World cup 2026

[mr.bluesky]

According to the sports news this morning England play in Boston tonight where it's currently cooler and raining, it's like having home advantage   

As long as the game isn't delayed for two hours like the France v Iraq game due to thunderstorms 

[The0neAnd0nly]

ho knows they could both be facing each other again in the latter Knockout stages or final 

Hopefully so, last 2 meetings between them have been epic!!

Last 32/16 in 2018 and then of course the amazing final in 2022

Really really enjoying this World Cup. Plenty of goals and talking points. 2 hour storm delay during France vs Austria last night!!

[john122350]

Messi, Mbappé and Haaland are already in ridiculous form at this World Cup, with all three scoring a BRACE yesterday collecting the Superior Player of the Match award.

At the 2014 and 2018 World Cups, the Golden Boot winner finished with just 6 qoals. This year, these three have already almost reached that tally after only two games.

Race for the worldcup Golden Boot is ON,

let's see if Harry kane can also score brace today like last time.

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[Thephoenix]

a comment like that could get you a Glasgow Handshake

I've always said that if I found Kenny in bed with my Mrs, I'd tuck them in. 

[WARSZAWA16]

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[Fuzzyduck]

I'd shag her and her dad .

I'll take on the sisters!

[Blackpool Rock]

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[myothernameis]

Tonight's game Portugal v Uzbekistan, should Cristiano Ronaldo be in the team tonight.   Would it be better to give another player a chance on the field

[bigden40]

Tonight's game Portugal v Uzbekistan, should Cristiano Ronaldo be in the team tonight.   Would it be better to give another player a chance on the field

Ronaldo is starting.

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[mr.bluesky]

Tonight's game Portugal v Uzbekistan, should Cristiano Ronaldo be in the team tonight.   Would it be better to give another player a chance on the field

With his arch rival Messi off to a flyer perhaps he'll get his finger out tonight and show up for the game.

[mr.bluesky]

With his arch rival Messi off to a flyer perhaps he'll get his finger out tonight and show up for the game.

Well it looks like he has turned up for tonights game

[myothernameis]

Cristiano Ronaldo now on two goals, guess a hatrick coming

[Blackpool Rock]

Tonight's game Portugal v Uzbekistan, should Cristiano Ronaldo be in the team tonight.   Would it be better to give another player a chance on the field

Well he's got 2 before half time, whilst I can't stand the guy he does do the business.

It would appear that a few of the teams "Big names" have turned up to this tournament so Golden boot won't be easy and may actually need 10+ goals to win it 

Messi 5
MBappe 4
Haaland 4
Undav (Germany) 3
Jonathan David (Canada) 3
Ronaldo 2 (only half time)
Kane 2 so let's hope he can add to that tonight

This is only the second time in World Cup history where three players have scored four or more times after two matches - and the first since since 1954.

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[mr.bluesky]

Well he's got 2 before half time, whilst I can't stand the guy he does do the business.

It would appear that a few of the teams "Big names" have turned up to this tournament so Golden boot won't be easy and may actually need 10+ goals to win it 

Messi 5
MBappe 4
Haaland 4
Undav (Germany) 3
Jonathan David (Canada) 3
Ronaldo 2 (only half time)
Kane 2 so let's hope he can add to that tonight

This is only the second time in World Cup history where three players have scored four or more times after two matches - and the first since since 1954.

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And to think Lineker won it with 6 in 1986

[timsussex]

Tonight's game Portugal v Uzbekistan, should Cristiano Ronaldo be in the team tonight.   Would it be better to give another player a chance on the field

That aged well; So can you tell us who will win the final so I can bet on the other team ?   

Well he's got 2 before half time, whilst I can't stand the guy he does do the business.
...

that does seem to be the majority - possibly 99% - view

[Charliehutton]

I can't believe Jordan Ayew is their centre forward. The standing joke in Old Farts Corner at the King Power last season - not a happy place - was that whenever Ayew set off on a run the ref would catch him up.

[timsussex]

And to think Lineker won it with 6 in 1986

so why all the goals ???

generational talents  in Messi, CR7 and Haaland  ?
better protection for stars from refs?
expansion of the tournament to 48 teams ?
modern International  football has shaken off parking the bus - even minnows like CV seem to be ready to attack? Only 4 teams havent scored - and 1 of them has only played one game 
VAR ??
Water breaks allowing coaches to tweak attacking plans ?

[bigden40]

so why all the goals ???

generational talents  in Messi, CR7 and Haaland  ?
better protection for stars from refs?
expansion of the tournament to 48 teams ?
modern International  football has shaken off parking the bus - even minnows like CV seem to be ready to attack? Only 4 teams havent scored - and 1 of them has only played one game 
VAR ??
Water breaks allowing coaches to tweak attacking plans ?

More games, more shit teams in the tournament.

[mr.bluesky]

More games, more shit teams in the tournament.

I think that sums it up perfectly 

[bigden40]

80% possession and no shots on target.  Oh dear.

