World Cup 2018 Thread 3

Someone put a muzzle on Suarez. Que hocico!

Ronadlo has a weird walking style, he has short strides.

The official thread 3

Hopefully Portugal gets a flukey goal because another 45 minutes of Uruguay parking the bus does not an exciting viewing experience make.

And we're back! How terrible will it be for Fox in the US if Ronoldo joins Messi in going home today? They built that rivalry up for months.

Fox is probably sending threats to FIFA as we type.

That's the reason i was so happy Italy didn't qualify. Yes, there are other teams parking the bus and making antifootball but Italy is able to win with that tactic

r7 Do you not realize that soccer is boring regardless of "parking the bus"?

R7

Have you ever seen Italy x Brazil in the 1982 World Cup? Brazil had a solid Team back then, but Italy killed them with counter attacks. The result was Italy 3, Brazil 2 (end of the Brazilian campaign).

R8 the earlier game was not boring

This one is boring because Uruguay plays alabama football like defense and offense yawn, and Ronaldo is over the hill.

Pepe, of all people . . .

And it's a tie!!!

And, bite me r8. It's a match now, and my guess is no more boring football.

Yes, i watched Brazil-Italy on 82 (it was hosted by my country). Brazil was an amazing team (not like what they have now) but boring Italy won

Why does laxalt’s hair look like a wnba players in the 00’s?

Guedes' ears are adorable

Thread 3

R18, why would we need another Thread 3?

R18 isnt this the third thread lol

Of course this is the third thread. Just thread-derailing, typical DL.

NOOOOOOOOOO! I want Portugal to win!

Oh my lord, what a strike. And why was he left all alone? Can't believe Portugal would leave themselves that exposed. Back to Uruguay parking the bus.

R19 I didn’t start it. R20 if you say so, lol.

Ugh no uruguay needs to go home I can’t take their boring shit for another round

R15

But that particular game was intense!

And Uruguay scores and must close its defense again.

Portugal clearly didn't get the memo that Edinson Cavani is the starting striker for PSG?

Uruguay may have wised up and realized they need to go for another goal to really seal this.

Come on, POR!

Last game for Crissy?

Come on my love!!

Dear lord, how can you not put that on target?

i just don’t see how someone can kick it soo high and off target lol do they kick without thinking or with their eyes closed?

It would probably have been VARed and the goal likely wouldn't have counted. The keeper had the ball kicked out of his hands.

Uruguay is fucked now with Cavani injured.

I know he’s not playing but it’s never a bad time to post my baby James.

We can only hope France will show up, SCORE FIRST and force Uruguay to play.

12 minutes left, plus a few. Portugal going down?

It’s a shame the world has to wait FOUR years to see this american cutie play with balls and show his ass

So sick of short corners that go nowhere. This is how short corners should work: short kick to teammate who whips the ball in. None of that dribble bullshit that results in turning the ball over to the other team.

Suarez needs to stop coming up holding his head lol refs aren’t falling for it anymore

I guess Uruguay deserves the win, as things stand. Sad that this game was no were near as exciting as the earlier one. Welcome to football, as they say.

It's one of those games where I find no joy in either team advancing.

Utter mayhem at the end!

Sponsors all over the world despair as Ronaldo and Messi exit on the same day.

Ronaldo reallys needs to score for Portugal or they are just a mediocre team.

Congratulations, Uruguay! Onward to the next phase!

Adeus, Portugal! You've tried your best but it wasn't enough! See you in Qatar!

Allez les Bleus, again, in the next round (Tuesday?) Disliking Portugal completely.

Anyone know that song they were playing at the stadium at the end?

And disliking Uruguay more, I meant.

Sponsers need to find new “ stars” Messi and ronaldo didn’t deliver and are done!!

Portugal drawing their 3rd game was crucial. Not finishing 1st in the group resulted in Uruguay instead of playing Russia.

It will be easy to root for France against Uruguay.

Not one word about Ronaldo’s weird devil-goatee? It’s not a good look on him.

Tomorrow’s games sound boring. Waiting for that Mexico Brazil game.

Nicely done, DL Cup fans. See you all in days to come for more

R54 that and the eyebrows are not a good look.

[quote] Tomorrow’s games sound boring.

Final rounds of world cups are never boring to me.

R51 To be fair, Ronaldo has scored quite a few goals this world cup. There's only so much he can do though, it's hard when the rest of them team doesn't show up. Messi on the other hand.. oh dear. He was such a disappointment, hardly created anything. Very weak this cup :(

Messi assisted Aguero's goal today--a very good one. But yes, by his standards, he had a poor tournament. But it's a team game at the end of the day. Question is how much Messi, either just being Messi or intentionally, contributed to the disarray of the Argentine team. Nothing good ever comes out of completely catering to one player. It may be that Argentina needs to be rebuild and it may be that they improve by subtraction. A big subtraction.

Go Vikings!!!

I’m glad France won, they played great! Argentina are dirty players . Many South American teams are like.

I hope Spain beat Russia and think they probably will. I'd also like to see Denmark win, but I'm not sure it's likely.

R61 LOL that's going to be an easy win for Croatia.

Yep, I have Denmark in my office sweep so that alone pretty much kills their chances. Sorry, 🇩🇰 Danes!

I wouldn't say that! Denmark is going to fight hard. Do not expect them to sit on their asses and handle the game to Croatia!

"Through the sea

Through fire

Through honorable death in fighting

We will come to the sacred land"

Croatia is playing well, but playing well the fist round means nothing, and as team Croatia is not that superior to Denmark. Spain is very superior to Russia, but the coach is prioritizing names over quality. Aspas is the only spaniard who is really in form to do what Spain is failing, making goals but he plays in Celta de Vigo instead of Madrid, Barça or Atletico so the coach is chosing other players. The same with our shaky goalkeeper. Playing against the host is tricky, no matter how superior you are and Spain had a first hand experience against Corea. In that World Cup Corea eliminated two vastly superior countries like Italy and Spain with the colaboration of the referee. If Spain is not able to score soon they probably end being eliminated (no matter if Russia is a worst team by far)

R65 I've got 100 Euro riding on Denmark making it into the Semis! Think positive!

Prepare yourself to pay a round of ale to everyone!

Denmark /Croatia seems to be the least interesting of ALL the knock out matches ( now watch it be the most dramatic)

Russia /Spain should be more interesting with Russia hosting but I sense Spain winning fairly easily 3-1

Next up It's a Knockout! Spain v. Russia at Luzhniki Stadium, current temp 25C.

I have to say I find the tradition of players walking out from the tunnel with little kids to be charming and fun. Imagine how thrilling it must be for the kids, and their families, to see that and know the world is watching.

R68 Get ready to lose your 100 euros lol

Pique, handsome as always. Ramos is really handsome too, especially with the short hair.

R73..

I look for Spain to win but who knows, the draw has been rigged for host nation, maybe they will get favorable calls

Medvedev and his missus are in the audience.

Asencio is who I’m hopping will do well

Mario Fernandes on the Russian team??? Someone got lost on the way to Spain?

King Felipe of Spain also in the audience.

Both teams have some hotties unlike uragay.

R80, must he always be King of Spain?

God, I hope Spain scores first. I don't want to hear the crowd if Russia goes up 1-0. And I certainly don't want to see Spain trying to break down the Russian bus.

Is Iniesta benched to save his 34 year old legs? Or because Spain wanted a more pragmatic line-up with Koke--to deal with Russia' counters?

