We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!
It's one more kickabout for an experiment England side against Belarus at Wembley today. The real business was sorted out long ago, so this is merely a lap of honor for the boys. Join me if you're watching.
posted by The Blue Devil @ 1:25 PM
We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!
257 Comments:
Ukraine have already knocked Andorra for six earlier today, so they've booked their ticket into the playoffs ahead of Croatia who could only manage a 1-2 win against Borat.
All eyes later today on Portugal, who need a win against Malta and Sweden against Albania, not to mention Denmark v. Hungary at the top of the group. Cor!
Not sorry that Croatia misses this. Slavan Bilic has received a courtesy pass for his shameful cheating that denied Laurent Blanc an appearance in a French won World Cup final. I've never heard him admit it and certainly no apology, not that an apology would do in my opinion. There's only one possible way to treat Bilic and that's to shun him. I know Trev, he's an ex-Iron, but I don't hold it against West Ham, just Croatia.
I'd also like to see the Czechs fail so that the fragile Rosicky doesn't get broken into bits in S. Africa or do so well that those Spanish serpents come slithering his way to offer him a manzana.
I am here for the first half only. England are already 1-0 up. Crouchie with the goal
Glad to see Croatia out
Hiya Davy. Somebody just emailed me that Cyprus is already 2-0 up away to Italy. Crikey, don't want to see those guys anywhere near England or the USA.
Hey Steve
I did see they were losing one nil! Now it is two?
Of course, Italy have already won the group!
Czech R are drawing with NI at half time
Don't the Cechs need to win?
Portugal already have their goal that they need
England's starting line up by the way
Foster, Johnson, Ferdinand, Terry, Bridge, Lennon, Lampard, Barry, Wright-Phillips, Crouch, Agbonlahor.
Subs: Hart, Upson, Ashley Cole, Milner, Carrick, Beckham, Carlton Cole.
Sweden are two up against Albania but it means nowt if Portugal win.. still 1 nil
Sweden are three up
COME ON MALTA
I think you're right. I'm supporting the other team against both Portugal and the Czechs, for equally negative reasons.
You're right about Italy of course. Their heart is not in this. They'll be making the hand motions for "Mama, put the pasta in the water now" ten minutes from time.
England haven't done much since I have been on
27 minutes in
Good run in the box by Johnson and then muffs his shot... goes out for a throw in
Germany and Finland drew today. Wonder why it was an early kick off
If it was in Finland, they flood the pitch for night hockey.
You're funny...lookin
BTW it is in Germany... there goes your ice hockey theory!
Bugger!!
"Sweden are doing their bit to make the play-offs in Group One. They're 3-0 up at half-time against Albania. It's all academic though, unless Portugal slip up against Malta. And they've just gone 2-0 up against the minnows."
Interesting
From Tom in Chorlton, Manchester, via text on 81111: "Just wondering. If Beckham comes on, he would be the first bearded England player since...?"
Hungary beating Denmark away... why didn't they do that in Portugal
Belarus have a good shot from a free kick. Saved by Foster.. he spilled it but got it back
Wales two up in Liechtenstein
Don Fab not a happy chappy on the sidelines.
Arms folded! At least he hasn't got a brolley
Italy have a goal back
Good news for Gooner
Simon Church is fouled on the left-hand edge of the penalty area and Aaron Ramsey steps up to curl the free-kick into the top corner. Lovely strike, and the teenager's first goal for his country.
Italy have tied it up just like that!
Is the answer Ben Foster? Or Matt Upson? I'm not dignifying that silly-arse scrub that Aaron Lennon minces about with.
I would think those peachfuzz attempts don't count.
I am thinking someone like Bob Latchford!
12 to go in Parma
This is something like the fourth pitch that has been laid at Wembley
HOPELESS
Into 1 minute of added time
Not too good by the Three Lions
Half time
I am off to watch Matt play
I'll comment on tonight's matches
Righto. I'm going to the US versus Costa Rica one. Steve.
Great, banter lads. Really enjoyed the jibes at the Italians and the conversation about beardy players. Bob Latchford - now that takes me back!
GOAL! Crouchie gets his brace with a fine effort for 3-0. SWP with the other second half goal.
