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

[cdbearsfan]

So, an actually good use of VAR. Of course UEFA aren't going to introduce it. 🙄

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c89nlvwx410o

[PeterWithesShin]

The White House has defended the Argentinian football team's right to free speech after they controversially waved a banner in support of their country's territorial claim to the Falkland Islands while celebrating their World Cup win against England.

Argentina face potential disciplinary action from Fifa over the incident which could breach rules on political statements.

Asked whether players were in the wrong, Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House Fifa task force, said on Friday that the team had the opportunity and ability to "make those statements" in the US.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2rmjk0740o

[cdbearsfan]

Nothing wrong there. It is a FIFA issue not a USA issue. They aren't going to round up the Argentina team and lock them up.

They aren't Black.

[Somniloquism]

Of course if the statement had been against the US, I expect the definition of allowed free speach will be different.

Hopefully the Spainish fans boo Trump relentlessly during the final, especially as he has beef with the country at the moment.

[Dogtanian]

It doesn’t really bother me, I think it’s all silly.

But I wonder whether they’d have supported the Iranian player’s right to wave a big banner about a war?

[pauliewalnuts]

I don’t care about the banner but that Enzo Fernandes cones across as exactly the sort of cunt you’d expect to play for Chelsea.

[The Man With A Stick]

Not sure if anyone's mentioned it yet but the last time these two played each other in a World Cup was at Villa Park in '66, which I found surprising.  Pretty sure my Dad went to that one.

[Dave]

Not sure if anyone's mentioned it yet but the last time these two played each other in a World Cup was at Villa Park in '66, which I found surprising.  Pretty sure my Dad went to that one.

Yeah, it's hard to think of a competitive match-up that is fresher than this one.

And while I'd rather England were in it, it's clearly a more interesting game now than Spain - England again, or France - Argentina again.

[PeterWithesShin]

I'm hoping Spain smash them. I was pleased for Emi and Messi last time but the way their players behaved after the France and England games along with how an element of their fans were towards England fans means fuck 'em.

[Monty]

There are nice things I would enjoy about an Argentina retention, but the stink around them this World Cup - and most of all maybe, the relative er relationships Trump has with Milei and Sanchez - makes it pretty easy for me to pick a side.

[SamTheMouse]

A 5-0 win for Spain would be perfect.