World cup

[scruffynick]

The strangest world cup ever in history as it's mid season....no build up whatsoever and it's in winter 🤦 no sun or beer garden. Anyway, who going to win it....not been a south American winner in 20 years and I fancy Argentina with Messi finally getting his hands on a world cup....plus it would pea off cry baby Ronaldo off something chronic 😁 

[Qqq123xx]

I'll be watching most of the games except the semi early, for me, first one. Do think Serbia and Switzerland will surprise. Hoping Messi gets his first. U.S.A. will get out of their group and that's about it. 

[ode1]

USA finds a way for a tie and not in a good way.  Played solid in the first half and hung on for dear life in the second.  Horrendous defensive play to give up the penalty!  US gonna need a result vs. England or figure out a way to get the goal differential on their side vs. Wales.  Gonna be interesting to watch this play out!

[Petethreeput]

As a US citizen I have to say I didn't love the foul.  It absolutely showed a lack of awareness in regards to the game, but I don't hate it either.

 

Since Lalas, Balboa, and Meola we have been yearning for a US team to play a higher line, higher pressure, trying to score rather than absorb and counter, and just generally play a better brand of soccer.  The thing is, aggressive goes both ways, I would prefer this kid go in hard rather than the usual US way of sitting back letting Bale turn or drop it off for a goal.

 

Obviously, there is no guarantee of this eventuality so in this particular instance this would have been preferable to the foul, but I see this kid playing his heart out and trying to win the game which is a far cry from playing not to lose.  It was a shame the game ended tied and I am sure this kid feels absolutely rotten, but good for the team and the coach to finally deliver a team willing to play against the world instead of defend against the them.

 

Shocker out of Argentina as well, that's crazy.

[Qqq123xx]

Totally brutal Argentina loss. 

 

Yeah seriously bad foul on U.S. in the box, with Wales players back to goal. Don't know what he was thinking. 

[scruffynick]

3 hours ago, Petethreeput said:

As a US citizen I have to say I didn't love the foul.  It absolutely showed a lack of awareness in regards to the game, but I don't hate it either.

 

Since Lalas, Balboa, and Meola we have been yearning for a US team to play a higher line, higher pressure, trying to score rather than absorb and counter, and just generally play a better brand of soccer.  The thing is, aggressive goes both ways, I would prefer this kid go in hard rather than the usual US way of sitting back letting Bale turn or drop it off for a goal.

 

Obviously, there is no guarantee of this eventuality so in this particular instance this would have been preferable to the foul, but I see this kid playing his heart out and trying to win the game which is a far cry from playing not to lose.  It was a shame the game ended tied and I am sure this kid feels absolutely rotten, but good for the team and the coach to finally deliver a team willing to play against the world instead of defend against the them.

 

Shocker out of Argentina as well, that's crazy.

Can't believe that Argentina lost, was working as it was the 10am game UK time....just couldn't believe the score. But they'll still go through thou. Thought USA played really well for 60 minutes and tired as Wales really went for it. 1-1 was about right. US have some really good players, see many in the premier league....mainly at Leeds. And of course been some absolutely shocking var calls already 🤣

[scruffynick]

2 hours ago, Qqq123xx said:

Totally brutal Argentina loss. 

 

Yeah seriously bad foul on U.S. in the box, with Wales players back to goal. Don't know what he was thinking. 

Just rash....and bale knows what he's doing in that situation. Too long at the top not to pick up all the tricks of the trade 

[ode1]

10 hours ago, Petethreeput said:

As a US citizen I have to say I didn't love the foul.  It absolutely showed a lack of awareness in regards to the game, but I don't hate it either.

 

Since Lalas, Balboa, and Meola we have been yearning for a US team to play a higher line, higher pressure, trying to score rather than absorb and counter, and just generally play a better brand of soccer.  The thing is, aggressive goes both ways, I would prefer this kid go in hard rather than the usual US way of sitting back letting Bale turn or drop it off for a goal.

 

Obviously, there is no guarantee of this eventuality so in this particular instance this would have been preferable to the foul, but I see this kid playing his heart out and trying to win the game which is a far cry from playing not to lose.  It was a shame the game ended tied and I am sure this kid feels absolutely rotten, but good for the team and the coach to finally deliver a team willing to play against the world instead of defend against the them.

