Men's Soccer (Football) Thread Soccer • Page 108

Always hard to tell with the African countries as facing literal third world countries in qualifying isn't much of a test.

 

I do hope we see a team outside of Europe / South America winning the world cup at some point. But it seems pretty unlikely when you look at the teams right now.

Feels like some of the African teams like Nigeria, Senegal, etc would have a chance if they had the finances and infrastructure.

 

When you consider the grand scheme of global athletics, you'd think the US would be the most likely candidate to eventually get across that line, if not Mexico. But it definitely feels unlikely to be outside of those two continents for the foreseeable future. They've just got too massive of a head start and buy in.

Which got me curious how many top four finishes teams from outside of them have had.

1930: USA, 3rd Place
2002: South Korea, 4th Place
2022: Morocco, 4th Place

 

South Korea just got beat 5-0 by a "not as good as they used to be" Brazil. We can rule them out, I guess.

 

This is the most optimistic I’ve felt about England winning it. They have such crazy depth, and finally have it at every position. The defense has always been awkward on paper imo. I think it’s much more balanced now. The LB position has improved with Spence and MLS now in the mix. They have the CB depth to play with two or three at the back. Versatility in the midfield. Loaded in the attack and with Kane seemingly at the peak of his powers. And not to mention, the best big tournament manager they’ve had in a long time.

It’s time to make it happen.

 

I agree with all of this... but then you look at Spain and France.

 

The same thing that’s been said for almost a decade now, I think Spain’s midfield is just too good at the moment for anyone else to compete. For similar reasons I can see Portugal going far, that Neves/Vitinha PSG duo playing in a pivot behind Bruno could really be a game changer.

 

As long as Bruno is involved, POR will not lift the trophy. Mark my words.

 

Belgium just got 80% possession at home to North Macedonia. 0-0.

 

what is this usmnt formation

 

Ecuador are clearly a good team. We’ve looked much better at every stage of the game and are losing.

Still don’t know wtf this formation is. I guess it’s because we’re down Dest and Jedi?

 

In Newcastle for the weekend and ended up in the St James’ Park fanzone last night for a bit. I don’t recommend unless you LOVE over priced IPAs and a weird mix of young students and finance bros.

But, I tried to get a photo of St James Park. Turns out, drunk me can’t use a camera for shit lol

 

One Knox clinched a home playoff game last night, and could clinch #1 overall depending on the next few games, both at home. Pretty awesome way to kick off the new stadium. Haven’t lost at home (in the league) yet. I’m going next Sunday.

 

Israel 3-0 down already v Norway.

 

Faroe Islands just beat Czechia. They’re now one point off a playoff place and on their record points total.

It has a population of under 55,000.

 

Looks like Pickford will retire at Everton. Fucking delighted as he so obviously "gets us."

 

Best and worst thing for this WC was (unfortunately) Trump befriending Infantino. It would have been too much of a shit show to try to remove a chunk of games away from US soil at this point in time.

 

You're welcome. :D

 

Cape Verde going to the World Cup, lads! Got out of a group containing traditional powerhouse Cameroon.

Best player plays for Kocaelispor in Turkey, and he's called Ryan Mendes - not the guitarist from Yellowcard!

 

Wow, Sweden are SO bad. They have Isak, Gyokeres, Elanga, Bergvall, Barghji, etc, yet they lost of Luxembourg and are losing to Kosovo. Unreal.

They’re going to come bottom of a group containing Slovenia, Kosovo, and Switzerland with that team…

 

Hard to believe Kane was 4.5m in FPL at one point.

 

How has Kane scored so many goals and still not found a decent celebration!

 

there's a joke to be had here about british people and rhythm