• [R] Wales-Ukraine World Cup Qualifying Final

    From Michael Falkner@24:150/2 to rec.sport.soccer on Sun Jun 5 03:48:25 2022
    Winner gets the USA, England, and Iran.

    Mike
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  • From Binder Dundat@24:150/2 to rec.sport.soccer on Sun Jun 5 06:27:14 2022
    On Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 6:48:26 a.m. UTC-4, Michael Falkner wrote:
    Winner gets the USA, England, and Iran.
    Three countries that should be banned from the WC, really from everything, horrible countries that essentially started black slavery and continue with it still today and Iran that is just not nice to neighbours with oil and missile happy. In fact, Kanada was supposed to play Iran today, but cancelled due to Political correctness and that shooting down of that Ukrainian jet with all those Canadians on it way back, just before Covid I think?
    I am into my victim blaming stage now with Ukrania, I am blaming them for me having to spend over 2 dollars a litre on gas for my boat that gets like 3 miles per gallon, how am I going to enjoy drunken boat driving when It cost like 200 bucks to drive around for a weekend! Think of the children!!!

    Mike
    --- SBBSecho 3.06-Win32
    * Origin: SportNet Gateway Site (24:150/2)
  • From Binder Dundat@24:150/2 to rec.sport.soccer on Sun Jun 5 08:54:18 2022

    Gareth Bale is another guy who has retired from the club game, he got a good pension though.
    On Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 9:27:15 a.m. UTC-4, Binder Dundat wrote:
    On Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 6:48:26 a.m. UTC-4, Michael Falkner wrote:
    Winner gets the USA, England, and Iran.
    Three countries that should be banned from the WC, really from everything, horrible countries that essentially started black slavery and continue with it still today and Iran that is just not nice to neighbours with oil and missile happy. In fact, Kanada was supposed to play Iran today, but cancelled due to Political correctness and that shooting down of that Ukrainian jet with all those Canadians on it way back, just before Covid I think?

    I am into my victim blaming stage now with Ukrania, I am blaming them for me having to spend over 2 dollars a litre on gas for my boat that gets like 3 miles per gallon, how am I going to enjoy drunken boat driving when It cost like 200 bucks to drive around for a weekend! Think of the children!!!



    Mike
    --- SBBSecho 3.06-Win32
    * Origin: SportNet Gateway Site (24:150/2)
  • From Binder Dundat@24:150/2 to rec.sport.soccer on Sun Jun 5 09:05:15 2022

    Frickin Welchies! Booing the Ukrainians, chopping them down and calling back legit goals.
    On Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 11:54:19 a.m. UTC-4, Binder Dundat wrote:
    Gareth Bale is another guy who has retired from the club game, he got a good pension though.
    On Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 9:27:15 a.m. UTC-4, Binder Dundat wrote:
    On Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 6:48:26 a.m. UTC-4, Michael Falkner wrote:
    Winner gets the USA, England, and Iran.
    Three countries that should be banned from the WC, really from everything, horrible countries that essentially started black slavery and continue with it still today and Iran that is just not nice to neighbours with oil and missile happy. In fact, Kanada was supposed to play Iran today, but cancelled due to Political correctness and that shooting down of that Ukrainian jet with all those Canadians on it way back, just before Covid I think?

    I am into my victim blaming stage now with Ukrania, I am blaming them for me having to spend over 2 dollars a litre on gas for my boat that gets like 3 miles per gallon, how am I going to enjoy drunken boat driving when It cost like 200 bucks to drive around for a weekend! Think of the children!!!



