World Cup thread

[One Day Soon]

I've seen this England movie in a few world cups now.

[Lago]

England are making really heavy weather of it against Hearts here.
They've gone flat & looking like they've run out of ideas, but Tunisia have played well in the 2nd half.

[Gibby the Hibby]

thats twice the commentator has went on about euro 96, and what happened 20 years ago,

1st of all, get a calculator, its 22 yrs,

secondly, you won a couple of games,at home thats it,

[Mibbes Aye]

I'm calling it now. At least one of those Tunisian players has a spread bet on unforced throw-ins conceded.

[One Day Soon]

England better get prepared to take it dry against Belgium.

Having the chance to try would be nosebleed territory eh?

[stoneyburn hibs]

A howler coming up from Tunisia I think.

[cabbageandribs1875]

hope ingerlund aint going to cost me ££'s here by not winning :grr:

[Pretty Boy]

Two woeful free kicks from England. Loads of space to get that up and down and it ends up a dink over the bar.

Bring back Beckham.

[Since90+2]

Tunisia look poor to me. If England can't beat them they've no chance of going far in the tournament.

[SJNB Hibby]

The referee did a great job of assisting Tunisia with their time-wasting at that free-kick

[Glory Lurker]

England aren’t actually going to not win this??

[Tomsk]

I would have got Vardy on. But what do I know?

[cabbageandribs1875]

me thinks the keeper is at it

[Gibby the Hibby]

I would have got Vardy on. But what do I know?

ye youd think the front pair of kane/vardy or kane /rashford would be a starter,

[snooky]

Anybody keeping a tally on the football bulls**t bingo?

[Lago]

I would have got Vardy on. But what do I know?
Yip

[stantonhibby]

Anybody keeping a tally on the football bulls**t bingo?

It's off the charts in the 2nd half

[Gibby the Hibby]

bus ...parked.

Too many teams have wasted time and not been punished, hoping that doesnt change til after this game

[One Day Soon]

Tunisia are brutal but England just haven't shown the guile, pace or directness to unlock them.

[Mibbes Aye]

Not much talk re the Tunisia strip.

It's pretty basic, almost a training top, but is redeemed by being made by a proper old-school manufacturer in Uhlsport.

The numbers font isn't bad either - the kind of font you associate with numbered parking spaces at your work.

[NORTHERNHIBBY]

offside a yard into the opponents half. says it all.

[CropleyWasGod]

Not much talk re the Tunisia strip.

It's pretty basic, almost a training top, but is redeemed by being made by a proper old-school manufacturer in Uhlsport.

The numbers font isn't bad either - the kind of font you associate with numbered parking spaces at your work.....but the names aren't in Arabic. [emoji36]

Sent from my SM-A520F using Tapatalk

[Glory Lurker]

This is like so many of our games in the Championship.

[One Day Soon]

That Khaleesi's gone downhill since she gave up acting for football.

[cabbageandribs1875]

damn you bet365 for not letting me cash out, even 50p back would have been nice... ****s

[johnbc70]

This group could go down to who scores the most against Panama.

[stoneyburn hibs]

He'll regret not starting Dier.

[Wilson]

This is like so many of our games in the Championship.

Harry Kane is no Jason Cummings.

[Mibbes Aye]

Loftus-Cheek looks decent, and did so in the friendlies too. I don't think a draw tonight is the end of England, though they will be disappointed. I also think they have a fair amount of young talent, with a few others (Maitland-Niles etc) who will be chapping the door in 2020

[Sir David Gray]

2-1 Kane

[Hibbyradge]

:tee hee:

[cabbageandribs1875]

oh my...thank you bet365 :greengrin








ingerlund are still p@sh though

[Mibbes Aye]

Harry Kane is no Jason Cummings.

Kano!!!!!

[IGRIGI]

At least the yoons can rip the tap aff it now.

[SteveHFC]

**** off

[stoneyburn hibs]

Ffs

[andybev1]

Thank **** I'm Scouse and not English.

you spoke too soon.:wink:

[snooky]

All is barry again. :rolleyes:

[Pretty Boy]

Well in Harry Kane.

Anti football pish from Tunisia. Not the defensive set up, that's undertandable, but the diving, rolling about and time wasting. Got on ny nerves and glad to see it beaten even if it is England.

[One Day Soon]

This is like so many of our games in the Championship.

Ahhhh, that's what that intense feeling of irritation is .

[Mon Dieu4]

That's what Tunisia get for not emptying it and fannying about at the back

[Wilson]

Kano!!!!!

Well. Maybe a little.

[Lago]

hope ingerlund aint going to cost me ££'s here by not winning :grr:
Looks like your money's safe:agree:

[Stuart93]

Oh well. That'll be them winning the cup again

[HibeesLA]

knew the passing around at the back was going to be the death of them. Should never have given up that corner. Get the ball up the field and out.

[One Day Soon]

Get ****in in!

[Northernhibee]

YYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS


:greengrin:greengrin:greengrin:greengrin:greengrin :greengrin:greengrin:greengrin:greengrin:greengrin

[Mibbes Aye]

At least the yoons can rip the tap aff it now.

Well, someone should get a grip :wink:

[Scouse Hibee]

you spoke too soon.:wink:

It doesn't mask the awful display though.

[Thecat23]

Tunisia deserved that. Pissing about silly defending then give away that corner. England are absolutely brutal though they won’t beat teams like Germany, Brazil, Belgium.

[Northernhibee]

At least the yoons can rip the tap aff it now.

:hyper

[Glory Lurker]

Well deserved. Football the winner.

[Big_Franck]

England are dug s hite.

[MWHIBBIES]

Definitely deserved it, thought they done well first half and okay second half, clearly much the better side. Might actually do okay against more open teams.

[Mibbes Aye]

Tunisia deserved that. Pissing about silly defending then give away that corner. England are absolutely brutal though they won’t beat teams like Germany, Brazil, Belgium.

I was thinking about the Belgium game a little while ago - surely can't be many times England have played a big game where so many players from both sides know each other so well from club football?

[Golden Bear]

That will dae!

👍

[Oscar T Grouch]

Fair result, Tunisia deserved nothing from that game.

