2022 World Cup

[M2]

We're six days away from the start of the World Cup. Yes, the timing is bizarre. Yes, the body count Qatar racked up in building its stadiums is horrific. Yes, this is probably going to be the most dude-heavy World Cup ever from an attendance standpoint (because women, especially South American ones, are basically outlawed). Yet it's still a battle for eternal glory.

Here's ESPN blurbs on each team: https://www.espn.com/soccer/fifa-world-cup/story/4763837/world-cup-2022-32-team-by-team-previews-for-qatar.

Full squad lists: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_FIFA_World_Cup_squads.

Brazil is heading into this installment with what looks like their best team since 2002 (the last time they won). We'll get to see early on whether they can overwhelm a low block, because that's all they're going to see in their group (Serbia, Switzerland, Cameroon).

My rando predictions:

- The U.S. wins its group, then loses to Ecuador or Senegal at the start of the knockout rounds.

- Big name teams that could be in trouble: Spain (they have no clue what their starting 11 is), Belgium (golden generation getting old). Both are in very tough groups.

- Sleeper team: could be Croatia again (because Luka Modric is still a genius), but I really like Uruguay to make some noise. It's got to beat Portugal to win its group, but it's got what might be a golden generation just hitting its prime.

[BuckeyeRed27]

If the US wins the group and loses to Senegal I’m gonna jump in Lake Erie.

[RedTeamGo!]

I don’t think US advances

[BuckeyeRed27]

Oh I think they absolutely advance. It’s not a hard group and they have a legit midfield.

Wales is the most important game. Need 3 points.

[RedTeamGo!]

Oh I think they absolutely advance. It’s not a hard group and they have a legit midfield.

Wales is the most important game. Need 3 points.

England is very good, I don’t see the USMNT stopping Kane.

The US is certainly better than Wales, but they are experienced and led by a player that might view this as going out with a bang. The US does not fare well against euro teams like this. I think the US is going to lose to both England and Wales.

[M2]

If the US wins the group and loses to Senegal I’m gonna jump in Lake Erie.

This is why they should play in the summer.

[M2]

Oh I think they absolutely advance. It’s not a hard group and they have a legit midfield.

Wales is the most important game. Need 3 points.

The midfield (and Turner in the net) are why I think they win the group. I'm pretty confident about grabbing that 3 off of Wales. Good chance the Welsh don't park the bus and the U.S. slices them up. Iran's perhaps the trap game. They've got some scoring even if their defense and midfield are highly suspect.

[Betterread]

Oh I think they absolutely advance. It’s not a hard group and they have a legit midfield.

Wales is the most important game. Need 3 points.

I agree. USMNT should get six points from Wales and Iran, assuming they play well, which is assuming a lot.
On paper, UK should kill us, but they always flatter to deceive in these competitions so we will tie them, assuming we don’t make any stupid defensive errors, which is also assuming a lot. So I can see us winning the group, if everything goes as well as possible, which I hope will happen.
i am optimistic about the USA advancing, and will ignore all the poor play in the past few years.

[BuckeyeRed27]

I agree. USMNT should get six points from Wales and Iran, assuming they play well, which is assuming a lot.
On paper, UK should kill us, but they always flatter to deceive in these competitions so we will tie them, assuming we don’t make any stupid defensive errors, which is also assuming a lot. So I can see us winning the group, if everything goes as well as possible, which I hope will happen.
i am optimistic about the USA advancing, and will ignore all the poor play in the past few years.

The England game will be interesting. We have a advantage in midfield. They have an advantage with their front line vs our defense. They have played in big games recently and we haven’t.

I also don’t fully trust Greggg to figure our how to exploit a tactical advantage, but I’ve been surprised before.

[bucksfan2]

The England game will be interesting. We have a advantage in midfield. They have an advantage with their front line vs our defense. They have played in big games recently and we haven’t.

I also don’t fully trust Greggg to figure our how to exploit a tactical advantage, but I’ve been surprised before.

I have always felt in tournament type settings, midfield play often is the most important feature of a game. A great midfielder can control the game, especially as teams are afraid to take chances.

If the USMNT had Tim Howard in goal, I would feel a whole lot better about their chances. But Turner has the chance to really insert himself as a top tier GK.

I am not enamored with Zimmerman as center back, but hope for the best here.

I do wonder this, as the USMNT doesn't often have this luxury, but Aaronson and Adams both playing on a top tier EPL club, could that familiarity be an advantage for them?

[RedTeamGo!]

Aronson and Adams very well might be the two best American players right now. The success (or lack thereof) of this world cup goes through Adams IMHO.

[M2]

The England game will be interesting. We have a advantage in midfield. They have an advantage with their front line vs our defense. They have played in big games recently and we haven’t.

I also don’t fully trust Greggg to figure our how to exploit a tactical advantage, but I’ve been surprised before.

Fortunately, Southgate isn't exactly a tactical genius either. It's probably going to be up to individual players to make plays. McKennie's the guy I've got my eye in terms of being a difference maker. On the flip side, I'm already preparing to put my head in my hands when Jordan Morris gets subbed in.

[KoryMac5]

The midfield (and Turner in the net) are why I think they win the group. I'm pretty confident about grabbing that 3 off of Wales. Good chance the Welsh don't park the bus and the U.S. slices them up. Iran's perhaps the trap game. They've got some scoring even if their defense and midfield are highly suspect.

Plus the incentive of playing for your life has to be on the top of any Iranian player or coaches list...if they lose to the US there won't be a warm welcome waiting.

[M2]

Plus the incentive of playing for your life has to be on the top of any Iranian player or coaches list...if they lose to the US there won't be a warm welcome waiting.

And they'll be the one team that sets a low block and tries to counter the U.S. (though Wales might surprise me and play cautious). I do wonder whether Iranian authorities fear the bad home PR of a loss more than a spontaneous mass celebration turning into a protest.

[texasdave]

There is no need to fly all the way to Qatar, when Supercomputer has figured this whole thing out for us. After running the tournament 100,000 times the winner will be...............................Brazil.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-11430601/England-crash-quarter-finals-World-Cup-supercomputer-predicts.html?ito=windows-widget-push-notification&ci=550392

[Betterread]

Fortunately, Southgate isn't exactly a tactical genius either. It's probably going to be up to individual players to make plays. McKennie's the guy I've got my eye in terms of being a difference maker. On the flip side, I'm already preparing to put my head in my hands when Jordan Morris gets subbed in.

You used Southgate and genius in the same sentence. That made me laugh. If it’s up to individual brilliance v England, we’re in trouble. Foden and Grealish are really skilled. We won’t be able to stop them. We have to rely on southgate playing Rashford, Sterling and others instead of the ManCity boys.

[Betterread]

Players I look forward to watching at WC2022:
1. Giovanni Reyna
2. Rafael Leao
3. Paolo Dybala
4. Vinicius Jr
5. Raphinha
6. Phil Foden
7. Marco Livaja
8. Piotr Zielinski
9. Federico Valverde
10. Alphonso Davies

[M2]

You used Southgate and genius in the same sentence. That made me laugh. If it’s up to individual brilliance v England, we’re in trouble. Foden and Grealish are really skilled. We won’t be able to stop them. We have to rely on southgate playing Rashford, Sterling and others instead of the ManCity boys.

Foden and Grealish are definitely the two most dangerous players in that mix in terms of creating chances. However, the U.S. does have some high workrate guys who won't give them a ton of space. I'm thinking in particular of the U.S. not letting Grealish have the space to make his runs. Both teams have speed on the wings, which might cancel each other out, which is why I'm thinking it becomes a boxing match in the middle. That's where I like Adams, Musah and McKennie, Kind of wondering if they drop Aaronson in there to be the point on a diamond midfield.

What I mostly expect is a hideous, negative game where England probes in slow, predictable fashion and the U.S. tests the legs of the English defense on counters.

[M2]

Players I look forward to watching at WC2022:
1. Giovanni Reyna
2. Rafael Leao
3. Paolo Dybala
4. Vinicius Jr
5. Raphinha
6. Phil Foden
7. Marco Livaja
8. Piotr Zielinski
9. Federico Valverde
10. Alphonso Davies

Is Fonzie going to be healthy? If he is, then I've got Canada as a serious sleeper pick (might have the fastest counter in the world).

Nice pick on Zielinski. If they play him and Sabastian Szymanski (attacking mid who plays for Feyenoord), Poland could have itself a pretty dangerous attack. We know they've got a premium finisher.

[goreds2]

Soccer-Beer to cost nearly $14 per half-litre inside Qatar's main World Cup fan zone - source


The beer price in the FIFA fan zone falls in line with relatively expensive prices hotel bars charge in the Gulf Arab state, where a beer also costs around 50 riyals per half-litre.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/fifa-world-cup/soccer-beer-to-cost-nearly-14-per-half-litre-inside-qatars-main-world-cup-fan-zone-source/ar-AA149i0f

[texasdave]

https://www.espn.com/soccer/fifa-world-cup/story/4787456/world-cup-rank-the-50-best-footballers-of-qatar-2022

Don't bother looking for any US players, there aren't any.

[MWM]

https://www.espn.com/soccer/fifa-world-cup/story/4787456/world-cup-rank-the-50-best-footballers-of-qatar-2022

Don't bother looking for any US players, there aren't any.

They all play for Man City

[BuckeyeRed27]

https://www.espn.com/soccer/fifa-world-cup/story/4787456/world-cup-rank-the-50-best-footballers-of-qatar-2022

Don't bother looking for any US players, there aren't any.

I’m not gonna say any Americans are in the top 50 (although some are around the fringes), but that list is awful.

[Betterread]

They all play for Man City

You know that ManCity is owned by UAE, not Qatar? And you know that UAE and Qatar are different countries, right?
And you know that those two countries have a lot of disputes and don’t get along very well, right?
Qatar is a Bayern Munich sponsor and PSG owner.
Any team that has Fly Emirates on their jersey is UAE sponsored (Arsenal, Real Madrid. Milan, etc) and any team that has Qatar Airways (Bayern, PSG, Boca Juniors, etc) on their jersey is Qatar sponsored .

[Roy Tucker]

https://www.si.com/soccer/2022/11/18/2022-world-cup-qatar-beer-sales-banned-two-days-before-tournament-start

“Just two days before the start of the World Cup, Qatari organizers have banned the sale of alcoholic beverages at all of the tournament’s eight stadiums.”

[RedTeamGo!]

lmao, they legit should just leave and have it in Germany or the US. What an absolute garbage World Cup this is going to be.

[BuckeyeRed27]

lmao, they legit should just leave and have it in Germany or the US. What an absolute garbage World Cup this is going to be.

