TheBrownBottle

I saw one on there where they were arguing about something being a ‘stereotype’ without being ‘racist’. This being about singing about the size of a black player’s penis. It’s a classic thick-headed response to being called out - and a complete failure to understand that the attribution of characteristics or traits based upon skin colour is the dictionary definition of racism. It is also why it is a waste of time arguing it - they refuse to understand what the word enough means while denying that they are it.

Aye, it would be nice to play their first team in a cup where we don’t have to play our U-21 side

The last NUFC top I bought was a LS one (from Toffs in the early ‘00s). I do like a long sleeve football top

He’s a odd young lad who doesn’t know his arse from his elbow tbf - he’s never gave me the impression of being a particularly deep thinker, bless him. He does appear to achieved a level of self-awareness from what I gather, which I hope is the case; I’d be genuinely worried if he wasn’t aware that so many are laughing at him.

Yep, France are head and shoulders above the rest, comfortably. I just hope Southgate has instructed Saka and Foden - assuming they start - to close Lloris constantly, and apply as much pressure as possible. I absolutely agree that he’s the weak point in that side. I’m struggling to see how that England back line copes with what France has, though. There’s a hell of a lot of quality in that side even without Mbappe.

I’d make the winners of France vs England favourites, but any of the remaining teams would still be tough for England.

Sometimes the ‘assist’ tag can almost overstate the ‘assisting’ player’s role. That was pretty much entirely down to the brilliance of Neymar

The club’s true founding year is 1881. There was a second name change in 1892. Most clubs don’t take name changes as being their year of birth - in fact, I think we’re the only one which does. Newcastle United is the same club as Newcastle East End, and Stanley. West End was dissolved before East End changed the name - East End simply took over the lease of SJP and picked up some of the better players from the extinct West End club. There was no merger. It’s an interesting counterfactual to wonder what might have happened if the owners of Chillingham Road stadium created a new club after East End buggered off. It worked wonders for the owners of Anfield after Everton left their lease in 1892 …

I would have thought Athleti would want their money back (which probably puts him out of our reach) and I’m pretty sure he has issues with Simeone - which would surely set off Howe’s ‘no twats’ policy alarm

It’s symbolic of the game’s move away from its working class roots and into the hands of the middle- and upper classes. The ‘gentrification’ of the game has seen traditional supporters priced out and replaced by tourists and day trippers. Soulless corporatism now sits at the heart of the ‘People’s Game’. There are plenty who are uncomfortable with this (me included), but the horse bolted on this one years ago - NUFC have to keep the playing field level.

Agreed, though some of the biggest YouTubers made their millions from playing video games while other people watched, which to me entirely defeats the point of video games, but then I’m a miserable old bastard so what would I know?

Honestly, I think some of the PFM pundits really believe it’s pot luck. Usually they or their mates have missed in shootouts, and there can be no consideration that their own failures to prepare and practice might have a part to play

A comment which has of course been criticised since, but we know he really meant ‘cunts’ but those elocution lessons meant he just couldn’t go there

They’re horrible cunts like. Their football culture is fucking arseholery of the first order. Why anyone wants them to win (assuming they aren’t Argentinian) is a mystery to me.

I’d love to see Croatia, Morocco or Portugal win it. It would be good for the game for a new winner of the WC (and Morocco winning of course would be seismic) I’d like to see England win it of course (I am English), but I just cannot get worked up about England like I would with NUFC.

I’ve never believed that pens are about luck. The same countries fail regularly, and the same succeed regularly. Proof to me that it’s technique, not luck, at play.

Right, I’m going for a repeat of the 2018 Final now. I didn’t watch that one either

Honestly, I think that’s wishful thinking. Diet Coke Brazil vs a ponderous Argentina isn’t that much of a loss

Didn’t think they played well tbh. The Dutch were shite like, no two ways about it. The winner is coming from the other side of the draw.

Just the one edit: another after the whistle - two It is

The Dutch really are abysmal at pens

That’s how not to take them. Run-up heavily angled, might as well have nominated a corner like playing pool

Yeah, my sphincter was puckering at the end and I’m not that arsed about who wins

I wonder how many he’ll book during the penalty shootout?

Yes, I imagine the Argentinians will be deflated. Though Weghorst will need to take a penalty with his head, which is a disadvantage.