Yes!!!!!

Viva Espana!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 1 nil

Own goal poor russians lol

R83

Wish granted!!!

Spain got lucky on that one

Now we'll have a game. And we will since Spain gave up quite a few goals in the group stage. Maybe that's why Koke is starting today.

Crossing fingers for De Gea--he's so brilliant on the club level, I hate to see him so average for Spain.

At first I thought Ramos scored, but then the replay showed own goal for Russia lol.

Looking at the replay, you could argue it was a penalty if the ball hadn't gone in.

Pique is retiring from the national team after the World Cup, same with Iniesta.

The Spanish team is changing from Barcelona-dominant to Real Madrid-dominant.

88 degrees F in the shade at 10:20 am where we live. Thankful for central AC and World Cup soccer on television.

Did Ramos even realise that he wasn't the one who scored the goal?

Russia is just not very good, even with spain’s lucky goal ,spain is just dominating. These days it seems the only sports Russia is any good at are figure skating and mens volleyball.

Spain is dominating in possession and Russia are happy to lose in that statistic. They obviously can't tiki-taka Spain so they're trying to pick off a goal rather than dominate the ball. Don't be shocked if they nick a goal even if Spain are "dominating." They're to "Uruguay" Spain except they don't have Cavani and Suarez.

R94, to be fair, he did all the work for the goal; he was in a great position, he was just hit with that American-football-style tackle.

Spain has sucked so far. Russia has been better imo.

Boring game. Not much has happened. Spanish players playing badly. Would not be surprised if Russia scored.

[quote]These days it seems the only sports Russia is any good at are figure skating and mens volleyball.

I think because all such fat pigs. I vomit my daily meal of one carrot and three small peas at all their fat ass.

--Svetlana Khorkina, Russia best athlete in histories and favorite of the homosexual

C'mon, guys! I'm almost falling asleep.

After the France Argentina match yesterday, this match is like watching paint dry.

It's not Spain's fault if it's boring. They're leading 1-0, it's up to Russia to press and win the ball back. They're not doing that but are cautiously popping up for the occasional foray forward.

[quote] They're leading 1-0

Gracias, Russia!

Spain dominated first 20-25 mins but its been all russia since wow

Russia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tecko!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pique is an idiot. He may not have been intentionally stopping that ball specifically but you can't leave your arm up like that in the penalty area. And you know Russia is going to get all the calls today.

BS! That ref is on the take

Pique is already unpopular in Spain, (according to the commentator) this will not help.

Pique is pro-Catalan and may have political ambitions, so he is a divisive figure.

Kuipers is a top ref, don't think he would be on the take. But late in the game, with the home crowd, could he make some iffy calls? He's not a robot.

Pique is a fucking idiot though. Your arm going up as you jump is understandable but why have it go up again? Bloody bozo. Now we have to hear the Russians. Would not be surprised if Russians get the game into extra-time and penalty kicks. And Spain will crumble at that point.

R111

Kuipers is highly rated to be the referee of the Final.

Pique is not that hot to me but he does seem to have a nice sized cock.

Russia will win now, just a feeling I have. Spain has been very weak.

Happy for the Russian people (not the corrupt gov't leaders) that their team has done so well in this Cup.

The Norwegian commentators said "this will not make Pique less hated" lol.

R116

Shakira says she begs to differ! (lol)

"Underneath your clothes

There's an endless story

There's the man I chose

There's my territory"

Pathetic play by Spain. If they lose they can only blame themselves. They haved been fucking awful this game.

God bless you if you're the striker for Spain. You never see the fucking ball.

Somebody, please, pull the plug of this game! It's agonizing!!!

What's wrong with Spain today? They played so well against Portugal, moving the ball and attacking. This is horrible.

R121 the Portugal game was fun to watch a great opening to the World Cup. This is trash

Boring game. Spain sucks. Watch Russia score now lmao.

Diego Costa is wondering, once again, why he bothered switching from the Brazilian to the Spanish national team.

I hate the fact that if Russia wins, Putin will claimed it as his own victory. The cult of personality around this guy is only rivaled by Kim.

R125 and Trump

Trump is not worshiped as a god for, at least, half of the population. But he's getting closer.

The balding players for spain and russia look like they are in their late forties.

Those two dictatorial bosses meet soon for a "summit" r126. There will be west to east ass kissing, I have no doubt. "So great, what you've done, in all ways, and everyone is saying that. And your soccer team, really, no one has ever seen anything like it"

Can you believe the picture below? It's a meme, but I've seen it printed on a mug for sale during the Cup!!!

Russia is playing like shit too but they're going to win this.

Extra time now after short break. Come on Spain, pull yourselves together

Yeah, Russia will get this one, but then Spain has no one to blame but themselves. After all, they have scored exactly 0 goals in this game. Fernando Torres is watching this and probably suffering from PTSD. It's a thankless job to be the Spanish striker double-teamed by two centerbacks while 9 of your teammates pass the ball from side to side. T

Someone, anyone score, I've got errands to run.

Russia is too passive

Couldn't score in a brothel...

Can you feel the smell of penalties in the air? Because these two are going to stall until they can solve the game based on luck (or lack of).

Luckily, I have the Classic Words app on my phone...I've winning...

R136

A synonym for "coward, spineless, chicken...", please!

This is so fucking boring!! Games like This is why people call soccer boring, spain kicking the ball amongst themselves for 3-5 minutes at the start of each period ,those fuckers should lose for that alone!

VAR check!

Spaniards are being annoying af hoping they lose now!

I love that they keep playing in heavy rain, unlike those wusses in baseball or tennis.

Oh, so now, Spain are trying to score. A little late, lads.

Now penalties!!

Penalties... I feel like that pretty much guarantees Russia will win, it would be so typical.

If Spain wins, I wonder if the Russian cunt who scored own goal will meet with an “accident “

R146, not sure about that. The Russians might be really gassed.

Pressure's on Spain--they were heavy favorites to win this game. Let's see how they handle the jitters. Hopefully the pressure of having to please the home crowd will weigh heavy on the Russians.

Thank Dog, Torres isn't with Spain anymore. Then I would really be invested and all my nerves frayed.

Spain has better gk but he hasn’t been good in WC

Really has little to do with the keepers. You're expected to score so all the pressure's on the kickers.

Oh no!! Save!!

Oh Koke...

If you're not going to wait to see where the keeper is going, then you have to smash up into the corners. That way, it doesn't matter if the keeper guessed right.

Wow goodbye Spain

Told ya, penalties means Russia wins.

Play like shit, get fucked.

You had one job, Spain. One job.

Who do they play next?

Russian goalie was great, spain played like caca and didn’t deserve to advance.

Finally! It's over!

Congratulations, Russia!

Hasta la vista, Spain!

Russia plays winner of Croatia/Denmark. Hopefully neither will be as indolent as Spain was today.

I’m glad Spain is out, hate them, cheating cunts, dirty players, divers. Hate Russia too, hope they get knocked out next round

Hard to believe one of croatia/russia/denmark will make the semifinals lol

Spain go back to being Spain (pre-golden generation)--great on paper, under-achieve in the World Cup.

Yeah, it was maybe the just result. Spain deserved to lose, and Russia advances accordingly. I wish I was in the country to witness the celebrations

Madrid fans will be talking shit, more than usual, now. Pique fucks up (Barca), Koke misses PK (Atletico Madrid).