Portugal are coasting it at 3-0 against the Maltese with goals from Nani, Simao and Veloso. That should do them for second place regardless of what the Swedes do.
The Czechs are officially done, the Gooner will be happy to see. Slovenia will take the second slot in Group 3.
The Italians have pulled off the Great Escape with a hat-trick from Gilardino in the 78th, 81st and 90th minutes! Wow! 3-2 there.
The Swiss have drawn with Israel while Greece have won 2-1 with Luxemburg. It's tight in that group so I'm not quite sure how that group will play out.
So, England win three nil! I was reading the BBC and David Beckham was named man of the match! He doesn't know why. It was Steve Bruce who gave it out
The Italians come back and win... of course they do
Come on USA!
I have a p2p Spanish speaking link for the Urg vs Arg match
23 gone and no score
Argentina is 15 minutes away from South Africa
Still scoreless
I didn't even know that the England match was on FS this afternoon. I was watching the first half on the computer!!
It is being replayed at 11 tonight
10 to go for Argentina to hold on
Crowd doesn't look that big at JFK
Where are you mates Stevo??
Uruguay just went down to ten men. Second bookable offense.
Looking good for the Argies
From the resulting free kick.. Argentina score the goal that surely takes them to South Africa
Diego is going crazy on the sidelines.... he didn't do his belly dive like on Saturday
From the resulting free kick.. Argentina score the goal that surely takes them to South Africa
Diego is going crazy on the sidelines.... he didn't do his belly dive like on Saturday
Messi being replaced by Tevez
He's a football genius, El Diego. Moments after bringing Mario Bolatti on, the youngster seals Argentina's berth at the World Cup finals
I hope that isn't Steve shirtless in DC.... not a pretty sight!
Well into injury time
ARGENTINA HAVE QUALIFIED FOR THE WORLD CUP FINALS!!!!
Maradona going nuts on the field and now is surrounded by the press on the field.
The hosts are complaining to the referee for some reason.
Uruguay will finish fifth and take on the CONCACAF fourth place team
Heya Dave. I hope you're sticking around for the U.S. v. Ticos match, because I'm set up to enjoy it at the end of a long teaching week.
US team
Howard
Bornstein
Bocanegra
Onyewu
Cherundolo
Donovan
Bradley
Feilhauber
Holden
Casey
Altidore
Shame, I was hoping that the Argies would need to play off against the Ticos.
We're off in DC
Let's be havin you Dahlgren!
Looks a bit parky tonight at RFK. I hope that the Gooner's got his anorak on. Brrr....
0103: These are truly astonishing scenes. Carlos Bilardo and Diego Maradona are hugging, in tears on the Centenario pitch, surrounded by what seems like a million press men. El Diego does emotional better than most - but even for him, this is an outpouring.
Early corner from Donovan knocked straight to the CR keeper.
Hey Bob, I am here
End of a week!!! It's bloody Wednesday!!!
I didn't see the Diego belly flop in the mud on Saturday - did you?
It may be Wednesday, but I'm done!
Have they mentioned Charlie Davies yet in the build up?
I see Leeds take on Norwich on Monday night.
There is a prem game on that day too but let's hope there is some kind of computer coverage!
Yup,
Bob Ley opened the show up with it. It showed the car.
Yikes!
Jozy's not getting playing time at Hull - really?
I did see the Maradona slide!!
ESPN showed it at some point
Yeah, I'm hoping too. I did see that our Johnstone's Paint Trophy Northern Section QF match against Grimsby Town is also going to be on the box. Lovely!
I've got to check that out on YouTube.
Classic TV there!
Now, now, no need to be sarky! ;-}
Who has the upper hand between Honduras and CR
Who has to do better than the other?
Pretentious? Moi?
You and the Gooner were on fire this afternoon. Classic LOB banter!
Oh dear - that was from the Darren Bent school of finishing from Casey.
What a miss by Casey!!
USELESS
Thank you for kind words
WHo was the last player to have a beard playing for England?
Great save by Howard.
Great volley.... how was he so wide open at the back post?
