Faustus

Thought Agnelli's comments about 'modernising' the current formates were pretty telling. Obviously this is just speculation, I wouldn't be surprised if this in some way a move towards a European Super League with the two other tournaments being of an equal stature offering token promotion slots to the winners as a form of lip service to competition or some kind of jeopardy involved.

The removal of jeopardy from the sport is obviously an imperative aim of the big clubs because it severely impacts on their ability to make money. Rumenigge said it was disgraceful- or words to that effect- when Bayern drew Juve in the last 16 of the CL a few years back, meaning that one of the big hitters was going out, while other ties in that round included Wolfsburg v Gent and Zenit v Benfica.

Similar to the late 80's when the movement towards the CL started on account of Real Madrid drawing Maradona's Napoli in the first round and Berlusconi thought it was mental because one of the big draws going out so early would have an impact on TV viewing figures.

The irony is that it's the element of jeopardy that keeps us going back in the first place. Really, who the fuck is tuning in to watch, say, PSG v Juve in what could conceivably be a midtable dead rubber in a Super League format? Plus, a whole host of gimp fans at clubs have grown not used to seeing their club lose, so could see a load of fairweathers jacking it in easily. Plus, all you'd need is for Barca and Real to suffer a string of defeats- again, perfectly conceivable in such a format- and the toys would go out the pram and demands for further rejigging would grow.

Today's edition of Marca: 'Barcelona should build a monument to Everton for spending 50m euros on Digne, Mina, and Gomes.'

From the Camp Nou to the Camp Boo...

Ifithadnabeenfor...

Yan Dhanda just scored for Swansea. Probably the winning goal.

He'll have a job. Lanzini's out injured for at least the season.

"The famous Anfield atmosphere is a myth. As if it'll affect our lads. They've played in Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, and Clasicos. They're way more intense."

Obviously not a patch on a few scals lobbing a couple of cans of Dark Fruits.

I think the main issue re VAR is how the 'clear and obvious' remit has been interpreted somewhat arbitrarily at times, particularly on handballs.

You could argue, by definition, if you've changed your mind after looking at an incident from five different angles in slow motion, it wasn't a clear and obvious error in the first place.

Imagine thinking Lovren is shite...

Since when did chucking a pint become a thing?

Bells.

Fucking sick of seeing the South Americans whinging. Emotionally unstable tarts. The Brazilians, in particular, always look like they're on the verge of tears. Get a bloody grip.

Fair enough, I was more trying to convey the fact that it's a ball ache heaving your luggage about to the bus stop and waiting around. 'Mission' was probably the wrong word to use in that respect!

Couldn't agree more about South Parkway. It's just an absolute con effectively labelling it as the airport's train station. Reminds me of that Simpsons episode where they redevelop the waterfront and Moe looks to have a flashy bar there, but it's really just an attractive exterior for a big fuck off tunnel that leads to his normal dive. You get off at South Parkway and it's still an absolute mission to the airport, never mind a complete faff!

It should be a source of embarrassment that you can get a train from Lime Street direct into Manchester airport, but there's nothing similar available into the city's own airport.

I'm actually 100% sure he would get cheered in that scenario.

No tactical analysis at half time, just talking about the refereeing decisions and the Colombian coach being a div.

No wonder we're a thick country.

Superb from both keepers but, fuck me, some players don't half run up to the ball stupidly. Unless you're Also or Hazard levels of brilliance from the spot, why break stride? Just fucking daft.

Takes a lot for the Russians to be seen as the good guys.

Yeah, I can only echo some of the sentiments that people have already expressed. I couldn't give a toss, personally, whether England win or not, but I've always enjoyed the atmosphere in pubs and the like when a tournament is on, and I like having a chat with different people about different matches and the tournament. This England team is largely inoffensive, have played some alright football, and I think Southgate is doing a good job on the sly and seems clued up, compard with in the past when their manager was either a wittering old fool (Hodgson), or a hubristic walrus (Allardyce). Plus, regardless of their nationality, I've always liked to see our player do well for their country by virtue of the fact that if it keeps them happy, I can only see that being a good thing for Liverpool.

Saying that, I sense usual off-putting elements beginning to surface. War metaphors , an inflated sense of self-worth on the world stage, the usual misplaced arrogance. I was listening to the Guardian's footy podcast this morning and that Max Rushden bloke floated that ludicrous notion of England deliberately conspiring to finish second in the group because of the perceived easier route and Barry Glendenning just remarked 'See, this is why people don't like you'; which I feel is completely true.

A mate of mine is far more interested in the national side than I am, I was asking as to why you'd deliberately kill your own momentum, but he was responding that he'd sooner England lose because, apparently, the semi finals awaits. I mean, either Colombia, Japan or Senegal could cause England problems, as could Switzerland or Sweden presuming they got that far. It's a weird superiority complex that I think is ingrained in the national psyche. People far more versed in psychology could probably convey and discuss this in much better terms, but in a footballing context, it's really strange when England have only won one knockout game in 12 years.

I look at fans of other countries with the World Cup and it looks a genuinely fun experience watching them. With England, it feels as though the feeling of self-loathing that is never too far from the surface is always waiting to be channelled through football. I think it's why for so many, football is simply a case of 'wanting it more' and 'pashun'. They're obviously important elements of the game, but I think it's quite telling how collective anger is always directed towards the privileges of the modern player as opposed to structural flaws, or whatever else.

Anyway, I feel I've gone off on something of a tangent there. In short, I wouldn't be opposed to the idea of England winning the World Cup. It'd be a buzz to see Trent with a medal and Hendo would return to Melwood with a spring in his step, but at the same time, I wouldn't be arsed if they went next round. Neither scenario would really make any odds to me.

I'm sick of seeing the grids of this straight couple kicking off over not being granted a civil partnership all over the news.

It's the sort of thing only rich people can afford to get the hump over.

'Kinell, the Aussies can't finish their dinner. They've missed some chances this tournament.

Well done the referee there.

He's not intelligent enough, nor does he work hard enough to get into a Klopp front three. That's not me saying he's not a good player, by the way, but I'd imagine there's a massive difference at a fundamental level in the way both conceive the game.

Agreed.

Controversial opinion here, but Neymar wouldn't get into our front three. No chance.

There seem to be quite a few sides similar to the Aussies at this tournament i.e. neat and tidy, industrious, but very little quality in and around the opponent's box. Thinking similar to Morocco and South Korea. Even like Saudi Arabia to a degree, although they've often defended like they've been dosed on Valium. 

What's the time difference in Oz for the games?

I've got some mates in Japan who are facing a late on on Sunday/ Monday morning for their game against Senegal. The win against Colombia's given them an incentive to watch it live as opposed to a recording and steering clear of the result. They're anticipating significant tiredness during their working day as a consequence.