BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 30 Dec 22 - 03:04 PM

A dear friend of ours, a football fanatic just like me, passed away the day before yesterday. He was my son's form teacher at secondary school over 25 years ago. Mrs Steve and I, as well as our lad, all revered him. Sad times.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 29 Dec 22 - 07:31 PM

Pelé, gone. I'm in bits.

Pelé, Maradona, Messi. Please don't make me choose. They all graced our planet.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 27 Dec 22 - 07:50 PM

Can, not can't!

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 27 Dec 22 - 07:48 PM

I agree that the European or South American greats who go off to play out their sunset years in the US, China or other far-from-home places seldom seem to thrive. They seem to do it for the money on offer, though they're already multimillionaires. It's easy to forget that they're young men who've lived in a bubble of footballing elites for most of their adult lives... Yeah, I don't think I get it...

Even with their millions, it could be that they see a future ahead of them with nothing much in it apart from big houses, divorces and things, and are thinking of how they can't put off the evil hour...

When I was a lad and even the best footballers didn't get paid much more than shop managers, as soon as their careers ended they went back to being builders or plumbers or they opened a sports shop...

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Bill D
Date: 27 Dec 22 - 07:07 PM

I'll confess that I am mostly responding to various sports pundits about Messi. There seems to be divergent opinions about his legacy after his problems the last several years. Even he intimated he would retire after this WC. I am not that familiar with most of the soccer/football stars.

Pele did **okay** in several years in the U.S., against non-world class teams. Beckham had a quite lackluster run in the U.S. which earned him a lot of money, but not exactly accolades.

So... like many sports stars who hate to give up the limelight, Messi is tempted. I hope he does well... I just won't bet on it.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: The Sandman
Date: 27 Dec 22 - 03:56 PM

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001f4xs

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 26 Dec 22 - 05:36 AM

Dunno about that, Bill. Think Gianluigi Buffon, Stanley Matthews, Roger Milla, Teddy Sheringham... Messi's role in matches as he ages has evolved into one of conserving energy, drawing opponents away from the action to leave spaces for others to exploit and producing those occasional moments of magic that elude all (almost) other players. I think a fit 39-year-old could still do most of that...

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 26 Dec 22 - 03:49 AM

100!:-)

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Bill D
Date: 25 Dec 22 - 12:55 PM

Big mistake... right now he gets to retire in a blaze of glory. He risks his legacy being tarnish with awkward failures.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: keberoxu
Date: 25 Dec 22 - 10:02 AM

As you might expect,
the victorious Lionel Messi is thinking less of retirement
and more of extending his brilliant career a few years longer --
the Argentina team has even welcomed him back, in advance,
for the next FIFA World Cup four years hence.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 19 Dec 22 - 07:11 AM

I stuck to my principles.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 18 Dec 22 - 07:27 PM

There is only one Pelé, only one Maradona and only one Messi. They're the top three and I'm not picking out a top one. What sadness that Diego didn't live to see his most worthy successor and fellow countryman hit the pinnacle. And yes, I watched it after all. After that match, no-one should need further proof that football is the greatest game in the world...

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: keberoxu
Date: 18 Dec 22 - 07:12 PM

I watched the World Cup Final with a roomful of people
and what a drama it was, especially towards the end.

I wonder if Morocco enjoyed a touch of Schadenfreude
at the expense of les Bleus?

Argentina, of course, is over the moon.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 18 Dec 22 - 01:25 PM

Well done Argentina, we are having a bife to celebrate!!!

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: gillymor
Date: 18 Dec 22 - 01:01 PM

Wowee, what a match! Argentina prevails.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: The Sandman
Date: 17 Dec 22 - 01:24 PM

I have never seen so many footballing thugs playing in world cup teams. quote bonzo.
please give examples of thugs and thuggery

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: keberoxu
Date: 17 Dec 22 - 12:44 PM

Third place goes to Croatia, who defeated Morocco 2 - 1.
Croatia have gotten close to the big win before,
but Morocco really blazed a trail for an African team.

TOmorrow:
Argentina versus France for the win.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Mrrzy
Date: 16 Dec 22 - 08:07 AM

I wish reporters would stop sating Morocco is going home. They have another match.

Truly *world* this cup:

Eastern Europe v. North Africa
Western Europe v. South America

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 16 Dec 22 - 04:13 AM

I have never seen so many footballing thugs playing in world cup teams. Fortunately the England team were an exemplar to them all - pity about that penalty and last minute free kick though!!!

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: keberoxu
Date: 15 Dec 22 - 11:03 AM

What a wild ride.
The finalists will be defending champion France, and Argentina with Lionel "Que miras, bobo?" Messi.

Croatia and Morocco made it to the semi-finals,
and will compete for third place today.

Eliminated:
Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Mexico and so many others.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: keberoxu
Date: 30 Nov 22 - 12:23 PM

Well, I believe the US men's team qualified to get beyond groups --
they certainly defeated Iran.
And this was the US coach's stated goal:
it is too ambitious to hope to win the World Cup,
but they just hoped they could stay past the groups stage.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Mrrzy
Date: 29 Nov 22 - 08:40 PM

Allez les bleus!

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 29 Nov 22 - 06:03 PM

Wales looked like Sunday afternoon youth team of no hopers!!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Rain Dog
Date: 29 Nov 22 - 04:08 PM

England and the USA through to the next round.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Rain Dog
Date: 29 Nov 22 - 09:31 AM

Looking forward to the game tonight keberoxu? I think it will be close. Iran looked quite good against Wales.