[Kavinho]

Clearly deserved win.

But they're miles away from playing some of the best football we've seen in the tournament so far..

[Mibbes Aye]

Definitely deserved it, thought they done well first half and okay second half, clearly much the better side. Might actually do okay against more open teams.

Would agree with this. They have a lot of young talent who are up for it, maybe not quite as well-versed in game management. An open game plays to their strengths.

[One Day Soon]

At least the yoons can rip the tap aff it now.

Plenty of Nats happy enough to see that result.

[SRHibs]

It’s like a back line of Efes. Crazy defending.

[Gibby the Hibby]

what are you watching lineker? they played brilliant in the first half?

first 10 mins were good,

[Jim44]

England deserved to win but have not the slightest chance of beating any of the quality teams.

[Lago]

Not the cricket score I thought it would be.

[hibee_girl]

Exceptional performance :faf:

[hibsfan7]

a winning header by the captain from a corner sound familiar

:hibees:hibees:hibees

[Kavinho]

"Pretty exceptional performance" - Lineker

[heretoday]

England badly lack a leader in the midfield.

[JeMeSouviens]

Tunisia deserved a total humping. Calm finishing from Kane.

[One Day Soon]

Fair play to England but makes me feel all the more gutted that we're not there.

[Mon Dieu4]

Antother day over and Spain remain top dogs for me, see what the Colombians can do tomorrow

[Pretty Boy]

Definitely deserved it, thought they done well first half and okay second half, clearly much the better side. Might actually do okay against more open teams.

I agree, thought England looked ok.

They looked good when they found pockets of space to get the wing backs in behind. That was hard against an 11 at the back but Belgium et al will allow more opportunity. That has to be balanced by an acceptance their own back line and midfield will be given a sterner test as well.

[stoneyburn hibs]

Keep talking them up boys.....

[Northernhibee]

Plenty of Nats happy enough to see that result.

Can we keep the "yoon" and "nat" stuff off the main board? I can't be the only one to find both phrases cringeworthy.

[Thecat23]

After watching that I don’t think we have anything to worry about regards to them winning it. Tunisia are stinking and England really struggled. Belgium will stroll it.

[One Day Soon]

I agree, thought England looked ok.

They looked good when they found pockets of space to get the wing backs in behind. That was hard against an 11 at the back but Belgium et al will allow more opportunity. That has to be balanced by an acceptance their own back line and midfield will be given a sterner test as well.


Can't believe how plodding they were in trying to get the ball forward and their willingness to constantly go square ball. Tunisia were gash but England got out of jail there. I suspect they'll improve as they play though. Too raw and not enough top shelf talent to go near winning it. Another four years might be different.

[Pretty Boy]

Plenty of Nats happy enough to see that result.

Big Eck himself is a self confessed Anglophile.

Probably sitting in his house enjoying a Pukka pie with a can of John Smiths and a St George Cross painted on his face. He’s got plenty free time to watch football nowadays.

[Mibbes Aye]

England deserved to win but have not the slightest chance of beating any of the quality teams.

In fairness, Tunisia are ranked 21st in the world. I think people assume they aren't that good.

If England got a late winner to win 2-1 against Sweden, Serbia, Republic of Ireland etc etc, people would be saying they had seen the game out and done okay. Tunisia are ranked above all of them.

FFS, Tunisia are ranked even higher than Iceland :greengrin

[BullsCloseHibs]

England will not win WC on the back of that performance. Not impressed. A better team will see to them. Let them carry on though 😁

[Jim44]

Ferdinand saying that all the big teams will be wanting to avoid England now. :faf:

[One Day Soon]

Can we keep the "yoon" and "nat" stuff off the main board? I can't be the only one to find both phrases cringeworthy.

Happy to, just countering daft pish when I see it.

[Gatecrasher]

Im glad Tunisia got beat, a bunch of time wasting, cynical fouling Craig Levein wannabe’s. I have no time for teams that play like that.

[BullsCloseHibs]

After watching that I don’t think we have anything to worry about regards to them winning it. Tunisia are stinking and England really struggled. Belgium will stroll it.

Totally agree. Not impressed with Inger land at all. Might be a good young team, but so what. The tournament will swallow them up.

[HibbyAndy]

England deserved their win but my god they are shight :agree: Not a hope in hell they are getting past the quarter finals , Worst England team for a long LONG time ..Rio , Shearer and Frank can dress it up any way they like but this england team is doing nothing in this WC

[iwasthere1972]

How bad were Tunisia. Apart from scoring a penalty they brought nothing to the game. Never threatened the England goal and Jordan Pickford could have put up a deckchair in his goal area and sent out for tea and biscuits.

Shame about the late winner but deserved.

[Billy Whizz]

Im glad Tunisia got beat, a bunch of time wasting, cynical fouling Craig Levein wannabe’s. I have no time for teams that play like that.

Kind of agree with that

[One Day Soon]

Big Eck himself is a self confessed Anglophile.

Probably sitting in his house enjoying a Pukka pie with a can of John Smiths and a St George Cross painted on his face. He’s got plenty free time to watch football nowadays.


That will be one horsingly massive St George Cross...

[cabbageandribs1875]

England will not win WC on the back of that performance. Not impressed. A better team will see to them. Let them carry on though 😁



they won't be winning this world cup anyway, that performance doesn't matter :greengrin

[iwasthere1972]

Ferdinand saying that all the big teams will be wanting to avoid England now. :faf:

:greengrin

[hibsbollah]

The goal was coming, terrible coaching, taking off both strikers and sitting back in 8-0-1 waiting for England to come onto them. A fair result.

[Kavinho]

That will be one horsingly massive St George Cross...

Nae need

[RoslinInstHibby]

Surely they will start with both Loftus-cheek and Rashford in the next game?

[snooky]

Ferdinand saying that all the big teams will be wanting to avoid England now. :faf:

Actually I don't mind England winning at all however, like in 1966, it's the utter bias & drivel from the reporters and commentators that does my head in. It's those guys I detest, not the team or the fans.

[Lago]

Im glad Tunisia got beat, a bunch of time wasting, cynical fouling Craig Levein wannabe’s. I have no time for teams that play like that.
Spot on.

[Hibbyradge]

How the referee didn't give England a couple of penalties when Kane was hauled to the ground is a mystery.

I hate it when defenders do that and refs should clamp down on them.

[Lago]

:top marks
Actually I don't mind England winning at all however, like in 1966, it's the utter bias & drivel from the reporters and commentators that does my head in. It's those guys I detest, not the team or the fans.

[One Day Soon]

Actually I don't mind England winning at all however, like in 1966, it's the utter bias & drivel from the reporters and commentators that does my head in. It's those guys I detest, not the team or the fans.

Yup. It’s almost as though the commentators’ jobs benefitted from talking utter crap...

[Onion]

Scoreline flattered Tunisia who worked hard but defended set pieces like The Rangers in a Cup Final. England played well first 30 mins but were poor 2nd half, lucky to snatch the winner. Will need more than Harry Kane against better sides; too many average plodders.

[The Pointer]

England were by far the better team with the number of chances they created although they fell away after the dodgy penalty. Turned into a bit of a borefest after that with all the negativity from Tunisia, and they should have had two penalties when Kane was wrestled to the ground. Good goals from 'arry though.

I must be getting old sounding like like I wanted them to win, it's just I had them to win 2-0 in the primary school predictor. :confused:

[Is It On....]

The goal was coming, terrible coaching, taking off both strikers and sitting back in 8-0-1 waiting for England to come onto them. A fair result.

Surely no other manager has ever set up with all men behind the ball and expected to win?

[Lago]

Supprised Vardy didn't get a run out, his pace can be a game changer.

[One Day Soon]

Surely no other manager has ever set up with all men behind the ball and expected to win?

Let me introduce you to Mr Levein

[HibbyAndy]

How the referee didn't give England a couple of penalties when Kane was hauled to the ground is a mystery.

I hate it when defenders do that and refs should clamp down on them.

Because he never seen it ?

[Mibbes Aye]

How the referee didn't give England a couple of penalties when Kane was hauled to the ground is a mystery.

I hate it when defenders do that and refs should clamp down on them.

:agree:

There's been talk about this being a good, open tournament and I don't disagree with that.

There's been some blatant targeting that's gone relatively unpunished though - Neymar got it and Kane got it tonight.

[Lago]

:agree:

There's been talk about this being a good, open tournament and I don't disagree with that.

There's been some blatant targeting that's gone relatively unpunished though - Neymar got it and Kane got it tonight.
Neymar was the recipient of rotational fouling.

[Famous Fiver]

I have obviously mistakenly thought that when the ref misses something the whole point of VAR is to refer him back to the incident.

It was also on both occasions a clear and obvious error by the referee.

I ranted on Saturday about penalty area shenanigans and these were the two most obvious ones I have seen since Zaliukas repeatedly wrestled Rob Jones to the ground in 2007.

Can anybody explain exactly when VAR should be brought into play?

[BullsCloseHibs]

I love the fact millions of English kids will be getting excited about this..... only to be sadly let down again. 😊

[hibsbollah]

Surely no other manager has ever set up with all men behind the ball and expected to win?

If they'd kept Khazri on instead of bringing on that boy who did nothing but fall over and give the ball away they might have even got a winner. Does my head in.

[HibeeBigFly]

They looked pretty good to me. I reckon they might make the quarters. My problem is the expectations are ridiculous. Them winning the World Cup is an even longer shot than Livingston the spl. When they get knocked out in quarters or even in last 16 the media and fans should applaud them for doing well.

[heretoday]

Supprised Vardy didn't get a run out, his pace can be a game changer.

Better than flipping Rashford anyway. don't understand why he's so rated.

[hibsbollah]

Can anybody explain exactly when VAR should be brought into play?

The answer is, never.

[jacomo]

They looked pretty good to me. I reckon they might make the quarters. My problem is the expectations are ridiculous. Them winning the World Cup is an even longer shot than Livingston the spl. When they get knocked out in quarters or even in last 16 the media and fans should applaud them for doing well.


Nothing like the usual hype in England at the moment. Will be interesting to see viewing figures for tonight because I think they will be below expectations.

That Iceland result really did puncture the balloon.

[GRA]

Draw is set up for England to get to QF at least I think. Probably get Brazil or Germany then but, as the first round of games showed us, you can't guarantee they will get put out then. But I'd be shocked if they got past the semis.

Also they were only 2 minutes away from doom and gloom headlines tonight!

Sent from my SM-A520F using Tapatalk

[Hibbyradge]

If they'd kept Khazri on instead of bringing on that boy who did nothing but fall over and give the ball away they might have even got a winner. Does my head in.

They didn't have a single shot. They could never have won.

[ancient hibee]

I have obviously mistakenly thought that when the ref misses something the whole point of VAR is to refer him back to the incident.

It was also on both occasions a clear and obvious error by the referee.

I ranted on Saturday about penalty area shenanigans and these were the two most obvious ones I have seen since Zaliukas repeatedly wrestled Rob Jones to the ground in 2007.

Can anybody explain exactly when VAR should be brought into play?
Clear cases of VAR coming in.However if the refs looking at VAR are the kind that ignore grappling when they are on the park they’ll also ignore it when on studio duty.

[jacomo]

The answer is, never.


:agree:

Brought in due to pressure by people making a big noise about ‘consistency’ and using the technology that’s there.

But it’s still a subjective business. We don’t have greater consistency but we do have more interruptions to the game.

[hibsbollah]

They didn't have a single shot. They could never have won.

Not with the way they played, no. My point is if they actually went at England they had least could have tested them.

[Mibbes Aye]

They looked pretty good to me. I reckon they might make the quarters. My problem is the expectations are ridiculous. Them winning the World Cup is an even longer shot than Livingston the spl. When they get knocked out in quarters or even in last 16 the media and fans should applaud them for doing well.

Rankings are relatively new and not the be all and end all but France and Italy both won the WC from lower down the world rankings than where England are.

Anything's possible. As has been said, it's an almost certainty that should they make the QFs it will be Brazil or Germany. Progress from there and it's likely to be two of France, Spain, Portugal, Argentina or Belgium (again) to win the thing.

