World Cup Final

Remember the Irish ladies were fined €80k by Fifa for singing one line of a song in the dressing room 'Up the RA'. It was all over Sky Sports, and Rob Wotton grilling Irish captain Katie McCabe asking her was she educated?

She should have told him to Fuck off, but she was very dignified and professional in her response. It kind of stinks of double standards.

It's a joke but Fifa and the Middle East, with Messi paid €25 million a year as a Saudi cultural ambassador, are hell-bent on their boy getting his trophy.

I should imagine he will add to his four penalties (a record for a World Cup) tomorrow unless even more of the French come down with this mysterious stomach bug.

I completely agree, Argentina getting every decision in every game, and it's not sour grapes. Only Messi could get away with deliberate handball, and questioning the referee in every game in this World Cup.

Everyone wants Messi and Argentina to win on Sunday, including my eldest, but I'll be hoping France win with Benzema scoring the winner!

I want to see that mighty little man holding the trophy over his head to confirm that he's the GOAT.

Only one team I can support in this final.

Hopefully France win 10-nil to stop this ludicrous eulogising about Messi as the second coming.

Out for himself? No, he is a saint, like when he shook Wieghorst's hand. Or bankrupted Barcelona with his wage demands including free executive suites for Suarez's family.

Totally loves Barcelona, like Dani Alves, which is why he also agreed to stay there for free give or take €400 million. Totally upstanding citizen even if his Ibiza hotel got in trouble for arranging an illegal four-day sex orgy.

Being wealthy, he doesn't need to take money from scumbags, give or take the odd €25 million from Saudi Arabia. He's done it all by himself – four dubious penalties apart.

His team don't behave badly, aside from the odd inflammatory anti-English obscenity-ridden song. I mean he's a total nice guy – who wouldn't love him???

Messi didn't bankrupt Barcelona. Barca bankrupted Barcelona.

What's illegal about a sex party? Nothing. The hotel didn't get in any trouble. Matter of fact: they get a 4.5 on TripAdvisor.

As for an anti-English song and yelling at Weghorst, you're joking, right?

Same goes for the French. Pity both of them can't lose.

The point is the double standards. As Gerry pointed out, the Irish women get sanctioned and fined for a similar song but Argentina are allowed to carry on regardless. Clearly Fifa want the aged Messi to get his winner's medal for marketing reasons, hence the biased refereeing. Even his mate Pepe said the World Cup was rigged.

But with Infantino now advocating for Saudi Arabia to host it in Winter 2030, meaning two of three World Cups would be held in the Middle East, where Infantino happens to live and with Saudi having bought Messi… forgive me for being suspicious of a corrupt organization and vile nations.

Mario Kempes romance apart, France are better than the Dad's Army Argies and, if the latter win (food poisoning apart), I imagine there will be many more unusual (corrupt) decisions in their favour.

And Steve, yes, I'm mad I wasn't invited

But yeah, it's all fun and games as Messi sings fascist anti-English songs. Any other team would have 11 players suspended after the war vs The Netherlands. But Infantino needs to keep them sweet ahead of the invite-only 2025 Fifa Club World Cup where Real Madrid have been promised €50 million for playing classics against FC Sydney and Casablanca.

Here was silly old me thinking they'd invite the actual Champions of Spain in 2025 instead of inviting Real ahead of time. But I'm old school from the era when a referee doesn't make a fortune for allowing a crackhead to punch the ball into the goal…

Malvinas? You want 'em – come and get them, Eva.

Kieran, I completely lost the thread of your posts but I thoroughly enjoyed them anyway.

Eva.

France have been strong throughout. Argentina have come good in the knockout stages.

As for the chants, maybe players should set an example, but a lot of countries' supporters have derogatory historical chants based on previous conflicts and England are no saints in that corner.

There have been numerous reconciliation initiatives in recent years resulting in meetings between Falklands veterans from the UK (not England) and Argentina.

The politicians, mostly Argentina, are the ones who keep that fire of hatred burning.

Back to football. Head says France, but I would be pleased to see Messi hold the World Cup aloft.

The bookies are pretty much 50/50 on their odds, so their arse will get some splinters from that fence.

I actually thought the game would be on later than 3 pm (bad planning), so will be watching the first half on my phone during Avatar (my daughter's 11th birthday treat with a few of her mates)… and I hate nobheads looking at their phones in the cinema!

The Dutch gave them a real scare and exposed their weaknesses.France maybe are all round better and haven't really been dependent on Mbppe.

It would require some slick work by a dodgy referee to influence the result, and today's official has been selected by, erm, Pierluigi Collina.

I also like the fact that these two teams don't have their centre-backs passing aimlessly to each other to start every move; both these teams play from the back but play through the lines at pace.

Although Messi and Mbappe will be the main focus of the press and the media, I have been very impressed by Griezmann for France and Verela from Argentinia and it may well turn out that their battle in midfield will determine the outcome of the World Cup Final.

Three of the greatest players they may be… but also three of the biggest cheats when it comes to things like diving. You very rarely see Messi rolling around like he's just been shot by the sniper in the stands, and I personally don't think any of them can hold a candle to Messi, so it's got to be Argentina for me.

Personally, I see a penalty shoot-out after extra time.
Messi has been a terrific player since I first saw him as a 17-year-old and a credit to the game. Sadly, this will be the last World Cup for him and a few other big names.

It has been a great World Cup from the soccer standpoint but what went on before it started with the Qataris and Infantino at FIFA is another matter.

Finally, England's future looks bleak with Southgate staying on to coddle the likes of Henderson.

No thank you.

C'mon France – and I cannot believe I am saying that.

Just needs the luck to hold out in the euros and be grouped with another load of deadbeats to qualify easily and get the "ingerlund" mob on heat. Given it's perfectly acceptable for England to be beaten by the first decent team it faces he could be manager till he's pushing up the daisies

I don't believe you should be given an advantage because you are playing better as that seemed like a soft penalty, and I have seen worse not given.

Yeah France have been awful in every respect

The penalty is very debatable, but that second goal is the reason why football is sometimes called the beautiful game.

Di Maria skinned Dembele who then tripped him from behind. Dembele's right foot went round Di Maria's left.

Apparently family originates from Scotland, moved to Ireland in the 19th century then emigrated to Argentina.

France need an early goal. And a half time rocket up the proverbial.

It was clear.

My Ecuadorean secretary (in Switzerland) said the standard description of Argentinians from the rest of South America is “Spanish speaking Italians who think they are English “ - work that out!

I thought Argentina might, just might, be this good.

Never occurred to me that France could be this bad.

Quite a few post War Germans by all accounts too, but that could come across as controversial.

Andrew. We have Scouts?!!

Game ON!!!

And there was me thinking the Vikings was the big comeback of the weekend!

Can't find me meds

Fucking idiot. Dude is pissing in the gene pool!!!!

Standard Everton procedure!

Now I wonder who will be Baggio.

It’s how you get teams which score no goals “winning” trophies.

Two teams busting bollocks to score goals.

Greatest final I've ever seen I'll be honest, and undisputed that Messi and Mbappe are a million miles ahead of the likes of Salah.

Why wouldn't you be?

The scary thing is Mbappe is 23 so he's another decade to go and no one is close to him once Messi retires.

Don't worry he already crossed my mind… lol

I just read that Argentina won…

Avatar was shite btw.

Neither indulged that arsing around at the back shite or overdid tactics drudgery. Both had a go just as the beautiful game should be played.

Well done, Argentina and Messi – you were magnificent and commiserations to a great French team all produced a spectacle that will live long in the memory.

Having been disappointed with the game for 75 minutes, it turned into an absolute classic.

Football - bloody hell.

From the thriller of France v Argentina to the reality of Everton v Wolves in a weeks time. Ewwww…

Best player ever? Argument settled. (Sorry, Pele and Diego.)

