Confirmed today that Christian Kabasele has missed out on a trip to the World Cup. I hope he doesn't get injured tripping over a sun bed.
Shame for him but would have only been back up at best and of course been injured long term himself. Will be a regular I am sure in the future.
Well 10 days for the squad to prepare. That seems to have worked out well. And with player confidense high, and Gareth handling the press well [No stupid expectations] I'm not sure the preparation could have been much better. After last night I'd like to see Rashford play the opener instead of Sterling. I think Rashford and Kane charging at not world class teams would make the defence tremble. But as long as Sterling can behave and avoid red cards, and Vardy can slip the tight marking attention he seems to be attracting, there seem to be plenty of options that should all be able to deliver in the group stage. Bring it on
England will be as good as Southgate was in his playing days. At best. Not long now mind, can't wait for the show to start. I'll be able to watch lots of games with the time difference here.
So very soon we get to see what Tunisia are made of. I'm sure against Spain they will be defensive. They maybe at home but I imagine a reasonable Spanish crowd will be in the 34000 stadium. Not sure what we should hope for. Seems an odd fixture for Tunisia to choose but I guess the revenue might have persuaded them. As for Spain with just 6 days to go before their first game against Portugal I can imagine a largely second eleven. Well I'll be with Spaniards so I hope 3-0 to Spain and Tunisia a bit demoralised Enjoy anyone who will be watching.
Tasty game that. I was in Portugal in Euro 2004 when Portugal beat Spain. Old ladies we out on their balconies banging saucepans with spoons as the whole village erupted! It was amazing. That is what football can do!
Lots of unrest in the German camp. Booing their Turkish supporting player Ilkay Gundogan and hanging on 2-1 against Saudi in Germany.
Both Gundogan and, to a certain extent, Ozil are being singled out because of them being photographed together with Erdogan and appearing to endorce his presidency. It would also have alienated them from many people of Turkish descent, and from the Kurds who are here. To be honest I'm not too worried about unrest in the German camp - the more the better.
Well Spain were terrible. I thought Tunisia worked hard and showed their skills. But I think Kane, Vardi and/or Rashford would get goals. On the break clearly they are dangerous but not incredibly so. Quite happy and expect 3 points from our first game. The fans most happy after tonight must be Portugal. Nite all
Julen Lopetegui sacked as Spain boss: Announced as Real Madrid manager one day - dumped by his nation a day before the start of the World Cup the next! Despite the best efforts of the players it seems the Spanish FA weren't happy with the fact he was in discussions with Madrid whilst preparing for the World Cup. Which way will this go - players revolt against the FA or like Italy in the past do well despite the upheaval?
It's something new in Spain for people to act with principle and not greed so well done to the Spanish FA There is hope. As for how it will impact them I imagine not at all. The replacement will have the same support team and three group games to get going. I guess Portugal might see an opportunity in the first game but with the incentive to get one over Ranaldo I can't see the spanish lacking enthusiasm. We could offer them Big Sam if they need some help
A very open World Cup this one. Germany's worst World Cup campaigns have been those immediately following a win in the previous tournament - in 1958, 1978 and 1994 - I don't expect them to live up to their billing this time either. Everything was looking good for Spain but we do not know what effect their managerial crisis will have on them. The French have the players to win but there are doubts whether Deschamps is up to it as manager. Argentina have the players up front but have more than issues at the back. Brazil ? On the surface yes but how often have they flattered only to disappoint. Could the way be open for an underdog ? If so then maybe Belgium, or England. If Russia go out early then expect local support to switch to Serbia, and they have a lot going for them, as do Poland. Colombia could also be an outside tip for the Semis.
The 2026 World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico after their joint bid beat Morocco's proposal to host it.
A third of me is chuffed, will have to get to some games here. On the Spanish note, what a joke. Why didn't Real Madrid tell the Spanish FA previously (now they must have made their new manager pissed off) or just announce it AFTER the World Cup. It all very naive.
There are probably still a lot of tunnels, catapults, light aircraft and drones. Not to mention the Narco subs. So walking, although still a mule option, is not the most popular. In reality, the USA will get the lion's share of the games, 60 I think I read, with 10 a piece in Canada and México. Not as great as i thought it might be. If USA, Canada and Mexico all qualify too, it's a bit of a farce.
Yeah here it is from this article, "Of the 16 host cities, 10 will be in the United States while the remainder will be split evenly between Canada and Mexico. Sixty matches will take place in the US, while Canada and Mexico will host 10 games each. The final will be held at the 84,953-capacity MetLife Stadium, which is home to NFL sides the New York Giants and the New York Jets" Greedy seppy bastards.
Football is at least a national sport in Mexico, whereas it's only the 4th most popular sport in the USA. and in Canada ? - well down the list I think. It's all about money - plus the fact that football apparently feels the need to colonize the World. After the farce of Qatar next time they really needed to go back to a footballing nation for the next one.
