World cup thread.

[kchorn]

You've all lost me. The point is a confrontation between the French and the English. Where it takes place is irrelevant. Or have I missed something?

But I'm sure Agincourt would ruffle the French just as much

That said we are sensitive to the French these days. We no longer make their trains arrive at Waterloo station

 

[kchorn]

First cracks in the Croatia camp:

A man was arrested on the outskirts of St Petersburg for spying on behalf of the Croatian team

A technician for telecommunications provider “Rostelekoma” was taken to a police station by members of the FSB. The man was found on the roof of a building close to the stadium where the English team are training. Portal Fontanka writes that the technician said he wasn’t trying to spy on the English, but was merely taking panoramic photographs. These were deleted at the police station, after which the man was released.

The semi-final between England and Croatia is taking place tonight in the Luzhniki stadium.

 

[canary-dave]

Im not 100% sure but i think there was no Belgium at the time of the battle of Waterloo

I meant the battle site is in what is now Belgium

 

[colognehornet]

You've all lost me. The point is a confrontation between the French and the English. Where it takes place is irrelevant. Or have I missed something?

But I'm sure Agincourt would ruffle the French just as much

That said we are sensitive to the French these days. We no longer make their trains arrive at Waterloo station

Yeah but Agincourt was more impressive, it was away from home and we were in a minority. At Waterloo we had the Prussians there as well. Apparently, just in case the English get through the French have prepared a special pennant for the niceties before the match - something like 'Your Mother was a hamster and your Father smelt of elderberries' is on it.

 

[kchorn]

Well we are off to the bar with at least 13 screens. OK one might be covering tennis, one cycling, and one the pamplona bull run, but c'est la vie.

Nervous as hell but quietly confident, if that is possible. Hope a few Brits on hols drop in but most likely me and a lot of spaniards.

Enjoy every last one of you wherever you may be. Even if you are on your own remember tonight no England supporter is alone. We are one .

C'mon you three lions.

 

[oldfrenchhorn]

Enjoy your evening with the locals kc. I watched an England game in a bar in the south of France one evening, and you do get a different view of things when people are rather more detached than you are. Last night as I watched France playing I became as tense as I do on a Saturday afternoon watching Watford. Probably not good for my health, or the cellar. At least I have my supplies of a decent red to hand having put the last of my Spanish one down the drain.

 

[oldfrenchhorn]

What a start. This could be a good night.

Calm down OFH there is a long way to go.

 

[oldfrenchhorn]

The pace of Sterling is causing all sorts of problems for their defence.

 

[oldfrenchhorn]

Our Turkish referee seems to let quite a lot go. Still he he seems to be even handed.

 

[Markthehorn]

So far so good !

Could be 2/3 up but Croatia have improved a bit .

 

[oldfrenchhorn]

Oh goodness me, glad I did my watering earlier. Extra time, I hope that we are not as worn out as the opposition.

 

[Hornet-Fez]

Lost our shape entirely that second half. Can barely watch.

 

[oldfrenchhorn]

So near, yet as far away as ever. Yes it is a young team that should get better, but a lot can happen before the next major tournament comes round. I have had the feeling all day that the hype was going over the top, and as much as I wanted England to win I had that horrible feeling that once again we would finish up as plucky losers again.
I had wondered where my loyalty would lie if we finished up in the final against France. The more you think about it the more complex it becomes. At least I am not faced with that problem now.

 

[kchorn]

They are all heroes. I look forward to us marching on. Well done guys you gave it your all .

And Gareth S you are a breath of fresh air we so badly needed. Proud to be an English supporter.

 

[Mexican Hornet]

Croatia deserved it, without a doubt. They were much stronger from 46 mins onwards.

A good tournament for England but have to feel an unexpected opportunity lost.

I hope Croatia win the final, I really do.

 

[Markthehorn]

I had wondered where my loyalty would lie if we finished up in the final against France. .

Are they feeling confident of a 2nd World Cup - 20 years after their first?

Think France will win - strong in defence and can take a chance or two.

 

[A1 Horn]

Club before country any day anyway, right guys?

 

[Mexican Hornet]

Club before country any day anyway, right guys?

Death before watforddishonour!!

 

[Deleted.......]

They are all heroes. I look forward to us marching on. Well done guys you gave it your all .

And Gareth S you are a breath of fresh air we so badly needed. Proud to be an English supporter.

This tournament has been an unexpected joy - as have the performances of the England team. They fell short but did us proud I think. And I had a horrible feeling Croatia were being underestimated.

 

[oldfrenchhorn]

Are they feeling confident of a 2nd World Cup - 20 years after their first?

Think France will win - strong in defence and can take a chance or two.

No, from what I read and hear they are not too sure that they will win. There is still some doubt about the manager and his tactics, but so far the attacking possibilities have seen them through. Having seen the way that the UK press talked everything up today there is a marked difference, with the French commentators far more circumspect about just how good the team is.