get a bit hairy. We're really going to miss Casemiro (again) and, like last time, it's even worse without Eriksen.

WrinkledMind

03-21-23, 06:08 AM

You are a having dip, which is a norm in a season. Happens to every club. Reckon you will finish strong.
Top 4 shouldn't be an issue, with the mess we are in, & Spurs will be after that outburst from Conte.

I fancy you lot to add one more cup. Brighton won't be easy though.

On a side note, the new noise around. Bellingham isn't surprising. We allowed it to grow. Should have gone all in for him last season.
Now we need at least two midfielders, & splurging big cash on one would be stupid. He won't come to us anyways, even if we miraculously make top four. The option of Madrid & City are better for him.

In other news Woy is back. Such a bizarre move by Palace.

honeykid

03-21-23, 12:15 PM

I think this is more than a dip, we're not played well for three months bar a half or so here and there, but we're good enough and strong enough now to be able to get by and continue to win. But it's not been convincing. Thankfully Rashford is playing at the top of his game throughout this time. Garnacho's emergence has helped too, though that's another injury which will hurt these last few months. Maybe it'll give Pellistri a chance to shine? The other shining part, for me at least, for the last few games has been the re-emergence of AWB. I really rate him and I liked defenders who defend, it seems he's learned to play a bit better offensively and if that continues he might be able to stave off getting sold this summer.

I'm a big fan of Brighton and the way they play. They've been good for about 3 seasons now, but this year they've found a way to score, which was the only thing they were missing before. Chelsea fans may look on and feel they know why? :D

Frankly I've never seen Bellingham going to Liverpool. Maybe it's my dislike of them colouriing my view, but given he can go anywhere he wants, I don't know I'd have them in the top 4 places he'd like to go. Now, I douby Barca could afford him (though it's Barca so you never know how many more 'levers' they have to pull) but Rea and City must certainly be the most likely options, I'd say Bayern more likely than Liverpool.

Woy's funny but makes sense. When in times of fear and uncertainty, you go with what you know.

honeykid

04-10-23, 10:36 AM

Without Rashford,, are United just Chelsea? If he's out for any length of time, then it's time for what, currently, might be the worst £160m+ ever spent to turn up and start producing, in Sanchez and Antony. I don't doubt the talent of either of them, especially Sanchez, but it's at times like this that you hope to get what you paid for.

Or, maybe, it's the last chance for the never was man to make his mark. He returned with a goal on Saturday against, possibly, the only team he continually scores against, but maybe the end of this season can be a friutful end to Martial's time at United? It'll certainly make selling him easier if he's scoring goals which help us secure top 4 and a *Europa League trophy.

* - Don't worry, I know were going out in the next round because we're playing Sevilla and they've decided it's their trophy. :D

honeykid

04-22-23, 10:33 AM

So even with a 2-0 lead with 10 minutes of the first leg to go, we managed to throw it all away. As I said, it's Sevilla's trophy and they decide when then win it. :D

Truly terrible second leg, no excuses at all, which I say because I would just like to point out that, when the football gods aren't on your side, they really aren't. We should've been 3-0 up at the end of the first half at home, but weren't (because we don't have a finisher)) but both their goals were weird own goals. Then de Gea is at fault (or plays a big part) in all 3 at their place. Plus he scored an own goal at our place, so 4 of the 5 in reality. It's a really concerning mentality and our away form follows this. I'm still not convinced we'll finish top 4, but it does feel as if Spurs may well be Spurs and allow up to do it by default. I think Brighton and Villa have probably left it too late to catch us, but I'm still not confident even of that.

I wasn't expecting top 4 this season, I wasn't overly confident of top 6 at the start of the season, but having been so comfortable much of the season, it'd be a disappointment to lose it now.

Congrats to Brighton on their win tomorrow in the cup. I'm sure you'll deserve it unless professional pride kicks in.

honeykid

04-24-23, 08:50 AM

I was wrong and happy to be so (although now I frea Iget to watch City destroy us in the final :( ) and it was a good second half/extra time performance, but Brighton should've taken us out in that first half and de Gea did his best de Gea impression to get us there. A finisher is desperately needed at United. I think it'll probably be Kane, but they should go all out to get Osimhen and spend the extra if they can get him.

That said, depending on how much they have to spend, a (much) cheaper Kane would allow them to address other areas. I say "much" because if the choice is £90m-£100m for Kane and £120m+ for Osimhen then the choice should be clear. It is starting to feel as if Chelsea will be the only English team challenging for his signature, although the current 'crisis' at Bayern might have them opening their wallet a lot wider than they usually do and whoever doesn't get Bellingham might take a look at Osimhen as the back up signing?

Spurs getting thumped is a double edged sword. It should be enough for us to secure 4th almost by default. 6 point gap with two games in hand? But their next game is at home against us on Thursday night. A lot of questions will be asked this week and in front of their home fans they'll be desperate to make a point. It feels like Thursday will be the decisive day. A loss opens it up again, anything else and we should be able to keep them at bay, even with us not playing well. If we do lose to Spurs, 3 of the last 4 games being at home might be pivitol. Although they're Spurs, so if they do beat us, a loss in the next game for them wouldn't be a shock to anyone. Least of all Spurs fans.

honeykid

04-27-23, 11:33 AM

I could see City beating Arsenal 4-1 but I didn't see Arsenal throwing away the lead they had just a couple of weeks ago. Looks like it'll be another City title? Or will Arsenal manage to get back on track now the pressure is off them? They'll still have to hope City lose though and that doesn't look like it'll happen now. :(

honeykid

05-13-23, 08:37 AM

Important weekend this weekend, I think, for the Manchester teams (United more than City I admit.) A win this weekend and I think both take a big step to they want, top 4 for United and the title for City but less than that, especially for United, might give hope to those chasing.

A loss this weekend all but assures Southamption's relegation. I know they're as good as down already, but we have to play the games just in case.

ScarletLion

05-22-23, 05:51 AM

A shameful night in Valencia as the home crowd chant racist abuse at Vinicius Jnr. Not isolated incidents but thousands upon thousands of people both when Real Madrid arrived at the stadium and inside the stadium. Vinicius tries to bring it to the referees attention but the referee ignores it.

Then to make it worse, Vinicius Jnr is attacked, put in a chokehold, but reacts and it is him that gets sent off.

I'm ashamed to be European today.

honeykid

05-24-23, 11:46 AM

That's quite the reversal they've made, wouldn't you say ScarletLion? Amazing what can be done (after they've repeatedly said they're doing all they can) when someone who's one of the few stars the league has under 30, not only refuses to shut up, but continues to call them out and the reaction and talk from some quarters is 'will black players stop signing for Spanish clubs' (and by Spanish I, and they, really mean Real and Barca because that's where the money and interest is) suddenly, within a couple of days, they can do all sorts of things without a single change to any rule or law.

Well done, Vinicius Jr. Here's hoping you've started something which can lead to real change in the country and further afield. :up:

Of course, it will be appealed and so it might not happen as currently stated, although I've heard from people better informed about this kind of stuff than I am, it's more likely that it just won't be imposed until next season.

I wonder how long Tebas will have left in his job given how badly he's dealt with this whole thing?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65691729

ScarletLion

05-24-23, 12:03 PM

honeykid

06-09-23, 08:43 AM

It's depressing, but congratulations to Liverpool on, what will probably be the signing of the season, Mac Allister for £35m!! I mean, getting Mac is a really good signing, but that price is stupid. I know there's a load of add on's which could be triggered (and I don't know how attainable they are) but even if we say £50+ with all of them, that's still a really great price for that player. Even more galling as I really fear much of the work done this season for United will be wasted with the takeover nonsense and arriving late to the market because of it, so any new arrivals won't get a proper pre-season. And all that's before we get to how well (or otherwise) United actually get business done. If the summer doesn't go well I think we can write off top 4 next season. Arsenal looked like the real deal and not just a fluke season, Newcastle will improve, Liverpool will be back (as we saw towards the end of the season) and who knows what'll happen at Chelsea?

I don't see Kane coming (because of both Levy and Real) so that might be a blessing as there's little doubt that United would hang on hoping to get him and, even if we did, it'd be on the last day of the transfer window, again wrecking the start of the season.