I’m sure the soccer part will be fine, but man, going as a fan would be awful.

I’m just glad the next one is here.

[M2]

https://www.si.com/soccer/2022/11/18/2022-world-cup-qatar-beer-sales-banned-two-days-before-tournament-start

“Just two days before the start of the World Cup, Qatari organizers have banned the sale of alcoholic beverages at all of the tournament’s eight stadiums.”

The entire administration of this World Cup is going to be a mess. The Qataris are not prepared for what large numbers of Brazilians or Dutch are going to do (having massive amounts of fun, which is illegal in Qatar). And the English might get ornery if too many clamps get put on them. It is possible they might be more destructive when they're sober.

Don't even get me started on women. Don't be surprised if the Qataris are in the stands cracking down on women they deem to be inappropriate.

[Boston Red]

Seems like if they wanted to do this in the Middle East it should have been the UAE. I've had beers in the middle of the day outdoors in the UAE. They've got their issues (who doesn't?), but they seem much more willing to look the other way on foreigners doing things outside their cultural norms in order to extract money from said foreigners. I'm all for that.

[KronoRed]

FIFA president licking the boot

https://www.espn.com/soccer/fifa-world-cup/story/4806508/world-cup-fifa-president-infantino-slams-europe-hypocrisy-in-astonishing-speech

[M2]

FIFA president licking the boot

https://www.espn.com/soccer/fifa-world-cup/story/4806508/world-cup-fifa-president-infantino-slams-europe-hypocrisy-in-astonishing-speech

Well, he has red hair, you see. So he knows what it's like to be oppressed.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Early VAR decision that looked insane, but I guess we technically right on the offside.

Clear penalty though to put Ecuador up.

[M2]

Early VAR decision that looked insane, but I guess we technically right on the offside.

Clear penalty though to put Ecuador up.

Couldn't be offside. Ball came off the keeper. Should be 2-0 Ecuador. They are a vastly better team so far.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Couldn't be offside. Ball came off the keeper. Should be 2-0 Ecuador. They are a vastly better team so far.

Eh it was technically right. After it comes off the keeper, if you consider the header a pass, the next touch was to a guy who had his leg behind the keeper when he touched it and there was only one other guy back.

I don’t like it and it’s not what offside is for and wasn’t “clear and obvious” but picking nits was technically right.

[Roy Tucker]

FIFA president licking the boot

https://www.espn.com/soccer/fifa-world-cup/story/4806508/world-cup-fifa-president-infantino-slams-europe-hypocrisy-in-astonishing-speech

Maybe I should become president of FIFA. Seems there is some money in it.

[M2]

Eh it was technically right. After it comes off the keeper, if you consider the header a pass, the next touch was to a guy who had his leg behind the keeper when he touched it and there was only one other guy back.

I don’t like it and it’s not what offside is for and wasn’t “clear and obvious” but picking nits was technically right.

The header was the touch after the keeper touched it, and that was the guy they called offside. Yet there is no offside after a defensive touch. The touch after the header is clearly onside.

It's not going to matter because Ecuador has scored again.

[BuckeyeRed27]

So England is good.

[M2]

So England is good.

They are good, but Iran also has a problem defense that they've left exposed.

[BuckeyeRed27]

They are good, but Iran also has a problem defense that they've left exposed.

Iran is definitely not good, but England moves the ball beautifully.

[M2]

Tyler Adams is a beast.

[klw]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLXtf1XFczk

[RedTeamGo!]

ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh hhh

[klw]

My three countries all in the same group. Talk about a painful draw. (I have dual US/UK citizenship- mom was born in England, dad was Welsh, I was born here)

[Boston Red]

My three countries all in the same group. Talk about a painful draw. (I have dual US/UK citizenship- mom was born in England, dad was Welsh, I was born here)

On the other hand, you're pretty certain to get 2/3 of your favorites through to the next round.

[klw]

On the other hand, you're pretty certain to get 2/3 of your favorites through to the next round.

Good point. Iran is hardly looking like it will be challenging for advancement.

[M2]

ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh hhh

Someone forgot to give Walker Zimmerman the note that in the box you play good positional defense and avoid desperate lunges. That was a major rush of blood to the head moment right there. Should have been 3 points.

[paintmered]

Someone forgot to give Walker Zimmerman the note that in the box you play good positional defense and avoid desperate lunges. That was a major rush of blood to the head moment right there. Should have been 3 points.

And now the USMNT is likely playing for second in the group, and that's if they can grab a point against England. They can't let England go into the Wales match only needing a point to win the group, because it looks like everybody should get wins over Iran.

Such an opportunity that they failed to seize.

[M2]

And now the USMNT is likely playing for second in the group, and that's if they can grab a point against England. They can't let England go into the Wales match only needing a point to win the group, because it looks like everybody should get wins over Iran.

Such an opportunity that they failed to seize.

Honestly, they need to beat England. Otherwise they're looking at Iran parking the bus just to knock them out of the tournament.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Someone forgot to give Walker Zimmerman the note that in the box you play good positional defense and avoid desperate lunges. That was a major rush of blood to the head moment right there. Should have been 3 points.

Such a bummer. Played a good, smart, physical game and should have got 3 points. They are good enough to beat anyone but they aren’t good enough to overcome critical mistakes like that.

[Kingspoint]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLXtf1XFczk

So, all the Welsh really can sing.

[Kingspoint]

Soccer-Beer to cost nearly $14 per half-litre inside Qatar's main World Cup fan zone - source



https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/fifa-world-cup/soccer-beer-to-cost-nearly-14-per-half-litre-inside-qatars-main-world-cup-fan-zone-source/ar-AA149i0f

That's what it costs at every arena and stadium in the U.S. What's the issue? Most people just drink a few before they go in.

I'm surprised they let alcohol in Qatar. Didn't know they could legally sell it there.

[bucksfan2]

Someone forgot to give Walker Zimmerman the note that in the box you play good positional defense and avoid desperate lunges. That was a major rush of blood to the head moment right there. Should have been 3 points.

That is a mistake you just can't make. I guess Zimmerman is ok, but you sure wish you had someone in the backline better than him. I know Ream is older, but man it would be nice to have another player like him on the back end.

For all the talent this team has, both on the roster and off of it, it boggles my mind than when you need a goal, you turn to Jordan Morris. I don't really know if Gio Reyna plays a different position, but where in the world was he?

Brendon Aaronson needs to play more, I don't know if his style limits his playing time, he tends to play with reckless abandon, but is dangerous when he gets the ball.

I felt the ref may have been a little over his skis for this game. The two early yellows on Dest and McKinnie were stupid fouls, but yellows because of the reaction. The stoppage of play was also interesting, he stopped it for an injured player sometimes, and then at others let play go on.

They got a result, one that at times looked in doubt, but one they also should have gotten the full three points. Wales had them on the back foot early in the 2nd half, which was shocking because the US dominated all aspects of the 1st.

[klw]

Wow! Saudi Arabia beat Argentina. Nice!

[BuckeyeRed27]

France is telling the Argentina to hold their beer at the moment.

[Assembly Hall]

France is telling the Argentina to hold their beer at the moment.

Vive la France!

[klw]

France is telling the Argentina to hold their beer at the moment.

With both of those countries wouldn't it be holding their wine?

[BuckeyeRed27]

With both of those countries wouldn't it be holding their wine?

Ha probably. In any event France has woken up.

[M2]

Salem Al Dawsari's game winner vs. Argentina was spectacular. Everything from his trap/fist touch to reversing his dribbling to deking the final defender to lashing the ball into the far side of the net is high level stuff. That's an A+ goal.


https://www.youtube.com/shorts/3JstqSzSO1M

[Kingspoint]

First shot-on-goal (and it took half the game) was a score. Maybe the Argentine Goalie got cocky and fell asleep.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Japan has played a fantastic second half.

[M2]

Japan has played a fantastic second half.

And they did it! Wow. Neuer getting beaten near post is going to haunt the dreams of everyone in Germany.

[BuckeyeRed27]

And they did it! Wow. Neuer getting beaten near post is going to haunt the dreams of everyone in Germany.

I absolutely love a roofed goal. It’s such a flex.

Great game.

That spain Germany game is going to be an absolute banger now.

[M2]

I absolutely love a roofed goal. It’s such a flex.

Great game.

That spain Germany game is going to be an absolute banger now.

I'm curious to see how the Spain-Costa Rica game goes. Spain often struggles to put the ball in the net and Costa Rica has its Wild Bunch team of grizzled, old guys that know every trick in the book. The Ticos are in this World Cup for one last heist. There's a version of this game where Spain cracks them open and blows them out. There's also a version where Costa Rica gets a smash-and-grab win.

[M2]

I'm curious to see how the Spain-Costa Rica game goes. Spain often struggles to put the ball in the net and Costa Rica has its Wild Bunch team of grizzled, old guys that know every trick in the book. The Ticos are in this World Cup for one last heist. There's a version of this game where Spain cracks them open and blows them out. There's also a version where Costa Rica gets a smash-and-grab win.

Turns out to be Door #1. Spain is completely overwhelming them. Costa Rica hasn't played as cynical as I thought it might and is leaving way too much space.

[westofyou]

Turns out to be Door #1. Spain is completely overwhelming them. Costa Rica hasn't played as cynical as I thought it might and is leaving way too much space.

They're on the edge of giving up at least five goals

[Assembly Hall]

They're on the edge of giving up at least five goals

Does that make it a "quality start?''

[RedTeamGo!]

When Spain is on it is how I imagine watching Mozart play the piano was like

The skill level is just absurdly high. Its an 11 out of 10.

[M2]

When Spain is on it is how I imagine watching Mozart play the piano was like

The skill level is just absurdly high. Its an 11 out of 10.

Spaniards are born with a ball at their feet. I'm thinking they must get thrown into games of rondo as soon as they can walk.

I'm mildly surprised Costa Rica didn't blitz Busquets. They allowed him almost endless time to recycle the ball, and this is what happens.

[Kingspoint]

Japan has played a fantastic second half.

Only saw the first half. Was pretty damn good there, too.

[BenchRider]

Just comes out Ronaldo is a free man now and leaving Man United? This might be his last world cup but he could have another one in him.

[Kingspoint]

Just comes out Ronaldo is a free man now and leaving Man United? This might be his last world cup but he could have another one in him.

Manchester United Stock went up 17% after the announcement.

[goreds2]

Group B • Matchday 2 of 3 • Game 20

England
vs
USA
Friday Nov. 25th • 2:00 pm est. on FOX

[Betterread]

When Spain is on it is how I imagine watching Mozart play the piano was like

The skill level is just absurdly high. Its an 11 out of 10.
Mozart never played a piano. When he was alive, there was the harpsichord and the pianoforte, which is the forerunner to the modern piano but not the same instrument. The action and hammers of a pianoforte are much lighter, so the sound is noticeably softer with little sustain. You cannot get the percussive effect of a modern grand piano.

Even Schubert and Beethoven played fortepianos. I think it was sometime in the 1800s that “modern” pianos replaced pianofortes, so maybe older older Beethoven played a modern piano. It all depended on what manufacturer you liked, as the production and evolution of pianos was fluid as technology improved. We can say for sure that Liszt played a grand piano in the 1830s or 1840s.

If you want to name a modern piano virtuoso, Rachmaninoff is generally considered to be the greatest of all time.

[RedTeamGo!]

Mozart never played a piano. When he was alive, there was the harpsichord and the pianoforte, which is the forerunner to the modern piano but not the same instrument. The action and hammers of a pianoforte are much lighter, so the sound is noticeably softer with little sustain. You cannot get the percussive effect of a modern grand piano.

Even Schubert and Beethoven played fortepianos. I think it was sometime in the 1800s that “modern” pianos replaced pianofortes, so maybe older older Beethoven played a modern piano. It all depended on what manufacturer you liked, as the production and evolution of pianos was fluid as technology improved. We can say for sure that Liszt played a grand piano in the 1830s or 1840s.

If you want to name a modern piano virtuoso, Rachmaninoff is generally considered to be the greatest of all time.

Respect

- - - Updated - - -


Just comes out Ronaldo is a free man now and leaving Man United? This might be his last world cup but he could have another one in him.

He would be 41 next time. He shouldn’t have made this team. I get why he did, but he’s looking old. Time for MLS.

[Betterread]

Didn’t agree with that Portugal penalty. Ghanaian player Salisu got a touch with his foot on the ball whilst pushing at the same time. Ronaldo is absolutely clinical in taking penalties. He takes his time, gets calm and concentrated, then does that stutter step and a slow walk up to get the goalie to commit early.
But Ghana equalized soon after. Good for them. Now I’m rooting for them to win.
But then Portugal inserted Leao into the game and two goals happen. That’s what I hope will happen with Reyna - if Berghalter thinks he’s healthy enough or good enough or whatever he thinks are criteria for putting one of your most talented players on the field.

[westofyou]

Mozart never played a piano. When he was alive, there was the harpsichord and the pianoforte, which is the forerunner to the modern piano but not the same instrument. The action and hammers of a pianoforte are much lighter, so the sound is noticeably softer with little sustain. You cannot get the percussive effect of a modern grand piano.

Even Schubert and Beethoven played fortepianos. I think it was sometime in the 1800s that “modern” pianos replaced pianofortes, so maybe older older Beethoven played a modern piano. It all depended on what manufacturer you liked, as the production and evolution of pianos was fluid as technology improved. We can say for sure that Liszt played a grand piano in the 1830s or 1840s.

If you want to name a modern piano virtuoso, Rachmaninoff is generally considered to be the greatest of all time.

Good info, Colonel Brandon bought Mary Anne a pianoforte in Sense and Sensibly and had it delivered, it was small and two men could carry it in. Willy Wonka supposedly played Rachmaninoff to open the Chocolate Room, but it was really the Marriage of Figaro, by Mozart.

[BenchRider]

That second goal in the Brazil game was amazing today.

[Kingspoint]

Mozart never played a piano. When he was alive, there was the harpsichord and the pianoforte, which is the forerunner to the modern piano but not the same instrument. The action and hammers of a pianoforte are much lighter, so the sound is noticeably softer with little sustain. You cannot get the percussive effect of a modern grand piano.

Even Schubert and Beethoven played fortepianos. I think it was sometime in the 1800s that “modern” pianos replaced pianofortes, so maybe older older Beethoven played a modern piano. It all depended on what manufacturer you liked, as the production and evolution of pianos was fluid as technology improved. We can say for sure that Liszt played a grand piano in the 1830s or 1840s.

If you want to name a modern piano virtuoso, Rachmaninoff is generally considered to be the greatest of all time.

Yes. I was explaining that to the wife a couple weeks ago (that the piano hadn't been invented, yet).

[Chip R]

Well now. Iran 2 Wales 0. That puts a bit of a crimp in the US advancing without at least a draw today. Even a draw may not do it.

Without seeing the entirety of these matches, why is there so much injury time? 9 minutes in the US Wales game and there was supposed to be 9 minutes in the Iran Wales match but it ended up being 11 minutes. I'm a casual fan but it seems to me that's a bit much. Are they counting water breaks or what?

[BuckeyeRed27]

Well now. Iran 2 Wales 0. That puts a bit of a crimp in the US advancing without at least a draw today. Even a draw may not do it.

Without seeing the entirety of these matches, why is there so much injury time? 9 minutes in the US Wales game and there was supposed to be 9 minutes in the Iran Wales match but it ended up being 11 minutes. I'm a casual fan but it seems to me that's a bit much. Are they counting water breaks or what?

Uhh no this is a massive boost for the US advancing no matter what happens today.

The US plays Iran last. Wales can only get to 4 points. So the US can get by on goals even if they lose today. Just don’t lose by a lot today. That’s almost more important than winning.

[RedTeamGo!]

Well now. Iran 2 Wales 0. That puts a bit of a crimp in the US advancing without at least a draw today. Even a draw may not do it.

Without seeing the entirety of these matches, why is there so much injury time? 9 minutes in the US Wales game and there was supposed to be 9 minutes in the Iran Wales match but it ended up being 11 minutes. I'm a casual fan but it seems to me that's a bit much. Are they counting water breaks or what?

??????

This is absolutely fantastic news for the USMNT. If they beat Iran they will pretty much be a lock to advance.

[Boston Red]

Doesn't it also suggest Iran is significantly better than Wales, though? So that a win is going to be pretty difficult to come by? Someone mentioned above Iran maybe parking the bus to knock out the US. Now they can do that with the goal of advancing.

[M2]

??????

This is absolutely fantastic news for the USMNT. If they beat Iran they will pretty much be a lock to advance.

Yet if the U.S. loses to England, then Iran only needs a tie to advance.

[RedTeamGo!]

Doesn't it also suggest Iran is significantly better than Wales, though? So that a win is going to be pretty difficult to come by? Someone mentioned above Iran maybe parking the bus to knock out the US. Now they can do that with the goal of advancing.

No, Iran is not better than Wales. The two goals came today in stoppage time. Very fluky. Iran is not a bad team, but that was a surprising result.

[bucksfan2]

Doesn't it also suggest Iran is significantly better than Wales, though? So that a win is going to be pretty difficult to come by? Someone mentioned above Iran maybe parking the bus to knock out the US. Now they can do that with the goal of advancing.

Iran scored their two goals late after the Welch GK was given a straight red and they played with 10.

Just looked, Iran is ranked 20th in the Fifa rankings where as Wales is 19th (the US is 16th.)

If the US somehow beats England, you may see a massive parking of the bus by both teams in that game.

Where I think it helps the US, is they aren't reliant on how England plays Wales. If England beats the US, they would be through as the #1 seed with no real need to beat Wales.

[RedTeamGo!]

Yet if the U.S. loses to England, then Iran only needs a tie to advance.

Very true, but now they control their own destiny. They did not before this.

[dabvu2498]

Neymar out for the next game and likely another. Danilo out at least one as well. Not sure it matters much in that group, but if there are lingering effects into the knockouts…

I still don’t see too many teams that can really challenge Brazil. They’re just relentless.

[RedTeamGo!]

Neymar out for the next game and likely another. Danilo out at least one as well. Not sure it matters much in that group, but if there are lingering effects into the knockouts…

I still don’t see too many teams that can really challenge Brazil. They’re just relentless.

Did you watch Spain, England, and France?

[M2]

Well now. Iran 2 Wales 0. That puts a bit of a crimp in the US advancing without at least a draw today. Even a draw may not do it.

Without seeing the entirety of these matches, why is there so much injury time? 9 minutes in the US Wales game and there was supposed to be 9 minutes in the Iran Wales match but it ended up being 11 minutes. I'm a casual fan but it seems to me that's a bit much. Are they counting water breaks or what?

They did a pretty in-depth study of international games and determined they've been vastly under awarding extra time. They wanted to make sure everybody got a full 90 in their games. So they're being highly attentive on working the stopwatch. Arguably club football should be taking cues from this.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Iran scored their two goals late after the Welch GK was given a straight red and they played with 10.

Just looked, Iran is ranked 20th in the Fifa rankings where as Wales is 19th (the US is 16th.)

If the US somehow beats England, you may see a massive parking of the bus by both teams in that game.

Where I think it helps the US, is they aren't reliant on how England plays Wales. If England beats the US, they would be through as the #1 seed with no real need to beat Wales.

The last part is kinda true. If the US loses today than GD comes into play against Wales. Even if England plays backups against Wales I don’t think they’ll lose by some big score, but it’s in play and could be a problem.

Getting a draw today makes England play Wales, which is certainly preferable.

[dabvu2498]

Did you watch Spain, England, and France?

I did. I was still entirely more impressed with Brazil. Serbia is a substantially better opponent than any of those three faced, and a bad matchup for Brazil.

I know France is pretty deep, but their injury situation is getting worse by the day. And if anyone can screw up with that England roster, they have the right man for the job. Spain could pose a challenge, but it’s hard to judge against Costa Rica.

[M2]

Did you watch Spain, England, and France?

We still need to see how those teams respond when they go up against organized and/or aggressive opposition. Serbia gave Brazil a good test. Didn't make anything easy, but eventually got outclassed.

I'm really interested in this Netherland-Ecuador game, because I think the Dutch are a real contender and that Ecuador has a chance to beat them. Might find a lot about both these teams in the next two hours.

[bucksfan2]

I did. I was still entirely more impressed with Brazil. Serbia is a substantially better opponent than any of those three faced, and a bad matchup for Brazil.

I know France is pretty deep, but their injury situation is getting worse by the day. And if anyone can screw up with that England roster, they have the right man for the job. Spain could pose a challenge, but it’s hard to judge against Costa Rica.

While Costa Rica is one of the weaker teams, it still is impressive to see them do that to Navas.

I watched some of the Brazil game and in the first half it was wide open and Serbia had their chances. Then in the 2nd, it looked like Brazil had 12 players on the field.

[RedTeamGo!]

Costa Rica ain’t great but I don’t see how anyone watched Spain in that game and don’t see them as the favorite. Absurd skill level.

[M2]

Costa Rica ain’t great but I don’t see how anyone watched Spain in that game and don’t see them as the favorite. Absurd skill level.

The back line Spain started in the last game is highly porous. Costa Rica just didn't have the ability to expose it. Germany and Japan will get at them. Spain still might beat those sides, but the styles of their upcoming opponents are going to make for very different fights.

[M2]

I watched some of the Brazil game and in the first half it was wide open and Serbia had their chances. Then in the 2nd, it looked like Brazil had 12 players on the field.

Vini got loose in that 2nd half. That young man is trouble.

[BuckeyeRed27]

That should have been a goal for Ecuador. Keeper dove the other way, the offside player had no impact.

[BenchRider]

England is a massive favorite in today's game. A draw would be like a big win but let's be greedy!

[M2]

That should have been a goal for Ecuador. Keeper dove the other way, the offside player had no impact.

I generally agree, but I understand why they considered it shielding (which might have caused the keeper to dive the wrong way). Ecuador is leading the tournament in gutting goal callbacks. Yet they seem to remain undaunted.

[M2]

Piero Hincapie, who's playing on the left side of Ecuador's back three, is repeatedly destroying the Dutch attack.

[BuckeyeRed27]

I generally agree, but I understand why they considered it shielding (which might have caused the keeper to dive the wrong way). Ecuador is leading the tournament in gutting goal callbacks. Yet they seem to remain undaunted.

Had the keeper not dove away I’d be fine with it. But he clearly committed, could see the play and had no chance at that save.

[westofyou]

Piero Hincapie, who's playing on the left side of Ecuador's back three, is repeatedly destroying the Dutch attack.

Making them look wholly ineffective

[M2]

Had the keeper not dove away I’d be fine with it. But he clearly committed, could see the play and had no chance at that save.

That's how I see it too. Just saying I get why they looked at it the other way. I suspect it's a classic case of the flag going up and them not feeling 100% on overturning it.

[M2]

Making them look wholly ineffective

Ecuador is for real, and they might be waiting for whoever wins Group B.

[M2]

The left side of England's defense (Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw) are slow as shi*t. The U.S. should have the opportunity to counter and run overloads down it's right side.

Really wish Reyna or Aaronson were starting instead of Haji Wright, so the U.S. could hit them with more pace.

[RedTeamGo!]

Don’t get why Aaronson isn’t playing. Get the feeling Reyna ain’t healthy.

[M2]

Don’t get why Aaronson isn’t playing. Get the feeling Reyna ain’t healthy.

We kind of have to run everything through a Berhalter filter. He might just be making terrible decisions. However, he and Southgate might cancel each other out.

[RedTeamGo!]

Wow, US should be up. 2 realllllly good chances. Put Aaronson in and unleash the press.

[M2]

Wow, US should be up. 2 realllllly good chances. Put Aaronson in and unleash the press.

https://y.yarn.co/39f22a8b-4fdb-449e-b9ee-33693b69cca5_text.gif

[M2]

The U.S. now leads the World Cup in netting ties out of games they should have won. They were the better team by a good distance, but I'm not sure if scoring is their thing.

[bucksfan2]

Wow, US should be up. 2 realllllly good chances. Put Aaronson in and unleash the press.

Aaronson should absolutely be playing more minutes, but I don't know who he would be taking them away from? The midfield is pretty stacked, you put Aaronson and/or Reyna in there, you are taking out Musa or Weah? I do wonder if Aaronson plays too hard and limits his minutes on the pitch. Seems to bang around quite a bit, maybe better as a sub?!?!?!

Does Zimmerman make anyone else nervous?

Matt Turner showed the difference between a MLS GK and an EPL GK. Probably deserves a starting nod at a top club soon.

[MWM]

Zimmerman tried to lose this one for the US. Is there no one on the roster who doesn't just hand the opponent possession in a great position several times a game? Ream has played well enough, but both of those guys make foolish passes that they should never even attempt.

[MWM]

This game vs Iran feels a lot like the 2006 match vs Ghana. Lots of similarities.

[BuckeyeRed27]

This game vs Iran feels a lot like the 2006 match vs Ghana. Lots of similarities.

Or the Algeria game.

Can’t complain about a draw against England. Great effort, certainly outplayed them and probably unlucky not to have 3 points.

Got a playoff game with Iran. I would have taken that a week ago.

- - - Updated - - -


Zimmerman tried to lose this one for the US. Is there no one on the roster who doesn't just hand the opponent possession in a great position several times a game? Ream has played well enough, but both of those guys make foolish passes that they should never even attempt.

Zimmerman is in because Robinson and Richards are hurt and everyone hates John Brooks. He’s absolutely a weak link.

[757690]

The draw against England was impressive and unexpected. However, two ties, and one goal scored in the first two games is not going to bring more US fans to the World Cup.

[BuckeyeRed27]

The draw against England was impressive and unexpected. However, two ties, and one goal scored in the first two games is not going to bring more US fans to the World Cup.

I don’t really care if US fans can’t figure out tournament soccer in 2022. Both games have been great.

[M2]

So, Jesus Ferreira next game?

[BuckeyeRed27]

So, Jesus Ferreira next game?

I just wouldn’t play a 9.

You are keeping aaronson and Gio off the field for guys that aren’t as good.

[757690]

I don’t really care if US fans can’t figure out tournament soccer in 2022. Both games have been great.

I care, because I love the game and would like it if it had more exposure and a bigger fan base here. I went to a bar to watch today’s game and felt like I was the only Yank in the whole place.

[Betterread]

The draw against England was impressive and unexpected. However, two ties, and one goal scored in the first two games is not going to bring more US fans to the World Cup.

This is what Berhalter does. His teams don’t play attacking soccer. It’s his track record. He has a bias against Reyna and Aronson, and dumps minutes on players that “run hard”.
Fire him now. Let Adams coach. He already does nothing else but make up for multiple players errors and failures.
McKinnie makes runs that our pathetic forwards fail to make. But he is not a forward, he is a midfielder so his efforts to score did not succeed. But the uSMNT has talented forwards not playing, not being used.
Berhalter is a nebbish, not a mensch. Instead of putting good players in position to succeed, he wastes minutes on hard workers who cover for his team mistakes.
I think he resents attacking players, and uses his position to punish them and that is horrible and he is awful.

[Chip R]

Aestheticically speaking thought this was a great match. Not a lot of fouls or packing it in.

[Betterread]

Big win for Argentina. But Courtois and others would have made saves on both shots that Ochoa, the Mexican keeper, didn’t make. In the pregame, Lallas, Dempsey, Donovan all crowed about how good Ochoa was. They were either fake about it, or stupid in their hyperbole.

[M2]

Big win for Argentina. But Courtois and others would have made saves on both shots that Ochoa, the Mexican keeper, didn’t make. In the pregame, Lallas, Dempsey, Donovan all crowed about how good Ochoa was. They were either fake about it, or stupid in their hyperbole.

I'm picking option #2.

[M2]

Like Iran and Australia, Costa Rica pulled itself together and got a win. Full smash-and-grab job against Japan.

[dabvu2498]

I’ve been rooting for Morocco a bit after seeing them and their great fan support here in Cincy back in the summer. It feels like they could make some noise in the knockout rounds too.

Meanwhile, Belgium gonna Belgium.

[M2]

Atiba Hutchinson is currently playing with a tampon stuck up his nose. It's pretty glorious.

[M2]

Croatia's putting on a master class in fluid ball movement. They're just slicing through the middle of Canada's team. Surprised Canada didn't try to run Davies and Buchanan down the same side until they were down 3-1.

[Betterread]

Croatia really played well and dominated the match. Their forwards (kramaric, Livaja) did their job. Perisic provided two of the assists and was dangerous on the left wing all game. He’s old, but has been doing this for about 10 yrs.
Canada simply didn’t play tight enough at the back. Going forward, only Alphonso Davies was effective. Need to regroup vrs Morocco even if they are eliminated. Let’s see if they can save a little face from what has been a poor WC for them so far.

[M2]

Croatia really played well and dominated the match. Their forwards (kramaric, Livaja) did their job. Perisic provided two of the assists and was dangerous on the left wing all game. He’s old, but has been doing this for about 10 yrs.
Canada simply didn’t play tight enough at the back. Going forward, only Alphonso Davies was effective. Need to regroup vrs Morocco even if they are eliminated. Let’s see if they can save a little face from what has been a poor WC for them so far.

Buchanan was pretty effective too - broke lines on the dribble, hit the cross for their goal, tracked back on defense (ran down Perisic twice, which is not easy; game-leading 11 recoveries) and got the ball to their center forwards in the final third (who then did nothing with it).

Yet Croatia's midfield ate the Canadian midfield alive. Kovacic's ball progression was phenomenal. And their defense completely nullified Canada's two central attackers (Jonathan David had a miserable night).

[Betterread]

Buchanan was pretty effective too - broke lines on the dribble, hit the cross for their goal, tracked back on defense (ran down Perisic twice, which is not easy) and got the ball to their center forwards in the final third (who then did nothing with it).

Yet Croatia's midfield ate the Canadian midfield alive. Kovacic's ball progression was phenomenal. And their defense completely nullified Canada's two central attackers (Jonathan David had a miserable night).

I forgot about that cross, it was played into a great bit of space and created the run for Davies. It was a display of his talent. But he also got chippy with Modric a few times. That’s not cool. Modric is a true professional. Along with some other similar examples, it seems like Canada wanted to show Croatia they were not afraid of them. So what. If you’re not afraid of the team, environment, whatever, show it by playing focused and tough, rather than shoving guys after a whistle.

[M2]

I forgot about that cross, it was played into a great bit of space and created the run for Davies. It was a display of his talent. But he also got chippy with Modric a few times. That’s not cool. Modric is a true professional. Along with some other similar examples, it seems like Canada wanted to show Croatia they were not afraid of them. So what. If you’re not afraid of the team, environment, whatever, show it by playing focused and tough, rather than shoving guys after a whistle.

That was Miller who got the yellow for shoving Luka after the whistle, and he got karmic payback by botching the play that led to the final goal. Canada should have been more afraid and packed it in the back. Their defense needed the cover and their midfield was not able to hold the ball. They had the speed to counter if they sucked Lovren and Gvardiol forward. Seemed like they made the same mistake as Costa Rica did against Spain by opening up too much, except in this case they had 30+ minutes to spot it and adjust before Croatia cracked them open for a goal. Croatia's class on the ball demanded more fear and more sensible tactics.

[M2]

Already Germany is not letting the Spanish midfielders turn and look upfield. Spain had to connect about 20-25 passes to create its first chance.

[M2]

A few notable things happened on that Spain goal. Busquets got the ball at his feet with the luxury of looking up and picking out a forward pass for what seems like the first time all night. Olmo brought it down beautifully and immediately sucked two defenders to him because he's been a problem for Germany all night. Then he played into space to hit an excellent cross. Finally, Morata had an outstanding finish, which is on-brand for him as he tends to fluff the easy ones and make the hard ones.

[Betterread]

A few notable things happened on that Spain goal. Busquets got the ball at his feet with the luxury of looking up and picking out a forward pass for what seems like the first time all night. Olmo brought it down beautifully and immediately sucked two defenders to him because he's been a problem for Germany all night. Then he played into space to hit an excellent cross. Finally, Morata had an outstanding finish, which is on-brand for him as he tends to fluff the easy ones and make the hard ones.

It was a beautiful buildup. This was the best WC match I have seen to date this year. Both teams played positive football and there was quality team passing, runs and defending across nearly all the players.
God I wish the US would play like that, but we never will with this awful coach we have.

[RedTeamGo!]

It was a beautiful buildup. This was the best WC match I have seen to date this year. Both teams played positive football and there was quality team passing, runs and defending across nearly all the players.
God I wish the US would play like that, but we never will with this awful coach we have.

The US also doesn't have Spanish players

[bucksfan2]

What did John Brooks do? Was it so bad that you are playing one of your worst players at center back?

If I am Iran, I am putting pressure on Zimmerman every single time he touches the ball. He is just too prone to making errors back there.

[RedTeamGo!]

What did John Brooks do? Was it so bad that you are playing one of your worst players at center back?

If I am Iran, I am putting pressure on Zimmerman every single time he touches the ball. He is just too prone to making errors back there.

John Brooks is not good

[M2]

John Brooks is not good

Yet he's better than Walker Zimmerman. At the very least he's spent a career getting gegenpressed. Ream is providing a pretty good object lesson in the value of a guy who's seen most everything.

[texasdave]

Yet he's better than Walker Zimmerman. At the very least he's spent a career getting gegenpressed. Ream is providing a pretty good object lesson in the value of a guy who's seen most everything.

They still haven't developed a vaccine for that yet?

[M2]

They still haven't developed a vaccine for that yet?

They have yet to synthesize Marcelo's blood.

[RedTeamGo!]

Yet he's better than Walker Zimmerman.

I am not sure sure of this. The last several times I watched Brooks he was absolutely horrid.

And lets not all forget Zimmerman blocked a ball against England that was definitely going in. I completely agree he makes 2-3 terrible passes a game that are inexcusable, though.

I simply do not think Brooks is even close to the answer. Miles Robinson is much better.

Tim Ream has been rock solid this cup. Should have been on the team throughout qualifying.

[bucksfan2]

I am not sure sure of this. The last several times I watched Brooks he was absolutely horrid.

And lets not all forget Zimmerman blocked a ball against England that was definitely going in. I completely agree he makes 2-3 terrible passes a game that are inexcusable, though.

I simply do not think Brooks is even close to the answer. Miles Robinson is much better.

Tim Ream has been rock solid this cup. Should have been on the team throughout qualifying.

Zimmerman did what every single player in that position should have done. It was a good block, but a block you expect at that level.

Ream is playing fantastic, and I think it goes to show what playing against top competition gets you. My biggest criticism of MLS guys is they tend to be a little sloppy. Maybe a little heavy with the touch, or an unadvised risky pass, or just a little slow in the rotation, you get away with it in the MLS, but against top tier competition it backfires. Zimmerman is just that, and his mistake really cost them a chance to win their group.

Zimmerman is an older guy who has never sniffed a shot at going to Europe to play soccer. At this point, we should expect more from a starting center back in the World Cup.

[Betterread]

The US also doesn't have Spanish players

And what are the names of these Spanish studs? They have a few guys who are old now, but used to be studs, and they have a few young “prospects” who could be studs, but right now, the most effective players on the squad for me are Carvajal and Rodri and while they are true pros that could help any squad, they are not game changers either.
What I am saying is there is not as big a talent gap as you insinuate.
The Spanish team plays well because their preparation For the tournament and their ability to understand and play different team strategies is on a way higher level that the USA. So our players play dumber and our coaches coach dumber in comparison.

[RedTeamGo!]

Zimmerman did what every single player in that position should have done. It was a good block, but a block you expect at that level.

Ream is playing fantastic, and I think it goes to show what playing against top competition gets you. My biggest criticism of MLS guys is they tend to be a little sloppy. Maybe a little heavy with the touch, or an unadvised risky pass, or just a little slow in the rotation, you get away with it in the MLS, but against top tier competition it backfires. Zimmerman is just that, and his mistake really cost them a chance to win their group.

Zimmerman is an older guy who has never sniffed a shot at going to Europe to play soccer. At this point, we should expect more from a starting center back in the World Cup.

I agree about Zimmerman, I just disagree about Brooks being the answer. I think if Miles Robinson were healthy Zimmerman would not be playing.

- - - Updated - - -


And what are the names of these Spanish studs? They have a few guys who are old now, but used to be studs, and they have a few young “prospects” who could be studs, but right now, the most effective players on the squad for me are Carvajal and Rodri and while they are true pros that could help any squad, they are not game changers either.
What I am saying is there is not as big a talent gap as you insinuate.
The Spanish team plays well because their preparation For the tournament and their ability to understand and play different team strategies is on a way higher level that the USA. So our players play dumber and our coaches coach dumber in comparison.

I am not just referring to a talent gap. I am referring to how to spanish players are born and raised to play exactly how they play. I just do not think a head coach could make the US play like Spain.

[Betterread]

I agree about Zimmerman, I just disagree about Brooks being the answer. I think if Miles Robinson were healthy Zimmerman would not be playing.

- - - Updated - - -



I am not just referring to a talent gap. I am referring to how to spanish players are born and raised to play exactly how they play. I just do not think a head coach could make the US play like Spain.

Understand and agree on the Spanish point.

Do not agree with Robinson. He is a great athlete but his understanding of the game is Tyrolean goat-herder level.
He is frequently out of position and loses track of his man. He owes Tyler Adams so much money for covering for his mistakes.

[M2]

Do not agree with Robinson. He is a great athlete but his understanding of the game is Tyrolean goat-herder level.
He is frequently out of position and loses track of his man. He owes Tyler Adams so much money for covering for his mistakes.

The upside of Robinson is just about nobody can get behind him. He is agricultural with his touch, though I assume he'd be in Europe now had he not been injured and have an improved touch as a result.

The U.S. got hard-screwed by Chris Richards (Crystal Palace) getting injured. I also think it was a mistake not to bring Mark McKenzie (Racing Genk). James Sands too, though why would the U.S. want a guy playing in the Champions League?

[BenchRider]

US looks to be a giant favorite over Iran tomorrow but it is a big game and should be a thrill to watch either way. I'll predict 2-1 US wins in 1st extra time period.

[texasdave]

US looks to be a giant favorite over Iran tomorrow but it is a big game and should be a thrill to watch either way. I'll predict 2-1 US wins in 1st extra time period.

The US may well win 2-1. But there are no extra time periods in group contests.

[Betterread]

So far, Cody Gakpo is the young breakout player for this years World Cup.

[M2]

Way to go Senegal. Group A was a secretly tough group and Ecuador was a very tough out. Senegal showed some real class in taking over that game. They're going to be a gnarly opponent for whomever finishes at the top of Group B (probably England).

[BuckeyeRed27]

Way to go Senegal. Group A was a secretly tough group and Ecuador was a very tough out. Senegal showed some real class in taking over that game. They're going to be a gnarly opponent for whomever finishes at the top of Group B (probably England).

If the US wins and England wins the group at least I don’t have to jump in Lake Erie this weekend.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Same lineup except CCV in for Zimmerman and Sargent back up top.

[M2]

Dest is having one hell of a game and the midfield is owning the field again. And how in the hell was Weah ruled offside on the goal that got called back? I want to see that graphic.

[MWM]

Musah looks so gassed, I'm really surprised he hasn't been subbed out.

Didn't realize they were out of subs.

[757690]

19008

[Sea Ray]

I despise soccer but I am glad someone scored today. I'd hate this thing to end for our boys with a 3rd tie, particularly 0-0

[M2]

Berhalter made a good call on CCV, but his in-game decisions left a lot to be desired. That should have been a comfortable win instead of a late nail-biter with Iran flopping like crazy.

[bucksfan2]

Musah looks so gassed, I'm really surprised he hasn't been subbed out.

Didn't realize they were out of subs.

To paraphrase Alexi Lalas, those subs were terrible. I know its not ideal, but why not put Reyna or Aaronson up top instead of Wright?

Shaq Moore, woof. That was a poor showing. I don't quite understand the end of those types of games when you are doing little to possess the ball.

CCV played very well, not sure why him and Ream weren't given more time to work together.

[Betterread]

Well we survived. I guess that was most agressive attacking play we will see with this team. I assume we will bunker down vrs Holland.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Well we survived. I guess that was most agressive attacking play we will see with this team. I assume we will bunker down vrs Holland.

I wouldn’t assume that at all. US is the better team in this game and they didn’t bunker against England.

I hope Gregg gives Shaq Moore a nice first class ticket back to the US after that. I don’t want to see him again.

[texasdave]

Dest is having one hell of a game and the midfield is owning the field again. And how in the hell was Weah ruled offside on the goal that got called back? I want to see that graphic.

Here is a link that shows the offside using the semi-automated offside VAR. https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/tim-weah-goal-offside-var-usa-iran/xuuoszt062xf99ekcyhtlfc2

[M2]

Well we survived. I guess that was most agressive attacking play we will see with this team. I assume we will bunker down vrs Holland.

I would assume it's the same general plan as the England game. We'll have to see if the midfield takes over again. The MMA has been pretty excellent, and de Jong, de Roon and Klassen can get overrun. The U.S. still won't score a lot even if the middies are ascendant because Berhalter insists on playing a #9 who neither creates nor finishes. I'm still hoping against hope he drops Reyna in there.

[M2]

Here is a link that shows the offside using the semi-automated offside VAR. https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/tim-weah-goal-offside-var-usa-iran/xuuoszt062xf99ekcyhtlfc2

I saw that, but when I look at the still image from the game itself, Weah looks like he's behind the grass line on the field while the defender clearly has a leg over it. Now, maybe that's down to camera angles, but that's a hell of a lean if you look at the placement of their feet in the live shot. The conspiracy theory is they photoshopped it (basically slid Weah forward a foot or two). I'll give the system the benefit of the doubt, but I'm going to be looking to see if this pops up in other games.

[RedTeamGo!]

I saw that, but when I look at the still image from the game itself, Weah looks like he's behind the grass line on the field while the defender clearly has a leg over it. Now, maybe that's down to camera angles, but that's a hell of a lean if you look at the placement of their feet in the live shot. The conspiracy theory is they photoshopped it (basically slid Weah forward a foot or two). I'll give the system the benefit of the doubt, but I'm going to be looking to see if this pops up in other games.

Looked inside to me. They showed the still shot of it and I was in disbelief. Weah has been fantastic this WC. Next 4-6 years gonna be a lot of fun.

My kingdom for a #9

I thought Sargent was ok today, though.

[M2]

I thought Sargent was ok today, though.

Great workrate and he certainly did no harm. Definitely better than Haji Wright. My thing is I'd like to see more danger, somebody who can make something happen.

[Betterread]

I would assume it's the same general plan as the England game. We'll have to see if the midfield takes over again. The MMA has been pretty excellent, and de Jong, de Roon and Klassen can get overrun. The U.S. still won't score a lot even if the middies are ascendant because Berhalter insists on playing a #9 who neither creates nor finishes. I'm still hoping against hope he drops Reyna in there.

If I read this correctly, you are saying the US midfield took over England and will overrun Holland, right?

[BenchRider]

Some great play, especially in the first half from the US today. If they had lost that it would have been a bit tragic. Had the ref called that final penalty kick when someone got taken down in the box at the end, nobody would have cried foul, that was really on the fence.

[M2]

If I read this correctly, you are saying the US midfield took over England and will overrun Holland, right?

I'm saying they took over the England game and they could give the Dutch a lot of trouble. Weakest part of the Dutch team is their middle. Best part of the U.S. team is their middle. The Dutch still should win (1-0 might do the trick), but it's not a terrible matchup for the U.S.

[Kingspoint]

I'm saying they took over the England game and they could give the Dutch a lot of trouble. Weakest part of the Dutch team is their middle. Best part of the U.S. team is their middle. The Dutch still should win (1-0 might do the trick), but it's not a terrible matchup for the U.S.

If there's anything about the World Cup so far, it's that nothing is a sure thing.

[M2]

Some great play, especially in the first half from the US today. If they had lost that it would have been a bit tragic. Had the ref called that final penalty kick when someone got taken down in the box at the end, nobody would have cried foul, that was really on the fence.

I'd have screamed bloody murder if they called that. Pure dive. Iran was pretty shameless toward the end of the game.

[BuckeyeRed27]

I'd have screamed bloody murder if they called that. Pure dive. Iran was pretty shameless toward the end of the game.

Yeah that wasn’t even worth a review let alone anywhere near a penalty.

[membengal]

I'd have screamed bloody murder if they called that. Pure dive. Iran was pretty shameless toward the end of the game.

yeah. that was nowhere near "on the fence". Was a blatant dive.

[bucksfan2]

yeah. that was nowhere near "on the fence". Was a blatant dive.

Yep, and every single player in that situation is going to dive as well.

It was a world of difference between the ref who did the Iran game as opposed to the one who did the Wales game.

[Betterread]

I'm saying they took over the England game and they could give the Dutch a lot of trouble. Weakest part of the Dutch team is their middle. Best part of the U.S. team is their middle. The Dutch still should win (1-0 might do the trick), but it's not a terrible matchup for the U.S.


Got it. You’re predicting that Adams, Musah and Sargent will overrun Van Dijk, DeJong and Koopmeiners/DeRoon. I hope you’re right.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Got it. You’re predicting that Adams, Musah and Sargent will overrun Van Dijk, DeJong and Koopmeiners/DeRoon. I hope you’re right.

McKinnie, not Sargent.

Guessing Sargent is done, that injury didn’t look good. Hopefully that compels Greggg to play Pulisic, Weah and Aaronson up top.

[RedTeamGo!]

Got it. You’re predicting that Adams, Musah and Sargent will overrun Van Dijk, DeJong and Koopmeiners/DeRoon. I hope you’re right.

Are McKinnie, Weah, and Dest not playing?

[bucksfan2]

Are McKinnie, Weah, and Dest not playing?

Its a damn shame that McKinnie and Dest are not fully fit, because those two are playing great right now.

[RedTeamGo!]

Its a damn shame that McKinnie and Dest are not fully fit, because those two are playing great right now.

They aren't?

[bucksfan2]

They aren't?

Both coming off injury. McKinnie has been subbed out of every game, there were questions as to whether he could play a full game or not.

I know Dest was coming off an injury, and I don't think he has made a full 90 either in this WC.

[BuckeyeRed27]

How about Australia getting it done!

[RedTeamGo!]

Both coming off injury. McKinnie has been subbed out of every game, there were questions as to whether he could play a full game or not.

I know Dest was coming off an injury, and I don't think he has made a full 90 either in this WC.

Ah, I knew that, I thought you meant they got injured yesterday. Phew.

[Betterread]

Tunisia 1-0

Camavinga and Tchouameni play similar roles to Adams and Musah. Comparing them, the French MFs are so consistent in breaking up opponents play and in building up from the back. They are longer and more athletic than the US guys, and they are really focused on playing positionally. They go forward precisely and only when needed. They are ruthlessly effective, but you have to watch them to see their skill.
The US guys are far more visible. Musah is always running forward begging for the ball, often leaving Adams to clean up his neglected space and/ or marks. Adams is our backup plan for a few players, so he is always running back to cover a player other MFs have lost.
McKinnie is not fully match fit, so by minute 50 or so he is not keeping up. This is happening game after game and Holland will destroy us in that time frame if Berhalter does not sub McKnnie out earlier than he has been doing.
So after about 50 minutes, Adams is covering space for three players. I cannot say enough good things about Adams, although I would love to see him play with a coach and a squad with more disciplined positional play. With apologies to Pulisic’s efforts, he is without a Doubt our most valuable player.

[BuckeyeRed27]

You don’t have to apologize to Pulisic. I think he’d tell you Adams is our most important player too.

[RedTeamGo!]

Tunisia 1-0

Camavinga and Tchouameni play similar roles to Adams and Musah. Comparing them, the French MFs are so consistent in breaking up opponents play and in building up from the back. They are longer and more athletic than the US guys, and they are really focused on playing positionally. They go forward precisely and only when needed. They are ruthlessly effective, but you have to watch them to see their skill.
The US guys are far more visible. Musah is always running forward begging for the ball, often leaving Adams to clean up his neglected space and/ or marks. Adams is our backup plan for a few players, so he is always running back to cover a player other MFs have lost.
McKinnie is not fully match fit, so by minute 50 or so he is not keeping up. This is happening game after game and Holland will destroy us in that time frame if Berhalter does not sub McKnnie out earlier than he has been doing.
So after about 50 minutes, Adams is covering space for three players. I cannot say enough good things about Adams, although I would love to see him play with a coach and a squad with more disciplined positional play. With apologies to Pulisic’s efforts, he is without a Doubt our most valuable player.

Man, you really don't like Musah lol

[Betterread]

Man, you really don't like Musah lol

The World Cup can be a special or brutal crucible for players. The pressure and the competition are the highest level.
I think he’s still very young and learning the game. He’s a starter for the national team and starts for Valencia, which is a tough squad to reach that level for. So he’s talented and has great potential. I’m not writing him off, and if he ends up with a good coach, he can reach his potential as a reliable MF ball circulator and ball winner. But he wants to be an offensive Mfer scoring lots of goals.
I don’t see his potential lying in being an offensive Mfer, though. Just doesn’t have the shot, or scoring instincts.

There is a big area for work and improvement for MFers to develop higher consistency in completing passes and passsing decisions. You have to have coaches that value, demand and teach it. And you need players with the brains and the technical ability to do it. Hard to find, England Nat Team is still looking for that player too.

[bucksfan2]

In 8 years, if I told you that Acosta would have played more minutes in this WC than Gio Reyna, would you be shocked? I am hopeful that with Sargent out Reyna will find a way onto the field. I know its a different position, but Wright and/or Ferrera just don't cut it. Against the Dutch, they are going to need someone who can possess the ball, hold the ball in the offensive area. Maybe you move Aaronson up top and use Reyna the way you used Aaronson.

There just had to be a time in which you put your best 11 on the pitch, even if they aren't in their ideal positions. FWIW Wright should have ended the game yesterday by taking the ball into the coffin corner instead he fired off a shot that was terrible.

The crazy thing is this US squad had been the equal or better side for the vast majority of their games, but they have walked away with 2 goals and a ton of nervous moments.

I know GGG gets some credit for getting the squad to this point, but this is the most talented squad in US history, they have the most international talent at their disposal that they ever have, yet guys like Moore, Acosta, and Zimmerman have played key minutes. Man I hope they come out firing Sat morning, because they have the talent to do so.

[Boston Red]

ESPN says that Mexico and KSA both need a win and an Argentina loss to make the round of 16. That can't be right for KSA. They have 3 points already, so with a win they'd have 6 and would come in no worse than second, right? Argentina/Poland tie would leaven Poland with 5 points and Argentina with 4. An Argentina win and they;d have 6 and Poland 4, and a Poland win would give Poland 7 and Argentina 3. In any of those scenarios KSA would be in with 6 points. Am I missing something there?

[BuckeyeRed27]

ESPN says that Mexico and KSA both need a win and an Argentina loss to make the round of 16. That can't be right for KSA. They have 3 points already, so with a win they'd have 6 and would come in no worse than second, right? Argentina/Poland tie would leaven Poland with 5 points and Argentina with 4. An Argentina win and they;d have 6 and Poland 4, and a Poland win would give Poland 7 and Argentina 3. In any of those scenarios KSA would be in with 6 points. Am I missing something there?

You aren’t. Saudi Arabia doesn’t need anything else to happen if they win. The other game matters for them potentially winning thr group but not advancing.

[Boston Red]

What happens if Mexico or Argentina scores again and Poland and Mexico end up tied with 4 points and in goal differential?

No longer a hypo if these scores hold.

[M2]

Tunisia 1-0

I suspect if you had told the Tunisians they could be eliminated in the group stage but beat France ahead of the tournament, they'd have pounced on that deal.

- - - Updated - - -


What happens if Mexico or Argentina scores again and Poland and Mexico end up tied with 4 points and in goal differential?

No longer a hypo if these scores hold.

I'm wondering if it comes down to who has the fewest player infractions. That has happened (last edition if memory serves).

[M2]

Got it. You’re predicting that Adams, Musah and Sargent will overrun Van Dijk, DeJong and Koopmeiners/DeRoon. I hope you’re right.

Why are you throwing a forward and a defender randomly into the mix? McKennie, Musah and Adams overran Bellingham, Rice and Mount in the England game. I think I'd take the English group over de Jong, de Roon and Klassen, though I have respect for the Dutch playing a more unified style, which allows them to mesh better at international tournaments. I don't know what to tell you other than the U.S. midfield is three young guys who play on good-sized teams in big leagues and they've been excellent through their first three games. They aren't the best in the world, but if you're better than England you're pretty good. They're having a moment.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Just an hour of pure agony for Mexico and their fans to just ultimately get eliminated. Absolutely beautiful.

[RedTeamGo!]

The World Cup can be a special or brutal crucible for players. The pressure and the competition are the highest level.
I think he’s still very young and learning the game. He’s a starter for the national team and starts for Valencia, which is a tough squad to reach that level for. So he’s talented and has great potential. I’m not writing him off, and if he ends up with a good coach, he can reach his potential as a reliable MF ball circulator and ball winner. But he wants to be an offensive Mfer scoring lots of goals.
I don’t see his potential lying in being an offensive Mfer, though. Just doesn’t have the shot, or scoring instincts.

There is a big area for work and improvement for MFers to develop higher consistency in completing passes and passsing decisions. You have to have coaches that value, demand and teach it. And you need players with the brains and the technical ability to do it. Hard to find, England Nat Team is still looking for that player too.

I feel like we are watching a different player. Musah has been very good in this WC to me.

- - - Updated - - -


In 8 years, if I told you that Acosta would have played more minutes in this WC than Gio Reyna, would you be shocked? I am hopeful that with Sargent out Reyna will find a way onto the field. I know its a different position, but Wright and/or Ferrera just don't cut it. Against the Dutch, they are going to need someone who can possess the ball, hold the ball in the offensive area. Maybe you move Aaronson up top and use Reyna the way you used Aaronson.

There just had to be a time in which you put your best 11 on the pitch, even if they aren't in their ideal positions. FWIW Wright should have ended the game yesterday by taking the ball into the coffin corner instead he fired off a shot that was terrible.

The crazy thing is this US squad had been the equal or better side for the vast majority of their games, but they have walked away with 2 goals and a ton of nervous moments.

I know GGG gets some credit for getting the squad to this point, but this is the most talented squad in US history, they have the most international talent at their disposal that they ever have, yet guys like Moore, Acosta, and Zimmerman have played key minutes. Man I hope they come out firing Sat morning, because they have the talent to do so.

I kind of feel like Reyna is soft and gets pushed around regularly by vets. He is extremely skinny.

[M2]

I feel like we are watching a different player. Musah has been very good in this WC to me.

He's been outstanding in this tournament. I'll agree with Betterread that he doesn't profile as a guy who's going to collect lots of goals/assists. He's a tidy, box-to-box player. Though he just turned 20 yesterday, so maybe his offensive game flourishes in the next few years. He's going to be a fixture for the U.S. for another 2/3 World Cup cycles and Valencia would do well to improve his contract and keep him around. What I like about him is he's got a good brain for the game. He reliably makes the right play and he reads the game extremely well. You hear his name a lot when he's on the field. After generations of U.S. midfielders who seem to disappear for long stretches, it's a novel experience to have three guys who are able to assert themselves on the game.

It gives them a foundation to build on in the coming years. I'm pretty excited about what they could be in four years in a World Cup on home soil (with hopefully a better manager).

[Betterread]

Why are you throwing a forward and a defender randomly into the mix? McKennie, Musah and Adams overran Bellingham, Rice and Mount in the England game. I think I'd take the English group over de Jong, de Roon and Klassen, though I have respect for the Dutch playing a more unified style, which allows them to mesh better at international tournaments. I don't know what to tell you other than the U.S. midfield is three young guys who play on good-sized teams in big leagues and they've been excellent through their first three games. They aren't the best in the world, but if you're better than England you're pretty good. They're having a moment.

I was as trying to match central US fwds/mids with Dutch central mids/def because those would be the on-field matchups but I see your point. It’s a confusing approach and did not achieve the effect I sought.
I agree that our midfield really showed up v England. Bellingham and Rice didn’t do very much, only Mason Mount ran around and had a shot on goal. So our mids were effective at neutralizing those guys. But remember that England plays a lot through the back (as does the US but not as much) so our biggest tactical success was shutting down and harassing the English back line. Adams is the real deal, the best MFer on the pitch that game. Musah had a good game, even had a shot on goal, but McKennie was mixed. He should have scored once, maybe twice. Now he did well to get into those positions and he looked dangerous, but he didn’t actually produce that defense splitting pass or produce a shot on goal and he ran out of gas early.
Everybody looked Ok v Iran because they were weak in terms of talent compared to us. holland will be different.
De Jong is a really impressive player, and the Atalanta pair are very skilled and very active so I am curious to see how we offset them. But You are confident they can overrun them. I hope you are right.

[M2]

I was as trying to match central US fwds/mids with Dutch central mids/def because those would be the on-field matchups but I see your point. It’s a confusing approach and did not achieve the effect I sought.
I agree that our midfield really showed up v England. Bellingham and Rice didn’t do very much, only Mason Mount ran around and had a shot on goal. So our mids were effective at neutralizing those guys. But remember that England plays a lot through the back (as does the US but not as much) so our biggest tactical success was shutting down and harassing the English back line. Adams is the real deal, the best MFer on the pitch that game. Musah had a good game, even had a shot on goal, but McKennie was mixed. He should have scored once, maybe twice. Now he did well to get into those positions and he looked dangerous, but he didn’t actually produce that defense splitting pass or produce a shot on goal and he ran out of gas early.
Everybody looked Ok v Iran because they were weak in terms of talent compared to us. holland will be different.
De Jong is a really impressive player, and the Atalanta pair are very skilled and very active so I am curious to see how we offset them. But You are confident they can overrun them. I hope you are right.

The Dutch have the forward line and central defense by a wide margin over the U.S. They're a more complete team. As for the midfield, I have watched too much of de Jong disappearing in recent years. He might be the most disappointing player in Europe compared to what he looked like he could be in his Ajax days. And I think the U.S. middles/wings could pose pace/energy problems for de Roon/Klassen. And, again, for the record, I only think it's possible the U.S. wins the midfield in that game. Mind you, they could do that and the team could still score 0, like against England.

The real interesting matchup is going to be the wing with Dumfries and Robinson. I expect those two to go at each other. And keeping Gakpo quiet for 90 is going to be hard to do.

[RedTeamGo!]

Speaking of Tyler Adams: what kind of ceiling are we looking at with this young man? Are we talking top 50-100 player on the planet the next couple of years? Is he already? If he were English would he start for them?

[bucksfan2]

Speaking of Tyler Adams: what kind of ceiling are we looking at with this young man? Are we talking top 50-100 player on the planet the next couple of years? Is he already? If he were English would he start for them?

I don't know, but he is having one heck of a WC. I have been following Leeds more and more, with a US coach, two US players who start, and a team who can hopefully remain in the EPL for years. He may do well to remain a fixture at Leeds (as long as they stay up) instead of trying to find the bigger club where the playing time may not be guaranteed.

I also wonder if Matt Turner starts getting some looks as a starting GK for a big time club?

[Chip R]

The World Cup in 2026 is going to look different. 48 teams qualify with 16 groups of 3. The top 2 from each group will advance to a 32 team knockout stage. If they go with groups of 3, if there are draws, there may be shootouts either before kickoff or after full time. They are still thinking about going with groups of 4 to minimize collusion.

https://theathletic.com/3949146/2022/11/30/world-cup-group-shootouts/?source=pulsenewsletter&campaign=5600006

[RedTeamGo!]

Should be groups of 4

[BuckeyeRed27]

I don't know, but he is having one heck of a WC. I have been following Leeds more and more, with a US coach, two US players who start, and a team who can hopefully remain in the EPL for years. He may do well to remain a fixture at Leeds (as long as they stay up) instead of trying to find the bigger club where the playing time may not be guaranteed.

I also wonder if Matt Turner starts getting some looks as a starting GK for a big time club?

I’m happy to spend as much of Stan Kronkes money as it takes to get him to Arsenal and never have to watch Xhaka play defensive midfield again.

[M2]

The World Cup in 2026 is going to look different. 48 teams qualify with 16 groups of 3. The top 2 from each group will advance to a 32 team knockout stage. If they go with groups of 3, if there are draws, there may be shootouts either before kickoff or after full time. They are still thinking about going with groups of 4 to minimize collusion.

https://theathletic.com/3949146/2022/11/30/world-cup-group-shootouts/?source=pulsenewsletter&campaign=5600006

Groups of 3 will make for some panicky group stages. There's no time to recover from a stumble. Also means one less game for everyone, which is a big deal for the smaller nations. Even though they didn't advance, that first-ever World Cup win (and doing it against France) is a huge deal for Tunisia. Every kid in Tunisia just started doing extra juggling.

Just thinking out loud, wouldn't there be a whole lot more money in eight groups of 6? Everybody gets two extra games and you can take the top four from each group for a round of 32. The players might drop dead, but FIFA's never cared about that.

[M2]

We were talking about the U.S. midfield, but the best midfield I've seen so far in the tournament is Croatia with Modric, Kovacic and Brozovic.

[Betterread]

Morocco wins group D, beating an unprepared Canada easily. Croatia finishes second, and advances. But they were fortunate Lukaku is not on form. He missed three good chances.
Morocco also gets a break by avoiding (probably) Spain and probably Costa Rica or Japan. Croatia probably gets Spain.

[M2]

Morocco wins group D, beating an unprepared Canada easily. Croatia finishes second, and advances. But they were fortunate Lukaku is not on form. He missed three good chances.
Morocco also gets a break by avoiding (probably) Spain and probably Costa Rica or Japan. Croatia probably gets Spain.

Not so fast.

Right now Spain is losing to Japan, which puts them second and Germany out of the tournament. And Costa Rica just tied Germany, so if Spain scores, then I think Costa Rica goes into 2nd place.

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!

Costa Rica scores again, which means unless Spain scores once or Germany scores twice, they are going home.

WAIT!

Now Germany's scored again. Holy crap.

[Boston Red]

Japan and Costa Rica advancing would be something.

[M2]

Germany has scored again, so Spain seems to be safe unless Costa Rica finds two late goals. Germany is almost assuredly out.

[Boston Red]

Germany is almost assuredly out.

Germany needs to score again and have Spain tie it up in the waning minutes against Japan?

Need Spain to score.

[M2]

Germany needs to score again and have Spain tie it up in the waning minutes against Japan?

Need Spain to score.

Germany was screwed no matter what. If Spain scored, then they'd have lost the tiebreaker to Japan on head-to-head record.

So today saw Germany and Belgium go home with Japan and Morocco winning their groups.

[Boston Red]

I thought goal differential was ahead of head to head on the tiebreaker list.

[Betterread]

Wow! Japan beat Spain to win their group. They beat Spain and Germany both! Now they play Croatia.
Spain Plays Morocco. They were much better than Japan, but did not finish well.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Yep head to head isn’t a tie breaker in the WC.

That was a fun 90 seconds when Japan and Costa Rica were going through.

[Betterread]

Big controversy in Japan - Spain. The ball looked to have barely crossed the end line before Japan kicked it straight to the goals scorer. It looked clearly out to me. They did a VAR check and said the goal was good. This is after two totally marginal offside calls versus Morocco and Croatia that reversed a goal and a Pk.

[bucksfan2]

Big controversy in Japan - Spain. The ball looked to have barely crossed the end line before Japan kicked it straight to the goals scorer. It looked clearly out to me. They did a VAR check and said the goal was good. This is after two totally marginal offside calls versus Morocco and Croatia that reversed a goal and a Pk.

Correct me if I am wrong, but if any part of the ball is in bounds, the ball is in bounds, correct? I saw one view (and I can't find it right now) that it looks like a piece of the ball was directly over the line. You could see green in between the ball and the line, but it doesn't mean the outside of the ball was in.

[BuckeyeRed27]

19017

Looking at this angle absolutely looks like a goal for Japan.

[M2]

I thought goal differential was ahead of head to head on the tiebreaker list.

Turns out you are correct. Of course the World Cup doesn't use the head-to-head as the 1st tiebreaker like other tournaments.

[M2]

Correct me if I am wrong, but if any part of the ball is in bounds, the ball is in bounds, correct? I saw one view (and I can't find it right now) that it looks like a piece of the ball was directly over the line. You could see green in between the ball and the line, but it doesn't mean the outside of the ball was in.

Clint Dempsey aptly noted that they can tell you if a ball grazed Cristiano Ronaldo's hair, but not if it's over the end line.

[Betterread]

https://static01.nyt.com/images/2022/12/01/multimedia/01world-cup-spain-japan-ball-out-1-d064/01world-cup-spain-japan-ball-out-1-d064-superJumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp

This is the best perspective I have found. Green around all sides of the ball.

[BuckeyeRed27]

https://static01.nyt.com/images/2022/12/01/multimedia/01world-cup-spain-japan-ball-out-1-d064/01world-cup-spain-japan-ball-out-1-d064-superJumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp

This is the best perspective I have found. Green around all sides of the ball.

Gotta cross the plane though. I honestly can’t tell, it’s very close.

[M2]

This is after two totally marginal offside calls versus Morocco and Croatia that reversed a goal and a Pk.

I was really bummed about that Croatia reversal because it robbed us of a Modric vs. Courtois PK.

[MWM]

Somehow I think Spain was plenty happy to not be playing Croatia.

[M2]

Somehow I think Spain was plenty happy to not be playing Croatia.

Probably, though Morocco can play disciplined and hit them fast like Japan did. The thing that keeps jumping out to me is Gavi is struggling. He's getting bypassed more often than not, can't figure out how to influence the game. Pedri is playing great, but they need someone else cracking open those half spaces with him.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Korea, Japan and Australia all make it. Lots of people watching these games very early in the morning.

[Betterread]

Somehow I think Spain was plenty happy to not be playing Croatia.

Also, I think Croatia is plenty happy to not be playing Spain.

[M2]

The Dutch are putting on a clinic in tactics and quality in the final third. The U.S. have had most of the ball. They've won the ball back quicker. They've shown good tight control, especially Dest.

Yet the quality of the Dutch is on display. They are losing the midfield, but they're keeping the losses to a minimum by going man-to-man on the MMA. That's smart tactics by Van Gaal. He set his team up to minimize the strength of the U.S. team (and now he's swapped in two new middies to keep their legs fresh). Their back line gives up no holes. And the quality of the cutbacks from Dumfries (player of the match so far) has been the difference. The U.S. rarely picks anyone out. Dumfries found late runners in stride.

[M2]

Reyna has been inserted as a false #9 and he's connecting far better than anyone the U.S. has played up front so far. It's pretty infuriating Berhalter waited until he was down 2-0 in an elimination game to do it.

[Betterread]

The good news is the US is playing agressive attacking soccer. Dest has been the start of a lot of attacks.Pulisic has gotten the ball in good positions a lot.
The bad news is while Pulisic is getting the ball a lot, he has not supplied the final product. And while we are pushing forward, we are not getting back. Both first half goals came on cutbacks to late arriving runs. First goal, Adams didn’t run back with Memphis, who was wide open.
On the second goal, Blind ran right past Dest who just watched him get open. Also, both those runs ended with good on target shots.
In the second half, Reyna had a great cutback to an open McKinnie, who had time, but shot over the bar. Not on target.
The supplier of both Dutch assists was Dumfries. He starts for InterMilan. Robinson is told by Berhalter to push forward so he is helpless at stopping him. In the second half, Robinson is staying home and battling Dumfries.

The USA is playing hard, running a lot. Two goal attempts cleared off the line. But they are running out of gas in minute 63. Then PulisicHadji wright scores in minute 75. It’s a game.

And then the Dutch third goal was scored by Dumfries. Far post cross volleyed in after a late run that Robinson never saw (he was guarding a guy right in front of the goal) and none of our midfielders helped.

[Playadlc]

Wow. Still have life.

[M2]

The physics of that Haji Wright goal were insane.

[M2]

Must be a half dozen times where the U.S. has looked like it had the chances to play fast out of the back and the Dutch have forced them to slow down.

[M2]

I guess the three-team groups for the 2026 World Cup landed with a thud and FIFA is now leaning toward 12 4-team groups - https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-cup/2022/12/01/enjoy-world-cup-group-stage-butchered-2026/.

The top two in each group would advance to a 32-team knockout round along with the top 8 third-place finishers. There also would be a penalty shootout at the end of tie games in the group stage (no extra time), with the winner earning an extra point.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Mbappe with 2 absolute bangers today. Goodness.

[M2]

I'm rooting for upsets, but you know FIFA is licking its lips over the prospect of a quarterfinals round that features Netherlands-Argentina, Brazil-Croatia, France-England and Spain-Portugal.

[Betterread]

Croatia advances by making more penalty kicks 3-1. Mario Pasalic ( plays for Atalanta) scored the decider. GK Livakovic saved three shots.
Japan was very good. Just ran out of gas.

[texasdave]

If you are a defender, you are on the goal line, and you see the ball going in, why don't you use your hands to stop it? I would think that a penalty kick is better than a sure goal. Would that also result in a red card? It seems to me if the defender is in that position, then 'whatever means necessary' comes into play.

[Betterread]

Raphinha with a wonderful dribble and give and go run and cross to Vinicius, whose finish was elegant. His finish was made tough by having the goalie and three defenders closing on him. He had to go far post and high and he did it.

[Betterread]

If you are a defender, you are on the goal line, and you see the ball going in, why don't you use your hands to stop it? I would think that a penalty kick is better than a sure goal. Would that also result in a red card? It seems to me if the defender is in that position, then 'whatever means necessary' comes into play.

You try and throw your whole body in the general direction, but if the play is in front of you and you see that that approach will not work, you stop it with your arm and hope the ref doesn’t see it.

[BuckeyeRed27]

If you are a defender, you are on the goal line, and you see the ball going in, why don't you use your hands to stop it? I would think that a penalty kick is better than a sure goal. Would that also result in a red card? It seems to me if the defender is in that position, then 'whatever means necessary' comes into play.

Yes that’s a red card and now that VAR exists pretty hard to get away with.

[paintmered]

If you are a defender, you are on the goal line, and you see the ball going in, why don't you use your hands to stop it? I would think that a penalty kick is better than a sure goal. Would that also result in a red card? It seems to me if the defender is in that position, then 'whatever means necessary' comes into play.

This only makes sense if very late in the match and if denying a sure game-winner. It's an act of desperation.

[Slyder]

If you are a defender, you are on the goal line, and you see the ball going in, why don't you use your hands to stop it? I would think that a penalty kick is better than a sure goal. Would that also result in a red card? It seems to me if the defender is in that position, then 'whatever means necessary' comes into play.

I don't know the circumstances of the particular game but just by going on what you said... It 100000000000000000000000000% would be a red card, pk for the attacking team, and your team be down 1 the rest of the game.

But in a "heat of the moment" it's not often that you see that because the reflex time needed isn't enough to actually go through with it.

[bucksfan2]

This only makes sense if very late in the match and if denying a sure game-winner. It's an act of desperation.

Suarez did that in the World Cup, the ensuing PK was missed, and Uruguay ended up winning the game.

I do agree in a WC, especially late in the match, if you can stop a sure fire goal, go ahead and make the other team earn it.

[RedTeamGo!]

I think when that happens it should be an automatic goal awarded plus a red card.

[bucksfan2]

I think when that happens it should be an automatic goal awarded plus a red card.

I don't disagree, but its not, and its still a viable play, especially if it means heading home or potentially staying alive.

[westofyou]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FjT_29iacAAAyy9?format=jpg

[RedTeamGo!]

Incredible. Just incredible.

[Betterread]

It didn’t seem like a fair result. Spain attacked all match long and Morocco just bunkered down and “played for the counter”. But they didn’t look that dangerous on counter attacks. They didn’t come close to scoring.
MIRA. Luis Enrique needs to work on penalties. And on player selection. Fati and Morata benched for more Olmo and Soler?
All I can say is that what is a team supposed to do when their opponent has far more skills? In order to win, you have to focus on defending well and frustrating the other team. So that’s what Morocco did. Portugal is more “pragmatic” than Spain (assuming they beat Switzerland, of course) so I predict a pretty boring match until Portugal brings in Leao as a sub and he draws a penalty and Portugal wins.

[Betterread]

Who needs Christiano Ronaldo when you have a wizard (o feiticiero) like Goncalo Ramos, who smashed the first goal into the roof of the net.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Who needs Christiano Ronaldo when you have a wizard (o feiticiero) like Goncalo Ramos, who smashed the first goal into the roof of the net.

That goal was insane. No idea how that went in.

[texasdave]

Ronaldo getting a little long in the tooth? No problem. Just plug in a Ramos.

[Betterread]

News today is that negotiations are underway to extend Berhalter’s contract to coach the USMNT. Hopefully, this is merely in recognition of a successful qualifying campaign and advancement from the WC Finals group stage. Hopefully, the USSF has greater ambitions for their team and their coach than what they accomplished during Berhalter’s time.
The US was the only CONCACAF squad to advance, which is a better reflection of our talent than the third place we finished. I think we should have the ambition to make the final 8 in 2026, because he should have a big advantage because we are hosting.
I don’t think we have the talent to make the final 4. Look at how much more talent Portugal, Brazil, France, Spain have than the USA.