Congrats russians, they are still homephobic shitbags though

I normally love it when an underdog wins, but here—no.

Declaring national day of excuse for getting late to work, are you, Comrade Putin? But not in tourist industries, da?

R167, agree. I'd rather watch another shitty Spain display than have Russia advance.

Spain deserved to lose. They played shitty.

Won't someone eliminate the Ruskies already?!

Jesus Christ, what a horrible fucking year this has been already. We really don't need that shithole to win this on top of everything else.

R171 Don't worry, Russia doesn't stand a chance against Belgium. Hell.. even a decent France would ruin them with 3 or 4 goals. Trust me, Russia won't win.

Russia winning eliminates Spain from the "easy" half of the draw, right?

A goal apiece in the first four minutes in this one. Wow.

I want France to win for i could keep on seeing no. 7's fine booty!

I'm guessing there's a problem if there are only 2 posts in the last 40 minutes. Rooting for Croatia, and for a return to a lively thread.

DL is locked down to non-paying posters.

They've gone to penalty kicks. Croatia tried to win it in extra time, but Modric added his name to the list of those who have missed penalty kicks at this Cup, and they couldn't close it out.

Denmark goalie is pretty hot

Muriel probably got spooked by all this sports talk on a HOMOSEXUAL message board during PRIDE month and on CANADA day, and triggered primetime for the first time in months.

Because of that, the rest of us now can't properly discuss one of Ethel Merman's fantastic performances from fifty years ago. So thanks for that.

Having said all that, GO DENMAAARK !!!

R176 It was primetime.

It doesn't seem right that a team could skirt by based on these penalty kicks. It seems cheap. They should just go to sudden death, however, long it takes.

Schmeichel (that hot blonde, woof) got no help! The last penalty kick from Denmark the croatian goalie was already down and yet he still kicked it right at the goalie with the whole other side wide open LOL total choke job.

Jesus, that was tense and exciting at the end, after a long drought of dull. Croatia earned it.

The croatian captain looks like the wicked witch of the west without her green makeup, ugly.

R184 He ain't really a looker, but he's an excellent player.

Exciting in the first five minutes, dull for most of the game, then exciting again at the very end.

I shall be in mourning until further notice. Please respect my privacy at this time.

Croatia going against Russia is perfect as I detest both teams so it's a win-win for me.

R187 Suck it!

So two more days of round of 16 play, tomorrow and Tuesday 7/3, and then a couple days off until quarterfinals, right? Glad the thread is back. Good stuff.

R184 made me laugh. Modric is a fantastic footballer but he sure is ugly

The conditions were muggy, therefore the sluggishness on both sides, Croatia and Denmark.

"The thing I want to know about this Mbappe picture is: how did he manage to get into Ronaldo’s bedroom?"

Kasper was great! He still had engergy and didn’t looked wrecked like de gea , he looks just like his dad

I loved watching all the emotion after the game, hot sweaty men hugging and kissing and crying.

R193 I was lusting and I don’t even like blondes. Age has been very kind to him ,he was not that attractive when he was younger

Facial hair and some maturing made him much Hotter.

Kasper bears an uncanny resemblance to Chris, one of the contestants in the most recent season of Survivor.

One of these teams will play in the World Cup Finals... England, Croatia, Sweden, Colombia, Switzerland or Russia. I would not have predicted this

That's my favorite part of the world cup, the surprises

Anyone have video of Ramos crying? I could use a laugh.

R198 - only two of those teams have ever played in a World Cup final before: England won in 1966, and Sweden were the runners-up in 1958.

I’m hoping England wins.

English lads will choke

They lucked out into a dream side of the bracket to make the final though.

Hoping it's 🇧🇪 that wins the tournament. Tho it's gonna be either 🇫🇷 or 🇧🇷

Fuck! There went my 100 Euro.

At 53, it really has been the strangest tournament I've known in my time. Other than their favorable draw, Russia, while it didn't get through so much on Russia's merit as much as Hierro's fear to play. That is what steamed me to no end. Playing like a bunch of fraidy cats. Can you imagine Carles Puyol dealing with it very well?

Oh, my, God. I'm sickened to contemplate, Would it be too "out there" to think that, maybe, ESP was purchased by the single-most lamest team left in the tournament, RUS, the home team? 6' 5" Pique's opportune arm raise in the penalty area.....? WTF, the tallest senior defender in the penalty box tempted danger like this?

Someone slap some sense into me and tell me this is wrong. Why did such a superior team just let themselves get walked over?

Thank god Puyol and Torres didn’t have to put up with this.

Someone in the Guardian's comments section referred to Suarez as "the Count". Oh, how I giggled.

"You don't have permission to post replies at this time."

Really, Data Lounge? Really?

Damn it! That was cruel!

Anyway, congratulations to Croatia! The Gods of Football favored you yesterday!

Denmark, my brave Vikings, you fought well and proved to be real Einherjar! Feast in Valhalla!!!

Today, Mexico and Brazil have an appointment in Samara. Unfortunately, I won't be able to see it!!!

But I propose a drinking game:

every time a player falls = 1 shot

every time Neymar falls = 2 shots (Bonus: half a shot for every turn he gives on the grass)

every Mexican goal = 3 shots of "tequila"

every Brazilian goal + 3 shots of "cachaça"

Have fun and enjoy the game!!!

This says James might be ready for the England game, I hope it's true.

Need my baby James to be ready for the game!!!

Next up It's a Knockout, Brasil v. Mexico in Samara Arena, current temp 34C!

Aww, sorry you won't be with us today, Lagertha. I'm lucky enough to be off this week so I'll see the round of 16 matches live today and tomorrow. Probably I'll miss at least one quarter or semi when I'm back at work starting 7/9.

That is one shitload of fugly men.

Work from home...

Neymar changed his hair again smh

R215 Same. I have 4 weeks off from work :)

It would be typical of this World Cup if Brazil were to be sent home today.

I dont like what chicharito has done to his hair.

Mexico needs to be more agressive .

Is it wrong to say I miss the over-the-top play calls on Fox Sports from the guy they had in Mexico's group play games?

Wow, Brazil are living in the Mexican penalty box right now. No goal though.

Willian is useless and Mexico is playing with a 39 yr old!

Does Neymar realize how fucking unlikeable He is?

Why did Fox ditch the manic Latino commentators?

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

^ r226 I doubt it. He considers himself the biggest football star in the world and the “haters” are just jelly.

Fagner’s name is lol still

Ochoa’s been saving Mexico’s ass.

Damn it annoying as Neymar scores.

Of course it had to be Neymar. Newly non-blond Neymar.

Credit to Brazil--they are favorites and they have been attacking all game, playing to win and not wussying out. Okay, Mexico, Brazil's defense is open for picking.

[quote]Fagner’s name is lol still

It sure is, at least his first name isn’t Gaylord.

Useless Willian did provide the assist. But I have to agree, sometimes you wonder how he is starting for Brazil. He was no longer a regular 1st team starter for Chelsea this past season.

Neymar is a diva, I’ve seen him many times. I bring my nephew to meet soccer players and we’ve been to see the Brazil team many times.

Hundreds of people gather outside team hotel, Neymar walks out with headphones on and goes straight to the bus, doesn’t even look at fans. And this was when he was capt of Brazil. Some days, he will wave. Really depends on his mood.