I don't know our FFP status but some of those 'in the know' think we 'only' have about £100m to spend but we do have players to sell so get them gone asap to add to the pot and go for Osimhen. Put the big money up and see if we can get him (Kim Min-jae seems to be linked strongly too so maybe there's a deal to be had? Or maybe they'll think one out is enough?) and, if not, then move on. I know there's not much about (ask Barca about Lewandowski? they still need money even with Messi not going. Martinez and Johnathan David might be viable? I always liked Lacazette who's just had a good season but I doubt (probably rightly) we'd go there) and it might be that another year has to pass before we get 'that' forward, so focus on the rest of the team.

If we can get Kim Min-jae and, maybe Jurrien Timbre to play right back and cover CB? I know he was linked strongly last year and his rep seems to have grown in that time? I know an awful lot of clubs are looking at him, but I'd be thowing money at Caicedo at Brighton too. I think him alongside Casemiro would be fantastic and when Casemiro gets himself sent off we'd have someone who could actually play closer to that standard.

Goalkeeper is an issue, which is weird as he's just won the Golden Gloves, but he makes more mistakes than most and he can't play the way ETH wants us too, so we're never going to be what he wants us to be while we play him. Personally I''d leave it as I think he wins us more points than he loses us and there's so much else which needs addressing. Plus, who do you get? And for how much? So long as de Gea takes a hefty pay cut I'd keep him and strengthen elsewhere. If we can improve two or three positions this summer I think we'll be able to say it was a good transfer window for us whatever else happens. Don'yt get me wrong, we need more, but you have to cut your cloth accordingly. Even if you're Manchester United. Unless we get bought by an oil state, then I'm assuming the nation state rules will apply to us too. :(

I don't think we have any Hammers fans on the board, but well done to them too. A great achievement. Does Moyes stay now or leave on a high?

mrblond

06-11-23, 04:01 PM

Champions League 2023

Manchester City FC took Istanbul... Congratulations!

93101

WrinkledMind

06-12-23, 12:15 PM

Agree honeykid
MacAllister at 35 is daylight robbery. He is 24, so just entering his prime. Gives our midfield the much needed push. Still need one more midfielder.

Thuram is a great candidate for us. At his age, he has shown enough potential. But it seems like the club is going to do the same mistake with him, what they did with Enzo & Bellingham. Wait & let his price swell.
I am not really pleased with the JWP rumours. Hope it's just a false thing.

Looks like Glazers are not keen on letting go of the club. Uncertainty is not great for your club.

Elsewhere, was nice to see West Ham lift that cup. Don't feel th same for City. Didn't want them to win.

Bellingham's transfer it looks like Madrid's midfield is set for years.

Lastly, interesting to see Saudis throwing insane money at players. Older ones to be precise. I doubt they will get players in their prime, cause European leagues & competitions still have the prestige. But can see 30 years flocking to them.

honeykid

06-13-23, 08:30 AM

I agree with most of your post WrinkledMind. In fact, the only part I don't agree with is JWP which, anyone who's been on this thead for many years, will know I'm a big fan of and I'd still happily have him at United. I think he'snbeen constantly underrated/underestimated throughout his career. I think every midfield needs a disciplined, hardworking and consistant player and if you can get one with JWP's temprement and technical ability (not to mention dead ball prowess) then so much the better. While I'd rather have a Caicedo to play alongside Casemiro, I'd take JWP quite happily as a squad player who can play there. The main downside is that you'd have to pay the British tax which, even with the 'should sell' relegation benefit may well still be too much for a player of his age. Though if you get the person who did the Mac deal you could end up with the player and them paying you. :D

For all the heat about the Glazers selling, at no point have they come out and said they are. Merely that they're looking into it. I'd still rather take the Ratcliffe deal just so we aren't a sportwashing tool for a nation state, but today's news leads me to think that's not going to be the case and, considering that the Glazers don't care who they sell to (IMO) the money being offered is probably more than the current club is worth?

Yeah, it was a shame City won, but they are the best team in Europe whether they won the cup or not. Best team in Europe for the last couple of seasons.