 

Shocker out of Argentina as well, that's crazy.

The effort should be applauded no doubt, but the second he left his feet to slide he was in no man's land.  No way you'd ever choose to slide into the back of a player possessing the ball with his back turned to the goal while in the box.  Shouldn't do it anywhere and he did so in the box, ugh!

Edited November 23, 2022 by ode1

[Petethreeput]

15 hours ago, ode said:

The effort should be applauded no doubt, but the second he left his feet to slide he was in no man's land.  No way you'd ever choose to slide into the back of a player possessing the ball with his back turned to the goal while in the box.  Shouldn't do it anywhere and he did so in the box, ugh!

See I don’t disagree. It was a bad foul, my point is just the team is finally trying to compete and I will accept the gaffe for the other 89:55.  Zidane and the headbutt, Maradona and the groin kick, Platini skying a PK.  Everyone goofs, but I hate mistakes when the team wasn’t competing.

Edited November 23, 2022 by Petethreeput

[Qqq123xx]

World Cup and American Football tommorrow. It's gonna be a good day. Brazil/Serbia should be a great game. 

[DaveLeeNC]

Given Budweiser's recent announcement regarding the unsold beer from the World Cups, I find myself suddenly rooting for Iran. 

 

 

[mshills]

Netherlands / Ecuador has been quite entertaining so far, as was Ghana / Portugal. 
 

Cautious optimism that the US can make it out of the group stage, but I cannot envision much progress beyond that. There is a whole different discussion on why the USMNT is still not in the same galaxy as the top sides. I’ve always thought I would live long enough to see the US win the World Cup, but as 50 sneaks up on me, I’m not so sure!

[scruffynick]

23 hours ago, mshills said:

Netherlands / Ecuador has been quite entertaining so far, as was Ghana / Portugal. 
 

Cautious optimism that the US can make it out of the group stage, but I cannot envision much progress beyond that. There is a whole different discussion on why the USMNT is still not in the same galaxy as the top sides. I’ve always thought I would live long enough to see the US win the World Cup, but as 50 sneaks up on me, I’m not so sure!

Boy we were lucky, glad to get out with a draw. USA were excellent....not lost against England yet at a world cup. In truth played off the park for long periods 

[Qqq123xx]

Well win against Iran or pack the bags.....

 

 

 

[iBanesto]

[DaveLeeNC]

Given the recent Budweiser announcement (all beer that they do not sell at the World Cup goes to the winning country), I suddenly find myself rooting for Iran to go all the way 🙂

 

dave

[Petethreeput]

On 11/26/2022 at 9:27 AM, scruffynick said:

Boy we were lucky, glad to get out with a draw. USA were excellent....not lost against England yet at a world cup. In truth played off the park for long periods 

Again, and I never played at this level, I quit after college, but the US, win/lose/draw are getting after it and I don't care how they do on the grand stage.  Do I want to see theUS win?  Of course, but the whole change in attitude is just wonderful to see from my perspective.

[scruffynick]

On 11/28/2022 at 8:26 PM, Petethreeput said:

Again, and I never played at this level, I quit after college, but the US, win/lose/draw are getting after it and I don't care how they do on the grand stage.  Do I want to see theUS win?  Of course, but the whole change in attitude is just wonderful to see from my perspective.

How's ya nerves 😂 9 minutes of stoppage time...you age 10 years in football I tell ya 

[Qqq123xx]

Great game. That second U.S. goal that wasn't by a whisker if that. Iran trying to win diving championship there at the end. And yeah 9 minutes of stoppage time. White knuckle ride. 

[Petethreeput]

46 minutes ago, scruffynick said:

How's ya nerves 😂 9 minutes of stoppage time...you age 10 years in football I tell ya 

I don't have cable, and FS1 kicked me out with about 10 minutes left in the game.  I do hope Pulisic can come back to play against the Netherlands (if I remember correctly), but again, I thought they really took the game to Iran even after they were up 1-0.  The first 5-10 minutes of the 2nd half they were playing front foot soccer/football.  In the history of sport there will always be the ebbs and flows, and the leading team always flounders under the pressure of desperation.

 

I am happy they are going on, and hope they continue to play this way.  The English had the cakewalk it appears, last I heard it was 3-0. 

Edited November 29, 2022 by Petethreeput

[mshills]

The last two US games are the type that make you crazy if you're a huge soccer fan who happens to live amongst non-soccer fans.  How many times I've heard "0-0 followed by 1-0, how is that exciting?"

 

Man, how is it not exciting?  It does not take too long to develop enough understanding of soccer to watch both of those matches and realize that yes, a 0-0 match can be dull, grinding, and horrible to watch, but it can also be full of strategic moves and counters, ball movement, reaction, patterns, moments of skill, and physicality even if a goal does not occur.

[scruffynick]

19 hours ago, Petethreeput said:

I don't have cable, and FS1 kicked me out with about 10 minutes left in the game.  I do hope Pulisic can come back to play against the Netherlands (if I remember correctly), but again, I thought they really took the game to Iran even after they were up 1-0.  The first 5-10 minutes of the 2nd half they were playing front foot soccer/football.  In the history of sport there will always be the ebbs and flows, and the leading team always flounders under the pressure of desperation.

 

I am happy they are going on, and hope they continue to play this way.  The English had the cakewalk it appears, last I heard it was 3-0. 

Yep, England really should have won by 6 the Welsh were awful. That team has too many aged players that have done wonders for them. Might be a long time again until their next world cup. As for England, keep it going and see what happens....not sure I can do another penalty shootout....lost too many if those since euro 96 

[ode1]

My DVR kicked me out with a min+ left of stoppage, lol.  That match vs. Iran was shaping up like the Wales match with a tale of two halves.  On to the Netherlands......cannot wait.....not sure how we match up🤔

 

And what drama tonight with group C almost going to fair play as a tie breaker.  Even though those games were well in hand, it was still tense to the final whistle!

Edited December 1, 2022 by ode1

[scruffynick]

Take a bow Japan, what a second half performance.....bye bye Germany 😂😂 

Unfortunately, I had Belgium in my works sweep....first time I've had a favourite and they stink place out. Just typical that 😡 

So onwards to knock out....extra time and penalties will happen and then let the nerves shred 

[mshills]

Japan have really looked good….going 2-0 vs. Germany and Spain is not a fluke, they have a good and extremely athletic team. Fun to watch. 
 

I can’t help but feel for Lukaku today. Ouch. 

[scruffynick]

17 hours ago, mshills said:

Japan have really looked good….going 2-0 vs. Germany and Spain is not a fluke, they have a good and extremely athletic team. Fun to watch. 
 

I can’t help but feel for Lukaku today. Ouch. 

Saw plenty of those misses at old Trafford... believe me he can be useless at times 

[Petethreeput]

Watching US right now.  While they don’t anppear incredibly dangerous, I go back to my prior observation.

 

This team has won possession in the offensive half of the field more times in 40 minutes than they have since 1950 combined.

 

Kudos to them

Edited December 3, 2022 by Petethreeput

[mshills]

Agree. They’ve just fallen into what this Dutch team does. Deep line, make the game ugly, then beat you with a pretty simple counter. 😡 Reminds me of Italy a generation ago before they started playing a more fun style. 

 

Thought this was not such a bad KO round matchup, need something special now. 

[scruffynick]

13 minutes ago, mshills said:

Agree. They’ve just fallen into what this Dutch team does. Deep line, make the game ugly, then beat you with a pretty simple counter. 😡 Reminds me of Italy a generation ago before they started playing a more fun style. 

 

Thought this was not such a bad KO round matchup, need something special now. 

Van gaal all over, he bored us to death at United. Very effective but it can be dull to watch, went through a whole season in 2015-16 without scoring a first half goal at home....glad my seat was at the other end 😂😂

[mshills]

It is very effective and not taking anything away from the Dutch — they have played very smart and disciplined, exactly what they need to do. They will be a tough out if they play like this against (probably) Argentina.

 

I am already pumped for the Next WC. Keep coach B, and if all our 20 yr old midfielders are healthy we should have a good squad. 

Edited December 3, 2022 by mshills