BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other

Subject: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: keberoxu
Date: 10 Feb 22 - 08:39 PM

Well, it's true that the 2022 FIFA world cup will have
some things in common with other years.
But from this news article, what stands out is the unique stuff.
For instance:

"The tiny state [of Qatar] is expecting up to 1.2 million visitors but as it does not have enough hotel rooms,
thousands of fans will be housed on cruise ships during the event."

Hey, has anybody over there heard of SARS-COVID ?? !!

Anyway, here's the link:

17 million requests for [FIFA] World Cup tickets

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 10 Feb 22 - 08:52 PM

Qatar got the World Cup via bribery and corruption. The fact that it's being held there is a stain on the game.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: keberoxu
Date: 13 Feb 22 - 01:59 PM

The next qualifying matches, if I read right,
are scheduled for 17 March,
which means that St Patrick's Day will be even noisier than usual.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Mrrzy
Date: 14 Feb 22 - 09:49 PM

I thought all host cities of all tournaments were chosen through bribery and corruption.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 15 Feb 22 - 06:28 AM

Too cynical for words I'm afraid. A grain of truth, maybe. I'm just hearing on the wireless that in a certain part of America fifteen percent of Republicans think that opposers of Trump eat babies and drink their blood (BBC Radio 4, The Coming Storm). What a mad world. I ask myself whether I belong here, but I decided years ago that I would like to become extinct on the very day that tigers become extinct. Still, Liverpool play Inter (Milan) in Italy in the Champions League last 16 tomorrow. Two noble clubs filled with top talent who will (hopefully) play great football in the right spirit. Too much money and too much capitalism in football, for sure. But begod I'm looking forward to the match regardless. The Qatar World Cup can go hang.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: gnu
Date: 17 Feb 22 - 04:20 PM

I still say the game should be 'Americanized' for increased viewership... no off sides. C'mon! Spice it up, eh?

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: keberoxu
Date: 17 Feb 22 - 05:07 PM

It occurs to me to wonder, if nobody knows where to house the ticket holders,
where are they going to put the players themselves ?

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Malcolm Storey
Date: 17 Feb 22 - 06:49 PM

Why do people think that soccer is a sport?
It's BIG BUSINESS init!?

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 17 Feb 22 - 07:14 PM

Of course. But top-level football is a sport requiring great skill, tactical nous and supreme fitness. It's capitalism, of course, but so is Tesco, McDonalds and Lloyds Bank. We're all in it together.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 17 Feb 22 - 07:15 PM

Grr. So are.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Malcolm Storey
Date: 17 Feb 22 - 09:15 PM

I/we avoid Tesco, McDonalds and Lloyds Bank on the basis of cost, health and sanity! I did once buy a bottle of water from a McDonalds in Canberra in order to get some change for the local train - I asked for a receipt to show to friends and colleagues just for fun.
I assume by tactical nous Steve is using a euphemism for cheating!!
Regarding fitness if all you have to do is train and play soccer then of course you should be supremely fit - or extremely bored - or both.
The skill bit I accept.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 18 Feb 22 - 04:31 AM

A bit of cheating at times, Malcolm, but it's definitely not all-pervasive. A bit of "diving," maybe, exaggerating your victimhood when fouled, squabbling with the ref, etc...

I can outdo you on the McDonald front. I swear that I have never set foot in one in my life...

When I was a student in London half a century ago I did frequent the all-night Wimpy in Gloucester Road. I'll admit that much. Very useful for calming the hunger pangs after a pint or seven...

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Malcolm Storey
Date: 19 Feb 22 - 08:04 AM

I have lain awake hoping that no one spotted my error in my last posting.
The McDonald's was not in Canberra but in Adelaide where a large cycle race was also occuring at the same time. We found it amusing to see all the posh hotels with lots of bikes outside.
Canberra the capital of Australia with a population 450000+ does not have a local rail system and only a very small public transport system.
It has three return trains a day from Sydney.
Wressle in Yorkshire with a population of 271 has 4 trains a day to York and 3 trains a day to Hull!

