The TT Football Club

[Feña14]

Thanks that’s great ! Will have a listen soon.

No problem! Let me know what you think.

I had the Brazil preview on whilst making dinner earlier, another good listen. Definitely got me more in the mood for Copa America. It’ll be interesting to see how America do with hosting duties, feels like it’s a dress rehearsal for the World Cup.

 

[Gizo]

No problem! Let me know what you think.

I had the Brazil preview on whilst making dinner earlier, another good listen. Definitely got me more in the mood for Copa America. It’ll be interesting to see how America do with hosting duties, feels like it’s a dress rehearsal for the World Cup.

Will try to get through them at different stages this week, including when I should be working most likely !

The 2016 Copa América Centenario in the US was a huge success, and was more fun than the boring European Championships that same summer I thought. Though there were some big blunders such as the Chilean anthem being played instead of the Uruguayan one ahead of their opening match. Plus in terms of logistics, it felt that some teams including Uruguay with group games in Phoenix, then Philadelphia then California, had to travel too much - the different groups could have been more ‘localised’ in either the East or the West. I haven’t checked the venues of the matches this year yet.

But still the football was great, as were the attendances and TV ratings. After watching the 7-0 QF thrashing with despondent Mexicans, on a happier note I watched the semi-final and final with some delighted Chileans.

 

[Poisoned Slice]

Casemiro at CB is so bad he makes Maguire and Lindelof look like Nesta and Cannavaro.

Still better than Rudy Gobert.

''How can these things keep happening to a four time defensive player of the year?''

 

[Kralingen]

FFS Villa losing so Spurs have to try tomorrow to get top 4. They’re going to win 2-0 I promise. Maddison will play like prime Platini and Richy/Son will look like Ronaldo/Benzema

 

[Feña14]

Will try to get through them at different stages this week, including when I should be working most likely !

The 2016 Copa América Centenario in the US was a huge success, and was more fun than the boring European Championships that same summer I thought. Though there were some big blunders such as the Chilean anthem being played instead of the Uruguayan one ahead of their opening match. Plus in terms of logistics, it felt that some teams including Uruguay with group games in Phoenix, then Philadelphia then California, had to travel too much - the different groups could have been more ‘localised’ in either the East or the West. I haven’t checked the venues of the matches this year yet.

But still the football was great, as were the attendances and TV ratings. After watching the 7-0 QF thrashing with despondent Mexicans, on a happier note I watched the semi-final and final with some delighted Chileans.

Did I remember right, you said your partner was from Mexico? I misread at first and thought you were delighted at the 7-0 thrashing wouldn’t envy your Christmas at the in-laws.

Yeah, also the Premier League summer series in America has been pretty good recently. I’m not sure if it’s the Premier League running it, or if they let America handle everything. It always looks a bit strange seeing them playing in NFL stadiums, not necessarily in a bad way, they’re incredible. It just gives a very different feel to games. But yes, I think they’ll do a good job with the World Cup. The Copa America is the perfect tournament to iron out any final details.. like testing their anthem based trivia

 

[Gizo]

Did I remember right, you said your partner was from Mexico? I misread at first and thought you were delighted at the 7-0 thrashing wouldn’t envy your Christmas at the in-laws.

Yeah, also the Premier League summer series in America has been pretty good recently. I’m not sure if it’s the Premier League running it, or if they let America handle everything. It always looks a bit strange seeing them playing in NFL stadiums, not necessarily in a bad way, they’re incredible. It just gives a very different feel to games. But yes, I think they’ll do a good job with the World Cup. The Copa America is the perfect tournament to iron out any final details.. like testing their anthem based trivia

Yep a Mexican partner and in-laws, with them constantly complaining about how their current / recent national team are the worst they've had since the 70s. It's hard to disagree with that - they've been garbage during the past few years.

Over the weekend during the Liga MX playoffs, their favourite team Pachuca (so my favourite Mexican team by extension) unfortunately conceded a last gasp goal and were eliminated by America, the wealthiest and most successful club in the country. They were seconds away from victory and progressing to the next round. America love to flaunt their status (as do the powerful Mexican media outlets that openly support them), and so are despised by fans of other clubs.

Yes I'm sure the Copa America and the World Cup will be both great. The Copa America might be a welcome distraction for me this summer, from moaning about Southgate's selections and tactics ! The only downside I suppose, is that I quite liked it when the Copa America and Euros were in different summers, instead of going directly head to head.

I always think that the USA, England and Germany are the 3 countries that are most ready to go in terms of hosting major competitions, as there are already large, modern / modernish stadiums in place, that will definitely be used and filled by NFL / Premier League / Bundesliga teams in the aftermath, so no white elephants rusting away. And on the subject of Mexico, I always think that their US-based fans are among the passionate and devoted fans in world football, at least in world international football, routinely filling those large NFL stadiums for rinse and repeat friendlies against Ecuador, Paraguay, New Zealand etc. over the years.

