Meenzer

I was in Warsaw a couple of weeks ago and it's striking how the place feels like it's thriving, even with the recent bumps in the road and having to deal with the Ukraine situation and all. From glossy shopping centres to hipster bars and restaurants, big infrastructure projects and a slick business district to modernising how they're using the riverfront for bars and restaurants etc., it felt like a place on the up. I know you can't judge a country by its capital (least of all the UK!) but still, what you say doesn't surprise me at all.

Still, if anyone knows about making a great escape, it's them.

Spitting Image had it right.

See?

I think you'll find the people have had enough of experts.

I suspect that's one of the reasons I like 94 so much. But seriously, Stoichkov, Hagi, Brolin and co at their peak, what's not to like? (As long as you're not German or English, anyway)

Going on holiday is fine, as long as you go somewhere good. Dubai is not good.

This is part of my logic behind watching the World Cup with a clear conscience. I've already watched athletics from Doha and the like for years anyway; it's not like I can do anything to affect the decisions that are made at the top level of fundamentally corrupt sports; but primarily, if the whole thing's going to be the magnificent shitshow it looks like being, why would I not want to watch it?

A few little free-to-view tasters for the nostalgists among us (some of which may need to be watched externally on YouTube rather than embedded here):

Tyson Fury is a fucking cunt, if that helps at all

I really enjoyed USA 94, to be honest. No England felt like a relief given how dire the mood was around the national team at the time, I was just old enough for my mam and dad to go on holiday and leave me home alone so I could stay up and watch the late-night matches, and I was able to adopt my half-country Sweden and ride that wave all the way to third place. Shame about the final being terrible but that's hardly unique to that tournament.

Even better. It was... Qatar.

I got this far... ...then it took me fucking ages to get the last one. Since spoiler tags don't seem to work on here any more, I'll wait before mentioning which one it was. It's quite funny though...

Even then, you can bet fate will have a Thomas Gravesen high boot lined up for us.

Pomegranate juice, Abuljadayel Kingsburg and delicious, nutritious Aramco oil

Nice work from - of all people - the Russia Editor of BBC News. Must have a lot of spare time on his hands, it's a quiet part of the world lately...

I realise that looking for meaning in football songs is a foolish endeavour, but it's a bit odd singing that you're going to get it right "more than any other time" when you've literally won the World Cup before

At least they'll feel right at home when The Line hosts WC 2034.

His xG was considerably lower.

And even then he'd likely have other priorities.

Hard to believe this fella ran into difficulty given his natural curiosity about the world.

:lol:

Father Abraham. What a legacy he leaves.