That's three massively difficult games but it's a young, talented side without much fear. I'm looking forward to their games where they play against teams who will set out to win.

[SonOfDavidFrancey]

Nothing like the usual hype in England at the moment. Will be interesting to see viewing figures for tonight because I think they will be below expectations.

That Iceland result really did puncture the balloon.

Agreed and the whole media lot seem to be under instructions to be like Gareth and play everything softly softly rather than creating unrealistic expectations. Tonight they were awful in the second half and were given pretty gentle treatment.

[JeMeSouviens]

Rankings are relatively new and not the be all and end all but France and Italy both won the WC from lower down the world rankings than where England are.

Anything's possible. As has been said, it's an almost certainty that should they make the QFs it will be Brazil or Germany. Progress from there and it's likely to be two of France, Spain, Portugal, Argentina or Belgium (again) to win the thing.

That's three massively difficult games but it's a young, talented side without much fear. I'm looking forward to their games where they play against teams who will set out to win.

Disagree about the fear. The longer it went at 1-1 tonight, the more anxious they seemed. Which is fair enough given they know what the tabloids could do to them.

[Mibbes Aye]

Disagree about the fear. The longer it went at 1-1 tonight, the more anxious they seemed. Which is fair enough given they know what the tabloids could do to them.

Yeah, but when you saw the impact Loftus-Cheek had, Rashford to a lesser extent, these are guys who just want to play.

Panama should be a comfortable win, 'should' be. I think Belgium will be a great game.

[JeMeSouviens]

Yeah, but when you saw the impact Loftus-Cheek had, Rashford to a lesser extent, these are guys who just want to play.

Panama should be a comfortable win, 'should' be. I think Belgium will be a great game.

Agreed. Could be a cracker.

[CockneyRebel]

Kano!!!!!


Kano - theres only two Kanos.

[Lago]

Yeah, but when you saw the impact Loftus-Cheek had, Rashford to a lesser extent, these are guys who just want to play.

Panama should be a comfortable win, 'should' be. I think Belgium will be a great game.
Agree

[CockneyRebel]

I love the fact millions of English kids will be getting excited about this..... only to be sadly let down again. 😊


Well done - your Mum must be so proud of you.

[we are hibs]

If England draw Columbia in the last 16 they won't get any further. They toiled tonight against a bang average side. They should beat Panama to get through but I'd expect Belgium to beat them comfortably.

[One Day Soon]

Agreed. Could be a cracker.

Was looking forward to that and leaning heavily toward England until you massively conflicted me with your excellent Lukaku piece.

[Hibrandenburg]

Thank **** I'm Scouse and not English.

:tee hee: Alls well that ends well. For what it's worth I think you played well but unlike your German brethren you have (as ODS would say) a talisman.

[Hibrandenburg]

Tunisia deserved that. Pissing about silly defending then give away that corner. England are absolutely brutal though they won’t beat teams like Germany, Brazil, Belgium.

They won't come up against the Germans if they can't sort themselves out.

[essexhibee]

My favourite comment was Keowns “I have to say this is best we’ve seen at the tournament so far” I’m sorry what? Better than a Spain in full flow?

[Hibbyradge]

My favourite comment was Keowns “I have to say this is best we’ve seen at the tournament so far” I’m sorry what? Better than a Spain in full flow?

At the time he said that, England were playing very well.

These folk aren't just commentators, they're fans so they're going to see things through rose tinted glasses.

Have a listen to Scottish commentators when we're playing. They're just as biased and optimistic.

[hibee_girl]

At the time he said that, England were playing very well.

These folk aren't just commentators, they're fans so they're going to see things through rose tinted glasses.

Have a listen to Scottish commentators when we're playing. They're just as biased and optimistic.

At the time he said it England had played 21 minutes of football which was no where near as good as Spain, Portugal and even Belgium earlier on that afternoon

[MWHIBBIES]

If England draw Columbia in the last 16 they won't get any further. They toiled tonight against a bang average side. They should beat Panama to get through but I'd expect Belgium to beat them comfortably.

Colombia haven't even played yet and England didn't toil, they beat a very defensive side and played fairly well. 50/50 vs Colombia.

[hfc rd]

If England draw Columbia in the last 16 they won't get any further. They toiled tonight against a bang average side. They should beat Panama to get through but I'd expect Belgium to beat them comfortably.


They will toil against both Poland and Senegal as well if they don’t brush up defensively. Walker is never a CB, Maguire looked pretty dodgy defensively and Stones is gash.

England’s main strength is the attack but on the end of the pitch, they do look suspect

[Hibbyradge]

At the time he said it England had played 21 minutes of football which was no where near as good as Spain, Portugal and even Belgium earlier on that afternoon

Possibly not, although I'd suggest Belgium were poor, but that's football fans for you.

Excited and hyperbolic about their team.

Read the threads on here when Hibs play. One week we're the best ever, the next we're relegation fodder.

England's play at that stage was very good and certainly a lot better than several teams. I think he said it was "some of the best football we've seen" so he was right.

[MWHIBBIES]

They will toil against both Poland and Senegal as well if they don’t brush up defensively. Walker is never a CB, Maguire looked pretty dodgy defensively and Stones is gash.

England’s main strength is the attack but on the end of the pitch, they do look suspectCome on, Stones isn't gash.

You're talking about 2 players who were signed for big money by the best manager in the world, Pep Guardiola. They are top class players.

[hfc rd]

Come on, Stones isn't gash.

You're talking about 2 players who were signed for big money by the best manager in the world, Pep Guardiola. They are top class players.


Walker is a superb RB. At CB, you are not really getting the best out of him. He just had an excellent season at RB.

Sorry but I just don’t rate Stones at all. Maybe gash was a little too strong but he isn’t really someone that would fill me with confidence if he came up against a world class striker like a Lewandowski or Mbappe. He’s 4th choice CB at Man City anyways behind Kompany, Otamendi & Laporte.

[Unseen work]

Personally I actually quite like this England team, it’s a shame the media/journalists make it hard to want them to do well.

I think England are a young exciting team with tons of pace and skill, I like the system they play too as it is free flowing and expansive but lacks the right personnel imo.

