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

[Rudy Can't Fail]

This chap was not happy;

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7391611/2026/06/24/world-cup-commentator-paraguay-almiron/

"Vera called Gianni Infantino, the FIFA president, and Ivan Barton, the match referee, 'f—ing thieves' during his rant, and also accused them of 'killing football'. He also used the term 'sons of b—-es' more than 20 times."

While I can't comment on the referee, he got it spot on about Infantino.

That's brilliant, calling them 'sons of b—-es' more than 20 times" deserves applause but I expect Ronaldo to beat that record in the coming days. The ref should have also sent off the Turkish player for running to him to grass up Almiron. Nobody likes a grass.

[Ads]

It probably helps that the reputation of both sets of supporters goes before them
 When Scotland are in town it's party time. When England arrive the disaffected youth of the locale can misbehave knowing who will get the blame. The agenda had already been set in Boston before the first English fans got there, and finding the main Irish bar closed and gloating doesn't help. In fact, given Boston's traditional links with the more politicised sections of the Irish diaspora, it was daft having them there at all.

Seems odd that they take no issue with the Scots, whose descendents now occupy 6 of the 9 counties of Ulster, if they're leaning into grievances. Not that I think the animus towards England is well thought out or for that matter widespread with Bostonians (who will be overwhelmingly English in ancestry). My mates had a blast in the bars with locals all decked out in England shirts just enjoying the ale and a good time.

[PeterWithesShin]

The video we've all been waiting for

[Pat McMahon]

Could Brazil and Portugal meet each other before the Final? How many injuries would make for a good watch in such a game?

Who would you like to see injured?

Well, I'd probably start with Fernandes and Cunha.

Throw in Palhina -no idea if he’s in the squad- and we can go for injury followed by a bout of dysentery while undergoing treatment in hospital

[ADVILLAFAN]

Saw serial Brazilian/Portuguese cheat Pepe was in the crowd for the Scotland game.

[Dave]

Could Brazil and Portugal meet each other before the Final? How many injuries would make for a good watch in such a game?

Who would you like to see injured?

Well, I'd probably start with Fernandes and Cunha.

Throw in Palhina -no idea if he’s in the squad- and we can go for injury followed by a bout of dysentery while undergoing treatment in hospital

He ain't.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Could Brazil and Portugal meet each other before the Final? How many injuries would make for a good watch in such a game?

Who would you like to see injured?

Well, I'd probably start with Fernandes and Cunha.

Throw in Palhina -no idea if he’s in the squad- and we can go for injury followed by a bout of dysentery while undergoing treatment in hospital

i like your thinking Pat, I've wanted Palhinha broken in two since his reckless assault on Bouba. Hope he's enjoying the TV coverage, Bayern telling him he's not wanted, Sporting not wanting to waste their money, nobody in the PL interested and Betis or somebody in Spain his only option. Karma!

Not arsed about Fernandes, he's doing himself more harm the more he plays right now, 'Player of the Season'? Somebody was really taking the piss. Pepe is easy to hate but you'd love him in your team every now and then, Sergio Ramos was far, far worse.

Cunha is annoying, worse since he signed for Man U but doesn't come close to the show pony that is Neymar.

[Pat McMahon]

Could Brazil and Portugal meet each other before the Final? How many injuries would make for a good watch in such a game?

Who would you like to see injured?

Well, I'd probably start with Fernandes and Cunha.

Throw in Palhina -no idea if he’s in the squad- and we can go for injury followed by a bout of dysentery while undergoing treatment in hospital

He ain't.

That’s a shame for him.  Maybe he could get dysentery at home instead

[Chip Butty 111]

I would love to see Brazil get another shoeing at the WC, some of their players are absolute twats.