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

[LeeB]

As Khalid, regular caller to the radio show Down the Line would say:

Iraq, what is point?

What is point of Iraq?

I might be the only person here that gets this reference, but bravo.

[Mellin]

Looks like Kane is nailed on for two or three today.

[Mellin]

As Khalid, regular caller to the radio show Down the Line would say:

Iraq, what is point?

What is point of Iraq?

I might be the only person here that gets this reference, but bravo.

Nope. Not a clue. The only radio references I get involve Lazlow.

[PeterWithesShin]

Former Atletico Madrid and Werder Bremen striker Rade Bogdanovic has apologised for racist comments he made towards black players during a live World Cup broadcast on Serbian television.

Bogdanovic was working as a commentator for state broadcaster RTS during Belgium and Iran's goalless draw in Group G when he made the remarks while discussing Belgian defender Nathan Ngoy's red card.

The 56-year-old, who made three appearances for Yugoslavia in 1997, questioned the focus and stamina of black players.

The comments drew widespread condemnation on social media.

In a statement to Reuters, Bogdanovic said: "I sincerely apologise for my statement regarding black football players."

RTS also issued an official apology, saying Bogdanovic is not employed by the company but has been working as an "expert commentator" for this summer's tournament.

"We would like to take this opportunity to apologise, as a broadcaster, for the statement made in our programme concerning members of a particular race," RTS said.

Nygoy, 23, was dismissed on Sunday for a professional foul in the second half of the game in Los Angeles. Following draws with both Iran and Egypt, third-placed Belgium are in danger of failing to progress from Group G.

While discussing the 66th-minute incident, Bogdanovic, who also played in South Korea and Japan, commented: "I have always said those players - and I'm really not racist - but black players lack the concentration to last more than 60 to 80 minutes.

"When we played, we sometimes had to protect our own players to stop them making mistakes."

The host challenged Bogdanovic over the remarks, but he doubled down, insisting that "the majority lack concentration".

On Monday, Bogdanovic was back in the RTS studio for the Argentina's 2-0 win against Austria in Group J.

[Sexual Ealing]

He said he's really not racist, so I don't understand all the fuss about the massively racist thing he did.

[Somniloquism]

He wasn't an employee of the TV Studio which meant they couldn't sack him over those massively racisit comments, only apologise he said them and keep paying him.

[LeeB]

As Khalid, regular caller to the radio show Down the Line would say:

Iraq, what is point?

What is point of Iraq?

I might be the only person here that gets this reference, but bravo.

Nope. Not a clue. The only radio references I get involve Lazlow.

It was a spoof phone in show by Paul Whitehouse and Charlie Higson about 20 years ago with recurring characters such as Khalid.

[Mellin]

As Khalid, regular caller to the radio show Down the Line would say:

Iraq, what is point?

What is point of Iraq?

I might be the only person here that gets this reference, but bravo.

Nope. Not a clue. The only radio references I get involve Lazlow.

It was a spoof phone in show by Paul Whitehouse and Charlie Higson about 20 years ago with recurring characters such as Khalid.

Ahhh okay. Liked the Fast Show, so probably missed out there.

[LeeB]

As Khalid, regular caller to the radio show Down the Line would say:

Iraq, what is point?

What is point of Iraq?

I might be the only person here that gets this reference, but bravo.

Nope. Not a clue. The only radio references I get involve Lazlow.

It was a spoof phone in show by Paul Whitehouse and Charlie Higson about 20 years ago with recurring characters such as Khalid.

Ahhh okay. Liked the Fast Show, so probably missed out there.

They did try and transfer it onto the telly as Bellamy's People but it didn't really work.

[aj2k77]

He said he's really not racist, so I don't understand all the fuss about the massively racist thing he did.

Some of his best friends are black people but after a couple of hours with him they lose concentration and forget who he is.

[Dogtanian]

The big one tonight!

My plan to get the other half to agree to ordering a pizza have come to naught, on account of the kick-off time being so late. But I have been promised we can have one for the first England game at a reasonable kick-off and I haven't dared check if there will be one.

I am, however, getting 'snacks' for the game. I don't know what this is going to involve, but my wishlist includes Curlie Wurlies, Jelly Tots, some sort of crisp thing, Pinballs, and for some reason Time Outs.

I'm not allowed to know what it will be, and I haven't been invited to the shops for the purchasing of said treats, so I am nervous as you can imagine. I can't believe people on social media are arguing about who should start when my snack situation remains lost in chaos! 

[Somniloquism]

The big one tonight!

My plan to get the other half to agree to ordering a pizza have come to naught, on account of the kick-off time being so late. But I have been promised we can have one for the first England game at a reasonable kick-off and I haven't dared check if there will be one.

Third group game is 2200 but as long as England don't throw away top spot, July 1st is 1700 ko. If we finish 2nd it is early hours on July 3rd. So as long as 1700 isn't seen as an silly early time for Pizza, you should be fine.

Edit: Assuming winning group, after the 1st July, you are then looking at the Semifinal and final as 2000 kick-offs. If we finished 2nd and then win all matches, they all seem to be 2000 at the moment.

PS, I haven't taken into account changes due to 3rd place finished but I don't think that affects the 1st and 2nd teams.

[martin o`who??]

I was quite optimistic about our prospects without falling into the "It's coming home" trap but after seeing the Argies, Germany and France and even some of the African sides I feel we'll be also rans again. Please England before I step off this mortal coil will you win the fucking thing just once more please.

[Somniloquism]

Has England finally plugged the leaks as no team news yet on who is starting.

[Dave]

My money would be on exactly the same team, but Guehi in for Stones.