Ashley young should never be left wing back, he puts the balance of the whole team off. Rose should be a starter.

Walker right centre back takes away the best part of his game which is going forward at pace. Would I drop Trippier? I don’t know because his crossing and set pieces are tremendous.

Dele and Lingard were both poor tonight and will really have to up their game, especially as Loftus Cheek came on and was brilliant imo, very direct and raised the tempo.

[Mibbes Aye]

Personally I actually quite like this England team, it’s a shame the media/journalists make it hard to want them to do well.

I think England are a young exciting team with tons of pace and skill, I like the system they play too as it is free flowing and expansive but lacks the right personnel imo.

Ashley young should never be left wing back, he puts the balance of the whole team off. Rose should be a starter.

Walker right centre back takes away the best part of his game which is going forward at pace. Would I drop Trippier? I don’t know because his crossing and set pieces are tremendous.

Dele and Lingard were both poor tonight and will really have to up their game, especially as Loftus Cheek came on and was brilliant imo, very direct and raised the tempo.

I think you’ve highlighted one of the issues international managers face.

In the same way Scotland has Tierney and Robertson battling to be back-up to Lewis :greengrin, England have Trippier and Walker both capable of doing the right side. Southgate likes a central three and doesn’t seem to be too keen on Cahill. Solution therefore is to drop Cahill and move Walker over a bit.

I don’t think the back five/six have played any competitive games as a unit in that formation, not even sure if they’ve done it in a friendly so it is a learning curve. Macguire maybe also lacks some of the experience of the others playing non-EPL sides.

Stones is a good player IMO. Comfortable with the ball at his feet and happy to push up and create the extra man, with a good enough touch to make it worthwhile.

[heretoday]

England were unfortunate not to be four up by half-time but lucky in the end to win the game.

Too many Man Utd players I reckon.

[JimBHibees]

I think you’ve highlighted one of the issues international managers face.

In the same way Scotland has Tierney and Robertson battling to be back-up to Lewis :greengrin, England have Trippier and Walker both capable of doing the right side. Southgate likes a central three and doesn’t seem to be too keen on Cahill. Solution therefore is to drop Cahill and move Walker over a bit.

I don’t think the back five/six have played any competitive games as a unit in that formation, not even sure if they’ve done it in a friendly so it is a learning curve. Macguire maybe also lacks some of the experience of the others playing non-EPL sides.

Stones is a good player IMO. Comfortable with the ball at his feet and happy to push up and create the extra man, with a good enough touch to make it worthwhile.

Englands back 3 while all decent on the ball also all have a mistake in them which will be punished when they meet the better teams. Allied to the fact they are playing together for the first time plus playing a system not all of them are used to spells problems I think but to be fair to them at least they are set up in an attacking way and their games will/should be entertaining. They did struggle to break down Tunisia second half so can see other teams setting up as defensively as them if that was possible.

[we are hibs]

Colombia haven't even played yet and England didn't toil, they beat a very defensive side and played fairly well. 50/50 vs Colombia.

They did toil. It took a 90th minute goal to beat a poor side. Columbia have more than one world class player too so will comfortably see off England should they meet.

[HibeeBigFly]

Rankings are relatively new and not the be all and end all but France and Italy both won the WC from lower down the world rankings than where England are.

Anything's possible. As has been said, it's an almost certainty that should they make the QFs it will be Brazil or Germany. Progress from there and it's likely to be two of France, Spain, Portugal, Argentina or Belgium (again) to win the thing.

That's three massively difficult games but it's a young, talented side without much fear. I'm looking forward to their games where they play against teams who will set out to win.

I thought they were good as previously said but an almost certainty to make the quarters they are not. Poland are ranked higher and Colombia whom had a good World Cup last time would more than give them a game. Looking forward to watching it all unfold.

[MrSmith]

Personally I actually quite like this England team, it’s a shame the media/journalists make it hard to want them to do well.

I think England are a young exciting team with tons of pace and skill, I like the system they play too as it is free flowing and expansive but lacks the right personnel imo.



Ashley young should never be left wing back, he puts the balance of the whole team off. Rose should be a starter.

Walker right centre back takes away the best part of his game which is going forward at pace. Would I drop Trippier? I don’t know because his crossing and set pieces are tremendous.

Dele and Lingard were both poor tonight and will really have to up their game, especially as Loftus Cheek came on and was brilliant imo, very direct and raised the tempo.


I agree, nice bunch of boys trying to play football but not enough bite.

[hfc rd]

England were unfortunate not to be four up by half-time but lucky in the end to win the game.

Too many Man Utd players I reckon.


There were only two Man Utd players starting for England last night? Young and Lingard. Don’t know where you are coming with the term “too many”.

They were very complacent in front of goal and a better team would have punished them for it.

[Gettin' Auld]

Here we go yet again......

Some commentator on the BBC just now, asking whether it would be better if england won their group or came second, then saying that they'd probably face Brazil in the quarter finals.

They just never learn........

[MWHIBBIES]

They did toil. It took a 90th minute goal to beat a poor side. Columbia have more than one world class player too so will comfortably see off England should they meet.

Oh right then, England should just go home now then if there is no chance of beating Colombia.

[Scottie]

Well done England they got the job done in the end. This team gets late goals when it matters. Fair play to them.

[Hibbyradge]

Here we go yet again......

Some commentator on the BBC just now, asking whether it would be better if england won their group or came second, then saying that they'd probably face Brazil in the quarter finals.

They just never learn........

What's wrong with discussing the possible options? They're entitled to expect to beat Panama so looking forward is natural.

[The Pointer]

Was slightly surprised there was no comment in the media about a scare involving the aircraft carrying the Saudi national team to Rostov-on-Don which landed safely after declaring a problem with an engine.

What surprised me more was that it was a small Airbus A320(?) chartered from Russian carrier Rossiya rather than something more spacious and elegant as you may expect of the enlightened Kingdom.

[Hibrandenburg]

Was slightly surprised there was no comment in the media about a scare involving the aircraft carrying the Saudi national team to Rostov-on-Don which landed safely after declaring a problem with an engine.

What surprised me more was that it was a small Airbus A320(?) chartered from Russian carrier Rossiya rather than something more spacious and elegant as you may expect of the enlightened Kingdom.