    Mike
    --- SBBSecho 3.06-Win32
    * Origin: SportNet Gateway Site (24:150/2)
  • From Binder Dundat@24:150/2 to rec.sport.soccer on Sun Jun 5 09:35:56 2022
    Dirty Welchies, resorting to every dirty trick in the book. Diving every time they are touched and wetting the pitch with non stop rain to make the surface slicker, just terrible! I would like to know what Mr. Lily White (who has a Welch mam) thinks of all this.
    On Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 12:05:16 p.m. UTC-4, Binder Dundat wrote:
    Frickin Welchies! Booing the Ukrainians, chopping them down and calling back legit goals.
    On Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 11:54:19 a.m. UTC-4, Binder Dundat wrote:
    Gareth Bale is another guy who has retired from the club game, he got a good pension though.
    On Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 9:27:15 a.m. UTC-4, Binder Dundat wrote:
    On Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 6:48:26 a.m. UTC-4, Michael Falkner wrote:
    Winner gets the USA, England, and Iran.
    Three countries that should be banned from the WC, really from everything, horrible countries that essentially started black slavery and continue with it still today and Iran that is just not nice to neighbours with oil and missile happy. In fact, Kanada was supposed to play Iran today, but cancelled due to Political correctness and that shooting down of that Ukrainian jet with all those Canadians on it way back, just before Covid I think?

    I am into my victim blaming stage now with Ukrania, I am blaming them for me having to spend over 2 dollars a litre on gas for my boat that gets like 3 miles per gallon, how am I going to enjoy drunken boat driving when It cost like 200 bucks to drive around for a weekend! Think of the children!!!



    Mike
    --- SBBSecho 3.06-Win32
    * Origin: SportNet Gateway Site (24:150/2)
  • From Binder Dundat@24:150/2 to rec.sport.soccer on Sun Jun 5 10:42:50 2022
    Is it normal for this much Rain in Wales, in the summer?
    Not gonna happen Ukeees. Welch Bastards are going through. You got maybe 15 minutes to come back and ya cannit.
    Did I ever mention me Mam is Welch?
    On Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 12:35:58 p.m. UTC-4, Binder Dundat wrote:
    Dirty Welchies, resorting to every dirty trick in the book. Diving every time they are touched and wetting the pitch with non stop rain to make the surface slicker, just terrible! I would like to know what Mr. Lily White (who has a Welch mam) thinks of all this.
    On Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 12:05:16 p.m. UTC-4, Binder Dundat wrote:
    Frickin Welchies! Booing the Ukrainians, chopping them down and calling back legit goals.
    On Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 11:54:19 a.m. UTC-4, Binder Dundat wrote:
    Gareth Bale is another guy who has retired from the club game, he got a good pension though.
    On Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 9:27:15 a.m. UTC-4, Binder Dundat wrote:
    On Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 6:48:26 a.m. UTC-4, Michael Falkner wrote:
    Winner gets the USA, England, and Iran.
    Three countries that should be banned from the WC, really from everything, horrible countries that essentially started black slavery and continue with it still today and Iran that is just not nice to neighbours with oil and missile happy. In fact, Kanada was supposed to play Iran today, but cancelled due to Political correctness and that shooting down of that Ukrainian jet with all those Canadians on it way back, just before Covid I think?

    I am into my victim blaming stage now with Ukrania, I am blaming them for me having to spend over 2 dollars a litre on gas for my boat that gets like 3 miles per gallon, how am I going to enjoy drunken boat driving when It cost like 200 bucks to drive around for a weekend! Think of the children!!!



    Mike
    --- SBBSecho 3.06-Win32
    * Origin: SportNet Gateway Site (24:150/2)
  • From Binder Dundat@24:150/2 to rec.sport.soccer on Sun Jun 5 10:49:14 2022
    I think the downpour has stopped, but the torrential Welch diving has not.
    On Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 1:42:52 p.m. UTC-4, Binder Dundat wrote:
    Is it normal for this much Rain in Wales, in the summer?

    Not gonna happen Ukeees. Welch Bastards are going through. You got maybe 15 minutes to come back and ya cannit.

    Did I ever mention me Mam is Welch?
    On Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 12:35:58 p.m. UTC-4, Binder Dundat wrote:
    Dirty Welchies, resorting to every dirty trick in the book. Diving every time they are touched and wetting the pitch with non stop rain to make the surface slicker, just terrible! I would like to know what Mr. Lily White (who has a Welch mam) thinks of all this.
    On Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 12:05:16 p.m. UTC-4, Binder Dundat wrote:
    Frickin Welchies! Booing the Ukrainians, chopping them down and calling back legit goals.
    On Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 11:54:19 a.m. UTC-4, Binder Dundat wrote:
    Gareth Bale is another guy who has retired from the club game, he got a good pension though.
    On Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 9:27:15 a.m. UTC-4, Binder Dundat wrote:
    On Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 6:48:26 a.m. UTC-4, Michael Falkner wrote:
    Winner gets the USA, England, and Iran.
    Three countries that should be banned from the WC, really from everything, horrible countries that essentially started black slavery and continue with it still today and Iran that is just not nice to neighbours with oil and missile happy. In fact, Kanada was supposed to play Iran today, but cancelled due to Political correctness and that shooting down of that Ukrainian jet with all those Canadians on it way back, just before Covid I think?