I don't know if it's the offiicially stated aim or just what 'those in the know' have been told, but from what I heard, what they want to do is become the place players go to away from Europes top 5 leagues.

Taz

06-13-23, 10:49 AM

Everything at Celtic is stalled til a new manager can be put in place.

Rumours persist that Dermot Desmond is right keen on Brendan Rodgers returning. Obviously concerned if BR takes the job will he then again jump ship the first time another EPL offer comes along calling, after his acrimonious exit for Leicester City, halfway through the season in 2019.

Personally, I'd be interested in seeing Knutsen getting the opportunity, given the work he has done with Bodo/Glimt in Norway over the past 5 years or so.

WrinkledMind

06-27-23, 08:44 AM

honeykid

06-28-23, 11:32 AM

Bayern have made a move for Kane.

honeykid I know you need a midfielder & probably a GK, but Kane would be perfect for you lot. Gives you four to five good years.
But can you afford him, or more importantly will Levy sell him to you?

Kane prefers to be in England for that record, that he hopes to break.

I don't think you are getting the Nigerian from Napoli anyways. This would be a great move instead .
I get the hesitancy from United about Kane (because they don't want ot deal with Levy) but it feels as if they've built him into this bogey man I don't think he is. He is money. Offer him £80m and see what he says. If he says £90m then give him £90m and shut him up. I get that they don't want to be waiting until the end of August to see if he'll do the deal, but if you do it now, you can leave it to Kane to push from inside as well. He's got 1 year left. Does Levy want to wait and see if he can get them into the CL this season (he probably won't. He didn't this year and you had an average United, Newcastle are going nowhere and no Liverpool or Chelsea) and let him go for free, where he might go to United anyway or Chelsea? Or take the 80m-90m now? Levy's history tells you he'll go for the money, but if he doesn't, then at least you've tried and he can explain to the owner why they don't have £80m for a player in his last year.

I agree we're not getting Osimhen, he's just too much for United atm. I read today that we're looking at Mbappe, which is ridiculous and, if true, we're looking at him the same way I look at Drew Barrymore, with a great deal of desire and zero expectancy. Also, let's face it, while he's an excellent player, he's not what United need right now either.

We could do with a midfielder and a keeper, but we're going nowhere without a striker who can get 30+ a season unless we do it the old fashioned United way and spread the goals around, but that requires another 3 or 4 players to get double figures every year to make up for that lack of goals upfront. I'm sure EtH also wants a(nother) right back, but Arsenal seem to be getting Jurrien Timber now who, from what I understand, would be a good fit and EtH already knows. Unless we get a keeper EtH likes and can play with his feet, then we'll have another season not playing the football he wants us to play. I don't know how many years he has left on his contract, but if this summer's a bust and next summer goes similarly, I can see him looking elsewhere like Jose did.

So far, the off season is going as expected/feared and I suspect that last years work (where we did better than I thought we would) will be wasted because we won't get the summer right. Which would mean it's like every other summer since Gill and Ferguson left.

honeykid

06-30-23, 02:10 PM

The Mount deal seems to be back on and, while he's probably an upgrade, it's not what's needed (while it's not great in midfield we can get by with that we have for another season, IMO) and I've not been sold on him for a couple of seasons now, but that could just be that Chelsea is a basket case? Because he looked good before that. Should it happen, it really makes me think that a striker isn't coming. If we have £100m and are spending half of it here (and possibly the other half on a keeper?) then even if we have the top figure I've heard (£150m) we're not getting the striker needed for that and we'll struggle to sell well (because we have for the last 10 years and I see no reason that would change) so we may well not get the required funds to make it up.

It looks like we might've seen the last of De Gea too, as he becomes a free agent. There are arguments for and against, but it feels like a bit of a sad way to leave after such service. It may well be time to move on, but I will miss him and I'm sure there'll be plenty of goals after which there'll be comments akin to "De Gea saves that"

All the while I see Liverpool are looking at Dominik Szoboszlai who you can apparently get for £60m because of a contract clause which expires tomorrow.

WrinkledMind

07-01-23, 01:31 AM

Don't know much about Szoboszlai, but the people who follow the Bundesliga say he is like KDB, but still raw.
Well if he reaches even half of the Belgian's ability then this would be a good signing.

