Well I know not a lot of you are into it (except maybe myself, Physic and Ringo in his lovely new shirt) but today sees England once more start a trek in search of the holy grail which has eluded us for 40 years - namely the World Cup. Expectation is high with many people rooting for the motherland, whilst many of the naysayers are in their element, pissing on our chips before we have even taken to the pitch.
I'm in the lull before the storm at the moment, not helped much by a trapped muscle in my shoulder which is giving me no end of jip, and which will no doubt get worse if Gerrard spanks one in from 30 yards, like he did against West Ham (the bastard). But in a couple of hours, I shall be shaking of the last of yesterday evenings Wartsteiners and other traditional German fare, and heading into town to meet up with many of last nights usual suspects to cheer on our country - something we don't get to shout about a lot. Yes I know we have had a bad reputation in Europe, but so far all reports from Germany are of a good humoured and party like atmosphere, with England fans mixing with people of all other countries and only 20 arrests, one of whom was English but later released, and thankfully, nothing serious. See here.
I'm hoping that this time we'll be able to shake of this archaic image of thugs abroad, and instead the one which is starting to emerge of genuine football fans of all ages and nationalities going to the games and enjoying the cosmopolitan environment. It's time for the press to stop fuelling the antagonism with stupid quasi-racist headlines inciting xenphobia, and instead start celebrating football - such a wonderful game, which has been responsibilities for many of the highs and lows in my life I could normally only achieve through chemicals.
So today, I'll venture into town, I'll cheer on my team, and for a little while longer, still cling to the dream that we can lift that golden trophy, the day I a long time ago reserved to be the greatest day of my life.
COME ON ENGLAND!!
Posted by doc d (Member # 781) on :
7 am start. well it was supposed to be. i got up at 5.30 am. i'm off to watch this game in an irish themed bar with a german, an indian, an american and a nother englishman.
yesterday i cheered for germany, in the understanding my german mate will be cheeing for england. it was a wierd feeling.
i managed to convince 5 people in my office to come to the pub to watch the match yesterday. even though none of them are german or that interested normally.
today i don't think england will progress beyond the first knockout stages. i still think svenisss is an idiot for gambling on rooney. its like bryan robson all over again. i think. or something. another striker, defoe (who granted hasn't been on form) or ashton might have helped. giving owen hargreaves a chance at playing the water carrier role for more than 10 minutes rather than sticking carragher in there.
but still. if rooney grabs a hattrick in every round, we beat brazil 900-1 and then piss all over germany's chips in the final, i'll say "see i told you sven knew what he was doing'
Posted by Darryn.R (Member # 1) on :
Union Flag is hoisted outside and I've donned one of my England shirts and now sit, sweating far too much through 30+ heatwave waiting for the match to start.
Bloody hell it's warm today.
Posted by Physic (Member # 195) on :
Aye it's lovely and hot here too, I'm off to a barbecue being thrown by a bunch of squaddies at their squadron hq place in Sunbury shortly, to drink cheap beer, eat barbecue and probably shout some rude things at their big 10ft projection screen, although I actually think we'll win reasonably comfortably, 2-0 or 3-1 is my prediction, we look high on confidence and that can carry you quite a way.
Posted by London (Member # 29) on :
I secretly miss football. The boys I knew when I was 17, the public school boys, all erudite and learned and scarves and eating crumpets for tea and reading Keats (etc ad infinitum), they all incongrously loved Millwall, and so, through my relationship with Jake, I grew to appreciate and understand what was going on when people watched sport. Now none of my friends like football, indeed, they disparage it. Now I've got no one to watch it with, no one to explain it in layperson's terms, nothing. I miss it. Posted by Darryn.R (Member # 1) on :
2.44 goal !!!!
Phew, nice first half, lucky really with that last blast on goal from Pa-rar-gay.
Oh, and I'm sunburnt having dragged the TV into the garden to get the best of both worlds..
Posted by New Way Of Decay (Member # 106) on :
I can hear everyone ooooing and aaaaahing from across the road. Then I went out to sunbathe. Sunbathe. I know.
Posted by Ringo (Member # 47) on :
Second half was a bit sketchy, few times I thought they were going to slip one by our defence. Unusual decision to bring on Hagreaves, I reckon if we'd have knocked a second one in before half time then we'd have seen Walcot brought on instead. Questionable tactics but you can't argue with a victory.
Posted by Waynster (Member # 56) on :
Can't agree with you more ringo - very dodgy call with the sub, but with the result from the sweden - T&T game we are heading the group and as long as we get a result aginst either we should get through.
But its a long way to go yet - chickens and eggs and all that....
Posted by Boy Racer (Member # 498) on :
First half was good, we even occasionally managed to look like the world class side we should be.
I thought the bizarreness of the decision not to take another striker was underlined by the second half performance, as well as Erikson's Seria A fondness for defending single goals that doesn't suit the English game.
Also worrying was a repeat of the difficulty England sides have in the heat, something that I doubt will bother Brazil to the same extent.
And what the hell was the Mexican on?
[ 12.06.2006, 05:16: Message edited by: Boy Racer ]
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
BANZAI!!!
Excellent! 1-0 at half-time and the Ozzies are mad as a cut snake.
Arigato, BruceSan. Konichiwa and sayonara.
[ 12.06.2006, 09:49: Message edited by: Black Mask ]
Posted by Waynster (Member # 56) on :
Does anyone know of a live stream in English with some commentary for people outside the UK? I'm stuck at work, most laughably a Cable Television Operator, with no TV or access to one to follow the game. The BBC are not contractually allowed to broadcast over the net to people outside of the motherland, I can't even find coverage over the net in Dutch.
All this streaming broadband and nothing at all I can abuse it with to keep up with the football Posted by Physic (Member # 195) on :
ETA - oops, just noticed what you said about the BBC, bugger.
[ 12.06.2006, 10:11: Message edited by: Physic ]
Posted by dang65 (Member # 102) on :
quote:Originally posted by Black Mask: BANZAI!!!
AUSSIE! AUSSIE! AUSSIE!
Bloody hell. I went out to get the kids from school and it was Japan 1-0. Got back about 40 mins later and it was the same score and looking like a definite defeat for the Aussies. Then sat down to watch the last couple of minutes and...
Nice one Aussies. Sorry for the Japs though.
Posted by Niffer (Member # 266) on :
quote:Originally posted by Waynster: Does anyone know of a live stream in English with some commentary for people outside the UK?
Well I only just have seen this, and its after the game but I see no notices of international restrictions, so fingers crossed, and thank you!!!
[ 12.06.2006, 11:09: Message edited by: Waynster ]
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
quote:Originally posted by dang65:
Nice one Aussies. Sorry for the Japs though.
That was one of the most entertaining games so far. I was gutted for the Japanese at FT.. I don't harbour any anti-Aussie feelings, particularly... it's just the pub garden next door was full of them and they were going fucking mad. So... it was quite funny listening to them winge. Winge, winge, winge. Wingeing fucking Ockers.
Lucky they didn't get that penalty awarded against them, too.
Posted by ralph (Member # 773) on :
Stupid US team. Posted by froopyscot (Member # 178) on :
Serves them right. I mean, they're out there playing soccer when everyone else is playing football.
And! They'd barely just arrived before they czeched out. There's a joke in there somewhere.
Posted by Grianagh (Member # 583) on :
friends felt they had to text me a nice 'hahaha- do americans even know how to kick a ball' yesterday as soon as the game started
ha ha ha, how would i know do i look like some sort of football expert?
Posted by Darryn.R (Member # 1) on :
Wayne, are you going to get let out of school early for the England vs. Trinidad match on Thursday (kick off 5.15pm our time) ?
Posted by Zygote (Member # 883) on :
Any predictions for the match on Thursday?
Personally, I reckon we'll batter them. 3 or 4 nil. Obviously, the possibility of Rooney starting is boosting the confidence of many England fans, however I just get the feeling that we'll silence our critics and perform convincingly on Thursday, regardless of his inclusion.
Joe Cole looked in fine fettle on Saturday. He'll cause defences all sorts of problems if he can maintain that level of performance.
Posted by Physic (Member # 195) on :
I can see us winning by several goals, what with the match being played at a hopefully slightly cooler 5pm, rather than 2pm, we should maintain a higher tempo. I can also see Trinidad and Tobago getting a man sent off, since they appear to be highly 'committed' tacklers, and I think the pace and trickery of the likes of Owen and Cole could cause them genuine problems. For all the plaudits they received after the Sweden game, Sweden created enough chances to score 3 or 4 goals easily, Shaka Hislop was in the form of his life, and I just can't see them playing so far out of their skin a second time.
Posted by Boy Racer (Member # 498) on :
We should beat them comfortably, but this is England.
After the typically shite Eriksson substitutions on Saturday, and provided we're sufficiently comfortable, I'd like to see a run out for Walcott in the last 20 minutes or so, rather than Rooney.
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
It's a shame Ghana lost yesterday, they were great Posted by Grianagh (Member # 583) on :
i agree...they were agile..it was like watching modern ballet
Posted by Zygote (Member # 883) on :
quote:Originally posted by Boy Racer: I'd like to see a run out for Walcott in the last 20 minutes or so, rather than Rooney.
I'm not entirely convinced by Walcott's inclusion in the squad. It's a well-worn subject of debate now, but surely his selection is a huge, huge gamble? I mean, selecting him above the likes of Wright-Phillips? Harsh. Wright-Phillips has demonstrated his natural ability on the international stage already. And scored goals.
I hope I'm proven wrong, but I feel that Sven's taken the piss with some aspects of his squad selection. Perhaps intentionally. The inclusion of Owen Hargreaves, as mentioned earlier, serves to underline further my train of thought.
Posted by Physic (Member # 195) on :
quote:Originally posted by Zygote: The inclusion of Owen Hargreaves, as mentioned earlier, serves to underline further my train of thought.
I'm not sure how. The constant criticism of Hargreaves makes me laugh to be honest, most people seem to judge him on the 10 minutes he occasionally gets at the end of a game, chucked in when England are under the cosh and expected to adapt to the pace of the game instantly. He actually did well when he came on on Saturday all things considered, he shored up the midfield, freed Lampard up to get 2 shots in on goal, and put in some good tackles without getting booked by a ludicrous referee. Hargreaves is a very good footballer, you don't get in the first team at Bayern Munich without being good, and if he was given the opportunity he could do the Deschamps role for us very well, but as Damo pointed out he doesn't get the opportunity. The majority of criticism of him normally seems to be based around trying to look knowledgeable about football by criticising the 'cool' player to dislike, rather than on any sort of facts.
Posted by Boy Racer (Member # 498) on :
If you look further up the thread Zygote, I already questioned the lack of another striker in the squad. The fact is that Eriksson has taken Walcott, rather than Wright-Phillips, Defoe, or whoever, and should be giving him match practice during the group stages. If Walcott's selection wasn't just a stunt to divert attention from Rooney's foot, then the game against T & T seems as good a point to start Walcott as any. If Walcott can't get passed Gillingham players then he really shouldn't be in the squad.
Ditto Physic re:Hargreaves.
[ 13.06.2006, 08:27: Message edited by: Boy Racer ]
Posted by Zygote (Member # 883) on :
quote:Originally posted by Physic: The majority of criticism of him normally seems to be based around trying to look knowledgeable about football by criticising the 'cool' player to dislike, rather than on any sort of facts.
Fair point. However, I've seen him play for us many, many times over the years and he's never performed above average. I agree that he had a fairly good game on Saturday and you could argue that 'the best is yet to come', but I still don't think he's a strong selection. In friendlies gone by, he's been given a full 90 minutes to prove himself and still hasn't made a noticeable impact. Friendly or not: it's still a huge opportunity to shine and he's failed to do so each time.
Again, I dearly hope to be proven wrong, however I would've plumped for including a fifth striker in place of Hargreaves. Namely Defoe. I feel that England play more effectively with a more attack-minded approach. Germany have opted for an out-and-out attack mentality and I reckon it will serve them well in this World Cup.
ETA:
quote:If you look further up the thread Zygote, I already questioned the lack of another striker in the squad.
Apologies. So you did.
[ 13.06.2006, 08:37: Message edited by: Zygote ]
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
Wouldn't you like to stamp a studded boot into this petulant little **** 's face?
Posted by Zygote (Member # 883) on :
*shudder*
Yes, yes.
Posted by Physic (Member # 195) on :
quote:Originally posted by Zygote: I've seen him play for us many, many times over the years
Except that he's only had 7 starts, and roughly half of those have been on the left of midfield or at right-back.
quote: and he's never performed above average. I agree that he had a fairly good game on Saturday and you could argue that 'the best is yet to come', but I still don't think he's a strong selection. In friendlies gone by, he's been given a full 90 minutes to prove himself and still hasn't made a noticeable impact.
The few times he's started he's done well, in 2002 at the World Cup he started 2 games in his favoured position in the centre of the park and got the Man of the Match award both times, I'd call that showing some potential.
Considering that Gerrard, considered by many to be our most gifted midfielder, spent 90 minutes displaying an inability to find a team-mate with many of his passes, hammering several shots into row Z when he had team-mates better positioned, and getting himself booked for a lunge which could easily have earned a red under the current crackdown on such things, I'd say that puts Hargreaves' relatively assured cameo into perspective, he may not have sparkled but he did well in an understated role in a difficult period of the game.
Posted by Zygote (Member # 883) on :
quote:Originally posted by Physic: Except that he's only had 7 starts, and roughly half of those have been on the left of midfield or at right-back.
7 starts, but a total of 31 caps. That's still a great deal of pitch time. I appreciate that there may be qualities to his game that may not have been fully exposed yet, however I still regard leaving out a fifth striker with preference shown towards a distinctly more negative player to be strategically questionable. It was my reaction upon seeing the squad when announced and is still my feeling now.
Gerrard did indeed have an utter nightmare on Saturday - embarrassing at times, but I still expect him to flourish as the tournament progresses. He seems to relish 'the big stage' and whilst there's no doubting that our match against Paraguay was very important, I believe that when facing stronger opposition, Gerrard will perform accordingly.
Personally, I regard Lampard to be our most gifted (and most consistent) midfielder. His work rate is unquestionable and his goalscoring ability undoubted. Hopefully his goalscoring form at Chelsea will be similarly replicated in this World Cup. We shall see.
ETA: Togo have just scored against Korea. Their celebratory dance is class.
[ 13.06.2006, 09:33: Message edited by: Zygote ]
Posted by Physic (Member # 195) on :
quote:Originally posted by Zygote: 7 starts, but a total of 31 caps. That's still a great deal of pitch time. I appreciate that there may be qualities to his game that may not have been fully exposed yet
My point is that a defensive type of player is never really going to shine when brought on as a sub, some players revel in coming on and changing a game with a bit of skill, a defensive player such as hargreaves is always likely to show his best game when allowed to play from the start and get into the pace of the game from the start, and as I pointed out (which seem to have overlooked) when he started for us in competitive matches in the last WC he got man of the match both times, what more does he have to do to show that he has what it takes when given the chance exactly?
quote: however I still regard leaving out a fifth striker with preference shown towards a distinctly more negative player to be strategically questionable. It was my reaction upon seeing the squad when announced and is still my feeling now.
I never disputed that point and for what it's worth I agree entirely, except that I think Jenas should have been the one left behind, he's distinctly average in every area in the Premiership and he's done exactly nothing as yet for England, largely due to a lack of opportunity but that still puts him behind Hargreaves, who at least has World Cup experience, by my reckoning.
Posted by Zygote (Member # 883) on :
quote:Originally posted by Physic: My point is that a defensive type of player is never really going to shine when brought on as a sub,
I agree, however my desire is for England to field an out-and-out attacking side. A defensive-type player, such as Hargreaves wouldn't feature in my squad, if I had the choice. He wouldn't be an issue at all. His inclusion denies us a more attacking outlook.
quote:and as I pointed out (which seem to have overlooked) when he started for us in competitive matches in the last WC he got man of the match both times, what more does he have to do to show that he has what it takes when given the chance exactly?
To be perfectly honest, I had forgotten about this. However, it was four years ago and I have slept since then. My point is that he shouldn't have been selected in the squad. Obviously opinions will differ in this respect, depending on one's own strategic preferences.
I notice that in an earlier thread you were of the same opinion initially. Has Saturday's match changed your entire viewpoint on Hargreaves' inclusion? If so, don't you feel that it's a little too soon to be doing so?
Posted by Physic (Member # 195) on :
quote:Originally posted by Zygote: I notice that in an earlier thread you were of the same opinion initially. Has Saturday's match changed your entire viewpoint on Hargreaves' inclusion? If so, don't you feel that it's a little too soon to be doing so?
Eh? Can you give me a link, I'm not doubting you but I can't recall claiming that Hargreaves shouldn't be in the squad? I've always been of the opinion that we needed another striker if we're going to take 2 potential crocks and 1 child, but my preference would be to leave Jenas behind for the reasons I stated.
Not sure what the 'sleeping' crack is about but in case you've forgotten it's 4 years since any of them played in a World Cup, just because Hargreaves has had no starting appearances in his favoured position in recent times that I can recall doesn't negate my point that he has shown potential in the past, which was your original argument.
Posted by jonesy999 (Member # 5) on :
I'm thoroughly enjoying the fact that the BBC commentary team seem incapable of talking to their various international guests as anything other than complete imbeciles.
"Nooooooow, Marcell, what dooooo yooooo think oooooofff theeeeee Koooooorrrreeeaaan teeeeeam? Anddddd doooooo yooooo remember wheeeeeeen liiiiiitle Marrrrrttiiiin trrrrrrried toooooo siiiign yoooooou foooooor Ceeeeeeltic and yooooooou laughed in his stttttuuuuupid fuuuuuuucking faaaaace. Taaaake as loooooooooong as you waaaaaaaaant."
[ 13.06.2006, 10:33: Message edited by: jonesy999 ]
Posted by Physic (Member # 195) on :
O'Neil was being a proper bell-end last night after the Ghana v Italy game, they're all there watching the replay of the blatant penalty, everyone can see it's a clear hook of the guy's ankle, cue On'Neil going 'It was nowhere near a penalty, I don't think he even really caught him', and when Desailly goes 'speaking as a defender even I can admit that's a blatant penalty', O'Neil launches in with 'I don't care what you've won, I don't care how many World Cups you've won, that was never a penalty I don't care what you say!' What, a, **** .
Posted by Zygote (Member # 883) on :
quote:Originally posted by Physic: Eh? Can you give me a link, I'm not doubting you but I can't recall claiming that Hargreaves shouldn't be in the squad?
quote:Gamble isn't really a strong enough word to describe what he's doing. He also has both Jenas and Hargreaves, 2 utility players hwo have never offered anything beyond a bit of versatility to England. The guy's a joke..
The above comment appears to mirror my thoughts on his inclusion in the squad.
quote:Not sure what the 'sleeping' crack is about
It's just bookmaking slang for admitting that you weren't aware of a particular detail as you'd obviously slept in the period between the event/detail occurring and the moment at which you're then informed of it's subsequent occurrence. Or, in a nutshell 'forgot'. Obviously, it was always used in good humour.
quote:just because Hargreaves has had no starting appearances in his favoured position in recent times that I can recall doesn't negate my point that he has shown potential in the past, which was your original argument.
My original argument was that his inclusion in the squad was a piss-take. I agree that many fans are quick to voice their disgust at his inclusion - many without genuine reason. I viewed his inclusion as a statement of negativity. A less attacking England squad. Although arguably he has demonstrated some ability, I still remain unconvinced and unswayed by the argument for his inclusion.
[ 13.06.2006, 10:55: Message edited by: Zygote ]
Posted by Physic (Member # 195) on :
Hmm, yeah I don't think I really did Hargreaves justice there I must admit, I recall being somewhat irate that poor little SWP was left out, the remark I made certainly applies to Jenas, who has yet to show anything (albeit, as I already mentioned, he hasn't yet had a real chance), but I'd have to say I was being unfair on Hargreaves in the heat of the moment, he arguably has shown that he can do a job for us, and given the dearth of out and out defensive midfield players we have (Hargreaves and Parker?) I think his inclusion makes sense if he's used properly. Anyway, as you rightly say it largely comes down to how you think England should play, personally I think the specialist holding midfielder to free up 1 or 2 attacking midfielders has a lot of potential for us, and therefore I can see a point in him being there.
Mind you, nothing we've discussed so far has really merited implying that Hargreaves' inclusion is some kind of deliberate piss-take by Eriksson as far as I can see? I'm genuinely a little mystified by that one, smacking as it seems to of one of Dang's conspiracy theories.
Posted by Zygote (Member # 883) on :
quote:Originally posted by Physic: Mind you, nothing we've discussed so far has really merited implying that Hargreaves' inclusion is some kind of deliberate piss-take by Eriksson as far as I can see?
Initially, upon reading the selected squad (after headbutting my screen repeatedly following the reality that Wright-Phillips had been disgracefully omitted), I concluded that some of Sven's decisions may have been initiated with the intent to shock the country (showing us the 'middle finger', as it were), following his media humiliation. This may be entirely ludicrous, but I couldn't help but wonder whether his high-risk selections were effected with this in mind?
Why else take such gambles now? We all know that gambling can sometimes pay, however this is football's most prestigious tournament! I don't feel that such gambles should be taken for such a major event. I mean, post-World Cup, when McLaren is at the helm, these initiatives could be tested further and possibly developed and nurtured to such a stage that we can safely say that our squad is perfectly balanced, but for Sven to initiate this just before he steps down, seems more than a little suspect.
I hope that I am wrong. I hope that Sven's decisions prove to be the 'master hand' and that we go on to progress to the final stages but the alarm bells were deafening to me from the moment he 'unveiled' his squad.
Posted by dang65 (Member # 102) on :
quote:Originally posted by Physic: I'm genuinely a little mystified by that one, smacking as it seems to of one of Dang's conspiracy theories.
What? It's turning out to be absolutely true you mean?
Posted by Physic (Member # 195) on :
quote:Originally posted by dang65: What? It's turning out to be absolutely true you mean?
Yes Dang, Hargreaves is actually the nephew of George Dubya, and Blair has forced Eriksson to pick him for the England squad in exchange for cheaper iraqui oil, and not releasing to the media the pictures he has proving that not only does our Tony partake of oral pleasure with 12 year old vietnemese boys in the back of Prescott's jag, but also he's actually Lord Lucan in disguise.
just in case..