The nicest guy is David luiz who signs and take selfies as much as he can, I love him even though I’m not Chelsea fan

I sort of wish I had Telemundo on my cable package. My Spanish is weak, but my guess is the commentary is more fun than these boring dudes on Fox.

Yea these american commentators suck ass,very dull

R238, Telemundo is a free channel though? I don't have cable and use an indoor antenna and I get Telemundo.

So close, Mexico!

This Mexico’s gk’s hair lol

I don’t know his name but he called the game yesterday as well and he talked nonstop, it was exhausting listening to him!

R237, David Luiz is such a talent, it's a pity his emotional (on the pitch) and football IQ hold him back. He's no longer starting for Chelsea and he wasn't selected for the World Cup. You have to be rock solid if you're a centerback and Luiz seems incapable of any stability.

Chelsea will have a new coach, maybe he will get more play time. But he is one of the nicest human being I’ve ever met, not just footballer. Many players praise god on social media all day long but are fake, luiz is not.

Wow Neymar, who knows how bad he’s hurt, he’s such a great actor

Watch neymar get up and be totally fine in five minutes.

If Neymar plays after that hysterical reaction...I expect major surgery.

R245 he’s a terrible over the top actor

Neymar is the vainest on the team, according to one of his teammates, not surprising judging by his hair

did Neymar cry this much when he got his tattoos? lol

R244, I'm glad to hear it. I'm not a Chelsea fan but followed them when Torres was around and I always liked Luiz. He was pretty tight with Fernando. He did seem like a great guy. He could be prone to some nasty shit on the pitch though.

Neymar hurts himself with his bad acting. The Mexican player really did deliberately step on his ankle, but the fake writhing convinced the ref nothing had happened.

we can’t go five minutes without Neymar rolling on the field writhing in pain.

Yeah, that lstep was probably a little love tap but it was intentional. Especially as everyone knows Neymar has had ankle problems.

These brazialians are ridiculous now with these antics come on now!

The voice of the second commentator guy on Fox sounds so much to me like Mary Carillo to me. Maybe I just wish it was Mary since she doesn't work Wimbledon anymore since it went to ESPN

Mexicans just too slow for Brazil.

Brazil are going to miss Casemiro in the next game which could be Belgium. Should be Belgium, but who knows, maybe Japan pull off a huge upset.

Really hope belgium beats these drama queens to a pulp like the germans did last cup.

South American players are great divers. Neymar honed his acting skills at Barcelona fc, Oscar worthy!

R260 razzie worthy you mean

R256, yes I think so too! He was talking nonstop yesterday

Of course Mexico is too slow, they were tired after all the pressing in the first half plus they played a guy almost 40!

A woman on Twitter described Neymar as acting "like he was giving birth to a fucking dragon" after that Mexican player stepped on his foot

Allison of Brazil is gorgeous.

R265, did you see his face? Whole face covered in pimples!

who won?

R267 the drama queens

R266 His beard covers most of them though , but can he not afford a dermatologist? that kind of cystic acne looks awful on a grown man.

So Neymar was conveniently shirtless for his post-match official interview at sidelines.

He had the ridiculous blond spaghetti hair in the first group game, then a shorter blond longish cut, and now a shorter dark cut. Does he travel with a hairstylist?

He's a talent, sure. But he must be in the running for vain eat fottballer of all time. Also a flopper.

He probably exchanged shirts with one of the players from Mexico, thus shirtless

I sincerely hope someone snaps one of Neymar’s legs in three in the next round.

The sad thing is that if Neymar ever has a stroke, he'll already be dead by the time anyone believes him and calls an ambulance

I don't mind Allison's acne. He's still handsome and has the most beautiful eyes.

US pre-game show reporting that that Thai youth soccer team and coach are all alive in the cave, though not yet rescued. Good news.

That's insanely good news. I haven't followed the story closely, why has it taken this long to find and extricate them? It seems like they've been down for a month. How are they surviving?

Fagner

Second match between two team ?

Nevermind, I'm reading up on the story at the Guardian.

This one is tough. Belgium is my non-traditional power pick to win the whole thing but Japan is my home team since the US didn't make it. Plus, they're the underdogs.

Rooting for Japan only because my Euro picks are France and England, in that order.

They're both the cruelest colonialists: Congo vs China.

Japan ain't playing scared. Impressive.

I don't think Japan can keep this up the entire match. But wow, I have not seen them play like this before

R266 R269

I heard he suffers of a skin condition called rosacea, which is stress-triggered. That's why he looks bad lately.

So, folks, who's gonna win? The Red Devils or The Samurai? Place your bets! My personal guess is The Devils!

R285 Belgium by at least two goals. 3-1 is my guess

Belgium taking too many touches around the Box.

Hazard's first touch = magic

Belgium is starting to take control now

R285 Red Devils. Duh. If not, Belgium should commit harakiri.

R290

Water + men = Smoking hot!

If Belgium plays Brazil, the latter will kill Vertonghen.

Can I ask a stupid question?

I know...."better than anyone I know!"

Everybody on the field, in whatever game, seems to speak to each other with no effort. Are they all speaking English or some "soccer" language that they know and we don't? Are all the officials bi or tri lingual or are they chosen to officiate certain games because they speak the native tongues of the players on both teams? Is a puzzlement to me.

Don't hurt me.

De Bruyne looks like a black albino.

I expected better from belgium

Japan are surprisingly strong. They'll be more than happy to go to half at nil-nil

In yesterday's Spanish-Russia game, the Dutch ref spoke to both teams' captains in English as they were deciding penalty kicks logistics. For international games where there isn't a common language between players and referee, I'm sure English is the lingua franca.

R293

Perhaps this will help you:

So far, it's easier for Belgium to open a chastity belt without a key than passing Japan's defense! (lol)

Courtois very nearly had a global clanger there.

Oh, Lalas wrong again in his analysis.

Imagine if the Belgian keeper hadn't caught that ball after letting it go! Would have been even worse than Russia's own goal last night.

Ugh these mac commercials are annoying af worse music ever in it!

I hate the Apple ad where the old lady sings about an old artist growing old

R293, I've read that the players in the Premier League, at least, communicate among themselves using English, Spanish and Portuguese words and phrases. I assume that everyone knows very basic football expressions (plus swear words, of course) in English.

I imagine in this one the Senegalese ref and the Belgians can also speak French to one another. And Portuñol is popular in Conmebol matches.

And yes, it also helps that so many players are playing all over the world and representing adopted countries also. Diego Costa is a Brazilian who acquired Spanish citizen and opted to play for them. The feral Luis Suarez behaves as if he was raised by wolves but can communicate in Dutch and English (limited) because he played in the Netherlands and England before joining Barca.

Thank you mexican coach? Neymar’s antics need to be called out!

Foreign players making millions to play in various European leagues learn the language soon enough, in most cases. Especially if they want to appear all over the national media in their off-time.

How a ref deals with Japan v Belgium is a different question. Signals, I'm guessing.

Japan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes japan!!!!

Freaking belgium needs to pick it up or they are giving the drama queens of brazil a freepass to the semifinals.

The Samurai came back with their katanas in hand! Japan scores!

Told you Vertonghen was a problem. Fucking slow as hell and turns like a semi-trailer truck.

2-0!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bye overated ass belgium waffles.

The Samurai are on fire!!!

I am annoyed that Brazil will handle japan easily though😏

The samurai strikes again!

Holy Shit!!! What a strike!

WOW!!!!!

I’m shocked!!!

