Other Games - 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup Edition (+ warm-up matches): Villa-watch

[Rory]

Canada are pretty crap overall it needs to be said.

It’s not the national sport. We have some decent players but with the weather it’s never going to be sport that has a chance to ingrain itself in the Canadian culture. We are a hockey country and basketball growing fast.

Sorry to hear that, mate.

[Brazilian Villain]

I haven't seen Canadians this happy since Quebec voted No in the 1995 Secession Referendum.

[Brend'Watkins]

Canada are pretty crap overall it needs to be said.

It’s not the national sport. We have some decent players but with the weather it’s never going to be sport that has a chance to ingrain itself in the Canadian culture. We are a hockey country and basketball growing fast.

I’m not referring to Canada as a footballing nation but in the Qatar game as a whole. I like Canada, they’ve always punched way above their weight but I see nothing in this squad that will get them anywhere near the qtr finals. I might be wrong though as I often am.

[Brazilian Villain]

The Irish TV pundits are seriously unimpressed with Marsch's post-match antics, they think he's being a bit of a tit.

[PeterWithesShin]

Former Tottenham midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has apologised after saying that Japan players "all look alike" during their 2-2 draw with the Netherlands.

Van der Vaart, 43, was working as a pundit for Dutch broadcaster NOS TV when he made the remark after Micky van de Ven lost Koki Ogawa's run for Japan's late equaliser.

"They all look alike, of course, maybe he thought that," the former Netherlands international said when analysing Van de Ven's defending.

Van der Vaart, who was capped 109 times and was part of the Dutch team that lost in the 2010 World Cup final, has apologised for causing any offence.

He said: "It was never my intention to offend, hurt, or discriminate against anyone. I oppose racism in all its forms and have respect for people of every background, ethnicity, and culture.

"I understand that some people may have found my words offensive or hurtful. I sincerely regret that.

"If my comment has caused pain or upset, I would like to offer my heartfelt apologies. That was never my intention."

Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out criticised Van der Vaart and called for broadcasters to be more careful.

A joint statement from Kick It Out and the Frank Soo Foundation, external, a charity that supports East and South East Asian communities, said: "It's hugely disappointing to hear former players peddling racist slurs about Japan's team and then double down by trying to defend the comments as a joke.

"Even if he claims there was no racist intent in what he said, the comments can still have an impact on those involved, and the wider East and South East Asian community, as we have seen with previous examples directed towards players.

"The World Cup attracts massive global TV audiences, so it's always important that guests are careful with their language and that broadcasters take responsibility for those appearing on their shows, whether that is through additional education or training."

[Toronto Villa]

Canada are pretty crap overall it needs to be said.

It’s not the national sport. We have some decent players but with the weather it’s never going to be sport that has a chance to ingrain itself in the Canadian culture. We are a hockey country and basketball growing fast.

Sorry to hear that, mate.

Haha it’s fine. Canada is a brilliant place to live. I don’t pay much attention to the hockey heads here in Toronto.

[Toronto Villa]

Canada are pretty crap overall it needs to be said.

It’s not the national sport. We have some decent players but with the weather it’s never going to be sport that has a chance to ingrain itself in the Canadian culture. We are a hockey country and basketball growing fast.

I’m not referring to Canada as a footballing nation but in the Qatar game as a whole. I like Canada, they’ve always punched way above their weight but I see nothing in this squad that will get them anywhere near the qtr finals. I might be wrong though as I often am.

Canada getting to the next round will be a success. Anything more is a bonus.

[Hillbilly]

That stadium in Guadalajara is superb. Love the grassy slopes.

[adrenachrome]

Korea Klusterfock moment.