The Football Complainer Returns

Well, that was a pretty good month. I was worried it was going to be similar to Euro 2016, with not many goals, cagey defensive games, teams playing for a draw, and an unworthy winner (sorry Portugal and CR7, but you got lucky). OK, there were still a few defensive games, and many still played for draws, but we had plenty of goals, France were (probably) then best team in the tournament, and at least the most consistent. Most importantly, despite the good football, I still had two main points to complain about, so here are my highlights. STOP COMPLAINING ABOUT ENGLAND Well, what where expecting from England. Last 16, maybe quarters at a push? Well, OK we were probably helped by Germany flopping out, and somehow finally learning how to win a penalty shootout, but congratulations England on exceeding expectations, giving us something to cheer about for once, and coming so close to the final. Yet, despite all the positive vibes during the tournament, the instant the final whis...

Well the squads are finalised, and with just over a week to go, I think most of us are ready for the World Cup. I’ve spent a bit of time (too much really) looking over the stats and different teams, and ready to announce my full predictions. Please don’t get offended, but here is TFC’s predictions for the Group staes and beyond. GROUP A: Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Uruguay With Russia guaranteed as seeds, Group A was always likely to be the “Group of Life”, although I think Uruguay should qualify easily as group winners. I don’t know much about Saudi Arabia at all, but I can’t see them pulling up any trees, and Egypt and Russia will be fighting it out for second place. I would normally back the hosts, but I haven’t been impressed with them in what I’ve seen, so providing Mo Salah returns in time, I think Egypt will come second.   GROUP B: Portugal, Spain, Iran, Morocco Not much to say here, but I think everyone will be deeply shocked if the two European sides don’t...