World Cup 2014 thread

[Cuthbert]

Falcao: Has done his ACL and is out of the World Cup. A shame. Always want to see the best players.

[Cuthbert]

Good news lads:

David Cameron has overruled the decision not to allow pubs across the country to stay open late to screen key World Cup matches.

The British Beer and Pub Association had applied for a national extension of opening hours for two occasions during this summer's World Cup in Brazil.

The first was for pubs to remain open for the England v Italy game on Saturday, June 14, which is due to start at 11pm UK time and the second was for the final weekend of the tournament on July 11 and 12.

However, the Home Office turned down the application saying that there would be no national extension of opening hours because it was not a case of "exceptional circumstances" such as the royal wedding or the Queen's Jubilee.

Instead pubs would be expected to apply individually for temporary licences, a process the BBPA claimed would have cost a total of £738,000.

However, in a significant about turn, the Prime Minister is looking to introduce a nationwide extension of pub opening hours for the England game and the World Cup final, irrespective of who is playing.

David Cameron tweeted: "I have ordered a rethink on pub opening times for England's World Cup games - will consult with pub trade, police and councils."

The only England match affected by an "after hours" start is the Italy game because it is being played in Manaus where the time difference with the UK is significantly greater.

The games against Uruguay on June 19 and Costa Rica on June 24 are not affected by the time difference.

Sky News Chief Political Correspondent said: "This is a real swift u-turn because Norman Baker, a Liberal Democrat - another coalition rift here possibly - was pretty emphatic on Sky News yesterday rejecting calls by the British Beer and Pub Association, who have been campaigning for the extension."

Top work on this one Dave

128 days to go.

[Cuthbert]

Workers threaten to strike at Brazil stadium after death - ITV News

Third death. And this is just one stadium. Workers threatening to on strike.

[Cuthbert]

Scotland away



Japan away:



Colombia away:



Portugal home:



Australia home:



Mexico away :



Germany away:



Argentina away:

[Cuthbert]

Nigeria home:



Spain away:



Brazil third kit notbad.jpg:



England home:

[Goofle]

That Brazil kit.

Yummy.

[IvanMC]

Tevez won't be in the world cup. Huge shame for footie fans. How come? Is he seriously injured? Not at all: it's just that the coach seems not to like him... abhorrent.

[Cuthbert]

Originally Posted by IvanMC

Tevez won't be in the world cup. Huge shame for footie fans. How come? Is he seriously injured? Not at all: it's just that the coach seems not to like him... abhorrent.

I see he's not made the squad then.

Argentina do have a lot of quality going forward but yeah if he's been doing well for Juve (wouldn't know, would rather watch paint dry than watch Italian football) then it seems odd.

Still can't believe he actually played for West Ham.

[Cuthbert]

Did I post the Italy kits yet? Anyway if not, here they are, home:





Away:



Both smart and look really well crafted imo. Looks like they'll have the fit of a wetsuit on the players though.

People were sceptical online regarding the Dutch kits because of the crest change, but it has now been confirmed:





Ecuador away, shite:



Not at the World Cup this year but here's New Zealand's new home shirt:



My thoughts regarding Nike are summed up in these comments:

Such inspiration. Just how do they come up with these crazy, whacky kits?

It's clearly taken a good 30 seconds to design

I've just bought a load of plain T-shirts from Primark, and am sticking on a swoosh with a felt tip. Anyone want one? You'll never know the difference.

Catch me wearing this as I spearhead Belgium's attack this summer:



Their home shirt, made by Burrda (I've never heard of them either).

Away:



Not really sure why it's necessary for teams to have three kits in international football, but here is their 3rd kit too:

[IvanMC]

Originally Posted by Christian Benteke

I see he's not made the squad then.

Argentina do have a lot of quality going forward but yeah if he's been doing well for Juve (wouldn't know, would rather watch paint dry than watch Italian football) then it seems odd.

Still can't believe he actually played for West Ham.

ARG won't even make it to the quarters... they'll beat Iran and those underdogs they have to play hands down, but then they'll crash out of the cup early as usual lately. I wonder why Sabella doesn't like Tevez (it's uncanny), who did start his English career in East London, all right, and helped save them from relegation then. I think the cup will stay in Europe once again.