Best performance ever by a player in a final? I think so. And in a losing cause. Extraordinary.

Talk about a torch being passed. This will be long remembered.

What a great game in the end. Made up that Messi has achieved the greatest achievement in the game, and might now be able to be compared to his compatriot Maradona – who I'm certain will also be in the hearts and souls of the Argentine people tonight. 💙🙏

And that final pen... in the era of VAR, 99% of refs would have hesitated and waited for the VAR system to ping the handball. This guy called it instantly. Not even a fraction of a second of hesitation.

FIFA rarely gets anything right. They got it right with this ref.

All opinions Mike.

Argentina can now print 3 stars above their badge and it got me thinking how crazy it is that only 8 nations have ever won the World Cup (if West Germany and Germany are counted as the same). Spain were the last new nation to win…. Wonder when the next will be?

The plastic politicians fought footy, but footy won.

WHAT A TOURNAMENT!!!

Tony, I'm not "ex" yet! Still working a few indoor games a week on my gimpy Achilles!

I need her to bet on Everton for the cup!

He's going to be pitching for Saudi Arabia to host the 2030 World Cup over Argentina who will also bid for it. A total disgrace.

No not disagreeing with you I just have different opinions. Pele is the better player for me, the 1958 and 1970 World Cup finals were also better finals but looking back can sometimes make what I thought were Swallows were really only Pigeons.

Not sure who you were referring to with the player who was on the losing side, Mbappe? Well maybe; he did score a hat-trick so that is something special.

As an aside, Pele was 17 when he scored two goals in his first World Cup Final in1958.

Good point!

You're not there to be liked, I know, but that doesn't really matter, because football has been the winner over the last few weeks imo.

Seriously, I bet you the players have loved this tournament because of how little travelling they will have had to do? but roll on America, Canada and Mexico, and we have only got three and a half years to wait. 🤣

Can't really argue with anybody who still thinks Pele was the best ever. 22 goal involvements in 14 World Cup Finals games is insane. It's not his fault he was hacked out of two tournaments, and it's not his fault he never played in a decent league.

Declaring him a national resource and never letting him play in Europe was diabolical by the Brazilian government.

But for me, Messi has accomplished far, far more at much higher levels of competition, and he has just done something Pele never did -- won a Golden Ball at the World Cup.

But I'd definitely have sold him in preference to keeping Anthony Gordon…

With my scope, I can see the Seattle stadium from here, and I will be riding the ferry across to the games.

Ref was good too.

I'll say again that Kolo Muani could easily be an Everton player. Free transfer to Frankfurt while we were spending £15M on Maupay.

Mbappe was 6/1 before the tournament started. Sorry I didn't get on.

This thread gets better and better.

I thought Mbappe won the Golden Goal award with eight goals to Messi's seven?

By the way, Mike, I'm a big fan of Messi as well as Pele.

It was at her workplace everyone put in 10 quid since you're so worried. I can send you a photo of her work Christmas party getting the prize in the pub but who should I address it to? Dave, Casho or Darren?

It was as you say so refreshing to see players wanting to play it forward rather than "Martinez" tippy-tappy shite at the back.

Agree with the view that Pele is still the greatest player ever, run a close second by George Best and lets not forget Eusebio who is the closest player to Mbappe in style and goal contribution.

The Golden boot goes to the top scorer, but the Golden ball goes to the player voted top player of the tournament.

The Golden Blag is awarded by the bookies at their Chrimbo do. Nowhere near as serious, It usually goes to people who don't quite understand how odds (or sweeps) work.

Huge fun.

Messi is just unbelievable, but I'm not sure if my part of the older generation is clouding my judgement, but I still have Pele at the top, but that's just my opinion.

Not only was Pele the perfect footballer, he played the beautiful game with grace and respect, still to see a footballer better than the great man.

A lot of the best players, are usually ice cold and cynical, and especially on the world stage, when they are representing their countries. This is why I don't think the players appealed against any of those penalties, because they are all out to gain any little advantage, and are very clever whenever the opportunity arises?

It's off putting for the purist, but it's the name of the game now unfortunately, and it definitely helped turn a one-sided final, into arguably the greatest World Cup final, in my lifetime.

The Government of Qatar, have been slaughtered, for what most of the world now see as crazy outdated laws, and the Iranian football team, showed the most guts, by taking a stand against a very harsh regime.

I hope there are no serious repercussions for those Iranian footballers, who showed the world, that wherever we come from, most of us are - ‘just ordinary people' who want to live and let live!

That last minute was absolutely brilliant, I'm 53, and I was on my feet like a teenager, first when the Argie keeper, kept them in the game. ‘Why didn't he stay calm and lift it'? I was shouting at the kids, then off it went down the other end. Fuckin hell, how hasn't he got that header on target? I was shouting, ‘How many kids have played football on the street, and scored that header in the last minute of a World Cup Final?' Those two players are shite!!!

Barry @110, well summed up.

Best player will always be open to debate and opinion as well as generational views.

But no doubting, Messi is dining at the top table. He's earned it. He's proven it.

There is no best. There are just true once in a lifetime greats.

This match – this World Cup – has produced some heart-stopping moments.

I'm just sorry it's over.

Danny #23

Did momentarily feel some concern, but quickly realised he was playing the media to secure his continuation. England are going nowhere authenticated continuing as manager, but he suits the FA.

I read in the Echo today that the great Colin Harvey is of similar opinion to me when it comes to the deliberately routine mundanity of football at all levels these days. He says it really bores him, so he rarely watches it.

He also said that Bally, with Dixie, were the only truly great footballers we ever had. As the youth I was at the time, I totally agree with his take.

Imagine telling your children one day "I scored 4 goals in a World Cup Final, top goalscorer of the tournament and still get a losers medal."Mbappe, more success will come, only 23 years old, amazing talent.

Overall, great World Cup! First World Cup with no violence reported with no alcohol.

Now for Everton to turn up for the Wolves game.

I'm now dreading the resumption of the Premier League.

I hope Lampard has been paying attention. And I hope the likes of Onana, Gordon and Patterson realise the only thing stopping them becoming outstanding players is concentration and good decision-making.

A fitting farewell however to the magician Messi who ranks way up there alongside the all-time greats.

Sad for Mbappe to score a hat trick and still not be on the winning team. What a player he is!

Okay, back to the bread and butter now, so let's hope Everton are well rested and ready to rock n' roll on Boxing Day.

Farewell Rondon, you bum!

For me, George Best – whilst a footballing genius – didn't achieve anything near his full potential... he had other priorities.

I personally didn't see enough of the brilliant Brazilian Pele to rate him above Messi but I saw enough to appreciate why he is seen by many as the greatest of all time.

But thanks to global television coverage, I have watched the little Argentine dazzle and amaze us all... truly fitting that he secures the biggest footballing triumph for his country as he stares down the gun barrel of retirement.

Hope it goes well for him... I'm sure it will.

Whilst there were stars and big names as ever, from when I watched (late group stages), it seems to've been more about the performance of balanced teams and teamwork than I've seen before.

The final! Almost worth the awful French performance for most of normal time for the added suspense. Incredible and won't be matched for a long time.

It's convenient to give the awards to players in the final but, if I had a vote, Bono from Morocco gets the Glden Glove and Gvardiol from Croatia gets Young Player of the tournament.

Been a nice distraction from the Blues... roll on Boxing Day, I suppose!

I'm with Neil, Pele – two-footed, great header of the ball, got the shit kicked out of him, never booked or sent off, won the thing three times, 1000+ goals etc… Maradonna, Messi and Ronaldo come close bit O Rey will never be equalled.

Kylian Mbappe is the only player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup Final. Geoff Hurst's 2nd didn't cross the line. Ask any German, Scotsman, Irishman or Welshman & they'll tell you.

ps: I'm Welsh!

I was thinking the same plus how rare were penalties up until about 20 years ago? Pele probably would have had another few hundred goals if all the fouls on him led to spot kicks. He also did it on potato patch fields, wearing heavy boots with a dead weight of a ball.

Some facts: Messi is the best player that's ever played the game. Maradona second. The Ronaldo's a toss-up for next bits.

Pele is the most overrated footballer on the planet bar none. Not even the best Brazilian. Another fact. Neymar is also a load of shite.

Glad Messi won. Can't stand the French. Cos they're not French. And it's a total waste on the intransigent pricks.

How are the French not French?

Kudos mate, your retroactive support of the winning team means a lot to Argentinians. After your announcement apparently there have been wild celebrations all over that country.

Some did wonder about your allegiance and your declared disdain for your own country, and a few even said that glory hunters can't just become Argentinian overnight but you can't help being English, right, even if you pretend otherwise. Enjoy your Bushmills.

Out came my adjustable spanner and I thought a little turn might stop the tiny drip... I took the corroded bit of pipe clean off and about a thousand litres of water blasted out, soaking me to the skin as my poorly wife held a mop and my daughter and her friend tried to cope with buckets and sponges until the cold water tank had shed its payload.

A few hours and a plumber neighbour and 70 quid later, I sat down and watched the final with a beer and some dry roasted nuts.

It was a fairly dull affair for 80 minutes, but I was happy that the greatest player of the last 30 years (and possibly the best ever) was going to cement his place in history with that trophy.

Of course it all just got better and better.

The greatest final ever.

Facts?

I spent all of Friday night and most of Saturday in a freezing cold, dusty crawl space where an old lead waste pipe had frozen solid (no bath or shower for 48 hours).

Just to make things interesting, the pipe had split in two places, but the magic of Denso Tape came to the rescue once I'd thawed the pipe. Thankfully in my case there was minimal water damage (reference for any Peep Show fans).

“Opinions are like arseholes, everyone has one. Especially on here.”

Are you the one on here?

Just askin'……..'

I couldn't understand why France were so passive for 80 minutes.

Yes, I had that in mind, about Geoff Hurst's hat-trick, but I had written that in another post last week when I wrote about the Russian linesman giving his nod for that goal, I never added that some supporters were on the field when he scored the third goal, so in reality he only scored one goal – and over fifty years later I'm still waiting for the replay!!

On one hand, delighted that once again their scouting system are proving to be the best in the Premier League, it was only a couple of months back they sold Cucerrella to Chelsea for £62 million; I guess Mac Allister will be now worth well over £100 million. But they will also be disappointed in not being able to keep these players to build a trophy-winning team.

There are no facts when it comes to subjective opinions on players.

I'll need to take your opinion on Pele as your view as I assume you watched him play? I didn't witness him in his prime. I just listen to stories from those who did and he is widely regarded as one of the few true greats.

My recollections are vague memories of him playing in the 70s attempt to establish a league in the US and Escape to Victory, so I'm not really qualified!!

There's a good video doing the rounds "Pele done it first". Worth looking up.

Secondly and echoing the question above; how are the French not French?

Now, some would argue a large % of Jack Charlton's Ireland were not Irish, but did qualify through family lineage. But I'm interested in that French statement and what you mean by it.

Minutes after they woke up, the French were level and looking like the eventual winners, then Argentina took the lead and the cup was going their way until Mbappe made it level and on to the penalty shootout and eventual winners Argentina took the cup.

So it's a toss-up in the final: drab 75 minutes versus terrific last 46?

A thrilling evenings entertainment served up by both teams last night to cap off what has been a surprisingly (to me) good tournament. Made up for Argentina.

The return to English domestic football is going to be a painful wake up.

Nick, grow up.

How Argentina regained (and retained) their composure after having the cup in their pocket twice was amazing.

Messi was the calmest in the stadium throughout. I think he had decided he was going to make it happen whatever the twists and turns.

