World Cup 2026

[Armagh18]

England have dangerous players but was surprised how badly they struggle to control tempo of game and poor in the centre. Norway played them off the park at times but ultimately very sloppy when it really counted. Haaland looked like he had the shits for the last week.

England can never control the tempo of games - just not in their football dna. France look like a cut above the rest currently but Argentina England probably 50-50.

They generally waltz through their qualifying groups though outside tournaments against the lesser European teams. And Norway are hardly European juggernauts. What should have been a bread and butter shift was a struggle and hinged on individual moments. A moment of brilliance by England and some sloppy moments by Norway. But on the whole Norway looked the much more structured team and technically composed, in stark contrast to the story the rankings tell. 

Agree, Argentina is a coin toss. I really can't see them stay with France. But then again it wouldn't surprise me if Spain sucker punch les blues. Spain's big problem is fannying around and not scoring but they could catch fire for one big game. And if they do make the final and England do also, it really is a coin toss. Spain can control as much of the game as they want but it only takes a moment to beat a team who refuse to shoot.

That's exactly  what I thought before England's second goal. That Norway aren't prepared to  take on a shot. A second later , England did... and well, you know. Too much fannying about. Reminded me  of Armagh v Kerry

Spain are the  same. Too much fannying about. I'm hoping a bit of Messi magic  will beat England. England were poor last night. Norway  should have won it easy if they'd have kicked  the f**kin  ball

For that reason alone England deserved it more because, despite their faults, at least when they get a gap they are aggressive. Norway got some great over loads last night but flunked them. Poor final decision making by the ball carrier maybe, but Haaland looked so disinterested and static. That would be the most disappointing thing if you were a Norwegian fan. The team actually set up the stage beautifully for him.

He clearly was ill/injured. Barely moved all day.

[AustinPowers]

Already lining up a 64 team tournament

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cj9gm31jwg8o

It's all about the dough  for these corrupt F**kers

[JollyGreenGiant]

Already lining up a 64 team tournament

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cj9gm31jwg8o

It's all about the dough  for these corrupt F**kers

I've enjoyed the expanded tournament and the extra games. But in the end the Semi Finalists are the World and European Champions and the World and European Runners up. The QF was made up of 6 UEFA Teams and the Round of 16 had one third place team in it.

In short, as things stand, the expanded tournament looks like it is permitting token participation before the Round of 16 happens.

[RedHand88]

Already lining up a 64 team tournament

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cj9gm31jwg8o

It's all about the dough  for these corrupt F**kers

Wanting to make more money is not corruption.
But hey at least Ireland might actually make it now.

[Baile Brigín 2]

Right to reverse yellow. But harsh red to Swiss. VAR wants an Argentina-Eng semi.

Harsh how?

I've yet to see a yellow for dives by the top teams. Swiss were on top until that moment. Ref was only required to remove Argentina's yellow. If Swiss is getting a yellow then every dive should get a yellow. Harry Kane would be on 3 or 4 yellows by now.

Damned if they pull it up, damned if they don't.

It was a blatant and extreme dive that was correctly pulled. Just because other refs missed dives, and none have missed this obvious a one, this should have been waved through?

[BigGreenField]

It's been a shite enough World Cup overall

Pep ball has eaten the world, out of five gazillion teams there are about 3 players who can dribble a ball.

[An Watcher]

Right to reverse yellow. But harsh red to Swiss. VAR wants an Argentina-Eng semi.

Harsh how?

I've yet to see a yellow for dives by the top teams. Swiss were on top until that moment. Ref was only required to remove Argentina's yellow. If Swiss is getting a yellow then every dive should get a yellow. Harry Kane would be on 3 or 4 yellows by now.

Damned if they pull it up, damned if they don't.

It was a blatant and extreme dive that was correctly pulled. Just because other refs missed dives, and none have missed this obvious a one, this should have been waved through?

Unfortunately diving can be a bit grey as any contact at all can take someone down and no one is ever going to know really. 
That Swiss fella on sat night had clearly no contact so the yellow was 100%  Should up that shite to a straight red to try and stamp it out.  We'll done referee

[Captain Obvious]

[bennydorano]

ITV being a bit dismissive of Spain here??

[gallsman]

Didn't realise Bruce Buffer was doing team introductions 

[quit yo jibbajabba]

Matterface dixon AND mccoist?!

*Cuts ears off*

[gallsman]

That was an atrocious tackle from Olise.

[DaleCooper]

Francisco Franco nails the peno!

[Mourne Red]

Idiotic from Digne.. The theatrics of the team conceding the penalty has annoyed me a lot this Tournament

[gallsman]

That'll not help Lamine's dodgy hamstring.

Live I thought surely he can't have given away a penalty and then on the replay couldn't believe how badly he just booted him!