A 180+ seater is not too shabby for a football team.

[JimBHibees]

Was slightly surprised there was no comment in the media about a scare involving the aircraft carrying the Saudi national team to Rostov-on-Don which landed safely after declaring a problem with an engine.

What surprised me more was that it was a small Airbus A320(?) chartered from Russian carrier Rossiya rather than something more spacious and elegant as you may expect of the enlightened Kingdom.

Possibly the official airline for all teams in the world cup when in Russia.

[JeMeSouviens]

Was looking forward to that and leaning heavily toward England until you massively conflicted me with your excellent Lukaku piece.

:agree: Rooting for Rom required after reading.

[The Pointer]

Possibly the official airline for all teams in the world cup when in Russia.

I hope not given Russian airlines' reputation.

[Billy Whizz]

Possibly the official airline for all teams in the world cup when in Russia.

Qatar Airways are official sponsors

[CropleyWasGod]

Qatar Airways are official sponsors

Cue the conspiracy theories.... :cb

[G B Young]

What's wrong with discussing the possible options? They're entitled to expect to beat Panama so looking forward is natural.

Indeed. And do the English media REALLY go OTT about England's chances these days? I don't really keep tabs on international football, but from the little I've seen it appears that most pundits and fans these days are realistic about England's chances.

With Scotland having failed to qualify for anything for 20 years and counting, it seems to me it becomes ever harder to justify getting worked up about whether England win or lose. What does it really matter? It has no impact on us when we're not even in the tournament. Dredging up the tired old rationale that the English media are what make us hate the English team just doesn't wash any more and IMHO the 'Anyone but England' mantra is far more narrow-minded that any perceived jingoism from English commentators.

[One Day Soon]

Englands back 3 while all decent on the ball also all have a mistake in them which will be punished when they meet the better teams. Allied to the fact they are playing together for the first time plus playing a system not all of them are used to spells problems I think but to be fair to them at least they are set up in an attacking way and their games will/should be entertaining. They did struggle to break down Tunisia second half so can see other teams setting up as defensively as them if that was possible.

I think that's a really good analysis of England - especially the bit about all having a mistake in them. That means the front players cannot afford to be so profligate in front of goal as they were last night. If almost any of the top seeds made those many chances they would be converting a much higher percentage of them - even Russia.

And I think a mirror analysis of Germany would suggest that their first game will have shown a lot of other teams that you can go a long way against the Germans by attacking them.

[One Day Soon]

:agree: Rooting for Rom required after reading.

Impossible not to. The guy's enthusiasm and determination is just so compelling. You have to think too that anyone trying to escape that background will be massively more likely to stay the extra mile as against someone who hasn't experienced serious hardship.

I loved the stuff about discussing all levels and styles of football in all manner of places with Thierry Henry - proper football obsessive.

[One Day Soon]

Indeed. And do the English media REALLY go OTT about England's chances these days? I don't really keep tabs on international football, but from the little I've seen it appears that most pundits and fans these days are realistic about England's chances.

With Scotland having failed to qualify for anything for 20 years and counting, it seems to me it becomes ever harder to justify getting worked up about whether England win or lose. What does it really matter? It has no impact on us when we're not even in the tournament. Dredging up the tired old rationale that the English media are what make us hate the English team just doesn't wash any more and IMHO the 'Anyone but England' mantra is far more narrow-minded that any perceived jingoism from English commentators.

I agree with all of that apart from the bit about the media - or at least the commentators part of it. I think the media are a bit smarter at reading the minds of the public and their declining appetite for jingoistic football hubris whereas the commentators are to me much further behind the curve on this. Those guys are 25 odd years in the job and I think their mentality is taking a lot longer to shift. But then I also think that these guys get the trips to Russia, Qatar etc only when England qualify and the longer the team survives the longer the junket lasts so in some senses they are really personally vested in England doing well.

One slightly evil silver lining to Scotland's serial failure to qualify for anything is listening to the gutted disappointment in our commentators' voices as they realise that yet another expenses laden free trip to a major tournament has passed them by. I've no doubt it accounts for a bit of the vitriol that our own international managers face at times. I hate to think what kind of a cluster**** the Open All Mics team would make of Scotland at a World Cup finals.

[Hibbyradge]

I hate to think what kind of a cluster**** the Open All Mics team would make of Scotland at a World Cup finals.

You just have to listen to McCoist's ramblings during games not involving Scotland to get an idea of what it would be like.

Leaving the bias and jingoism aside, his attempts at chummy humour are frankly embarrassing.

What was his hilarious comment yesterday? Oh yes, he's supporting Sweden because he had a nice omelette made by a Swedish chef. (Not that one!)

[One Day Soon]

You just have to listen to McCoist's ramblings during games not involving Scotland to get an idea of what it would be like.

Leaving the bias and jingoism aside, his attempts at chummy humour are frankly embarrassing.

What was his hilarious comment yesterday? Oh yes, he's supporting Sweden because he had a nice omelette made by a Swedish chef. (Not that one!)


I suppose at least it wasn't because he'd had a massage from the Swedish Prime Minister...

My preference would be Scotland to qualify and then all our commentary contracted out to the various foreign gadgies who were over the moon about - and commentating on - our cup win, especially the French one.

There should be lifetime international commentary bans for some pundits. I'll begin with that twat from BT who was with Motherwell, Craig Levein, Andy Walker and especially Richard Gordon.

[Hibbyradge]

I should say that during my less cynical moments, I do realise that it must be very difficult to talk off the cuff for 90+ minutes without making at least a few verbal face-palms.

[Lago]

Indeed. And do the English media REALLY go OTT about England's chances these days? I don't really keep tabs on international football, but from the little I've seen it appears that most pundits and fans these days are realistic about England's chances.

With Scotland having failed to qualify for anything for 20 years and counting, it seems to me it becomes ever harder to justify getting worked up about whether England win or lose. What does it really matter? It has no impact on us when we're not even in the tournament. Dredging up the tired old rationale that the English media are what make us hate the English team just doesn't wash any more and IMHO the 'Anyone but England' mantra is far more narrow-minded that any perceived jingoism from English commentators.
What an excellent well thought out post.
Thanks for that.

