Football

@Adrian_Scope said:
I definitely agree about the FA Cup. Not to harp on with cliches, but there was always something simultaneously accessible but prestigious about it.
I'm not entirely sure about Arteta to be honest. But I think there's so much dead wood in the squad that it's not fair to judge any manager that comes in until there's been a proper rebuild. What about you?
I think France would have been there or thereabouts, but their form in qualifying was a bit patchy. Other than that, Germany? Are Italy ever anyone's pick? Who would've been your dark horse? 
Hi @Adrian_Scope, 
                               Completely agree with what you have said about the FA cup and Arsenal have quite good form in it too I think Arteta is a good choice but there would appear to be problems behind the scenes at Arsenal as you say, lots of dead wood and from what I can tell watching them there doesn't appear to be much leadership on the pitch, what are your thoughts on it? I too think France would have been in the semi's for sure and I think my dark horse would have been Belgium, I tipped them in the World Cup and was gutted when they got knocked out to France in the semi's. For me, they played some of the best football in the tournament but France did the basics well. Thank you 
                          

@Ails said:
Hi @WestHam06, thank you for your response.  I hope you are well.  Re the World Cup, I enjoy a lot of the matches with France, Germany, Spain competing as they seem really good teams from what I can see with my limited knowledge of football!  However, the matches that I have always followed have been the Scotland v England matches even although often it has been very painful to watch us Scots being defeated, lol!  My hubby is a big Celtic fan so I'm a bit more genned up now about football since meeting him!   
This is a really good thread which has got a lot of people contributing so well done! 
Hi @Ails, 
                How are you? I am good thank you, thanks for asking. Firstly, thank you for your kind words, I can't take credit for setting this thread up, it was @wheelchairWonderland idea, they just asked me for some help getting a conversation going.
 Really like your choice in International teams, all three that you mention play good football just in different ways. Scotland have got some good players in the ranks, Andy Robertson who @Richard_Scope will know well as he is Liverpool's left back and a quality defender. Also, there's Scott McTominay who plays in midfield for Man United so the future looks promising Also, Celtic, for me, are the best club in Scotland, I know Rangers are well liked up in Scotland as well but there is just something about Celtic, though I only catch the odd game on Sky. Thank you

Hi @Adrian_Scope,   
                               Completely agree, Vieira was world class, so dedicated and solid in midfield. I don't think that many footballers play like they used too, with dedication and passion. In my opinion, nowadays it's all about money and player power.  I remember as a youngster watching Vieira and Keane getting a little to involved and though I completely disagree with some of their actions, both showed a passion and willingness to do the best for their respective clubs. As a West Ham fan, Mark Noble is an absolute legend, he is not the best footballer in the world but their is a passion and determination to do his best for the Irons and he is extremely loyal. It does help that he is a West Ham fan himself.  Thank you.

Hi @Tractorgirlali, 
                            Completely agree, so good to meet other female football fans. I went to the Ladies FA Cup Final last year, fortunately for me it was West Ham ladies, and they played Man City ladies. Though we lost, it was good to see so many fans, both ladies and gentlemen, at the game. Thank you.