Looks like more of the latter than the former.
Saudis have had a couple decent looks in the 2nd half.
I just want a close game - ideally w/ Russia losing, which seems unlikely at the mo.
The Official 2018 World Cup Thread...
- Thread starter LesClaypool
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Saudis have had a couple decent looks in the 2nd half.
I just want a close game - ideally w/ Russia losing, which seems unlikely at the mo.
They are both bad and Russia probably had a nice “talking to” by Putin before the game.
Saudi Arabia is awful. Just... flat awful. Did they say that Russia and Saudi are the two lowest ranked teams in the tournament? There's no way. Tunisia has to be ranked lower.
That first-touch chip over the defender to setup the shot was an awesome move!
https://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/ranking-table/men/index.html
Saudi Arabia = 67
Russia = 70
Tunisia = 21 (wow)
Didn't realize Iran was 37
FWIW USA = 25
Saudi is that bad. Heck, Russia is so bad they have been booed off the field their past few games by their own fans.
Just wait until the field expands to 48 teams. It will be like Barcelona or Real Madrid playing the lower teams of La Liga and winning by 5-8 goals. In other words, it won't be fun to watch.
Just wait until the field expands to 48 teams. It will be like Barcelona or Real Madrid playing the lower teams of La Liga and winning by 5-8 goals. In other words, it won't be fun to watch.
During the pregame show they said that Group A (Russia's group) is the worst group in the history of the World Cup, by FIFA rankings.
What's driving the expansion to 48 teams?
I assume simply $$?
I'm not sure what sort of delay my stream is on but I'm in the 84th minute and the FIFA site already shows Russia with the W and Saudi Arabia with the L. Weird. Or do soccer standings reflect as the current status of the game?
Yep. 100% money.
I don’t know of anyone, other than teams that would otherwise have next to hope of qualifying under the present 32-team format, that are in favorite of it.
It’s going to water down the field.
I'm going to add Uruguay to my list of teams I like.
Uruguayan women are extremely attractive, I could barely get out of the airport in Montevideo without falling in love, and they've also got that guy who bites people. Seems like an asset during a WC held in mother russia.
Uruguayan women are extremely attractive, I could barely get out of the airport in Montevideo without falling in love, and they've also got that guy who bites people. Seems like an asset during a WC held in mother russia.
Based on the timestamp of your post, your stream was behind almost 10 minutes.
I haven't seen a proposed setup for a 48-team tournament yet. 6 teams per group of 8? I can't see that, so I'm assuming it'll be 4 teams per group of 12, with 24 in the KO stages, top 8 (however they determine that) gets a 1st KO round bye?
From what I have heard, they will keep the 4 teams per group setup. This would be 12 groups of 4 and top 2 from each group would make the knockout stage. From there they would have 8 teams get a bye, but I'm not sure how they will determine that. I'm sure points in the group stage would be included, but I have no clue how they would break ties...maybe FIFA Rankings?
EURO 2016 did something similar, just with less teams. They had 12 teams in the knockout stage instead of the previous 8.
Format is going to be 16 groups of 3 teams with the top 2 advancing from each group. Then single elimination for last 32
Also under the new format CONCACAF will get 6 guaranteed spots with a 7th team making a playoff so US can continue to be mediocre and qualify from here on out
I just dug up an article to read about that format, and I don't like it. There is definitely a possibility for a loaded group or two with that format. Also, every group will have a team sit & watch the other 2 play their first games. Then when they play their opponent will already know if a win or tie will guarantee them advancement.
We shall see how it works, but it is going to be different that's for sure.
Much more entertaining day ahead of us today, culminating w/the Iberian War @ 2pm ET...
FRIDAY, JUNE 15
Egypt vs. Uruguay
8 a.m. ET
FS1
Morocco vs. Iran
11 a.m. ET
Fox
Portugal vs. Spain
2 p.m. ET
Fox
FRIDAY, JUNE 15
Egypt vs. Uruguay
8 a.m. ET
FS1
Morocco vs. Iran
11 a.m. ET
Fox
Portugal vs. Spain
2 p.m. ET
Fox
I read there’s a chance he subs in later.
Egypt holding their own thus far. Kind of rooting for them. I want to see Uruguay and Egypt come out of this group. They’ll both need to beat Russia (or equalize that five goal outburst they had yesterday).
Game is a little sloppy from Uruguay. The stadium is also a bit whacky with the seats outside of the actual stadium.
Oh man... 7a kick off for me, love these big international competitions in Russia, Japan/South Korea, Australia, Qatar, etc.
Mark Followill on the call (from Los Angeles)!! I remember when this dude was doing the 10/30/50 tickers for the local sports radio station in Dallas.
The increase of number countries playing in the WC is going to bad. I haven't seen one person like it yet.
Money wins as usual (and we thought that was just an American thing....)
Egypt's GK brought his big boy pants today
Egypt keeper is having a fantastic day.
Edit: Spoke too soon but not much he could do about that ball.
Edit: Spoke too soon but not much he could do about that ball.
Egypt had already made their 3 subs. My guess is they were hoping for a draw and save Salah for another 4 days' worth of rest, as this game is technically meaningless. If they win their next 2 (and they should...) they advance regardless of today's result.
but adds quite a bit of meaning to their russia match, russia simply has to hope for a draw (and hope that egypt doesn't rack up more than 5 goals on the saudis.
So Morocco and Iran... not much interest in this one? Are we saving all our care for the Portugal/Spain match afterward?
