Football thread

[Banquo]

Bizarre tournament so far, with the USA the latest fancied team to tumble out early - losing to Sweden on the basis of some ridiculous saves from the Swedish keeper and then somehow losing on penalties from a position of only needing to score to win twice, and then losing to a penalty that was half saved, but just crept over the line before the keeper scrambled it away. Highlights on the BBC are worth a watch.

England will never have a better chance to win the World Cup than this, although I'd imagine that's also what the USA were thinking this morning.

Puja

England very lucky to scrape past Nigeria...but I'll take it.

Indeed. Ridiculous by James as well.

[Galfon]

Solid work there by Eng against a lively and skilfull Colombian outfit. Oz next in the semis, revenge for the Netball perhaps..

[Puja]

What a goal that is from Toone. First time, technically beautiful strike, and absolutely unsaveable for any goalkeeper.

Puja

[Mr Mwenda]

Smart day at the office all round for the lionesses.

It's a pity foopball sucks but nice that my team is doing well!

[Galfon]

Wish same could be said..
It's the John McGinn derby for next qual. round in the Conf. league, Hibees v Villa
1st leg at Easter Rd.next Wed (not Thu as Jam Tarts at home too)
5.45 k/o as CL matches also that night.Injuries to key players and pounding by the Toon will have jolted Villa somewhat..

Women's Final 11.00 Sun, showing on Beeb 1.
Must have a chance, James should get some game time and warm reception no doubt.

[Mr Mwenda]

The English sporting summer of dashed hopes continued then. Chiz.

[Galfon]

also..Messi's latest goal for the Pinks v. NY Red Bulls was pure genius.
Pity he's opted for more me-time tbh, but good to see he's enjoying himself again !

[Slater582]

Congratulations Crystal Palace on their first ever major trophy. And also first ever qualification for UEFA competition, having been unable to compete in the early 90's when English clubs were banned. Can't remember if there are any Palace fans on this forum.

45th different club to win the FA Cup. And in the same season that Newcastle lifted the League Cup. Makes a really nice change from the usual suspects hoovering all the trophies up.

[Galfon]

Congratulations Crystal Palace on their first ever major trophy. And also first ever qualification for UEFA competition, having been unable to compete in the early 90's when English clubs were banned. Can't remember if there are any Palace fans on this forum.

45th different club to win the FA Cup. And in the same season that Newcastle lifted the League Cup. Makes a really nice change from the usual suspects hoovering all the trophies up.

Yes it is good to see the underdog win a few trophies this year and
many neutrals would be happy to see Newcastle, Forest and Villa in the CL next year - as a Villa fan there are mixed feelings about Palace as they have been a bogey team for the last couple of seasons, though credit to them for backing a top manager after a horrid start to the season, and the manager for consistently backing the players. European nights at Selhurst Park next year

[Galfon]

FIFA World Club Cup

'Last 16' fixtures:

Saturday 28th June
Palmeiras (Bra) v. Botafogo (Bra) .. 17:00
Benfica (Por) v. Chelsea (Eng).. 21:00

Sunday 29th June
PSG (Fra) v. Inter Miami (USA) ..17:00
Flamengo (Bra) v. Bayern Munich (Ger).. 21:00

Monday 30th June
Inter Milan (Ita) v. Fluminense (Bra).. 20:00

Tuesday 1st July
Manchester City (Eng) v. Al Hilal (SAr).. 02:00
Real Madrid (Spa) v. Juventus (Ita) .. 20:00

Wednesday 2nd July
Borussia Dortmund (Ger) v. Monterrey (Mex).. 02:00

The Saudi sponsors will be pleased for a host and Saudi team progressing.The 30+ temperatures and high humidity is ridiculous for this sport, and some of the pitches are reportedly sub-standard.
It is mid-season for S American teams too, with Eur teams coming off the back of a long season must make it a bit of a mental challenge .

