Winner Alright

Winner "Rasta Paul" ready to rumble!

England bowed under the pressure and at the final hurdle, so did the long time leader, Roisin Campbell. Gary is a relieved man and young Tom can't look his mum in the eyes again without reddening with the embarrassment of it. Still, 2 women in the top three (the other, defending champion, Marie Louise, and therefore my reason for embarrassment) proves something. I don't know what it is. I guess it's just, Je ne sais quoi!

The winner came with a late run. As the leader hit the final hurdle Rasta Paul galloped clear, getting every result right on the final day with one correct score. He was delighted when I phoned him last night, if not a little surprised, nay shocked, at my forwardness when I asked where he lived. I explained that there was no tax to pay on his winnings and he has promised to buy me a pint if I ever see him again!

Runner up, Roisin has been paid by Gary and had nothing to say that a wry smile couldn't. Consequently he got a wry smile, as did yours truly from Marie Louise. Most interesting of the prize winners responses, was Sara Deazley's dad who is putting his £50 behind the bar in the Parador when I get back from my holiday at the end of July. Ron Manager will have checked every entry by then and I will put up a final results table for all 100 starters if interest prevails.

Incidentally, a distant 100th was Colin Mitchell. I believe he may be an associate of Big Viv and therefore possibly a Leeds United supporter. I hope not. Colin, you scored a measly 18 points. Those psychic cats would have done better!

It's been a long two weeks for some and an interesting two weeks for us all. Thanks for taking part and staying on 'til the end of the ride. See you back here in 2022. I definitely won't be in Qatar!


On the Podium

1  Rasta Paul (48) £250
2  Roisin (47)  £150
3  Marie Louise (44)  £50
3  Sara Deazley's Dad (44)  £50
5  Dan Taggart (42)
6  Chris Mark (41) - Still and final top culchie bai!
7  Niall Cosgrove (40)
8  Sean Nolan (39)
8  Ronan Smyth (39)
8 Andrew Morrow (39)

Deutschland Unter Alles

Angela Merkel seals the deal

Germany go home after Angela Merkel swaps her soul for a holiday home in Seoul.
Roisin still leads the way on the last football day of the predictor but the rest are closing in.


League of Their Own


1  Roisin (43)
2  Rasta Paul (42)
3  Marie Louise (40)
4  Chris Mark (38) - Still top culchie bai!
5  Dan Taggart (37)
5  Sara Deazley's Dad (37)
5  Niall Cosgrove (37)
8  Sean Nolan (36)
8  Ronan Smyth (36)


They are piling up behind on scores of 35, 34, 33 and even those on 32 still in with a shout.


I will attempt to report back at greater length after the close of play today. If you're in the top three, I will be on the phone. Good luck!

It was God!

Maradona points to Heaven - where God lives!

So Messi credits God for helping the Argentines in their hapless defeat of a luckless Nigeria. Maradona must have realised as he too indicated that there was only "one way" that his fellow countrymen could put the Africans to the sword. If these players on the world stage can entreat the help of their celestial master, I suggest that some of our predictor players do it too, as Roisin is running away with the lead.






Pace Setters




1  Roisin (40)
2  Rasta Paul (38)
3  Marie Louise (37)
4  Dan Taggart (36)
5  Sara Deazley's Dad (35)
5  Sean Nolan (35)
7  Chris Mark (34) - Still top culchie bai!
7  Niall Cosgrove (34)
7  Dara Nolan (34)
7  Brenda (34)


While at the bottom, we have:


Bed Wetters


Archie (20)
Wee Fuzz (20)
Cruncher (19)
Colin Mitchell (16)




With 24 points to play for, Colin is the only person who can't win outright. Mathematically it is within reach of everybody else but I don't suspect that any of the bottom four will receive the golden envelope. Ron Manager will be selecting an appropriate stocking filler for the "Lanterne Rouge".

3 Days To Go

Who do you think you are kidding Snr. Hierro?

Some folk seem to have forgotten that yesterday's big match was in fact a derby. For centuries, Moors invaded Spain and the Spanish reciprocated by occupying parts of North Africa, and still do. It was Franco and his Army of Africa (Moroccan militia) who invaded Spain in 1936 and overthrew the elected Republican government. Seldom, are there rivalries as intense in world football and most of us witnessed this in colour with the BBC ignoring the history. The Moors played above themselves and the Spanish were a little complacent was the excuse. Well I say "Bollocks to that". This was a field of battle. There were more yellow cards than any other match to date and there could have been more. The score indicates a draw, but the real winners were the Moorish fighters to a man. Will we get another game like it? I would suggest not, unless we get Serbia v Croatia in a later stage.


The unexpected results were not predicted and consequently yesterday was a low scoring day. No changes at the top where it is quite congested.






Tip Top


1  Roisin (36)
2  Brenda (33)
2  Sara Deazley's Dad (33)
2  Marie Louise (33)
5  Rasta Paul (32)
5  Sean Nolan (32)
5  Dan Taggart (32)
5  Chris Mark (32) - Still top culchie bai!
8  Michael McGuigan (31)
8  Dara Nolan (31)






Will Argentina be on the plane home today? Dara is the only one who has Nigeria to win that game. I think he might be on to something.

England's Dreaming

Southgate demonstrates how to take a penalty

Into the last group games and some of the favourites will undoubtedly fall. There has been little change at the top of the predictor league with the exception of Sean Nolan slithering into contention.
Cruncher had England to score six goals but still celebrated when the Panamanians got one, although it scuppered his chance of three points.There will be plenty of goals in these last few games so still time for anyone to make it onto the chart - except maybe Archie.

Top Table

1  Roisin (35)
2  Brenda (32)
2  Sara Deazley's Dad (32)
2  Marie Louise (32)
2  Rasta Paul (32)
6  Sean Nolan (31)
7  Dan Taggart (30)
8  MIchael McGuigan (30)
8  Dara Nolan (30)
8  Feargal O'Keefe
8  Chris Mark (Top Culchie)

Two Monday night footballers in the top ten and Gary Campbell hovering just outside on 29 points. Look out Roisin, he's coming for you!!

Let the nightmare in!

The Rose keeps ramblin'

Neymar's attempt at docking Roisin 2 points

At last a use of VAR where cheating got found out. Why wasn't the wee shite booked? He did get a yellow card a few minutes later for remonstrating about something else. Perhaps the referee realised he had forgotten to book the liar the first time? He should be banned. Discuss!

If you're a fan of the MC5, you might remember Ramblin Rose but there is no rambling involved with our own Roisin who has pushed on with another correct score today. Gary and Tom are particularly embarrassed and I won't repeat what Gazza suggested yesterday. Despite sounding sexist, I cannot fail to point out that 3 of the top 4 places, with less than half of the first round matches left to play, are filled by WAGs. The other one is a WAG's da! Just shows how much they care that they have educated themselves in the sport that we love!

The football was marginally more entertaining today but not many had more than a point for a Brazil win. The exceptions were Eamon Vize and Gerard Nolan who top scored with 7 points. 

I will be out of commission most of the weekend so there won't be an update until Sunday at earliest, so there. I detect that there has been a waning in interest since some are not seeing their names in the top ten - the number of hits doesn't lie. Stay interested as it can all change with a couple of correct scores.

Ramblin'Roisin

Top of the Pops

1  Roisin (30)
2  Brenda (27)
2  Sara Deazley's dad (27)
2  Marie Louise (27)
5  Rasta Paul (26)
6  Niall Cosgrove (25)
7  Dan Taggart (24)
7  Sam Andrews (24)
7  Sam McGuigan (24)
7  Dara Nolan (24)
7  Eamon Vize (24)

Joachim Low brings out his secret weapon

Expect loads of goals today. German efficiency will give us something to cheer tonight as Angela Merkel starts at centre forward!

Don't Cry for Lionel Messi

Where are they now?

