World Cup 2014 Discussion Thread

[Drew.]

Japan become even more likeable with their mascot

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BixHoGzCQAAEMlJ.jpg:large

[Chuck]

:love:

[Drew.]

http://www.thefa.com/~/media/images/thefaportal/pillars/england/2014/new-england-kit/england-new-white-kit.ashx

http://www.thefa.com/~/media/images/thefaportal/pillars/england/2014/new-england-kit/england-new-red-kit.ashx

Much preferred this home kit

http://i4.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article1900799.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/Nike-England-Home-kit-2013-group-1900799.jpg

[Brother Leon]

The bottom kit shorts will be red I imagine or it breaks the rules. All red is going to look **** tbh.

[BBfanUSA]

USMNT Away Kit for the WC (I know Sydney Leroux is wearing it but it's the only fullshot kit of the front I could find.)

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BkJly-7CQAAnvnX.jpg

[Novo]

I went and ordered the Russian one for £55 a few days ago, an impulse buy

[Jack.]

USMNT Away Kit for the WC (I know Sydney Leroux is wearing it but it's the only fullshot kit of the front I could find.)

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BkJly-7CQAAnvnX.jpg

That's really nice

[BBfanUSA]

This is the back of the Away kit.
http://worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/usmnt-world-cup-away-shirt-clint-dempsey-back.jpg

There's actually a collage of American Celebs wearing the new top as well.
https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/1601420_10152233521393941_583850568_n.jpg

Spike Lee is in the center of it.

[Drew.]

I went and ordered the Russian one for £55 a few days ago, an impulse buy

You are joking

[Novo]

Better then paying £90 for one of our worst shirts yet

[BBfanUSA]

The new us kits are going for 89 bucks here. About a little over 53 pounds.

[King Gizzard]

Getting the sticker album today #comeatme

[Drew.]

I had a look at this online the other day, £10 for the book and 8 packs

[King Gizzard]

Reaaaaly, they haven't put packet prices up have they, you use to be able to get boxes for about a fiver

[BBfanUSA]

I saw the Home US WC kit the other day in a local store, I was so stoked until I saw that it was 90 bucks.

Then again it's a white polo shirt with the US crest and the Nike crest on it.

[Drew.]

Just looked at that google shopping bit, there's some cheaper ones, pretty sure amazon said £10 though

[King Gizzard]

Just going to get one from the local supermarket

[Drew.]

I have got a couple of really old books in the loft somewhere, might go hunt them down. Tempted to get this new one too.

[King Gizzard]

I completed last World Cup album, didnt half take a lot of money though


The base amount of money it takes to complete it is 64 quid and that's if you never get a swapsie in any of the packs lol

[Drew.]

Yeah I don't think I ever completed mine, the good thing about them was being able to trade stickers with everyone at school so it saved loads of money.

[Drew.]

Even some of the teachers used to join in and swap with us

[King Gizzard]

I've got a couple of mates who do it too so we do save a bit of money

[Drew.]

Right, time to go find my old ones

[Drew.]

I can only find my 2006 World Cup one and its half empty

[King Gizzard]

My first sticker was Marco Reus, get in

[King Gizzard]

Koscienlny and Mertesacker in my second

[King Gizzard]

No swaps in the 6 packs they give you with the album, and no swaps in the 6 I bought myself, good stuff

[King Gizzard]

3 quid in Asda for the album and a few packs in that sort of plastic wrapping thing

[King Gizzard]

I am 1/10th complete guys


Bit annoying how the album is a fraction wider than the plastic wallet I was going to keep it in

[Drew.]

How much are the packs? Not sure which way will be the cheapest to get them

[King Gizzard]

50p which seems ridiculous, I don't remember them being that much last time but they probably were, I'm not going to buy them as much this time, just whenever I have the spare change, if I complete I complete it

[King Gizzard]

Boxes of them are probably cheaper

[Jemal]

Gutted for Jay Rod

[Drew.]

Hmm yeah think i'll probably do that, best to get it now and then slowly complete it rather than spending £25 on a box of 50 and doing it straight away

[Drew.]

Hang on a second, well well well looks like i'll be buying the Sun

Panini Stickers ‏@OfficialPanini 3h
Free FIFA World Cup sticker album from Panini in @TheSunNewspaper tomorrow and free stickers for pick up in selected retailers all next week

[Locke.]

Don't you dare

[Drew.]

The paper will be in the bin don't worry David

[Shaun]

drew [2]

[Drew.]

These stickers are stupidly addictive, i have just had my first double thanks to Yaya Toure :sad:

[BBfanUSA]

I'm just going to ask, is Lynsey Hipgrave a decent presenter?

ESPN just announced that she's going to be one of the three presenters for their WC studio programs.

[Drew.]

Hardly ever see her, she presents jobber shows.

[Ryan57]

Did you end up getting The Sun on Saturday, Drew? They always give away great players with the free sticker album...



Then you buy the packets and end up with 5 Antoine Sibierski's. :idc:

[Drew.]

Nah no more Sun for me, only got it for the free book. I got Ozil today :flutter:

[BBfanUSA]

Hardly ever see her, she presents jobber shows.