Posted by dang65 (Member # 102) on :
The truth will out.
Posted by Waynster (Member # 56) on :
quote:Originally posted by Darryn.R: Wayne, are you going to get let out of school early for the England vs. Trinidad match on Thursday (kick off 5.15pm our time) ?
I will not be missing this under any circumstances whatsoever, least of all fucking work mate!
Beer? Its long overdue mate
Posted by Waynster (Member # 56) on :
Anyone watching France vs Switzerland? Is it me or are France looking less of a threat the more they play? Very uninspiring quoteth the commentator. Also I did like Graham Taylor's comment:
quote: "If you like passing, you'll like this game. If you don't like passing that doesn't really go anywhere, you might get a bit bored with this game."
quote:Originally posted by Darryn.R: Wayne, are you going to get let out of school early for the England vs. Trinidad match on Thursday (kick off 5.15pm our time) ?
I will not be missing this under any circumstances whatsoever, least of all fucking work mate!
Beer? Its long overdue mate
Like DUH...
Drop me an email..
Posted by Vogon Poetess (Member # 164) on :
I've been mostly really enjoying the tournament so far. Particular favourites: T&T vs Ikea Boys and Elephant Killers vs Argies. Also, lots of comedy footage the other night of Italians weeping brokenly on the pitch as they got knocked out of previous tournaments. And it's good to see France underperforming again- what the hell is going on there?
After the weekend action I was leading a group of mates who are doing a Predict The Score compy, but I think the Togo goal buggered that.
Re Hargreaves- probably a lot of the stick he gets is a bit exaggerated, as he's a very easy player to berate. I do think he's fairly average though.
Now, I know this may sound a bit mad, but I did briefly wonder if Robbie Fowler could have been a better selection? Experienced England goal scorer, on a high after a reasonably successful return to Liverpool- surely this is no less mental than bringing on some unknown child, or leaving Crouch flapping awkwardly upfront on his own.
I believe in healthy pessimism where England are concerned, and therefore except T&T to get at least one opportunistic goal past some slack defending. England definitely play better against stronger opponents.
Posted by dang65 (Member # 102) on :
quote:Originally posted by Vogon Poetess: comedy footage
Zidane laying into his own team mates last night for some fuck up or misread strategy or something. Must be really frustrating being one of the most naturally skillful and exciting players ever and having a load of clodhoppers around you.
Posted by Zygote (Member # 883) on :
quote:Originally posted by Vogon Poetess: Now, I know this may sound a bit mad, but I did briefly wonder if Robbie Fowler could have been a better selection? Experienced England goal scorer, on a high after a reasonably successful return to Liverpool- surely this is no less mental than bringing on some unknown child, or leaving Crouch flapping awkwardly upfront on his own.
I see your point, but he just lacks pace these days and is often arguably not up to the expected match fitness. As a Man City season ticket holder I saw him in 'action' on many occasions and, to be honest, he was far from consistent during his time with us. Sporadic to say the least. He did, on the other hand, score a cracker for us against United in our 3-1 derby victory earlier this year, so all is forgiven.
I'm amazed (and pleased) that he's done so well for Liverpool recently and I'm happy that they've extended his contract for another season, but I think even he would admit that his international days are well and truly over. If he hadn't been as unlucky with injuries, I'm sure we would've seen a lot more of Fowler internationally. Shame really.
[ 14.06.2006, 05:59: Message edited by: Zygote ]
Posted by Vogon Poetess (Member # 164) on :
Yeah, I guess at his age and with question marks about full match fitness, it is a bit unlikely. I think it's a shame though, as he was a genuinely passionate and forceful player in his day.
Although Brazil were far from convincing last night, just looking at the embarrassment of riches they have upfront and comparing it to the state we're reduced to with injury doubts re Owen and Rooney makes me laugh when people say that this is the year England can win. And can you really win the World Cup without a world class goalie?
Posted by dance margarita (Member # 848) on :
what does the descriptor 'world class' actually mean? is there a specific level of football goodness you have to achieve in order to be described as 'world class'? is it like doing your BAGA 5, and do you get an embroidered badge to sew on your kit bag? i am aware that saying that surely playing in a world cup qualifying team means you are 'world class' makes me sound like a total girl, but im going to say it anyway because im secure like that.
Posted by dang65 (Member # 102) on :
quote:Originally posted by dance margarita: i am aware that saying that surely playing in a world cup qualifying team means you are 'world class' makes me sound like a total girl, but im going to say it anyway because im secure like that.
I suppose the point is that it's possible to qualify for the World Cup finals by having more world class players in your side than non-qualifying teams do. But when you actually get to the finals then the best teams are the ones where nearly all their players are world class, including their goalie.
So just because you're in a team which is in the World Cup finals doesn't mean necessarily that you yourself are world class.
Posted by Waynster (Member # 56) on :
vs - A thrilling 3-3 with a great comeback from the English
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
Does anyone know if you can get proper beer at the World Cup stadiums or if it's only Budweiser?
Posted by Waynster (Member # 56) on :
Apparently there was some uproar about a complete lack of German beer by the locals, so the compromise is you can get Bitburger at the games (probably only second worse to Jever, but Deutsch bier all the same)
Posted by Vogon Poetess (Member # 164) on :
Those goddamn Germans are gonna get through to the final, aren't they? I was watching the game last night with a mate I worked with in Warsaw- felt sorry for the Polskis to concede in the 93rd minute, but they never really looked genuinely dangerous. Also, that Spanish rout has completely fucked up my Predict The Score competition.
London-based footiers- fancy watching the Netherlands-Argentina game in a central London pub next Wednesday? My afore-mentioned mate, who is my main footie-viewing buddy, has been tricked into going on holiday next week with his missis, the fool.
Posted by dang65 (Member # 102) on :
quote:Originally posted by Vogon Poetess: Those goddamn Germans are gonna get through to the final, aren't they?
Not only that, but they'll probably knock us out in the next round. I don't understand why everyone's so chuffed about England's position at the moment.
So, England won against Paraguay (3 points) and Sweden drew against T&T (1 point). Say England win against T&T (3 points) and Sweden win against Paraguay (3 points). That would put England on 6 points and Sweden on 4 points going into the last game. England would 'only' need a win or a draw to go through top of their group and avoid Germany. Lose against Sweden and we end up second and face Germany.
And what are the chances of us managing that? Oh dear.
Posted by Waynster (Member # 56) on :
I watched the Germany game last night with a mate of mine who originally comes from Bochum, and I must admit whilst Germany did scrape through (total kudos to Boruc) they still like playing the ball in the air to much, and did make a lot of silly give-aways. England, on the other hand in their opening match, certainly in the first half I felt were more confident, and kept a better control of the ball - yep goals were lacking, but you cannot underestimate a team like Paraguay who managed to beat Brazil and Argentina in qualification.
I think tonight we can get a win, again not underestimating T&T, and I'll be honest, but I think a win against Sweden is long overdue (36 years is it?) and is possible. I'm gonna stick my neck out and say we can win the group, possibly even nabbing a perfect 9. Blind optimisim? Maybe, but there's a little bit of quiet confidence in that too.
Posted by H1ppychick (Member # 529) on :
I drew Germany and Spain in my office sweepstake. I am leading on goals scored and also have a fairly decent shout at the pot, maybe. :smug:
would prefer England to trounce the lot of them, obv.
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
I got Paraguay, Ghana and Japan in my office sweep. Whoop.
Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
I got the ivory fucking coast...
Posted by Grianagh (Member # 583) on :
france and ecuador in our house
mg is flying a ecuador flag but wearing a brazil kit today, kids
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
She has three other kits on underneath the Brazil one, you know.
Hedging her bets.
Posted by dang65 (Member # 102) on :
quote:Originally posted by Waynster: Blind optimism? Maybe, but there's a little bit of quiet confidence in that too.
Sorry, how long did you say you've been an England fan?
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
Also: on the box last night they said that Germany have now automatically qualified unless Costa Rica beats Ecuador.
I've tried rolling that one round my head but it still makes no sense to me. How could Germany not go through if Ecuador loses to Costa Rica? Do they also mean "and if Germany loses to Ecuador"?
confused
Posted by Grianagh (Member # 583) on :
quote:Originally posted by mart: She has three other kits on underneath the Brazil one, you know.
Hedging her bets.
i thought she was a bit puffy this morning. which other three is she wearing?
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
I think she's got Spain on first, as it-s a tighter fit, and then Italy, and then the States, and then her long-sleeved Brazil. And a bandana round her neck, which she said was an important part of it, as it hides the collars of each strip until it's time to peel off each layer.
She's a bloody looney, your daughter.
Posted by Vogon Poetess (Member # 164) on :
I hate all this talk of a "rout" tonight, and how many England will put past the alleged donkey no-hopers. It's this stupid over-confidence that leads to casual, slack defending and stuff like the Northern Ireland victory. T&T will cope better in the heat, will be full of confidence after their good draw against Sweden and will totally go for it.
I know we beat Jamaica 6-0 the other day, but if those catastrophically racist Malibu ads are to be believed, the inhabitants of the Caribbean are so permanently befuddled by rum, ganja and sunstroke that they probably have no idea which direction they're supposed to kick the ball in, let alone do anything as complicated as buying fruit or shoes.
Posted by dang65 (Member # 102) on :
I was pleased to see the Tunisia 2-2 Saudi Arabia result yesterday. Both team's goal celebrations involved a group prayer to give thanks for the mercy of Allah and it would have been very unfair of Allah to reward one team over the other, so I think that arranging a draw in this case was His only option really. Well done Allah, you're alright you are.
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
quote:Originally posted by dang65: Both team's goal celebrations involved a group prayer to give thanks for the mercy of Allah and it would have been very unfair of Allah to reward one team over the other, so I think that arranging a draw in this case was His only option really. Well done Allah, you're alright you are.
I was thinking about that... what are they gonna do when a decent team kicks their arse? Where will old Allah be then, eh?
Posted by Niffer (Member # 266) on :
quote:Originally posted by Black Mask: I was thinking about that... what are they gonna do when a decent team kicks their arse? Where will old Allah be then, eh?
Call on the infidels with their superior fire power. Cf the USA v Iraq games of 1991 and 2003.
[ 15.06.2006, 07:03: Message edited by: Niffer ]
Posted by Bandy (Member # 12) on :
quote:Originally posted by Vogon Poetess: if those catastrophically racist Malibu ads are to be believed, the inhabitants of the Caribbean are so permanently befuddled by rum, ganja and sunstroke
And melons. Don't forget those melons. They simply love melons. if, ahem, those adverts are to believed. But why would advertisers lie?
Saying that, tonight should be good if only for the fact we're being let out at 4pm. I'd like to see Walcott get a run out for twenty minutes at the end (possibly alongside Rooney if we're doing well enough to take off crouch and one of the midfielders).
Posted by Physic (Member # 195) on :
quote:Originally posted by mart: Also: on the box last night they said that Germany have now automatically qualified unless Costa Rica beats Ecuador.