Would have preferred a DM, since Fabinho has been rubbish for a while now. But I will now pray for him to reclaim his form, & hope the young Bajcetic (who was good last season) comes back well from injury.

Apparently we stepped back from Mount deal after hearing the wage demands.
He should be a good signing, but I agree honeykid that you have other important needs.
Also looks like the takeover is not getting resolved.

On a side note, Emery is building quite a side at Villa. Pau Torres is a coup. Tielemans is a smart signing, & apparently they are looking at Ferran Torres too.
Definitely the team to look out for this coming season.

honeykid

07-02-23, 09:48 AM

Don't know much about Szoboszlai, but the people who follow the Bundesliga say he is like KDB, but still raw.
Well if he reaches even half of the Belgian's ability then this would be a good signing.
I've heard pretty much the same. If it means anything (and I think it means little but can be a pointer) in Football Manager he usually turns into a top player.

Would have preferred a DM, since Fabinho has been rubbish for a while now. But I will now pray for him to reclaim his form, & hope the young Bajcetic (who was good last season) comes back well from injury.
I get that, but I wonder if with these two around him he'll look something more like the player he was a few years ago. It does look like Klopp is trying to do something different with this new midfield. Maybe a younger, more athletic version of the Thiago variation?

Also looks like the takeover is not getting resolved.
As I've said from the start, they've never said they're looking to sell. Just that they're looking at options. I hope this isn't the case and Ratcliffe gets it soon (just because I prefer that to a sportswashing nation state) but I'm starting to think that it was just a way of upping the share price and increasing their wealth (and pushing up the club price) that way.

On a side note, Emery is building quite a side at Villa. Pau Torres is a coup. Tielemans is a smart signing, & apparently they are looking at Ferran Torres too. Definitely the team to look out for this coming season.
Yeah, I'm a big fan of Emery and thought the way he was treated while at Arsenal was ridiculous. He's not perfect by any means, but he's a top coach and, like most coaches most of the time, if the owners get out of their way and let them do their job (with the required funds for that club) they'll perform well.

Sad to hear Tom Cleverley has retired from football due to injury at 33. I don't know if he became the player many thought he would become, but he's still got 1 Premier League medal more than the vast majority of those people.

John-Connor

07-25-23, 07:52 AM

Saudi team makes $1 billion offer for soccer star Kylian Mbappé..

:eek:

ScarletLion

07-25-23, 08:21 AM

Hopefully:

Mbappe > Saudi Arabia
Kane > PSG
Kolo Muani > Spurs

honeykid

07-25-23, 01:14 PM

None of that will happen.

Nausicaä

07-25-23, 03:22 PM

I really hope Mbappe tells them where to shove it.

WrinkledMind

07-26-23, 05:01 AM

Mbappe & Kane hold all the cards in this situation. Both can play out this season, & then sign for free.
It doesn't matter how brave or angry PSG or Spurs' hierarchies try to be. They can do diddly squat now.

We know Mbappe will only go to Madrid. For him it's following Ronaldo's path & having a chance to win the Ballon D'Or, & Barca & Madrid are ideal for that since they lobby for their players when it comes to these awards.

On a side note, really impressed with Dominic 'I can't say his last name'. & Lavia will be a good addition.
It will be a season of transition for us.

honeykid

07-26-23, 08:46 AM

Hopefully:

Mbappe > Saudi Arabia
Kane > PSG
Kolo Muani > Spurs

None of that will happen.

I still think it's highly unlikely for all sorts of reasons, but I can see that Kolo could go to Spurs if Kane agrees to move, which he might if he can go to United/City/Bayern because I don't think he'll want to be seen by the Spurs fans as anything other than a hero and leaving on a free, when the club have agreed to sell him, could spoil that. Spurs would be flush and they'd have to buy someone, Kolo is as hot as anyone right now and may be tempted if nothing better came along. I've seen he's next on the list for United if they can't get Hojllund or £60m.