Ah,

ESPN other two studio presenters are Mike Tirico and Bob Ley, so I don't know how much I'll see of her. They're the best ESPN can offer so I'm not bothered.

Their pundits are decent too imo. They use a bunch of international talent.

Ian Darke is amazing as the lead commentator.

[Drew.]

The BBC have got Thierry Henry, Clarence Seedorf & Ferdinand on theirs which should be pretty good.

[Ryan57]

Clarence. :worship:

I look forward most to Roy Keane on ITV. The best pundit ever. Always speaks his mind and doesn't arse lick.

[In the Drunk Tank]

If only one broadcaster could get Savage, Keane and Neville in the same studio, that would be the punditry dream team

[Ryan57]

Gary Neville spouts a lot of crap, tbf.

[In the Drunk Tank]

Spouting crap is the number one sign of a good pundit

[Ryan57]

Would love to see Gary spout crap and Roy disagree with him.

[Brother Leon]

Gary was great at first, but now his reluctance to critic anyone English and the fact he seems way too happy to critic a United player IF they are foreign aka Rafael,Mata or DDG is really annoying now.

[Locke.]

Sterling needs to be one of the first names on the team sheet, nevermind just getting picked for the squad. 19 and has held his own playing alongside the best striker in world football all season.

Sterling - Rooney - Sturridge front 3. Won't bring as many goals as with Suarez there because he is twice the player Rooney is, but it's the best we can hope for and will get us through the group stage at the very least if everyone behind them do their jobs.

[Brother Leon]

Sturridge on the wing is a big no. Him central and put Rooney behind him with Sterling wide and Lallana/Welbeck(depending on opposition) the other wing.

[Drew.]

I'd still start Ox ahead of Sterling on the wing.. Sterling has been great recently but hes been playing more centrally and that's not going to happen with England.

[Locke.]

Sterling > Chamberlain. Centrally, out wide, in goal, wherever.

And Sturridge should be starting ahead of Rooney as the focal point of our attack but we all know it will be Rooney, Roy has already said that Sturridge needs to get used to playing out wide for England

[Brother Leon]

Sterling > Chamberlain. Centrally, out wide, in goal, wherever.


Confirmed.

[Drew.]

Sterling can only dream to be on the same level as Ox

[Locke.]

Ox is a bit part player in a team struggling to finish 4th, Sterling is a key player in a team likely to win the title.

Please explain this Drew

[Drew.]

Ox has bullied Bayern at the Allianz , Milan at the Emirates, Brazil on their own turf & has already impressed at International level. Sterling is where he is because of his trusty partner Suarez, All these Liverpool fans getting excited about his performances against the likes of Norwich.

[Locke.]

It's just a shame the Ox couldn't put these performances in against the likes of Norwich, maybe Arsenal wouldn't be in the situation they're in if he could

More proof Sterling wins

[Drew.]

Stones for the WC

[Alf]

Stones for the WC
Maybe in 4 years time.

[Drew.]

He's in better form than any English CB at the moment, he has everything bar experience, definitely worth the risk.

[BBfanUSA]

US player Jermaine Jones had this tatooed to his knee.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bl2BWh-CUAABCG8.jpg

Cannot make it up.

[Shaun]

could've at least made it coloured in red & white :bored:

I got the sticker book the other day :lovedup: (starter pack was £2.99... got every German Arsenal player inside it :suspect:)

[BBfanUSA]

I don't think the red would show very well I guess, I don't think he has a spot on the USMNT 23 garanteed but I think he'll be on his way to Brazil.

I found out the other day that they do sell Panini stickers in America, but I haven't seen anywhere near me selling them. :(

I'm trying to find if there's an American Outlaws (US Supporters Club) chapter close to where I live. The one that's the nearest by me is 50 miles away but I don't have the money right now to go back and forth.

[King Gizzard]

could've at least made it coloured in red & white :bored:

I got the sticker book the other day :lovedup: (starter pack was £2.99... got every German Arsenal player inside it :suspect:)

Quit while you haven't spent much. Seriously lol

[King Gizzard]

Quite like that tattoo

[Shaun]

yeah 50p for five stickers is crazy

i'll probably end up only getting around ten by the time it starts anyway

[Alf]

Getting close now, I canny wait! you cant beat a World Cup,


Come on you Angleterre

[Black Dagger]

Quit while you haven't spent much. Seriously lol

This... I think my brother has spent £40 already and the amount of duplicates he got is ridiculous, they really need to put on the stickers who is in what pack.

[In the Drunk Tank]

Any good sites about these days that do dodgy international shirts on the cheap?

Wanna get a Bosnian one

[Ryan57]

Sales of packs would go down. Everyone would ask to go through the packets and hand pick the ones with the best players in.

[Drew.]

Any good sites about these days that do dodgy international shirts on the cheap?

