[xasop]

The Netherlands are shit. Turkey aren't.

The Netherlands beat Turkey 6–1 in September. If you're just trying to rile me up, maybe say things that make you look a little less dumb?

[Dr David Thork]

The Netherlands just threw away a 2 - 0 lead over Montenegro.

For context the last 2 times England played Montenegro (2019) the score lines were
England 7 - 0 Montenegro
and
Montenegro 1 - 5 England.

[Rama Set]

I always remembered Turkey being a perennial qualifier but man was I wrong.

[xasop]

The Netherlands just threw away a 2 - 0 lead over Montenegro.

Yes. That's my point. You're making an assumption about the outcome of Montenegro vs. Turkey which is probably correct, but not guaranteed. It is still possible for the Netherlands to qualify even if they lose to Norway.

[Rama Set]

Since England won in 1966 they have never made it further than the semi finals and have an average finish of 8th place. Over the same time span, the Netherlands have been runner up three times and have an average finish of 6th place.

[xasop]

Meanwhile, a far more interesting match is about to unfold in just a couple of hours. South Africa is almost guaranteed to qualify for the World Cup, but if Ghana beats them by 2 goals or more, they get to go instead. Grab your biltong and your Windhoek Lager and settle in for a deciding moment!

[Dr David Thork]

Meanwhile, a far more interesting match is about to unfold in just a couple of hours. South Africa is almost guaranteed to qualify for the World Cup, but if Ghana beats them by 2 goals or more, they get to go instead. Grab your biltong and your Windhoek Lager and settle in for a deciding moment!

South Africa need to go out. They are responsible for the vuvuzela. We don't want their fans at any world cup ever with those things.

[xasop]

South Africa need to go out. They are responsible for the vuvuzela. We don't want their fans at any world cup ever with those things.

I suppose if you can't beat them on the field, all you can do is complain about their fans.

[xasop]

So Wikipedia's time for the match is apparently wrong. But:

Ghana 1 – 0 South Africa

And apparently I miscalculated because Ghana is now going to the World Cup instead of South Africa. Let's hope the Netherlands does well on Tuesday, or I won't have a team to support.

[Dr David Thork]

And apparently I miscalculated because Ghana is now going to the World Cup instead of South Africa. Let's hope the Netherlands does well on Tuesday, or I won't have a team to support.

Apparently you can just pick someone else to support.

They have become synonymous with ineptitude and it is made worse by their blindly devoted fan base adoring them

What are we supposed to do? Support France instead? What a silly comparison.

I know you can’t fathom a world where your allegiances aren’t constrained by arbitrary borders, but it’s already out there.

You speak English. You should support England.

I suppose if you can't beat them on the field, all you can do is complain about their fans.

England have played South Africa 19 times. England have won 18 and drawn 1. Beating South Africa isn't a concern. We just don't want to listen to their awful vuvuzelas.



It ruined that world cup. Every game had that buzzing noise all the way through.

[xasop]

Luxembourg 0 – 3 Republic of Ireland

Maith sibh, a chairde!

Apparently you can just pick someone else to support.

Why would I do that?

You speak English. You should support England.

This might come as shocking news to you, but England is not the only English-speaking country in the world. The English don't even speak English particularly well, unless you compare them to the Americans.

[Dr David Thork]

Luxembourg 0 – 3 Republic of Ireland

Maith sibh, a chairde!

Celebrating a win over Luxembourg shows how new you are to football.

Apparently you can just pick someone else to support.

Why would I do that?

I don't know. Rama says borders don't matter. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

This might come as shocking news to you, but England is not the only English-speaking country in the world. The English don't even speak English particularly well, unless you compare them to the Americans.

wut?

[xasop]

Celebrating a win over Luxembourg shows how new you are to football.

What was it you were saying about a team needing your support the most when they're not doing so well?

I don't know. Rama says borders don't matter. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Do I look like Rama to you?

This might come as shocking news to you, but England is not the only English-speaking country in the world. The English don't even speak English particularly well, unless you compare them to the Americans.

wut?

Did you know that the word "saw" does not contain the letter "r"? John Lennon didn't.

[AATW]

Since England won in 1966 they have never made it further than the semi finals and have an average finish of 8th place. Over the same time span, the Netherlands have been runner up three times and have an average finish of 6th place.

So...that's England 1, The Netherlands 0 in terms of World Cups then.

It's the hope that kills you with England. Because we basically invented football we think we should be the best at it but we demonstrably aren't. That said, we do have a good side right now - semi-finals of the last World Cup, final of the Euros this year. But the final this year broke me. I'm not going to sing "it's coming home" again because it never bloody is. If we can't win a final at home then I bloody give up.

[Dr David Thork]

Tonight ... San Marino vs England

I predict:      San Marino 0 - 6 England

[AATW]

Tonight ... San Marino vs England

I predict:      San Marino 0 - 6 England

[xasop]

Tonight ... San Marino vs England

And more importantly, Northern Ireland vs Italy. The Italians are going to wipe the floor, but I'll be cheering for Ireland anyway.

This is an interesting one because, along with the simultaneous Switzerland vs Bulgaria match, it will decide which of Italy or Switzerland qualifies and which goes to the play-offs. They are currently tied for points, so every goal counts, even though it won't get Ireland anywhere.

[xasop]

So far, Italy has had several opportunities to score, but Bailey Peacock-Farrell's game is perfect tonight. Despite Italy being a far superior team, the score is still at 0–0 thanks to the Northern Irish goalkeeper. Keep it up, chaps!

[AATW]

Tonight ... San Marino vs England

I predict:      San Marino 0 - 6 England

You meant by half time, obviously.

[Dr David Thork]

Tonight ... San Marino vs England

I predict:      San Marino 0 - 6 England

You meant by half time, obviously.

Obviously. I'm not even watching the second half.