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Post by Frank Owen’s Paintbrush on May 30, 2018 6:26:16 GMT
A little over a fortnight before the big kick off so I thought I'd start an official thread for ALL World Cup/England chat to go in here.
I'll get the ball rolling with the unveiling of the respective punditry teams that the BBC and ITV are taking along to Russia (and the Kaliningrad Oblast exclave nestled between Poland and Lithuania).
BBC: Alan Shearer Danny Murphy Jermaine Jenas Phil Neville Martin Keown Frank Lampard Rio Ferdinand Dider Drogba Pablo Zabaleta Alex Scott
ITV: Roy Keane Lee Dixon Ian Wright Gary Neville Ryan Giggs Martin O'Neill Patrice Evra Henrik Larsson Slaven Bilic Eniola Aluko
Clearly ITV win the punditry battle - Martin O'Neill is hilarious and Keano alongside Red Nev would make great viewing with their forthright opinions. It's a shame ITV have let themselves down with their pick of the sole token women's footballer on each channel, opting for the attention-seeking cow that inexplicably ruined a great coach's career.
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Post by Derry Blue on May 30, 2018 6:48:39 GMT
A little over a fortnight before the big kick off so I thought I'd start an official thread for ALL World Cup/England chat to go in here. I'll get the ball rolling with the unveiling of the respective punditry teams that the BBC and ITV are taking along to Russia (and the Kaliningrad Oblast exclave nestled between Poland and Lithuania). BBC: Alan Shearer Danny Murphy Jermaine Jenas Phil Neville Martin Keown Frank Lampard Rio Ferdinand Dider Drogba Pablo Zabaleta Alex Scott ITV: Roy Keane Lee Dixon Ian Wright Gary Neville Ryan Giggs Martin O'Neill Patrice Evra Henrik Larsson Slaven Bilic Eniola Aluko Clearly ITV win the punditry battle - Martin O'Neill is hilarious and Keano alongside Red Nev would make great viewing with their forthright opinions. It's a shame ITV have let themselves down with their pick of the sole token women's footballer on each channel, opting for the attention-seeking cow that inexplicably ruined a great coach's career. I dislike ITV coverage of any sport but the inclusion of Aluko seals it for me. BBC all the way.
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Post by bing on May 30, 2018 6:56:48 GMT
Yes, BBC for me. Not sure why Evra is with ITV - hardly a fine role model unless you're in to Kung Fu.
A few newbies for me - hope they give good tactical analysis like some of the others on those lists. I hate listening to punditry thinking that they've told me nothing I didn't already know.
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Post by Lobster on May 30, 2018 7:02:10 GMT
ITV have the better pundits but BBC tend to have the better commentators. I remember thinking last World Cup that both channels’ coverage was pretty dire, but ITV was marginally better.
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Post by jimianto on May 30, 2018 9:01:11 GMT
Agree ITV have the better pundits generally, but Aluko - miserable trouble causer and never been a 'team player'. Her counterpart Alex Scott will be a breath of fresh air pitched against some really dour BBC pundits - the principal ones - Shearer, Murphy, JJ are very boring.
Anyway, who's going to win?
I think France have a big chance and Germany would be my second choice. I can't see Brazil and Spain winning 3 on the spin QF,SF & F this time around and possibly some tough nuts like Uruguay, Portugal and err England could go well. Belgium are another possibility, but I'd exclude the rest as potential winners.
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Post by Lobster on May 30, 2018 9:36:22 GMT
Agree ITV have the better pundits generally, but Aluko - miserable trouble causer and never been a 'team player'. Her counterpart Alex Scott will be a breath of fresh air pitched against some really dour BBC pundits - the principal ones - Shearer, Murphy, JJ are very boring. Anyway, who's going to win? I think France have a big chance and Germany would be my second choice. I can't see Brazil and Spain winning 3 on the spin QF,SF & F this time around and possibly some tough nuts like Uruguay, Portugal and err England could go well. Belgium are another possibility, but I'd exclude the rest as potential winners.
I had a go at the predictor competition on FIFA's website. I ended up with a Germany v Belgium final. Don't particularly rate Belgium but they ended up with quite an easy route to the final, although I did tip them to beat Brazil in the quarters.
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Post by jwoodj1 on May 30, 2018 9:56:31 GMT
Think ITV win the pundit battle, but BBC win the commentary battle. At the end of the day only the final is on both so both broadcasters will get fair share of England games and the other biggies. Looking forward to what Drogba talks about, seems the only African on either channel whcih shows a lot about the state of African football.