This is what i need

[King Gizzard]

Yeah buts that's basically how they make their money, people continuing to spend even thou sometimes they've got all the stickers in one pack, they'd make far less if everyone paid 64 quid which is what it would take to complete it with no swaps

[Ryan57]

AliExpress were doing England shirts at £11 a couple of weeks back. Issue is the shirt is real, but they used the printing from the previous shirts. :joker:

http://i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t535/RedcafeSenor/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsbce03f71.jpg

http://i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t535/RedcafeSenor/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsca92a5e9.jpg

[In the Drunk Tank]

Hmm they actually have a Bosnian shirt for $15, though calling it 'Thailand quality' sounds a bit odd and if I paid that I would probably never see the shirt

[Black Dagger]

Any good sites about these days that do dodgy international shirts on the cheap?

Wanna get a Bosnian one

Yes, this.. I am after an Argentinian one.

[Black Dagger]

omfg and you all make very good points on the sticker front. Makes sense now.

[King Gizzard]

Bosnia's shirt is terrible anyway

[In the Drunk Tank]

It's alright and it's nice and niche, bet their wont be too many other blokes rocking around in their Bosnian shirts

[Chuck]

Sterling > Chamberlain. Centrally, out wide, in goal, wherever.

And Sturridge should be starting ahead of Rooney as the focal point of our attack but we all know it will be Rooney, Roy has already said that Sturridge needs to get used to playing out wide for England

Confirmed x2

[BBfanUSA]

I wish that the new US kit did not cost 90 bucks

[Drew.]

Sky Sports News ‏@SkySportsNews 1m
Belgian FA confirms Adnan Januzaj has opted to play for Belgium #SSN

[Ryan57]

YES! Hope he goes to the World Cup.

[Brother Leon]

Hazard
Lukaku
Januzaj

Some attack for the future.

[In the Drunk Tank]

He's left it a bit late really to be considered for WC contention hasn't he? Not even seen him in a Belgian shirt

[Brother Leon]

He's probably been told that he will go if he opted for them hence why he's done it now probably.

[Ryan57]

Belgium have two friendlies before the World Cup. Hopefully he plays in those and goes to the World Cup.

[BBfanUSA]

He's left it a bit late really to be considered for WC contention hasn't he? Not even seen him in a Belgian shirt

Julian Green announced his intent to play for the US about a month ago and got some playing time in the US vs Mexico game days later. (Was playing for Germany, eligible to play for the US since he has an American Father and was born in the states.)

So anything can happen

[Drew.]

3XviR7esUvo

[Ryan57]

Great advert.

'I've got 50,000 fans screaming my name'

'But not her'

[Brother Leon]

Kevin Mirallas has told Belgium Coach Marc Wilmots not to take Adnan Januzaj to the World Cup. Wilmotts replied "stop talking rubbish"
---

Dick move on his part. Good times when Adnan kicks him the **** out in a couple years.

[BBfanUSA]

Nike Makes the best WC Ads, 2010's was brilliant too despite cursed.

[James]

1986 World Cup - top ten goals...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25190999

That World Cup had some great goals.

[Novo]

Hondorus 23 man squad

Goalkeepers: Noel Valladares, Donis Escober (both Olimpia), Luis Lopez (Real Espana).
Defenders: Brayan Beckeles (Olimpia), Emilio Izaguirre (Celtic), Juan Carlos Garcia (Wigan), Maynor Figueroa (Hull), Victor Bernardez (San Jose Earthquakes), Osman Chavez (Qingdao Janoon), Juan Pablo Montes (Motagua).
Midfielders: Arnold Peralta (Rangers), Luis Garrido (Olimpia), Roger Espinoza (Wigan), Jorge Claros (Motagua), Wilson Palacios (Stoke), Oscar Garcia (Houston Dynamo), Andy Najar (Anderlecht), Mario Martinez (Real Espana), Marvin Chavez (Colorado Rapids).
Strikers: Jerry Bengtson (New England Revolution), Jerry Palacios (Alajuelense), Carlo Costly (Real Espana), Rony Martinez (Real Sociedad)

[BBfanUSA]

Has anyone else announced their 23 man rosters yet?

US Hasn't picked their 30 yet. They're waiting until the 14th at the camp and then going 23 on the deadline.

[Drew.]

Think Hondorus might be the first nation to announce theirs.. probably be quite a few more over the next week or two.

[Alf]

1986 World Cup - top ten goals...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25190999

That World Cup had some great goals.
I remember the Josimar goals very well and that great celebration he did running off with his arms in the air, infact I remember copying that celebration when I scored a goal for my primary school team, if I remember correctly the goal he scored against N Ireland against Pat Jennings in goal was on Jennings 40th birthday.

Me and my mate were talking about that World cup just the other day as we often talk about the World cups when we were growing up and every time we talk about that World cup we always mention Negrete's goal for Mexico, fairly sure Hugo Sanchez also scored a fantastic goal for Mexico in that tournament aswell.

It was the first World cup I watched and still the best I've seen, the quater final between France and Brazil was an epic, and another quater final is probably the most famous football match in history after two pieces of different play by Maradona. And then 3-2 in the final, it certainly beats the boring finals we've had since then.

[BBfanUSA]

Obafemi Martins didn't make the Nigerian 30 man squad....

He has done wonders in the MLS. Blasphemy.

[Novo]

Nigeria

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille FC, France); Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be'er Sheva, Israel), Daniel Akpeyi (Heartland), Chigozie Agbim (Gombe United)

Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (AS Monaco, France); Efe Ambrose (Celtic, Scotland); Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor, Turkey); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves); Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough, England); Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod FC, Israel); Joseph Yobo (Norwich City, England); Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars).

Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea, England); Ramon Azeez (Almeria FC, Spain); Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Joel Obi (Parma, Italy); Nnamdi Oduamadi (Varese, Italy); Ejike Uzoenyi (Enugu Rangers), Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis, Spain), Sunday Mba (CA Bastia, France), Reuben Gabriel (Waasland-Beveren, Belgium), Michael Babatunde (Volyn Lutsk, Ukraine).

Forwards : Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United, England); Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce, Turkey); Obinna Nsofor (Chievo Verona, Italy); Peter Odemwingie (Stoke City, England), Michael Uchebo (Cercle Brugge, Belgium); Victor Moses (Liverpool, England), Uche Nwofor (Heerenveen, Holland).

[Drew.]

Odemwingie back in then

These 30 man squads are really annoying, they need to get on with it and announce the final squads.

[Novo]

Bosnia ( only need to cut 1 player, poor bastard)

Goalkeepers: Asmir Begovic (Stoke City), Asmir Avdukic (Borac Banja Luka), Jasmin Fejzic (VFR Aalen).

Defenders: Emir Spahic (Bayer Leverkusen), Toni Sunjic (Zorya Lugansk), Sead Kolasinac (Schalke), Ognjen Vranjes (Elazigspor), Ervin Zukanovic (Gent), Ermin Bicakcic (Eintracht Braunschweig), Muhamed Besic (Ferencvaros).

Midfielders: Miralem Pjanic (Roma), Izet Hajrovic (Galatasaray), Mensur Mujdza (Freiburg), Haris Medunjanin (Gaziantepspor), Senad Lulic (Lazio), Anel Hadzic (Sturm), Tino Susic (Hajduk), Sejad Salihovic (Hoffenheim), Zvjezdan Misimovic (Guizhour Renhe), Senijad Ibricic (Erciyesspor), Avdija Vrsaljevic (Hajduk).

Strikers: Vedad Ibisevic (VfB Stuttgart), Edin Dzeko (Manchester City), Edin Visca (Istanbul BB).

[Ryan57]

Always 2018, bbfan for Obafemi Martins. He's probably only 23 in Nigerian years.

[Brother Leon]

Uche will lead the great country to glory.

[Novo]

Poor Uche didn't even make it, if your talking about the Villarreal one

[BBfanUSA]

Fredy Montero better be at least considered for the Colombian roster.

[Novo]

Iran 28 man squad

Goalkeepers: Daniel Davari (Eintracht Braunschweig), Alireza Haghighi (Sporting Covilha, on loan from Rubin Kazan), Rahman Ahmadi (Sepahan), Sousha Makani (Foolad Khuzestan).

Defenders: Khosro Heidari (Esteghlal), Hossein Mahini (Persepolis), Steven Beitashour (Vancouver Whitecaps), Pejman Montazeri (Umm Salal), Jalal Hosseini (Persepolis), Amir Sadeghi (Esteghlal), Mohammad Reza Khanzadeh (Zob Ahan), Ahmad Alenemeh (Naft), Hashem Beikzadeh (Esteghlal), Ehsan Hajsafi (Sepahan), Mehrdad Pooladi (Persepolis).

Midfielders: Javad Nekounam (Al Kuwait), Andranik Teymourian (Esteghlal), Reza Haghighi (Persepolis), Ghasem Hadadifar (Zob Ahan), Bakhtiyar Rahmani (Foolad), Alireza Jahanbakhsh (NEC Nijmegen), Ashkan Dejagah (Fulham).

Forwards: Masoud Shojaei (Las Palmas), Mohammad Reza Khalatbari (Persepolis), Mehdi Sharifi (Sepahan), Reza Ghoochannejhad (Charlton), Karim Ansarifard (Persepolis, on loan at Tractor Sazi), Sardar Azmoun (Rubin Kazan).

[Novo]

Thought Dejagah was Swiss for some reason

[Black Dagger]

Good ole Edin.

Pretty sure all of our players will be going who've qualified bar Lescott/Richards/Garcia/Demichelis... and maybe Negredo with him being invisible for the past couple of months.

[Drew.]

Negredo, Llorente & Costa hopefully

[Drew.]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BnCfwYfCQAAIo9g.jpg:large

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BnB98esCcAIQXs9.jpg:large

[Brother Leon]

Rio and Henry can show Shearer some medals in their spare time.

[Drew.]

Some big names left out

Maxwell over Filipe Luis.. Jo over Kaka, Lucas and Coutinho.. :huh:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BnCta9qIEAAhD6y.jpg:large

[Brother Leon]

Lucas should of joined us :idc:

[Chuck]

There's no hope

[Drew.]

I like Bernard but he's done nothing this season, Coutinho & Kaka have been robbed

[Alf]

Golden Boot odds
(Ladbrokes)

Top ten favourites


L Messi 8/1
Neymar 10/1
C Ronaldo 14/1
L Suarez 14/1
S Aguero 16/1
D Costa 20/1
G Higuian 25/1
Fred 25/1
R Lukaku 25/1
R Van Persie 25/1


For England

W Rooney 40/1
D Sturridge 66/1
D Welbeck 150/1

[Chuck]

Not bothered about Kaka but It's a very sad day for football when Jô is our reserve striker for a World Cup held in Brazil. Very very sad.

[Black Dagger]

Elated for Fernandinho

[Locke.]

Golden Boot odds
(Ladbrokes)

Top ten favourites


L Messi 8/1
Neymar 10/1
C Ronaldo 14/1
L Suarez 14/1
S Aguero 16/1
D Costa 20/1
G Higuian 25/1
Fred 25/1
R Lukaku 25/1
R Van Persie 25/1


For England

W Rooney 40/1
D Sturridge 66/1
D Welbeck 150/1

What about Jo

[BBfanUSA]

ESPN's getting Roberto Martinez for some studio punditry.

[Alf]

What about Jo
40/1 at Ladbrokes but some other bookies are offering 50/1

[Chuck]

What about Jo

:bored:

[Jemal]

Nigeria

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille FC, France); Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be'er Sheva, Israel), Daniel Akpeyi (Heartland), Chigozie Agbim (Gombe United)

Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (AS Monaco, France); Efe Ambrose (Celtic, Scotland); Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor, Turkey); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves); Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough, England); Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod FC, Israel); Joseph Yobo (Norwich City, England); Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars).

Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea, England); Ramon Azeez (Almeria FC, Spain); Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Joel Obi (Parma, Italy); Nnamdi Oduamadi (Varese, Italy); Ejike Uzoenyi (Enugu Rangers), Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis, Spain), Sunday Mba (CA Bastia, France), Reuben Gabriel (Waasland-Beveren, Belgium), Michael Babatunde (Volyn Lutsk, Ukraine).

Forwards : Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United, England); Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce, Turkey); Obinna Nsofor (Chievo Verona, Italy); Peter Odemwingie (Stoke City, England), Michael Uchebo (Cercle Brugge, Belgium); Victor Moses (Liverpool, England), Uche Nwofor (Heerenveen, Holland).

Go on lads! Hopefully this idiotic coach doesn't cut out odemwingie. Gutted theres no aluko tho.

And with the brazil sqaud, i think its fair to say if neymar doesnt play well brazil won't get close to winning this world cup.

[Drew.]

Germany

Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer, Roman Weidenfeller and Ron-Robert Zieler.

Defenders: Durm, Boateng, Grosskreutz, Höwedes, Hummels, Jansen, Lahm, Mertesacker, Mustafi, Schmelzer.

Midfielders: Lars Bender, Draxler, Ginter, Goretzka, Götze, Hahn, Khedira, Kroos, Meyer, Thomas Müller, Özil, Podolski, Reus, Schürrle.

Strikers: Klose, Volland.

[Ryan57]

Really wish Gundogan had gotten back fit. :(

[jackc1806]

That midfield

[BBfanUSA]

Mexico

GOALKEEPERS (3): Jesús Corona, Guillermo Ochoa, Alfredo Talavera

DEFENDERS (8): Andrés Guardado, Rafael Márquez, Héctor Moreno, Diego Reyes, Francisco “Maza” Rodríguez, Miguel Layún, Paul Aguilar, and Carlos Salcido.

MIDFIELDERS (6): Juan Carlos Medina, Héctor Herrera, Luis Montes, Juan José “Gallito” Vázquez, Carlos Alberto “Gullit” Peña, and Isaac Brizuela.

FORWARDS (5): Alan Pulido, Raúl Jiménez, Oribe Peralta, Giovani dos Santos, and Javier “Chicharito” Hernández.

[Drew.]

465589751110971393

[Brother Leon]

Probably been our most consistent performer in these tournaments. Not surprising though.

[Drew.]

Woy to produce a shock and pick Flanagan

[Drew.]

Good man Woy

http://news.images.itv.com/image/file/253616/article_fabd78a2f0d0c1b1_1377613737_9j-4aaqsk.jpeg

465594888613273601

465595390629531649

[Brother Leon]

Carrick's been ****, but he's still pretty much the only CM we have that can keep the ball abit and dictate abit of play.


Wilshere
Gerrard
Barkley

Sterling/Rooney

Sturridge
Welbeck
--

Just go all out. **** it. Gerrard the only out out of those that can't penetrate with running.

[jackc1806]

Looking forward to see who he picks.. Surprised about cole

[Ryan57]

Still play wank football whoever gets in.

[Drew.]

Going from twitter it looks like Henderson & Lallana are in too, seen no mentions about Ox and Wilshere though but i'm not too worried, they should be certainties.

[Ryan57]

There was some Twitter rumour that Wilshere won't be in due to fitness concerns, but The Telegraph have him and Ox in their probable World Cup squad.

[Drew.]

He came back today which is a good sign, Ox back this week so fitness shouldn't be too much of a worry,.

[Brother Leon]

Just realised without Barry(how the **** is he not in?) and Carrick our midfielders have zero defensive nous...fun times ahead :laugh:

[Drew.]

Full out attacking football then please Woy

[Ryan57]

Be every man behind the ball with Woy in charge anyway. Saying that, that's our only chance of victory. Should counter attack.