[mr.bluesky]

80% possession and no shots on target.  Oh dear.

This game has 0-0 written all over it. England don't have a clue how to break defensive teams down.
Just like watching England under Southgate

[finn5555]

Complete and utter shite

[timsussex]

I take back my stupid idea that there were lots of goal because minnows werent parking the bus !

Ghana really came for the draw and my worry is third place sides will do that in the KO stage

I hope England have been practicing penalties !

[Stevelondon]

I thought Ghana played well.

I’m wondering if Barca are having second thoughts 😂

I’m not being fair on Gordon. His team mates were equally as shite. 🤷🏼

[Blackpool Rock]

More games, more shit teams in the tournament.

You could claim more games at the end of the tournament but players have only played 2 games each so far

[Thephoenix]

I thought Ghana played well.

I’m wondering if Barca are having second thoughts 😂

I’m not being fair on Gordon. His team mates were equally as shite. 🤷🏼

I've watched Gordon since he played for Everton.

I don't know why managers won't play him as a traditional right footed right winger.

On the left he often just takes the easy option of trying to come inside onto his right foot or passing it back and that makes him predictable.
Playing for England, he seems to lack the confidence to run at players and go around the fullback.
I can't see him starting in the next game .

[daviemac]

I've watched Gordon since he played for Everton.

I don't know why managers won't play him as a traditional right footed right winger.

On the left he often just takes the easy option of trying to come inside onto his right foot or passing it back and that makes him predictable.
Playing for England, he seems to lack the confidence to run at players and go around the fullback.
I can't see him starting in the next game .

On the left and cutting in is his favoured position, are you saying he should be played out of position on the right where he isn't as good?

[Jumping Jack Flash]

The draw was a disappointing result but this is tournament football and it’s a slow burner, that’s the way it should be.

Amongst all the doom and gloom of the result, I thought Ghana’s defence was magnificent, at times when attacking their box they had two or three players on our player, leaving with very little options. They got lucky with the header that hit the bar and Kane’s follow up shot was a poor miss but Ghana should have been awarded a penalty so all in all a draw was a fair result.

I’ve never brought into the hype around England, yes I want them to win but the reaction when they don’t is over the top and unnecessary, same as when we win really!

[Blackpool Rock]

The draw was a disappointing result but this is tournament football and it’s a slow burner, that’s the way it should be.

Amongst all the doom and gloom of the result, I thought Ghana’s defence was magnificent, at times when attacking their box they had two or three players on our player, leaving with very little options. They got lucky with the header that hit the bar and Kane’s follow up shot was a poor miss but Ghana should have been awarded a penalty so all in all a draw was a fair result.

I’ve never brought into the hype around England, yes I want them to win but the reaction when they don’t is over the top and unnecessary, same as when we win really!

Yeah I didn't think we played well and as per usual after the 1st game being such a good display to watch expectations were instantly raised for Millions that we'd play like that and blow every team away, I guess some of us who are longer in the tooth know that ain't gonna happen 

Anyway I was reflecting this morning that it's better to have a poor game / poor result in the group stage than in the knock out rounds 

[Blackpool Rock]

We're at the stage where all teams have now played 2 of their 3 games and Scotland are still placed 2nd of 12 in the 3rd place Qualification table albeit there are 5 teams on 3 points
Some of the teams below them will leapfrog them with a win (assuming they lose against Brazil) and other teams will also finish on 3 points with a draw so this could well come down to goal difference.

Brazil up tonight at 23.00 so we will have a better idea where they stand after that but for the Scotland fans it could be a tense few days if they lose heavily tonight and slip a few places then have to sit and watch as the teams below them play over the next few days all with a chance of overtaking them     

[bigden40]

So after two rounds of fixtures the knockout draw places Scotland and England in the same section of the draw

Have to say I prefer this to being with Germany and France.

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[Blackpool Rock]

So after two rounds of fixtures the knockout draw places Scotland and England in the same section of the draw

Have to say I prefer this to being with Germany and France.

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And i'd rather play Scotland than Cape Verde as they're likely to do an "Iceland" on us   

[Thephoenix]

On the left and cutting in is his favoured position, are you saying he should be played out of position on the right where he isn't as good?

We don't know if he isn't as good do we?
I know it's the player's favoured position but he's played on the right and as a striker in Everton's youth team so he's obviously versatile.

You'll remember the days when wingers would often switch during the game if they weren't having any success against their fullbacks.
That often proved to be a good tactic. I don't know why that's less common in recent years.

I know he's following the recent trend of sometimes having right footed players playing left wing, and left footed players on the right, and it can prove to be very successful when cutting inside, eg Salah is the best example, however Salah had the confidence to run at fullbacks and pull it back from the byline so that made hime more unpredictable.


I've seen Gordon run rings around some premier league fullbacks but he seems less confident to take on the fullbacks when playing for England and that's what was needed in last night's game, hence he was substituted.

[daviemac]

We don't know if he isn't as good do we?

You might not but I've watched every minute of every game he's played for Newcastle for the last 3 1/2 years and he hasn't been as effective when he's been on the right as he is on the left, in fact he's better in a central roll than he is on the right and managers know that.

He was player of the tournament playing as a striker when England's U21's won the Euros and was used in that position quite often for Newcastle.

[ratedj]

We don't know if he isn't as good do we?
I know it's the player's favoured position but he's played on the right and as a striker in Everton's youth team so he's obviously versatile.

You'll remember the days when wingers would often switch during the game if they weren't having any success against their fullbacks.
That often proved to be a good tactic. I don't know why that's less common in recent years.

I know he's following the recent trend of sometimes having right footed players playing left wing, and left footed players on the right, and it can prove to be very successful when cutting inside, eg Salah is the best example, however Salah had the confidence to run at fullbacks and pull it back from the byline so that made hime more unpredictable.


I've seen Gordon run rings around some premier league fullbacks but he seems less confident to take on the fullbacks when playing for England and that's what was needed in last night's game, hence he was substituted.

There are three important factors in order to combat a low block: width, individuality and playing between the lines.

I get your logic re Gordon. In fact, we actually saw it in last night’s game when Madueke switched to the left and provided natural width. If you play as a wide forward then you can operate on either side even though we’ve become accustomed to teams operating with inverted wingers/forwards.

[TomTank]

There are three important factors in order to combat a low block: width, individuality and playing between the lines.

I get your logic re Gordon. In fact, we actually saw it in last night’s game when Madueke switched to the left and provided natural width. If you play as a wide forward then you can operate on either side even though we’ve become accustomed to teams operating with inverted wingers/forwards.

You also need quick switch of play and angles, quick passing, getting players into the space between FB and CB, and 3rd man runs (Gordon and Spence did it ONCE!)
He's picked a squad to win the big knockout games, and this one will become irrelevant.

[myothernameis]

I wonder if England will regret not winning there game against Ghana, especially if results dont go there way

But England will qualify, but in what place, 1st, 2nd or third

England in third place, face winners of group K, Portugal or Columbia
England in second place, face group K, runners up, possibly Portugal
England in first place, face group E/H/I/J/K third place team, even these groups some hard games for England

[bigden40]

I wonder if England will regret not winning there game against Ghana, especially if results dont go there way

But England will qualify, but in what place, 1st, 2nd or third

England in third place, face winners of group K, Portugal or Columbia
England in second place, face group K, runners up, possibly Portugal
England in first place, face group E/H/I/J/K third place team, even these groups some hard games for England

Nah, England's remaining game is against the weakest team in the group.

3rd is extremely unlikely as even if losing to Panama the only result that puts both of Ghana and Croatia above you is losing to Panama by more than one goal and by more than Croatia beat Ghana.  A draw would have Croatia behind England on head-to-head result, which counts ahead of goal difference.

Much as I’d love to see it I don’t see that happening.  Worst possible, IMO, is second with a draw against Panama because you can’t break them down and a win either way in the other match. 

[mills_and_bhuna]

I wonder if England will regret not winning there game against Ghana, especially if results dont go there way

But England will qualify, but in what place, 1st, 2nd or third

England in third place, face winners of group K, Portugal or Columbia
England in second place, face group K, runners up, possibly Portugal
England in first place, face group E/H/I/J/K third place team, even these groups some hard games for England

They won't lose to Panama.
I wouldn't rule out a draw entirely but there's no way England are finishing third.
It's a smart team which manages to conserve it's energy till the latter stages, especially when FIFA have practically ensured all the big teams go through .
Eight games and possibly two or three extra times. In that heat.
Seven was gruelling enough.

[southcoastpunter]

Just like watching England under Southgate

Wasn’t it just!!

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[maxQ]

More games, more shit teams in the tournament.

FIFA like more teams in general, but what they really want is China and India in every WC, it might work with China, but I don't think anyone in India cares

[bigden40]

So Bosnia-Herzegovina looking good to be one of the 8 best 3rd placed teams, regardless of the outcome of Switzerland v Canada they’ll finish 3rd. 

Edit: maybe spoke to soon, they could easily be level having been 2-0 up after a shaky last couple of mins of the first half

[bigden40]

Glad to see that we’re going for it tonight …



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[bigden40]

Hot in Miami

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[myothernameis]

Hot in Miami

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I have some special suntan lotion which I can apply and rub in 

[Blackpool Rock]

Hot in Miami

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Don't they have any obsenity laws in Miami   

[bigden40]

What a fucking retard!

[timsussex]

7 mins in and Scotland one down - incredibly  sloppy play not Brazilian brilliance - which drops them to 4th in the 3rd place league table Another goal and they could be 6th with lots of decent teams still to play
There is a real chance that even with the easiest qualifying ever (8 of the 3rd place teams go through) that the Jocks wont make it

[bigden40]

Suicidal defending

Two absolute gifts, completely unnecessary.

[bigden40]

Saved by VAR. Phew!