[hibsbollah]

Colombia, my dark horses, coming up against Japan. Should be lots of technical proficiency and tiki taka.

I've also got a wee fancy for Senegal, just on the basis one African team should make it to the last sixteen and they have two players Ive seen play before. :greengrin:Might get at least a point from the Poles.

[Sylar]

Colombia, my dark horses, coming up against Japan. Should be lots of technical proficiency and tiki taka.

I've also got a wee fancy for Senegal, just on the basis one African team should make it to the last sixteen and they have two players Ive seen play before. :greengrin:Might get at least a point from the Poles.

That hipster beard is getting a good waxing again 'bollah? :greengrin

Hoping today's fare is better than yesterday's. 3 poor games yesterday on the whole.

Thought England played well in spells. Like others on here, I quite like the young, slightly experimental lineup they're using - they looked great in the first half hour yesterday, then struggled to finish off a poor Tunisian team. I drew them in our sweepstake at work, and I'm not expecting any money back!

[hibsbollah]

That hipster beard is getting a good waxing again 'bollah? :greengrin

Hoping today's fare is better than yesterday's. 3 poor games yesterday on the whole.

Thought England played well in spells. Like others on here, I quite like the young, slightly experimental lineup they're using - they looked great in the first half hour yesterday, then struggled to finish off a poor Tunisian team. I drew them in our sweepstake at work, and I'm not expecting any money back!

We all know Sadio Mane, and Koulibaly is a machine at Napoli so no hipster knowledge required :greengrin

(hipster moment is that Hiroki Sakai is Japan's Lewis Stevenson at left back. Hard working and makes hardly any mistakes. Bit of a legend at Marseille after dividing fans'opinion for years. Popular in the dressing room. Likes West Highland terriers)

[Mon Dieu4]

James Rodriguez is out, will be a big miss, over to you Cuadrado, Colombia were my favourite team in the last world cup, want them to do really well

[Liberal Hibby]

....but the names aren't in Arabic. [emoji36]

Sent from my SM-A520F using Tapatalk

Aye - but the numbers are.

[hibsbollah]

James Rodriguez is out, will be a big miss, over to you Cuadrado, Colombia were my favourite team in the last world cup, want them to do really well

Cuadrado is the man.

[CropleyWasGod]

Aye - but the numbers are.

Ken.

And now we have the Japanese. :rolleyes:

[Mon Dieu4]

Ooft that's some start

[hibsbollah]

Pen! Redcard !

Just as I put £3 on Colombia at 40/1:faf:

[Sylar]

Wow...

WOW.

[MWHIBBIES]

Luckily for Colombia they have already got through the group and comfortably beat England or they might be worried now.

[Hibbyradge]

And that was that!

Woeful defending.

[Mon Dieu4]

Time to put a bet on Colombia to win

[hfc rd]

1st red card of the tournament.

Confident pen by Shinji

[Sylar]

Cool as you like, 1-0 Japan.

What a start.

[Lago]

Another shock on its way, no easy games as they say.

[hfc rd]

I believe Japan have the ex Dundee Utd GK from the semi finals in goals? Kawashima

[hibsbollah]

Time to put a bet on Colombia to win

Falcao next scorer?

[Sylar]

As enjoyable as Colombia were in the last World Cup, their desperate efforts to get the number of players "evened up" here is disgusting.

Mon' the Japanese!

[Lago]

Enjoying this good open game.

[hfc rd]

The first 20 mins of this game has been very good. End to end stuff. Keep it going!

[hibsbollah]

Good statto, that's the fastest red in a wc since Uruguay Scotland in 86

[Sylar]

Did somebody shoot that poor ******* in the knob with a BB gun from the stands, or was he in that much agony from fouling the Japanese boy? :confused:

C

[we are hibs]

Oh right then, England should just go home now then if there is no chance of beating Colombia.



Why you acting like a smart arse? I'm giving my opinion. It's allowed to be different from yours. You seem to make a habit of it

[Hamish]

Has the law been changed or is it just me but so far in this WC there have been a lot of foul throws?

[Sylar]

This is getting silly.

This World Cup is screaming out for a referee to start booking some of these cheats for diving. It's endemic so far.

[Mon Dieu4]

Cheeky cheeky, let's go Colombia

[hfc rd]

What a clever free kick!

Colombia equalise. 1-1

[Sylar]

Great free kick! 1-1

[JeMeSouviens]

This is getting silly.

This World Cup is screaming out for a referee to start booking some of these cheats for diving. It's endemic so far.

Us, the other UK countries and the Irish are the only people who care about diving. The rest of the world just seems to shrug.

[Lago]

:aok:
What a clever free kick!

Colombia equalise. 1-1

[Hibbyradge]

I didn't think the ref got that decision right, but it was a cute free kick.

[Mon Dieu4]

Us, the other UK countries and the Irish are the only people who care about diving. The rest of the world just seems to shrug.

Correct, we are in the minority with this kinda thing, it's never going to change, it's the done thing everywhere else

[hibsbollah]

Correct, we are in the minority with this kinda thing, it's never going to change, it's the done thing everywhere else

Diving is a skill, I love it personally, more please:aok:

[hfc rd]

Half time. Great 1st half! Very enjoyable to watch

[Mon Dieu4]

Not sure where the 1 minute extra came from, the sending off took about 18 minutes

[PatHead]

Enjoyed the first half.

[Onceinawhile]

I didn't think the ref got that decision right, but it was a cute free kick.

agreed. If anything it was probably the other way.

[Lago]

To me the Columbian substitute was a key move by the manager.

[Sir David Gray]

I believe Japan have the ex Dundee Utd GK from the semi finals in goals? Kawashima

Yep they do.

Played against us in the Conrad Logan semi final.

[Lago]

Not sure where the 1 minute extra came from, the sending off took about 18 minutes
Perhaps ref had stopped his watch during the lead up to the penalty being actually taken, just a thought.

[Hibrandenburg]

The Japanese are nippy wee players. You can see by their well organised pass and move game that the 7 players with clubs in Germany are having a big impact on their style of play.