I've tried rolling that one round my head but it still makes no sense to me. How could Germany not go through if Ecuador loses to Costa Rica? Do they also mean "and if Germany loses to Ecuador"?
confused
Hmm, I heard them say that Poland were out unless Costa Rica beat Ecuador, must have missed them saying that one, I guess if Costa Rica win today they're on 3 points, with a maximum 6 if they were to beat Poland in their last game, Ecuador are alrady on 3 points, so if they were to beat Germany in their final game they'd be on 6 points, and it'd come down to goal difference, so Germany are only mathematically through if Ecuador get at least a point, since then only Ecuador could catch Germany, meaning Germany and Ecuador would be through with just the group winner to be decided.
[ 15.06.2006, 09:07: Message edited by: Physic ]
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
yeah i thought it might be that actually.
2-0 to ecuador at the moment!
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
From BBC website coverage:
"Ecuador look like becoming the first South American side into the second round. They went close in 2002 but this time there appears to be nothing stopping them. Perhaps they may even challenge Germany for first place in the group."
Crikey. Would England rather face Germany or Ecuador in the second round?
Posted by dang65 (Member # 102) on :
5Live radio are raving about Ecuador. It's funny how England have gone into this World Cup with their best team and best chance of winning for many years, and now it turns out that every other bastard has too.
Except France.
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
Thank fuck for that!
Also, may I be the first to say that Frank Lampard is fucking shit.
Posted by New Way Of Decay (Member # 106) on :
[offside/topic]
Everybody who is anybody are currently in the pub watching the football. I walked passed them all cheering though. I saw something that did keep my interest: A pigeon doing a little mating ritual to a lady pigeon. It was so cute. He was running backwards and forwards and going cuhhoooahooo and puffing up his throat like, topically, a football. She was well impressed and like 'wow' at his neck and she looked really doe eyed. I was going to take a picture but a fliddy group of girls cycled past and waved loads and one of them tried to grab my phone. I gave them my best 'you are cock-ends' stare and when I went back to what I was doing, the male pigeon had totally been put off his stride. He just stood there looking really pathetic and unable to perform. The female was looking on with a kind of 'whappen?' face and I was left there, my simple pleasure in life ruined by a gaggle of spotty girls. Not for the first time. Man, not watching the football and being harrassed by teenagers makes me feel like I haven't changed my lifestyle since I was fifteen. I'm now going to listen to some cure and drink a bottle of cooking sherry.
[/c'monref]
[ 15.06.2006, 14:39: Message edited by: New Way Of Decay ]
Posted by Physic (Member # 195) on :
quote:Originally posted by Black Mask: Thank fuck for that!
Also, may I be the first to say that Frank Lampard is fucking shit.
Top scorer in qualifying shit I take it? If it wasn't for Lampard we wouldn't even be in the World Cup.
Personally I thought we played reasonably well tonight apart from the finishing, if we'd taken even half of the clear-cut chances the midfield created we'd have won 5-0. Crouch's performance was easily the worst I've seen by any England striker, and yes that includes Heskey. Our midfield pased better than they did against Paraguay (not saying much admittedly), shifted quick ball around the midfield, and created a ridiculous amount of chances, and if we didn't have Crouch and a woefully out of form Owen up front for most of the game we'd have won handsomely. How Owen fucked up the rebound from Lampard's shot early on I'll never know, and I doubt I'll ever see another game where Lampard is quite so profligate in front of goal, to say it's out of character would be a massive understatement, I mean the guy scored more goals in the Premiership than most strikers this season for christ's sake, joint 4th highest scorer behind Henry, Van Nistelrooy and Bent.
If now isn't the time to give Walcott a shot then when the hell is???
Posted by Waynster (Member # 56) on :
Like VP said previously TnT would not be a walkover and I thought they defended excellently and made one hell of a game for us. England did make a couple of howling mistakes in front of goal but possessed the ball well throughout most of the game, but the thing is we still won 2-0, we still have 6 from 6 and we are through to the next round, so I'm happy.
The thing is with England and these tournaments is we usually start of a bit gingerly then go on through to beat some of the big clubs. We do have one of the best midfields in the world, a defence I no longer have to wince at the mention of their names, and a goalkeeper who I rate quite highly. The strike force just need to settle down a little bit, and although I think there is far too much attention on Rooney and his involvement which I don't think helps the situation, he did make a difference coming on and maybe lifted the team a little bit.
I'm still confident we can get a result against Sweden.
[ 16.06.2006, 02:36: Message edited by: Waynster ]
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
quote:Originally posted by Physic: Top scorer in qualifying shit I take it? If it wasn't for Lampard we wouldn't even be in the World Cup.
What did he do last night that wasn't shit?
Posted by Zygote (Member # 883) on :
quote:Originally posted by Physic: If now isn't the time to give Walcott a shot then when the hell is???
I must begrudgingly confess to thinking the above during last night's match. Well, up to the 83rd minute anyway. All I heard last night in the pub was, "Lampard's only done well for Chelsea 'cause he plays with internationally renowned players week-in, week-out".[neckonline]Personally, although he played woefully last night, his quality will emerge in the next game.[/neckonline]
He did have a 'mare last night though.
[ 16.06.2006, 04:32: Message edited by: Zygote ]
Posted by Physic (Member # 195) on :
quote:Originally posted by Black Mask: What did he do last night that wasn't shit?
Ah but you didn't say he was shit last night though did you, you just said he was 'fucking shit' as a general statement. I agree that last night wasn't a great game for him, although I thought he did as well as any of the midfielders when it came to passing, which admittedly isn't anything to write home about.
The one question I have is why the hell haven't T&T started their games with Cornell Glen up front? The guy did way more in his short cameo than Kenwyne Jones or Stern John did in 90 minutes, and has to be one of the quickest players I've ever seen.
Posted by dance margarita (Member # 848) on :
what the hey?
[ 16.06.2006, 04:51: Message edited by: dance margarita ]
Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
I went out during yesterday's match and heard two separate cheers (terrestrial, followed a few seconds later by satellite). A while later, the streets were full of inebriated folk wearing flags and shouting "Guonin Glund" and "Cham Peeyo Nay" in their best and loudest idiot voices.
So I assume we've won the golden statue with the world on top. In which case, congratulations to David, Wayne and the other players whose names I don't know. Did they let the chap from Newbury have a go? I think his name is Theo.
Posted by dang65 (Member # 102) on :
quote:Originally posted by dance margarita:
Does that sign in the background say "Sense and simplicity"?!?!
Edit: Yes, it does. Nice juxtaposition.
[ 16.06.2006, 05:06: Message edited by: dang65 ]
Posted by Physic (Member # 195) on :
quote:Originally posted by MiscellaneousFiles: the streets were full of inebriated folk wearing flags and shouting "Guonin Glund" and "Cham Peeyo Nay" in their best and loudest idiot voices.
Lol, the pub I was in, the reaction at the final whistle was the whole pub as one going 'thank fuck for that, useless *****', and breathing a huge sigh of relief.
Posted by Zygote (Member # 883) on :
That is a particularly gruesome image. Certainly making the task of digesting this cheese and onion panini very, very difficult.
ETA: Re: The Crouch Potato picture. Damn Physic.
[ 16.06.2006, 05:08: Message edited by: Zygote ]
Posted by dance margarita (Member # 848) on :
hes almost a human swastika isnt he. he wants to be careful, you could probably get arrested for impersonating nazi insignia right now.
Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
quote:Originally posted by dance margarita: hes almost a human swastika isnt he. he wants to be careful, you could probably get arrested for impersonating nazi insignia right now.
In related news... After her high profile split from ex-Beatle Paul McCartney, Heather Mills relocates to the Isle of Man.
Posted by dang65 (Member # 102) on :
DoubleLOL DM+MF.
Posted by Ringo (Member # 47) on :
You could turn that picture into a pretty awesome Peter Crouch Wall Clock..
Posted by dang65 (Member # 102) on :
quote:Originally posted by Ringo: You could turn that picture into a pretty awesome Peter Crouch Wall Clock..
Genius. Has B3TA got onto this pic yet?
Posted by Ringo (Member # 47) on :
I don’t know. If I could be bothered, I’d do it. Unfortunately I can’t, so it’ll be down to someone with more time on their hands.
Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
quote:Originally posted by Ringo: ...it’ll be down to someone with more time on their hands.
*groan*
Posted by Vogon Poetess (Member # 164) on :
God, in what way is watching England any kind of enjoyable? That was just fucking dismal- I'm sure Germany and Ecuador are shitting themselves. Apart from Lennon, who I know practically nothing about- he certainly caught the eye.
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
more time on their hands. very droll.
Posted by dang65 (Member # 102) on :
quote:Originally posted by Vogon Poetess: Apart from Lennon, who I know practically nothing about- he certainly caught the eye.
Just hope Ecuador don't bring Mark Chapman on as a substitute.
Posted by Waynster (Member # 56) on :
Jesus - be very afraid of Argentina - 6-0 so far
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
We definitely want to win our group now, to avoid them in the quarter finals.
Posted by Zygote (Member # 883) on :
quote:Originally posted by Waynster: Jesus - be very afraid of Argentina - 6-0 so far
He, he. My brother had £500 on Serbia. Certs my fucking arse.
Posted by Waynster (Member # 56) on :
Absolutely Mart - admittedly Serbia and Montenegro are not of the sort of calibre, but some of the individual play was truly outstanding, and they are very dangerous indeed. Mind you we did beat that team in a friendly, so nothing is impossible, but I still think that England must win on Tuesday to avoid an early exit.
FIFA rate Argentine as the 9th highest in the world behind the USA ferchrissakes - they really need to rethink their world standings formulas.
A funny thing on topic - Maradona - I hated that man with a passion, always have - never could forgive him for the Hand of God goal back in 86, but the other day, watching him in the stands with his countries shirt on, and how passionate he was about watching his countries team, I started to warm to him a bit - after all he's a bit like me, loves his football, and loves his country's team.
20 years of hate is enough I think. I'm actually starting to admire him now, after all, bar one misdemeanour, he was a fucking great player.
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
so what happened with your whole job thing, wayne? are you moving to france, or something, or what?
Posted by Waynster (Member # 56) on :
Well it was all going through, then it stalled and I was told it would be after the summer. Then yesterday I noticed the job was being advertised again, which is not a good sign, but I do know the job I initially went for they thought I would not be suitable for, so they lined me up for another, hence why they are advertising again maybe? I just really don't know any more to be honest.
Posted by Waynster (Member # 56) on :
It is just before Scotland v Brazil at the next World Cup Group game.
Ronaldinho goes into the Brazilian changing room to find all his teammates looking a bit glum.
"What's up?" he asks.
"Well, we're having trouble getting motivated for this game. We know it's important but it's only Scotland. They're sh*te and we can't be bothered".
Ronaldinho looks at them and says "Well, I reckon I can beat these by myself, you lads go down the pub."
So Ronaldino goes out to play Scotland by himself and the rest of the Brazilian team go off for a few jars.
After a few pints they wonder how the game is going, so they get the landlord to put the teletext on. A big cheer goes up as the screen reads "Brazil 1 - Scotland 0 (Ronaldinho 10minutes)". He is beating Scotland all by himself!
Anyway, a few more pints later and the game is forgotten until someone remembers "It must be full time now, let's see how he got on".
They put the teletext on....