As for Robert Tressell's constant point that there is value in the global transfer market, here is the cost of Argentina's superb midfield.

Enzo Fernandez - €8 million

Alexis MacAllister - £7 million

Rodrigo De Paul - €30 million.

That amounts to one Sigurdsson.

Incredible excitement last night. I wonder did the virus in the French camp have any effect or could they simply not handle the Argentinian aggression and performance?

I can't stand the French myself, picky and arrogant as a nation. I'll guess that Nick means many of the players were not born in France.

False. As far as I can see, one squad member was born in Angola and one in Italy the rest are born in France.

Now glad it's all over too like – now the real footy can begin again... nowt should stop the Premier League imho apart from the FA Cup rounds or an Act of God!

Back the Krauts for the Euro,s folks... there an improving team with some good young players coming through too.

As for the heritage of players truly representing their country, where do we stop? Perhaps England should only pick players who can trace their geneology to Alfred the Great.

I thought he got most of the calls right, and especially when the replay showed the French player clearly dived, which he spotted right away and gave him a yellow card.

Also there wasn't a constant recourse to the VAR which made the game even more enjoyable. Just proves that it's not the VAR that's wrong, just our incompetent English refs that are the problem.

Also, I hoped Lampard and our coaches watched how you play the ball out from the back without it consisting of endless passes between the back 4 before the ball is played forward.

Somebody on Twitter posted the cost of buying 4 of the Argentinian players prior to the World Cup and it came to 45 million – who said you can't pick up bargains?

The problem with Alfred the Great is that, even if you go back that far, you'll find you're also descended from Theobald the Trickster, Anne of Kiev, Pepin the Short and so on too so does that mean you should have to play for Ukraine, France or Belgium?

The Nick mentality is nonsensical which evidently is why he decided to drop that little bomb in here then clear off without elaborating.

They started the final in a similar vein until getting a lucky penalty late on and then Mbappe came alive, and they made it one of the best finals I have seen – although the North Korea v Portugal ran it close for a World Cup game.

Nich I've stopped reading your nonsensical wind up posts as they add nothing to a debate.

And there's a good few bargains still knocking about in the Argentinian league right now. Maybe not quite at Fernandez level (although time will tell) but there's a very strong chance midfielders Varela, Perrone and Alcaraz will be playing in places like Lyon, Leverkusen and Atalanta before too long.

Why not Everton? We can afford them.

Not that anything came of it but I remember when Brands was here he created or added scouts in South America. I don't know if they like most of his crew departed when he did but other than Rodrigo some 20 years ago, and Stracq I guess I can't remember us delving into that market directly. We always seem to wait until they've made a name for themselves somewhere else in Europe.

Pity the blue boys weren't in the final, it would have been nice to see them running round Goodison with World Cup winners medals for a great send-off for the old ground.

Glad the Frogs didn't win. Eating snails and frogs legs, dirty bastards deserved to lose,😀

My youngest sister was born in a Belgium military hospital in Germany. What does that make her? She's British, lives and works in Northern Ireland.

You also have to take into account with the French, that unlike the Commonwealth of Nations that the British established, a lot of their overseas territories (the island of Reunion for example) are considered a Department and hold the same status as any other French region. They are French citizens.

We recruit Commonwealth Soldiers, but we don't afford them British Citizenship, unlike the French.

I was completely willing to get on board with the worship of the Messi-ah but then I saw the bullshit. Can't do it although it was a thrilling finish. I simply won't be referring to this, screw international football. UTFT!!!

France has the most Time Zones of any country in the world.

Until the 80th minute, France had steadied themselves but it was all Argentina until the penalty changed the game; after that, it was really the first time France had got into the game.

After that, it became a mini World Cup game that ended in a draw. Penalty kicks are a lottery.

I don't know who he was but he certainly kept a reputation with the players and intervened properly to defuse a couple of situations. Most importantly, he got the calls right and kept the game moving.