This is more surprising to me than Russia and Spain

Their finishing has been poor this WC but now hitting all the shots! Think other team is stunned

The Japanese had a lot of room to operate down the wings in the first half and Belgium didn't adjust. Now in the 2nd half, Japan have made them paid. Roberto Martinez blew it.

Also Japan have committed 100% to good ball movement and closing down when they don't have the ball. The Belgians seem lackadaiscal in contrast.

They are playing a lot similar in style to their women's team that won the World Cup in Germany. Organized, tactically sound, explosive

I'm not even going to criticize Belgium that much. Yeah, they could do better but Japan is playing out of their skin right now

R325 right but they will Not be able to duplicate this , and I hate Brazil damn it!

I think they underestimated their opponent

It's only the 60th minute. But has any team in This World Cup played a better game than Japan is tonight?

Never would have predicted this. What a World Cup

I love The japanese because they do not roll around the field like little bitches.

If the Belgians lose this one, talk about another golden generation massively under-achieving. If they can't take advantage of a tournament without the Italians, Dutch, Germans, Spaniards, et al, then it's not going to happen.

Roberto Martinez will get canned. He's been criticized even as Belgium have won the last two years. This will undoubtedly seal his fate.

Lukaku choosing the wrong game to fluff his lines. This is why he's a good striker but not the world class one he imagines.

Japan will score the 3rd before Belgium scores their first.

It's really terrible when teams that play really well the round robin end tanking when it matters. Of course is worse when you are a world champion and lose to a terribly mediocre team like Russia

Vertonghen giving it away again. He has been absolute shit.

And he scores. The fucker.

Belgium breaks the spell at last!

No way was that intentional.

Wow amazing goal but lucky af he wasn’t even aiming at the goal, the belgian waffles stay alive somehow

R334, he did that just to piss you off!

The Mexican dude who stepped on Neymar also literally picked him up earlier in the match when Neymar was again writhing in pain on the ground, is hot. The Mexicans are too slow and short to be competitive at this point.

Miguel Layun. He's hot, but married with two children so pass.

How neat would it be if Japan wins it all?

A japan player just got knocked down and he got right back up right away , Neymar would NEVER!

Belgium scores; Japan seems to have lost some steam!

Damn it japan that was too good too last lets be honest!

Fuck no, Come on Japan!!!! Gambatte!

NM things may have begun to take a turn.

Don't worry, Belgium are still open for business and Japan with their drive and quickness, will find more space to exploit. Vertonghen will do something to help them as he's a lunk of wood.

How I feel about the Belgians right now.

R342

Sources told me that Neymar's antics are everybody's laughing stock: Brazilians place bets on how many times he will fall! (lol)

Vertongen. 😜

R349 Sources? What your loofa sponge and your bus pass?

R351

Relatives. I know they are not reliable, but, sometimes, they prove to be useful.

This game is amazing!

Oh my god, that save brought tears to my eyes. So good.

If this goes to penalties, I'm betting on the Japanese because ALL the pressure is on Belgium.

Japanese GK pulling superhero moves, love it.

Hope Belgium wins. Much sexier group of men. 😛

This is why some of us love soccer, makes up for the crap uragay and spain put forth!

R356

Well, this could be a good extra time 30 minutes

Fuck no, fucking hell. Football is unfair.

Belgium! Told ya!

Heartbreak for the Japanese.

Or not. Belgium score at the death!

Not sure what happened to the japanese on defense there..

Wow, and that's football. Jesus!

Good on Japan for making this one of the most enjoyable games at the tournament

Dont wanna say they choked but it’s a choke.

Japanese got caught upfront and credit to Courtois, very smartly, played the ball quickly up the field. Too many Japanese players left behind.

This is where maybe it would have been wiser for the Japanese to play it safe and held some back to defend. But hey, they stayed true to their football ethics and played for the 3rd goal.

Oh my heart.

Congratulations, Belgium! Do me a favor and give Brazil a hell of a time!

Japan, my brave, honorable warriors, I'll leave you with a song about the last stand of the Samurai:

That was exciting game but damn I was hoping for an upset!

🇧🇪🇧🇪🇧🇪🇧🇪🇧🇪🇧🇪🇧🇪🇧🇪

[quote]The sad thing is that if Neymar ever has a stroke, he'll already be dead by the time anyone believes him and calls an ambulance

GOOD.

And this is why teams, when they're leading or parking the bus, waste time, fake injuries, etc. Japan didn't do any of that and even kept playing for more goals, and look what they got out it.

[quote]Roberto Martinez blew it.

O RLY?

R373 by teams you mean those dirty europeans and south americanos and latinos?

There are so many funny memes on social media of Neymar rolling all over the place lol

R376 yeah Naymar is getting roasted by twitter but there are plenty of shameless brazilians defending him from the jealous haters lol

Damn it, I really wanted Japan to win! They gave it their all!

Neymar's go-to move in these situations is to hold a press conference and cry.

Japan did themselves more than proud. This should help get more young Japanese boys and girls into football /soccer than figure skating for a few years, at least.

Hope Naymar sees how no one respects his bitch ass theatrics.

R380 Japan already has a women’s world cup championship thophy though.

R380 I was hoping for an increased interest for ice hockey from Japan a couple years ago. Their women did shockingly well at the World Championship and their men had a couple surprise upsets in friendlies. Alas it doesn't seem to be happening

Japanese fans helping to clean up the stadium after being knocked out

Shame on them, they're only taking jobs away. What will Vlad and Babooshka live on?

Vlad and Babooshka are no doubt working as prostitutes. It IS the World Cup in their backyard, you know.

I still want Neymar to get his pelvis pulverized by Vinny K.

Thanks to all who replied to my query about all the players and referees talking to each other.

A little "awwwww" picture to make you smile.

R387, you would think that, but Kompany is made of glass--always injured. If anything he would be more likely to leave the game injured rather than Neymar.

Is Neymar gay?

Neymar is like Lebron pretty much. No loyalty away. Just play the bs game. At least Jordan played and won his 6 championships with one team. Go Bulls!

R390, why do you ask? Because he plays like a sissy? Don't reinforce stereotypes.

No, Neymar isn't gay. Mentally he is 12 yr old. Loves video games, poker, play, have fun with friends.

yes, they probably speak english to the ref. But there is a lot of trash talking as well, I have seen Neymar utter the words "puta" to opposing players this WC.

Also, during a preseason game a year or 2 ago, Neymar played against Juventus, Neymar went down and was lying flat on the ground and the Italian Claudio Marchisio stood over Neymar and said something to him, Neymar bolted straight up and went at him, had to be separated by teammates. I wonder what he said to Neymar. He is so childish.

I like this one.

Hilarious R395

He probably jumped to his feet because Marchisio is a beauty.

Torres losing his rag with Neymar. I remember that game. Barca won and Neymar apparently did a lot of talking. Atleti players later said that Neymar talks a lot of shit when in wins, not so much in losses.

[post redacted because linking to dailymail.co.uk clearly indicates that the poster is either a troll or an idiot (probably both, honestly.) Our advice is that you just ignore this poster but whatever you do, don't click on any link to this putrid rag.]

Are there any white male footballers who have yellow skin?

Next up It's a Knockout, Sweden v. Switzerland at St. Petersburg/Krestovsky Stadium, current temp. 18C with possible rain.

i'm rooting for Switzerland.

I'm neutral on this one, just hoping to see a good match.

Though I guess being neutral means I should root for the Swiss.

