Let's Be Havin' You!

World Cup Countdown - 250 Days to Go!

2009-10-02T10:00:00.002+01:00

West Germany's 1974 mascot(s) Tip and Tap. Just a couple of lads in ill-fitting t-shirts with their arms round each other. I don't have a problem with it. It was the 70s. They look a bit embarrassed though. And their hair's all messed up.

Still, better than a rubbish lion with no pants on.

Dennis Bergkamp - still got it

2009-09-09T17:30:00.001+01:00

World Cup Countdown - 297 Days to Go!

2009-08-14T09:00:00.000+01:00

It's Friday, so you know the drill. England's 1990 World Cup Semi-Final, and more specifically Paul Parker, are this week's subject.

David Bentley has been a bad, bad boy

2009-08-13T14:38:00.003+01:00

Former Norwich loanee David Bentley, who was dropped by Nigel Worthington for impersonating Peter Kay's 'Have It!' advert in training, has excelled himself.

An apology has appeared on the Tottenham site from Bentley, whose days at White Hart Lane were numbered before he allegedly got lagered up and wrapped his car around a lamp post in the early hours of this morning.

I should like to apologise to my Club and the supporters for my actions which led to my car accident last night and my subsequent charge. It was wholly unacceptable and I fully appreciate that as a professional footballer I have a duty to behave in a reputable and responsible manner. I am thankful that nobody was injured in the accident. This has been a wake-up call for me both personally and professionally.

Well if you're sorry, David, I'm sure it'll be fine. Just don't do it again, ok?

World Cup Countdown - 300 Days to Go!

2009-08-13T10:00:00.003+01:00

Another mascot, an earlier effort from Mexico. Bear in mind that's Mexico who hosted the World Cup in 1970 and 1986. That's twice in five World Cups. Mexico. Yeah, I know.

Anyway this lad is called Juanito, and apart from the obvious Sombrero, is just a fat lad in a t-shirt. I can't believe they were given a second World Cup after such a half-arsed effort the first time around.

Fat little lazy Junaito is not to be confused with this Juanito, the 16th best Spanish player in 2008.

Admittedly the same criteria ranked Raul as the best Spanish player of 2008. Presumably it was compiled by Raul.

World Cup Countdown - 304 Days to Go!

2009-08-10T09:00:00.001+01:00

The 1970 World Cup Final - Brazil 4, Italy 1. I don't think I;ve ruined anything by giving the score away.

World Cup Countdown - 307 Days to Go!

2009-08-07T09:00:00.001+01:00

Johan Neeskens hits the fastest goal in World Cup final history in 1974. It's the Phoenix from the Flames version, for it is Fantasy Football Friday.

World Cup Countdown - 311 Days to Go!

2009-08-03T10:00:00.001+01:00

The 1954 World Cup final - from my favourite stadium in world football - Wankdorf. The Germans upset Hungary (the only word I recognise in this commentary is Puskas) in the rain, and most of the goals seem to have involved robbing the goalkeeper and scuffing it in. Except the winner, which was ok.

World Cup Countdown - 312 Days to Go!

2009-08-02T09:00:00.000+01:00

We're on the march with Ally's Army! Rubbish. Don't focus on the manager, focus on the players. Unless it's Cheer up George Burley.

World Cup Countdown - 313 Days to Go!

2009-08-01T10:00:00.000+01:00

World Cup Willie. Not the side-effect of spending several weeks staying in bog-standard hostels drinking questionable lager, liaising with the sort of local women who would be attracted to a gang of hooligan foreigners and generally not washing, but actually the 1966 World Cup mascot.

Despite the above image looking slightly like it won a Blue Peter competition, the poster below strikes me as a bit of a design classic.

Rest In Peace Sir Bobby Robson

2009-07-31T10:38:00.003+01:00

From a Norwich fan. This says everything:

World Cup Countdown - 314 Days to Go!

2009-07-31T09:00:00.001+01:00

Fantasy Football Friday, and more World Cup Phoenix from the Flames, this time with Ramon Quiroga, Peru's 1978 World Cup goalkeeper.