To your point, I turned it off at 77 minutes as it was tedious. That said I don't regret it as I spared myself the false hope of the comeback.

Overall, I was underwhelmed by the tournament football-wise. Especially with Belgium, Spain and England going out of a knock-out tournament without really giving it a go. The cold, measured, possession-based football backfired – especially on Belgium with their golden generation.

I loved Saudi, Japan, Morocco and South Korea in their attacking mentality. Holland played percentage football when they were getting beaten by the Argies and really gave them a shock. As soon as they got back into the game, they reverted to sideways passing and lost on penalties. As much as I appreciate good football, as a spectacle, you cannot beat fast attacking percentage football.

Shithousery of the highest order walked off with the trophy. I understand what Mike is saying about the ref having a good game in letting things flow but, when the offenders are from the same team continually, it's not right. On another day, Argentina have a couple sent off and the game is easily won by France.

Roll on Boxing day.

I was dismayed by the complete absence of new top quality players and thought the general standard dreadful. The number of misplaced passes, shots and woeful first touch merchants was shocking perhaps explaining why "lesser" nations claimed more scalps than usual.

The crowns of Messi and Ronaldo remain unclaimed years of steady decline have given us a global game bereft of dribblers but chocca full of functional non-entities passing sideways and backwards. The speed merchant Mbappe is the exception but it has to be said technically he's not in the same league as the afore mentioned.

That aside it's the world cup and you could have teams of penguins playing and people would still tune in.

A great final from a moderate tournament is my summary and as for does it rank anywhere near the best?

Put it this way if you asked 100 people who watched the 1970 tournament 99 would laugh in your face and one guy would have collapsed on the floor in utter disbelief

As a footnote to the World Cup, Fifa has shown itself as a two-faced, manipulating shower of gits, never to be trusted.

The BBC has posted an article below summarizing the tournament for LGBTQ+ fans and supporters below

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/63993302

It should not be brushed under the carpet because it's over, and I hope clubs extend a hand to all who felt slighted and unwelcome. As the article says, it's not about culture and tradition, it's about human rights.

So here we are in Christmas week, I want to wish every reader, no matter race, gender, orientation (except Kopite) a wonderful Christmas with the knowledge and comfort that you belong to the world's best club, the world's best supporters, where all are welcome.

God bless you all… apology to Dickens, Merry Christmas from a little piece of Scotland Road, so far away, but not so far at all.

Ah those were the days eh. VAR? You couldn't even tell which team was which half the time, the TV technology was so basic.

Rob #204, fouls were 26-19, so not terribly lopsided, and if you saw anything that looked like a red card, you saw something I didn't.

Plus I would never endorse determining the outcome of a World Cup Final based on cards. The ref could have called the game tighter, but the most important thing was his consistency. Most refs throw more cards the closer it gets to 90 minutes. This guy called the game the same way from minute 1 to minute 120.

I read that article, but what the president of Fifa, Infantino left out was money talks.

From an ex Norris Green boy and my Wife an ex Four Squares girl, we wish you a Happy Christmas and keep up the writing.

We have great exchanges of opinion, don the virtual boxing gloves occasionally and go through a range of emotions following and commenting on the one thing that we all love.

Now the World Cup is out of the way, let's get back to royal blue business.

You're never far away. I've kicked balls, been disappointed and rejoiced in places around the world (USA, Australia, former Yugoslavia, Helmand Province and even South Armagh.

To coin a line from an Elvis song; your were always on my mind. Always have been, always will be.

Don't hold your breath. Per FIFA rules the 2030 World Cup cannot be in Asia but Infantino is allowing Saudi Arabia to participate in a multi country bid. He's also said he's willing to make exceptions if China and/or North Korea (in conjunction with South) bid.

Didn't the new president of FIFA also say that he wants to hold the World Cup to be held every 2 years instead of 4 and increase the number of teams in the Finals of the World Cup?

