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This is the problem. Statistics and data can be manipulated to show whatever to you like. You can find arguments for and against it. Therefore any “data” is rendered meaningless. Better to zoom out and ask yourself “is Britain declining or succeeding”. The answer, Brexit or no Brexit, is declining. Due to (in large part) the the reasons the ‘leave’ side were highlighting. Does Brexit harm business? Sure, it’s a fair question, but ultimately it’s a tiny blip compared to the rise in energy costs, inflation, stupid rules that favour scroungers instead of good workers, bureaucracy, taxes, etc. To blame Brexit for the UK’s problems, to me, shows that someone has very little experience in what is actually happening in the real world. You can not tax your way into a great society. You have to earn it, nurture it, grow it, by incentivising & rewarding hard work.

Pardon

Misunderstanding

We know we can send him a pack with details, without bothering his club.

It took a bit of the direct play, they lacked in the first half to get the penalty. While VAR was working on that, Almiron wiped himself out, racing up the pitch. It was an example of how much energy they'd used, and they had little left when they needed a goal. Galzara is the cheater's cheat of the tournament. The ref was clearly letting a lot go. In the first half this was mostly Paraguay, but a couple of France moments too. As it went on, it was clear the ref wasn't taking accumulated fouls into account. Let alone the little kicks or those hits across the chest. But then, on one of those, Kounde went down holding a face that hadn' t been touched. The ref wasn't impressed by any of that. Like a lot of sides, France lacked anything central, and no real desire to get a ball in there to cause problems. As the tournament goes on, that will probably be less of an issue, until you need a goal to stay in it. Well done to France, for not getting involved after the whistle. Paraguay had to go and moan at the ref instead. I noted the Beeb saying that the they were staying with the pics, basically so they could show any fighting, then tut about it.

Bethell drove England to a good win today despite all the hype around wonder boy - he clearly is very talented but hadn’t played on a proper wicket like Old Trafford’s before. All part of learning. That surface ought to be the standard Lord’s is held to - no excuse for the slow, low crap they’ve produced for years. I know it won’t happen but I’d make it a white ball only venue if the MCC won’t dig it up and get a surface where the keeper isn’t taking the ball at their ankles. Can use a drop in pitch next summer if needed. As for England, that doesn’t cover over the cracks of pure disorganisation. Won’t get any better with Harry Bungalow as Test captain.

Never in million years

France deserved to win. I think they were too keen to show they were ruffled at the end which might encourage Morocco and future opponents, although Morocco are x100 more talented than Paraguay and capable of turning anyone over. Paraguay - well done on beating Germany but you can park a double decker bus every so often and your petulance and attitude actually undid all of the defensive discipline as that was a really silly penalty. He wasn’t scoring from there.

Worst referee I have ever seen. It made it a great game, as it gave Paraguay a chance. But fuck me

South American corruption is still working well. We're VAR staff Italian?

Useless tactics v France. worked v Germany but they were crap so resorted to trying to get players red carded.

Astounding that no Paraguay players yellow carded in the match. That ref should never get another game after that. Just did not do his job.

Well done France beat worst team in world cup so far, Paraguay just tried to get players sent off. Defensive low block didn't pay off as not enchanted created and often left with 3 at back.

France v Morocco ... I can't call that, both quality

Paraguay are a bunch of cunts, deserved to lose that

Can't see equaliser even with 10 mins added. Number 23 should have 5 yellow.

Probably fake coaching credentials

That Caceres lad is building up to a full on assault before the final whistle you sense!

One of the worst refereeing performances I've ever seen.

Absolutely, hope France score a few more

I hate France as much as the next man, but this refereeing has been horrendous. Paraguay are proper shit houses.. it’s disgusting but I could watch it all day so I really hope they can equalise and send it to ET. This is the scary part about France tbf. They’re so, so good but also physical and unphased by this. You just know they’ll find a way through any challenge. I’ll be amazed if they don’t win the cup

VAR is just there to create controversy and more interest in the football product. Its like FA and FIFA just want more clicks on YouTube etc.VAR is completely useless.

......what!?

When I saw at the start the ref was from Uzbekistan I wondered how qualified he was realistically going to be.