AlanSkÃrare

Not a classic that but a decent scoreline with these defenders at our disposal. Colo was warming up for ages, I was dying to see him. Alex Kacaniklic looking the part again.

Supported him tonight, was the only person applauding and shouting his name when he came on after 85 mins. Shit game otherwise. Argie CBs did well.

Alright, off to see Zlatan and Messi. Have a lovely Wednesday night everyone.

Huh? I'm not, you are. Out here in the real world they haven't qualified for a World Cup since 2002 and for the Euros since 1984 (excluding 2000 where they were qualified by default by virtue of organising the tournament). Granted, their current crop looks talented, but I will have to see them reach a World Cup final before I conceed they've passed us in the football stakes. He's aiming at me, not you.

Belgium ahead of Holland In all seriousness, that sounds like the mackems saying how good their squad is on paper. Football isn't played on paper. Belgium have some cracking players, but as a nation they just don't have a winning mentality. I think their Flemish vs Wallons attitude has a lot to do with that. They have a lot to prove on the pitch first before I consider them to be ahead of us. You lot have managed to overcome your racist issues quite well, don't think disregarding them because of their impending civil war is reason enough to doubt their ability. As for their squad on paper in relation to reality - aye, valid argument to some extent. I've seen Sweden qualify for so many tournaments with very average players and actually do well in those tournaments because of the collective effort and good organisation our football federation have put in place. However, I've seen bits and pieces of Belgiums qualifying campaign so far and they do look impressive, especially beating Serbia 3-0 away from home.

Their "golden generation" were all 12 year olds by then. They're doing well now, gelling as a team and their players are proving their potential at far higher levels. They have to get over the hurdle of actually qualifying for a major tournament before you even begin to rate them higher than Italy, Holland, France or Argentina. Insane levels of football hipsterness the Belgium bumming. They're not even as good as England. Behave. World Cup QF we'd lose on penalties. As I said, I'd rate their current squad above those. I'd certainly rate it above England's as well, especially with the recent inclusions of Sterling, Shelvey etc. in mind. I agree there has been an unproportional level of expectation, but I think they're edging close to fullfilling that prophecy. Agree full backs are a problem but Vertonghen hasn't let anyone down at Spurs playing at left-back. Their strikers are only starting to prove themselves at the higher levels, Lukaku being very impressive at WBA and Benteke looking the business in a very poor Aston Villa side. Don't think that'll be a problem position come 2014. Hazard and Mirallas/Mertens/De Bruyne are decent wingers to complement one of those. Fellaini, Dembele and Witsel is a midfield three superior to most in Europe with Steven Defour capable of filling in. Kompany is probably in among the top three central defenders of this world while Vermaelen is growing into his role at Arsenal.

Their "golden generation" were all 12 year olds by then. They're doing well now, gelling as a team and their players are proving their potential at far higher levels.

Might be completley slated for this, but I'd rate their current squad as better than Holland's and Italy's. With Argentina's defensive fragilties, they're maybe on par with them. France's current crop seem to always implode on big occasions.

Ireland and Scotland marra, Britannia unite ! They've got a token Belgium as well. Probably the one in with a chance of winning the WC.

Another stab to the heart of football.

Did he actually say that? Not suprised, serial liar etc. but that's astonishing. What foundations? He brought us Ryan Taylor.

Hannover would be amazing.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO I'd be gutted if I were you Might come on in the second half like That's shit. I'll boo until he comes on.

On a Swedish Liverpool forum they're now suggesting Ben Arfa + £10m for Carroll. I have to leave this country.

I don't think we'll find a player that I'll love as much as I love Hatem. The one player who's irreplaceable in our squad. In other words: Just don't sell him.

Next we'll have Paul Merson telling people how Ben Arfa "should be playing for someone like Aston Villa".

How old is Conor Newton? Any good?

Interesting to see that he's transformed his goalscoring to senior football. Hopefully we keep him on our books at least.

If Hatem goes to Liverpool I'm out. Still don't think we'll a) sell him to them for a price they can afford and b) he wouldn't want to go there of all places. We've also shown signs of ambition now. Why leave if not for a top, top club?

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Starting tomorrow, Cabaye as well. #France XI to face #Germany tomorrow: Lloris - Sagna, Koscielny, Sakho, Evra - Cabaye, Matuidi - Sissoko, Valbuena, Ribery - Benzema #EDF

Feels so good to have this chap to look forward to as well. As soon as the Sissoko hype slows down, he'll step in and rip people to shreds. And we can go back to competing with different gifs again.

http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/photos-and-videos/videos/feature-massadio-haidara-settles-in-at-newcastle/

Is that Danny Blind's son?