The Football.....

[AndyRM]

More that NZ are hapless. On a roll they look a very hard test for Scotland.

So hapless they're ranked a whole 3 places behind Haiti...

 

[albion]

So hapless they're ranked a whole 3 places behind Haiti...

Haiti were the lowest ranked qualifiers. Scotland are higher. New Zealand got their highish rank beating
Tahiti, Vanuatu and Samoa and then won the final against New Caledonia.

The guage will now have Haiti way higher.

 

[Mike_P]

Was a typical friendly with virtually full changed teams at halftime when it was 1-0.

 

[AndyRM]

Our recent friendlies have at least made sense considering our group.

Losing Gilmour is a big blow.

 

[AndyRM]

Take a bow Craig Gordon. Oldest player at the World Cup by some margin. Hopefully the heat won't wither him away and he'll be able to collect his prize.

 

[PaulSB]

Dave Challinor has joined Rovers as Head Coach. During a 15 year career he has never finished lower than the play-off places.

As a Rover I can't be anything other than pleased.

 

[PaulSB]

Question. Has anyone read a positive news article about the World Cup? The competition begins in six days and I can honestly say all I hear is negative press from ticket sales, public transport costs, empty hotels to a ban on water bottles.

This morning I read a BBC article on how ticket prices have been slashed. Jordan v Algeria has dropped from £471 to £171! Someone is having a laugh. If pushed I'd pay £171 to watch Rovers in the FA Cup final. Jordan v Algeria? 🤣🤣🤣 The chances of me being aware of the result or turning on the TV for this are zero. Yet FIFA claim the whole event is close to sold out.

My engagement will probably be little more than to check results of the leading nations. If England reach the semis or the final I would probably watch.

FIFA seem to have made a complete mess of this WC. It could well be a total failure.

 

[N0bodyOfTheGoat]

Yesterday, BBC had an article about FIFA doing a U-turn and banning reusable bottle entry into World Cup matches by fans, despite the expected heat for many games.

They stated fears about bottles being thrown on to the pitch, but it's just another money grab to add to a huge list of money grabs in this year's finals.

 

[AndyRM]

One thing I've noticed is the lack of Engurland flags on cars and hanging out of windows. The lack of pub offers isn't much of a surprise given the time difference,

This may change if youse get deeper into the tournament, but it feels a bit flat.

This fella is cheery though:


View: https://www.facebook.com/reel/2375160356297256/?mibextid=ZZyLBr

 

[Pblakeney]

Anyone with travel plans beware...Even if you already have your ESTA.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwy2yleex87o

 

[PaulSB]

One thing I've noticed is the lack of Engurland flags on cars and hanging out of windows. The lack of pub offers isn't much of a surprise given the time difference,

This may change if youse get deeper into the tournament, but it feels a bit flat.

This fella is cheery though:


View: https://www.facebook.com/reel/2375160356297256/?mibextid=ZZyLBr

Yes, it's noticeable. On Wednesday I was at an event planning meeting for our village sports and social club. The suggestion was to open the bar for the England games and possibly some of the bigger teams. My response, along with a couple of others was to ask "how many people will come out of their houses for beer and football at 9.00pm when they can have exactly the same thing at home?" All three who asked this, including me, live five minutes walk from the club, we all said if we watched we would do it at home. 9.00pm is simply too late for many and the tournament unappealing.

 

[Dorset Boy]

Yesterday, BBC had an article about FIFA doing a U-turn and banning reusable bottle entry into World Cup matches by fans, despite the expected heat for many games.

They stated fears about bottles being thrown on to the pitch, but it's just another money grab to add to a huge list of money grabs in this year's finals.

I heard they were banned bringing them into the stadia, but you could then buy a reusable bottle once inside (probably for $250).

The BBC had an article about getting out to the stadium in New York, Usual fare $12, match day fare $150, with no concessions.

 

[Pblakeney]

Yes, it's noticeable. On Wednesday I was at an event planning meeting for our village sports and social club. The suggestion was to open the bar for the England games and possibly some of the bigger teams. My response, along with a couple of others was to ask "how many people will come out of their houses for beer and football at 9.00pm when they can have exactly the same thing at home?" All three who asked this, including me, live five minutes walk from the club, we all said if we watched we would do it at home. 9.00pm is simply too late for many and the tournament unappealing.

I remember a time when going for a night out at 21:00 was the norm. Anything before that was early.

 

[Pblakeney]

I heard they were banned bringing them into the stadia, but you could then buy a reusable bottle once inside (probably for $250).

The BBC had an article about getting out to the stadium in New York, Usual fare $12, match day fare $150, with no concessions.

Not only that but they have suspended all parking so you can’t even hire a car and drive.

 

[PaulSB]

I remember a time when going for a night out at 21:00 was the norm. Anything before that was early.

I remember a time when I wasn't thinking about bed at 9.00pm and another when going out meant meeting in the pub around 5.30 after work................and getting home at goodness knows what time!!