Day -252 WorldCup2018
You did it England. Well done! With a last minute, Harry Kane winner against Slovenia in a performance that the BBC described as "lifeless, uninspired and mediocre," England are Russia bound. Germany also made it after a 3-1 win in Northern Ireland. They are one of those teams who, as the BBC report mentioned, "will certainly have no fears should they be confronted by this England side," in Russia. I quote the BBC again because I could not watch England today: "And this was a dreadful, lifeless slog...."
The English fans were amusing themselves in the second half by throwing paper airplanes. Is that a step up or down in complete fan boredom from the Mexican wave?
Meanwhile the Maltese press were praising "gallant" Malta. A 1-1 draw against Lithuania secured Malta's first point in this campaign. Gallant, indeed. The Times of Malta reporter might have been at the earlier ceremony, attended by Prince Charles, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the awarding of the George Cross to the Maltese people. The word "gallant" must have stuck in his head. Well done boys. A result to be proud of, against the only team we had a hope of beating, and a great send off on Coach Ghedin's last home match. It would be very interesting if the Maltese journalist and the BBC reporter switched roles and wrote about each other team’s performance. Malta, gallant, really? And England, terrible, after they just comfortably qualified for the World Cup? Maltese sports reporters need a dose of that British honesty.
From the other side of the world, I wish Syria didn't have to be in the football news anymore as a distraction from the real problems in that country. Unfortunately, they drew 1-1 with Australia in the first leg of the playoff. Here's hoping that the Caltex Socceroos (can I stop laughing now?) can turn on the style in the second leg.
Argentina have just kicked off against Peru. It's huge. I'll be keeping a close eye on that one. Colombia can qualify with a win against Paraguay. Paraguay have to win. Uruguay drew 0-0 against Venezuela earlier. They are almost there, especially with a home match against Bolivia to come.
Chile just scored against Ecuador. In the "as it stands" table they are now in 4th place above Argentina and Peru. It's going to be a good night, with lots of back and forths.
Tomorrow, the match that stands out is Turkey vs Iceland. Iceland are level on points with Croatia, but second on goal difference. Turkey are two points behind and level with Ukriane who play Croatia. With a certain combination of results, Iceland could be in first place tomorrow, with Ukraine in the playoff spot and Croatia desperately clinging on in third place.
Allow me to go back to journalists and honesty. And as I do, please be aware that this comes with a bad joke warning. I just came across a story on Fifa's website about Holland's Davy Propper. I was watching his club team, Brighton, last weekend. The commentator mentioned a good cross that Propper had just hit into the Arsenal penalty area. And as I sat there on my lazy Sunday morning, in the need of some entertainment that neither Arsenal or Brighton were providing, I thought, "Mr Commentator, just say it. I'm sure you want to: that was a Propper cross." I would have laughed and I'm sure his co-commentator would have too.
Half-time in South America. Chile are still winning and Argentina are still currently out of the World Cup.
You did it England. Well done! With a last minute, Harry Kane winner against Slovenia in a performance that the BBC described as "lifeless, uninspired and mediocre," England are Russia bound. Germany also made it after a 3-1 win in Northern Ireland. They are one of those teams who, as the BBC report mentioned, "will certainly have no fears should they be confronted by this England side," in Russia. I quote the BBC again because I could not watch England today: "And this was a dreadful, lifeless slog...."
The English fans were amusing themselves in the second half by throwing paper airplanes. Is that a step up or down in complete fan boredom from the Mexican wave?
Meanwhile the Maltese press were praising "gallant" Malta. A 1-1 draw against Lithuania secured Malta's first point in this campaign. Gallant, indeed. The Times of Malta reporter might have been at the earlier ceremony, attended by Prince Charles, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the awarding of the George Cross to the Maltese people. The word "gallant" must have stuck in his head. Well done boys. A result to be proud of, against the only team we had a hope of beating, and a great send off on Coach Ghedin's last home match. It would be very interesting if the Maltese journalist and the BBC reporter switched roles and wrote about each other team’s performance. Malta, gallant, really? And England, terrible, after they just comfortably qualified for the World Cup? Maltese sports reporters need a dose of that British honesty.
From the other side of the world, I wish Syria didn't have to be in the football news anymore as a distraction from the real problems in that country. Unfortunately, they drew 1-1 with Australia in the first leg of the playoff. Here's hoping that the Caltex Socceroos (can I stop laughing now?) can turn on the style in the second leg.
Argentina have just kicked off against Peru. It's huge. I'll be keeping a close eye on that one. Colombia can qualify with a win against Paraguay. Paraguay have to win. Uruguay drew 0-0 against Venezuela earlier. They are almost there, especially with a home match against Bolivia to come.
Chile just scored against Ecuador. In the "as it stands" table they are now in 4th place above Argentina and Peru. It's going to be a good night, with lots of back and forths.
Tomorrow, the match that stands out is Turkey vs Iceland. Iceland are level on points with Croatia, but second on goal difference. Turkey are two points behind and level with Ukriane who play Croatia. With a certain combination of results, Iceland could be in first place tomorrow, with Ukraine in the playoff spot and Croatia desperately clinging on in third place.
Allow me to go back to journalists and honesty. And as I do, please be aware that this comes with a bad joke warning. I just came across a story on Fifa's website about Holland's Davy Propper. I was watching his club team, Brighton, last weekend. The commentator mentioned a good cross that Propper had just hit into the Arsenal penalty area. And as I sat there on my lazy Sunday morning, in the need of some entertainment that neither Arsenal or Brighton were providing, I thought, "Mr Commentator, just say it. I'm sure you want to: that was a Propper cross." I would have laughed and I'm sure his co-commentator would have too.
Half-time in South America. Chile are still winning and Argentina are still currently out of the World Cup.
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