Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

Putting aside our relentless self-interest because the moral imperative is crystal clear.

Red lights blinking on democracy’s dashboard

Within six months Twitter will be fully self-driving.

I did not have this on my fuck 2022 bingo card.

They traffic in fear. it is their only currency. if we are fearful, they are winning.

Too often we confuse noise with substance. too often we confuse setbacks with defeat.

Not so fun when the rabbit gets the gun, is it?

Optimism opens the door to great things.

“But what about the lurkers?”

Second rate reporter says what?

Hot air and ill-informed banter

🎶 Those boots were made for mockin’ 🎵

Let’s delete this post and never speak of this again.

A sufficient plurality of insane, greedy people can tank any democratic system ever devised, apparently.

T R E 4 5 O N

Their freedom requires your slavery.

If you are still in the GOP, you are an extremist.

Perhaps you mistook them for somebody who gives a damn.

Technically true, but collectively nonsense

In my day, never was longer.

Since when do we limit our critiques to things we could do better ourselves?

Nothing worth doing is easy.

Jesus, Mary, & Joseph how is that election even close?

Republican obstruction dressed up as bipartisanship. Again.

You are here: Home / Sports / Sunday Afternoon World Cup Open Thread: England vs Senegal

Sunday Afternoon World Cup Open Thread: England vs Senegal

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SportsMole:

Vying for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals, England and last-16 opponents Senegal go head-to-head at Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday.

After Gareth Southgate’s side topped Group B by beating Wales, a first-ever meeting between the nations sees the Three Lions tackle the Lions of Teranga, who made it through to the knockout rounds thanks to a crucial intervention from their captain.

Defying their doubters again, England’s second-half showing in Tuesday’s final group game saw them not only sweep aside their Welsh neighbours, but also reach the last 16 of Qatar 2022 as Group B winners…

Now set to meet Group A runners-up Senegal in Al Khor, England have yet to lose in 20 matches against African opposition, so Southgate’s current crop surely start as favourites to progress on Sunday.

Their quest for an elusive second World Cup started in the aftermath of an awful run of results through 2022 – during which time they were relegated from the top tier of UEFA’s Nations League – but a return to form for Manchester United pair Rashford and Harry Maguire has played its part in building momentum behind their Qatari campaign.

Despite their near misses, England have also accrued plenty of tournament experience over the past few years, so will kick off their last-16 clash brimful of confidence too.

Senegal should not lack in that most precious of commodities either, as they arrived in the Middle East as African champions and have since negotiated safe passage to the knockout phase for just a second time.

Edging out Ecuador in a winner-takes-all contest, they were indebted to captain Kalidou Koulibaly for his 70th-minute winner at Khalifa International Stadium on Tuesday…

While African teams have lost eight of nine World Cup knockout matches against European opponents to date – the sole exception being a Senegalese win over Sweden – if it comes to spot-kicks the Lions of Teranga could therefore hold a distinct edge over their English counterparts, who have so often seen shootouts result in painful failure.

Reader Interactions

19Comments

  2. 2.

    Alison Rose

    I’m torn–I love the Premier League, I have friends in England, and you know, they’re our pals across the pond. But an upset by an African team here would be amazing. I believe only three African teams have ever made it past the round of 16.

  4. 4.

    Tony Jay

    I’m not watching, but I can confirm from the WhatsApp alerts molesting my phone that Liverpool’s captain and all round top bloke Jordan ‘The Mackem’ Henderson has just put England 1-0 up.

  5. 5.

    phdesmond

    wow, what a run down the field — i mean pitch — for a second goal.  England is lookin good.

  6. 6.

    Alison Rose

    Kinda broke my heart a bit for Senegal — right after Donovan has said they can’t concede a second before the half, boom, there it is. They were holding their own for a long time in the first half, hopefully they can regroup.

  7. 7.

    Tony Jay

    Oh, hang on, not to be outdone by an actual multiple Champion, ENGLAND’S HARRY KANE makes it 2-0 in first-half stoppage time.

    I wish people would stop WhatsApping me about this, but since they insist, I live to share.

  11. 11.

    Tony Jay

    Saka 3-0.

    Looks like England’s stay in the Tournament of Bleached Bones is going to go on, at least until a meeting with MmmmBop and Co.

  12. 12.

    JML

    England very clinical today. Southgate showing his ass again by leaving ENGLAND’S HARRY KANE in to close out the game, even though he picked up a knock earlier in the tournament and there’s literally no reason to run him more.

    Senegal needed Mane, but did themselves proud in this tournament.

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