Football – Dave Thomas's Blog

GOM World Cup Diary #23 – Whatever Happened To Certainty?

GOM World Cup Diary #23 – Whatever Happened To Certainty? Portugal eventually overcame Croatia last night to book their place in the World Cup quarter-finals. But once again, the biggest…

DaveThomas July 3, 2026

Football Grumpy Old Man Humour

GOM World Cup Diary #14 – Whatever Happened To Just Having A Go?

GOM World Cup Diary #14 – Whatever Happened To Just Having A Go? I spent a large part of yesterday evening watching England pass the ball sideways. Then backwards. Then…

DaveThomas June 25, 2026

Football Grumpy Old Man Humour

GOM World Cup Diary #12: Whatever Happened To Knowing Your Place?

GOM World Cup Diary #12: Whatever Happened To Knowing Your Place? Last week, Cape Verde drew 0-0 with Spain. The experts were surprised. Then Cape Verde drew 2-2 with Uruguay.…

DaveThomas June 22, 2026

Football Grumpy Old Man Humour

GOM World Cup Diary #10: Whatever Happened To Private Conversations?

Whatever Happened To Private Conversations? Last night a footballer was sent off for covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent. Which came as something of a surprise. When I…

DaveThomas June 20, 2026

Football Grumpy Old Man Humour

GOM World Cup Diary #9: Whatever Happened To One Match At A Time?

Whatever Happened To One Match At A Time? Yesterday Mexico became the first team to qualify for the knockout stages of the World Cup. A fine achievement. They've played well,…

DaveThomas June 19, 2026

Football Grumpy Old Man Humour

GOM World Cup Diary #5: Do We Really Need 48 Teams?

GOM World Cup Diary #5: Do We Really Need 48 Teams? Germany beat Curaçao 7-1 yesterday. Which was unfortunate for Curaçao. And, if we're being completely honest, not especially surprising…

DaveThomas June 15, 2026

Football Grumpy Old Man Humour

GOM World Cup Diary #4: Whatever Happened to Just Watching the Match?

GOM World Cup Diary #4: Whatever Happened to Just Watching the Match? I spent part of yesterday watching football supporters watching football. Which, when you think about it, is a…

DaveThomas June 14, 2026

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GOM World Cup Diary #2: By the Time the Opening Ceremony Finished, I’d Forgotten There Was a Match

By the Time the Opening Ceremony Finished, I'd Forgotten There Was a Match I switched on last night to watch a football match. That, at least, was the plan. What…

DaveThomas June 12, 2026

Football Grumpy Old Man Humour

GOM World Cup Diary #1: Why Does Every Football Tournament Need an Opening Ceremony?

Why Does Every Football Tournament Need an Opening Ceremony? The football starts tonight. Or at least, that's what I've been told. Personally, I was under the impression that football tournaments…

DaveThomas June 11, 2026