    I am into my victim blaming stage now with Ukrania, I am blaming them for me having to spend over 2 dollars a litre on gas for my boat that gets like 3 miles per gallon, how am I going to enjoy drunken boat driving when It cost like 200 bucks to drive around for a weekend! Think of the children!!!



    Mike
    --- SBBSecho 3.06-Win32
    * Origin: SportNet Gateway Site (24:150/2)
  • From Binder Dundat@24:150/2 to rec.sport.soccer on Sun Jun 5 10:51:48 2022
    I think Ramsey has also retired from Club football? Welch now time wasting. I will never love a Tom Jones song again.
    On Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 1:42:52 p.m. UTC-4, Binder Dundat wrote:
    Is it normal for this much Rain in Wales, in the summer?

    Not gonna happen Ukeees. Welch Bastards are going through. You got maybe 15 minutes to come back and ya cannit.

    Did I ever mention me Mam is Welch?
    On Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 12:35:58 p.m. UTC-4, Binder Dundat wrote:
    Dirty Welchies, resorting to every dirty trick in the book. Diving every time they are touched and wetting the pitch with non stop rain to make the surface slicker, just terrible! I would like to know what Mr. Lily White (who has a Welch mam) thinks of all this.
    On Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 12:05:16 p.m. UTC-4, Binder Dundat wrote:
    Frickin Welchies! Booing the Ukrainians, chopping them down and calling back legit goals.
    On Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 11:54:19 a.m. UTC-4, Binder Dundat wrote:
    Gareth Bale is another guy who has retired from the club game, he got a good pension though.
    On Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 9:27:15 a.m. UTC-4, Binder Dundat wrote:
    On Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 6:48:26 a.m. UTC-4, Michael Falkner wrote:
    Winner gets the USA, England, and Iran.
    Three countries that should be banned from the WC, really from everything, horrible countries that essentially started black slavery and continue with it still today and Iran that is just not nice to neighbours with oil and missile happy. In fact, Kanada was supposed to play Iran today, but cancelled due to Political correctness and that shooting down of that Ukrainian jet with all those Canadians on it way back, just before Covid I think?

    I am into my victim blaming stage now with Ukrania, I am blaming them for me having to spend over 2 dollars a litre on gas for my boat that gets like 3 miles per gallon, how am I going to enjoy drunken boat driving when It cost like 200 bucks to drive around for a weekend! Think of the children!!!



    Mike
    --- SBBSecho 3.06-Win32
    * Origin: SportNet Gateway Site (24:150/2)
  • From anders t@24:150/2 to rec.sport.soccer on Sun Jun 5 22:20:41 2022
    Quoting Michael Falkner in rec.sport.soccer:
    Winner gets the USA, England, and Iran.

    Worst WC group ever?

    --
    Manchester United FC - CHAMPIONS
    Latest: England '13 (20th) Europa '17, UEFA '08, World '08
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  • From Real Mardin@24:150/2 to rec.sport.soccer on Sun Jun 5 13:52:42 2022
    Watched this in a Wales supporting household with my Welsh mother (no I am NOT Mr Lillywhite!), dad (not Welsh) and brother. Mixed feelings, Wales were lucky to win and Ukraine certainly had some good chances. Ukraine winning would have meant so much to them and been an amazing story but it wasnrCOt meant to be and at least now we get to see Wales at a World Cup for the first time since 1958 and in the same group as England.
    RM
    On Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 9:20:45 PM UTC+1, anders t wrote:
    Quoting Michael Falkner in rec.sport.soccer:
    Winner gets the USA, England, and Iran.
    Worst WC group ever?