 

[Poisoned Slice]

 

[Poisoned Slice]

It's still hilarious how he just drops the ball then starts dribbling. lol Yes, classic sweeper keeper, ahead of his time. Pep would have signed him for 200 million.

Loco, born in Acapulco.

 

[Poisoned Slice]

Hugo Sanchez' goalscoring record is very impressive. Yeah, I don't think there is much doubt about him being the greatest Mexican player.

As for the daily Man Utd spin. Word around the campfire says the team doesn't think Hojlund is up to it. hmmmmm, and I wonder what his thoughts are about the team. Hearing the ol ''he's not a Man Utd player.'' It's all mind-blowing as ever. Full on comedy tour, it has to be.

Duran Duran released a new hit late tonight.

 

[Feña14]

Yep a Mexican partner and in-laws, with them constantly complaining about how their current / recent national team are the worst they've had since the 70s. It's hard to disagree with that - they've been garbage during the past few years.

Over the weekend during the Liga MX playoffs, their favourite team Pachuca (so my favourite Mexican team by extension) unfortunately conceded a last gasp goal and were eliminated by America, the wealthiest and most successful club in the country. They were seconds away from victory and progressing to the next round. America love to flaunt their status (as do the powerful Mexican media outlets that openly support them), and so are despised by fans of other clubs.

Yes I'm sure the Copa America and the World Cup will be both great. The Copa America might be a welcome distraction for me this summer, from moaning about Southgate's selections and tactics ! The only downside I suppose, is that I quite liked it when the Copa America and Euros were in different summers, instead of going directly head to head.

I always think that the USA, England and Germany are the 3 countries that are most ready to go in terms of hosting major competitions, as there are already large, modern / modernish stadiums in place, that will definitely be used and filled by NFL / Premier League / Bundesliga teams in the aftermath, so no white elephants rusting away. And on the subject of Mexico, I always think that their US-based fans are among the passionate and devoted fans in world football, at least in world international football, routinely filling those large NFL stadiums for rinse and repeat friendlies against Ecuador, Paraguay, New Zealand etc. over the years.

Very nice! So Hot Pot Taco’s and Piñata’s filled with Chorley Cakes is the menu when you’re on hosting duties?

Can’t say I know too much about the Mexican league, my knowledge is limited to being somewhat aware that they have some crazy kits. All over Aztec patterns, Day of the Dead skulls, leopard print, a tigers head emblazoned on the front etc.. we really need to be given the chance to watch more of the top leagues over here. I think it’s only the Premier League (and even then we get less coverage than the rest of the world), Bundesliga, Serie A and Ligue 1. Very hard to get La Liga, and the rest are impossible, legally anyway. Sometimes we get the Copa Libertadores final, but the games leading up to it and domestic South American stuff? No chance.

 

[Poisoned Slice]

You might have already seen this, Gizo.

 

[Poisoned Slice]

haha All this talk about more leagues, I'm not bothered. Yes, I'm a Man Utd fan, I don't like football. Might have told you all 1000 times.

Weird how they stopped showing La Liga. I remember it most for Gerry Armstrong being the pundit. His goal against Spain in the 1982 World Cup won him the role. haha He scored 3 at that world cup. Fair play to him.

 

[Feña14]

haha All this talk about more leagues, I'm not bothered. Yes, I'm a Man Utd fan, I don't like football. Might have told you all 1000 times.

Weird how they stopped showing La Liga. I remember it most for Gerry Armstrong being the pundit. His goal against Spain in the 1982 World Cup won him the role. haha He scored 3 at that world cup. Fair play to him.

Yeah, it’s a bit strange. I’m guessing La Liga must be demanding astronomical fees for the rights. If they were reasonable you’d think Sky or TNT would snap them up quickly.

Edit. I’ve done some research and it seems La Liga are pushing their own app in the UK. £7 a month and you get to see every game, highlight shows, documentaries, studio analysis and the like.

Suppose that’s what the Premier League owners have been talking about doing themselves, keeping it all in house and the like, so fair play to them!

The only problem is I’ve never heard of it before, don’t know anyone who’s got it and reading the reviews on Amazon? The app doesn’t work half the time oh well.

 

[Feña14]

Another one?

At this rate we’ll have more Brazilians than an Essex beauty salon.

 

[Kralingen]

The worst case scenario tonight.

Either Spurs lose, and torpedo any remaining hopes of CL football next season, and conclude what has been an utterly miserable end of the season with a whimper.

Or, they summon some hidden greatness and get a result (win or draw) vs, and in doing so hand the title to Gunners like utter mugs.

I don’t even know if I can watch it.

 

[Poisoned Slice]

Do it for England, Spurs. The thought of City dropping points tonight and then Arsenal still failing to win the league.

''I gotta admit, it turns me on,''

But it doesn't really. In the end, it's City winning another title. Man Utd might not have even reached the height of embarrassment yet.

''The stadium has been leaking for decades but it didn't matter because we were winning.''

 

[Gizo]

Very nice! So Hot Pot Taco’s and Piñata’s filled with Chorley Cakes is the menu when you’re on hosting duties?

Can’t say I know too much about the Mexican league, my knowledge is limited to being somewhat aware that they have some crazy kits. All over Aztec patterns, Day of the Dead skulls, leopard print, a tigers head emblazoned on the front etc.. we really need to be given the chance to watch more of the top leagues over here. I think it’s only the Premier League (and even then we get less coverage than the rest of the world), Bundesliga, Serie A and Ligue 1. Very hard to get La Liga, and the rest are impossible, legally anyway. Sometimes we get the Copa Libertadores final, but the games leading up to it and domestic South American stuff? No chance.

Haha I definitely prefer Mexican cuisine over Lancashire hotpot. And the beaches there ‘just about’ beat the beaches in Morecambe and Blackpool.

The Liga MX is an entertaining, good quality league, with an impressive amount of parity, a refreshing change from the top European leagues. I’d say that it is still definitely better overall than the MLS, even though the gap there has closed in recent years. There is often a lot of exciting and dramatic matches, controversial incidents, crazy managers on the sidelines etc.

But its strength is directly damaging to the Mexican national team. It pays very good money, and so provides a tempting comfort zone for many Mexican players, who are happy to stay at home, be treated like royalty and generally stagnate, instead of moving to Europe, having to fight to place in a starting XI, playing at a higher level week in and week out and ultimately improving. Plus many Liga MX clubs are wealthy enough to buy players from non-Brazilian South American leagues, meaning that young Mexican players struggle to get regular minutes in the league.

You might have already seen this, Gizo.

Thanks. In my head cannon it finished after the 'Winning Formula' section though !

 

[Poisoned Slice]

Repeating myself, I'm sure, but the pick a best 11 would have been fun for Man Utd vs Blackburn back when it was the chief rivalry in England for those glorious few years. What a time to be alive.

As for the match now. Spurs making it easy for City. Kyle Walker seemed to have all the time in the world there. Spurs passing is filthy, but not in the way filth is described today. I'm talking literal filthy, Clyde.

 

[Kralingen]

Spurs are playing their best match all season FFS

 

[Poisoned Slice]

They're managing to keep hold of the ball now.

 

[Kralingen]

We’re actually bullying them. This is the best top to bottom performance since November. Ange masterclass. I’m so mad

 

[Kralingen]

Of course that doesn’t go in

 

[RS]

City to win the league.

 

[Poisoned Slice]

405 minutes of Premier League football.

That's how long it's been since City scored away vs Spurs.

 

[Kralingen]

Gunners have secured the title.

 

[Poisoned Slice]

405 minutes of Premier League football.

That's how long it's been since City scored away vs Spurs.

And it's over.

 

[RS]

 

[RS]

And it's over.

Aged well

 

[Kralingen]

City score. Peach of a ball from De Bruyne in the center, Haaland scores easily.

 

[RS]

City will get a 2nd soon.

 

[RS]

Beautiful.

 

[Kralingen]

Ange in.

 

[Poisoned Slice]

Ludo Miklosko to make a comeback on Sunday.

Bassett has now got his work cut out.

 

[Feña14]

We’re actually bullying them. This is the best top to bottom performance since November. Ange masterclass. I’m so mad

Your best performance since November?

I know the one you’re referring to

Losing both games when you perform your best isn’t ideal, but fortunately this one had a silver lining! Strange things happen on the final day, but this West Ham side who ship goals for fun and refuse to play for Moyes can’t stop City, surely?

 

[Poisoned Slice]

It's not really breaking news since we all knew it was happening, but we now have confirmation. Rafa Varane will not be continuing with the Man Utd project.

BBC. Yeah, it's hard to argue with any of this.

''It was pre-match, before a 5-1 win over Leeds, in a summer that also marked the arrivals of Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo. It seemed United were ready to really push for the top.

But Varane, like United as a whole, failed to match the hype.

He clearly is a class player. But he didn't look a good fit for the Premier League.

Varane has started fewer than 60 Premier League games across his three seasons and while his partnership with Lisandro Martinez was the anchor of United's third-place finish last term, injury to both has robbed the team of continuity and played a significant role in a collapse in form.

United had already decided not to trigger the option of a year's extension in Varane's contract but in reality, the former Real Madrid man probably didn't want to stay on.

With a £34m fee, and top wages, United have spent around £85m on that deal. The reward has not been worth it.''