Fabulous

07-29-23, 02:40 AM

Has anyone been watching the Women's World Cup?

honeykid

07-29-23, 09:14 AM

Only bits and pieces. I was watching Italy/Sweden this morning and it was good until the Swedes scored 3 in about 5 minutes. You could see Italy just crumble. I started the 2nd half but I needed breakfast and it didn't look like Italy were going to get back into it.

England games haven't been great, better against Denmark, but the wins are all that matter. Once the knockout stages start I'll probably watch more regularly. Start times can be a bit of a problem, too, as it's on the other side to me.

Fabulous

07-30-23, 08:54 AM

The Germany-Colombia game was fantastic.

WrinkledMind

08-07-23, 05:07 AM

A little late, but 'Happy start of the Football Season' to my fellow footie fans in here. May your team achieve the success you desire, except for Manchester United, who I hope finish in the bottom half.
Sorry honeykid I like you, but not your team :p

honeykid

08-10-23, 08:54 AM

I don't think you're going to get your wish WrinkledMind but I don't think we'll be finishing top four this year. Is that enough to satisfy you? And don't worry about it, the same is true for me as well. Like you, not your team. :D

It looks like Harry is off to West Ham for £30 million. That's not bad business in terms of what we're getting (obviously not in terms of how much we paid) but when you pay £80+ million for a player who you thought was too expensive at £50 million the year before that kind of thing will happen.

I saw that United are looking at Jean-Clair Todibo from nice. I don't know anything about him at all but I'm guessing they look at him as a backup. Also seen Pavard's name mentioned, which might be a good buy if we can get him at the right price as a rotational player I think it work really well.

The Hojlund injury is a concern and the last thing you need when moving club, especially at a young age and in a new league. I just hope it's not too long and that the expectations won't have grown out of control by the time he does get on the pitch. From what I understand he's very raw and if we get 15 goals out of him in the first season we'll be lucky. I'm really hoping he proves everybody wrong and starts knocking them in quite regularly or that he provides a really good foil for those on the wings to do so and get some product out of Sancho and Anthony which would be just as good, if not better, for the whole team than an out and out Striker who gets 20-25 goals a season.

Stirchley

08-14-23, 01:20 PM

Never in a million years did I think I would watch women’s soccer, but it’s really good, at least at World Cup level. And so many fans. I had no idea.

Would love to watch England beat Oz in Sydney at the semis this week, but no way am I watching it at 6 a.m. Same for the final on Sunday when I will be getting ready for church. Annoying!

Mesmerized

08-14-23, 02:10 PM

Same for the final on Sunday when I will be getting ready for church. Annoying!

My favorite activity on a Sunday morning is being unconscious. I go to the Vigil Mass on Saturday. I'm a late sleeper.

Stirchley

08-14-23, 02:42 PM

My favorite activity on a Sunday morning is being unconscious. I go to the Vigil Mass on Saturday. I'm a late sleeper.

I always forget we have a Vigil Mass. We do have an 11.30 a.m. Sunday mass for late sleepers.

EsmagaSapos

08-14-23, 05:48 PM

Never in a million years did I think I would watch women’s soccer
I do. (https://t.ly/2AYqr)

Nausicaä

08-14-23, 06:56 PM

Yeah some of the games have been on too early for me, so either having a lie in on the weekend and I'm not giving up my lie in for football or too busy. So recorded a number of games and stayed away from anything that would give the score...

Thankfully Englands next game is on about 11am on Wednesday, so will be able to watch live.

honeykid

08-15-23, 09:17 AM

I do. (https://t.ly/2AYqr)

This is a new thing about watching womens football that I'd never experienced before. In the penalty shootout between Nigeria and England, I think we were 2-1 up at the time, and I said, (out loud to absolutely no one as I was alone) something akin to "Well, you're very pretty but I'm afraid you're going to have to miss." :eek: I've watched a bit of womens football over the years (major tournaments and some of the WSL matches) but that was the first time in my life that their appearance made any difference to how I felt about them. Weird, but it did make me laugh at myself and observe a new experience.

Terrible performance last night for United. I wasn't confident of a top 4 finish and my kneejerk reaction to last night is to say I was right. We'll improve, I sure, but that midfield has to be sorted or learn how to operate better. Also, a forward is desperately needed.