FIFA World Cup 🇺🇸 🇲🇽 🇨🇦 2026

[BobHirst]

I'm amazed that no one has commented about the travesty of the penalty given against Senegal. What was essentially a tackle from behind by the Belgian player results in him being given a penalty is so wrong.
If anything should have been given, a free kick to Senegal would have been correct.

[Lumiukko]

I'm amazed that no one has commented about the travesty of the penalty given against Senegal. What was essentially a tackle from behind by the Belgian player results in him being given a penalty is so wrong.
If anything should have been given, a free kick to Senegal would have been correct.

I briefly said it was a harsh decision earlier in the thread when it occurred. Wasn't an obvious mistake by the ref, but VAR found an angle that looked like a foul when the clearest angle showed it was at worst 50:50.

[BobHirst]

I briefly said it was a harsh decision earlier in the thread when it occurred. Wasn't an obvious mistake by the ref, but VAR found an angle that looked like a foul when the clearest angle showed it was at worst 50:50.

I agree that the angle from behind the Senegal player made it look like he took out the Belgian players leg. The angle from the front of the Senegal player showed him clearly focused on the ball. He attempts to kick it away and then from behind the Belgian player gets his leg in between the Senegal's kicking leg and the ball.

[The Subhuman]

I briefly said it was a harsh decision earlier in the thread when it occurred. Wasn't an obvious mistake by the ref, but VAR found an angle that looked like a foul when the clearest angle showed it was at worst 50:50.

It seems like they're playing by different rules to those we had in the prem last season

[BlackHillsPaul]

We've had hydration breaks in this country for a while for temps above 30. But not needed when it's cool or raining and should not be used to have team talks or tactical changes (time outs) unless you actually want to "Americanise" the game..

Agree 100% with regard to team talks!

But these "hydration breaks" are NOT an American innovation. They started at the World Cup in Qatar and were mandated by FIFA. Not picking on you, but this trope needs to be nipped in the bud.

[The Subhuman]

Agree 100% with regard to team talks!

But these "hydration breaks" are NOT an American innovation. They started at the World Cup in Qatar and were mandated by FIFA. Not picking on you, but this trope needs to be nipped in the bud.

And I never say it is

[The Subhuman]

US coach Mauricio Pochettino was just introduced to the phrase “Just win, baby” and repeated it with a smile before knockout round game vs Bosnia

Our American friends will know the source

[The Subhuman]

I'll take Cucurella's assist, thanks

[BlackHillsPaul]

And I never say it is

You used the word "Americanization" to describe the hydration breaks. Again, this was an innovation implemented by FIFA for the World Cup in Qatar. Americans had NOTHING to do with it. And it was FIFA's decision to continue it in the current WC.

[1964white]

I'll take Cucurella's assist, thanks

And me too!

[malcolmw]

Spain should be 2-0 up here. First goal was fine - no foul to me.

[malcolmw]

You used the word "Americanization" to describe the hydration breaks. Again, this was an innovation implemented by FIFA for the World Cup in Qatar. Americans had NOTHING to do with it. And it was FIFA's decision to continue it in the current WC.

The planned halftime show for the final is sure an Americanization. Half time at a football match is 10 to 15 minutes. As much a part of the game as any other rule - why are we changing it for this tournament. Nonsense.

[malcolmw]

Good performance from Spain today. Looked more like themselves.

[Cjay]

Spain putting in a very impressive performance

[The Subhuman]

You used the word "Americanization" to describe the hydration breaks. Again, this was an innovation implemented by FIFA for the World Cup in Qatar. Americans had NOTHING to do with it. And it was FIFA's decision to continue it in the current WC.

No, I posted we shouldn't have them become time outs, time outs in sport are mostly an American thing I think (NFL, basketball, baseball and I would imagine hockey). If the temperature isn't 30 or more then hydration brakes aren't needed. If they're kept as standard they become time outs and that's an Americanization of the sport

[BlackHillsPaul]

The planned halftime show for the final is sure an Americanization. Half time at a football match is 10 to 15 minutes. As much a part of the game as any other rule - why are we changing it for this tournament. Nonsense.

Don't bitch about it to me Malcolm. I hate halftime shows!!

[SG90]

Compare Spain's quiet muted celebration with England's over-celebration for scraping past Congo yesterday

[malcolmw]

Don't bitch about it to me Malcolm. I hate halftime shows!!

Yes, its really anmoying. Its going to change the whole dynamic of the game with the teams sitting around in the dressing room, while a circus is going on on the field.

[Cjay]

Last World Cup appearance for for one of two 40+ year old football legends now.

Croatia vs Portugal

Modric vs Ronaldo

[SG90]

Baturina is so good, no chance we could get him now though