The Square Ball

Oh dear, goalkeeper.

It's completely fucked the game. Australia are just not very good: two goals is too much.
Argentinia fans are very good.
I suppose the Ned v Arg quarter will be decent, even if I was supporting both underdogs today.

Ooh, wait a minute: a bit of luck. Might change things.

There ya go.
Fluke goals.
Football is your friend.

Obviously too good for us but can’t see the Argies going close to winning the tournament

Trumper wrote: ↑

Sat Dec 03, 2022 8:47 pm

Obviously too good for us but can’t see the Argies going close to winning the tournament

Nah, tournament football, they've as much chance as anyone left.

I really do not like Argentina. Haven't since '78. First WC I remember. Hope Holland do them on Friday.

Good effort Australia.

I think Ned will beat 'em. Argentinia are a one-man team. Ned aren't great, but have more decent players.
Anyway, we'll see.

It's lovely to see the best player of our times to be a proper human and team player.

Rio Ferdinand : The best individual performance from a player at this World Cup.It was almost God-like. I've not seen anything like this.

Messi was good but seriously Rio fuck off

Yeah, I like Messi too, but the wankfest is irritating - and so obvious it's become a thing on social media.

the flying pig wrote: ↑

Sat Dec 03, 2022 7:58 pm

the BBC's Messi wankfest is a bit embarrassing. he was as good as anyone who's ever played the game but so far short of his best form now that it's not funny - just a decent player at the very top level. rolling in a decent finish against Australia doesn't change that.

he's totally lost his pace but the weight and direction of his passes is still superior. that's the differenece between him and ronaldo, messis's contributions are still a joy to watch even if they're not as decisive as they used to be.

at least i'm still nostalgiacally watching him and comparing him to that puffed up ponce. he makes foootball look pure and beautiful. i'm a fan.

I turn on the TV at kick-off, go to make a brew at half-time and turn the TV off at the final whistle. Pundits? No, I'm fine thanks.

Bobbycollins wrote: ↑

Sat Dec 03, 2022 10:40 pm

I turn on the TV at kick-off, go to make a brew at half-time and turn the TV off at the final whistle. Pundits? No, I'm fine thanks.

Sensible, but you've still got to put up with the sound of Danny Murphy slapping away at his meat over every Messi touch during the match. If there were a feed without coms I'd prefer to watch that when Messi is playing.

I’d recommend the Radio 5 comms (available on the red button, at least for BBC games) but there you’ll often have to put up with Martin Keown.

Mustafaster wrote: ↑

Sat Dec 03, 2022 4:57 pm

H-Bombs wrote: ↑

Sat Dec 03, 2022 4:50 pm

USA had a good run at them, game didn't go their way, but ultimately the Dutch do have a bit more about them.

Aye, fair play to the yank, gave it their best shot.
Just don't quite have the chops against the best opposition.
No way are we keeping Tyler next season, but he will be a cash cow.

You're probably correct but I recall Tyler being quoted as saying shortly after joining us, that he was really enjoying being able to talk with his teammates in English, after 3 years in Germany. If he wants to stay in England, does he have the outstanding ability to command a place with the likes of Citeh, Liverpool etc?

Bobbycollins wrote: ↑

Sat Dec 03, 2022 10:56 pm

Mustafaster wrote: ↑

Sat Dec 03, 2022 4:57 pm

H-Bombs wrote: ↑

Sat Dec 03, 2022 4:50 pm

USA had a good run at them, game didn't go their way, but ultimately the Dutch do have a bit more about them.

Aye, fair play to the yank, gave it their best shot.
Just don't quite have the chops against the best opposition.
No way are we keeping Tyler next season, but he will be a cash cow.

You're probably correct but I recall Tyler being quoted as saying shortly after joining us, that he was really enjoying being able to talk with his teammates in English, after 3 years in Germany. If he wants to stay in England, does he have the outstanding ability to command a place with the likes of Citeh, Liverpool etc?

You'd imagine he could maybe fit into Spurs level if they required a player in his position. Possibly Newcastle in their transition phase. No higher than that though.

Bobbycollins wrote: ↑

Sat Dec 03, 2022 10:40 pm

I turn on the TV at kick-off, go to make a brew at half-time and turn the TV off at the final whistle. Pundits? No, I'm fine thanks.

They are just tick boxes

Black? Tick
Female? Double tick

Cant put a decent footballing sentence together because they have been promoted to positions without ever learning the ropes or earning that position? Treble X but who gives a fuck about that.

At half time yesterday Alex Scott & Micah Richards were asked how Holland were bypassing the USA press........they did not have a fucking clue, Scott looked at Richards so as not to have to give an answer and Richards fumbled his way through a shit answer.

What about having someone like Chris Hughton who would tick their box but also give some tactical insight?

rss1969 wrote: ↑

Sun Dec 04, 2022 11:21 am

What about having someone like Chris Hughton who would tick their box but also give some tactical insight?

Because he's dull as dishwater.

jackos wrote: ↑

Sat Dec 03, 2022 6:37 pm

Devi wrote: ↑

Sat Dec 03, 2022 4:38 pm

* although I fully expect to hear about Bamford breaking his leg as he trips up on his way to the lav at some WC final party or other.

That wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing, at least the club would be forced to buy a forward if that happens. We've been waiting 1.5 seasons for Bamford to sort himself out, we can't afford to wait for a another six months.

Groin surgery: