Friends of Fulham

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Barrett487 on June 21, 2026, 03:02:48 AM

Title: Not interested in the WC
Post by: Barrett487 on June 21, 2026, 03:02:48 AM
The only minutes i watched were a bit of Canada's first game, to see our youngster in action.

Crack on England

I want England to do well, but the social/antisocial behaviour will make it a negative anyway.
Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: JimmyConway on June 21, 2026, 07:18:02 AM
If you like football then The World Cup is still the pinnacle. The issue nowadays like most major football tournaments is they get watered down having to shoe horn in all these extra teams and games. Have to say I think it's been a decent start across the board. Be interesting how the last 32 pans out as you would imagine there will be a few decent match ups? More than likely it will be last 16 when WC really gets going.
Lots of plus points so far. Teams like Japan Morocco South Korea no longer just making up the numbers.
Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: C Block on June 21, 2026, 08:55:42 AM
I haven't watched one single second of any game yet, and I've not seen a single goal,
My heart is still stuck in 1974,78 and 82
I might take an interest in the semi finals or the Final, but I have no interest at the moment.
Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: Woolly Mammoth on June 21, 2026, 10:01:01 AM
Quote from: C Block on June 21, 2026, 08:55:42 AMI haven't watched one single second of any game yet, and I've not seen a single goal,
My heart is still stuck in 1974,78 and 82
I might take an interest in the semi finals or the Final, but I have no interest at the moment.

One single second you claim ?
Hmmm
Have you any proof of your feelings regarding this matter.
For instance, CCTV footage, independent witnesses or photographic evidence.
How do we know that you are not checking out the WC all under cover wearing a balaclava whilst nobody is looking.
Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: KentFulham on June 21, 2026, 10:11:18 AM
In Italy currently and you wouldn't know there was a world cup on!
Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: Woolly Mammoth on June 21, 2026, 10:23:31 AM
Quote from: KentFulham on June 21, 2026, 10:11:18 AMIn Italy currently and you wouldn't know there was a world cup on!

Will you then stop every Italian you come across and demand to know why.
Of course it might have something to do with Italy not qualifying.
Nevertheless that is no excuse.
Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: ffcne on June 21, 2026, 10:37:48 AM
Quote from: C Block on June 21, 2026, 08:55:42 AMI haven't watched one single second of any game yet, and I've not seen a single goal,
My heart is still stuck in 1974,78 and 82
I might take an interest in the semi finals or the Final, but I have no interest at the moment.


My heart is stuck in Mexico 1986 .Having left home in 1984 supposed to go travelling for 6 months .
Went To India ,Asia, then spent a year in Australia and 6 months in NZ.Found myself in LA in May 1986 working in a backpackers hostel.Met some English lads and a car was purchased headed to Monterrey for group games and then onto Mexico City for knock out games.Headed to Acapulco after Argentina game.Then decided to go back to try and see the final . No chance of tickets ,but saw an opportunity and we were in .I ended up on the pitch right behind Maradona holding the trophy .Fulham website did an article about me titled Duncan and Diego.Google Duncan Coales Mexico 1986,the Daily Mirror did a great article.

Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: Jim© on June 21, 2026, 10:54:41 AM
I'm shocked by how many people say this, I don't get it as football fans that you don't watch any games at all.
It's my chance to scout a few players for Fulham. So far the Moroccos young bouaddi has been the best I've seen. Ivory coasts young number 26 also very good!
Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: john dempsey on June 21, 2026, 12:30:50 PM
Quote from: Barrett487 on June 21, 2026, 03:02:48 AMThe only minutes i watched were a bit of Canada's first game, to see our youngster in action.

Crack on England

I want England to do well, but the social/antisocial behaviour will make it a negative anyway.



 Not heard of any antisocial behaviour,
just heard of positivity and fun.
Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: cmg on June 21, 2026, 01:24:29 PM

The World Cup, the top competition in the game, is on. Let's crank-up the Misery Meter!