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Raggytash
Date: 19 Feb 22 - 08:09 AM

"A bit of cheating at times, Malcolm, but it's definitely not all-pervasive"

Sorry Steve but you must be wearing rose tinted spectacles each time when you watch a match.

Cheating is rampant in football, even simple things like taking a few yards at throw in or free kicks happens EVERY time and that is the bottom end of the scale.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 19 Feb 22 - 08:53 AM

I would hardly call such time-honoured little grabs at getting a tiny advantage "rampant cheating!"

The average televised Premier League match (the majority of them) has around 32 TV cameras, four match officials and VAR. there's big money in footie and a poor on-field decision can lose a club a huge amount of money. Most matches I've watched have been played with good order, in spite of high passion and fierce competitiveness, for most of the 90 minutes. It's entertainment and it's big theatre and it gives a lot of pleasure to millions of people, many of whom find life a hard grind. There's a lot wrong with it, but there's a lot wrong with TSB and Goldman Sachs too and they've still got my money. Some of yours too, probably, though you might not know it...

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Malcolm Storey
Date: 19 Feb 22 - 09:15 AM

Funny you should mention TSB Steve.
We have received three new wave about cards in the last few days for accounts we are certain we had closed!
I'm sure the prices for entry the clubs charge contributes in some way people finding life a hard grind.
The sixpence pocket money I got as a child was enough to give me entry into either Hull City or Hull FC back in the day - don't know what juniors pay now but perhaps I'm better not knowing. GRRRR!

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Raggytash
Date: 19 Feb 22 - 11:32 AM

Please do not misconstrue my words Steve, I said "Cheating is rampant in football, even simple things like taking a few yards at throw in or free kicks happens EVERY time and that is the bottom end of the scale."

Yes stealing a few yards has become acceptable, but it is still cheating. It may be minor but it is still against the laws of the game which are seldom imposed fully.

Wrestling players in the penalty area at corners happens almost every time and is ignored by referees and linesmen, taking dives is commonplace, feigning injury takes place in every match.

Not only are the above unsporting, they are against the laws of the game.

Take a look at Rugby sometime to see how a game can be played.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Doug Chadwick
Date: 19 Feb 22 - 03:13 PM

Take a look at Rugby sometime to see how a game can be played.

15 minutes of brutal rugby fights

DC

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Raggytash
Date: 19 Feb 22 - 03:17 PM

You are quite correct to post that Doug, but I would suggest they are the exception rather than the rule.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Allan Conn
Date: 19 Feb 22 - 05:53 PM

I'd say rugby players try to get away with as much as they can too. Bar the feigning injury which yes, is a real downside to football. Even commentators etc encourage it. How often do you hear "he should have gone down as that would have been a penalty" or something like that?

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 19 Feb 22 - 06:25 PM

Liverpool came from behind in the second half today to demolish poor old Norwich. Each of Liverpool's three goals was a thing of beauty. That's what life's all about. Down with the naysayers!

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Malcolm Storey
Date: 19 Feb 22 - 07:56 PM

Where were you watching from Steve?
I prefer my sport live so do not see much these days.
It's not the same since John Arlott RIP retired - know lots of people who would watch cricket on a muted TV and have the radio commentary on.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 19 Feb 22 - 08:08 PM

You can never watch three o'clock kick-offs on BT Sport or Sky Sport. I listened on Five Live then watched those goals on Match Of The Day.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: keberoxu
Date: 11 Jun 22 - 05:32 PM

In these United States, the men's team for the USA
goes through the motions of World Cup preparation,
having qualified for 2022.