"Result from the Stadium "Brazil 1 (Ronaldinho 10 minutes) - Scotland 1 (Angus 89 minutes)".
They can't believe it, he has single handedly got a draw against Scotland !!
They rush back to the Stadium to congratulate Ronaldinho. They find him in the dressing room, still in his gear, sat with his head in his hands.
He refuses to look at them. "I've let you down, I've let you down."
"Don't be daft, you got a draw against Scotland, all by yourself. And they only scored at the very, very end!"
"No, No, I have, I've let you down... I got sent off after 12 minutes"
Posted by Vogon Poetess (Member # 164) on :
I saw that the other day, but with England instead of Scotland.
Enjoyed seeing the French fuck up again yesterday. And the Italy-USA match was proper entertaining. Hollow laughter at Harry Kewell.
Hope all goes well with the job, Waynester.
Posted by dang65 (Member # 102) on :
quote:Originally posted by Vogon Poetess: Enjoyed seeing the French fuck up again yesterday.
That was an absolutely shocking disallowed goal though. Imagine if that had been England (as it often is). It really is time they started using a bit of technology and video refs in soccer. They're used in rugby and they often add some extra drama as you see all the different angles as they try and pick out the ball crossing the try line in the middle of a heap of bodies. Etc.
Still the Frogs didn't deserve to win so I suppose some sort of justice was done.
Posted by dang65 (Member # 102) on :
One thing that's really getting on my nerves at the moment is players rolling around on the ground when they've only been lightly tapped on the ankle or something.
Thing is though, I'm on the players' side and what's getting on my nerves is the fucking commentators.
If you stub your toe or bang your thumb with a hammer then your first reaction is to go... "FFFFFFFUUUUUUCKin' FUUUUUUCK! AaaaaaRGGGH." (sp?) And so on, for about a minute. Then you go, "[squeaky voice]Ow, that really hurt[/squeaky voice]" and carry on with your day.
I don't see why a footballer that's just been booted in the shin should be expected to react any differently just because they haven't actually broken their leg or something. And when they get up and gingerly jog off a few seconds later then it's, "See, there's nothing wrong with him! He's trying it on!"
They should employ someone to kick the commentators in the shins every time a player is kicked so they could empathise a bit more.
Posted by Waynster (Member # 56) on :
Watched the Australia Brazil game last night then headed to the Leidseplein to sit in the evenings warmth with some friends and beer. After the South Korea game a bunch of SKers came on to the square and got a rousing round of applause and cheers from everyone there (except the french who were still reeling at everyone shouting au revoir les bleus!). Me and a couple of pals went up and congratulated them and one asked if I was English - upon replying to the positive he asked me to teach them the "musicman" song - Which I did but I only knew the pub version with the "Lets all do the Niki Lauda" chorus. Anyway I tried to teach them how to sing "I'm forever blowing bubbles" to which one of them started screamin "Paul Konchesky!!!"
Just one of those lovely unifying moments that the World Cup brings.
Some happy South Koreans yesterday.
[ 19.06.2006, 05:37: Message edited by: Waynster ]
Posted by Vogon Poetess (Member # 164) on :
The Korean fans were awesome at the stadium, weren't they? France did blatantly score a second goal, but *gallic shrug* maybe the linesman was on strike at that point. Even if France had been 2-0 up, the way the Koreans keep running and scrabbling for goals, they still would have probably fought back. Great team to watch.
Posted by dang65 (Member # 102) on :
quote:Originally posted by Waynster: Some happy South Koreans yesterday.
As far as I can tell, all South Koreans are happy, all of the time. I guess it's like when India and Pakistan divided and all the Muslims went to Pakistan and all the Hindus went to India. But when North and South Korea divided all the annoyingly happy Koreans went to South Korea and all the really miserable ones went to North Korea.
Presumably he'll be telling us he considers Iran to be quite dangerous.
Posted by Zygote (Member # 883) on :
quote:Mr Blair, a Newcastle fan, recently made the rash promise to replicate Peter Crouch's famous robot dance should England win the World Cup in Berlin on July 9th.
Oh dear.
*shudder*
Posted by Dr. Benway (Member # 20) on :
Looks like North Korea is suffering from a severe case of Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Perhaps it's best that they remain isolated if the native population has been replaced by a bunch of fucked up pointy-finger aliens.
Posted by not... (Member # 25) on :
quote:Originally posted by Zygote:
quote:Mr Blair, a Newcastle fan, recently made the rash promise to replicate Peter Crouch's famous robot dance should England win the World Cup in Berlin on July 9th.
Oh dear.
*shudder*
LOL
Posted by Boy Racer (Member # 498) on :
quote:Originally posted by Dr. Benway: Perhaps it's best that they remain isolated if the native population has been replaced by a bunch of fucked up pointy-finger aliens.
Perhaps indeed, Dr Benray!
Posted by Darryn.R (Member # 1) on :
Any predictions for tonight ?
I'll be watching from home thanks to this bizarre beer allergy I picked up yesterday where one single can made me spew red, white and blue..
Maybe a decent meal will right me, stir fry veg I think..
Posted by ralph (Member # 773) on :
quote:Originally posted by Darryn.R: Any predictions for tonight ?
Sweden 1, teh England nil.
Posted by herbs (Member # 101) on :
I'm going to be watching this at an am dram rehearsal tonight. What a curious juxtaposition.
Posted by not... (Member # 25) on :
Hoo-ray 1-0 to England!
Posted by H1ppychick (Member # 529) on :
yowch pauvre michel
Posted by H1ppychick (Member # 529) on :
damn.
Posted by not... (Member # 25) on :
tsk.
Posted by not... (Member # 25) on :
brrr
Posted by H1ppychick (Member # 529) on :
any chance of us keeping possession for more than 2 passes together, do you think?
Posted by not... (Member # 25) on :
Rooney offski and raging lol
Posted by not... (Member # 25) on :
This is clashing with Big Brother.
Posted by not... (Member # 25) on :
I'll watch BB tomorrow morning. Posted by H1ppychick (Member # 529) on :
no it's not, not... big brother's on at ten.
Posted by not... (Member # 25) on :
oh right. I'm not near a tv right now. Neither will I be at 10.
Anyhow I'm getting nervous here. England please don't let one in
Posted by H1ppychick (Member # 529) on :
my bladder is bursting. beckham's not having a great night.
Posted by H1ppychick (Member # 529) on :
are you listening to a radio commentary then or just following online?
Posted by H1ppychick (Member # 529) on :
get in stevie g!
Posted by not... (Member # 25) on :
FUCKING YESSSSSSS!!!!!!!
Posted by not... (Member # 25) on :
quote:Originally posted by H1ppychick: are you listening to a radio commentary then or just following online?
Radio five live Posted by H1ppychick (Member # 529) on :
I wish we'd stop giving corners away 4 minutes out.
Posted by not... (Member # 25) on :
why don't they all just line up in front of the goal with their arms upstretched?
[ 20.06.2006, 16:46: Message edited by: not... ]
Posted by H1ppychick (Member # 529) on :
oh for fuck's sake.
Posted by not... (Member # 25) on :
FUCKING NOOOOO!!!!!
Posted by not... (Member # 25) on :
MY GOD! TYPICAL FUCKING ENGERLAND
Posted by not... (Member # 25) on :
fuck fuck fuck
Now lets wait for the next goal from Sweden.
Posted by H1ppychick (Member # 529) on :
last minute winner please please please
Posted by not... (Member # 25) on :
The final minute.
Posted by H1ppychick (Member # 529) on :
nice doing business with you, not....
Posted by not... (Member # 25) on :
*breathes*
Posted by scrawny (Member # 113) on :
bandy says: stupid england. throw in. you idiots Posted by Zygote (Member # 883) on :
Was reading this lighthearted take on last night's action and was intruiged by the following comment:
quote:More than a few Germans turned out for the match wearing England colours. Honestly, could you imagine the reverse happening in England?
I really couldn't. However, is this merely a German ploy to 'win us over', considering certain historic events, or is it simply a good-natured gesture bearing in mind they are the host country and thus, must be 'promoting' the other teams involved?
Arguably this is a sensitive question, however I'd be interested to know what other England fans think.
[ 21.06.2006, 06:57: Message edited by: Zygote ]
Posted by Thorn Davis (Member # 65) on :
A wolf in sheeps clothing is still a murdering Nazi scumbag.
*folds arms; nods wisely Posted by dang65 (Member # 102) on :
It's easy to get embarrassed about our Eng-er-lund chanting fellow countrymen but, from what I hear, many foreign types just see a huge crowd of supporters having a gigantic street party during the group games in the way that most countries only do when they've actually won the bloody World Cup.
This is quite infectious, understandably. Even the Australians commented on it during the Rugby World Cup when the support for England in Sydney was stronger than the local support for their own team.
I actually quite like the idea of the English being famed for a cold lack of passion whilst simultaneously out-partying any other nation on the planet.
Posted by Physic (Member # 195) on :
Lollo. Anyone else been watching the hilarious debacle that was the Holland v Portugal match?
Looks like we'll be facing a Portugal denied the services of Costinha, Deco, and if justice is served Figo, not to mention the doubts over Ronaldo's fitness after the foul on him tonight which saw him subbed off. I wonder what new and interesting way we can find to fuck this one up?
Posted by Thorn Davis (Member # 65) on :
I was in hysterics for most of the second half. That match was absolutely incredible. There's nothing England can do - surely - that would be as embarrassing as either Holland or Portugal in that match. What a mess.
Posted by dang65 (Member # 102) on :
As I was watching that match I was having flashbacks of Portugal being a really dirty team, but I don't know where from. Presumably I'm remembering some game or other from Euro 2004? They just look so cuddly and nice, but they're actually right sneaky little bastards, forever diving and putting in nasty hits while the ref isn't looking (which was most of the time last night).
Trouble is, like in WWF wrestling, it's always the dirty bastards that win in big football tournaments.
Posted by Vogon Poetess (Member # 164) on :
That was proper top notch entertainment. I loved the way everything just spiralled out of control and the Dutch formation rigour visibly collapsed and descended into savagery.
Entertainment value aside, it's actually really shocking to see that the players genuinely seem to think they can get away with that. I mean, when your team is down to ten men, why would you keep giving away silly fouls? It's like they actually don't know the rules of the game. It's just unbelievable to see an experienced player like Figo, captain of his team and presumably aware of the attention of the Porguguese media, do something so retarded.
I did enjoy the shot of Deco and the other Dutch sent off (Van Brugeeergharlltwseeriojeer or something) sat glumly side by side looking like naughty kids who got banned from the sandpit for kicking sand in other kids' faces. They were both clearly thinking, "this is fucking silly."
Posted by Darryn.R (Member # 1) on :
It's fucking quiet here today, no screaming of 'Nederland, oh Nederland' and 'Hup Holland Hup' or 'Aanvallen !!!', just a street full of sad looking road workers, faded streamers and half hung orange flags fluttering their last in the drizzle..
I watched the match at home last night, part of me wishes I'd gone out to watch it, but when Portugal scored I stood and cheered, I've had enough of the Dutch hype surrounding this World Cup (Much I suspect as I would have done of the English hype if I lived back home)
That match will be marked down in the World Cup history as not only a match breaking the yellow card/red card record but also for a display of what can only be called 'poor sportsmanship' on behalf of both teams, though I thought the Dutch international diving squad looked the poorer in behavior and I felt no pity for them as they simply collapsed into thuggery and pratfalls.