In terms of who will win, got a feeling Uruguay could get far, easy-ish draw and have the Atletico Madrid centre back pairing (Godin and Gimenez) and Cavani and Suarez up top will surely score goals. I know the rest of the team/squad is average but if you can score a few and not concede many it's a good combo! 28/1 will sky bet looks good value to me, even though South Americans never win in Europe!
England i feel will make the quarters due to the relatively straightforward draw but lack of midfield will mean they struggle against the big teams.
France for me should be favs ahead of Germany and Brazil, their squad depth is ridiculous and Deschamps is a decent manager who has had two tournaments already with the team.
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Post by Cestrian1987 on May 30, 2018 9:57:23 GMT
France to win it, Senegal the surprise package and to get further than England.
Griezman golden boot
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Post by Rio Doherty on May 30, 2018 10:21:23 GMT
I predict France to beat Germany in the final and England to get to the quarters with our relatively easy group (bar Belgium).
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Post by jedthehumanoid on May 30, 2018 10:29:26 GMT
A little over a fortnight before the big kick off so I thought I'd start an official thread for ALL World Cup/England chat to go in here. I'll get the ball rolling with the unveiling of the respective punditry teams that the BBC and ITV are taking along to Russia (and the Kaliningrad Oblast exclave nestled between Poland and Lithuania). BBC: Alan Shearer Danny Murphy Jermaine Jenas Phil Neville Martin Keown Frank Lampard Rio Ferdinand Dider Drogba Pablo Zabaleta Alex Scott ITV: Roy Keane Lee Dixon Ian Wright Gary Neville Ryan Giggs Martin O'Neill Patrice Evra Henrik Larsson Slaven Bilic Eniola Aluko Clearly ITV win the punditry battle - Martin O'Neill is hilarious and Keano alongside Red Nev would make great viewing with their forthright opinions. It's a shame ITV have let themselves down with their pick of the sole token women's footballer on each channel, opting for the attention-seeking cow that inexplicably ruined a great coach's career. Hang on - didn't the FA apologise for Sampson's comments and didn't a barrister find that Eni Aluko had told the truth. Also didn't he get suspended for threatening a female UEFA official with a metal pole or something? Sounds a charming fella.
Anyway, France or Brazil for me. England to get out of the group and then go home.
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Post by Matt on May 30, 2018 11:19:51 GMT
I think England will get to the Quaters, good for us really considering recent times and despite how the players perform in the Premier we should be doing better but we are specialists in failure.
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Post by Wortleyblue on May 30, 2018 11:57:41 GMT
BBC for me cant stand all the adverts on ITV Germany & Brazil in the Final England well early plane home as usual
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Post by happyclapper on May 30, 2018 12:08:01 GMT
Spain on an unbeaten run of 18 games must be in with a shout, won a quali group including including Italy and then hammered Argentina in March after having drawn away in Germany
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Post by eyeswideopen on May 30, 2018 14:25:44 GMT
Does anyone else get the feeling this is going to be a truly awful World Cup.
The fact that people will be put off travelling because of the behavior of the Russians in the euros and the fact that the Police will give you zero protection makes for half empty stadiums, Games like Morocco v Iran is hardly inspiring, likewise Saudi Arabia v Egypt. Coupled with, we haven't yet seen the usual over hyped media coverage that England can actually win it this time, whereas in reality, I think I read we have a grand total of zero World cup matches we have won between the entire squad. Referees and their assistants will be under even closer scrutiny and the so called experts like Danny Murphy will be telling everyone why the ref should have used VAR etc, when he hasn't a clue.
Having said all that, given they have home advantage and Putin has bunged FIFA to host the thing, I wouldn't be surprised if he hasn't done the same for officials and the Ruskis make at least the Semis.40/1 to win it looks a longshot but 8/1 to make the semis looks a reasonable bet.
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Post by martinblue47 on May 30, 2018 14:26:59 GMT
😕 who cares what channel has whom to talk shite. It's the football I tune in for not the waffle ⚽ 🍻 🍔 🏆 = 😴
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Post by Derry Blue on May 30, 2018 15:43:29 GMT
I predict France to beat Germany in the final and England to get to the quarters with our relatively easy group (bar Belgium). Dreamer 😀😀
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Post by btb on May 30, 2018 16:21:41 GMT
BBC for me. France to win it. The usual for us, England. And it's such a shame that the pinnacle of football is being held in such a dour, violent country. They may suprise us but I can't see it. But at least Blatter did alright out of it.
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Post by Lobster on May 30, 2018 16:53:55 GMT
Russia’s problems are well-documented, but to be fair it is a football country that has produced good teams and players. A major tournament there is probably overdue.
The weaker World Cups have mostly been in countries like USA, Japan/Korea and South Africa that didn’t quite seem to get it. South Africa 2010 was especially awful, not helped by a ball was like something you’d buy from Poundland and those stupid horns drowning out any atmosphere.
