Thread: World Cup 2018

Originally Posted by Bruno

Belgium Japan....
Now that was ecstasy for Belgium and a slap in the face for Japan. From 0-2 to 3-2 in the very last seconds.

Reasons I am not a top level football manager #57: When Martinez brought on Fellaini and Chadli, my reaction was "WTF is be bringing those two donkeys on?"

And then thetwo donkeys only go and score the 2nd and 3rd goals.

That was one hell of a match.

Originally Posted by Bruno

Japan was a solid crew and I almost regretted them losing, if it were not for the fact that Belgium was the other team.
One thing I have to give the Japanese: they didn't stop playing. Had they switched to a 10 man defense after coming ahead by 2 points, Belgium wouldn't have won.

A lot of Americans don't like soccer because of the slow methodical European style of play. If the people who don't like soccer would have seen the Belgium/Japan game they may have a change mind about the game.


Mike

I remember when I was playing soccer in high school my coach was a baseball player with no soccer experience. Basically thought the best thing to do was clear the ball up the field and hope are fastest players could get it and run to the goal. Pretty sure team would have less then 20 complete passes each half. Got a bit better when we got an assistant coach though. I live in america and only way for most people to see soccer is if they are really looking for it, normally they will just end up running into basketball/american football/ or baseball games and watch that. Although I think soccer fan base is growing nicely in america, this being the view of soccer fan from lower Alabama.

Originally Posted by mglindo

A lot of Americans don't like soccer because of the slow methodical European style of play.

Add all the drama involved when they get hit. Crying babies and lots of acting. TV channels can't push commercials down your throat every 5 minutes. Soccer will never be as big as the rest of the world. I still remember watching Pelé last official soccer game. Good times.

U.S. soccer is messed up. The U.S. did not qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1986. The U.S. Soccer Federation has a new President but he is just another of the same old thing. Too much to get into here but many major problems. The United States will be co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with Mexico and Canada. Let's just hope the U.S qualifies for that World Cup. Any bets?


Mike

Originally Posted by mglindo

U.S. soccer is messed up. The U.S. did not qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1986. The U.S. Soccer Federation has a new President but he is just another of the same old thing. Too much to get into here but many major problems. The United States will be co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with Mexico and Canada. Let's just hope the U.S qualifies for that World Cup. Any bets?


Mike

My hope is that all three host countries will get the traditional host's spot in the finals without having to qualify. Possibly the best bet for seeing Canada make the finals again in my lifetime!

Giving three hosts seeded positions shouldn't be an issue as they will also be expanding the tournament again to 48 teams. I don't like the expansion per se, but also won't complain if that gets us in.

Re the "drama when they get hit": that drives most footie fans bonkers too. At least it does me. Don't get me wrong there are times when it's perfectly reasonable. For example getting kicked hard in the shin hurts like HELL for a minute or so, then that fades pretty quickly. So seeing someone going down from that injury in agony then getting up to continue shortly after isn't really BS. It's just physiology. And as someone with permanently dented shins from shall we say robust tackles, I know of what I speak.

However, Neymar flopping around like a fish on a boat deck in yesterday's match was just pathetic. He could be the best player in the world if he's just stop that crap and grow up. As it is, I can't stand the guy.

On the whole, my impression is that in the major European leagues at least, diving isn't as big an issue as it was even ten years ago. I think the retroactive use of video evidence could help stamp it out further. I.e. even if you con a ref in the match, you can still be busted and suspended after post-match review of video evidence.

Originally Posted by Cangooner

My hope is that all three host countries will get the traditional host's spot in the finals without having to qualify. Possibly the best bet for seeing Canada make the finals again in my lifetime!

Giving three hosts seeded positions shouldn't be an issue as they will also be expanding the tournament again to 48 teams. I don't like the expansion per se, but also won't complain if that gets us in.

Re the "drama when they get hit": that drives most footie fans bonkers too. At least it does me. Don't get me wrong there are times when it's perfectly reasonable. For example getting kicked hard in the shin hurts like HELL for a minute or so, then that fades pretty quickly. So seeing someone going down from that injury in agony then getting up to continue shortly after isn't really BS. It's just physiology. And as someone with permanently dented shins from shall we say robust tackles, I know of what I speak.

However, Neymar flopping around like a fish on a boat deck in yesterday's match was just pathetic. He could be the best player in the world if he's just stop that crap and grow up. As it is, I can't stand the guy.

On the whole, my impression is that in the major European leagues at least, diving isn't as big an issue as it was even ten years ago. I think the retroactive use of video evidence could help stamp it out further. I.e. even if you con a ref in the match, you can still be busted and suspended after post-match review of video evidence.

Yeah, that Neymar, what an idiot! I was watching that and he didn't do himself any favors with that performance.


Mike

Relatives of Neymar, good video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWpkDDDj1QM

Originally Posted by Christian1

Relatives of Neymar, good video

Nice one!

England win on penalties??

What weird parallel universe have I stumbled into?