Fierce_LiNk

The Messi situation is very distasteful to me. Yes, the player is one of the greats, there's no arguing with that. However, he's jumping/being pushed/whatever from a Spanish team that has enjoyed many (illegal) benefits from the Spanish government to a French team that is funded by the Qataris. It seems to be that in order to get ahead in football these days, you need to be backed by a state. Of course, millions of fans will flock to PSG now because the modern day fan follows the player, rather than the team. I'm hoping football just folds in own itself and we start to see more of a drive towards academy players or youth prospects. It's just become silly and is growing further and further out of touch. What we now have is real life Ultimate Team in PSG.

Go full WWE. Every athlete to have their own theme music, pyrotechnics, ring announcements, the lot. BAH GAWD, IT'S BOLT. BOLT WITH A CHAIR! DAMN HIM TO HELL!

I'm really enjoying the competition. Rugby Sevens, the gymnastics, and the hockey have all been highlights for me. However, it has been a pain trying to follow the coverage of it. It seems all over the place and it's very hard to tell what's live and what isn't, due to the timings. It's also tricky trying to work out who is on and when. So, if you wanted to watch, say, GB play Rugby Sevens, it's not easy to see what exactly that is. Or maybe there is a way that I haven't come across. The actual competition side of things is great. Argentina beating South Africa whilst a man down was so exciting to watch. Tbf, there hasn't been anything that I've watched yet that I haven't liked.

Major congratulations to Tom Daley and company who won their medals today. I have to admit that even I was choking up a little watching him again on the news just a few moments ago, as he finally ended his wait for an Olympic Gold medal.

That's the key bit right there. These are people who have dedicated their passion, careers, and lives towards science and medicine. Furthermore, it's not a small handful of scientists and medical professionals urging people to take the vaccine, but the overwhelming majority, across many countries and continents. It's unanimous. On a very related note, I had my second vaccine today. I had a slightly sore arm last time around, as if somebody had given me a really hard punch. It was still very surreal being at the vaccine centre as one of the last times I was there (pre-Covid) was to take a group of children ice skating at Christmas, a few years back. Aside from that, the whole process was efficient and the people working there today were just as lovely as they were the first time around.

I feel like this deserves its own thread. I wasn't feeling too much hype beforehand, but I've found myself glued to it this morning. Just watched the Judo and Swimming medley events!

Rashford mural defaced FA review after fans break into Wembley Racist abuse of England players condemned by FA and Boris Johnson 49 arrests in London following the final For such a beautiful game, football sure has its many ugly parts.

That was after Grealish came on, which was a major step in the right direction. It could have happened a lot earlier, though. After Chiesa went off for Italy, they weren't really creating as much as they were when he was on, so there was a chance to do something. On the plus side, Pickford did well in that shootout and at least gave us a chance. He did his bit.

I feel like the game was lost as soon as Italy scored. Arguably, maybe even after half time. When Italy scored and a little before that, they were on top and mentally looked stronger. England just created less and less as the game went on. The talk will be about the penalties, but that bench was strong enough to win the game. The players who needed to come on came on way, way too late. Even Grealish should have had more time.

Yeah, I feel that the penalty order was really strange. Sancho and Rashford literally just came on. They really should have come on maybe 20 mins earlier. Sterling should be taking that 5th penalty. Mad that Saka was taking it.

That's so frustrating. Rashford didn't look confident coming up. Neither did Sancho. I think Southgate cocked up by bringing those two on so late and pretty much straight into the shootout. No rhythm for the game at all. Saka didn't have a great game either. Surprised Sterling didn't take that 5th penalty.

Narrator: Jack did miss.

Pickford to become a hero. He'll save two.

Rashford took his clothes off like 10 minutes ago. Where is he?!

This is edging closer and closer to penalties. Dear god...

I'm not too confident going into this extra-time. Unless one of Sancho or Grealish come on. Got to just go for it now.

The shape has gone. Italy are controlling that midfield now. Chiesa is really leading things for them. England just need to get a couple of passes together and create a chance, even if it's only half a chance. Just to get them going again.

That goal was coming. Italy are dominating the midfield and have got their composure. With that goal, Pickford's save was good, but nobody else reacted. It was like time stood still and the only players moving were the Italians. Disappointing goal to concede.

I love how these two posts follow each other. This truly is Luke Shaw's redemption arc. Fantastic writing. Well done, Sony!

What a goal. Get in there, Luke! He's been brilliant all season, for both United and England.

Matterface is horrific. The actual coverage is alright, but the commentary just isn't up to it. It's a shame as the Champions League matches back in the day used to be iconic. The Adrian Chiles choice was...quite something. Can imagine the BBC and SkySports lot bricking it when ITV wheeled him out.

Just lol at ITV thinking that they're important and showing the game, too. As if anybody is going to watch the game there instead of on the BBC. Stick with your Peak Practice, ITV.

Less than an hour to go. I went with a 2-0 Italy prediction last week and that's what my head is saying. My heart is saying that England might just do it, though.

The change regarding masks being optional is one that I wasn't expecting. I fully expected them to remain mandatory. For those busy places like train stations, shops, buses, etc, I will still plan to wear mine. I'm not bothered at all by wearing them and it just feels a bit reckless to ditch them completely. Even giving people the option just feels like a cop-out for shirking responsibility, as they can just blame the general public. I'm due to get my second jab later this month, but I think it would reckless for people to just think that they were completely safe even after getting the vaccine. Still feels like there's a long way to go with this yet.