    --
    Manchester United FC - CHAMPIONS
    Latest: England '13 (20th) Europa '17, UEFA '08, World '08
    --- SBBSecho 3.06-Win32
    * Origin: SportNet Gateway Site (24:150/2)
  • From Real Mardin@24:150/2 to rec.sport.soccer on Sun Jun 5 14:20:26 2022
    On Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 9:20:45 PM UTC+1, anders t wrote:
    Quoting Michael Falkner in rec.sport.soccer:
    Winner gets the USA, England, and Iran.
    Worst WC group ever?
    ItrCOs funny you should say that. When I told my brother the group he was like rCLIs that actually a World Cup group?rCY
    ItrCOs as if some England fan is playing FIFA and has edited the game to give England the softest possible group.
    USA v Wales in particular has the potential to be some sort of Trans Atlantic rCLeurocrottorCY.
    OTOH, we get a rCLBattle of BritainrCY match between England and Wales and Iran v USA is a match with history both on and off the pitch.
    RM


    --
    Manchester United FC - CHAMPIONS
    Latest: England '13 (20th) Europa '17, UEFA '08, World '08
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  • From FF@24:150/2 to rec.sport.soccer on Sun Jun 5 14:28:33 2022
    On Monday, June 6, 2022 at 12:20:27 AM UTC+3, Real Mardin wrote:
    On Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 9:20:45 PM UTC+1, anders t wrote:
    Quoting Michael Falkner in rec.sport.soccer:
    Winner gets the USA, England, and Iran.
    Worst WC group ever?
    ItrCOs funny you should say that. When I told my brother the group he was like rCLIs that actually a World Cup group?rCY

    ItrCOs as if some England fan is playing FIFA and has edited the game to give England the softest possible group.

    USA v Wales in particular has the potential to be some sort of Trans Atlantic rCLeurocrottorCY.

    OTOH, we get a rCLBattle of BritainrCY match between England and Wales and Iran v USA is a match with history both on and off the pitch.
    It's very good it ended this way, otherwise many people, myself included, would have thought it was rigged.
    As for the group, whatever. England will cruise through it then be sent off by the first really strong team they meet.
    It has to be said, the so-called principle of keeping sport separated from politics has gone down the drain.
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  • From Michael Falkner@24:150/2 to rec.sport.soccer on Sun Jun 5 16:28:01 2022
    On Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 2:28:34 PM UTC-7, FF wrote:

    It's very good it ended this way, otherwise many people, myself included, would have thought it was rigged.

    Me being among them. My thought for the Scotland match was that it was fun for about an hour, then reality set it that it began to stink like a pile of manure. (Nothing against the Ukranians.)

    As for the group, whatever. England will cruise through it then be sent off by the first really strong team they meet.

    The two most overrated countries in the entire WC, Wales and Iran. Oof.

    It has to be said, the so-called principle of keeping sport separated from politics has gone down the drain.

    Hey, welcome... I don't know how many decades you've been asleep...

    Mike
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  • From Mark@24:150/2 to rec.sport.soccer on Mon Jun 6 08:59:46 2022
    On Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 9:20:45 PM UTC+1, anders t wrote:
    Quoting Michael Falkner in rec.sport.soccer:
    Winner gets the USA, England, and Iran.
    Worst WC group ever?

    Possibly. The closest I can think of is USA, England, Slovenia and Algeria in 2010.

    Anyway, so Scotland let Ukraine win last week for nothing!? How dare Wales go and win this match?
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  • From Werner Pichler@24:150/2 to rec.sport.soccer on Mon Jun 6 11:45:09 2022
    On Monday, June 6, 2022 at 5:59:49 PM UTC+2, Mark wrote:
    On Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 9:20:45 PM UTC+1, anders t wrote:
    Quoting Michael Falkner in rec.sport.soccer:
    Winner gets the USA, England, and Iran.
    Worst WC group ever?
    Possibly. The closest I can think of is USA, England, Slovenia and Algeria in 2010.


    FIFA Rankings (at the time of the draw)

    Group B 2022

    England (5)
    USA (15)
    Wales (18)
    Iran (21)

    Group C 2010

    England (8)
    USA (14)
    Slovenia (25)
    Algeria (30)


    Group A 2018

    Uruguay (14)
    Egypt (45)
    Saudi-Arabia (67)
    Russia (70)



    Ciao,
    Werner
    --- SBBSecho 3.06-Win32
    * Origin: SportNet Gateway Site (24:150/2)
  • From MH@24:150/2 to rec.sport.soccer on Mon Jun 6 13:44:17 2022
    On 2022-06-06 12:45, Werner Pichler wrote:
    On Monday, June 6, 2022 at 5:59:49 PM UTC+2, Mark wrote:
    On Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 9:20:45 PM UTC+1, anders t wrote:
    Quoting Michael Falkner in rec.sport.soccer:
    Winner gets the USA, England, and Iran.
    Worst WC group ever?
    Possibly. The closest I can think of is USA, England, Slovenia and Algeria in 2010.


    FIFA Rankings (at the time of the draw)

    Group B 2022

    England (5)
    USA (15)
    Wales (18)
    Iran (21)

    Group C 2010

    England (8)
    USA (14)
    Slovenia (25)
    Algeria (30)


    Group A 2018

    Uruguay (14)
    Egypt (45)
    Saudi-Arabia (67)
    Russia (70)

    Wow, that is indeed low.

    Italy, Chile, Austria Cameroon in 1998 was not too flash either

    10, 17, 26, 51





    Ciao,
    Werner
    --- SBBSecho 3.06-Win32
    * Origin: SportNet Gateway Site (24:150/2)
  • From Real Mardin@24:150/2 to rec.sport.soccer on Tue Jun 7 11:28:22 2022
    On Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 10:28:34 PM UTC+1, FF wrote:
    On Monday, June 6, 2022 at 12:20:27 AM UTC+3, Real Mardin wrote:
    On Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 9:20:45 PM UTC+1, anders t wrote:
    Quoting Michael Falkner in rec.sport.soccer:
    Winner gets the USA, England, and Iran.
    Worst WC group ever?
    ItrCOs funny you should say that. When I told my brother the group he was like rCLIs that actually a World Cup group?rCY

    ItrCOs as if some England fan is playing FIFA and has edited the game to give England the softest possible group.

    USA v Wales in particular has the potential to be some sort of Trans Atlantic rCLeurocrottorCY.

    OTOH, we get a rCLBattle of BritainrCY match between England and Wales and Iran v USA is a match with history both on and off the pitch.
    It's very good it ended this way, otherwise many people, myself included, would have thought it was rigged.
    Why would Ukraine beating Scotland and Wales make you think the matches were rigged? Particularly when Ukraine played better in both matches?
    ItrCOs not as if they beat Italy and Brazil with hotly disputed penalties on the 12th minute of injury time?
    RM
    As for the group, whatever. England will cruise through it then be sent off by the first really strong team they meet.

    It has to be said, the so-called principle of keeping sport separated from politics has gone down the drain.
    --- SBBSecho 3.06-Win32
    * Origin: SportNet Gateway Site (24:150/2)
  • From Real Mardin@24:150/2 to rec.sport.soccer on Tue Jun 7 11:38:44 2022
    On Monday, June 6, 2022 at 7:45:11 PM UTC+1, Werner Pichler wrote:
    On Monday, June 6, 2022 at 5:59:49 PM UTC+2, Mark wrote:
    On Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 9:20:45 PM UTC+1, anders t wrote:
    Quoting Michael Falkner in rec.sport.soccer:
    Winner gets the USA, England, and Iran.
    Worst WC group ever?
    Possibly. The closest I can think of is USA, England, Slovenia and Algeria in 2010.
    FIFA Rankings (at the time of the draw)

    Group B 2022

    England (5)
    USA (15)
    Wales (18)
    Iran (21)

    Group C 2010

    England (8)
    USA (14)
    Slovenia (25)
    Algeria (30)


    Group A 2018

    Uruguay (14)
    Egypt (45)
    Saudi-Arabia (67)
    Russia (70)