There are always highlights and memorable moments though, and I kind of like the Morocco v Iran type games that you would never normally watch, and they sometimes surprise you. One of the most enjoyable games last time was Algeria v South Korea, when an unknown Mahrez and Slimani played some wonderful stuff.
I hate VAR though, and I’m so disappointed it’s being used on football’s biggest stage when there are still clearly many issues with it. Perhaps more than anything I think the culture of the game is not ready for it - we’re obsessed with referees and it will get to the point where every decision is pored over even when it didn’t affect the game, and players make that stupid ‘TV’ gesture at the ref after every single incident.
Attitudes towards England are strange these days. It’s like we’ve now realised we’re not one of the elite, but we still get angry and disappointed when we go out early. Quarter finals is a realistic target with the favourable draw, but really with the way football is these days, there’s no reason why anyone can’t cause a big surprise.
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Post by South Wirral Blue on May 30, 2018 17:44:07 GMT
Russia’s problems are well-documented, but to be fair it is a football country that has produced good teams and players. A major tournament there is probably overdue. The weaker World Cups have mostly been in countries like USA, Japan/Korea and South Africa that didn’t quite seem to get it. South Africa 2010 was especially awful, not helped by a ball was like something you’d buy from Poundland and those stupid horns drowning out any atmosphere. There are always highlights and memorable moments though, and I kind of like the Morocco v Iran type games that you would never normally watch, and they sometimes surprise you. One of the most enjoyable games last time was Algeria v South Korea, when an unknown Mahrez and Slimani played some wonderful stuff. I hate VAR though, and I’m so disappointed it’s being used on football’s biggest stage when there are still clearly many issues with it. Perhaps more than anything I think the culture of the game is not ready for it - we’re obsessed with referees and it will get to the point where every decision is pored over even when it didn’t affect the game, and players make that stupid ‘TV’ gesture at the ref after every single incident. Attitudes towards England are strange these days. It’s like we’ve now realised we’re not one of the elite, but we still get angry and disappointed when we go out early. Quarter finals is a realistic target with the favourable draw, but really with the way football is these days, there’s no reason why anyone can’t cause a big surprise. As you say we mostly seem to accept we're not an elite side anymore but I think we're still entitled to be disappointed with our recent campaigns: Euro 16 - last 16 humiliation v Iceland WC 14 - out after the second group game Euro 12 - crap football but humiliation arguably avoided WC 10 - last 16 battering by Germany In WC 02, Euro 04 & WC 06 we were all disapointed in 'only' making the quarters but there was at least consistency there in hindsight. Since we failed to qualify for Euro 08, we've largely embarrassed ourselves at these tournaments and failed to meet even lowered expectations.
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Post by Frank Owen’s Paintbrush on May 31, 2018 6:46:06 GMT
I see Germany have announced their provisional 27-man squad (to be cut to 23 by Monday) and they've left out Emre Can, Mario Wagner and the 2014-winning scorer Mario Gotze. They have an embarrassment of riches, as do France. Would expect either of those to do it this year - I don't think Spain have enough firepower.
Quarter finals for us, as per, which is about our level. Disappointed with the inclusion of Cahill and Henderson over Smalling and Wilshere, other than that the squad picked itself.
This is how I would like to see us line up as first choice X1... 3-4-1-2:
Pope
Walker Stones Maguire
Trippier Loftus-Cheek Dier Young
Alli Sterling Kane
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Post by paulie on May 31, 2018 7:25:47 GMT
I think Brazil will win it.
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Post by Lobster on May 31, 2018 7:43:52 GMT
Russia’s problems are well-documented, but to be fair it is a football country that has produced good teams and players. A major tournament there is probably overdue. The weaker World Cups have mostly been in countries like USA, Japan/Korea and South Africa that didn’t quite seem to get it. South Africa 2010 was especially awful, not helped by a ball was like something you’d buy from Poundland and those stupid horns drowning out any atmosphere. There are always highlights and memorable moments though, and I kind of like the Morocco v Iran type games that you would never normally watch, and they sometimes surprise you. One of the most enjoyable games last time was Algeria v South Korea, when an unknown Mahrez and Slimani played some wonderful stuff. I hate VAR though, and I’m so disappointed it’s being used on football’s biggest stage when there are still clearly many issues with it. Perhaps more than anything I think the culture of the game is not ready for it - we’re obsessed with referees and it will get to the point where every decision is pored over even when it didn’t affect the game, and players make that stupid ‘TV’ gesture at the ref after every single incident. Attitudes towards England are strange these days. It’s like we’ve now realised we’re not one of the elite, but we still get angry and disappointed when we go out early. Quarter finals is a realistic target with the favourable draw, but really with the way football is these days, there’s no reason why anyone can’t cause a big surprise. As you say we mostly seem to accept we're not an elite side anymore but I think we're still entitled to be disappointed with our recent campaigns: Euro 16 - last 16 humiliation v Iceland WC 14 - out after the second group game Euro 12 - crap football but humiliation arguably avoided WC 10 - last 16 battering by Germany In WC 02, Euro 04 & WC 06 we were all disapointed in 'only' making the quarters but there was at least consistency there in hindsight. Since we failed to qualify for Euro 08, we've largely embarrassed ourselves at these tournaments and failed to meet even lowered expectations. Fair point, we have been poor in recent tournaments. I actually think we did better at Euro 2012 than we're given credit for, winning what was not an easy group and frustrating Italy over 120 minutes. Granted we didn't set the world alight and rode our luck a bit, but it was a limited side and I felt it was a respectable showing.
