5 minutes ago, WhiteWall said:

I suspect it might be a long for the prize money to match what is on offer this year. Collectively they must have taken such a bath on this financially what with DAZN providing coverage free to air and tickets dropping to the levels we were paying in the early to mid 90's

Not sure what the numbers have been on DAZN and other broadcasters but I think not great. Their pockets are probably so deep they can do this first one as a practice drill. FIFA I mean.

It feels like we've played every team in the Brazilian league this CWC

3 hours ago, evissy said:

Not sure what the numbers have been on DAZN and other broadcasters but I think not great. Their pockets are probably so deep they can do this first one as a practice drill. FIFA I mean.

FIFA's arses are covered courtesy of oil. DAZN paid a billion for the rights, effectively immediately recompensed by the Saudis.

I refuse to pay for DAZN.

19 minutes ago, Andy North said:

I refuse to pay for DAZN.

DAZN IS FREE

BUT ITS ON C5

2 hours ago, Andy North said:

I refuse to pay for DAZN.

You don't have to 😅

4 hours ago, Qaz said:

It feels like we've played every team in the Brazilian league this CWC

Almost. We didn't play Botafogo or else I'd have completed my bingo card for a free icecream

7 hours ago, evissy said:

Footballing-wise the tournament has been very good. Every other aspect including the weather has been suspect. Anyway new things take time to grow.

The only thing missing is the quality of the pitch imo.

1 hour ago, Caps_Lock_King said:

DAZN IS FREE

BUT ITS ON C5

I'm aware of that but they are softening up the fans for future subscriptions.

The semifinal isn't on C5.

8 hours ago, evissy said:

Footballing-wise the tournament has been very good. Every other aspect including the weather has been suspect. Anyway new things take time to grow.

Well, we won't ever be in it again, so let's enjoy it 😂

On 06/07/2025 at 16:01, The Rising Sun said:

Just got a message from some mates going out to New York tomorrow. They've got match tickets for £9.50 !

Robbed 🫤

1 hour ago, The Rising Sun said:

Well, we won't ever be in it again, so let's enjoy it 😂

?

Not sure if this is the right game but I'd love to see Santos in the #6 with Caicedo as the one venturing further forward.

1 minute ago, Sconnie Blue said:

Not sure if this is the right game but I'd love to see Santos in the #6 with Caicedo as the one venturing further forward.

I was going to put that if he wasn't banned this would have been the one game where Jackson could have been some use, in running the aging Thiago Silva ragged. But in reality having worked together if Jackson was eligible to play TG would have known just to let him be as he'd probably balls up any chance anyway.

I have been enjoying the tournament quite a lot more than I thought I would. Always helps to be in the stadium of course!

19 minutes ago, Kev56 said:

?

We'll have to win the Championship League again to qualify..

Maybe if we win it , we automatically qualify ?

23 minutes ago, WhiteWall said:

I was going to put that if he wasn't banned this would have been the one game where Jackson could have been some use, in running the aging Thiago Silva ragged. But in reality having worked together if Jackson was eligible to play TG would have known just to let him be as he'd probably balls up any chance anyway.

He's available for this game I think, it was 2 game ban

19 minutes ago, NestorGarde said:

He's available for this game I think, it was 2 game ban

Yeah, he was already on the bench against Palmeiras.

I believe he'll actually start this one and although I don't want Jackson as a starter anymore, it's what I'm hoping Maresca does as I'd rather have João Pedro finishing the game if it goes to a penalty shootout.

2 hours ago, WhiteWall said:

I was going to put that if he wasn't banned this would have been the one game where Jackson could have been some use, in running the aging Thiago Silva ragged. But in reality having worked together if Jackson was eligible to play TG would have known just to let him be as he'd probably balls up any chance anyway.

whatever the line up i hope we flood the front line with pace, need to put Thiago under pressure.

4 hours ago, Deino said:

Almost. We didn't play Botafogo or else I'd have completed my bingo card for a free icecream

And Botafogo winning side lost a lot of quality, and right not isn't at Palmeiras and Flamengo level, so we essentially played the best teams already. Fluminense is a little below in terms of investment and individual quality, but are in superb form.
Botafogo is owned by John Textor, who also owns Crystal Palace, Olympique Lyonnais, and RWD Molenbeek (Belgium)

Thiago Silva being there for Fluminense is doubly annoying: 1. he's still a fantastic CB 2. he knows too much about our players

6 hours ago, Andy North said:

I'm aware of that but they are softening up the fans for future subscriptions.

The semifinal isn't on C5.

My apologies

The northeast of the US is expecting inclement weather Tue and Wed this week. Hopefully the 3pm local kickoff is early enough to avoid any weather issue, and anything remains isolated. Just all part of it, so stay patient!

@evissy I agree with you - it has been very good. I definitely have proximity bias with this one, but have really enjoyed the games. Standout for me is the South American teams - takes me back to Copa America last summer which was a blast to watch. Disappointed how so many in Europe look down on this - any reason to complain I guess. Saying that, many buddies back in the UK have sent late night messages enjoying the games.

@White wall judging by the amount of ads DAZN is pushing to my screen, I'm sure they've a handy offset, plus a new subscriber base. But a lot learned by FIFA for sure, from ticket prices, attendances, weather impact, undesirable playing surfaces. I still think they'll go very high on world cup tickets next year.

Predicted lineup below, although want to see Santos continue.

Match Day!

Come On Chelsea!!

Won’t be an easy match by any stretch of the imagination the weather/crowd will definitely be in the Brazilians favour.

Sanchez

James, Tosin, Chalobah, Cucu

Moi, Santos

Enzo

Palmer, Pedro (J) , Pedro (N)

No Lavia