    Ciao,
    Werner
    I donrCOt think the rankings tell the whole story. That 2010 group felt at the time like it was stronger than the rankings suggest. Also 70th ranked Russia 2018 I believe were a better team than Wales 2022.
    RM
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    * Origin: SportNet Gateway Site (24:150/2)
  • From Real Mardin@24:150/2 to rec.sport.soccer on Tue Jun 7 11:43:48 2022
    On Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 10:28:34 PM UTC+1, FF wrote:
    On Monday, June 6, 2022 at 12:20:27 AM UTC+3, Real Mardin wrote:
    On Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 9:20:45 PM UTC+1, anders t wrote:
    Quoting Michael Falkner in rec.sport.soccer:
    Winner gets the USA, England, and Iran.
    Worst WC group ever?
    ItrCOs funny you should say that. When I told my brother the group he was like rCLIs that actually a World Cup group?rCY

    ItrCOs as if some England fan is playing FIFA and has edited the game to give England the softest possible group.

    USA v Wales in particular has the potential to be some sort of Trans Atlantic rCLeurocrottorCY.

    OTOH, we get a rCLBattle of BritainrCY match between England and Wales and Iran v USA is a match with history both on and off the pitch.
    It's very good it ended this way, otherwise many people, myself included, would have thought it was rigged.
    Why would Ukraine beating Scotland and Wales make you think the matches were rigged? Particularly when Ukraine were the better side in both matches?
    ItrCOs not as if they beat Italy and Brazil with hotly disputed penalties in the 12th minute of injury time?
    RM
    As for the group, whatever. England will cruise through it then be sent off by the first really strong team they meet.

    It has to be said, the so-called principle of keeping sport separated from politics has gone down the drain.
    --- SBBSecho 3.06-Win32
    * Origin: SportNet Gateway Site (24:150/2)
  • From FF@24:150/2 to rec.sport.soccer on Fri Jun 10 20:55:43 2022
    On Tuesday, June 7, 2022 at 9:45:06 PM UTC+3, Real Mardin wrote:
    On Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 10:28:34 PM UTC+1, FF wrote:
    On Monday, June 6, 2022 at 12:20:27 AM UTC+3, Real Mardin wrote:
    On Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 9:20:45 PM UTC+1, anders t wrote:
    Quoting Michael Falkner in rec.sport.soccer:
    Winner gets the USA, England, and Iran.
    Worst WC group ever?
    ItrCOs funny you should say that. When I told my brother the group he was like rCLIs that actually a World Cup group?rCY

    ItrCOs as if some England fan is playing FIFA and has edited the game to give England the softest possible group.

    USA v Wales in particular has the potential to be some sort of Trans Atlantic rCLeurocrottorCY.

    OTOH, we get a rCLBattle of BritainrCY match between England and Wales and Iran v USA is a match with history both on and off the pitch.
    It's very good it ended this way, otherwise many people, myself included, would have thought it was rigged.
    Why would Ukraine beating Scotland and Wales make you think the matches were rigged? Particularly when Ukraine played better in both matches?

    ItrCOs not as if they beat Italy and Brazil with hotly disputed penalties on the 12th minute of injury time?

    RM
    Well, to be sure they weren't rigged I'd need to look closely at the officiating, like I used to once. I could, if I found the games on youtube. But I won't. :) It's not like I care much about it, as I said even if they were to rig it a little bit in Ukraine's favor, whatever, they're in need right now so let them have the consolation. As long as they don't get to the KO rounds without deserving it. But still, it's better that they didn't qualify in the end, puts an end to any suspicion of this sort one might have.
    Speaking of Italy. I'm sure you discussed it here at the time but I wasn't present. Looks like you can't put them in the same sentence with Brazil any more. ;) Failing to qualify twice in a row says something. And in between they win the Euro. Only goes to show that the Euro is a second-rate tournament that can be won by minnows like Greece, Denmark and now Italy.
    My guess is that it has much to do with the video ref. You may disagree, I'm sure many will, but they know their usual tactics won't bring them any trophies any more (not the big ones anyway) so they need to change their game. Problem is, it's the only game they know, they've been playing like this since prehistory. I don't think they'll be a force any more, at least for something like 20 - 30 years, possibly much longer. Maybe ever. They'll qualify of course, maybe even get to the upper rounds from time to time, but they won't win it. Let's see.
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