Argentina '78. Ticker tape. Staying up late to watch the matches live on telly. Brian Moore (whose head looks uncannily like London planetarium sic) hosting Brian Clough, TV pundit. Passarella, Houseman, Luque, Kempes, Bertoni, Ardilles, Galteiri, Peron - your boys took a sound beating. Josip Tito is a happy corpse.
To be fair, Croatia and Argentina got what they deserved. 40 years on from the glory days - Ricky Villa couldn't get into the team - Argentina '18 look a poor team by comparison. As an excited Diego Maradona twirled his shirt from the stands and thousands of Argentina fans bayed before kick off, Lionel Messi was seen rubbing his forehead in stress. Maradona, the 1986 World Cup winner whom Argentines constantly compare to Messi, went from waving a No. 10 Messi shirt to wiping tears out of his eyes, slumped in his seat, wondering how they were going to score. In Maradona's case, I suggest a taxi to his private jet.


So how did you score? See below:




1  Roisin (27)
2  Brenda (26)
3  Rasta Paul (25)
3  Sara Deazley's dad (25)
5  Marie Louise (23)
5  Niall Cosgrove (23)
5  Dan Taggart (23)
5  Sam Andrews (23) 
9  Aidan Coleman (22)
9  Liam Lavery (22)

 Just about half way through the group matches so still plenty to play for.


Archie Devlin still has the most to do, languishing on 7 points which is surprising. They'll be kicking in the TV screens in the Londonderry Arms!!


Samba football back on the box today. No, not Nigeria Mr Sugar, Brazil. I said Samba!

Espana Poor Favour

When you nutmeg Pique and no one knows your name!

With the exception of Diego Costa's magnificent strike, this was undoubtedly the best piece of skill on show throughout the three match borefest yesterday. The Iranian midfielder is Vahid Amiri and if I was a six year old watching the World Cup for the first time, I would remember his name forever, but because I am more mature, I will have forgotten his name by lunchtime. Dara Nolan will remind me of his nomenclature before the next Iran game when the player is presented with his personalised Persian flying carpet and the freedom of Tehran. Note the mutual exclusivity of the last statement!


No change at the top of the league as most folk had wins for the fancied teams but very few had 1-0. No change at the bottom either, where Archie Devlin vainly hopes that one day he will get a correct score.


The Big Top:


1  Rasta Paul (24)
2  Brenda (22)
3  Roisin (21)
3  Aidan Coleman (21)
3  Sara Deazley's dad (21)
6  Marie Louise (20)
6  Paul Lavery (20)
8  Dan Taggart (19)
9  Sam Andrews (19)
9  Feargal O'Keefe (19)


The Saggy Bottom:


100  Archie Devlin (5)


Today's games could provide a veritable plethora of goals or maybe the first no score draw of the tournament that we have all been waiting for. Hold your breath!

Andres Escobar the sequel

Dead man walking - Carlos Sanchez sees red

No doubt many of you will recall the sad tale of Andres Escobar (no relation to Pablo), the Colombian defender, who unfortunately scored an own goal in USA 1994 that resulted in an early bath with a horse's head. There is a documentary on Netflix where Escobar gets the blame for Colombia's premature exit from the competition. No doubt that Snr.Sanchez is now in hiding and sticking needles in a referee dolly if such a thing exists, because he does not want to be the subject of another Netflix documentary. I hope Colombia can progress (they could play England in the last 16), if only to see some old footage of Carlos Valderama and/or Rene Higuita's scorpion kick. In fact, here it is:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0bSvDkXqhw


And

Carlos Valderama - The Colombian Fuzz

Yesterday was not a big scoring day. The average points scored was 0.34. Martina Kennedy was the only player to get the Russian result correct while Sean Hughes got his first 3 points with Senegal. Brenda McGuigan was the only 3 pointer in the top 10 and consequently moves into second place.


Leaders


1  Rasta Paul (21)
2  Brenda (19)
3  Roisin (18)
3  Aidan Coleman (18)
3  Sara Deazley's dad (18)
6  Marie Louise (17)
6  Paul Lavery (17)
8  Dan Taggart (16)
9  Liam Lavery (15)
9  Sam McGuigan (15)


Feargal O'Keefe has joined the chasing group on 14 which keeps the Monday night team represented. Cruncher hasn't reached double figures yet so Feargal might be on the receiving end of an illegal tackle next week!


I am making my return next Monday so please be gentle or I will berate you on this forum.