[hibsbollah]

To me the Columbian substitute was a key move by the manager.

:agree:

[Hibbyradge]

Columbia looking lost now.

[Haymaker]

Has the law been changed or is it just me but so far in this WC there have been a lot of foul throws?

Been loads of them.

[JeMeSouviens]

Columbia looking lost now.

Not looking like a challenger* then?





* that probably exhausts my space shuttle pun reserves tbh. :rolleyes:

[Hibbyradge]

Not looking like a challenger* then?





* that probably exhausts my space shuttle pun reserves tbh. :rolleyes:

That was apolloing

[hfc rd]

2-1 Japan

That goal was coming. It’s been all Japan in this second half

[Lago]

What a good goal. Japan deserved that.

[Sylar]

Excellent!

The team who've rolled around the park marginally less are back in front.

[MWHIBBIES]

Why you acting like a smart arse? I'm giving my opinion. It's allowed to be different from yours. You seem to make a habit of itIts a bit of fun mate, you cant give such extreme opinions and not expect some banter if you're wrong. Don't take it personally.

[Smartie]

Not looking like a challenger* then?





* that probably exhausts my space shuttle pun reserves tbh. :rolleyes:

Christ, it doesn't take much for the rockets on here to launch their puns.

[Hibby70]

The Japanese are nippy wee players. You can see by their well organised pass and move game that the 7 players with clubs in Germany are having a big impact on their style of play.

Reported. :)

[Hibbyradge]

Christ, it doesn't take much for the rockets on here to launch their puns.

:agree:

They obviously don't realise the gravity of the situation.

[Smartie]

The Japanese are nippy wee players. You can see by their well organised pass and move game that the 7 players with clubs in Germany are having a big impact on their style of play.

Is that Shibasaki? (I'm watching at work with the volume down).

Seemingly plays for Getafe?

He's been excellent. Lovely touch and moves the ball on beautifully, linking the whole team together.

[JeMeSouviens]

:agree:

They obviously don't realise the gravity of the situation.

... and there's astronaut you can do about it. :na na:

[CropleyWasGod]

Is that Shibasaki? (I'm watching at work with the volume down).

Seemingly plays for Getafe?

He's been excellent. Lovely touch and moves the ball on beautifully, linking the whole team together.

The guy Honda is like (insert anyone's name) on a motorbike.

[Hibbyradge]

... and there's astronaut you can do about it. :na na:

Did you make that one up on the spot or did you planet?

[Smartie]

The guy Honda is like (insert anyone's name) on a motorbike.

Sigh. Do you lot ever get tyred?

[PatHead]

Better team won. Japan dominated the second half.

[Smartie]

Japan were pretty impressive in that second half.

I always like to see a bit of emotion when a team wins - that clearly meant a lot to the players.

Another decent game, I enjoyed that.

[Forza Fred]

Japan were pretty impressive in that second half.

I always like to see a bit of emotion when a team wins - that clearly meant a lot to the players.

Another decent game, I enjoyed that.

I never underestimate Japan down here, the games with Oz are like Scotland - England games as far as rivalry goes.

Only surprised they didn’t do better in previous world cups.

[Hibbyradge]

Sigh. Do you lot ever get tyred?

Motorcycle puns now. It's just Norton. :grr:

[renato]

Motorcycle puns now. It's just Norton. :grr:

I’ve Harley read any on here

[Smartie]

I’ve Harley read any on here

I think you spoke too soon.

[Hibbyradge]

I’ve Harley read any on here

There's been pillions of them.

[JeMeSouviens]

Did you make that one up on the spot or did you planet?

Puns have been getting a bit lightweight, I like mine meteor. :agree:

[Hibbyradge]

Puns have been getting a bit lightweight, I like mine meteor. :agree:

Careful. You're digging a black hole for yourself there.

[Hibbyradge]

Mon Poland! 🇵🇱

[Northernhibee]

Motorcycle puns now. It's just Norton. :grr:

Norton made me laugh. Just spat out McAfee all over the screen.

[JeMeSouviens]

Careful. You're digging a black hole for yourself there.

Hawking state of affairs.

[Hibbyradge]

Norton made me laugh. Just spat out McAfee all over the screen.

A vg pun, I must say.

[Liberal Hibby]

There's been pillions of them.

A triumph!

[Sylar]

What the scuff is McCoist on about? Poland like a "Scandanavian side", because they'll be slightly defensive and play 1 up front?

Mon' Senegal! :flag:

[One Day Soon]

Turn my back for one minute and I see we're in the middle of a pun infestation. Was the last game not very good then?

[One Day Soon]

Whenever I see Poland play it seems exactly the same. Underwhelming. That strip automatically makes me bored. Every one of their players should be called Ernest Plodder.

[Hibbyradge]

I knew it wouldn't be long before one of the hilarious pundits would start making jokes about players' names.

Ally McCoist is the first to oblige.

[SteveHFC]

1-0 Senegal.

[One Day Soon]

I have to say that despite being delighted Senegal have scored I absolutely detest deflected goals.

[hfc rd]

Before Senegal scored and the way the game was going, I had a feeling this was going to be the first 0-0 of the tournament. Glad I was proved wrong.

That goal will hopefully open the floodgates now and we get a bit more better attacking quality from both sides.

[JimBHibees]

I have to say that despite being delighted Senegal have scored I absolutely detest deflected goals.

Agree hated that Wotherspoon one against Hearts in the cup. :greengrin

[Northernhibee]

I knew it wouldn't be long before one of the hilarious pundits would start making jokes about players' names.

Ally McCoist is the first to oblige.

The .net pun craze is spreading :hyper

[Hibbyradge]

The .net pun craze is spreading :hyper

It wasn't a pun.

A pun needs a modicum of intelligence.

"Ha ha ha, that man's name has a lot of letters" doesn't.

[hibsbollah]

I really think Senegal could do something at this tournament. Gaun the...whats their nickname again? black stars? lions?

[Northernhibee]

It wasn't a pun.

A pun needs a modicum of intelligence.

"Ha ha ha, that man's name has a lot of letters" doesn't.

It's just that.net is really good at puns :hyper

[Hermit Crab]

Anybody see that Paddy Power advert there? :faf: