making a spot for those interested in discussing The World Cup topics. Going with Egypt and Morocco maybe Nigeria like their uni’s but haven’t seen them play recently.
Iceland! If they can take 2nd in their group, they've got a puncher's chance at the quarter finals....
There is a WC Referee section here: https://www.bigsoccer.com/forums/world-cup-2018-refereeing.1665/ As in previous WCs, you will find discussions about each match, decisions made and how the LOTG are applied. Please read the guidelines for that area - non-referees are most certainly welcome as long as you ask real questions about the Laws and how they are being applied or mis-applied. Showing up and offering garbage without a rationale based on the Laws is frowned upon. There is a welcome thread that I encourage you to read. @MassachusettsRef and other mods work hard to support a useful, vigorous forum for us all. At the same time, if you're acting like a jerk, they will let you know and you may quickly find yourself watching from the touchline rather than playing. Enjoy the matches, root for your favorites and support the economy by buying some jerseys and a few pints at your local. And, of course, always root for the 3rd team on the pitch: the refs! (Of course I am one, so I might be a little bit biased.)
Was in Iceland a few weeks ago. Such excitement for the WC. I had to buy a jersey and will be a supporter based on the excitement alone. The country made a concerted effort to get better on the world stage. It is impressive what they have done (and it was clear everywhere I went). Would love to see the US do something similar, but of course we won't because it would rock a few too many pocketbooks... rod.
France, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, probably in something like that order -- mostly based (biased?) on PSG's internationals. Uruguay is the tough one, love Cavanni -- hate Suarez. Also will try to watch Bayern Munchen er Germany, and CONCACAF teams repping our region.Opening match has very little interest for me but in general I will record lots of matches and speed watch many of them.
You're right - he's not in the squad. Though it would seem like him to skip the friendlies and team training and just show up for their opening match vs South Korea next Moday.
maybe a chance against South Korea, but probably not against Mexico and most certainly not against Germany.
Kind of what I'm thinking, with a hope Mexico overlooks them or pulls one of their self-destruct games and Sweden gets the upset.
My family came to the US from Hamburg in the 1850's. I'm going with the heritage excuse as well and am required to pull for Germany. Oh, the horror! (Less than 200 years counts, right?)
I've got you beat, my grandmother was adopted as a baby by Swedish immigrants (and we think her real parents were also Swedish immigrants, though I'm not sure we've confirmed that).
Always England. But they won't win. Quarterfinal exit to Germany is on the cards. If they're even that good.
I've always been of opinion that if your country (home and/or heritage) didn't qualify, then you support your neighbors and region/Confederation. So I hope all CONCACAF teams do well....as well as CONMEBOL. Peru is a nice story in my opinion, really wish them well. I think Uruguay will 'surprise' people and make a deep run to semis or even Final. Enjoy the tournament...since we can't enjoy our local club
Colorado Rapids fans bracket challenge for the world cup? https://bracketchallenge.fifa.com/bracket/leaguejoin/91ce05eb League code: 91ce05eb
Me too, it may be American Exceptionalism but I look at the groups and invariably see one or two teams in each that make me think 'WTF they're there and we're not' -- say what you will about CONCACAF qualifying being easy but apparently it is not the only region that 2nd tier teams can qualify from. And I do know rationally that we had every opportunity to qualify and we (USSF in general) stepped on our own package but still, yeah, bitter.
No we don’t. One rumor is that there will still be only one auto-qualification spot and it’s been agreed it will go to Canada (as Mexico and the U.S. feel confident in qualifying for one of the 6 spots CONCACAF will likely have in a 48 team field).