Alternative: It's not a WC year. Isn't it boring in the summer with nothing going on?
Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: F(f)CUK on June 21, 2026, 01:38:56 PM
I have been enjoying the competition. The England game was the highlight for me so far. Not often that you can say that.
Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: Woolly Mammoth on June 21, 2026, 02:16:25 PM
Excellent.
Then we are all agreed, enjoy the World Cup Finals, as they only come round every 4 years.
Anyone found not enjoying them or not even bothering to watch, so they say.
Should be banished to a life term of hard labour at a certain location that has been in the local news occasionally, located somewhere in and around the Hammersmith End.
Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: alfie on June 21, 2026, 02:33:56 PM
I have a friend who swears he has not watched one bit, unfortunately his wife tells a different story.
Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: Carborundum on June 21, 2026, 03:22:39 PM
I like big football tournaments and I cannot lie.
Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: Woolly Mammoth on June 21, 2026, 03:53:03 PM
Didn't Nick Bateman say he refuses unreservedly to watch a single second of any match, apart from the water breaks, or am I thinking of someone else.
Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: _Putney_ on June 21, 2026, 03:58:21 PM
Here are some things I'm uninterested in:

- The Ashes
- Most west end theatre
- Visiting Sunderland for a holiday
- Snails for food
- Most science fiction books
- The piccadilly line

Dont mean i'm gonna start a thread about them though
Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: Ronnief on June 21, 2026, 04:56:15 PM
I enjoy watching football full stop. Fulham are my main interest but I will watch any standard. My local club is an alternative to Fulham and TV matches whether they be World Cup or Non league are of interest. However I will not be watching matches in the middle of the night.  ::scarf:: The
Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: demeant0r on June 21, 2026, 05:14:48 PM
The only reason I'm not interested in this WC is because Ireland is not in it  ::cry::
Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: love4ffc on June 21, 2026, 05:20:23 PM
I enjoy watching football, so yes, I'm watching several of the games.  Not all, but most. 

Sadly, like all football compitetions now a days, several ref controversies are plaguing the WC.  Absolutely hate the new rule about covering your mouth, and it's an automatic red card.  Stupid rule. 
Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: Nick Bateman on June 21, 2026, 06:58:23 PM
Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on June 21, 2026, 03:53:03 PMDidn't Nick Bateman say he refuses unreservedly to watch a single second of any match, apart from the water breaks, or am I thinking of someone else.

Not guilty Mammoth. The thing I like the most of this World Cup is the refereeing. They are resisting giving soft free kicks or "dives" and seem genuinely trying to be neutral. The water breaks is the worst thing of this tournament but it suits the American TV with "commercials". The hand over mouth is another poorly thought out rule as stated above.
Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: Whitestone on June 21, 2026, 07:14:45 PM
Quote from: demeant0r on June 21, 2026, 05:14:48 PMThe only reason I'm not interested in this WC is because Ireland is not in it  ::cry::

That's most World Cups isn't it ?
Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: ArcticOctopus on June 21, 2026, 07:16:19 PM
Not trying to stir the pot, why is the hand over the mouth red that big a deal? Seems like a pretty easy thing to avoid and is there anything that has to be said during the match that requires covering your mouth? If it's important, just save it for the final whistle.
Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: john dempsey on June 21, 2026, 07:20:45 PM
Quote from: Whitestone on June 21, 2026, 07:14:45 PM
Quote from: demeant0r on June 21, 2026, 05:14:48 PMThe only reason I'm not interested in this WC is because Ireland is not in it  ::cry::

That's most World Cups isn't it ?






Now that is very funny.
cruel but very funny.
Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: demeant0r on June 21, 2026, 07:21:33 PM
Quote from: Whitestone on June 21, 2026, 07:14:45 PM
Quote from: demeant0r on June 21, 2026, 05:14:48 PMThe only reason I'm not interested in this WC is because Ireland is not in it  ::cry::

That's most World Cups isn't it ?

Yep that's why I don't care for most international competitions  :slap:
Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: alfie on June 21, 2026, 07:54:41 PM
Quote from: _Putney_ on June 21, 2026, 03:58:21 PMHere are some things I'm uninterested in:

- The Ashes
- Most west end theatre
- Visiting Sunderland for a holiday
- Snails for food
- Most science fiction books
- The piccadilly line

Dont mean i'm gonna start a thread about them though
Ah but you have added your dislikes to this thread.
Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: BestOfBrede on June 21, 2026, 07:55:08 PM
A bit like us in European competition, unfortunately!
Oh, and in cup finals!

 ::tongue::

Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: Colton F.C. on June 21, 2026, 08:48:57 PM
Quote from: ffcne on June 21, 2026, 10:37:48 AM
Quote from: C Block on June 21, 2026, 08:55:42 AMI haven't watched one single second of any game yet, and I've not seen a single goal,
My heart is still stuck in 1974,78 and 82
I might take an interest in the semi finals or the Final, but I have no interest at the moment.



My heart is stuck in Mexico 1986 .Having left home in 1984 supposed to go travelling for 6 months .
Went To India ,Asia, then spent a year in Australia and 6 months in NZ.Found myself in LA in May 1986 working in a backpackers hostel.Met some English lads and a car was purchased headed to Monterrey for group games and then onto Mexico City for knock out games.Headed to Acapulco after Argentina game.Then decided to go back to try and see the final . No chance of tickets ,but saw an opportunity and we were in .I ended up on the pitch right behind Maradona holding the trophy .Fulham website did an article about me titled Duncan and Diego.Google Duncan Coales Mexico 1986,the Daily Mirror did a great article.


Err .....Is that the World Cup where there was an appalling act of cheating that has never been surpassed even by todays low bar?
Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: _Putney_ on June 21, 2026, 08:49:12 PM
Quote from: alfie on June 21, 2026, 07:54:41 PM
Quote from: _Putney_ on June 21, 2026, 03:58:21 PMHere are some things I'm uninterested in:

- The Ashes
- Most west end theatre
- Visiting Sunderland for a holiday
- Snails for food
- Most science fiction books
- The piccadilly line

Dont mean i'm gonna start a thread about them though
Ah but you have added your dislikes to this thread.


it was a lose lose situation for me  ::beer::
Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: General on June 21, 2026, 09:00:30 PM
I've really enjoyed this world cup tbh, minus the politics from trump, and infantino and the americanism of the games.. the culture can be a bit insufferable at times.

I'm also enjoying the larger format, it's nice seeing smaller countries compete and in instances cause an upset or two.

Curaçao drawing to Ecuador is amazing, with the island nation having just 150,000 population

I think it's good for the game.

The tempo has been good to games too.

Sad to see the water breaks as not quite the same, though I get why

Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: bill taylors apprentice on June 21, 2026, 09:14:28 PM
I'm watching as much as I can but avoiding most of the pundits drivel, especially Emma Hayes.

Before anyone thinks I'm anti female pundit, I like Karen Carney.
Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: DadCreature on June 21, 2026, 09:36:31 PM
Quote from: bill taylors apprentice on June 21, 2026, 09:14:28 PMI'm watching as much as I can but avoiding most of the pundits drivel, especially Emma Hayes.

Before anyone thinks I'm anti female pundit, I like Karen Carney.
I like Zlatan's commentary.   He doesn't try to make everything happy.
Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: Woolly Mammoth on June 22, 2026, 01:03:34 AM
Quote from: Nick Bateman on June 21, 2026, 06:58:23 PM
Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on June 21, 2026, 03:53:03 PMDidn't Nick Bateman say he refuses unreservedly to watch a single second of any match, apart from the water breaks, or am I thinking of someone else.

Not guilty Mammoth. The thing I like the most of this World Cup is the refereeing. They are resisting giving soft free kicks or "dives" and seem genuinely trying to be neutral. The water breaks is the worst thing of this tournament but it suits the American TV with "commercials". The hand over mouth is another poorly thought out rule as stated above.

Ok Nick, after careful consideration and further research, I can confirm you have been exonerated of all charges.
I concur with you on the referees resisting giving soft free kicks to cheating players, that's refreshing to see.
As for the water break fiasco, I just don't know where to start on that issue.
 As for the potential red card regarding covering the mouth.
This rule was introduced to prevent players from hiding abusive, discriminatory, or offensive language during matches. It was prompted by an incident in the UEFA Champions League where it is alleged Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni covered his mouth while making a discriminatory comment to Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior, highlighting the potential for players to conceal offensive remarks from cameras and officials.
I am sure everyone has their own opinion on this, and I expect we have not heard the last of it.




Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: Nick Bateman on June 22, 2026, 01:47:24 AM
Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on June 22, 2026, 01:03:34 AM
Quote from: Nick Bateman on June 21, 2026, 06:58:23 PM
Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on June 21, 2026, 03:53:03 PMDidn't Nick Bateman say he refuses unreservedly to watch a single second of any match, apart from the water breaks, or am I thinking of someone else.

Not guilty Mammoth. The thing I like the most of this World Cup is the refereeing. They are resisting giving soft free kicks or "dives" and seem genuinely trying to be neutral. The water breaks is the worst thing of this tournament but it suits the American TV with "commercials". The hand over mouth is another poorly thought out rule as stated above.

Ok Nick, after careful consideration and further research, I can confirm you have been exonerated of all charges.
I concur with you on the referees resisting giving soft free kicks to cheating players, that's refreshing to see.
As for the water break fiasco, I just don't know where to start on that issue.
 As for the potential red card regarding covering the mouth.
This rule was introduced to prevent players from hiding abusive, discriminatory, or offensive language during matches. It was prompted by an incident in the UEFA Champions League where it is alleged Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni covered his mouth while making a discriminatory comment to Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior, highlighting the potential for players to conceal offensive remarks from cameras and officials.
I am sure everyone has their own opinion on this, and I expect we have not heard the last of it.


Yes, I missed the Uruguay game but saw Almiron sent off for probably a harmless remark whilst covering his mouth. Did look extreme IMO.

I'd like to amend my dislikes of the tournament - ITV & BBC's coverage. They are not making it better and several personnel choices in the studio or in commentary are ruining matches for me. Everyone else can have a different view just don't demand I change my view of how football matches used to shown and enjoyed since the days of George Best and Jimmy Greaves.


Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: Steeeeeeeeeed on June 22, 2026, 02:03:01 AM
I fancy New Zealand to get at least a draw with Egypt here, especially as they seem to have Joe Bell playing in both Defence and Midfield for NZ... According to the official FIFA pre match video and line ups.



Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: Woolly Mammoth on June 22, 2026, 04:05:43 AM
Quote from: Nick Bateman on June 22, 2026, 01:47:24 AM
Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on June 22, 2026, 01:03:34 AM
Quote from: Nick Bateman on June 21, 2026, 06:58:23 PM
Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on June 21, 2026, 03:53:03 PMDidn't Nick Bateman say he refuses unreservedly to watch a single second of any match, apart from the water breaks, or am I thinking of someone else.

Not guilty Mammoth. The thing I like the most of this World Cup is the refereeing. They are resisting giving soft free kicks or "dives" and seem genuinely trying to be neutral. The water breaks is the worst thing of this tournament but it suits the American TV with "commercials". The hand over mouth is another poorly thought out rule as stated above.

Ok Nick, after careful consideration and further research, I can confirm you have been exonerated of all charges.
I concur with you on the referees resisting giving soft free kicks to cheating players, that's refreshing to see.
As for the water break fiasco, I just don't know where to start on that issue.
 As for the potential red card regarding covering the mouth.
This rule was introduced to prevent players from hiding abusive, discriminatory, or offensive language during matches. It was prompted by an incident in the UEFA Champions League where it is alleged Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni covered his mouth while making a discriminatory comment to Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior, highlighting the potential for players to conceal offensive remarks from cameras and officials.
I am sure everyone has their own opinion on this, and I expect we have not heard the last of it.


Yes, I missed the Uruguay game but saw Almiron sent off for probably a harmless remark whilst covering his mouth. Did look extreme IMO.

I'd like to amend my dislikes of the tournament - ITV & BBC's coverage. They are not making it better and several personnel choices in the studio or in commentary are ruining matches for me. Everyone else can have a different view just don't demand I change my view of how football matches used to shown and enjoyed since the days of George Best and Jimmy Greaves.



George Best & Jimmy Greaves, how lucky we were to have witnessed their performances.
They would put many of today's players to shame, with their skills as they embraced the muddy pitches and in those days the tackle from behind had not been outlawed.
Add the fact that they played 90 mins every game even when injured.
Yes they liked a drop of the hard stuff but then who didn't.
The volume of goals they scored was a joy to be hold.
They rode tackles and fouls against some of the most uncompromising hardest and dirtiest players you will ever see.
Got up brushed themselves down and answered it with a hatrick.
No laying on the floor holding an imaginary injury in those days.
Many people forget the state of pitches in those days, and there were no subs and everyone played a full game at a faster tempo.
Jimmy Greaves scored on his debut in every team
he played for.
I include the England Academy team right the  way through to the first team, and the academy teams of Chelsea and on his debut Tottenham Hotspur, and I recall he scored on his debut for West Ham United in the evening of his Career, to cap am astonishing record.
When he briefly went to Italy to play for AC Milan against some of the most uncompromising defences in Europe at the time, although he never really settled he still managed to score 9 goals in 10 games.
An old friend of mine who had played at a decent standard was invited to play in a Charity match many many years ago at Walthamstow Avenue whereupon Jimmy Greaves was the guest of honour, but was also invited to play even though he had retired.
Mr friend said when Jimmy walked in to the dressing room everyone was in awe of him.
But Greavesy quickly relaxed everyone by cracking joke after joke in the dressing room especially taking the Micky out of himself about his drinking issues.
My friend said he had the dressing room in stitches, a real down to earth bloke.
Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: Woolly Mammoth on June 22, 2026, 10:18:07 AM
Talking about how well so far this WC is panning out so far so good, and everyone is getting some kind of pleasure out of it.
I note that Cape Verdi achieved another fine result this time against Uruguay, no mean feat.

Just goes to show that every team can have their day in Football and in any sport come to think of it, pure Theatre.
Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: ffcne on June 22, 2026, 04:24:29 PM
Quote from: Colton F.C. on June 21, 2026, 08:48:57 PM
Quote from: ffcne on June 21, 2026, 10:37:48 AM
Quote from: C Block on June 21, 2026, 08:55:42 AMI haven't watched one single second of any game yet, and I've not seen a single goal,
My heart is still stuck in 1974,78 and 82
I might take an interest in the semi finals or the Final, but I have no interest at the moment.






My heart is stuck in Mexico 1986 .Having left home in 1984 supposed to go travelling for 6 months .
Went To India ,Asia, then spent a year in Australia and 6 months in NZ.Found myself in LA in May 1986 working in a backpackers hostel.Met some English lads and a car was purchased headed to Monterrey for group games and then onto Mexico City for knock out games.Headed to Acapulco after Argentina game.Then decided to go back to try and see the final . No chance of tickets ,but saw an opportunity and we were in .I ended up on the pitch right behind Maradona holding the trophy .Fulham website did an article about me titled Duncan and Diego.Google Duncan Coales Mexico 1986,the Daily Mirror did a great article.


Err .....Is that the World Cup where there was an appalling act of cheating that has never been surpassed even by todays low bar?


