ThistleWhistle

Another thing I reckon is they've stumbled on their niche market almost by chance. It may attract women who didn't already like blokes playing football but seemed a bit fanciful to be honest that would be enough- instead it's increasingly obvious dad's with daughters is where success lies.

The numbers playing at grass roots is wild. We're in a place with 3 primary schools and in under four years have gone from 2 teams to 9 teams u17 and 200 players Went to a tournament in Edinburgh and the technical ability of the u12s in comparison to the u16s is readily apparent- the quality is going to go through the roof.

Think there's always the chance but with the speed the women's game is changing countries are going to need to be front and centre or get left behind. It'll be interesting to see what the US do as at best they've stood still. Technically loads of teams have taken them over and their physicality is no longer a game changer so they maybe need a total rethink.

Cheers for that - their grassroots seems a shambles and if they're not competitive in the youth tournaments over the last decade can't see how they'll romp the next world cup. Interesting the equal pay dispute and result has absolutely hammered their finances and all.

Why do they pick the groups years out? They've ended up with the top 5 teams in the world in the same side of the draw: Ireland, NZ, France, South Africa and us! Three of those aren't making the semi final so just seems mental to draw it so early. Heard Sam Warburton say Wales had arguably got their toughest group in World Cup history and the rest of the panel looked at him like he was havering shite.

Mine wants the Lionesses to win so just shoved her in the boot and will drop her in a carpark in Carlisle! My wee lass went mini-kickers through the council at 5 I think - more playing games than any football but got her hooked in whilst the interest was there. Purely thinking of her own fitness and wellbeing obviously rather than trying to steer her away from Rainbows and stupid fucking craft badges obviously 😆

Through gritted teeth it's good for us too as keeps it in the spotlight and the difference between the national team players playing here vs the WSL is absolutely huge. We've fucked up two massive chances unfortunately as we're more than good enough to be at the WC and should have pissed qualification for the Euros

The womens 100m record is 10.5 seconds and u16 boys is 10.2. My daughter's u10s and u12s had a soccer camp at the same time as 11 year old lads team - girls won the week 3-1. Girls u12s got to the final of national tournament at Edinburgh earlier this year and are a very good side. However when they get to 16 they'd get thrashed by 16 year old lads because they simply can't compete with biology

Yeah it's been an interesting journey but Spain and England are likely the two teams from Europe who've tipped the most wedge in so no real surprise in the end. Think the US are in for a rude awakening though as they just seem to chuck athletes on the pitch who're technically miles away.

That's quality mate - hope it hooks her in. Does she play? I'm living the dream - been 6 Scotland (3 men 3 women) games with her and her record is W5 L1 GF14 GA2! Her own block of fixtures start back Saturday then we go watch Panmure so hoping her interest sticks!

Yeah mate defo - they've already blown-up various leagues around the world trying to grow to quickly/ got greedy. The bloke's game can tip in relative peanuts, positive ESG points and see a return of sorts in comparison to the p&l on the blokes. My concern would be they'll drop it like a hot potato as soon as some bright spark demands equal pay. Heard a comment on yesterday's game that the WSL can no longer hoover up the best Spanish players as their big teams are paying a comparative fortune. Next challenge is what does the WSL do when the best Lionesses naturally fuck off over there?

Viewed in the context that only 35% of players are professional though I'd say they're doing no bad. The difference from last WC is absolutely massive- to be honest it's the main reason I watch it as its interesting watching it progress.

Yeah defo - this world cup seems like an ending of an era and not all in a good way. The rough edges and innocence of the women's game really appeals to me in comparison to how sterile the bloke's game is but that'll just be mirrored by the next world cup how fast things are going.

Genuinely pissed off to see the Spain keeper pretending be injured and their players just falling over like the blokes. Inevitable unfortunately but still not good seeing it creeping into the women's game

Liam Morrison at Wigan been mentioned?

Have you tried Googling what's on the side of that car/ van as 'google translate' might pick the language up even if what it's advertising doesn't exist anymore

Nostalgia porn - minute's silence for all the fallen joysticks from excessive swazzing into top bins. Alin Boksak, Bappi Signari and Bobby Moffat bringing European success to the streets of Alloa will live in my heart forever. Twenty minutes at the end of the season to load through the other leagues left plenty time for a pre- season wank. Simpler times.

Colombia would have won if it wasn't for that - they could have a great side in 4 years. Need to find a keeper though because both were crap

Way to go Jonah!

For want of a better phrase they've got bigger bollocks that the blokes side defo - wouldn't fancy a 50 50 with Milly Bright! I think in the Colombia game today there was an example of just how far things have moved on. Late in the US game ball over the top to the back stick loads of space and Rapinoe's shape and position is all wrong, bounces miles off her knees and away for a goal kick- player who was apparently best in the world at some point and played the last 10 years of her career professionally in US along and 20 years pro overall. Colombia lass ball over the top, back stick, loads of space- kills the ball stone dead bangs it in the goal two touch smooth as silk like its nowt. She's playing domestically in a league that's been pro 6 years. She's early 30s - the kids in their 20s and those not even broke through yet are going to kick on even further. Wouldn't be surprised if US carry on with what they're doing, have Rapinoe on the coaching and wonder why they're inevitably crap in 4 years again.

I think France might walk it - interesting dynamic is their coach has one the bloke's African Cup of Nations twice and managed at the blokes world cup too. BE interesting to see how that translates. Love watching Japan but worry they'll get overpowered. Sweden could play for set pieces Tony Pulis style and give them real problems I reckon

The Colombia goal v Germany in the groups was a belter: