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SS4

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Could anyone else out there literally not care less about the World Cup?

Football is football. I've no great love for it and whilst I would prefer some domestic football it'll do. What I dislike is the circus that surrounds it.

edit: I also don't like the lack of tackling that is allowed and I remember the final last year where the Dutch were metaphorically sodomised by a ref determined to dole out cards like a blackjack dealer
 
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Xenophon PCDGS

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Away from the forthcoming World Cup debate, there is a matter of general note:-
Arsenal have informed Barcelona that they will now not be exercising the buy-back option upon 27 year old Cesc Fabregas that was written into the contractual part of the transfer document from Arsenal to Barcelona.

It did not take too long for Chelsea to offer the lure of a five-year contract, which Fabregas has now seen fit to place his signature upon.
 
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Saint66

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I, myself, am brilliantly excited about the World Cup, and so are most of my friends.
 
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richw

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Could anyone else out there literally not care less about the World Cup?

I will probably watch the first few matches and then decide by how good the play is looking and then decide, if it's as boring as South Africa due to strict referees and crap balls, I won't watch it much. I will keep open minded at this time.
Quite frankly it's better than emmerdale eastenders or corrie which would be the other option my wife would make me sit through.
 

Xenophon PCDGS

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Football is football. I've no great love for it and whilst I would prefer some domestic football it'll do. What I dislike is the circus that surrounds it.

edit: I also don't like the lack of tackling that is allowed and I remember the final last year where the Dutch were metaphorically sodomised by a ref determined to dole out cards like a blackjack dealer

I can remember at least two of the tackles made by the Dutch players in the match to which you allude that had no place in the game of football, but would be acceptable in "cage-match" American-style wresting.
 

SS4

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I can remember at least two of the tackles made by the Dutch players in the match to which you allude that had no place in the game of football, but would be acceptable in "cage-match" American-style wresting.

I'm not saying the match should have been cardless but the ref handed out too many. Out of interest would such tackles have been out of place 20/30 years ago?
 

Xenophon PCDGS

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. Out of interest would such tackles have been out of place 20/30 years ago?

You take me back to when I first began watching football, cricket, rugby union and rugby league from the early 1950's...:D

Football referees in those halcyon days were of the opinion ... "Get up and get on with the game. It's a man's game". Football boots were crafted from thick leather and proper footballs made from real leather were used, which when suitably sodden from a rain filled mudbath of a pitch were something that only the bravest of the brave would consider heading clear when hammered at you by a member of the opposing team. Football minimum wage was in vogue and some footballers went to the matches on local buses.
 
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Oswyntail

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.. Out of interest would such tackles have been out of place 20/30 years ago?
The Times ran a series of supplements on previous WCs last week. They were full of references to "the beautiful game" (Perleeze - pass me the sick bucket every time that cliche is wheeled out). But just about every description of a match they contained dwelled on how foul the play was, and how brutal all the teams were. And that was Pele's own era. Whether the game is improved by taking out the thuggery is a moot point.
 

Xenophon PCDGS

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Quite frankly it's better than emmerdale eastenders or corrie which would be the other option my wife would make me sit through.

I did not realise that any of those programmes to which you allude were broadcast at the same time as the match tonight.

My good lady wife decided to watch an episode of "Foyle's War" when the match was broadcast. Most probably there would have been a more professional standard of acting in that programme that the "play-acting" that football seems to be prone to these days.
 

MidnightFlyer

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The Times ran a series of supplements on previous WCs last week. They were full of references to "the beautiful game" (Perleeze - pass me the sick bucket every time that cliche is wheeled out). But just about every description of a match they contained dwelled on how foul the play was, and how brutal all the teams were. And that was Pele's own era. Whether the game is improved by taking out the thuggery is a moot point.

Let us not forget the Battle of Santiago either. Half of that made the summer 2011 riots look like a picnic.
 

richw

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I did not realise that any of those programmes to which you allude were broadcast at the same time as the match tonight.

My good lady wife decided to watch an episode of "Foyle's War" when the match was broadcast. Most probably there would have been a more professional standard of acting in that programme that the "play-acting" that football seems to be prone to these days.

I don't know whether they were on tonight, but as it's a World Cup the wife allowed me the remote. I think those listed may have been canceled tonight to make way for the match,
 

richw

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Xenophon PCDGS

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Correct 2100 best kick off, we had nearly 2 hours of Adrian chiles going on first.

Bbc reporting they are spray painting the pitch at Manaus to make the grass green. I thought for a moment it was April 1st! :lol:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27800681

It was reported that the pitch at Manaus had suffered as a result of fertiliser application over a period of time where the amount so applied was somewhat different to what was recommended.
 

richw

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It was reported that the pitch at Manaus had suffered as a result of fertiliser application over a period of time where the amount so applied was somewhat different to what was recommended.

I'm confused by the fertiliser thing, some are saying it's had too much the groundsman saying it hasn't had any due to accessibility issues, as goods can arrive by boat or plane and no roads exist for deliveries to arrive.
 

DarloRich

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.edit: I also don't like the lack of tackling that is allowed and I remember the final last year where the Dutch were metaphorically sodomised by a ref determined to dole out cards like a blackjack dealer

eh? did you watch the same game? I seem to recall a karate kick aimed into a Spanish players chest and some other rather "robust" play from the Dutch. They were VERY lucky only to be reduced to 10 men!

I agree that tackling is now banned. I long for the days when an adequate reposnse to terribly skilful players like Messi or Ronaldo was to launch them over the advertising hoardings ;- )
 

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Further to the Salisbury financial problems - they have now been relegated to Conference South pending another deadline in July that may mean they get expelled from that league as well. Dartford have been reprieved and now stay in the Conference National.
You couldn't make this stuff up :roll:
 

richw

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Wow! Van Persie's diving header was balletic in its elegance!

I've no love lost for United players in general, but that was brilliant!

That was one of the best goals I've seen. Surprised he didn't get a penalty for the dive though based on some of the free kicks we have seen :lol:
Good to see Spain getting played off the park though,
 

61653 HTAFC

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That was one of the best goals I've seen. Surprised he didn't get a penalty for the dive though based on some of the free kicks we have seen :lol:
Good to see Spain getting played off the park though,

I have a feeling we're watching the future champions tonight...

Edit: OUCH! Have to feel for Casillas :lol:
 
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Kite159

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Further to the Salisbury financial problems - they have now been relegated to Conference South pending another deadline in July that may mean they get expelled from that league as well. Dartford have been reprieved and now stay in the Conference National.
You couldn't make this stuff up :roll:

For having debts which would be paid over by a week's wage for one of the premiership footballers.
 

33011

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Not offically comfirmed yet but Dutch legend Ronald Koeman is the new Southampton manager. I am very happy with this.
 

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