The World Cup 2006

They may not have qualified for the World Cup finals but I'd remind you that it's not that long since Northern Ireland beat England 1-0.

Yes, I saw that game, well done. But what's that got to do with the complaints about the media being pro-England when they're the only home nations in the tournament ? Should they be dropping that result in to conversation every now and again to make the Irish feel better ?

Im well aware that Wales didnt qualify and have never said otherwise. But I still refuse to support England.

I don't have a problem with the UK media being pro-England as they are the only home nation in the tournament. I do however have a problem with the level of hype beforehand, and the level of self-pity in the aftermath.

Widening it out a little, when the BBC covered the England v Ireland Six Nations match the commentary was so pro-England it was unbelievable, and resulted in many complaints (externally and internally). I've previously been a critic of sending a BBC NI team to provide a separate commentary for something network sport are covering, but now think it's money well spent.

Thankfully on the occasion of the NI v England match in Belfast BBC NI provided full match coverage locally - which was a good thing as if the network post-match analysis with Ian Wright had gone out on BBC ONE NI there'd have been a mass burning of TV Licences on the streets of NI.

Did anyone notice how the Phillips logo never animated off like it usually does?

As to the football, why oh why do England not play like France did yesterday, it was the same old style of performance, playing for penalties with a major player getting sent off, getting McClaren in as manager, forget it he will make no difference at all!

the little s*** will be clobbered by Rooney!

Did anyone hear the announcer on STV last night? He seemed really upbeat. He was telling us that the World Cup hightlights are now on, then he told us to enjoy the show in a really happy voice.

Overnight ratings:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5138636.stm

16.2 m average, 19m peak

Not surpisingly, very similar to last Sunday's game with the same KO time, and lower than the peak time game between England and Sweden. Which means ITV will finish the tournament with the highest single rating.

It must be horrible for that announcer and anyone who shares his views to define their happiness by someone else's misery.

Very sad.

I'm surprised the peak wasn't higher. I expected over 20m for the penalty shootout

This is one reason why it's quite sad that England are out. In this multi channel environment it's fairly rare to have a situation where 'everyone' is watching one programme and all talking about the same thing the next day at work and school.
I don't know about you but at my place of work it's difficult to find more than about 2 people who watched the same as you last night. I suppose this is why internet forums are popular as otherwise you'd never be able to talk about last night's TV

well it is the biggest football tournament in the world and, you may not have experienced this as you're over in belfast, but the hype on the tv was only reflecting the hype on the street. england flags can be found flying from everywhere, cars, houses, businesses etc.

84% of licecnce fee payers live in england, so its not entirely unreasonable for them to reflect the [english] national mood.

no one is asking you to. i think people are just asking you to dispose of that chip on your shoulder and move on. there is no need to be consumed by hatred for england.