Since I've been barracking for Vikings, I should go for the Swedes.

C'mon, guys! Show them the fury of the Norsemen!!!

P.S.: 30' ~ What part of "fury" you didn't understand?

It's all getting testy now

I'm going to kill my neighbor! Can you believe he decided to cut the lawn right now? And don't get me started on the leaf blower!!!

They both keep missing chances. This one's going to go to penalties.

R409

I'm afraid so. And penalties... not fair.

R409 Yep!

[quote]And penalties... not fair.

Be careful what you say, friend.

R412

Comrade, if I were you, I'd be more worried about Cheetos cheating on you with Kim! You may display your naked chest on horses and bears, but it seems Orange Guy has a thing for Kim's ogives!

At last!!!

Hot Sweden goal

Allez Suede!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just checked the stats which explains why there's no commentary about Sweden and Switzerland.

Ah, so finally Sweden scores from a deflection off a defender's foot.

Isn't it amusing that Sweden will likely go further in the WC than they ever did with Zlatan. Showing up to training camp without having to anticipate him and is enormous ego must have been a relief. No more unwarranted head slaps and kicks to put up with.

Ugh! There has been commentary. Looks like I've been having connectivity issues

Fuck. I have to play soon and this is not helping. Have my countrymen lost all respect for my needs?

Can we have both of these teams go home and have the Japanese take their 1/8 spot?

I know, R420! If this match were music, it would be Norah Jones.

The Swedish fans know they're going thru to the QF. The Swiss fans know they're going home.

I take under advisement, 420.

So....NYET.

Adieu Suisse!

Grattis Sverige!

R421 too right.

Or the equivalent of being in an elevator for 90 minutes and listening to muzak.

R423, Vlad-lad, you're still sore about 1905?

A penalty in the last minute? My nerves...

Congratulations, Sweden! You could have done better, but you're Top 8! However, I'm expecting more from you!!!

Switzerland, until the next Cup, I'll enjoy some Swiss chocolate and cheese and think of the Alps to remind me of you! Good job so far!

A treat for the Swedish:

Swiss Miss.

More like Swiss Misses

Swede will play England / Colombia ?Right?

Yeah. This half of the draw is dire--to watch at least.

That young England team led by the amazing Harry Kane has a real chance to advance over Colombia, right? Or is that just wishful thinking?

I think England are slight favorites, especially if James is unable to play or start. But I'll definitely be rooting for Colombia.

No James in starting XI.

1m ago 18:23 Word is that Rodriguez is not even fit enough to be considered a viable option of the bench. Colombia’s best player will, therefore, play no part in this match. Everything really is going in England’s favour at the moment...

R435 Fuck, that sucks. I'm confused though because recent reports said the scan was good and he would probably be ready for the game? Guess they were wrong.

I'm hoping England win! Harry Kane is gonna score for sure!

I'm sad that James is not fit this wc!

I think it will be a very physical game.

I can look the other way if Colombia snorts a few lines to help them in this game. It's only fair since they've lost their best player.

england hasn't won since 1966. I want them to win!

Falcao got a lot of flack when he played in England, let's hope he pays the English back in kind today.

Hmmmm...already a lot of English pressure.

i'm loving the red kit.

James used to be married to the gk's sister.

fucking hell, yerry mina was top of sterling LOL.

Colombia can't find the pass. Missing James there.

Better by the Colombians now--holding onto the ball, getting a little closer to England's goal though nothing of danger just yet

A bit boring so far.

Fucking Colombians losing their cool and it's 0-0. Keep it together!

And yes, it was a foul, you idiot. You tackled from behind and didn't get the ball, what do you think the referee is going to do?

Bit of the nastiness, innit? Eggy-weggs, I would like to smash 'em!

Any gay rumors about Mr Kane?

Big news. Real madrid may be selling Ronaldo to Juventus for 100 million pounds

Sterling is being mauled, he's tiny and that guy is just handling him like a child lol.

I have not heard any gay rumors about Harry Kane. He's straight as far a I know, loves to golf, has a steady gf, a baby. He's very, very mature for his age. Really good guy. He's not into tattoos, rap music and other distractions that the typical footballer is into.

Why would Ronaldo go to Juventus? Serie A have been a 2nd tier league for a long time now. It's a bit of step down.

Colombia lucky not to be a man down with that headbutt. On the other hand, the English player's reaction was Neymarsque.

Ronaldo is trying to get leverage in his contract negotiations with Real Madrid. I don’t see him leaving.

I think they want him to leave so they can sign Neymar.

I'll bet the VAR referee would have given a red if Henderson didn't act like a prissy bitch. The simulation downgrades it to yellow.

I knew it would be a physical game....sterling does nothing, he should be taken off.

All these things are rigged. They don't want Colombia to go down like this. Plus they may have money on the game...who knows?

R458, I agree, but he’s not going to want to leave.

Yeah, he gets his chin tickled and flops over, grabbing his forehead.

Colombia has been playing pretty dirty.

Ooh, a Colombia coach went after Sterling in the tunnel? Unconfirmed reports

R463, I'm rooting for Colombia but you're right. If they carry on this shit, I may have to switch to England for this game. And pray Sweden do the job.

Colombia's attack = comatose.

They're playing defensively and hoping for a flukey/pickoff goal...or penalties.

Penalty!!!!! England better score.

Kane starts shit i dont like when he gets rewarded for it

Colombia dragging it out by yelling at the ref.

Well kane started the shoving and pulling

And Kane scores!!!

YEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSS!!!!!!!! Kane!

Close-up of James looking sad.

Kaaaaaaaaane!

Wow these Colombian players are so rude and uncivilized

You can't deny Colombia didn't deserve that--they've been flirting with danger and being very cynical.

Ref losing control. He should not have tolerated being surrounded by the Colombians for so long.

All of these short, angry Colombians is makin me hot!

And people thought Uruguay played negative football.

Kick these two teams out and give Japan the final 1/8 slot.

R478, Uruguay are just much smarter and subtle about it.

This ref isn't going to get another game in this WC.

England is extremely lucky with this draw their play has been a big pile of Meh.

Surprised Roberto Martinez hasn't murdered the kid who scored against England. Now Belgium faces Brazil and England gets Sweden. Let's hope Croatia steps up and represents this draw in the finals. Modric and Rakitic are fantastic and they would rather see them run the show than any of the plodders left in this side of the draw.

Colombia can't complete a simple pass right now.

Colombia just blew their best chance.

Fuck this game. All it's doing is making me look forward to the Women's World Cup next year

Colombia is the world capital of blow

5' to go of a rather uneventful game. Colombia suffers without James; his presence gives emotional and technical support.

So basically, Colombia is shit without James. Makes sense--he's their only very good player. I don't even really consider him world class but everyone else are plonkers compared to him.

Play like shit...score a goal.

Oh England.

Colombia scores!!! It'll be nerve-wrecking from now on!

i just knew the english lads would find a way to choke

Sweet Jesus what now?

The england goal was cheap and a gift from the ref so its better this goes overtime

Colombia will double-down on the dark arts and play for penalties. It will be a shower of shit for 30 more minutes. They should just go for it! England are devastated.

Mina injured? Celebrating his goal too much?

Don't forget the tweezer...

Yesterday, neither Belgium nor Japan deserved to lose.

Today, neither of these teams deserve to win.

