Soccer

[watcher1]

The U.S. decided to sit on their 1-0 lead over Wales and that didn't work out too well. A PK gave Wales a 1-1 draw.

[Clitical Thinking]

I'm having a hard time getting into the spirit, tbh. FIFA and Infantino keep finding ways to piss me off, now with the armband thing. Standing up to homophobia isn't political, you shits

[Pornhubby]

I’m not a big soccer guy, but I have been underwhelmed by everything I have seen or read so far.

[MissBarbara]

I'm having a hard time getting into the spirit, tbh. FIFA and Infantino keep finding ways to piss me off, now with the armband thing. Standing up to homophobia isn't political, you shits

I'm such a nerd that I checked the Laws of the Game to see how FIFA could justify cautioning players for wearing "One Love" armbands.

Here's what it says:

"Equipment must not have any political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images."

"One Love" is not a political, religious, or personal slogan.

I also found this:

"The following are (usually) permitted: The player’s number, name, team crest/logo, initiative slogans/emblems promoting the game of football, respect and integrity as well as any advertising permitted by competition rules or national FA, confederation or FIFA regulations."

In other words, players are allowed to wear emblems promoting "respect and integrity," but they're not allowed to wear emblems that promote respect and integrity toward LGBTQ+ people.

On top of that, FIFA -- the sponsor of the World Cup -- has the right to permit the armbands if they chose to do so.

Yes, the word "hypocrisy" applies here.

[watcher1]

I'm having a hard time getting into the spirit, tbh. FIFA and Infantino keep finding ways to piss me off, now with the armband thing. Standing up to homophobia isn't political, you shits

Can you imagine how all the beer drinkers must feel when first, they were told there would be beer at the matches but then two days before the start, Qatar rescinded that order.

Maybe one day, politics will be taken out of the World Cup or, at least, FIFA will choose host countries that are democratic.

[Clitical Thinking]

I was going to post something, but then I saw what the Saudis did today and forgot 

David versus Goliath's bigger brother 

[MissBarbara]

I'm having a hard time getting into the spirit, tbh. FIFA and Infantino keep finding ways to piss me off, now with the armband thing. Standing up to homophobia isn't political, you shits

Can you imagine how all the beer drinkers must feel when first, they were told there would be beer at the matches but then two days before the start, Qatar rescinded that order.

Maybe one day, politics will be taken out of the World Cup or, at least, FIFA will choose host countries that are democratic.

I like beer as much as the next person, and when I attend NY Red Bulls matches, I always buy a tall boy as I'm making my way to my seat. Last time it was a Cerveza Tecate, and it was delicious.

However, I -- like most people -- can go two hours without drinking a beer. While the suddenness of the ban might be objectionable, respect for other cultures should also be a factor.

And, as I noted above, the beer ban is far less objectionable than the "One Love" arm band ban. Let's not lose perspective here.

[xXshepXx]

Well even the fans aren't allowed to show any rainbow colored items.
I just read in the news that  four police men escorted a german fan out of the stadium during the Netherlands/Senegal match into the catacombs where he was surrounded by nearly 10 men and had the choice to remove his rainbow headband and armband or get apprehended

[xXshepXx]

CR7 is officially unemployed now.

https://twitter.com/ManUtd/status/1595107357159297029

[Clitical Thinking]

Reading some of the replies to the tweet, Ronaldoism seems to be contagious.

"Now he can finally move on to a big club."

"If any club says they don't want him, it's only because they can't afford him."

"Ronaldo is bigger than any club."

 

[Clitical Thinking]

Man Utd now for sale as well? 

https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/man-utd-announces-process-to-explore-strategic-alternatives-to-enhance-club-growth?utm_campaign=ManUtd&utm_medium=post&utm_source=twitter

Manchester United plc (NYSE:MANU), one of the most successful and historic sports clubs in the world, announces today that the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) is commencing a process to explore strategic alternatives for the club.
The process is designed to enhance the club's future growth, with the ultimate goal of positioning the club to capitalize on opportunities both on the pitch and commercially.  

As part of this process, the Board will consider all strategic alternatives, including new investment into the club, a sale, or other transactions involving the Company.  This will include an assessment of several initiatives to strengthen the club, including stadium and infrastructure redevelopment, and expansion of the club’s commercial operations on a global scale, each in the context of enhancing the long-term success of the club’s men’s, women’s and academy teams, and bringing benefits to fans and other stakeholders.
 
Executive Co-Chairmen and Directors, Avram Glazer and Joel Glazer said: “The strength of Manchester United rests on the passion and loyalty of our global community of 1.1 billion fans and followers. As we seek to continue building on the Club’s history of success, the Board has authorized a thorough evaluation of strategic alternatives. We will evaluate all options to ensure that we best serve our fans and that Manchester United maximizes the significant growth opportunities available to the Club today and in the future. Throughout this process we will remain fully focused on serving the best interests of our fans, shareholders, and various stakeholders.”

The Raine Group is acting as the Company’s exclusive financial advisor and Latham & Watkins LLP is legal counsel to the Company.
 
Rothschild and Co. is acting as exclusive financial advisor to the Glazer family shareholders. 
 
There can be no assurance that the review being undertaken will result in any transaction involving the Company.  Manchester United does not intend to make further announcements regarding the review unless and until the Board has approved a specific transaction or other course of action requiring a formal announcement.

[watcher1]

Reading some of the replies to the tweet, Ronaldoism seems to be contagious.

"Now he can finally move on to a big club."

"If any club says they don't want him, it's only because they can't afford him."

"Ronaldo is bigger than any club."

 

WOO!  That has to build up his ego bigger than it already is.

[Clitical Thinking]

I know this thread isn't intended for porn, but... 

[watcher1]

CT - amazing goal. I can see why Brazil was picked by the oddsmakers to win the Cup. Their first three substitutes start in the EPL.  Martinelli off the bench?  Even with Neymar now hurting, Brazil is loaded with talent.

[Clitical Thinking]

Yeah, looking forward to seeing who starts for Neymar in the next match. Rodrygo regularly plays alongside Vini at Real Madrid, so that might be a good partnership here along with Richarlison

[watcher1]

Though the England vs USA match ended in a 0-0 draw, I was impressed with the USA continually being on the attack throughout the match, something they did not do against Wales. They must keep up the attacking game against Iran to notch a victory so they can advance.

[ObiDongKenobi]

Though the England vs USA match ended in a 0-0 draw, I was impressed with the USA continually being on the attack throughout the match, something they did not do against Wales. They must keep up the attacking game against Iran to notch a victory so they can advance.

Yes, England looked very sluggish. The whole country is wondering why Foden wasn't brought on, let alone start. 

[Clitical Thinking]

I'm still not sure how  Southgate ever became manager. He wasn't great at Boro, and so I guess it was all based on his performance as England U21 manager. Granted, there are worse choices, and I'm glad he's not another Capello or SGE, but he often leaves me scratching my head

[Clitical Thinking]

I said I was having a hard time getting into it, but one thing I'm enjoying about this World Cup is the unpredictable nature 

[watcher1]

I think parity is finally evolving with national teams. Countries once thought of as fielding "weak" teams on the national level are now beating the perennial powers.

Rumor has it that Messi will sign with MSL team Inter Miami after his contract is up early next year. Just so happens, Beckham is part owner of Inter Miami.  Could a MSL signing of Ronaldo be far behind?