So, Portugal then...
Maybe if Beckham can keep his lunch down this time and Roon keeps playing like a steam train in shorts we have some small chance.
[ 26.06.2006, 05:13: Message edited by: Darryn.R ]
Posted by dang65 (Member # 102) on :
quote:Originally posted by Darryn.R: So, Portugal then...
Maybe if Beckham can keep his lunch down this time and Roon keeps playing like a steam train in shorts we have some small chance.
Wasn't it the case that we should've beaten them last time? Sol Campbell disallowed goal which ended up with the Swiss ref retiring with stress after he was flooded with hate mail!
There's no real point in analysing the teams, or looking at past form or anything rational like that. In typical fashion one never ever knows with England. On the right day they could beat anyone. And on the wrong day they can, and often do, lose against anyone. Might as well flick a coin really.
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
Just found these Strachan quotes in my inbox. They're old, but good.
Southampton manager Gordon Strachan on Wayne Rooney : >Its an incredible rise to stardom, at 17 you're more likely to get a call >from Michael Jackson than Sven Goran Eriksson ". > >------------------------------- > >Reporter: Gordon, Do you think James Beattie deserves to be in the England >squad? >Strachan: I don't care, I'm Scottish. > >------------------------------- > >Reporter: "Gordon, can we have a quick word please?" >Strachan: "Velocity" <walks off> > >------------------------------- > >Reporter: Welcome to Southampton Football Club. Do you think you are the >right man to turn things around? >Strachan: No. I was asked if I thought I was the right man for the job and I >said, "No, I think they should have got George Graham because I'm useless." > >------------------------------- > >Reporter: Is that your best start to a season? >Strachan: Well I've still got a job so it's far better than the Coventry >one, that's for sure. > >------------------------------- > >Reporter: Gordon, you must be delighted with that result? >Strachan: You're spot on! You can read me like a book. > >------------------------------- > >On Augustine Delgado: >Strachan: I've got more important things to think about. I've got a yoghurt >to finish by today, the expiry date is today. That can be my priority rather >than Augustine Delgado. > >------------------------------- > >Reporter: This might sound like a daft question, but you'll be happy to get >your first win under your belt, won't you? >Strachan: You're right. It is a daft question. I'm not even going to bother >answering that one. It is a daft question, you're spot on there. > >------------------------------- > >Reporter: Bang, there goes your unbeaten run. Can you take it? >Strachan: No, I'm just going to crumble like a wreck. 'I'll go home, become >an alcoholic and maybe jump off a bridge. > >------------------------------- > >Reporter: There's no negative vibes or negative feelings here? >Strachan: Apart from yourself, we're all quite positive round here. I'm >going to whack you over the head with a big stick, down negative man, down. > >------------------------------- > >Reporter: Where will Marion Pahars fit into the team line-up? >Strachan: Not telling you! It's a secret. > >------------------------------- > >Reporter: You don't take losing lightly, do you Gordon? >Strachan: I don't take stupid comments lightly either. > >------------------------------- > >Reporter: So, Gordon, in what areas do you think Middlesborough were better >than you today? >Strachan: What areas? Mainly that big green one out there....
[ 27.06.2006, 06:33: Message edited by: Black Mask ]
Posted by H1ppychick (Member # 529) on :
snurflelol
Posted by dang65 (Member # 102) on :
quote:Originally posted by dang65: It's funny how England have gone into this World Cup with their best team and best chance of winning for many years, and now it turns out that every other bastard has too.
Except France.
[mumble] nice one froggies [/mumble] Posted by dang65 (Member # 102) on :
Posted by Waynster (Member # 56) on :
So anyone care to call the next four games?
Germany vs Argentina - I think Germany may just pull the home advantage on Argentina - yes undeniably they have been the team of the tournament but my gut says they may have played their best too soon (either that or yesterdays Chicken Tandoori is repeating again), and I think Germany may nick it - could be a close one. 2-1?
Italy vs Ukraine - Gotta go for Italy - Ukraine seem to be the side that have got this far on luck and I really cannot see them upsetting the Italians here - 3-0?
England vs Portugal - I think we may get through this one with the usual patented "England Scrape", but I think that will be the last win we see in this tournament sadly - with probably Brazil in the next round we look pretty screwed. 1-0?
Brazil vs France - Meh. 3-1
Posted by Vogon Poetess (Member # 164) on :
I've just sent the following off for the Predict The Score compy I'm in. I'm hoping to scrape some bonus points for the extra detail I've included:
Germany 2 Argentina 3 (I also predict that whoever wins this will go on to lift the trophy) Italy 2 Ukraine 0 (there will be at least one red card in this game) England 1 Portugal 2 (Portugal score a contentious goal in extra time) Brazil 2 France 1 (Henry gets a dodgy offside goal disallowed and does his outraged frog face before being carded for protesting)
Posted by Physic (Member # 195) on :
quote:Originally posted by Waynster: Ukraine seem to be the side that have got this far on luck
I'd have to disagree with that, against Spain they were initially overwhelmed but were looking like getting back into the match despite being 2-0 down until one of the worst decisions of the tournament so far, resulting in a penalty for Spain and a man sent off for Ukraine (instead of a yellow card for Torres for diving). Their other 2 group games they won on merit, although they didn't have a very strong group. Their last match against the Swiss was abysmal, but as far as I could see that was mainly down to the Swiss and their candyass 10 men behind the ball at all times tactics, Ukraine seemed nervous about pushing too many men forwards because the Swiss were just waiting to try and catch them on the break. Ukraine were still clearly the better side though, decent passing/running moves and skill as opposed to the lump it and run tactics of the Swiss.
Anyway, I'm going for:
Germany 1 - Arentina 2 Italy 2 - Ukraine 1 England 2 - Portugal 1
and perhaps most controversially:
France 2 - Brazil 1
A combination of gut feeling, and the fact that France seem to be peaking at the right time, look very solid at the back, and Brazil look utterly, laughably indept at the back. I can see the froggies restricting them to one goal, but Henry or someone poaching a couple against a defence which leaves so many gaps at the back.
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
I'm going for:
Germany -7 - Arentina 36 Italy 0 - Ukraine 1,000,000 England Lots and lots - Portugal Nuffink France Disqualified - Brazil Disqualified
Posted by George the Robot (Member # 681) on :
Germany 2-2 Argentina. Argentina to win on penalties. The new Germany are playing brilliant, attacking, powerplay football, in contrast to the dour, ruthless efficiency of old. The new Germany are also going to be shit at penalties - hoorah!
Italy 1-0 Ukraine. Italy will ponce around for a while being obviously superior to their limited opponents, whilst not threatening to score. After 80 minutes they will suddenly realise that they need to score at least one goal to win, and will duly oblige.
England 2-0 Portugal. Lampard (if fit) will crash one home from 25 yards to finally break his world cup duck in the first half. England will then defend desperately for most of the second half until Rooney pops up with a cool finish to send Blighty into delerium.
Brazil 2-1 France. Tough to call. I think Brazil will just have too much for the French.
[ 30.06.2006, 05:12: Message edited by: George the Robot ]
Posted by dang65 (Member # 102) on :
I think it's funny how England's route to final victory in this World Cup has been/will be strewn with our arch-Nemesises, our permanant Achilles' Heels.
1. Sweden - didn't matter this time, but still stands at 38 years without us beating this completely average and under-achieving footballing nation...
2. Scolari/Portugal - knocked us out of last Euro, but if we do get through against them (with an Argentinian referee, incidentally *humourless laugh*), then it would be...
2. Brazil - knocked us out of last World Cup when managed by Scolari, but if they manage to lose their 1/4 final then we get...
3. France - just our arch-Nemesis in everything, but if we get past either of those then we'd almost certainly hit a final against...
4. Germany - *tumbleweed* or...
5. Argentina - *faints*
When a team has as many arch-Nemesises as that they've surely got to start wondering if it's possible that they could actually just be completely shite, rather than simply Nemesis-ridden.
Still, this could be our year, eh.
Posted by Ringo (Member # 47) on :
Germany V Argentina looks like going to penalties. Been a bit scrappy but there's really been very little to choose between either team. Germany are looking stronger now although Argentina are still moving the ball around better. If it goes to penalties, it's really anyone's guess.
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
Fack! The ref's an Argey!
Posted by not... (Member # 25) on :
quote:Originally posted by George the Robot: Germany 2-2 Argentina. Argentina to win on penalties. The new Germany are playing brilliant, attacking, powerplay football, in contrast to the dour, ruthless efficiency of old. The new Germany are also going to be shit at penalties - hoorah!
Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
Rooney!
Posted by Waynster (Member # 56) on :
So that's it for another 4 years - the dreams of millions crushed again by a penalty shoot out, the thorn in England's side that seems to be our constant downfall.
But there were times last night that England played with genius - in the first half their control of the game was nothing short of magnificent, and for a short time there, they actually looked like a side who could go all the way. But of course there had to be someone to piss on their chips - the diving by the portuguese and acting was nothing short of disgusting (notice how after Rooney was dismissed they managed to keep their balance so much better?) - the referee had a lot to answer for - two denied penalties, one of which was most definately a foul I think, and at times a definate bias to our opponents. Rooney's sending off was questionable - having four portuguese players having a go, one push away from him and a straight red card? In the premiership it would be a yellow perhaps.
And then there were 10 - but you would not have known - they still applied pressure and defended valiantly. Portugal were not the better team, but after the 120, its them bloody penalties again - before they started I knew we were out, as I guessed many did.
So Brazil join England in the departure lounge for regular pastures, while France, and undeservedly Portugal go through to join Italy and hosts Germany for the Semi finals. And contrary to xenophobic and crap comedienne Helen Ledbetter who on Breakfast this morning claimed that none of us wants the Germans to win - well I do. They have been fantastic hosts, welcoming, friendly and accomodating and have made this the best World Cup as far as hosting is concerned. And I think they can do it, and what is more, deserve it. So jetzt geht's los! Posted by Vogon Poetess (Member # 164) on :
Well, we got beaten fair and square on penalties. The Porguese goalkeeper was brilliant and that can't be denied.
We played better with 10 men than 11 and deserve credit for not letting Portugal dominate and for still creating chances. However, we still never looked like a team worthy of progressing further, not when you look at the other quarter final teams. France were poor in their group games, but stepped it up when it mattered. England did not.
I take back calling Hargreaves average- he played his arse off and never stopped going for it. His best England game by a long way. Ferdinand also had a good game and Lennon continues to impress. C Ronaldo- what an irritating little cnut.
Did anyone else notice the big St Georges flag hung near the corner post at one end that clearly had the word "minge" printed in one quarter- visible to however many millions were watching each time a corner kick was taken? Genius.
Posted by Thorn Davis (Member # 65) on :
quote:Originally posted by Zygote: Was reading this lighthearted take on last night's action and was intruiged by the following comment:
quote:More than a few Germans turned out for the match wearing England colours. Honestly, could you imagine the reverse happening in England?
I really couldn't.
If Portugal manage to wriggle their way to a final against Germany, I'd say this wasn't just imaginable, but inevitable.
