Definitely! The coach? Insits he wants to stay (like Löw). The managing dirdctor, who is in that function since I think 18 years, says he wants to stay (he has seen all failures of recent tournaments, the full paralysis of the past decade, and the PR show of the slogan "Die Mannschaft" that alienated fans from the DFB for trying to commercialise the fans themselves, is his work, but he does not draw consequences form it??) Several other chieftains in the DFB also stay although they should have been kicked many years ago for over the failures in results. Nobody feels responsible everybody has a lame axcuse.


Anmd the players? They lack character to me. They lack the willigness to be dirty, and unadapted. They are a group of well-mannered, docile, housebroken, politically correct responding boys. The ideologic Germany may love that. But for the professional world that is not good enough.

There is a cartoon, but i did not find it – was posted on WhatsApp before Spain-Germany:
A spanish proud black bull in 'full steam', against a small shy geman rainbow unicorn with a rainbow turd..
:haha:

Surprised to see Cameroon bat Brazil but the truth of the matter was, there was nothing at stake.

Brazilian soccer legend Pelé is no longer receiving chemotherapy, but palliative care, according to the Folha de S.Paulo newspaper. The São Paulo-based newspaper reported Saturday that 82-year-old Pelé is dealing with metastases of cancer in his body. Since chemotherapy no longer helps, doctors would now want to make sure the former top soccer player is in as little pain as possible.

The game was not overbearing, but the Dutch team secured a spot in the World Cup quarterfinals with a 3-1 victory over the United States. It was all about the entertainment value of the Dutch team beforehand. It was not particularly high in the first three group matches. Against the United States, the Dutch finally showed some total football, If only on a whim. Otherwise, there was little to enjoy about the Dutch team. The United States was dominant, and the Netherlands was motionless and hesitant.

Netherlands...possibly the best team never to have won the World Cup.

Messages of support for Brazil great Pele have been sent from across the world while the three-time World Cup winner is being treated in hospital.

The 82-year-old was admitted to hospital in Sao Paulo on Tuesday, saying it was a routine monthly visit.

However a report in Brazil, which has not been confirmed by the BBC, says he is now beginning end-of-life care after not responding to chemotherapy.

"Pray for the King," France forward Kylian Mbappe tweeted.

The three-time World Cup winner had a tumour removed from his colon in September 2021 and has since had regular treatment.

Pele was diagnosed with a respiratory infection and on Friday Sao Paulo's Hospital Albert Einstein said he was in a stable condition.

Speaking on Saturday, England captain Harry Kane said: "We are very sad to hear news of him being ill but we wish him well, not just me but the whole England set-up. He's an inspiration, an incredible person."

World Cup-winning former Germany forward Jurgen Klinsmann, speaking on BBC One's World Cup coverage on Saturday, said: "Pele is just such a wonderful person. The outstanding personality of world football. We can just pray and hope for the best but it's very sad news."

Former Argentina defender Pablo Zabaleta added on BBC One: "It's very sad news to hear about Pele. He's been a true inspiration for all of us, on and off the pitch. He's always been a great man."

World Cup host nation Qatar showed its support for Pele on Saturday, lighting up buildings with a "Get well soon" message.

The Lusail Stadium in Doha, which will host the World Cup final on 18 December, and the Aspire Tower next to the Khalifa Stadium, were adorned with pictures of Pele in his famous number 10 shirt.

Concerns were initially raised on Wednesday when ESPN Brasil reported Pele had been admitted, with his daughter Kely Nascimento saying there was "no emergency" involved.

Pele thanked well-wishers on Friday for sending "good vibes" and said his stay in hospital was "a routine visit".

The former striker is Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 77 goals in 92 games and scored in four World Cup tournaments.

Santos, his only Brazilian club, tweeted: "It's the whole world wishing you well, King Pele".
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63846935

In 1978 The Netherlands was in the Final against Argentina-If the result stands between Arg-Aus-Then they will meet again.

They were also in the 1974 Final

Markus

Oh and but not going to happen this time either. :D

In fact, the Netherlands is among the ten best performing countries at a World Cup finals. The Netherlands was among the top four teams at a World Cup four times. In 1974, 1978 and 2010, the Dutch team lost the World Cup final, and in 1998 it finished fourth after being eliminated by Brazil in the semifinals after penalty kicks. No other country has been in a World Cup final so many times without ever winning the tournament. :D that also is something to be proud of :O:

I know that Markus hence the statement "never to have won"

The Netherlands is the last of my favorite team left in the tournament.

I cross my fingers and hope The Netherlands send the Argentines home this Friday 9th of December.

It was not the Argentina who played well-It was the Aussies who played terrible-The 2-0 goal tsk tsk.

Markus

England v Senegal tonight but what team of Southgate's favourites will be picked :nope:

England make one change from the win over Wales, with Bukayo Saka replacing Marcus Rashford in the starting XI

France 3 1 Pologne, et voilà!:) for the moment....!:hmmm:

I must say that they are candidate to play the final. I still believe the Netherlands will take the trophy this time, though.

Markus

A sad story for this British football player

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sp...ly-matter.html

Markus

England to face France next and I hope I'm wrong but I expect France to win.

Next up is Japan v Croatia and Brazil v South Korea

Japan and Brazil for the win.