Italy Out (Again)

It shouldn't really have been a surprise to see Italy fail to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Not after having seen them miss the previous two tournaments.

But, here we are - not even a day later - and there are certain reporters airing their disbelief that such a thing could happen.

Again - Italy missed the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. 

It isn't something new.

The Italians fell to Bosnia-Herzegovina on penalties in last night's qualifier. Wales experienced a similar loss to them last week.

There are now seventy-one days to go until the tournament kicks off. 

I'll be keeping an eye on Bosnia-Herzegovina only because of who they beat in these playoff qualifiers. I won't be rooting for them, however. 

Brazil, just like every other year (well, apart from 2022 when I focused on Wales), will be the team I hope will win.

But, knowing it has been twenty-four years since they last lifted the trophy, I am fully aware that Brazil not winning the World Cup isn't something new.

I Tried Coke Zero Cherry Float, I Wasn't Keen On It Compared To The Other Version

On Sunday March 22nd, I published a post after trying Coca-Cola's latest flavour to hit the UK.

I thoroughly enjoyed Cherry Float pointing out how my taste buds were able to grasp both the cherry and vanilla flavours sip-by-sip.

Unfortunately, I have some bad news in regard to the zero sugar version of Coca-Cola Cherry Float.

I had a bottle of the pop a few days ago and noticed something which contradicted the great taste experience I had over a week ago.

I couldn't taste any cherry. It felt like I was drinking the sugar free Coke Zero with vanilla. 

The good news for me is I still have a couple of the regular Cherry Float cans left. I won't bother with the Zero version, of Cherry Float, in future. 

Going For 4 Gets A Thumbs Up From Me

Other than a few clips on social media, I haven't watched anything from the UFL American football league in the two years since it has been active following a merger between the XFL and USFL.

With that said, I have been intrigued by one of the new rule changes that have been implemented from this season.

The new ruling gives four points for field goals converted from sixty yards or further. 

I caught the first-ever successful attempt over the weekend. I think it will make for some tense closes to games so I am all-in on such a move.

I'm also hopeful that the NFL and team owners are paying close attention to the move. I'd love to see a sixty-yard plus field goal seal a game rather than a field goal sending one into overtime in the dying hours.

Not that I dislike the latter. Those are dramatic. However, I feel going for four would be even more fun for the viewer.

The Clocks, The Clocks!!

I am sure I've written it before, but I shall repeat myself once again: I hate having to change the clocks twice a year.

To be fair, the jump to BST is more easier than falling back to GMT later in the year. However, it still bugs me having to work out the oven clock (my biggest challenge!).  I always end up hitting the wrong button resulting in me having to pull out the plug to restart things (a rookie move I've been doing since, well.. my rookie year!).

The thing that irks me the most about this year's move is that I had to turn the electrics off in my home a fortnight ago. So, I've had to do the clock changing twice within the past few weeks. 

I might come across as barmy stating this, but I should have spent the past two weeks with the wrong clock in preparation for today.

With all that said - microwaves, ovens and radios aside, thing have improved as the years have gone on. Other devices automatically change.

I also welcome another thought during the spring - next time I have to mess with the clocks, it'll be the NFL season.

Unless, of course, I have to switch the electricity off for a random reason before September's kick off.

I Try Asda's Easter Gooey Chocolate Spread

I bought an Easter-themed spread from Asda the other day.

I had a feeling the Easter Gooey Chocolate Spread would remind me of Cadbury's Creme Eggs. 

Bad assumption on my part. It didn't.

By the time I had spread the product over my toast, the 'yolk' (yellow part of the spread) had vanished. I was left with.. well, I was left with chocolate spread.

And that's all it was. Chocolate spread which looks prettier when you look at its jar. 

It's pointless. Buy regular chocolate spread instead.

Wales Out Of World Cup Contention

Wales have boycotted the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

I kid.

They won't be off to the Americas for this summer's tournament following their elimination in a qualifying playoff last night.

After going 1-0 up, and holding the lead, they ended up letting Bosnia-Herzegovina score in the closing moments of regulation. 

With the game still tied after extra time, penalties decided Wales' fate.

Just like in the game itself, Wales were ahead at one point but ended up losing momentum at the most imperfect time.

And that's that. 

For two to four years.

25 Years Ago Tonight.

25 Years ago tonight.

That's how long it has been since the last episode of WCW Monday Nitro aired on TV.

I was quite bemused, the other day, when it dawned on me how long it had been since the infamous episode of WCW's flagship programme went off the air for good. 

That week's instalment aired a few days after Vince McMahon's Titan Sports bought out the WWF's main competitors.

McMahon appeared on Nitro via a live link up from where the WWF was filming WWE Monday Night Raw.

It was quite surreal to see the two shows merged at certain points during the night. Especially in the closing angle which had Vince McMahon brag about owning the competition only for Vince's son - Shane - to appear live from the WCW ring to announce that it was he who had purchased WCW from under his dad's nose.

The simulcast ended with a fuming Vince and a happy Shane mere weeks before the pair would do battle against each other at WrestleMania XVII.

All an angle. Obviously.

I think it's safe to state that the world of professional wrestling has never been the same, good and definitely bad, since those few days in March 2001.