[Ryan57]

Out of interest, where do people think we'll finish in the competition?

If Cavani turns up for Uruguay, which I believe doesn't happen all too often, combined with Suarez, am I the only one fearful that we won't even get out the group? :umm2:

[Jemal]

Great atuff

[Brother Leon]

Last 16. Finish 2nd in the group and crash out to a big boy country.

[Drew.]

Could fill out a squad full of 9/10 players who are all in great form.. as long as that transfers over then i'm pretty confident we'll get out the group. All the youngsters going are all in form too so even more of a reason for Woy to play them.

[Ryan57]

My fear is Woy rather than the players ability, tbh. Really not a fan at all. Fear defensive football.

[Jemal]

So much similarity my dad tells me with how gazza was treated and hope was poured on him to how barkley is now.

[Ryan57]

465602531729899520

Twat and all, but England legend.

[Alf]

John Terry anyone?

Besides Cahill and Jags no one else has proved themselves good enough, with Jones doubtful, Smalling not up to the job and Caulker not experienced enough at big game level I think JT can offer us more in terms of experience leadership and in my view he's been in better form.

[jackc1806]

Milner going ugh

[Drew.]

Milner going ugh

Grafter & underrated, does a decent job.

[Jemal]

Gives 100%

[Ryan57]

Yeah, I like Milner. In a big game we'd need him.

[Drew.]

Cole confirming Baines & Shaw are in the squad and then deletes his tweet :laugh: their plans for an official announcement tomorrow has gone down the drain.

[Ryan57]

John Terry anyone?

Besides Cahill and Jags no one else has proved themselves good enough, with Jones doubtful, Smalling not up to the job and Caulker not experienced enough at big game level I think JT can offer us more in terms of experience leadership and in my view he's been in better form.

Jones will be fit. Although for how long who knows(?) Probably pointlessly injure himself in training. :idc:

[Black Dagger]

Milner going ugh

One of the most underrated players, been superb at times for us this season.

[jackc1806]

One of the most underrated players, been superb at times for us this season.

I suppose as a title winner he deserves to go

[Alf]

So who are definitely unavailable?

I know Walcott is, and am I right in thinking that Townsend is out?

Anybody else?

[Drew.]

Walker possibly out

[Brother Leon]

Baines isn't really young though. TBH if we go up against Ronaldo or Robben I know which of our Full Backs I would most want up against them and it is Cole tbf.

[Drew.]

Well this is interesting.. unless Woy is planning on Jones or Smalling at RB, Think Stones can play RB too

Sky Sports News ‏@SkySportsNews 5m
Sky Sources: Tottenham's Kyle Walker has been told he hasn't been selected for England World Cup Squad.

[Brother Leon]

Well this is interesting.. unless Woy is planning on Jones or Smalling at RB, Think Stones can play RB too

Sky Sports News ‏@SkySportsNews 5m
Sky Sources: Tottenham's Kyle Walker has been told he hasn't been selected for England World Cup Squad.

R.I.P

[Jemal]

Man walker is our best right back.. I know hes struggling with fitness but hes worth the risk.
Because johnson is so bad..
Take clyne not flanagan. Pls woy.

[Jemal]

Baines isn't really young though. TBH if we go up against Ronaldo or Robben I know which of our Full Backs I would most want up against them and it is Cole tbf.

Coles overrated in terms of defending imo.
Someone you dont rate; Nani rips him a new one everytime they face.

[BBfanUSA]

US' 30 man roster will be announced on Monday I think.

[Novo]

Roy should have took the chance on Trippier , I know he was playing in the Championship all season but he has been amazing for Burnley since going on loan from Chelsea, most natural rb we have anyway

[Novo]

City*

[Drew.]

Get in! Looks like Lambert is included, a dream come true for him.

Carroll will be missing out then.

[Black Dagger]

Has our 23 been revealed yet?

[Drew.]

Yes, Sammy Ameobi is in

[Black Dagger]

Lying twat.

[Drew.]

Happy with this

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bnb9wUYIIAAcWgR.jpg

[In the Drunk Tank]

Smalling :facepalm:

Carroll :'(

[In the Drunk Tank]

Yes, no Cleverly!!!!!

[Alf]

I would have picked JT instead of Smalling, Him and Cahill are a good proven partnership, and I don't see what Smalling brings to the table.

[Drew.]

I would have picked JT instead of Smalling, Him and Cahill are a good proven partnership, and I don't see what Smalling brings to the table.

You know JT retired don't you?

[Alf]

You know JT retired don't you?
No I didn't

[Brother Leon]

Smalling is one of England's most natural defenders. Wouldn't judge him on a season where he has had to play RB most the season and has his confidence shot to bits.

[Alf]

I don't think were strong defensively as team and were gonna concede goals, so we're gonna have to score goals. I think Lallana, Rooney and Barkley will be our key men to give us that cutting edge we'll need to have to get the goals.

[Locke.]

I have more faith in Flanagan than I do in Johnson, Clyne should be above them both though really, and I really wanted Carroll to go, but other than that it's a decent squad

[Drew.]