Posted by herbs (Member # 101) on :
quote:Originally posted by Vogon Poetess: Did anyone else notice the big St Georges flag hung near the corner post at one end that clearly had the word "minge" printed in one quarter- visible to however many millions were watching each time a corner kick was taken? Genius.
That was the best bit. I'm glad we lost on penalties - scraping through yet again would have been embarrassing. I'm just sorry the WAGs stories will be all over. I was rather enjoying tales of that twiglet in a wig "Posh" dissing all the others for 'not understanding the pressures of pop stardom like me and Cheryl Tweedy here'.
Posted by Zygote (Member # 883) on :
The picture that we all craved...
"We played well and did our best but the referee didn't help us," said the Manchester United player.
"Everyone who saw the match could see that the referee wasn't fair. He should have shown yellow cards but he did not because Portugal is a small country. We just have to carry on working and then we will be a big country."
Yeah, you definitely lost because you're a 'small country'.
Alan Shearer was far more on target, commenting that referees should start giving out cards for diving. That would make cheating ***** like Ronaldo, Postiga et al think twice before attempting to con referees and hopefully encourage similar 'divers' to concentrate on playing the game of football, as opposed to acting like fucking ballerinas.
Posted by ralph (Member # 773) on :
quote:Originally posted by Zygote: referees should start giving out cards for diving
I admit I know little about football, but I agree with this statement. What little I watched of the US matches showed me that it's quite common for a player to be writhing on the ground in apparent pain one moment, and having to be carried off the field on a stretcher, only to be up and about a few minutes later. When an obvious dive takes place, the divee should be disqualified from play.
Posted by Thorn Davis (Member # 65) on :
What was absurd about last night's game was that the Portuguese became so obsessed with securing a penalty of their own they started to hit the deck every time they got into the area, despite the fact that if they'd taken a shot - especially against the wobbly looking Barthez - they probably would have scored.
Ronaldo took an absolutely scandalous dive during one of the corners - the replay just showed him launching himself forward as soon as the shot was taken. If he'd actually tried to play the ball, who knows what he might have achieved? With that kind of attitude Portugal got exactly the result they deserved. They were concetrating so hard on securing free kicks and penalties they actually forgot to take advantage of the genuine opportunities available in fair play.
Posted by Vogon Poetess (Member # 164) on :
It is a shame, as while Portugal never quite looked as strong at the business end of things, their team's not short of talent and they don't need to cheat.
Excellent booing contribution from the crowd whenever Ronaldo touched the ball. He actually looked the sharpest player on the pitch for most of the game, but it's his own fault if he's going to be remembered as a greasy little diver rather than as a genuinely talented player.
Don't fancy Barthez much against the Itize.
What am I supposed to do when the football's all over?
Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
quote:Originally posted by Vogon Poetess: What am I supposed to do when the football's all over?
Posted by Zygote (Member # 883) on :
Posted by dang65 (Member # 102) on :
Props to this photo of the Portugese training ground:
Posted by not... (Member # 25) on :
props indeed
Posted by Waynster (Member # 56) on :
Just wondering if anyone still had interest in the World Cup since Englands demise - I'm sitting here watching the runners up match and will of course be watching the Final tomorrow, but I just wondered how much apathy was being experienced in the motherland - have all the flags come down, or have the faithful adopted a new team for winners?
Personally, and as it will win favour with a possible job opputunity I would like to see France win tomorrow - And tonight is lovely so far with Germany two up (Portuguese cheating bastards deserve it all!) - plus as I said on an earlier post, The Germans deserve something for the fantastic hosts they have been.
Posted by Waynster (Member # 56) on :
Just watching the celebratiosn of the crowd after Germany scored their third, and I saw a lovely banner saying quite simply "Thank you for being our guests"
Well for what it is worth, thank you for being the best hosts of a world cup I can recall.
The true spirit of the game lives on, and for that, even with Englands untimely exit, I am very happy Posted by jonesy999 (Member # 5) on :
I spent four days in Munich. Due to work, I had to give away my ticket for the England T&T game and fly out late, but I managed to make it to Brazil/Australia and also got to watch plenty of games at the fanfest. The Germans were fantastic, the vibe was great. It was a proper harmonious, multicultural experience - a bit like the We are the World video. At one point, a bunch of Scottish fans were giving some stick to some English teenagers, singing "ASBO, ASBO" to the Big Ben chimes theme. A German joined in. The great thing was, the German was wearing an Italian shirt (little did he know) - Germans were supporting all kinds of teams out there; there were even Germans wearing England shirts. Anyway, depiste almost certainly not knowing what an ASBO is, there he was: a German, wearing an Italian shirt, singing anti-English songs with a bunch of Scotsman, while Mexico played Angola on the big screen in front of 40,000 fans from all over the world. The Germans have been great hosts. And, yes, I'm still watching. I think the loser game was excellent. Martin O'Neil should keep his horrible little mouth closed. I'll be watching tomorrow. I think I had a point but it;s pickled now. Sorry Waynster.
[ 08.07.2006, 17:33: Message edited by: jonesy999 ]
Posted by Waynster (Member # 56) on :
Pickled = good - I am the same. Should not drink at use TMO as an outsource for my fluufy feelings.
I have however in a fit of drunken pride emailed the Deutsche Fussbal Bund and thanked them for being nice hosts, even though I never steppede oot in Germany while the world cup was on.
Posted by jonesy999 (Member # 5) on :
You and Darryn seemede to be the only Dutchies who weren't there .` The oranges were everywhere.
Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
I was watching Portugal play Germany for fifteen minutes before someone told me it wasn't the final. Which was a shame really, because I wanted Germany to win. Win the whole World Cup thing, obviously, not just win the third place or whatever it was they were playing for.
Posted by jonesy999 (Member # 5) on :
Stupid Louche.
Girls,eh?
Posted by jonesy999 (Member # 5) on :
You're missing the Amir Khan fight, you butch bitch.
Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
Butch bitch? *sob*
Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
Amir Khan once knocked one of my mates out, you know. In a boxing match, not, like, just randomly.
Posted by jonesy999 (Member # 5) on :
Also there's great `Volvo advert on.
Posted by jonesy999 (Member # 5) on :
Also also, to bring the thread back on topic, WAYNE rooneuys brother once beat Amir Khan as an ametuer
Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
Is the Volvo advert as good as the seminal Pug one from about seven years ago with the M People soundtrack? I loved that advert.
Posted by jonesy999 (Member # 5) on :
I'm going to fire my secretary for that post.
Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
Khan just won in like two rounds. That boy is good.
Posted by jonesy999 (Member # 5) on :
The fight is over. The Volvo advert is the one where they've buried Johnny Depp in a box somewhere. If you can find him, you can fuck him. By you, I mean 'one'.
Posted by jonesy999 (Member # 5) on :
You could take him Loosh.
Posted by jonesy999 (Member # 5) on :
Louche, louche. Say something dirty, for me. No one;s wathcing.
Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
Jonesy, darling, I fucking love you, I've always loved you.
Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
But you always loved Sidney more than me. Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
Don't even think about quoting, by the way, this is so going to be a line of x's by the morning.
Posted by jonesy999 (Member # 5) on :
Everyone loves Sidney. You've got a filthy twinkle though.
Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
Sidney's absolutely gorgeous isn't she? I love Sidney. She was the first ever person I met from TMO, in a pub in Brum. She had an ace red coat and hair I wanted to stroke.
Posted by dance margarita (Member # 848) on :
what a rude thing to say. about louche's twinkle, i mean.
Posted by Waynster (Member # 56) on :
Who ever knew a football thread could get so horny?
Posted by jonesy999 (Member # 5) on :
She's the best. I don't want to big her up too much because, well, you know, whenever I'm nice about someone I have to be horrible about them really quickly to balance things out. It's hard to be horrible about Sidney though. Apparently she once ran over her neighbour's dog in a Nissan Sunny and, as a result, she is known as "the bitch from the black country" or something like that.
True story.
I'm getting married in September, Louche. Have you got any advice for a first timer?
[ 08.07.2006, 19:49: Message edited by: jonesy999 ]
Posted by jonesy999 (Member # 5) on :
I reckon West Ham ruined Joe Cole, Wayne. I'm sure you agree.
Posted by jonesy999 (Member # 5) on :
Disco Dammige appeared then, like a subliminal advert for excellent posters. Did I dream that?
Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
quote:Originally posted by jonesy999: I'm getting married in September, Louche. Have you got any advice for a first timer?
Fuck worrying about the minutae, that sort of shit doesn't matter, don't drink until late at night (and then make up for earlier sobriety) and laugh your way through it.
Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
n
[ 08.07.2006, 19:51: Message edited by: Louche ]
Posted by jonesy999 (Member # 5) on :
quote:Originally posted by Louche:
quote:Originally posted by jonesy999: I'm getting married in September, Louche. Have you got any advice for a first timer?
Fuck worrying about the minutae, that sort of shit doesn't matter, don't drink until late at night (and then make up for earlier sobriety) and laugh your way through it.
And what about after the event. Any wise words for that difficult 'paper' (I think it's paper) year?
Posted by Waynster (Member # 56) on :
quote:Originally posted by jonesy999: I reckon West Ham ruined Joe Cole, Wayne. I'm sure you agree.
Naah we nurtured him - Chelsea took him to the next level - one of the greatest football players in the world now. Fucking genius, nuff said
Posted by jonesy999 (Member # 5) on :
quote:Originally posted by Waynster:
quote:Originally posted by jonesy999: I reckon West Ham ruined Joe Cole, Wayne. I'm sure you agree.
Naah we nurtured him - Chelsea took him to the next level - one of the greatest football players in the world now. Fucking genius, nuff said
Hmm. He suffers because of his limited beginnings, doesn’t he? Come on, admit it. If Ferguson was allowed to buy him when he was 15, as he always tried to, we'd be playing Italy tomorrow, wouldn't we? Don't you think the Irons owe the country an apology?
Posted by Waynster (Member # 56) on :
quote:Originally posted by jonesy999: I'm getting married in September, Louche. Have you got any advice for a first timer?
I suggest at the reception shoving your tongue down as many bridemaids throats as you can - then start a fight with the father in law and then waggle your unscarabed cock in the wife's mums face - if she forgives you, it was meant to be and you will be happy forever after.
Posted by jonesy999 (Member # 5) on :
Also, Doesn’t Dance Marg only post from libraries and stolen laptops these days, like some sexy, funny Steelgate? If so, how is she appearing at this time of night on a Saturday, eh? Unless she’s sleeping with Elvise and Esmeralda?
Posted by jonesy999 (Member # 5) on :
You're avoiding my probing sporting interrogation, Wayne.
Posted by Waynster (Member # 56) on :
quote:Originally posted by jonesy999: Don't you think the Irons owe the country an apology?
Absoluetly not - we are the epitamy of the British Spirit - the underdog, the johnny come lately, the dunkirk defiance - when all else is lost, we dig deep into our reserves and just go for it. Joe did not lose us the world cup, The portuguese acting did - but we played valiantly and like the underdogs we always have been. We didn'nt deserve to exit so early, and it was no ones fault but maybe the refereeing.