Mick Jagger must be cheering for England somewhere. If you root for England, do something to bind his "jinx powers". My great-aunt used to tie knots on the hemline of her skirt/dress. Unfortunately, this only work IF you're wearing a skirt/dress.

South American beaners are about to take out England!

Don't care who, someone just score a goal. I can't take another penalty shootout.

I can only imagine the talk in the London pubs right now. The wailing and screaming, I should say.

Dreaded PKs...

Damn it. Colombia really don't deserve to make the quarter finals, but England always go out on penalties.

R501 Neither team deserves to be in the quarterfinals

Records are meant to be broken. England's gotta win one some day...

Neither team deserve to advance. Shit.

Therefore I no longer care.

I can't believe a sports-related thread has gotten to three parts and it doesn't involve footballers in love!

England's gk has a very prominent booty. Too bad about the face though.

r504 The international queens loves thems some mens playing soccer

R505 feel you can say that about a lot of the english players

I used to believe "sudden death" was unfair. But when you consider football, it's way better than this excruciating ordeal. PK suck!!!

Of course an english lad fucks up

Holy shit england got lucky there

The Colombian fucked up too

I don't give a shit about either one and even i'm nervous!

woohoo Colombia fucked up

I wish I was English today!

No you don't, R514. Stinky foreskin!

They act like they won the championship, it's just a gotdamn quarterfinals game, you ain't won shit.

Well, that was a long way to go for that result, lads. Good luck to you goi g forward

Colombia can't live down losing to England in PKs. No one loses to England in PKs.

R514 you want bad teeth?

R518 James wouldn’t miss a pk like those three other sissies.

Sweden has got to like their chances

And the Round of 16 is over!

Congratulations, England! But in order to continue, you'll have to work your mojo!

Colombia: you've tried but you must overcome your dependency of James. Good job, though!

Now we must rest and prepare ourselves for the Round of 8.

Hope to see you Friday!

Peace

The hottie quotient does go down with Colombia's departure. Did you see how much airtime James received just being a spectator?

Kane is soo ugly

well, i told ya, south americans are dirty players.

i'm glad England is through...Kane is a very talented player and he's gonna take England far! England is gonna beat Sweden, hopefully.

wow, there is england staff member on the team who is pretty cute! gonna find out his name.

oh no...i'm watching the after show and James is sitting alone and crying....so sad

I hate being of English descent, im ugly as fuk

Will have to rely on Sweden now. Maybe they'll bore the English into defeat.

R528 at least most english lads have decent sized dicks

These threads have made watching the World Cup more fun. Now a couple of days off until quarterfinals on Friday and Saturday, right?

We will need a new thread before then. Good on you, Kane and company.

Two days off without football...

I'm on top of it, I'll get Thread 4 started as we get close to 600.

With the break, we won't burn through this thread as quickly.

Two whole days ahead with no matches. I'm tentatively predicting that the semi-finals will be France v Brazil and Croatia v England, but who knows?

R531, this is my go to site for WC viewing also. DL over a football or sports site!

[quote]Kane is soo ugly

He speaks like he has peanut butter or glue in his mouth. Is there something off about him? I mean he's an amazing player, but his speech makes him seem off.

I've read Kane has a speech impediment? Not sure if it's true or just fans speculating. It may be due to structural issues with his jaw.

R536, he has an under bite. I'm not sure if that is the correct term but his teeth/mouth doesn't close properly, he probably needs jaw surgery to correct it.

Does anyone remember DL back in 2006 when some of us had a thread that went to only to about 200 replies? Even with Michael Ballack's bouncing balls, Many made fun of our WC love. The times have a changed, haven't they?

I think I came upon DL because of WC 2010? I can't remember exactly how I discovered DL but I think it may have been because of the World Cup and possibly the Footballers in Love threads?

These have been my favorite threads on DL. By far

The Ronaldo-to-Juve story is gaining in credibility, more substantial sources are reporting that it may happen.

R542 that feels so wrong

Juventus is a huge and historical club so it's not the team itself, but the league is no longer top class. It would feel like a huge step down to move there. But then again, Ronaldo is now 33.

Neymar took a huge step down moving to the French league, but PSG and its oil backing are a different story. And I think everyone knows Neymar isn't going to be there long.

8 team mean 88 players. As per law of average there must be at least 4 to 8 homosexuals in these 8 teams combined. Any idea who are they?

Serie A is shit. slow play. and players smoke! can you believe this shit? lol

Also I wonder how rampant is the match fixing.

I guess Neymar is going back to Spain, he wants out of PSG. His dad(manager) has been shopping him around.

Where's the bouncing balls Neymar ever gave us?

R545, there are 23 players on each team.

No World Cup today and tomorrow, but Wimbledon. Then WC quarterfinals and Wimbledon Friday and Saturday, then, oh dear god, both are dark on Sunday, right? Wimbledon always takes that middle Sunday off for odd traditional reasons.

No games, mo pics.

Before there was James, there was Fernando. This picspam is from 2010 so the photos are old but nice to see Nino when he was very boyish.

Saturday is also Pride Day in the UK. That will be interesting. I guess pubs will have the biggest day and night ever.

That will be a fun day in London and all over the country, r552. I wish I could be there.

On the other hand, I hope there will be more England supporters in the stadium in Russia Saturday. They were outnumbered like 10 to 1 by Colombians last night!

I wonder why that is, R553, given how much further they have to travel. I know that there are a lot of Colombians in Spain, but that alone wouldn't account for outnumbering English fans. English fans are known for travelling to away games, so you'd think the WC would be more heavily attended. Is it a stereotype to think the English have more disposable income than Colombians?

The UK and Russia have been at odds recently, R554 -the Salisbury chemical attack story has a new twist today.

I know Prince William isn't attending due to security concerns, but would the average football ban be put off by the political rift? I imagine that tickets had to be purchased, reservations made, etc. before the Skripal incident.

The Brit host on Fox, Kate something, said last night that suddenly she's very popular at home with tons of calls about getting tickets to Saturday's match.

My poor baby James! 😭 But England deserve to go on, congrats to them.

No, r558 Japan deserved to go on. England got lucky.

Also, not that English fans have been historically blameless, but psycho Russian ultras have been targeting them at recent international competitions, which created wariness. However, clearly Putin has total control over them (it is seriously suggested they are in effect a branch of the Russian state apparatus).

Doing some reading while resting and waiting for the next game. Has anyone seen this? This guy is very funny and his Twitter account is all about the WC lately.

P.S.: He's a famous comic book writer.

There is understandable concern about Pride falling at the same time as the England-Sweden match. If England loses then there will be a lot of unhappy lager louts and things could get ugly.

I think it'll be fine, R562. The two groups won't intersect and police are out in force to safeguard Pride from any terrorist threat and help marshal the parade. Plus though there's always a few dickheads, most English people, including football fans (and they'd be London based fans most likely), aren't virulently homophobic. If they meet gay English fans, they're more likely to celebrate / commiserate with them depending on the outcome.

In answer to the earlier discussion, I think most English fans were wary about travelling to Russia. The stories of racism, homophobia etc had been well covered here and most people I've spoken to were, a: not wanting to give Russia money right now until they sort their human rights shit out, or b: felt it wouldn't be safe - especially regarding corruption, but also because of current tensions politically. There was general annoyance that FIFA awarded them the Cup in the first place - knowing these issues - and then they doubled down with Qatar up next. I don think it was a disposable income issue, it was invariably a point of principle.