There are the #9 signs that Gooner mentioned earlier. Nice show from the Sammers.
Don't pick on Darren? He is one of the Prem's top scorers
The Ticos are two points up on Honduras on 15 points to Honduras's 13. They just need a draw then.
Alright, alright - his brother Marcus then.
Last bearded player. Hmmm....
Got to be someone from the 70s.
End to end stuff here. Should be about 2-2 at this point. Good chances for both sides.
Well, if they draw that would be 16 points
If Honduras get the win they will be on 16
Honduras have a +5 GD and CR are at 0
BOB LATCHFORD!!
Alright, alright - no need to yell. Hasn't Cashley had a beard from time to time?
Frank Lampard Sr played twice for England!
That designer stuff doesn't count!
Okay, Statto. They need to match Honduras then. Boy, you're harder than the bloody students on me. I'm knackered, I said. It's the end of a long week.
I wonder if Frank Lampard, Jr. ever gets the caps out and waves them in his dad's face?
I repeat.. it's WEDNESDAY!!
I wish I was done!
Casey's stinking it up. What was he doing falling over there?
Bloody hell - the Ticos score? Gooner won't be happy.
0-1.
Costa Rica take the lead... nice goal
How often has Bob Bradley's side given up the first goal in this qualifying campaign. It seems like every match is a late rescue act.
Interesting betting line
WILLIAM HILL offer odds of 11/4 that newly bearded David Beckham will be completely clean shaven when England's first match in the World Cup finals kicks off, and 1/4 that he is sporting a beard,designer stubble, goatee, moustache or some other variety of facial hair. (Stakes refunded if Beckham not in squad). 'It is difficult to imagine that Fabio Capello will want his players running out for World Cup games looking like extras from Pirates of the Caribbean' said Hill's spokesman Graham Sharpe.
I am FASCINATED by the beard talk!
Okay, I'll stop!
Ticos fans in the crowd - they've got some cheek. "There's gonna be a nasty accident!"
Let's hope that the wager is refunded because Fabio wakes up from his dream and realizes that Becks is done. I don't want him in the squad. We've already got Theo, Lennon, SWP....
Bloody hell - it's 0-2 and the Ticos are in dream land!
Bloody Hell
TWO NIL!!!
THUNDERBOLT!!
How did that bloke get such an open shot. Ticos are going to South Africa.
Same bloke?
Where is the defense??
Could you imagine if we needed something from this!!
These guys walloped us in CR as well!!
Jozy brought down.... free kick chance for Landon
Blue Devil is so upset...is buggered off!
Did his best Johnny Wilkinson impersonation!
Bob, I said I wouldn't mention beards any more!
Come Back!
Still scoreless in the other match
This bloke is going to send someone off tonight. I can sense it!
Foul called on keeper. Never was... keeper acts like he was shot!
TandT are beating Mexico
Use back on top of the group
That is US not use
Donovan hits a stinker on a break!
I'm back. I had to deal with an irritating telemarketer.
Pick up the phone..hang up the phone
More Marcus Bent finishing from the U.S. strikers.
I actually wanted what they were selling. But she was still pissing me off.
Not a good sign for the telemarketing industry
Nice cross by Borenstein
Jozy looks as if he's begging for a second yellow.
Another free kick chance for Landy
Nice. Jozy sells a free kick right on the edge of the box. This might be a nice oppo for Landycakes.
I like Harksey telling the truth... never a foul
No, it's slid to Bradley who struck it into the advancing wall. Corner.
Harkesy's always about that.
Oh, Landycakes - WTF!
Casey leaves it for Donovan... nice save.
Come on US!!
Nice replay there from ESPN.
Oh dear - now Jozy's missed another one. Will they ever score?!
Jozy miles open and should have scored!!
Great save again.
Just like the "clown" Polish keeper at Wembley in '73
What's this now - something off the ball? A Ticos player is rolling about in the area.
Don't remind me of Tomashevski. I still have nightmares.
Who's playing for Aalborg?
Nice move from the U.S. ends in a corner. Should be time to take it.
Missed it
Half time
Not too good so far
Yeah, Jozy's got a Davies shirt under his jersey. You've got to score first, mate. Pull your finger out!
