Which team should we adopt for 2018?

Whoever is playing Mexico. Once Mexico gets eliminated in the Round of 16 (let's face it, we know exactly where they will finish) I'll have to reassess my options.

 

Not at all, ratings will be similar to 2014. If they drop, it'll be by less than 5%.

Football is more popular than ever, and remember, the World Cup's best commentator is returning this year after a 20 year hiatus. The only football voice to guest star on The Simpsons.

 

I think the ratings may drop a bit on Telemundo compared to 2014, not because the USA was eliminated but because people will be tuning in to Univision saying wait a minute where is the World Cup?

 

I use the Monroe Doctrine of International Football.

 

Same here, but just cause I was born in France and have family ties.

 

The ratings will probably be down because of the time zone difference.

 

That is another factor yes.

 

I am happy guys in Panama will be going to their first World Cup. Some solid play met get them some sweet transfers.

#CONCACAFSTRONG

 

Panama's best players are too old to get good transfers.

 

China is always buying.

 

The Ticos & Peru, hopefully.

 

Not feeling like watching at all TBH.

I'm a bit ticked that MLS is going to (very likely) have a two-week break for the first half of the World Cup, actually (they did it in 2010 and 2014).

Things may change, of course, but right now I'm feeling very gloomy about everything soccer-related, and frankly I'm not sure anything is going to change for the better in the USA.

 

Compare the landscape to 1966.You'll feel better.

 

So did you not watch the quarterfinals and beyond of the last World Cups because the USA didn't make it that far?

 

Or just go with the best kit

Unser Trikot für die #WM2018 🏆🇩🇪
Ab sofort exklusiv im DFB-Fanshop & auf https://t.co/jD8UbYZ06g 👉https://t.co/wBLH4O3qfs #DieMannschaft pic.twitter.com/yGJdkx3RAU

— DFB-Team (@DFB_Team) November 6, 2017

 

Not to answer for him, but since I’m also not watching the 2018 cup minus the US... No I didn’t. After the US was eliminated in 2014 I tuned out.

 

If it was this weekend I'd probably just watch the final, like I do with the Olympics when the U.S. is not there. I'll probably be way over the U.S. not making it by the time the tournament rolls around, though, so if I watch it will just be as a neutral. If I root for anything, it will be for a better tournament than the last Euro. I literally fell asleep during a few of those group stage matches.

 

It was different. One thing was getting eliminated, even if playing ugly, but surviving a very tough group.

Another is not even making it. It's a big psychological difference.

 

Having 24 teams does that.

 

I’ll say Germany, but have a gut feeling they’ll be upset.

I specifically would like a France vs Argentina final. Sounds fun.

 

I have Peruvian roots so I'm hoping Peru makes it.

 

As always, you look at things in an upbeat way.

 

I don't blame him for feeling that way. In fact, I feel the same as he does. As long as the current people are in charge, the MNT will be nothing more than an also-ran, irrelevant not only in world soccer, but in greater American popular culture.

[sarcasm]I suppose I could look on the bright side, at least we're not USA Cricket, which was banned from their sport and taken over by the ICC due to even worse incompetence than even the USSF is capable of. [/sarcasm]

 

If we make it the Socceroos... we have similar issues with media and traditional codes as you guys...

From ESPN who seem to be sticking in the knife to the US men's team still.

http://www.espnfc.com.au/fifa-world...-at-honduras-helps-pave-way-on-road-to-russia

 

We're getting roasted everywhere. I feel as if the entire soccer world (which is huge) were laughing at me.