complixicata1

Well, wasn't that an embarrassment. Difficult to say just how good the Germans are at this stage, Portugal just folded, even before the sending off.

The 13 so-called "baseball writers" who didn't vote to enter him into Cooperstown should be named and shamed.

Just heard the terrible news that Mr. Padre, Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn, has died after losing his battle with cancer. RIP, gone way too soon. No matter which team you follow, you have to pay your respects and acknowledge a true great. http://espn.go.com/m...ego-padres-died

At the rate they're going, it could easily be 10. EDIT: not trying to condone Pepe's retaliation, but, having seen the replays, Thomas Muller is a FUCKING SCUMBAG for his initial reaction. This bullshit should not be a "part of the game", FIFA should have stamped out all of this crap years ago.

Yes they do. They just don't seem to miss when it really matters. Apart from in a shootout the 1976 European Championships, but let's face it, none of the regulars were probably alive back then... Edit: Pepe, you DICK. Muller was a dumbass, agreed, but if he's going to do that, he has to go.

Yes indeed. 6pm ET.

The BBC are reporting on their website that Carvalho is set to start, so let's hope that the Portuguese management have the balls to give him a go.

Well said cuda. It's all about getting experience now, whether it's for three matches or more here. Then it's on to what should be a solid qualifying campaign for Euro 2016, and then crack on from there. As for the present, this Rooney issue needs sorting out once and for all. Clearly he's uncomfortable playing on the left, just stick him in the Number 10 role, or don't play him at all. Simple as that. So on to today, and of course the big match between Deutschland and Portugal. I hope CR7 is fully fit for this, I don't believe that Portugal can win this one otherwise. The Germans will be their usual efficient selves. Other predictions, Nigeria to beat Iran, and perhaps we might see the first draw of the tournament when the USA play Ghana.

Now, I was going to come along and play this week, whilst simultaneously watching TEAM USA's debut in the competition tonight against Ghana... But then overtime opportunities were made available at work, and to be frank I need the money. So have fun knocking a 'ball' around in your Minis...

Count me amongst one of the England fans who does NOT keep going on about that year. Honestly, people have lived and died in the years in between. Meanwhile, the attitude of the Honduran players against France has been a fucking disgrace. I hope France (and every other team in the group) go on to destroy their sorry asses.

Maradona four years ago, now that WAS pure comedy. You have to wonder if he was just there as a figurehead, with some lackeys doing the actual coaching.

Oh well, with a big que sera sera, let's move on. Today sees Switzerland vs Ecuador, France vs Honduras, but the big match today should be Argentina vs Bosnia and Herzegovina. Messi finally enters the fray, and let's see what Argentina are made of, many people have them to win the whole thing. But don't underestimate Bosnia. Edin Dzeko is in fine form for club and country and Argentina shouldn't take him lightly. In addition, he should be talked up as one of the candidates for top scorer in tournament. Why? I reckon there are plenty of goals to be had against Iran and Nigeria, and he could easily have an Oleg Salenko* type game against either of them. *This be a dude who scored a record five goals in one game back in the 1994 tournament, and ended up joint top scorer as a result.

Yeah, it's not bad. Can't believe I've been up for nearly 23 hours, what with work and watching all four games back-to-back-to-back-to-back. I'm probably on my fifth wind or something...

Can't forget Sterling though. But I'm guessing you wouldn't want Welbeck in there judging from your comments earlier. So, if anybody had this after the first round of games, they're either very optimistic Costa Ricans, a bookmaker's wet dream, or straight-up fucking liars...

Yeah, pretty much. And for Wales, you could easily substitute Scotland or Ireland (Northern and Republic).

Damn Firm, say what you really think mate... Maybe he should have played behind the main striker as he usually does, he might have been more effective. But that chance he missed in space late in the second half...the great players would have put that one away.

Just got to remember that this is a young team. They'll improve. Italy were professional in their win, but it's not as if they battered England all over the place. There will be A LOT of hysteria in the English media over the next few days, but it will be mostly forgiven in they beat Uruguay on Thursday.

I was born in the then town (now city) of Wolverhampton, West Midlands, England, UK. Since then I have lived in many places, but the coolest place I have ever lived in is Manchester. At present I live across the border in Wales, in a city called Swansea (Abertawe in Welsh). Contrary to popular belief, the Welsh are NOT a nation of sheep-shaggers, and not really as anti-English as they'd have you believe. They only tend to beat the Welsh flag when our respective countries take each other on in sporting contests.

Yeah, the final ball in was bad, and some of those corner kicks...Jesus. The press are going to go all guns blazing for Wayne Rooney. Let's see how many of the papers call for him to be dropped.

Yeah, too right. Like watching a bloody Serie A game. I want to see England close down more. Anyway, substitutions. Who would you like to see come on? Personally, I want to see what Barkley can do... Oh, BOLLOCKS!!!!!! Fucking Balotelli...CANNOT feed him in that area!!!!!!! And it's FULL-TIME. Fair play, England battled hard, but Italy did what they needed to do, and fair play to them. Just need to beat both Uruguay and Costa Rica, and hope for the best...

Dude, you're gonna be SO fucked. Plenty of coffee, Red Bull, Relentless and Pro Plus methinks. Anyway, the game. Half-time, 1-1. Very tasty. Shame about the England physio getting fucked up though.

I just like the fact that, with all of their exotic sounding names, Costa Rica's best player was a man named Joel Campbell. A lesson never to write anyone off. Maybe CR heard all of the rubbish about them supposed to be whipping boys, and took appropriate action. Yes, idiotic sending off. But their number 11 should have been booked as well for the unnecessary shove.

So then, the countdown to the biggest game of the tournament so far* is in its closing stages. I've been awake since 5am BST for work, so I'm going to be tired as hell come full-time, but I'll be cheering the Three Lions on as loud as I can, and willing them on to a hopeful win against the Azzuri. I'm not naive, of course it won't be easy, but England have to go for three points, and be bold in doing so. Dup, Firm, if either of you read this, what's the atmosphere been like in your respective corners of England? As you might imagine, very few people give a shit about it here in Swansea, even though I found it surreal as hell to see a Welshman wearing an England top in my work's canteen earlier. *artistic licence of course Quick edit: Damn, how about Costa Rica taking a shock 2-1 lead against a Suarez-less Uruguay (who is warming up as I type)? CR have looked the better team in the second half, talk of them being the whipping boys was of course premature.

What. The. Actual. Fuck?!?!?!?! Dutch probably should have scored at least 8. And that Torres miss at the end, comedy gold.

Hi to all new people.