No real holding midfielder is a bit of a worry.. Woy needs to start Henderson against Italy because of his work rate.

[Shaun]

ruddy sounds on the verge of suicide on SSN

[Ryan57]

Smalling is a great young defender, who like pretty much everyone else at United, as had a crap season. Him and Jones could be the future for England and United. They had an excellent partnership for the Under - 21s.

Also, like Leon has said, Smalling has played at right back mostly. Put Jagielka and Cahill at right back and they'd be just as dire.

The only fault a performing Smalling has, is the fact he looks like he has alzheimer's when on the ball.

[In the Drunk Tank]

Surely picking a world cup squad though, a player's performance in the previous season is the best basis for judging their suitability to be picked. Even if he is naturally a good player going into a tournament on the back of a lousy season isn't very good preparation and doesn't bode well

[In the Drunk Tank]

ruddy sounds on the verge of suicide on SSN

Poor guy missing out on the chance to be our 3rd choice keeper

[Ryan57]

Correct in a sense, but if the likes of Rooney and Gerrard had had bad seasons they'd still be taken based on their name alone.

Also, Woy should know that Moyes had a huge helping hand in these players being poor.

[Brother Leon]

Really can't believe Barry didn't go. My signing of the season tbh.

[In the Drunk Tank]

http://www1.thesportbible.com/images/content/630w/5370d9779b919.jpg

[BBfanUSA]

US' preliminary 30 man roster

Goalkeepers:
Brad Guzan, Aston Villa (England)
Tim Howard, Everton (England)
Nick Rimando, Real Salt Lake

Defenders:
DaMarcus Beasley, Puebla (Mexico)
Matt Besler, Sporting KC
John Brooks, Hertha Berlin (Germany)
Geoff Cameron, Stoke City (England)
Timmy Chandler (Nuremberg, GER)
Brad Evans, Seattle Sounders
Omar Gonzalez, LA Galaxy
Clarence Goodson, San Jose Earthquakes
Michael Parkhurst, Columbus Crew
DeAndre Yedlin, Seattle Sounders

Midfielders:
Alejandro Bedoya, Nantes (France)
Kyle Beckerman, Real Salt Lake
Michael Bradley, Toronto FC
Joe Corona (Tijuana, MEX)
Brad Davis, Houston Dynamo
Mikkel Diskerud, Rosenborg (Norway)
Landon Donovan, LA Galaxy
Maurice Edu, Philadelphia Union
Julian Green, Bayern Munich (Germany)
Fabian Johnson, Hoffenheim (Germany)
Jermaine Jones, Besiktas (Turkey)
Graham Zusi, Sporting KC

Forwards:
Jozy Altidore, Sunderland (England)
Terrence Boyd, Rapid Vienna (Austria)
Clint Dempsey, Seattle Sounders
Aron Johannsson, AZ (Netherlands)
Chris Wondolowski, San Jose Earthquakes

[Drew.]

Where the **** is Isco

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BngtFZlIIAAXCq_.jpg

[Black Dagger]

WHERE ON EARTH IS MY JAVI GARCIA? :mad:

Flops.

[Black Dagger]

Isco would be in if he came to City. He made his bed :whistle:

[Drew.]

They still need to get rid of 7 players too.. Some big names staying behind. Hopefully Santi doesn't face the chop.

[Brother Leon]

That midfield....

[Shaun]

their striking options are pretty weak though :/ I hope this is the year Spain fall apart...

[Drew.]

Idk, between Costa, Negredo & Llorente this season they've scored over 60 goals, hard to see any weaknesses in there really

[Drew.]

Looks like Adnan is on his way to Brazil

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bng8b53IcAAymzw.jpg

[Brother Leon]

Mirallas won't be happy then.

[Ryan57]

Hopefully they leave Fellaini there.

[Drew.]

Germany - Poland on BT sports tonight at 7:30

[Drew.]

No Nasri

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BniTWglIQAAt2lV.jpg

[Drew.]

Nasri needs to keep his girlfriend under control

Anara ‏@_Anara_ 35m
**** france and **** deschamps! What a **** manager!

Anara ‏@_Anara_ 31m
Incase u didnt read my tweet properly.... Ill repeat myself..... **** FRANCE!!!!! And **** deschamps!

[In the Drunk Tank]

:joker:

It is a bit dumb he still gets left out although think he said he wasn't expecting to go anyway

[Black Dagger]

He'll play scrabble with Garcia, Jovetic, Kolarov and Nastasic, it's fine.

[Brother Leon]

Yeah..it was well known he wasn't going. They wanted to limit their "Troublemakers".

[Black Dagger]

He's not even done anything remotely bad this season lmao.

Meh I'm sure he'll be happy enough with another PL medal than seeing that shower of ****e team flop hard.

[In the Drunk Tank]

Tevez not in the Argentina squad either, thankfully he had already made plans a month ago to go to Disney World instead

[Black Dagger]

Demichelis :love:

I'm pretty sure he'll be one of the 7 cut.

[Drew.]

Di Santo over Tevez :hehe:

[In the Drunk Tank]

Sabella should have listened to the people

ht0G6V7_mKo

[Brother Leon]

Tevez not in the Argentina squad either, thankfully he had already made plans a month ago to go to Disney World instead

Messi ruined his international career pretty much by being a diva. Shame.