Strangest World-Cup Sendoff Ever

ooops. It's on Yahoo Sports, but the link won't work.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Donuel
Date: 12 Jun 22 - 08:48 AM

Qatar got the World Cup via bribery and corruption. The fact that it's being held there is what makes it standard operating procedure.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: keberoxu
Date: 14 Jun 22 - 09:39 PM

My FIFA thread has been WAV'd.
Mudcat rite of passage . . .

---

And another recent rite of passage - his racists posts (and answers) have been deleted. ---mudelf

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: keberoxu
Date: 15 Jun 22 - 03:14 PM

So the Wales Dragons will be in the 2022 World Cup for the first time in ... a long time.

And they have to face USA first thing.

Sports Illustrated, 5 June 2022

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: keberoxu
Date: 15 Jun 22 - 03:17 PM

As to the USMNT match with El Salvador last night,
cue Flanders & Swann at the drop of the proverbial hat.

Mud, mud, glo-ri-ous mud . . .

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: gillymor
Date: 15 Jun 22 - 06:34 PM

I wonder if the mods noticed this overtly racist post up the page. I can't imagine that they would let it stand if they had.-

---

Offensive posts removed, and this one edited so to remove the quote from one already deleted.

WAV seems to be a moving target with his racist rants. He's about to take a long detour into BONK!land if he doesn't stop it. ---mudelf

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: keberoxu
Date: 15 Jun 22 - 09:13 PM

What I said in the opening posts about Qatar:
they really are booking cruise ships as well as
"Hotels, Apartments, or Villas" in Qatar for the
2022 FIFA World Cup. If I hadn't read it myself, I would not credit it.

Sports Illustrated: no room at the, erm, pier

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 16 Jun 22 - 02:04 PM

So the Wales Dragons will be in the 2022 World Cup for the first time in ... a long time.
And they have to face USA first thing.

Yep, first time in the 'finals' since 1958 when Wales were knocked out of the quarter-finals by a single Pele goal.

I can't claim to remember it, I was only 3.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2026 cities selected
From: Donuel
Date: 17 Jun 22 - 08:58 AM

Canada        Toronto, Ontario        BMO Field        45,500
Canada        Vancouver, B.C.        BC Place        54,000
Mexico        Guadalajara, Jalisco        Estadio Akron        46,232
Mexico        Mexico City        Estadio Azteca        87,523
Mexico        Monterrey, Nuevo Leon        Estadio BBVA        53,500
USA        Atlanta, Ga.        Mercedes-Benz Stadium        71,000
USA        Boston, Mass.        Gillette Stadium        65,878
USA        Dallas, Tex.
(Arlington, Tex.)        AT&T Stadium        80,000
USA        Houston, Tex.        NRG Stadium        71,795
USA        Kansas City, Mo.        Arrowhead Stadium        76,416
USA        Los Angeles, Calif.
(Inglewood, Calif.)        SoFi Stadium        70,240
USA        Miami, Fla.        Hard Rock Stadium        64,767
USA        New York / New Jersey
(East Rutherford, N.J.)        MetLife Stadium        82,500
USA        Philadelphia, Pa.        Lincoln Financial Field        69,176
USA        San Francisco, Calif.
(Santa Clara, Calif.)        Levi's Stadium        68,500
USA        Seattle, Wash.        Lumen Field        69,000

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Raggytash
Date: 17 Jun 22 - 09:19 AM

And your point is?

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 17 Jun 22 - 01:36 PM

I'm sorry, but it's the ENGLAND TEAM, never "The English team." It was thus in 1966, when, unlike you, I was around and old enough to appreciate the football. If you wish to persist with that, then all I can say is that you're doing a fine job of sneakily reinstating your racist credentials. You've been sussed and it's time you decided to knock it off.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: WalkaboutsVerse
Date: 17 Jun 22 - 02:18 PM

Like me, Steve, you question capitalism & monarchism but, for some reason, don't like mass economic/CAPITALIST immigration & multicultural diversity within nations being questioned - &, very sadly, resort to the tactic of bringing up the R-word again.

With a major in anthropology & shoestring travel through about 40 nations, I doubt you or anyone loves our world/our United Nations being multicultural as much as I do - and it's likely World Cup winner, Alf Ramsey, was similar in that way.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Donuel
Date: 17 Jun 22 - 07:27 PM

The joint bid between Washington D.C. and Baltimore was not one of the 11 American cities that made the cut, joining Cincinnati, Denver, Nashville and Orlando as the five U.S. plans that were rejected by FIFA.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Senoufou
Date: 18 Jun 22 - 03:43 AM

I saw that when the England team (NOT the English team, Steve is quite right!) 'took the knee' in Budapest, many Hungarian children booed.
I actually very much like to see footballers taking the knee. It's a lovely way to show solidarity against racism.
As people on this thread have mentioned commercialism and Tesco etc., I wonder if I 'took the knee' at the checkout in our local Tesco, they might reduce my bill?
(Then I could afford to buy yet more crumpets.)

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 18 Jun 22 - 04:40 AM

Warburtons crumpets are permanently a quid for packs of nine at Morrisons, Eliza. I'm no fan of Warburtons as they are Tory Party supporters (boooo!), but a decent crumpet, I fear, has to override such considerations...

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Senoufou
Date: 18 Jun 22 - 05:16 AM

Heh heh Steve. Yes, crumpets come before any political considerations.
I think if I 'took the knee' I might not manage to get up again.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 18 Jun 22 - 09:57 AM

There's always been controversy about how many top-tier English clubs have so many non-British players on their books (no-one seems to mind if the team includes Welsh or Scottish players...), and in a few cases there have been teams put out that didn't even have one Brit in the starting lineup. The English Premier League is incredibly wealthy, so buying foreign players is routine, and the selling clubs, often clubs in straitened circumstances, are often glad of the transfer fees. A possible upshot of that is that we don't produce enough home-grown players to generate an effective national team. Some clubs, to their credit, have strong academies these days to develop the skills of up-and-coming Brit kids. But none of this is ever about black players, and this is after all a thread about national teams, apropos of which the rules about who can be included are much stricter.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 18 Jun 22 - 06:13 PM

Oddly, when I watch a football match (usually one involving Liverpool in my case), I see players of all colours and religions (or none), and I actually rejoice in the fact that they can engage in fierce competition yet play with good spirit, all take the knee, swap shirts at the end, hug each other in goal celebrations and generally all relate to each other in harmony and positivity. Of course, there will be spats, but they are invariably spats that arise from the passion of the sport, never prejudiced hatred. Oh that society reflected those same values, or maybe society has some catching up to do... What I find rather repressive is the negative attitudes of certain people who are so up their own bottoms when they see the the rainbow colours and creeds on the pitch and get so cross about it that they forget to enjoy the football. Their loss!

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Jun 22 - 07:25 PM

Some of the local town videos we see in social media of kids in schools supporting each other in sporting events - when the team bat boy or other towel courier (or whatever the support title) who is physically or intellectually challenged is given a chance to score in the last game of the season and everyone on both teams know he is going to score a point - those are the small games that touch people's hearts and do good. It may be a token event, but it has meaning, both to that child and to those viewers who might have discounted that child's membership in the group. This isn't anything that is ever going to happen in FIFA level activity, those are all about the business of winning. But don't you love a good underdog sports story?

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 18 Jun 22 - 07:33 PM

Dunno about that! Even the most elite footballers are human beings, and if you forget to turn the telly off for two or three minutes at the end of of even a top-level game you'll see all the harmony and the fellowship that reveals the respect and affection that the best players have for each other. Still, I take your point. At least with your town teams, money don't come into it...

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Jun 22 - 09:40 PM

I suppose, being in North Texas, I should add this: FIFA Selects North Texas to Host 2026 World Cup.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Senoufou
Date: 19 Jun 22 - 01:55 PM

I like to see a mix of races/nationalities in the Premier League.
When my husband lived in Ivory Coast many years ago, he idolised the Ivorian Didier Drogba (their very talented striker). When Drogba became a member of Chelsea FC team, my husband was ecstatic. I had to buy him a Chelsea strip to replace his ManU one. (He's always been 'football crazy'.)
When we moved to this Norfolk village, I took him down to the playing field to join our village football team. He didn't speak much English in those days, so I introduced him to the manager, and told him he was from the same country as Didier Drogba. The manager turned to the other men and shouted, "Lads! Didier Drogba has arrived!" and they all cheered, while I giggled like anything.
The whole team absolutely loved Ibrahima, (he became their 'striker') and made him 'Player of the Year'. He was presented with a trophy, and I thought he was going to burst into tears of joy.
When he came to visit me yesterday, he was actually wearing his Chelsea strip (and it still fits him!)

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 19 Jun 22 - 04:25 PM

Drogba. What a legend!

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Senoufou
Date: 20 Jun 22 - 02:00 AM

He was indeed Steve.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: keberoxu
Date: 04 Aug 22 - 12:36 PM

More coverage, if more is needed, of the anticipation of
the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: keberoxu
Date: 10 Nov 22 - 06:15 PM

Like it or not,
England is now headed to the World Cup final.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 10 Nov 22 - 06:43 PM

Yep. We shouldn't be at the World Cup and I won't watch a single minute. But it isn't for footballers or football managers to protest or speak up. For me, that the end of it. It stinks.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: keberoxu
Date: 20 Nov 22 - 10:29 AM

There is one match today,
between Ecuador and Qatar.

Tomorrow there are three games,
one featuring the UK vs. Iran,
and one featuring the USA vs. Wales.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: keberoxu
Date: 20 Nov 22 - 06:57 PM

Here is where the USA men's soccer/football team is staying while taking part in the World Cup at Qatar.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 21 Nov 22 - 01:14 AM

Keb, it’s England v. Iran. There is no ‘UK’ football team, the four nations which make up the UK have their own National sides.

Like Steve, I won’t be watching. I’ve got a set of sliding doors to adjust.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Donuel
Date: 21 Nov 22 - 07:32 AM

If the US is staying at a palatial hotel island, where is Wales staying, Motel 6?
Outside sources report 6,500 workers died from the heat to complete the new city and venues. They call their system Kalafa which is really slave labor and claim only a few workers died. To save water, workers from Nepal, India and Bangladesh had no showers to use. Eight to a room was common. Its time to celebrate 100 years of FIFA corruption.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 21 Nov 22 - 07:51 AM

Everyone should watch the Netflix documentary series, “FIFA Uncovered”. A shameful, shameless bunch of greedy crooks, completely lacking any sort of moral compass.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: gillymor
Date: 21 Nov 22 - 09:11 AM

I've seen the Netflix doc and have been following the disgraceful behavior of FIFA for years and I won't be patronizing this thing in any way. Best of luck to all the players though.

Subject: RE: BS: FIFA World Cup 2022 unlike any other
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 21 Nov 22 - 03:10 PM

So the England team chickened out of wearing their rainbow arm bands. A US journalist was detained by security when he tried to enter a stadium wearing a rainbow shirt. Female supporters of the Welsh team had their rainbow bucket hats confiscated as they entered the stadium.

Anyone still watching?

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

Nope.

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: keberoxu
Date: 22 Nov 22 - 03:43 PM

Saudi Arabia defeated Argentina?!?

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 - 06:27 AM

Nigel - Love it :-D

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 - 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: 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: 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 - 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Mrrzy
Date: 29 Nov 22 - 08:40 PM

Allez les bleus!

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Backwoodsman
Date: 19 Dec 22 - 07:11 AM

I stuck to my principles.

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: 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: Dave the Gnome
Date: 26 Dec 22 - 03:49 AM

100!:-)

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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.