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

[Somniloquism]

McPhee furiously noting it down for next season.

[Villa Lew]

Unlucky Iran

[Dogtanian]

I have to keep reminding myself that I can’t root for Iran. 

Why not? The vast majority of Iranians are not represented by the government in the same way that a significant number of Russians don't support Putin. Zero against Belgium but I'd love to see Iran win.

I’m not rooting for a team representing a country where my partner and I would be imprisoned or sentenced to death.

Much as I sympathise with the everyday person there trapped under a horrible regime, it isn’t just the government that lacks tolerance, unfortunately.

[olaftab]

McPhee furiously noting it down for next season.

Is Austin out there with Portugal? If so I hope he doesn't pick up an "injury".

[Mellin]

Tielemans is the best player on the pitch by a country mile.

[Dogtanian]

I’ve not been impressed with De Bruyne so far this World Cup.

[Pete3206]

Iranian players play acting is embarrassing. Ref and the opposition having none of it.

[Exeter 77]

De Bruyne's injuries have slowed him up a bit. There was a passage of play around 10 minutes ago though where the Iranians just seemed want to kick him up in the air.

[Mellin]

Looking for Watkins there.

[olaftab]

Don't want to jinx is but Lukaku is absolutely shite and De Bruyne not much better.

[Exeter 77]

Looking for Watkins there.

I have just said to same thing!

[AV82EC]

I’ve not been impressed with De Bruyne so far this World Cup.

Him and fatty Lukaku, absolute crap.

They’re trying to walk it in, just shoot you pricks.

[Villa Lew]

I've been very unimpressed with Lukaku.

[Dogtanian]

He took the keeper out with clinical efficiency.

[Chip Butty 111]

I've been very unimpressed with Lukaku.

..looks like a Rhino in quicksand...desperate