[Stom]

FIFA World Club Cup

'Last 16' fixtures:

Saturday 28th June
Palmeiras (Bra) v. Botafogo (Bra) .. 17:00
Benfica (Por) v. Chelsea (Eng).. 21:00

Sunday 29th June
PSG (Fra) v. Inter Miami (USA) ..17:00
Flamengo (Bra) v. Bayern Munich (Ger).. 21:00

Monday 30th June
Inter Milan (Ita) v. Fluminense (Bra).. 20:00

Tuesday 1st July
Manchester City (Eng) v. Al Hilal (SAr).. 02:00
Real Madrid (Spa) v. Juventus (Ita) .. 20:00

Wednesday 2nd July
Borussia Dortmund (Ger) v. Monterrey (Mex).. 02:00

The Saudi sponsors will be pleased for a host and Saudi team progressing.The 30+ temperatures and high humidity is ridiculous for this sport, and some of the pitches are reportedly sub-standard.
It is mid-season for S American teams too, with Eur teams coming off the back of a long season must make it a bit of a mental challenge .

You mean that they "sorted it" so that a Saudi team and Messi would progress...

It's appalling, and I haven't watched 1 second of it, and will refuse to.

[Galfon]

FIFA World Club Cup

'Last 16' fixtures:

Saturday 28th June
Palmeiras (Bra) v. Botafogo (Bra) .. 17:00
Benfica (Por) v. Chelsea (Eng).. 21:00

Sunday 29th June
PSG (Fra) v. Inter Miami (USA) ..17:00
Flamengo (Bra) v. Bayern Munich (Ger).. 21:00

Monday 30th June
Inter Milan (Ita) v. Fluminense (Bra).. 20:00

Tuesday 1st July
Manchester City (Eng) v. Al Hilal (SAr).. 02:00
Real Madrid (Spa) v. Juventus (Ita) .. 20:00

Wednesday 2nd July
Borussia Dortmund (Ger) v. Monterrey (Mex).. 02:00

The Saudi sponsors will be pleased for a host and Saudi team progressing.The 30+ temperatures and high humidity is ridiculous for this sport, and some of the pitches are reportedly sub-standard.
It is mid-season for S American teams too, with Eur teams coming off the back of a long season must make it a bit of a mental challenge .

You mean that they "sorted it" so that a Saudi team and Messi would progress...

It's appalling, and I haven't watched 1 second of it, and will refuse to.

It's a hollow event for many it seems, but money talks as always.
I'm sure if Pep wins this title he'll still see this year as a failure after missing out on the Prem & CL, and all the poundings his team got earlier.

[ eta..just ain't right for this sport, especially big tournaments..
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/ar ... 2nq51wd1yo ]

[Galfon]

I'm sure if Pep wins this title he'll still see this year as a failure after missing out on the Prem & CL, and all the poundings his team got earlier.

Sheikh Mansour's team, managed by Pep got turned over by the Sau A. PIF owned team, Al Hilal 4-3 in Orlando, so nothing chsnges really. He likes to win.

[Galfon]

FIFA World Club Cup
Q/Final fixtures

Fri 4 Jul
Fluminense v. Al-Hilal 20:00

Sat 5 Jul
Palmeiras v. Chelsea 02.00
PSG v. B.Munich 17:00
R.Madrid v. B.Dortmund 21:00 ( * )

( * ) Jobe B. is suspended after 2 yellow cards for Dortmund, and will not be playing against big bro. Jude.

[bruce]

I see it's being reported that Diogo Jota has died in a car crash along with his brother.

[Galfon]

I see it's being reported that Diogo Jota has died in a car crash along with his brother.

Newly wed with family, most awful - and a top player too.
Unusual circumstances; a tragic loss. RiP.

[Galfon]

FIFA World Club Cup
Semi-Final fixtures

Tue 8 Jul
Fluminense v. Chelsea 20:00

Wed 9 Jul
PSG v. Real Madrid 20.00

Predictably Euro-heavy, with improving Chelsea the outlier, as were not in the 48-club mix in European elite competitions last year.
Perversely as these matches are played, there are 'First Qualifying Rounds' matches for the UEFA Champions League 25-26 scheduled.

[eta..Munich's talented Musiala gets a fractured tib./dislocated ankle sfter a clash with PSG keeper Donnarumma, and will be out for probs. rest of the year. ]

[Galfon]

FIFA World Club Cup
FINAL

Sun 13 Jul
Chelsea v. PSG 20:00

Real Madrid smashed by PSG who are on a phenomenal run.

[Galfon]

FINAL Result:
Chelsea 3 - 0 PSG
..Chelsea are World Club Champions !
to cap a season finishing 4th. in the English league, and winning the UEFA 3rd. Tier competition..
That's timing for you, resilience and smart management.
( Must say Mrs G.taking the ball off Cole P. for non -stop kicking the ball against the corridor walls during 'wet play' seems to have done little harm. )