You had  to be there I was 28 and had the time of my life.
. Alex '' The traveller'' Ferguson fellow Fulham boy was there.For all you oldies who may remember him.
 If you travelled on  of the Thames Bank travelers buses..Top man.Sadly no longer with us.
Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: Nick Bateman on June 23, 2026, 12:49:35 AM
Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on June 22, 2026, 04:05:43 AM
Quote from: Nick Bateman on June 22, 2026, 01:47:24 AM
Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on June 22, 2026, 01:03:34 AM
Quote from: Nick Bateman on June 21, 2026, 06:58:23 PM
Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on June 21, 2026, 03:53:03 PMDidn't Nick Bateman say he refuses unreservedly to watch a single second of any match, apart from the water breaks, or am I thinking of someone else.

Not guilty Mammoth. The thing I like the most of this World Cup is the refereeing. They are resisting giving soft free kicks or "dives" and seem genuinely trying to be neutral. The water breaks is the worst thing of this tournament but it suits the American TV with "commercials". The hand over mouth is another poorly thought out rule as stated above.

Ok Nick, after careful consideration and further research, I can confirm you have been exonerated of all charges.
I concur with you on the referees resisting giving soft free kicks to cheating players, that's refreshing to see.
As for the water break fiasco, I just don't know where to start on that issue.
 As for the potential red card regarding covering the mouth.
This rule was introduced to prevent players from hiding abusive, discriminatory, or offensive language during matches. It was prompted by an incident in the UEFA Champions League where it is alleged Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni covered his mouth while making a discriminatory comment to Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior, highlighting the potential for players to conceal offensive remarks from cameras and officials.
I am sure everyone has their own opinion on this, and I expect we have not heard the last of it.


Yes, I missed the Uruguay game but saw Almiron sent off for probably a harmless remark whilst covering his mouth. Did look extreme IMO.

I'd like to amend my dislikes of the tournament - ITV & BBC's coverage. They are not making it better and several personnel choices in the studio or in commentary are ruining matches for me. Everyone else can have a different view just don't demand I change my view of how football matches used to shown and enjoyed since the days of George Best and Jimmy Greaves.



George Best & Jimmy Greaves, how lucky we were to have witnessed their performances.
They would put many of today's players to shame, with their skills as they embraced the muddy pitches and in those days the tackle from behind had not been outlawed.
Add the fact that they played 90 mins every game even when injured.
Yes they liked a drop of the hard stuff but then who didn't.
The volume of goals they scored was a joy to be hold.
They rode tackles and fouls against some of the most uncompromising hardest and dirtiest players you will ever see.
Got up brushed themselves down and answered it with a hatrick.
No laying on the floor holding an imaginary injury in those days.
Many people forget the state of pitches in those days, and there were no subs and everyone played a full game at a faster tempo.
Jimmy Greaves scored on his debut in every team
he played for.
I include the England Academy team right the  way through to the first team, and the academy teams of Chelsea and on his debut Tottenham Hotspur, and I recall he scored on his debut for West Ham United in the evening of his Career, to cap am astonishing record.
When he briefly went to Italy to play for AC Milan against some of the most uncompromising defences in Europe at the time, although he never really settled he still managed to score 9 goals in 10 games.
An old friend of mine who had played at a decent standard was invited to play in a Charity match many many years ago at Walthamstow Avenue whereupon Jimmy Greaves was the guest of honour, but was also invited to play even though he had retired.
Mr friend said when Jimmy walked in to the dressing room everyone was in awe of him.
But Greavesy quickly relaxed everyone by cracking joke after joke in the dressing room especially taking the Micky out of himself about his drinking issues.
My friend said he had the dressing room in stitches, a real down to earth bloke.


Mammoth, think you excellently summed up how things were, when players were paid a pittance and earned every penny. When one recalls that and then see the modern players diving, rolling around screaming for a phoney reaction, then driving around in quarter of million £ lotus's, one does not admire them.
Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: Steeeeeeeeeed on June 23, 2026, 12:53:59 AM
The Weather is having a bad affect tonight, The France game has been suspended for about an hour now, and the same Thunder clouds seem to be on their way to the Norway game, which is only 90 miles away.