Half time - I'm not pleased.
Was it Charlie?
Red card count for the WC?
I miss Lexi with the long red hair in a headband and the beard. Great days!
I totally disagree with Robbie Mustoe. All the big boys have qualified? What about France, Portugal, Nigeria?
Second half starting up...let's hope for better stuff.
I agree.
What about the teams that did?
Serbia? Slovenia? Switzerland?
We're off
I am switching the channel with FSC for Sky Sports News.
They're about to talk to 'Appy 'Arry going back to Pompey this weekend
Great pass by Jozy and great cross but useless attempt by Bradley
What the bloody hell was that from Bradley? It's as if they've never seen the goal before.
It is the big rectangle at the end of the pitch!
And some of the sides in the playoffs are minnows as well - Bosnia, e.g.
Apparently it's not big enough for the U.S. lads tonight. Trust you to put it in math terms, then. What a nerd!
I keep hearing a whistle - must be in the crowd. It's really irritating.
Who will be the seeded teams?
France, Portugal, Greece, Russia?
or the Republic
Thank you for the nerd comment!
Love you too
Tell Steve to stop blowing his whistle!
Casey is hopeless!
Next you're going to have calculating the distance of the arc of the D, right Poindexter?
Well, what is the shortest possible distance from the top of the D to the arc of the center circle?
Dunno - up the middle?
That was a bit nasty from Casey.
Yes, up the middle
This question was asked to us during our RAF Referee clinic we took at Feltwell
Now let's make something from this corner, eh?
All caused by useless control by useless Casey
Wot, you've trained as a ref?
It's time to bring someone else on for Casey. Where's Ching?
Not Torres! He's the last thing we need. We need someone to stick it in the big rectangle.
You were there, weren't you?
I know I wasn't alone.
I remember we took a test and then were called back in for a oral test. We then sat for ages as people were called back in. I wasn't called back because I didn't need some extra points to pass.
You weren't there?
Fernando Torres!! Oh not him
That would be your equivalent of the Tommy Smyth "onion bag" line if you had Tommy's job:
"He's bisected Side A of the big rectangle!"
Mexico tie it up
Probably puts them on top again
I don't remember it if I were there.
I wish it were Fernando. We could use him. He knows his way to goal.
Honduras tie it up too
This has gotten tedious.
There's the goal for Honduras. If we can score three late ones like Italy did, it could help them out.
Maggie's at the game. I'm in Raleigh for work. Just put the game on the telly. Thank heaven we don't need a result.
The answer is 18 yards.
The shortest a field can be is 100 yards. So, half of it is 50. The top of the D is 22 yards out, 10 away from the penalty spot. The Center Circle is 10 yards wide. so that make 32, so it is 18 yards
T and T back on top
Evening John!
Now it's Robbie Rogers. Blimey - the squad is thin, isn't it. Holden to come off.
I swear you were with me.
Let's get one off this corner
Hey, Johnno. Have some of that tasty Carolina BBQ for me - I miss that stuff.
Next one
I like what Torres is doing.
I like what Torres is doing.
Evening lads . . . Carolina BBQ . . . you must not have been here in a while . . . I had a veggie burrito at Salsa Fresh.
Must be! Yes! Bradley at the second bite.
1-2!
Yes!!!
Bradley with the rebound.
I thought Landy should have shot first time
YESSSSSS
Yuck
Give me any type of BBQ
What - are you hanging out with a bunch of vegans!? Shsme.
Oh, he needs to finish that!
Oh, nearly a second from Rogers. It's the Trevor Brooking mojo on the LOB that's turned this one around.
Should have been the equalizer!
Stay on Sir Trevor
Migrant farm workers.
I would actually want CR to make it over Honduras
U.S. knocking it about nicely now.
Costa Rica should have kept attacking like the first half
Sir Trev in the House!
nice looking header
Good move
Jeez . . . Rogers! . . . that's twice he's Sally-ed two good scoring opportunities.
My favorite BBQ joint in Raleigh - Holy Smokes. Check it out:
http://www.holysmokesnc.com/
Kenny Cooper coming on? Why not!
Stop making me hungry
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