England v Wales. It might be a big game for the English fans (and maybe, perhaps, the players) but is met with indifference from a lot of the Welsh population.
It might be some consolation if the Welsh can stop England progressing, but they're really not bothered much at all.

On the political side, a commentator (I think it was Roy Keane) summed it up pretty much last night. Why are fans moaning about beer restrictions (and crusader costumes), when they travelled to Qatar, being completely aware of their way of life and how provocative some actions might be.?
And why use football to make some political statements ? Footballers aren't politicians, and there are politicians and arms dealers,etc, better-placed to make statements, than players not wearing rainbows or making gestures on the field of play.

And I think the one consolation for Wales is that Wayne won't be eligible to play against England after his red card.

Edited by Forest Hillbilly (26 Nov 2022 5.07am)

I guess it's hard for a country to be too passionate about a sport that they're never going to win anything in, or even qualify for the major tournaments in on a regular basis. It's like here in Malta, the locals all follow England or Italy as the national team are terrible.

As to Keane, does anyone listen to that bloke? I do agree that players shouldn't be forced to get involved in politics, but having said that if you believe in freedom of speech (which I do) then I also don't think they should be gagged either. Qatar chose to host the tournament which was a political act in itself; it can't have been that naïve to think Westerners might challenge its regime and some of its more abhorrent laws. I see Saudi Arabia are considering bidding for a World Cup in the future, that could be an interesting conversation between Shearer and Linekar.

If KSA were awarded the tournament at least you would know where you stood, conservative dress code, no booze, no public displays of affection of any persuasion & acceptance that the Saudi take on anything else will remain pretty much the same as it was before the tournament was awarded-its a lot more clear cut & in many ways that would probably be easier to live with, if you cant accept that then don't travel -

The one positive that I hope comes out of this World Cup is that FIFA recognises you can't give a major tournament to a country that persecutes people based on their race, sexuality or faith. Personally I would say they should actually make it a requisite that a host country must not have any laws in place that persecute minorities. You want a major sports tournament then change your laws. Whether you agree or disagree with the actions taken by players and countries in response to FIFA and Qatar, I think all but a small section of backwash drinkers agree that making homosexuality illegal is barbaric.

Also, I noticed the stadium was half empty yet again by the second half once the Qataris realised they were going to lose. I suppose when your country gives you everything without having to work for it then you feel entitled.

The one positive that I hope comes out of this World Cup is that FIFA recognises you can't give a major tournament to a country that persecutes people based on their race, sexuality or faith. Personally I would say they should actually make it a requisite that a host country must not have any laws in place that persecute minorities. You want a major sports tournament then change your laws. Whether you agree or disagree with the actions taken by players and countries in response to FIFA and Qatar, I think all but a small section of backwash drinkers agree that making homosexuality illegal is barbaric.

Also, I noticed the stadium was half empty yet again by the second half once the Qataris realised they were going to lose. I suppose when your country gives you everything without having to work for it then you feel entitled.

It must be the most boring football tournament ever, i have watched 2 second half's, does anyone really care what happens, i think i would rather watch I'm a celebrity, which i hate.