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Post by rcb on May 31, 2018 7:52:29 GMT
I see Germany have announced their provisional 27-man squad (to be cut to 23 by Monday) and they've left out Emre Can, Mario Wagner and the 2014-winning scorer Mario Gotze. They have an embarrassment of riches, as do France. Would expect either of those to do it this year - I don't think Spain have enough firepower. Quarter finals for us, as per, which is about our level. Disappointed with the inclusion of Cahill and Henderson over Smalling and Wilshere, other than that the squad picked itself. This is how I would like to see us line up as first choice X1... 3-4-1-2: Pope Walker Stones Maguire Trippier Loftus-Cheek Dier Young Alli Sterling Kane Walker and Trippier guarding the right is as good as a chocolate fire guard. May as well start with nine men. Make a system fit the best players, not the other way round.
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Post by Lobster on Jun 1, 2018 23:09:40 GMT
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Post by Frank Owen’s Paintbrush on Jun 2, 2018 6:34:15 GMT
Nigeria have a superb kit.
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Post by Frank Owen’s Paintbrush on Jun 2, 2018 7:50:13 GMT
Sightly off-topic but on the 13th June, the eve of this summer's tournament, FIFA's 207 member confederations will cast their ballots to decide who will host the 2026 finals - Morocco or the USA/Canada/Mexico joint bid.
FIFA's top brass are understood to be secretly favouring the Americas bid due to the presence of stadia and infrastructure already in place, whilst Morocco would have to build nine of their 14 stadiums from scratch, the other five require "significant renovation" and their infrastructure including available hotel rooms for the travelling masses is a major concern. The biggest threat to the Americas bid as far as FIFA are concerned is the human rights element in light of Trump's new entry regulations which could damage "discrimination-free" entry into the country - imagine if Iran or Iraq qualified!
It's understood that the 111 members of UEFA and Africa could tip the vote to Morocco (a majority of 104 is all that is required) in exchange for a favourable vote from Africa for a European-hosted 2030 finals. Antagonism towards Trump could also result in votes for Morocco.
2026 will be the first ever 48-team finals (16 groups each with three teams, the top two from each group progressing to a knockout round of 32 teams followed by a second round of 16, quarters, semis, final).
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Post by Lobster on Jun 2, 2018 9:27:36 GMT
I'm not keen on joint bids. Canada, US and Mexico all seem like big enough nations to host a World Cup on their own, plus Mexico has already held it twice and US had one relatively recently in 1994.
Morocco's a bit of an unknown with many of their stadiums not ready, and I'm reading that some of its areas of the bid are deemed "high risk", including transport and accommodation.
Going to really try and go to the 2026 World Cup, wherever it is.
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Post by Lobster on Jun 2, 2018 18:48:33 GMT
Missed the first half of the England match tonight and saw the laborious second half.
There’s something about England where if you hear that they’re ‘coasting’, ‘dominant’ or whatever else, you know they’ll go on to make hard work of it in their own special way!
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Post by CH2 on Jun 2, 2018 19:47:24 GMT
Commentary doesn't matter until They ban the England 'band' that churn out the fuckin awful noises while England are playing. I have to turn the volume down so commentary isnt an issue for me.
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Post by Frank Owen’s Paintbrush on Jun 2, 2018 22:05:45 GMT
Interesting lineup I thought - seemed very attack-minded on paper but was actually pretty well balanced, essentially a 3-4-3 with Lingard and Sterling flying around Kane, Alli in the centre of midfield with the holder Dier.
The 3-4-3/3-5-2 seems to be Southgate's favoured system and it's historically served us well - 1990/1996/1998. Arguably would've got the best out of the whole Gerrard-Lampard conundrum too.
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