This could be really a bit rubbish if both games are messed up.
Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: Woolly Mammoth on June 23, 2026, 11:16:52 AM
Quote from: Nick Bateman on June 23, 2026, 12:49:35 AM
Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on June 22, 2026, 04:05:43 AM
Quote from: Nick Bateman on June 22, 2026, 01:47:24 AM
Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on June 22, 2026, 01:03:34 AM
Quote from: Nick Bateman on June 21, 2026, 06:58:23 PM
Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on June 21, 2026, 03:53:03 PMDidn't Nick Bateman say he refuses unreservedly to watch a single second of any match, apart from the water breaks, or am I thinking of someone else.

Not guilty Mammoth. The thing I like the most of this World Cup is the refereeing. They are resisting giving soft free kicks or "dives" and seem genuinely trying to be neutral. The water breaks is the worst thing of this tournament but it suits the American TV with "commercials". The hand over mouth is another poorly thought out rule as stated above.

Ok Nick, after careful consideration and further research, I can confirm you have been exonerated of all charges.
I concur with you on the referees resisting giving soft free kicks to cheating players, that's refreshing to see.
As for the water break fiasco, I just don't know where to start on that issue.
 As for the potential red card regarding covering the mouth.
This rule was introduced to prevent players from hiding abusive, discriminatory, or offensive language during matches. It was prompted by an incident in the UEFA Champions League where it is alleged Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni covered his mouth while making a discriminatory comment to Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior, highlighting the potential for players to conceal offensive remarks from cameras and officials.
I am sure everyone has their own opinion on this, and I expect we have not heard the last of it.


Yes, I missed the Uruguay game but saw Almiron sent off for probably a harmless remark whilst covering his mouth. Did look extreme IMO.

I'd like to amend my dislikes of the tournament - ITV & BBC's coverage. They are not making it better and several personnel choices in the studio or in commentary are ruining matches for me. Everyone else can have a different view just don't demand I change my view of how football matches used to shown and enjoyed since the days of George Best and Jimmy Greaves.



George Best & Jimmy Greaves, how lucky we were to have witnessed their performances.
They would put many of today's players to shame, with their skills as they embraced the muddy pitches and in those days the tackle from behind had not been outlawed.
Add the fact that they played 90 mins every game even when injured.
Yes they liked a drop of the hard stuff but then who didn't.
The volume of goals they scored was a joy to be hold.
They rode tackles and fouls against some of the most uncompromising hardest and dirtiest players you will ever see.
Got up brushed themselves down and answered it with a hatrick.
No laying on the floor holding an imaginary injury in those days.
Many people forget the state of pitches in those days, and there were no subs and everyone played a full game at a faster tempo.
Jimmy Greaves scored on his debut in every team
he played for.
I include the England Academy team right the  way through to the first team, and the academy teams of Chelsea and on his debut Tottenham Hotspur, and I recall he scored on his debut for West Ham United in the evening of his Career, to cap am astonishing record.
When he briefly went to Italy to play for AC Milan against some of the most uncompromising defences in Europe at the time, although he never really settled he still managed to score 9 goals in 10 games.
An old friend of mine who had played at a decent standard was invited to play in a Charity match many many years ago at Walthamstow Avenue whereupon Jimmy Greaves was the guest of honour, but was also invited to play even though he had retired.
Mr friend said when Jimmy walked in to the dressing room everyone was in awe of him.
But Greavesy quickly relaxed everyone by cracking joke after joke in the dressing room especially taking the Micky out of himself about his drinking issues.
My friend said he had the dressing room in stitches, a real down to earth bloke.


Mammoth, think you excellently summed up how things were, when players were paid a pittance and earned every penny. When one recalls that and then see the modern players diving, rolling around screaming for a phoney reaction, then driving around in quarter of million £ lotus's, one does not admire them.

