2026 WC USA (et al): Worldwide Opponents Watch [all R's]

France just feels so inevitable the way they’ve played.

 

Argentina definitely running on fumes in the knockout round. But they keep finding a way.

 

My favorite part was right after Switzerland scored they showed Argentina fans still smiling and dancing.

 

FIFA's quota every 4 year

 

No new winner this World Cup. Or ever maybe.

 

I think they said it’s literally the first time the four semifinalists are the four top ranked teams

 

{The chip in the ball is a drone piloted by VAR officials}

 

Just as we insist that there is a clear gap between teams who are in the final 16 vs those that make it to Final 8…. we also saw the gap between group of 8 vs Final 4 caliber teams.. The tiers have been made abundantly clear in this World Cup

 

If Portugal had sat Ronaldo they might have beaten Spain and had a shot.

 

Honestly feels like a gap between the European three and Argentina as well. Not that Argentina can’t win this but they don’t feel like they’ve played at the same level.

 

Goncalo Ramos isn’t world class, but he is a really good player, and much more capable than Ronaldo of taking advantage of all the talent their midfield provides.

 

England has not looked good last two games. Argentina will have the wiles with them.

 

But also you aren’t playing 10 on 11 anymore.

 

That’s a bit unfair on England. The only really bad game was Ghana. They controlled the Panama game fairly easily and against Congo they gave up the early goal but they controlled that game throughout and created lots of chances (Congo’s goalie played excellent that game). I’m also not sure how you can knock them for winning at the Azteca playing with ten men.

Today’s game had some ups and downs but Norway is a good team and took Haaland out of the game completely and it was pretty clear towards the end their superior depth was the end of Norway. And had the weather not been what it was they would have been able to press more and given Norway a lot of trouble in the back.

They’re not looked as impressive as France but I think your assessment is overly harsh. They’ll be underdogs if they play France but so is everyone else as France is clearly the most talented team in the field.

 

Varrrgentinaa

 

Has England ever beat Argentina in a World Cup game?

 

2002 Group stage they did.

Argentina has never lost a WC semifinal in their history. Might be too difficult to continue that streak.

 

Even if Argentina win this game, I think this ends up being a 2018 Croatia result against France. They have been run into the ground those Argentinian players.

 

it just proves FIFA rankings are not trash and ELO is not always right

 

Umm Elo top 4 are the same, lol

 

Yeah...first time ever both are the same...my bad...lol...only top 4...mind you

 

I'll root for Argentina, at least they have much experience in ET

 

France was my pick. It’s looking good.

I look at that pool and stare off in space.

 

I believe Argentina got the most yellow cards in the 2022 World Cup. They got 8 against the Dutch.

We get it. People don't like Argentina. But the constant whining just makes me realize all the blowback against the US was bs.

Embolo not only flopped, he writhed like he had been killed on the ground. He and his teammates screamed for a yellow card. One of them tried to pick a fight with Paredes.

They got what they deserved.

The level of picking at Argentina's beneficial calls is hilarious to me. The rage is everywhere -- there's people screaming about "Messi's uncalled handball." What are we even talking about here.

 

Yes, but also the actual discourse is being influenced by much more bias the other way. The shit that is being complained about as being rigged is over the complete top.

There are a ton of borderline calls each game, and people are just ranting about one side. What's worse, they are ranting about clearly excellent calls as rigged.

This red isn't evidence of ANY rigging. Zero. Not even a hint. It was an incredibly cheap, cynical and IMO dirty play by the Swiss in a clear attempt to get a yellow against a player for doing nothing.

It is 100% the right call, and while I hate red cards for exactly this reason, the player knew he was on a yellow, and did it anyway.

Embolo and the Swiss deserve it and the discussion should be how pansy-ass that play was and how weak they were for trying to cheat, even when they had the run of play. What a mental break down.