The Soccer Thread (Version 13) — Winter World Cup Edition

When they get the triangles working, they are unreal. Everyone is so good and relaxed on the ball and KdB might be my favorite player to watch.

 

The Ref Union has a new hero.

 

Wrexham - Notts County is bonkers. 3-2 to Team Hollywood. There have been three goals in the last 10 minutes.

 

I've enjoyed the show, but I now have some additional stakes thanks to old Watford keeper Ben Foster coming out of retirement to help see the team through to the end. He made a gigantic save on a penalty yesterday.

 

Bayern falling apart against City.

 

It's A step. Not a particularly big one given how much of a presence gambling ads will still have, but a step nonetheless.

 

In semi-related news here in Ontario: Ontario proposing to ban online gambling ads featuring athletes, celebrities

 

Good thing he has all those riyals with which to dry his tears.

 

I’m damn sick of all the soccer sites breathlessly covering Ronaldo playing for a shit team in a shit league.

 

It'll get exponentially worse if Al Hilal -- Saudi Arabia's answer to the Yankees or Real Madrid -- actually sign Messi. The numbers reportedly being waved at him are even bigger than Ronaldo's, which would make a certain Portuguese individual very annoyed.
The dream of bringing Messi and Cristiano together in Saudi Arabia has been dashed

 

Reporting from the Championship ...

Burnley is back up next year. Barring a massive collapse, Sheffield United will join them. Blades are eight points clear of third with four to play. Luton (gross) and Middlesbrough are in great shape to make the promotion playoffs. Gets a little muddled after that as the seven clubs sitting 5th through 12th are all within six points of each other. A second season in the Championship is actually preferable to this Watford supporter as the 'Orns as currently constructed would humiliate themselves in the Prem next season and be right back down anyway. Four points out of the second playoff spot with four to play.

 

The second RM goal yesterday was absolutely gorgeous