@theawayfans Croatia v England in 2008 in Zagreb, whole England end during the lock in sang ‘We Hate Setanta’
They had the rights for all away games during that couple year period
@No_twit_here11 I was pleasantly surprised by Qatar. Sceptical beforehand and unsure how a winter World Cup in such a small country would appeal, but on arrival it was brilliant. For avid football fans, the chance to attend 2 or 3 games a day was unique. Plenty came away with very good memories
7 days away from another World Cup & it all seems a little flat & not the usual hype, talk or excitement around it.
Not sure it’s been like that before (or within my lifetime) even with Qatar being a winter WC, still had the buzz around it all
@DidierBedini Great to see and do wish England & UK was the same, but just doesn’t feel it at the moment.
I’d say European Nations are little sceptical of the tournament as whole at the moment, but as it starts, that could change quickly
@dabearsblog On a side note, it was disappointing Chicago and Soldier Field wasn’t selected as Host City & Stadium. Visited in 2019 and loved it there. Even got a sneaky look inside Soldier during a setup day
@dabearsblog Considering I’m from England, I’m tweeting from our perspective.
Can’t speak for USA or other countries, so there could be excitement there, but everyone can see this WC seems to have had more negatives than positives in the build up
@AFCMet There was a good period of mid 2010’s to early 2020’s where Sky’s Cricket coverage and broadcasting team was the best they had. Head and Shoulders above all other sports they broadcasted. That would be across all formats of cricket as well
@GoalieInACell Been to 4 World Cups & 4 Euros & each time there has been a genuine excitement from football fans & non football fans in the run up to those tournaments.
This time, it feels like the UK & other nations aren’t as excited/enthusiastic about this one, which is a little surprising
@DownwardI Maybe, but we’ve previously had European Finals close to tournaments starting and still been a good anticipation and lead up to them, even more so when English clubs have been in them
@Aitch_GKR Maybe so, but you’d still have the buzz and anticipation with the start of the whole tournament being so close.
Some may be feeling but feel like majority aren’t as excited as previous WC
@BCAFCBH I feel like that’s normally the way of things here, this close to it. Pubs have the flags around but even that seems sparse this year.
Your trip looked brilliant btw, did Brazil for 2014 WC and it was brilliant watching football there & being on Copacabana for a Brazil game
@LeeAHinton95 Like you say, they are front and centre, along with all the retro shirts and t-shirts. 4th consecutive tournament we’ve had 2 or more home nations in, so you’d expect a lot more hype.
You out for the friendlies at all? Sadly, nothing for me this summer, unless we get to final
@StanCollymore Absolutely spot on XI. I’d have to go with Konsa. Him and Guehi have developed a good partnership and think he just edges it over Stones.
Never like to pick apart a tournament squad but some definite wrong choices here and omissions of players who deserve to be in.
One concern is I don’t see our defence being one to help us win the World Cup.
But, we get behind the 26 and in football, you never know 🏴