The divil made me do it, he did.

But seriously, while the road to the finals is paved with banana-skins (and Switzerland and Colombia look more than your average banana skins) England really will be kicking themselves if they *%^@ this up.

Neymar is but I'd expect Brazil to give England their toughest test in the final. So there is an advantage in Brazil beating Mexico for those who fear England winning the competition.

Not that I'm pointing the finger at anyone.

Mertesacker gone, Germans bottom of their group and losing to South Korea, it's all gone a bit Twilight of the Gods for you lately, Brunnhilde.

I see, thanks.

Now we just need to get Özil married with a woman who has kids.

Agree on Neymar. Dislike him. His character is so far from the greats of Brazil, especially Pele.

[quote="Daz"][quote="Bernard"]
Neymar is but I'd expect Brazil to give England their toughest test in the final. So there is an advantage in Brazil beating Mexico for those who fear England winning the competition.

Not that I'm pointing the finger at anyone.[/quote]
Mertesacker gone, Germans bottom of their group and losing to South Korea, it's all gone a bit Twilight of the Gods for you lately, Brunnhilde.[/quote]
Mertesacker hasn't gone. He's learning the ropes to one day take over as the head coach, a job he has the character to be eminently suitable for.

The German side were quite abysmal. We got what we deserved, although that doesn't make it any easier. I'd have Low executed as an example of what the penalty for failure is. Dig up Albert.

England will, I believe, reach the final. Once there, I can see them winning it. I'm sure we'll then see the English at their very worst. In my view the English are not likeable winners. Not even close.

Brazil leads, and they deserve the lead. It was a well crafted goal. Well done Neymar.

Hoping for an equaliser and, hopefully, also a winning goal from Mexico.

Yep Neymar is a *%^@ and been acting up all game.

I do wish Neymar would cut the nonsense. He's already got a yellow for petulance so why risk a ban? Thats either a red for the Mexican or a yellow for Neymar, ssurely??

That was pathetic ... from Neymar and the ref.

Would be easier to tolerate Neymar if he had the same reputation as Ronaldo, Costa and Suarez because he is quite brilliant. I'm not bothered about those three at all these days. They're hated on by everyone but regularly do things on the pitch that are spectacular to watch.

Neymar can't help himself. He loves the attention. His goal was good, but his play acting is irritating.

Game over.

You can't deny class. Neymar provided well, after a calm run into the penalty area. Would love to see more of such plays in the new Arsenal set-up.

He seems to play with a lack of humility the previous great Brazilians used to have which is new

Bernard - Don't put a tick in this box - else the quotes won't appear in yellow.

Antics notwithstanding thank goodness Neymar and Brazil prevailed.

Wish the Mexican had kicked him in the balls .. what a piece of sh**&^t . Hope they don't win it .

Meanwhile...

https://www.arsenal.com/news/sokratis-p ... ulos-signs

on the surface the patience of Job .... behind the scenes "Oh Jesus Wept Bernard what the f***%^$*& are you doing"

Yep ...

Sokratis Papastathopoulos

Arsenal have signed 30-year old Greek defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos from Dortmund for a £17.8m initial fee.
He becomes signing number 3 this season, taking Arsenal's net spend to -£37m so far.

Cease and desist Bernard. Stop ticking that box.

To be fair I don't, and have never, ticked it. Presumably it occasionally is ticked for another reason.

Thanks Rog.

Japan giving a good account of themselves against Belgium. A good footballing side. You still feel that the Belgians will see it through but if Japan could nick a goal......

1-0 Japan!!! Blimey.

Oh. My. Word. What a strike. It's 2-0!

And then they Did!!!!!!!

And then it is 2 !!!!!!!!!!

Japan is surprising the Belgians.

Come on Japan!

I have nothing against Belgium and indeed I quite like them, but those were a couple of minutes of pure joy.

shaping up to be a classic. Well ... Lukaku misses a sitter.

shaping up to be a classic. Well ... Lukaku misses a sitter.

I think that was intended as a cross. Lucky goal

Don't lose your discipline now, Japan

Vertonghen a bit lucky with that header, but it's game on now. Japan need to keep on the front foot as much as possible because if they drop deep they're going to be under severe pressure.

Don't lose your discipline now, Japan

Damn. Fellaini is a monster in the box.

Oh no, 2-2 now.

What a sublime cross from Hazard.

A Japan keep coming.

Classic.

Wow, that was extremely harsh.

Respect to the Japanese