LucaAltieri

You're confusing "rich" with "civilized." I'm not using the "uncivilized" in the colonial Brit sense, just good old fashioned, classic definition. A country with that much discrimination against homosexuals, women, other religions, the non-religious, using impoverished migrant workers as slave labor, isn't a civilized country. You might be ok with it, but I'm not. I doubt you'd sit on the fence if someone you met in a bar was being an abusive, homophobic, dip shit. Why is it any different when it's a culture and not an individual? Call it what it is.

Russia is ranked higher than England, was in the semifinals of Euro 2008, has one of the better leagues in the world, and has a deep history of success dating back to the CCCP. If we are limiting ourselves to places that are more of a hotbed than Russia, not many places will be hosting. In what way is Qatar not civilised? I'm not just talking about the national team and their current ranking. Russian football in general ranks nowhere. The premier league, serie a, la liga... all followed globally. Even the Dutch league is on tv if you fancy looking for it. No one outside of Russia gives half a fuck about the Russian league or Russian players.

I may have been a little harsh on Russia but I still don't rank them as a footballing nation in the same way I would with Brazil. It's not like the country is churning out superstars with any regularity. Qatar, I wouldn't even call a civilized country, nevermind a football country.

The Italians are always dark horses. Another well-timed match-fixing scandal could see them win it again.

Disproportionately excited for this. I think with it being in Brazil helps. Compared to the footballing non-entities hosting the next two, the Brazilians should provide a good atmosphere. Also, no f***ing vuvuzelas. Groups Stadiums Squads

They're usually 50 quid a pop.

Bishop Auckland away.

Sa.Ameobi picks up the ball, starts to dribble, loses the ball, and fouls the opposition all in the same movement. It must be genetic.

Jari Litmanen

Wim Jonk

Just did a bit search on Google, he failed a medical at Inter and apparently turned down a 12 month contract from Barcelona for the long-term deal on offer by West Ham. Feckin' eedjit. His agent/adviser/parents want sacking.

So it must be more common than I thought. I look forward to the management careers of Downing, Gerrard, Terry, and Rooney.

Messi Cristiano Ronaldo Neymar I think they have potential.

DeAndre Yedlin Dario Conca

Gullit, Poyet, Wise, Di Matteo, Zola, Vialli. Played together and all went into management. Are there any other examples of 4+ players from the same side going into management? It does strike me as above average.

I'd put a fiver on Gianluca Vialli.

Yup... talking about how their 2001 team was one of the best MLS has ever seen... ...cut to empty seats and the club going broke.

MLSoccer.com are plugging the fuck out of the old Miami Fusion team. They're almost certainly coming back. http://www.mlssoccer.com/video/channel/mls-insider

He's already a good little player. I'd take him at Newcastle right now.

I'm sure they're scouring the J League for the next Wenger as we speak. Thought I'd go and take a look to see who "the next Wenger" is. Apparently there's a Wenger protege at his old club in Japan, a Serbian legend named Dragan Stojkovic. He scored this goal from the technical area and got red carded: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQPR43v64e4 I'd have him.

I'm sure they're scouring the J League for the next Wenger as we speak.

Some new kappa trackie bottoms. Class. Neon pink, I hope.

What I want to know is: what's in it for Pulis?

Doesn't get on with the players he bought , what a mental appoinment. But it makes perfect sense! He's intentionally provocative to get the players into the mindset that he wants. OF COURSE that's going to rub the players the wrong way initially. They have a shit load of adjusting to do, but they will adjust. Instead, as soon as they get some pushback they sack Di Canio. Didn't even give his style a chance to take hold and turn the shit around. Utter disaster. Terrible signing to begin with, and somehow, an even worse sacking. Completely clueless.

I can't see how they could have fucked this up any more. - Bad appointment in the first place - Backed him to the hilt financially - Doesn't get on with the players, they back the players not the manager. The fallout being they've spent a chunk of money, players have lost morale, they're bottom of the league, they made no effort to turn it around and/or back Di Canio's "methods," and the players are now running the show.