I expect England to go through. It will be quite a shock if they don't.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 28 Nov 22 - 03:58 AM

No apology required, Sen - I initially thought it happened in Qatar too but, on doing a bit of digging, it came to light that it was in Tenerife! Wherever it happens, there’s absolutely no excuse for this appalling behaviour, all they do is blacken the reputation of football in general, and British football-followers in particular.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Senoufou
Date: 28 Nov 22 - 02:43 AM

Oh sorry Backwoodsman, I thought it was in Qatar. It was the lovely photo of the Scotsmen in their kilts which attracted my notice, but I didn't read the entire article.
Husband is very thrilled with all the matches on TV. (He has one of those gigantic TV screens in his flat!) But he doesn't have any ideas yet as to which team might win the Cup. Too early yet.
In the supermarket I noticed lots of goods on sale involving the World Cup. Paper plates decorated with the England flag, and teddy bears wearing little knitted England jackets etc. Rather sweet!

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 27 Nov 22 - 10:33 AM

The reported brawl between England and Wales fans was not in Qatar, it was on the island of Tenerife, in the Canaries…plenty of booze there!

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/uk-news/england-wales-fans-clash-brutal-25612589

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: keberoxu
Date: 27 Nov 22 - 10:22 AM

As to alcohol consumption in Qatar:
the country is not one hundred percent "dry,"
as the New York Times pointed out in an article
at the beginning of the 2022 World Cup.

The journalist reported that certain hotels catering to foreigners
have bars where alcohol may be purchased and consumed.
The report then went to one such hotel bar,
which had been mobbed by the English football fans . . .

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 27 Nov 22 - 06:02 AM

Just heard that the Qatari authorities are banning the Mexican Wave for the rest of World Cup 2022.

The fans are up in arms…

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 27 Nov 22 - 03:45 AM

I don’t believe it’s down to alcohol, Sen. I’ve been to RU Internationals where alcohol flowed freely amongst the unseparated fans, but the atmosphere was one of friendly rivalry and there was absolutely no violence whatsoever.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Senoufou
Date: 27 Nov 22 - 03:05 AM

I see that there has been a nasty fight between Welsh and English supporters. Why does a sport provoke fighting and brawling? Other nations must be laughing their heads off at us Brits.
I also saw a photo of six proud Scotsmen in their kilts (each one in his family's tartan) and sporrans, protesting they did NOT support the English. (no surprise there!)
I well remember going to a match between Celtic and Rangers in Glasgow. The fights and violence on the terraces were terrifying.
Is this a 'man thing' or a 'football thing'? At least in those days, too much alcohol was behind most of it. But that isn't allowed in Qatar.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 27 Nov 22 - 02:39 AM

Could someone please tell me WTF a ‘Forced Turnover’ is? Or indeed a ‘Defensive Line Break’? Where, in dog’s name, are these meaningless, nonsensical, non-football terms coming from?

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 26 Nov 22 - 01:16 PM

Spoken like a Tottenham/Kane supporter, Kevin... ;-)

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 26 Nov 22 - 01:05 PM

I suspect that there's a strong element of "cheating" at all levels of football, including the most basic, including Sunday morning and schools. More likely to be picked up and penalised at the highest, where there are cameras and filming. It's part of the game, as they say.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Mrrzy
Date: 24 Nov 22 - 02:59 PM

This is the kind of football I am watching on Thanksgiving!

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 24 Nov 22 - 08:03 AM

HIGNFY Facebook Page a few days ago - ”FIFA determines that the wearing of rainbow armbands is against the rules, although their minds could be changed for the right price…”

Sounds about right.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 24 Nov 22 - 06:27 AM

Nigel - Love it :-D

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 24 Nov 22 - 06:17 AM

I think that The Telegraph summed it up today, (features p6)
Link to image only, on my drive

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 24 Nov 22 - 04:03 AM

It is quite significant that football is being politicised but not even Terry himself could have predicted the depths to which FIFA have sunk!

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 24 Nov 22 - 04:00 AM

I can't remember, keberoxu. I first read it a long time ago and there are so many Pratchett books! There is a character called Nutt who seems to be a Goblin but is obviously more than that.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: keberoxu
Date: 23 Nov 22 - 11:57 AM

Unseen Academicals is a very funny book.
Do I recall correctly that it introduced
the ORC to Discworld?

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 23 Nov 22 - 11:41 AM

I'm rereading Terry Pratchett's "Unseen Academicals" as a nod towards the world cup without having to watch any of the matches :-)

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 23 Nov 22 - 11:37 AM

Saudi Arabia defeated Argentina?!?

And Japan defeated Germany (today)

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 23 Nov 22 - 04:23 AM

Well Alex Scott wore the armband whilst reporting on the England-Iran game. The wonderful, beautiful Alex is my favourite footie pundit. She's from Poplar in the East End, where I lived for several years, and she went to Langdon Park, the school next door to the one where I taught for seven years (lamentably, way before her time, of course). She did what those lily-livered English and Welsh teams were too scared to do. Kudos, Alex!

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Senoufou
Date: 23 Nov 22 - 04:11 AM

I like very much to see players 'Taking The Knee' in protest against racism etc. At first it irritated me a bit, but now I think it's heartening.
I also see that the LGBTQ rainbow armband thingie is banned. But I feel people have the right to express their support (in peaceful ways) for their beliefs.
I just hope all the fans and supporters behave themselves in Qatar. It's about sport, not creating mayhem!

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Mrrzy
Date: 22 Nov 22 - 06:12 PM

Allez les bleus!

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: keberoxu
Date: 22 Nov 22 - 03:43 PM

Saudi Arabia defeated Argentina?!?

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Senoufou
Date: 22 Nov 22 - 03:36 AM

I read that there is fear about gambling on the results of this World Cup. Apparently people are flocking to betting shops, and going online, to place lots of bets already. Bit daft really, but hey ho.
I might watch the Final. (Buttered crumpets at the ready, and a nice cup of tea. :) )

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 21 Nov 22 - 04:18 PM

Nope.