World Cup 2026

[crazy canuck]

I saw about the Norway fan who doesn't join in the rowing because it's historically inaccurate (Vikings sailed) and silly.

Nice to see an EUOT poster enjoying the World Cup

 

[Norgy]

Well, they did row in the shallows. Some discussions about the roots of the name Rus lead to it referring to the thwarts and that the Norse that came east were "running on the 'rus'", rus being an old word for the oars or thwarts.   

I do, however, support the critical thinking behind this obstinance among segments of Norwegian fans.

There is a very strong world cup fever in Norway now, and I have some fears of how dark the mood will turn when the national team loses in the knock-out stage at some point.

My very cheeky tip is 2-1 Norway with a Haaland brace again.

I notice Norway's management now employ mind games, with "everyone is sick!" etc. We have grown up so fast. 

[Sheilbh]

I think it'll be quite fun - as I say not convinced by England's defence which is slightly alarming given Haaland exists. On the other hand England's attackers have been in form this tournament - with Kane and Bellingham in particular but also think Gordon's been good.

On flipside we've had reports of illnesses too And a lot of injuries plus the suspension which make that defence even shakier. Feels like it might be the first game where England players know, play with or against a good chunk of the opposing side which may add something too.

Also there's been many opportunities for replaying the best bit of commentary ever (Although I think this is the first time I've heard the bit before he gets on to Maggie and I think it's the weirdest random assortment of people imaginable - Lord Beaverbrook?! ).

[Norgy]

I suppose as a journalist, he knew of Beaverbrook.

Norway is perhaps a bit like the Wales/Northern Ireland of yore for the English players. I mostly fear Kane and the tireless English midfield of Anderson and Bellingham. Norway survived Vini jr, I hope they can cope with Gordon.

Regarding shaky defences, Norway's weakest link is considered the defence. Ajer and Heggem have both been good, but they are not world class, anyone can see that. Ryerson is European top class, while Wolfe was relegated with Wolves.

So, two somewhat less than ideal defences against world class forwards should give us some goals. 

[Sheilbh]

I think if Wales very specifically the Wales of Bale and Ramsey (with, say, Ashley Williams in defence - good player but different level). Everything I've been listening to/reading has basically how do you/can you stop Haaland (and don't forget Odegaard). Basically it's a coin flip and Man City reporters saying that Haaland has been even better than they realised.

[Jacob]

(Some) internet memes claim that Dan Burn has Haaland figured out and will shut him down easily.

[HVC]

(Some) internet memes claim that Dan Burn has Haaland figured out and will shut him down easily.

Everyone has a plan until a six and a half foot tall berserker runs you over. Ask Ethelred

[Jacob]

Everyone has a plan until a six and a half foot tall berserker runs you over. Ask Ethelred

Dan Burn is apparently also sizeable.

[Sheilbh]

I think partly a joke. Heard this being mentioned on the Athletic and I am generally a believer in mark a big man with a big man.

There is a stat that I think he's played against him 10 times for Newcastle and Haaland's only scored once in those games. But then in half of those game Burn played as a fullback so...

I mean Guehi (if fit) and Stones should have Haaland worked out - but I fee like there's maybe a difference between training against someone every day and actually playing against them?

[Sheilbh]

Everyone has a plan until a six and a half foot tall berserker runs you over. Ask Ethelred

Dan Burn is apparently also sizeable.

Yeah 6 foot 7 lad from Northumberland - mixed record against Vikings

Edit: Also loads of Dan Burn "I need a hero" memes/edits for his cameo against Mexico - which suddenly got weirdly poignant.

[HVC]

Everyone has a plan until a six and a half foot tall berserker runs you over. Ask Ethelred

Dan Burn is apparently also sizeable.

Yeah 6 foot 7 lad from Northumberland - mixed record against Vikings

He's a turncoat!

He's also in his mid 30s it seems. Not ancient, but a good decade older than Haaland.

On the total I just think England has a better team, but I can't rule out Norway.

[HVC]

I mean Guehi (if fit) and Stones should have Haaland worked out - but I fee like there's maybe a difference between training against someone every day and actually playing against them?

Works both ways, no? If they've trained enough to figure him out he's trained enough to figure them out.

[Sheilbh]

Yeah exactly and also knowing what they're going to do and inside out from training is different than actually having to stop/get past them.

[HVC]

I also think all things being equal in a sport like soccer offense has the advantage . There's only so much the defense can do physically before they get a foul. So being as good as the striker isn't enough, or even knowing their play, you have to be better.

*edit* and that works the other way too, for the likes of Kane.

[Sheilbh]

Yeah I think also defence needs to be a good system - and obviously you need that in attack too but it's different (maybe except for the goalie). So I think man marking him probably helps but you also need to stop the ball from getting to him in dangerous ways.

While I think a brilliant striker will just have a lot of variety and be able to make something in lots of different ways.

It is a knock out so will probably be boring (but I think the Mexico game is maybe the best I've seen this World Cup) but I am kind of hopeful given its two teams with really good attacking players and a far less certain defence. God willing, it should be fun.