[Drew.]

Juninho joins BBC team for Brazil

Thats Juninho, Henry, Rio and Seedorf now.. not bad at all.

[Shaun]

i assume edu was busy

[Locke.]

Prelim Greece Squad

Goalkeepers: Alexandros Tzorvas (Apollon Smyrnis), Michalis Sifakis (Atromitos), Orestis Karnezis (Granada), Panaglotis Glykos (PAOK), Stefanos Kapino (Panathinaikos)

Defenders: Avraam Papadopoulos, Dimitris Siovas, Kostas Manolas (Olympiacos), Sokratis Papastathopoulos (Borussia Dortmund), Giannis Maniatis, Jose Holebas (Olympiacos), Giorgios Tzavellas (PAOK), Loukas Vyntra (Levante), Vasilis Torosidis (Roma)

Midfielders: Alexandros Tziolis (Kayserispor), Andreas Samaris (Olympiacos), Kostas Katsouranis (PAOK), Giorgios Karagounis (Fulham), Panagiotis Tachtsidis (Torino), Sotiris Ninis (PAOK), Ioannis Fetfatzidis (Genoa), Kostas Fortounis (Kaiserslautern), Lazaros Christodoulopoulos (Bologna) Panagiotis Kone (Bologna)

Forwards: Dimitris Papadopoulos (Atromitos), Dimitris Salpingidis (PAOK), Giorgios Samaras (Celtic), Kostas Mitroglou (Fulham), Theofanis Gekas (Konyaspor)

[neneu10]

TGtWWb9emYI

[In the Drunk Tank]

It's no Waka Waka is it

[Drew.]

I have decided to avoid all World Cup themed songs this year, they aren't great.

Everyone should have a Brazilian music playlist instead, mine is coming along very nicely. Gusttavo Lima <3

[neneu10]

Official TV Opening

JP67IM1LX-M

[bbfan1991]

Waka Waka is a tune!

I still can't understand the logic of Argentina leaving Carlos Tevez out of their squad and taking Franco Di Santo in his place:joker:.

[Novo]

England battering Wales in this under 21s match and its only 2-1

[Drew.]

Would be 10-1 if Solly March had started

[Novo]

Lingard and Redmond together is magical

[Novo]

**** that rain we just had here has moved to Swansea fast

[Shaun]

it appears buying a sticker book was a mistake

600-odd to collect... you get about 30 free... so that's 570... in packs of five at fifty p... that'd cost me £57 without any swaps :think:

[Novo]

I don't like how its not the full squads in the book and just the well known players, they should have done what they use to do and wait for the squad lists then brought it out with cheaper sticker prices

[Drew.]

I haven't bought any for ages now.. getting ridiculous amounts of swaps and i still need loads to fill in.

[In the Drunk Tank]

Aren't Nasri and Ashley Cole both in there

[Novo]

Think so, they have done a terrible job

[Shaun]

i've had 3 bloody draxlers and i've only bought about 8 packs

[Novo]

I use to love the Prem one back in the early 00s with the players signatures on the stickers

[Drew.]

The early 00's prem ones were the GOAT sticker collections.. just remember having about 10 Markus Babbels

[BBfanUSA]

The US has hired Lupe Fiasco as their Music Director for the World Cup. Yeah, I have no idea what that entails.

Also I saw Panini Stickers at Walmart. Was this close to buying a 6 pack for a little under 5 dollars minus sales tax.

[Ryan57]

‘You can organise a pub team not to let in six goals against Manchester United,’ Hodgson said. ‘Give me six months and I’d organise them, if they had a half-decent goalkeeper and a couple of centre halves who can get in the way of the ball.’

Not a slight on United, he just chose any random team. However, he's talking out of his arse. Average manager, who is too defensive as shown above, that will fail miserably this summer.

Hodgson added. ‘I studied to be a professional. I like to think that I’m good at my profession.'

Rofl, okay. Good at his profession my arse. Arrogant owl twat.

[Brother Leon]

Roy>>

That Fulham Europa run :worship:

[Novo]

Under 17s European Championship final, England v Netherlands in a few minutes, Izzy Brown to score the winner

[Drew.]

Dom Solanke >>>

2-1 England

[Novo]

Roberts > Solanke

[Drew.]

http://24.media.tumblr.com/bb1d05bf0360e458f174a1d1921147bd/tumblr_n5g6l2rKTp1qddfrco1_250.gif

Solanke

[Novo]

http://i.imgur.com/XPcMyjL.png

[Drew.]

SOLANKE!!!!!!!!!!

:smug:

[Novo]

Solanke!!!!!!!

Told you he would score

[Drew.]

Quieten down amateur

[Novo]

Roberts MOTM so far

[Drew.]

Isaiah Brown is a mini Willian

[Novo]

Great goal

[Drew.]

Very undeserved

[Novo]

Will this be 10 minutes each half if it goes into ET or does it just go straight to pens

[Drew.]

Extra time surely, isn't it just friendly games that go straight to pens

[Drew.]

Well a penalty shoot out makes things more exciting