He did the 2 years was voted down but it's increasing to 48 teams and so he also wants a 32 team invite only World Club Cup. 48 teams of which at a stretch maybe 8 have a shot at winning?

Queen and the Live Aid concert

Howard's first spell

Nelson Mandela being released from Robin Island

It's a "Wonderful life"... God bless us all

That’s true. Also more African teams as they have 8-10 at a high level. With just five in it there’s little margin for error. But all those extra meaningless games …

Short term, yeah… but longer term, if the quality is diluted, will TV companies keep paying top dollar?

Personally, I'd cut UEFA qualifiers to 8. South America to 4, then you have 20 spots to split between the rest to have a globally representative and competitive tournament.

I finally watched a replay of the rest of the game and, while I'll never support Argentina in anything, even a game of tiddlywinks between Earth and the Martians, I am a big fan of Emilio Martinez.

He's been Villa's best player for the last 3 years. Terrific goalie. Great character. I thought it was a big mistake when Arsenal let him go. Not that we could afford him but, if or when we cash in on Pickford, I'd happily see him step in.

He's got that Jan Tomaszewski outrageousness plus a really good shot-stopping ability. The kind of character who's destined to win.

I thought Lloris and Bono were among the best players in the World Cup, period — not just goalies — but Martinez earned his stripes.

Besides, you have to respect his choice of nation. A bit like Kasper Schmeichel, I guess. The "German" Evertonian, Lewis Holtby who represented Germany. He grew up there by virtue of his father being a British Serviceman who married a German and settled in Germany.

I've been telling my Villa-supporting wife for the past 2 seasons that they have a really good keeper in Martinez. I really rate him and I'm surprised Arsenal let him go. Loans at Oxford United and Rotherham to becoming a World Cup winner. Now there's a story.

Brazil v Argentina? Especially if Richarlison’s playing - also easy. But France - Argentina, it’s like the KGB vs the SS historically, but this World Cup has persuaded me that Messi may well be the best footballer of all time, and we can’t compare him with his only peer, and despite the continued noises from a few lunatics at the arse end of the world, I regard Argentina as in the fit of a multi-decade aberration rather than an eternally corrupt pseudo-monarchy with the cultural taste of a Manchester United footballer (like the open who was on ITV).

However, to resume my theme, in a match between Saddam Hussein’s XI and the Redshite, I’m cheering the Arabs all the way - similarly for the Afrika Korps vs RS, Genghis Khan’s Horde, Tamerlaine the Great’s lot, Stasi… - all totally straightforward. As Churchill said, “If Hitler invaded Hell, I would at least make a favourable reference to the Devil in the House of Commons.”

So in a match between Argentina and Liverpool FC? Not a second thought!

And on the Messi - Mbappe question, Messi scores some goals, Mbappe scored slightly more, but for 70 minutes (and for the whole match against England) Mbappe was blotted out of the game while Messi’s anticipation, astoundingly accurate passes, supreme vision of where his colleagues were, even his staccato pacing while running with with the ball were mesmerising and like nothing I have ever seen in a single player.

If ever there was a game of Hell v the RS, I suspect in Scooby Doo style Satan would reveal himself to be Souness.

However, a Souness XI (Beelzebub playing a false No 10, Belial in midfield, Moloch in goal...) vs the RS (which would contain the likes of Case, Gerrard, Kuyt, Yates, 'Gobber' Carragher, Emlyn "Squeeky" Hughes and the revolting Smith), I think I'd have to go for Souness...

I think, just been in France last week and their weather reports show Martinique and Reunion weather as they show the weather for the Isle of Man or Jersey in the UK.

Charles Brewer, Messi has been the most brilliant footballer brain-wise for the past 15 years. I have been lucky enough to come on holiday in Catalunya for at least 15 years and now live here part of the year. I have seen him play many many times. I have never seen him have a bad game. A bad game is if he doesn't score. His stats in one of the best technical leagues in the world.

I loved Pele... but Messi...

https://youtu.be/ioA0DwrriWM

Messi not even close.