I'm sitting here tonight wearing my England Shirt still, and proud of thm. We did alright - not good enough, but still alright
Posted by jonesy999 (Member # 5) on :
I was really quite excited for 62 year old IVF heroine Patty Carrot (if that’s her name), and now I find out from the Daily Mail that she’s evil for having a child at such a stupid age. Tell me what to think, TMO?
Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
It all started being about football again. Murgh.
Posted by dance margarita (Member # 848) on :
i have been tudoring for two weeks, and now i am not, i am at my mums house! my mum is drunk and just stole my tudor hat. she is dancing around shouting 'how could you deny me a hat so beautiful! i want this hat!' do you know what i hate? when you go home, and your mum totally vexesyou into giving her your favourite hat. mums are shit sometimes.
Posted by jonesy999 (Member # 5) on :
quote:Originally posted by Waynster: Absoluetly not - we are the epitamy of the British Spirit - the underdog, the johnny come lately, the dunkirk defiance - when all else is lost, we dig deep into our reserves and just go for it. Joe did not lose us the world cup, The portuguese acting did - but we played valiantly and like the underdogs we always have been. We didn'nt deserve to exit so early, and it was no ones fault but maybe the refereeing.
I'm sitting here tonight wearing my England Shirt still, and proud of thm. We did alright - not good enough, but still alright
You're supposed to rise to the bait and become abusive. Call yourself a Hammer?
Posted by Waynster (Member # 56) on :
I'm too pissed to care - anyway our only player (Shaka Hislop) did alright.
Sorry to dissapoint but I am your non-aggrsive drunk - I love eveyone with alcohol
Posted by jonesy999 (Member # 5) on :
I would just love it if DD's mum posted now. In a tudor hat. Just love it. Posted by Waynster (Member # 56) on :
quote:Originally posted by Louche: It all started being about football again. Murgh.
Sorry Louche - lets get it back to how much you want to stroke Sidney again - much more interesting than football
Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
quote:Originally posted by dance margarita: i have been tudoring for two weeks, and now i am not, i am at my mums house! my mum is drunk and just stole my tudor hat. she is dancing around shouting 'how could you deny me a hat so beautiful! i want this hat!' do you know what i hate? when you go home, and your mum totally vexesyou into giving her your favourite hat. mums are shit sometimes.
What does your Tudor hat look like? I want to know what your Tudor hat looks like. I like the thought of Tudor hats but my historical knowledge isn't up to supplying me with a Tudor hat image.
Posted by jonesy999 (Member # 5) on :
quote:Originally posted by Waynster: I'm too pissed to care - anyway our only player (Shaka Hislop) did alright.
Sorry to dissapoint but I am your non-aggrsive drunk - I love eveyone with alcohol
Yes, Shaka was immense.
I'm a non-aggresive drink too. I love you Waynster.
I didn't really want you to turn into a ham-head.
Posted by jonesy999 (Member # 5) on :
I can't believe I was the one who failed to capitalise tudor. Actuallu, I can. Sorry everyone.
Posted by jonesy999 (Member # 5) on :
According to the news, Peter Sellers has just died in space. Stupid ITV.
Posted by jonesy999 (Member # 5) on :
I'm going to make the big 7000 tonight. Postwise.
Posted by Waynster (Member # 56) on :
quote:Originally posted by jonesy999: [QUOTE]Originally posted by Waynster: [b] I didn't really want you to turn into a ham-head.
My head is West Ham until I die, but not of the pork variety of which you speak I hope.
[ 08.07.2006, 18:50: Message edited by: Waynster ]
Posted by jonesy999 (Member # 5) on :
God. I've shit on TMO in my sleep.
Posted by dance margarita (Member # 848) on :
my tudor hat is fashioned from straw. imagine a normal wide- brimmed straw hat, the kind grannies wear to do the gardening on a bright june morning, crossed with a pointy china man's hat (it is the hat which is pointy, not the chinaman). it is a bit like that. it is in all honesty almost entirely fucking fly.
you so dont want my mum to post! right now she can barely speak, let alone type straight. actualla, what i mean is, i dont want my mum to post, because i am worried that her pissed posts will be funnier than mine ever were, and that you will all fall in love with my mum, even jonesy, and then i would have to weep solid tears that would stretch my ducts to an unseemly diameter.
Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
You pissed 6,000 up the wall, darling. I want a picture of Sylvia Plath when I get to 4,000. I don't deserve it, though. At least 200 of my posts after 3,000 were Bmaba.
Posted by jonesy999 (Member # 5) on :
quote:Originally posted by Waynster:
Here's me pledging from my heart that I don't mean anything and not being nasty
I don't think misc's uploads work when you chuck a number on the end.
Posted by Waynster (Member # 56) on :
Arse - why is life so complicated when you are drunked?
Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
I want a straw Tudor hat and an interesting drunken mum. I have Dance Disco envy. That hat sounds excellent. Please make a picture of your head and hat be on TMO, that would be twelve different times of acers.
Posted by jonesy999 (Member # 5) on :
quote:Originally posted by dance margarita: i am worried that her pissed posts will be funnier than mine ever were, and that you will all fall in love with my mum.
I'm already hooked on your muum's mystery./
Posted by jonesy999 (Member # 5) on :
Yes, DM. Take a picture of your excellent mum wearing your tudor hat. It will counter Steve Penk Interviewing Tim Vincent with a haircut ten years beyond him on ITV>
Posted by jonesy999 (Member # 5) on :
You have to post the picture of you excellent mum.
Otherwise it doesn't work.
Posted by dance margarita (Member # 848) on :
HUGE EXCITEMEBT! the usb port on my mums computer is protected by a tiny garage door- like thing. it is like a beautiful portal. the action on it! so smooth! ooh, i could play with this all night. it clicks on the upstroke and smooshes on the downstroke!
HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT! i think i left my card reader in 1578 and i dont have a dongle. if i had a dongle you could have a picture of me wearing my tiny wigwam hat to the cowboys and indians party.
Posted by jonesy999 (Member # 5) on :
Darryn. If you could delete everything I've ever posted there's a crisp twenty in it for the TMO fund.
A tenner if you can make tonight go away.
Posted by Waynster (Member # 56) on :
Yes, post the picture please?
Why Am my fingers so incabaple of hitting the right keys?
Chate: What are we all listening to? I am loving Sigur Ros right now. They are lovely when yu are drunked...
Posted by jonesy999 (Member # 5) on :
Shut up Jones.
[ 08.07.2006, 19:26: Message edited by: jonesy999 ]
Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
c
[ 08.07.2006, 19:50: Message edited by: Louche ]
Posted by jonesy999 (Member # 5) on :
Goodnight Louche. I love you.
Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
x
Posted by Zygote (Member # 883) on :
What the fuck was Zidane thinking of last night? I know he's performed similar on-pitch antics in the past, but to do so in your last game for your nation and - ultimately - cost them the World Cup is unforgiveable. Materazzi obviously said something pretty bad for Zidane to react in such a way, but surely nothing should warrant acting so irresponsibly on such a huge, global stage??
By my reckoning, had Zidane not acted so stupidly, France would have been lifting the World Cup trophy. A monumental lack of composure on Zidane's part.
Posted by Vogon Poetess (Member # 164) on :
I am really curious to know what Materazzi said that could make him flip so badly.
You just can't make it up with these footballers sometimes.
It's weird watching penalty shoot-outs when you don't care who wins, isn't it?
Posted by jonesy999 (Member # 5) on :
He is a shy man, a man who doesn't covert media attention. It's clear to me that, given that he plays his football in The Matrix bullet time and has several minutes to ponder each second of the game before he moves, while the second hand of the referees watch began its journey from 108 minutes and 27 Seconds to 109 minutes and 28 seconds, while Materazzi took half a breath and formed the first syllable of the word 'terrorist', Zidane became reflective: "If the swan sings for Zizou and that song is a happy one, what then? If Les Bleues lift the World Cup in their hands and the name of Zidane to the heavens, what then? These bastards will never let me smoke in peace. Forever it will be Zidane the Great, Zidane the Legend. Zidane, Zidane, Zidane. To sell shoes? To remake Escape To Victory with Brad Pitt, a woman with perfect teeth and some clumsy English footballers? To peddle erection cream! Zidane: Tom d'oncle l'Algérie - sodommed by the machine. It must not be".
"...errorist Algerian dog".
NIPPLE TWEAK FOR GOOD LUCK.
HEAD BUTT
Now Zizou can rest.
[ 10.07.2006, 06:40: Message edited by: jonesy999 ]
Posted by Zygote (Member # 883) on :
quote:Originally posted by Vogon Poetess: I am really curious to know what Materazzi said that could make him flip so badly.
It must have been extremely personal, however that still doesn't excuse headbutting the guy in the chest at full force! As with the Kung-Fu Cantona kick - paid professionals should let their performance 'do the talking', as opposed to lashing out in a manner witnessed on a weekly basis in Sunday afternoon pub football matches.
quote:It's weird watching penalty shoot-outs when you don't care who wins, isn't it?
Yeah, I know what you mean. Deep down, I wanted France to win though. Italy were very good, yet hardly captivating in any of the games I saw. I really believed that France would win the World Cup this year after starting so poorly then pulling off some magnificent performances in the later stages. However, with Henry and Viera substitued, then Zidane getting himself sent off, Italy were always going to prevail in the end. Just a shame that a moments idiocy cost France dearly.
Posted by dang65 (Member # 102) on :
quote:Originally posted by Zygote: By my reckoning, had Zidane not acted so stupidly, France would have been lifting the World Cup trophy.
I don't reckon that's necessarily so, but we'll never know, any more than Beckham in 1998 or Rooney in 2006. I mean a game like that is decided by thousands of factors - debatable penalty decisions and off-sides, ball hitting post/bar, lucky/unlucky deflections, one guy having a bad night... so it goes on.
It would have been great for Zidane to go out in a blaze of glory, but the media reaction in this country, about the incident having destroyed his reputation and the memory of his great career is complete bollocks. Anyway, he was following a great French tradition of, er, passionate reaction to insults. Cantona was berated for karate kicking some tosser in the crowd. Not professional, shouldn't have done it... but it never did him any long term damage. Well, maybe it did, I dunno really, but then Cantona wasn't Zidane.
Posted by Zygote (Member # 883) on :
quote:Originally posted by dang65: I don't reckon that's necessarily so, but we'll never know, any more than Beckham in 1998 or Rooney in 2006. I mean a game like that is decided by thousands of factors - debatable penalty decisions and off-sides, ball hitting post/bar, lucky/unlucky deflections, one guy having a bad night... so it goes on.
True. I just felt, however, that at the time of the sending off, France were firmly in the driving seat and looked very likely to score before the game reached penalties. The Italians were walking around and appeared to be simply playing out the seconds, whereas France were very attacking and looked as though they had the 'bit between their teeth'. Too much so, as was the case with Zidane.
The Italians 'tactic' of basically doing nothing with the ball is ridiculous at times. At one point even the commentators thought a free kick had been given, as the Italians were virtually stood still, ambling lazily around with the ball, doing fuck all in the way of creating a chance. It's a very negative way of playing the game in my opinion.
Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
The head butt thing was excellent. That was the most fun of the match. I fogot to watch the penalties, which was a bit rubbish of me, I suppose.
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
![[Mad]](mad.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
just in case..
vs 
- A thrilling 3-3 with a great comeback from the English
![[Cool]](cool.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