Precisely
Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: Bassey the warrior on June 23, 2026, 01:12:24 PM
On the pitch, it's a good World Cup and I'm enjoying the games, feels like there are more goals being scored than usual and some great results for minnows like Curacao and Cape Verde.

Off the pitch is a different case entirely, I can't think of a less welcoming host than Trump's version of the US.
Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: john dempsey on June 23, 2026, 06:11:02 PM
Funny how all i am seeing is fans saying,
what a great time they are having and,
how open and welcoming everyone is.
Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: Carborundum on June 23, 2026, 06:45:23 PM
I've enjoyed it a lot.  Watching on TV as opposed to live football just isn't as good, so during the premier league season I don't much bother with it.  But every couple of summers I switch on and settle in for TV football and it's been fun.

It's been my pleasure and good fortune to work and socialise with many Americans on both sides of the Atlantic.  I've met so many kind, charming and thoughtful people and I'm glad a flavour of that is percolating through the media reports.  Takes a lot to get the media to show a good news story.
Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: Bassey the warrior on June 23, 2026, 11:32:55 PM
Quote from: john dempsey on June 23, 2026, 06:11:02 PMFunny how all i am seeing is fans saying,
what a great time they are having and,
how open and welcoming everyone is.

To be clear, I'm referring to the govt being unwelcoming.
Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: _Putney_ on June 24, 2026, 02:59:14 AM
Please, no politics.
Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: SuperFreeman on June 24, 2026, 03:51:41 AM
Quote from: KentFulham on June 21, 2026, 10:11:18 AMIn Italy currently and you wouldn't know there was a world cup on!

And why do you think that might be????!!!
Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: SuperFreeman on June 24, 2026, 04:00:17 AM
Quote from: Bassey the warrior on June 23, 2026, 11:32:55 PM
Quote from: john dempsey on June 23, 2026, 06:11:02 PMFunny how all i am seeing is fans saying,
what a great time they are having and,
how open and welcoming everyone is.

To be clear, I'm referring to the govt being unwelcoming.

In what way?? I think, so far, it's turning out to be a terrific tournament. Great stadiums, nearly at capacity for most matches and easy to get to without any UK style roadworks and chaos that goes with it, good behaviour from all the fans who seem to be really enjoying it and getting on with each other and atm (touch wood) no security incidents. Considering the fact that this is the biggest WC ever, it's all going very smoothly. What a pity England couldn't even score one goal against lightweights Ghana. Tuchel's ridiculous boast about winning the tournament will soon be coming back to haunt him.
Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: Bassey the warrior on June 24, 2026, 07:30:51 AM
Quote from: SuperFreeman on June 24, 2026, 04:00:17 AM
Quote from: Bassey the warrior on June 23, 2026, 11:32:55 PM
Quote from: john dempsey on June 23, 2026, 06:11:02 PMFunny how all i am seeing is fans saying,
what a great time they are having and,
how open and welcoming everyone is.

To be clear, I'm referring to the govt being unwelcoming.

In what way?? I think, so far, it's turning out to be a terrific tournament. Great stadiums, nearly at capacity for most matches and easy to get to without any UK style roadworks and chaos that goes with it, good behaviour from all the fans who seem to be really enjoying it and getting on with each other and atm (touch wood) no security incidents. Considering the fact that this is the biggest WC ever, it's all going very smoothly. What a pity England couldn't even score one goal against lightweights Ghana. Tuchel's ridiculous boast about winning the tournament will soon be coming back to haunt him.

If you're from a country Trump dislikes it's much harder to get into the country. Look at the Somalian referee, then fans, staff and football players from Iran, Senegal, Uzbekistan, Haiti, Iraq, Cote D'Ivoire, etc.
Title: Re: Not interested in the WC
Post by: john dempsey on June 24, 2026, 07:43:36 AM
Iranian Womens football Team showed more
balls than any of those men.
When you come on a Football site it would be
nice if you kept your TDS at home.