World at their feet

Citizen Kane and his golden boot

Could have played for Ireland but chose not to. Could have gone to Real Madrid in the summer but chose to sign a new contract with Spurs. Could have scored a hat trick against the pathetic Tunisians but thankfully chose only to net a brace and save the second for the final minutes. Couldn't be the full shilling!

If this is the best that the "Mainland" can do, why not place a hard border in the Irish Sea. Or build a wall to keep them in their place. On this evidence, Belgium will make potato waffles out of them.

Plenty of points scored today and some changes to the leaderboard.

1  Rasta Paul (21)
2  Roisin Campbell (18)
3  Marie Louise McKnight (17)
3  Aidan Coleman (17)
3  Sara Deazley's Dad (17)
6  Paul Lavery (16)
6  Dan Taggart (16)
6  Brenda McGuigan (16)
9  Liam Lavery (15)
9 Sam McGuigan (15)

Bubbling under - Ricky Carr and Chris Mark from culchie land with Daire McPeake and Dara Nolan all on 14.

At the bottom of the pile, spare a thought for Jack McGirr and Sean Hughes whose day will surely come soon. 4 points each at present.

Good to see some familial battles at the top. Two McGuigans in the top 10 and Paul Lavery showing son Liam the way. Liam is showing the rest of the football squad the way. The Don dropped back today as he couldn't bear to opt for an England win.

Tomorrow brings the final games in the first round and the excitement has been mounting progressively. Ruari (Sonny the barber) has at last got a correct score and will be discounting all haircuts on Sunday if Panama beat England. Think I'll have a number 2!

Day of Reckoning

England Captain Martin Johnson with the World Cup

After the anti-climax that was Sunday's dismal offering, we are getting ready for a day of exciting matches and the return of Gareth "Interesting" Southgate's Ingerland to the world stage. Although they are the team you love to hate (unless you're Geordie), I have an awful foreboding feeling that they might achieve some measure of success. A scan through the predictions seems to confirm that you do too, so let's hope we are all wrong. Let's see Gary Lineker, Matthew Upson (who?), Ian Wright, Alan Shearer and Frank Lampard all squirm with embarrassment while Slaven Bilic and Roy Keane have a right laugh!


So, yesterday, few points were scored and the funniest moment was indeed provided by Slaven Bilic when he commented, "To be fair, I don't care", with regard to the Swiss equaliser. Check out the link.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ab3GAHA02uM


Here are the leading players:


1  Brenda McGuigan (14)
2  Rasta Paul (12)
2  Sara Deazley's dad David who continues to upset Dara's party (12)
4  Dan Taggart (11)
4  Rab McKay (11)
4  Paul Lavery (11)
7  Sam McGuigan (10)
7  Marie Louise McKnight (10)
7  Dara Nolan (10)
7  The Don (10)


Chris Mark, Callum Scott, Charlie McGuile and Roisin Campbell are all on 9 points waiting for the leaders to slip up.


Due to the fact that Ron Manager has moved off the bottom, I am allowed to report that we still have a gaggle of losers on 2 points, namely Ruari Doyle (2 points isn't even a single goal you big raghead), Jack McGirrrrrr, Michael Hahahahaughey and Sean Hughes (not dead yet but doing a good impression). Everything can change with a couple of correct scores and there is plenty of time left so don't despair yet you sad bunch of losers!


Get ready for the roar of the 3 lions. Meeoww!

World Cuppa

It's a long way to the top if you wanna rock'n'roll

Confirming the fact that football punditry is a game best suited to women, South Belfast's Brenda McGuigan leads the way in this year's competition. Part of the caring profession, she is, nevertheless, happy to smirk over her shoulder at the inadequacies of the chasing pack. Said pack includes two of her sons and former champion, Francis, the husband. On 14 points already, Brenda has established herself as Paddy Power's short odds favourite with only three other players in double figures. They are Rasta Paul on 11, Dan Taggart and top culchie Ricky Carr on 10 while leading the so called footballers, The Don is also on 10.

Another Ulidia master is currently bringing up the rear on a grand total of 2 points. Yes, Ron Manager is joined by Ruari Doyle, Jack McGirr, Michael Haughey, Big Viv and London's late entry Sean Hughes (the one who isn't dead)! If you think this is only a temporary aberration, I urge you to consult the history of the predictor and you will gasp at the appalling record of our estimable soccer legends.

Apart from the competition in the McGuigan house, other family rivalries are causing ructions. I thought my neighbour's house was on fire when Iceland equalised against Argentina. When Messi missed the penalty, I called the police. Dara Nolan tells me that sibling rivalry is something he has had to deal with all his young life and he looks forward to the day that his elder brothers and his dad take him seriously. On nine points, this is a significant jump from his performance in 2014 and proof that he has done his homework in the intervening years. Take note Conor! He is joined on nine points by Sara Deazley's dad (David) who obviously wants to wreck Dara's party next door. Grow up dad!

Today's first game has just kicked off, so it's back to the box for me. Incidentally, Brenda has 0-0 to Serbia reduced to 9 men for intra team arguing and Costa Rica to miss 3 penalties.

See you tomorrow as my wife is taking me out for sad Father's Day!

World Cup Day 2

The Don - Back to the 70's

When I was a kid, the first World Cup I remember was Mexico 1970 and those ESSO World Cup coins. I was just a bit too young to remember England's glory in 1966, shucks! 1974 was my first Panini sticker collection but what I remember best from those days was the skill that was on display, mostly from the exotic South Americans. Tonight's game was a throwback to those halcyon days and although I have a large wager on Spain to win outright, part of me wanted to see that free kick from Ronaldo bulge the net. What a smasher of a match. I'm on my second bottle of wine but still excited by what was provided for our viewing pleasure. It brought me back to the early 70's watching the games with my oul lad. 

The first two games today were a bit dull but Paul Doherty, the white Ormeau Road rasta will be happy as he got both results spot on. He must have been on one when he threw in his results sheet, calling himself  "Cahill's Have Eyes". I'm sure he's right but Joe Cahill might have had something to say about it. Maybe he means that crap English centre half. 

Big Paul Lavery has amassed 6 points so far, hardly surprising since I only ever see him at funeral masses. Top Monday Night footballer is Ciaran "The Don" Donaghy also on 6 points and top lady is Brenda McGuigan leading the McGuigan team on 5 points.

Only one person has yet to score and no surprise if you guessed that's Archie. Have you worked out why he's Paddy Power's best mate yet?

Tomorrow is another day........ And another 4 matches!

Day One World Cup

Sheik Yerbouti aka Archie Devlin

Not the start to the competition that anyone wanted to see since nobody scored maximum points. However, Vladimir Putin seemed happy enough and might not be invading Saudi Arabia in the near future unless the chap in the djellaba with whom he kept shaking hands, increases the price of a barrel of oil.


Of the 100 starters, 88 scored one point and 12 managed zero. Only Archie, Paddy Power's best mate, opted for a Saudi win. Should this position not change after the 48 group games, the kitty of £500 would be split 88 ways - that's £5.68 each. If we get an interesting competition, the winner gets £250, Runner Up £150 and Third place £100. If there is a tie, the amounts will be added together and split equally between the number of players tied.


Tower of Power, Ultan the Giant, was the only participant to have 4-0 and can therefore feel robbed by the last second free kick.


More goals today please!

Derek Ray Memorial World Cup Predictor



For those of you not in the know, Derek Ray was a former teacher, footballer, Evertonian and Botanic Inn regular. Therefore, a well known character, but most famously remembered for being a winner of the Smythsonian World Cup Predictor. He won the coveted prize in 2002 but due to an off the ball incident was unable to return to defend his honour in the 2006 competition. He is fondly remembered in football and associated circles as Lord Ray of Botanic and it was in his name that the predictor was renamed after his untimely departure to the Elysian Fields.


More recent winners have included Frank "The  Swank" McGuigan and most recently Marie Louise McKnight, the most knowledgeable football pundit in my house! If you wish to join this illustrious group, it is your responsibility to have the hard copy to Ron Manager or me by 4pm on Thursday 14th or email it to me at noelmcknight@ntlworld.com. Email me if you  require a copy of the form to print off. Most of you know the craic, which it is a bit of, and an opportunity for a massive cash prize. Girly Bhoy is in and is supporting the Taiwan ladies team.


I will post regular updates here so get those forms in ASAP.


Good Luck