This one in R551's link is kinda inteteresting. It's not Fernando that makes it interesting.

Poor Torres having to talk to that nude crusty with feral dreads!

It was interesting to see him young and skinny, and pre-tattoos. Torres is absolutely gorgeous but had some godawful haircuts back in the day.

[quote]The stories of racism, homophobia etc had been well covered here and most people I've spoken to were, a: not wanting to give Russia money right now until they sort their human rights shit out, or b: felt it wouldn't be safe - especially regarding corruption,

Yet they'll have no qualms about giving homo-hating, racist, misogynist Qatar their quid in 2022.

Well why not wait and see whether they actually go to Qatar or not, R566?

R563, you forgot about the tube and busses. There will almost certainly be trouble of some kind when the pubs close.

Looks like CR7 is going to Juventus, they have already printed shirts in his name.

Given the current distrust towards Russia as a nation, I suspect there will be conspiracy theories if the team progresses much further. After twenty years, there's still speculation that Ronaldo Nazario was drugged on the day of the France '98 final.

Norway's biggest newspaper accused the Russian team of doping.

Well, R570, I was already wondering right after the Spain - Russia match whether RFEF or individual players were approached and somehow compromised by Russia. I can't recall Spain playing quite so badly, even in their underachiever days (I have to rewatch match as I missed the first half and got to annoyed/nervous during the rest to watch very closely) Insipid, uninspired, unwilling. And of course there's Pique's inexplicable raised arm in the box. Russia has been busy-bodying in Spain politics vis a vis the question of Catalan separatism and has sicced Julian Assange all over the matter. After all the millions they used to bribe FIFA and their intrusions and attempts to disrupt western countries, it really isn't a far stretch to think that Putin would somehow intervene on behalf of his home team .

There's plenty of precedent. South Korea was heavily suspected of bribing Byron Moreno (Italy - SK) and the Egyptian officiating crew of the Spain-SK semi-finals. The officiating "blunders" were so egregious and laughable. Wasn't Argentina's military junta also thought to have exercised a heavy hand when they won in '78 when they advanced over Brazil and eventually won?

Pique is stupid, he makes many stupid fouls. Maybe he has CTE from all the headers (he is a defender) and makes bad judgements. Also he's not exactly a great fan current govt of Spain.

I totally believe everything is rigged. That corrupt fifa official already admitted that the draw was rigged in the 90s...and suggested that all nations hosting try to get a good draw too (in a corrupt way)

some of the decisions by refs are just so messed up. That head butt by Colombian player to English player, Henderson...Should have been a red. but was only given yellow. Hello??

Of course, the Russian team dopes. They were caught at Sochi and banned from the subsequent Olympics. I suspect FIFA doping control isn't quite as stringent as the Olympics'

I agree. Lots of pros are doping, not just the Russians.

I wouldn't be surprised if Brazil doped. Winning the WC is so important to them. And John Stones of England said he's never played a team as dirty as Colombia. There were many, many, things that went on in the field and not even talked about...according to him. Wouldn't surprise me if Colombia doped.

Colombia playing rough and dirty can't be directly linked to doping. They played that way because that was the only way they believed they could beat England.

The great Spain run from 2008-2012 generated a lot of talk of doping. It coincided with doping in cycling--seems Spanish footballers may have been using the same service from a well-known doping doctor.

Started Thread 4 as we get ready for games on Friday. Amble over when we reach 600 posts here.

Basically, this weekend can be broken down to:

Friday-Good teams Saturday-Crap teams (maybe aside from Croatia)

R578, yes, I read about that case! the whistle blower was as cyclist and said he saw many famous faces (soccer) in doctor's waiting room! Also the fucking judge ordered hundreds of blood samples of dopers to be destroyed! I bet the fucking judge got millions deposited in his swiss bank account for that ruling! The doping doctor said he helped teams prepare for champions league matches.

The Spanish team was probably doped up when they won the World Cup and euros 2008-2010. Fuentes (Spanish doctor) was known to help many top footballers with doping, many having been spotted going to his offices over the years.

[quote]Fuentes was arrested last Thursday as part of the Operación Galgo (Operation Greyhound) raids. During his time in custody, Fuentes reportedly hinted to another prisoner that any confession by him would have major consequences. “If I said what I know, goodbye to the World Cup and European Championship,” he is reported to have told his cellmate, a youth from the area who is frequently in and out of jail.

I'm hoping that since Torres was playing in England at the time, he wasn't involved.

But really, I wouldn't be surprised.

R580, the famous blood bags were never destroyed; the order compelling the destruction was reversed in 2016. Whatever is in them might still someday be analyzed.

Thank you, r579/OP. Will see you on thread 4 tomorrow morning.

Meanwhile, with the new revelations of two Brits poisoned by what everyone believes to be Russian nerve agents...I am hoping for a semifinal England v Russia, without poisons but with lots of national pride on the line for England.

I vaguely remember the cycling doctor controversy I'm sure I'm wrong as my information was trickled down over years of reading My recollection is that Real Madrid used the cyclist's testimony to try to implicate Barcelona players or vice versa....?

R585, I've followed the Spanish doping scandal for awhile. Years ago, a Madrid-affiliated radio station implicated Barcelona players, and Barcelona forced the station to apologize. (The radio station said it was "just kidding.") Fuentes then claimed that Real Madrid owed him money for unspecified services, but the club, in turn, said that wasn't true. It's utterly unclear what would turn up if the blood was tested.

according to the article posted above, it says 4 soccer teams in spain, a famous tennis player (nadal?) etc.

so probably 4 top soccer teams in spain.

I don't know if anyone here is from the "Footballers in Love" thread or know about Bojan Krickc who was supposed to be the next Lionel Messi and was a super-fun playmate for Pique. A lot of posters hated Guardiola for not giving him enough attention or encouragement as he went from Barca, to a couple of Italian teams before he wound up at Stoke City. I was absolutely floored that little Bojan (as in 5'6" to 7" at most and a slip of a guy) got into the most physical league. And he excelled for a while as his immense talent and football IQ got him there. Vut he got loaned out to La Liga bottomish clubs.

His story to Sid Lowe is heartbreaking and reminds me of other phenomenons who got bruised and battered by the football business: Sebastian Deisler and Yoann Gourcuff. They both had anxiety and depression issues that sank their careers. IDK about Deisler (sic?), but Gourcuff was supposed to be the next Zidane after a ridiculously wonderful season at Bordeaux and Bojan got called up for Euros after "new Messi" calls and could not cope due to his anxiety issues.

This article explains every mystery about Bojan and makes too much sense. IDK how he may have compared to Neymar at their peaks, but Neymar was/is insulated by his father, family and his own lack of sensitivity and incredible stupidity.

Thank you, R586. Those are pretty much the fleshed out details of what I recall. It makes me sad, but it's the modern world we've all been told about. Choosing heroes means parsing out a lot of details. But then again why look to footballers for our heroes? Unless they're Andres or Xavi, who didn't do a whole lot of running due to their superlative skills, right, so they didn't dope? Please tell me it's so...

I actually do believe that, R589. Doping can't give you positional awareness and great passing technique. It can't make an ordinary athlete remarkable.

Thanks, R590. It means a lot to me.

One more reminder, Thread 4 is already up. Don't be that DLer who starts a concurrent thread and then tries to feign innocence. You know what you're doing.

Fuck

Neymar

That

Fugly

Little

Flopping

Bitch

Ass!