Yes, really
Eh, not a done deal, but it could happen!
The first half of the CL final was disappointing so far. Inter destroying City’s game, but not doing much else. And de Bruyne already out. Lucky bench though that can bring Foden instead.
Pep, you know what you have to do…
And 1-0 City! First shot on goal in the second half.
Nice goal, somewhat at odds with the rest of the match, now it seems to be getting more interesting.
As we see the biggest chance for Inter so far.
There’s a tongue in cheek theory that all matches sould start 1-0, this is why
Ivan Toney was in the UK news again this week, crying about his recent ban for betting and how he missed out on the England world cup squad.
Leads me to think - how on earth did he get away with such a light punishment? 100s of bets, including backing himself to score, and betting on his parent club to lose when he was on loan. He’ll be back playing in January.
The premier league is in thrall to the gambling industry here, so taking a stand against betting would involve some doublethink. And a gambling addiction like Toney’s is a serious condition that needs help. But there has to be severe repercussions for players gambling or you basically have no game.
I think you make a fair point, on the other hand if his offences couldn’t have adversely affected his performance (i.e. he wasn’t throwing matches) then I can see how a lighter punishment could be appropriate. Then again, didn’t Pete Rose claim that he only bet on his team to win, and that was discredited? Even if it wasn’t, the wider point is that there is always the suspicion that a known gambler will at some point bet against themselves, it just hasn’t happened/been discovered yet. Hence the blanket ban on all bets.
Bottom line - yes, the league and the industry (and the government, who seem to be in the pocket of the gambling lobby) could and should do more. See also Paul Merson’s documentary on the subject.
I was at the Miami away match a few evenings ago, and already the Messi kits (and chants) were in force.
That aside, man that Miami team was a complete shambles …I say good luck to him.
Frankly I don’t think he cares too much about winning anything in the MLS, as I said he’s going into semi-retirement, he’s going to have fun, probably try outrageous skill moves every time he touches the ball and generally relax and enjoy.
I also think (but I may be very wrong here) that the public there will eat that up and celebrate everything without caring too much about winning.
Mbappe doesn’t want to extend his option for another year; Real Madrid interested.
Mbappe is too big for that joke of a club, should’ve done that years ago if you ask me.
Messi doing Messi things again… oh how we are going to miss you enano.
For those in the US
https://twitter.com/cbssportsgolazo/status/1669354124901777413?s=61&t=7zPHcBzjb1UW-wh6DrDc3g
I was talking about this
https://twitter.com/i/status/1669316753007017986
but yeah, that too.
Nations League finals tomorrow in Europe and CONCACAF. I think a win for Canada would their first trophy since the Gold Cup in 2000? It’s also the last game for Atiba Hutchinson so a win would be a nice ending for him.
In the semifinal Mexico just got rolled by the US. I haven’t paid enough attention to know what’s going on with Mexico, but they sure seem to be on a bad streak.
Mexico has been on that streak for like a decade. It’s a lot of disorganized talent.
Mexico has been on a bad streak since football was invented…