World Cup Countdown - 315 Days to Go!

2009-07-30T10:00:00.001+01:00

I remember this like it was yesterday - Yordan Lechkov's header for Bulgaria against Germany in 1994.

World Cup Countdown - 316 Days to Go!

2009-07-29T10:00:00.001+01:00

We had a World Cup 98 memory yesterday, a bad one. Now here's slightly grainy footage of Dennis Bergkamp's amazing goal against Argentine. Amazing.

I dare you not to laugh at this

2009-07-28T16:59:00.000+01:00

World Cup Countdown - 317 Days to Go!

2009-07-28T10:00:00.001+01:00

With David Beckham making friends all over America, it's a good time to revisit some of his best work in a similar vein in an England shirt.

Grenade found outside Kenny Dalglish's home!

2009-07-27T14:43:00.002+01:00

As if Liverpool players don't have enough to worry about with the horrifically stereotypical threat of getting burgled every time they're playing, even King Kenny Dalglish isn't safe these days!

From The Mirror:

Police are investigating after a live hand grenade was found on a garden wall at the home of football legend Kenny Dalglish.

The explosive device was discovered on Sunday night as police made searches in connection with an on-going incident unconnected with the former Liverpool manager.

The Army's bomb disposal team were called to the address, in Selworthy Road, Southport, Merseyside, and the area was cordoned off for the public's safety.

A Merseyside Police spokeswoman said: "The device was removed and made safe and is currently undergoing forensic examination.

"The road remains cordoned off at its junction with Sandringham Road and high-visibility patrols have been stepped up in the area to reassure the public.

"Detectives believe this incident is linked to a series of other recent incidents in this area and not to the owner of the property where the device was found."

Andrei Arshavin Sings!

2009-07-27T10:08:00.002+01:00

Not exactly John Barnes, Arsenal's Andrei Arshavin sings a song from 'one of the most famous Soviet children's programs', "Cheburashka".

World Cup Countdown - 318 Days to Go!

2009-07-27T10:00:00.001+01:00

It's Finals Monday - 1966. This one hasn't really been mentioned much since. It's a bit forgettable.

World Cup Countdown - 319 Days to Go!

2009-07-26T10:00:00.001+01:00

In an attempt to instill some structure, I'm nominating Sundays as 'song Sunday', much like we've got 'Fantasy Football Friday'. Other suggestions will be gratefully received, particularly if it will help fill the 45 weeks until the World Cup starts. I'm damned if I'm giving up this countdown.

This time, we'll get it right was England's 1982 World Cup song. It's quite jaunty, but a bit forgettable.

World Cup Countdown - 320 Days to Go!

2009-07-25T10:00:00.001+01:00

Remember Jorge Campos? Never ask a Mexican to design an outfit. At least he didn't wear a sombrero. Opposing strikers needed sunglasses, mind.

Does anyone else remember those glow-in-the-dark stickers they used to give away with Frosties that you were supposed to put on your bike? Yeah Jorge Campos must have eaten a buttload of Frosties, and no mistake.

World Cup Countdown - 321 Days to Go!

2009-07-24T10:00:00.002+01:00

Fantasy Football Friday - here's the 'Funniest Ever World Cup Moment' starring Ilunga Mwepu and, of course, David Baddiel and Frank Skinner.

This may not be good viewing if you are Gerald Sinstadt.

World Cup Countdown - 322 Days to Go!

2009-07-23T10:00:00.001+01:00

Frank Rijkaard and Rudi Voller were both great players. This, however, was shameful.

World Cup Countdown - 323 Days to Go!

2009-07-22T10:00:00.001+01:00

Possibly the most famous own goal of all time. Andres Escobar of Columbia puts through his own net against the USA. The rest, and soon after so was Escobar himself, is history.

Who wants to see the Steven Gerrard Wild West Bar Brawl?

2009-07-21T17:39:00.003+01:00

Your wish is my command.

The original Sky footage is available here.