 

[Feña14]

Arsenal on Sunday

 

[Poisoned Slice]

Still a tremendous season.

 

[Kralingen]

Let’s get it out the way. Yes, we're a small club. Yes, it's pathetic to celebrate a loss. Yes, losing out on the chance of CL is a big blow.

I don't care. I'm shameless. We've given a good performance and stopped the best team in football history from winning the title. Gunners have blue balls all summer because of the efforts of Sir Pedro Porro and Sir Cristian Romero, OBE. Sky blue balls in fact. And that is worth more than any poxy CL berth, which was a pipe dream anywy. Villa would've needed to lose on Sunday which is unrealistic. So let's stop acting like this was some catastrophic CL loss, that was decided weeks ago.

Ange in. I never want to be in this position again, but in the position we found ourselves in, this was the best outcome.

 

[Feña14]

Still a tremendous season.

Arsenal planning an open top bus tour to celebrate their successful season (we nearly won something!).

Ange crestfallen to realise he’s at a club that’s Spursy to the core.

Meanwhile Chelsea have quietly gone from 12th to 5th in the space of 9 games

All we need now is for Man Utd to overtake City as the best club in Manchester, and we’ll be back to normality.

 

[Fabresque]

Arsenal planning an open top bus tour to celebrate their successful season (we nearly won something!).

Ange crestfallen to realise he’s at a club that’s Spursy to the core.

Meanwhile Chelsea have quietly gone from 12th to 5th in the space of 9 games

All we need now is for Man Utd to overtake City as the best club in Manchester, and we’ll be back to normality.

Ah, yes. The mid-late 2000’s and early 2010’s. When Chelsea and United were the top dogs in the league. City were nonexistent. Spurs were Spurs. Liverpool were domestic bottlejobs signing Shelvey and Konchesky, and Arsenal were happy to finish 4th. That was normalcy. Nowadays we’ve got City dominating everything because the 2nd best team is full of children who cry at adversity and the 3rd best team is run by a robot who’s best player probably can’t do 5 keepyups.

 

[Fabresque]

Honestly Wenger’s later Arsenal squads were better than what Arteta’s assembled now. Seriously. Sanchez-Ozil superstar power. Giroud up top. Walcott with pace. Santi Cazorla. Koscielny at CB. Plus they actually won some trophies. Only reason they were stuck in 4th is because Chelsea and United were actually serious establishments back then. No shot Arteta is sniffing even close to a PL if 2005-2013 Chelsea/United are in the mix.

 

[Fabresque]

Arsene Wenger responded to Arsenal’s trophy drought by breaking the bank on worldclass superstar Mesut Ozil who led them to their first trophy in a decade.

He then went on to break the bank again on another world class superstar Alexis Sanchez where he proceeded to win 2 more trophies and push up the standings.

Arteta’s response to a PL bottlejob was to sign a Chelsea flop, simultaneously paying them back the money they initially paid for him, and having the same end result.

 

[Poisoned Slice]

Some big news, ladies and gentlemen. Premier League clubs are voting on whether VAR should kick the bucket.

 

[Poisoned Slice]

Onana, Dalot, Casemiro, Evans, Wan-Bissaka, Mainoo, Amrabat, Fernandes, McTominay, Garnacho, Diallo.

Bruno back, Hojlund dropped, Rashford is on the bench as well.

Pre match interview.

''Who is playing up front, Erik?''

'' I don't know.''

''Thanks, Erik.''

 

[Fabresque]

Onana, Dalot, Casemiro, Evans, Wan-Bissaka, Mainoo, Amrabat, Fernandes, McTominay, Garnacho, Diallo.

Bruno back, Hojlund dropped, Rashford is on the bench as well.

Pre match interview.

''Who is playing up front, Erik?''

'' I don't know.''

''Thanks, Erik.''

McTom striker

 

[Fabresque]

Some big news, ladies and gentlemen. Premier League clubs are voting on whether VAR should kick the bucket.

Nah. The FA or PL or whoever will veto it. They’re already starting the propaganda, “10% increase in correct decisions since 2019”. Total bollocks.

 

[Poisoned Slice]

Nah. The FA or PL or whoever will veto it. They’re already starting the propaganda, “10% increase in correct decisions since 2019”. Total bollocks.

Yeah, I agree.

 

[Poisoned Slice]

Gotta love the propaganda, how they'll fit their more correct decisions in the 20-21st minute of the south end of the stadium at 10 minutes past the hour of 3.

 

[Kralingen]

Spurs may be losers, but Gunners have now bottled two titles in a row in horrific fashion.

 

[Poisoned Slice]

Aston Villa did the lord's work for all the camp anti Arsenal.

''That really is irony defined.''
''How so?''
''I don't know. I just like saying words.''
''No problem.''