He is probably what a firing Brazil team need. A straight man to the flair and brings a bit of nastiness and physicality. Doesn’t make him not bang average.

Vinicius Junior just scored. Now there’s a class player.

Oh no offside. Who was it? Richarlison!!

Away to Oxford United.

(Man City vs Chelsea also in the draw)

Juventus: Entire board of Serie A club announces resignation
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63785489

Wow, Juventus going into incredibly murky waters it seems. None that they don’t deserve and will bounce back from again I’m sure. Who was said make a cheeky bid for Vlahovic? If he’s any good, and I have no idea tbh, then now would seem the optimum time.

I wonder what others think of Tielemans in the WC. I thought his defensive deficiencies have been exposed a number of times. It tends to accord with some reviews before the season I heard on podcasts. I am not sure he is a fit for the club.

Hard to tell in a typically shambolic Martinez side when it comes to defence. But I don't think he's a massive upgrade to what we already have anyway.

Onto Portugal, we've got Ronaldo claiming goals he hasn't even scored while Fernandes continues to prove he's a total tosser.

Also Fat Ronaldo looks like he's continuing on his journey to weighing about 150kg.

He obviously enjoying his wealth ... looks like the cat that got that cream (not to mention the odd pie).

Hey Rog how you holding up?

Thanx for asking - yes I'm here.

I don't know what to do now though. I'm just watching TV right now - Some doco on the Titanic.

My motivation to do anything has waned somewhat.

Azinoz dropped in on Friday and spoke to myself and Steves dad John which was nice.

All the best Rog.

You just know Southgate is gonna drop Bukayo to slot in Foden don’t you.

I read earlier there’s a chance he might drop Bellingham to play Henderson. Not Maddison or Gallagher.

He’s going to go for a point again isn’t he.

We'll be watching the other game it seems ... I'm fairly happy with that given the selection but may well switch if the missus drops off, if Wales go 3 up, etc.

Quiet on here tonight, England must be spanking someone

Found it hard to care about the game. Wales are championship level really. Championship players all over the pitch. Glad Saka got the rest but also annoyed that he was “dropped for Foden” and scoring goals against Wales will be justification for any decisions made by Southgate. Really I’m only invested in Jesus and Martinelli scoring and playing well for Brazil but not having too many minutes.

Who has who in the second round? Or is it still completely unknown? Going googling…

Senegal

Yes, the english are very good at this type of rumpy pumpy.

Well our opponents are all very naughty boys…

True, a bit of discipline never hurts : well actually it does.

Hope you're looking after yourself Rog.

Best wishes

To be fair, Southgate was proven right.

Foden is far better at diving than Bukayo.

C'mon Aussie

Tunisia leading France very late in the game. Are the traditionally good counties not as good or the other countries has just gotten better?

The others have gotten a bit better, but France had already won the group and were playing their second string side.

Also the offside on Var on Greisman's disallowed goal was really taking the *(*&*. Nonsense to overturn that.

Seeing it reported that Ben White has returned home from the World Cup for an unspecified personal reason.

Wow. Brilliant save by Szczesny to keep Messi's penalty out.

Rotten to hear Ben White has gone home, hope everything is ok. I’m not the biggest fan of him at right back but I have to say I think he would have given a far better account of himself then the 2 players England have selected there so far.

This World Cup is full of twists and turns, fantastic!

Unbelievable, into the last 16.

Well played. Not a fluke either and two of the best goals in the WC….today and against France

I am not sure I can take any credit personally but it reinforces that good systems, that the team buy into can have great rewards. No star players but everyone working for each other. Remind anyone of a club anywhere?

Well done!

Poland were very feeble last night (barring Szczesny's saves) but Argentina looked like real contenders. Messi's finishing was poor but otherwise he looked in fine form.

Congrats to all you Aussies.

Great effort. Impressive.

Anybody heard anything about the Cup game at Oxford? I can't find anything, anywhere.

DHD,
Match to be played 7, Jan, 2023.

High drama at the moment. As it stands Germany and Spain on their way out!!!

Edit - Germany equaliser which saves Spain. 20 odd minutes to go. Exciting stuff.

Japan's second goal was so dodgy, you'd think Sepp Blatter was involved.

Who needs Blatter when you've got Infantino.
Anyway, one of the angles suggests part of the ball might have been overhanging the line. But I think more than a few Germans would be interested to see some definitive evidence, because the on field decision was overturned.
Congratulations to the Japanese who were absolutely tremendous in that second half.