mcguffin

You could be right. I'm supporting Croatia from here on in. Their team spirit is second to none. And their midfield--Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic--an absolute joy to watch. One additional plus is that Argentina will be just as knackered as Croatia come the semi-finals. If their older players, Perisic and Modric can recover in time, Argentina are in for a game. Anyway, let's see what tomorrow's Quarter Finals throw up on the weaker 😉 side of the fixture list.

Agreed. What worries me is that the two players he is challenging for a central midfield slot are (or were at) the World Cup. He was an unused sub in a warm up game for the not-at-the-World-Cup squad.. (And De Zerbi must know he needs the minutes if he's in serious contention?) Maybe I'm worrying too much though (I hope).

Will England get a semi?

Yep. I was thinking the same. 😐

🤞

You have a point 😒

What's happening on this thread? Should be about Scottish Independence and we're bitching about photos? 😜

Agreed. Hope he gets a loan or something (preferably in one of the European leagues).

Billy Gilmour unused sub in a a friendly with Aston Villa today (despite Caicedo and MacAllister not being back from World Cup duty). Make of that what you will: https://www.brightonandhovealbion.com/news/2979287/delight-for-deniz-after-double-in-the-desert/

you're welcome Dave78! 👍

I'm just sharing what was reported on Lesley Riddoch's most recent podcasts (this one and that one) Neale Hanvey (Alba), Tommy Shepherd (SNP), Nicola Sturgeon (SNP) and numerous non-party aligned speakers appeared on the same stage outside Holyrood. I applaud them all. It shows that political differences can be buried when the shared cause is strong enough. Anyway, anyone else on this thread who is a wee bit bored of interparty rivalries and egos, I recommend the Lesley Riddoch podcast. Quite refreshingly non-partisan.

Yes, I was disappointed with that (and Lesley and Pat didn't exactly sound that impressed in the podcast). I'm half hoping the Greens will quietly relent on that policy, even if temporarily, until after IndyRef2/DeFactoRef1. (Vigorous debate, and even hostilities between individual politicians and parties, can resume in a newly Independent Scotland of course 👍 In fact, I look forward to that day).

Joanna Cherry's tweet seems clear enough. Maybe I'm missing some hidden meaning?:

Good points. I also can see why Joanna Cherry might want to continue to work on the Human Rights Committee (maybe a better use of her QC forensic questioning skills than being an SNP front-bench nodder?). Her forensic questioning of a Twitter executive on the topic of online misogyny is a good example of a lawyer asking probing questions (and an eye-contact-avoiding corporate executive attempting to dodge them):

There's a wee bit about Stephen Flynn in Lesley Riddoch's latest: https://share.transistor.fm/s/6c937b94 Sounds like he's been maneuvring behind the scenes for a while to get this role. And he's succeeded in his goal. I think you need good political maneuvring skills to become a successful politician. (And both Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon, to their credit, have a fair bit of that). Good luck to him and Mhairi Black and hope they can use their political skills to further the cause of Scottish Independence, in that god awful place, the Palace of Westminster. On a less positive note, Lesley also reveals the reason why the Greens didn't show up for any of the 'Supreme Court Ruling' rallies held across Scotland last month. Worth a listen.

Astonishing isn't it. Population of 3.9 million? I found this video about Modric's early life illuminating (and quite moving). It's clear that football was way more than a game to him. (And probably to the rest of the Croation squad). Might explain the resilience of their team?

Agreed. Can't see Croatia getting passed Brazil. But I'm really hoping Croatia give them a game--hopefully with Modric firing on all cylinders.

Didn't realise Griezman has 42 goals for France. That's excellent! Though it does look he's playing more as an attacking midfielder the last few games (so he might not get into scoring positions like he used to?). And then Dembele. That's some line up. Yes, maybe a '3 at the back' (i.e. 5 at the back) might be the way England will set up. (So I guess they'd rely on counterattacks? Which unfortunately could actually work?). Other games: was a wee bit sorry to see Japan going out. But I'm glad we'll see a bit more of Modric in what is probably his last World Cup. (What a joy to watch that player is).

Good point. That part of the game (how England will defend) will be really interesting, and similarly how France for their part defend against England's dangermen. Looking forward to the game as a football spectacle to be honest (along with Netherlands vs Argentina, which should be a cracker!)

Yes, it's a good play. But let's wait and see who is the first Labour Lord to hand back their ermine coat and expenses slips?

Wanted to say something similar. UK newspapers do cater to public opinion, in the same way that UK Westminster governments respond to public opinion. It's just that public they are listening to and catering mainly lives in England (specifically South-East England?)

Yes, he's really very good isn't he. For once the hype is justified. But I have a hunch that Southgate might not start him against France? My prediction: Walker and Stones will indeed 'keep Mbappe quiet'. But Griezmann and Rabiot will welcome the space. Giroud will score. 1-1 after extra time. Penalties. Anyone's game.

Didn't know that! It has to be a tactical option for Cisse? Good point morrie21!

I feel you're right about both results. However, I'm suprised how few pundits/journalists are talking about the 'P.' word for the first game. Senegal can defend. Could very easily hold out. And then, Pickford vs Mendy ? Could be interesting if it happens?

Pulisic had a great chance to put them ahead within 10 minutes. Might have been a different game had he put it away. Once Netherlands scored, USA were chasing the game and it played to Netherlands strengths. Nonetheless, was impressed by by USA (especially Pulisic--quality player). Could be in with a real chance of going far when they host WC 2026? For all that though, Netherlands looking real contenders for this year's World Cup?