der Berliner

Given the rump team we played, we still dominated that lot, second half almost hands down. IF ONLY we'd play people willing to shoot rather than pass, we'd be in double figures. But good three points!

Weak central defence, so 2 DMs was a logical choice. Yet, despite us dominating them for long spells, these DMs provide next to nothing up top. Hence, either Jack or Kamara can go off.

These Hibs creeps are such an ugly bunch of footballers, kicking complaining, posturing ... just like the wee version of the Scum. Wonder when Kent starts attempting a shot at goal rather than passing from 3 yards out ... and Tav's first cross/corner is a good one.

Bit strange this ... first goal, the goalie stands his grounds and the striker charges straight into him, ball already gone. Penalty! Like the Croat could dissolve into thin air or something? Second goal, their striker races through various Croats before flicking the ball past the goalie and crushes then into him, no penalty, goal. Like the Croat could dissolve into thin air or something? From a striker's point of view, what a run! But heck, Fortune smiled broadly on him as the Croat defenders hat three touches on the ball and somehow it always got back to him. How lucky can you be. Correct score does nicely though.

Teams you say? You should have seen ME after seeing our line-up for the last 234 games, changing into wildy different shapes in front of my monitor. The latter's still cowering in fear from the Seville experience ...

Not sure how they acquire their news, but according to TM, Helander, Ridvan, and Souttar should be back before x-mas, Goldson by the end of January, and Jack in mid-January (that would be new). Hagi and Lawrence are given as "return unknown", while Roofe and Davies are fit. BTW, Beale knows night all of these players inside out ... EDIT: Michael Beale says ‘if everything goes to plan we should have four options (for centre-half) for Thursday. Davies and Goldson will be training in next 48 hours.’ And to steal Rousseau's show:

From the form book, France still look to be the likely ones, but as this whole thing is rigged, we all know that Morocco will become World Champions. I was thinking that only correct fun scores will get me anything now, but the footballing mind still plays on: Tuesday, December 13 Argentina - Croatia 3-0 (Fun score: 5-1) Wednesday, December 14 France - Morocco 2-0 joker (Fun score: 4-0)

Lizzy Arnot head and shoulders above the rest, Howat ... you just wonder why we don't play her not alongside McCoy. The rewards would be tremendous.

Man, that commentator crew are only slightly biased ... now even speaking about McCoy's miss like it was an opportunity for a Hibs equalizer ...

PS ... as it was screened LIVE on the Bayer YT channel, it is still there.

Let's put it this way: for most of the game we played how we play best in Europe: straight in their faces, press hard and keep them as far away from our area as we could. Especially the Germans don't like that sort of style. As soon as we let others start playing though ... Leverkusen is 12th in the league, hardly kicked a ball in earnest since the WC started, BL only begins in 6 weeks or so. "Their" Alex Lowry, i.e. Florian Wirtz made his much awaited come-back after a cruciate-knee-ligament rupture back in March and is going to be one of Germany's next top stars. Much like Alex will be for us, of course. As for our display, Sands and Tillman with top marks, Devine did surprisingly well at left-back. The old hands all did as expected, there is still too much indecision in some players when it comes to shooting, there were at least three or four instances, where those on the ball should just have let fly, yet passed to someone else. Alfie still needs to find his touch, you would hope that we play him alongside Colak every now and then.

May I say that despite having seen just a handful of games, I had hoped the English beat the French and advance, as they looked the over-all best side of late. Why does Pickford always looks like he is in need of some Toffees?

Scots teaching Scots to speak correct English ... a field day for this German 😂

BTW, not a single one of our injured players have even made it to the bench, unless you count Lowry.

We have 3 left-backs in our B-Team, yet play a right-back youngster there with 1 LB game under his small belt.

... Jack too.

A Scottish German fixture, always a good time to remind you Scots how bagpipes have to be played ... 😜 (PS: listen loud)

Another one bites the dust ...

Friday, December 9 Croatia - Brazil 0-3 - joker Netherlands - Argentina 2-1 Saturday, December 10 Morocco - Portugal 0-2 England - France 1-3

Some whispers that Kent wants to quit and Everton might offer him that route.

By now, we can also add a new feature: determine the next World Champion. And for that idea I will obviously get a bonus of ... checks the standings ... 10 points!

Too bad the Lurgan Bigot isn't at the Scumhut any longer, for Ange would sure not sign that nerd just for the headlines. I mean, Porteous?! That Algerian link has since been dismissed by the club, while Midjylland are looking at options for one of their departures: OUT - Glen Kamara - FC Midtjylland - LINK- Danish Source - list more options for the Danes

Quotes from FF: Been in hospital most of the day. Was it confirmed at AGM that Morelos and Kent leaving way people are speaking? What was said by Wilson was both are still negotiating but Park basically said after it they both want too much money.