ThistleWhistle

Psychology seems a massive thing in the women's game maybe because it's not fully professional. At 11v11 I thought they were going out but thought with x they immediately bizarrely had more chance. Going down a player worked in their favour as Nigeria couldn't deal with being favourites.

It's across the board and all rather than a fluke. I remember a few year back when the red button on the Beeb was like online and they were showing the u19 girls. Can't remember who in the semis I stumbled on but the keepers were both incredible. Because they don't come so far for crosses they're saving bullet headers for 6 yards regularly. Can't see England winning it as they've lost some key players although they'll have the easiest qf on paper. Set pieces will do for Japan so really is wide open.

Keepers as well mate is like comparing apples and trampolines even from 4 years ago. Still struggle under a high ball but they're typically 5 foot 8 rather than 6 foot 4 so all part of the attraction. Some of the shot stopping has been top notch. The other aspect is think only 30-40% of players are professional so the standard is only going to improve as it grows

Genuinely I've thoroughly enjoyed this world cup. When had a daughter presumed football wouldn't be our thing but Saturday we watched both games then went watch the juniors then played Fifa. Sunday I got up stupid early watch one game then we both watched the US game before chucking a ball up for her to control for two hours. I put the charity shield on and was asleep in 10 minutes- the quality is no doubt better but it just felt sterile. Wee lass is having her Italia 90 moment and I'm living the fucking dream!

Watching the World Cup hits home we've spunked another opportunity up the wall. I don't think we're miles away from a decent side and there seems to be some really good youngsters coming through - Emma Watson stands out a mile. The gap between the WSL players and especially the older members playing in the WSPL is massive so hopefully more and more of the youngsters find their way down there. Bizarrely optimistic watching it as the gap to the big heavyweights is closing and seeing the number of girls playing at grassroots fancy us to have a decent side coming through hopefully

I'd forgotten he was in 'Wait Until Dark' - what a movie that is!

New Celtic top is a bit of a minger and all. Looks more like a Sporting Lisbon top for some reason

Absolute legend and lovely bloke - RIP

Saw a Tweet that a decade ago we were the first side in Europe mathematically eliminated from 2014 world cup after having 2 points from 6 games. I'd completely wiped it from my mind apart from Bale blitzing Adam for pace.

I thought with two home games we showed understandable naivety and would have been noticeably off qualifying for a 16 team tournament. I think this team could qualifying for a 16 team version though in comparison- they've definitely taken something from the last one

What 24 teams does too is open up the knock out for smaller nations. 16 team format means only 8 so a smaller nation would need to finish ahead of a France, Germany, England, Italy, Portugal, Netherlands, Spain or fluke the group draw.

I thought at the last euros there was a gulf in class where 6 or 7 of the teams were pretty pish ourselves included

Norwegian Sky Sports News is ace 👌 Don't understand what they're saying but feel their frustration 100%

Can't stop smiling watching this on loop - I think I must have racked up half the views on it!!

It's like the Matrix in a swimming pool.

Tempted but don't want to jinx it just yet. Would defo take wee lass but how do you work it if for example we chose Hamburg and the games end up in Munich? Presumably trains are sound but would there be much chance of getting somewhere overnight 🤔

They've got Spain next so maybe if they get nowt out of that they'll have one eye on Nations League play off. Be interesting see them away in Norway after as the Norwegians don't have a guaranteed safety net - are they like to get a playoff from a team who don't need do you know?

Be weird looking forward to a game in Georgia- hopefully they don't launch a maroon kit for the occasion!

I think it's worth viewing in the context that they were 120+ not long ago and their current trajectory will see them higher than 70s. It's like the opposite of Wales never in a million years being the 26th best at the moment. They've got obvious deficiencies and I wouldn't be particularly surprised if they finish ahead of Norway as both teams look equally crap at defending. On the other hand doubt they'll take a point off Spain home or away. Be nice going into a Georgia away game not needing anything particularly so hopefully do the business against Cyprus 👍

Technically thought they were very good in patches but their temperament is evidently suspect so will struggle away from home in particular. Fancy them for third though although the bloke at the back who literally and figuratively looked to be running in water was an obvious weakness.

Spain defo couldn't deal with getting their own shitebaggery back - McGinn gesticulating like Hickey was shot was a pisser and Spain bit hook line and sinker. What I liked from last night was when Georgia finally came out we left them waiting - little details like that make a difference defo 👍

Man of the Match by a country mile leading the line admirably. When less gifted members of the team were increasingly spooked by a hostile crowd he led by example bollocking them for pushing water towards the goal! The leaf blowers showed their inexperience on the international stage for me and although full of endeavour lacked end product.

Top hat, mankini, Rebok Classics worn ironically and accessorised with a parrot on my shoulder taught to squak 'point harvesting bastards' is my ensemble of choice today - be sure to say hello 👍

Both right - Maloney hit it and keeper saved it but bounces in off defender

To be honest I'd have some sympathy for him too - it's like the footballing equivalent of Red Rum being asked to plough fields if they're unlikely to qualify. McGinn turning up all the time is a massive catalyst in our improvement but Haaland seems a different beast with different priorities. I've only seen staged interviews but he does same quite a strange character.