FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Group Stage

[Nate505]

What did Leicester do? No guts no glory. If we lose to Iran this will set us back 50 years imo

I doubt it. For one, this US team is really young. At the very least they are getting experience on a big stage. For two, if WC Qualifying goes to 48 teams for the foreseeable future, they'll pretty much always make it to the World Cup out of Concacaf. Personally I think that many teams is stupid, but that's how it's going to go at least for the next one (which wouldn't matter anyway since the US is one of the hosts).

The 70s and 80s were the true dark days of US soccer, and that will never happen again.

God, I hate that extension to 48.... especially the groups of three...what makes the World Cup (and other events) so interesting is that final match day, games going on at the same time....now, a group of three means we might see two sides, on the final match day, pass it back and forth as a draw means both move on.

It's so **** absurd. Just the group names alone. Like even Group H is a stretch, let alone Group P.

[ejftw]

We invest more money into the women's team than most. We just don't pay the players.

I don’t know what the solution is. Nothing against Wales or Iran but we should be blowing them out with our C squad and competing for the Cup every year

Well maybe if guys like Lebron, Steph, and our best athletes chose Soccer instead.

The solution? Outlaw the other sports in this country. Make everyone play Soccer. Give student athletes big NIL incentives for playing the sport. Get rid of a salary cap in MLS. Only then will we become more competitive with the rest of the world.

MLS definitely needs to change the CBA and allow bigger teams to spend more if they can afford it...I understand why they didn't at first but the league has been around long enough.

Also get rid of the stupid expansion rules, have true pro/rel.

Subject for another day.

What we need that's more realistic is more true youth academies, the Galaxy have built a decent one, all things considered, Dallas is decent, RBNY is solid.

[Hellcrooner]

Another thing that would actually make Usa team level better is get away with the concacaaf/comenbol absurdity.
Merge , have only one AMERICAN fifa region and actuall have to play the qualifiers vs the MUCH stronger team sin southamerica day in and day out.
Yes it would mean not qualifying some times, but it would alos make usa stronger.

Basically the two three worst southamerica teams ( bolivia, peru , venezuela) would EASILY qualify vs the teams that usa and mexico face regulary in the qualifiers.

[rocketsfan100]

I doubt it. For one, this US team is really young. At the very least they are getting experience on a big stage. For two, if WC Qualifying goes to 48 teams for the foreseeable future, they'll pretty much always make it to the World Cup out of Concacaf. Personally I think that many teams is stupid, but that's how it's going to go at least for the next one (which wouldn't matter anyway since the US is one of the hosts).

The 70s and 80s were the true dark days of US soccer, and that will never happen again.

God, I hate that extension to 48.... especially the groups of three...what makes the World Cup (and other events) so interesting is that final match day, games going on at the same time....now, a group of three means we might see two sides, on the final match day, pass it back and forth as a draw means both move on.

It's so **** absurd. Just the group names alone. Like even Group H is a stretch, let alone Group P.

All Iran has to do is go for a draw. They were under enormous political pressure from a regime that is brutal and vicious before the England game. The players went into the England game pretty much in survival mode. They played more care free and open which is their more natural game against wales and on balance of play should have won 4-0. They totally destroyed and embrassed the welsh especially in the second half.

They are the best ranked and performed Asian team. Better then Saudi which beat Argentina, Japan which beat Germany and South Korea which dominated Uruguay. Losing to them is no shame

[sjballer03]

Team USA sucks . No progress made at all. So sad

I don't get "USA sucks" opinion.

Are the US a team that will vie to win the World Cup? No. There's only about 5-6 teams in the whole world who can probably say that. Maybe 10 if we are being super duper generous. Are they a team that can get out of the group stage? Yes. They actually have a very realistic chance to do so in this World Cup. They control their own destiny, and that's about as much as you can ask for in the 3rd game in the group stage.

To me, Costa Rica is a team that sucks. Qatar is a team that sucks. The US? They are what they are. A team that is usually a threat to get out of the group but not a real threat to win the whole thing. Which applies to probably half of the teams in the Cup.

I have blocked a grand total of two posters on RealGM. Pharmcat is one of them.

Sad part is that Pharmcat is still able to see your posts as he gave you an and1. There really needs to be an overhaul of the foe system. The trolls obviously enjoy knowing people are blocking them and can still see those people's posts.

But like on any platform, trolls create "engagement" so stuff like this will never get fixed. Not to mention the fact that even if you block someone, if another poster quotes them you'll see that thread.

[sjballer03]

It's quite simple.

The US need to beat Iran.



England virtually through. For some odd reason, at the World Cups, goal difference trumps results between the teams, so Wales would have to beat England by like 4 goals to overtake them.

This explains the reason why England were perfectly fine with this result.

It's called the rules. Probably been around longer than the US.

Wrong. The US was founded in 1776, long before "futbol" was a game. I thought Europeans were better versed in historical facts than the lowly Americans. But then again can't expect much from someone from a country that needed rescuing not once, but TWICE in the 20th century

[wco81]

But American's won't watch soccer over NFL or NBA.

Especially the low scoring nature of the game.

Look at where MLB and NHL are.

Americans won't watch MLS. You give them a better domestic league with world-class talent like the EPL & they'll watch.

The NFL has been around for 100 years. The NBA for 75. MLS has only been around since the 90's.

MLB & the NHL are more regional sports.

If the USMNT was as successful as the woman’s team, Americans would watch more soccer. Meanwhile I see that WC games on Saturday will be on Fox Sports, not the main Fox affiliate, like the US vs. England game.

Why? Because there will be college football game on the main Fox affiliate instead.

But if the MNT had such top level players to compete against the giants, they’d be playing in Europe, not the MLS.

And I enjoy PL games on weekend mornings but I’d watch Warriors and 49ers games before my PL match and probably many NFL and NBA games of other teams before PL matches.

[HIF]

Expectations are high for England aren't they?

Lot of high-salary players on that team, young players who have prominent roles on top PL sides.

Didn't a lot of these players win the U17 or U19 championships a few years ago?

2020 UEFA Euro final was the first time in over 20 years that England made the Final.

Seems like the young core on the England team is stronger than the young players on Germany and Spain. Maybe Italy as well since they didn't even make this WC.

Expectations are always high but we all know that really we're not THAT good. Most of us were shocked at the Euros.

[HIF]

:D

Okay that's enough ribbing from me.

Hope the US and Iran match is a good one, for everyone.

That's enough reading your nonsense that's adding nothing to this discussion (your "banter" is clearly more like trolling), so welcome to my foe list. Which is sad because I see that you're from France and Les Blues are my team.

You think I give a damn about being on your foe list? Firstly I've never seen you post on this board in 20 years and secondly you're an Arsenal glory hunter. and Les Blues (hahahaha), I guess you mean les bleus ,are another team that need the piss taking out of them. Glory hunter status confirmed.

[HIF]

Team USA sucks . No progress made at all. So sad

I don't get "USA sucks" opinion.

Are the US a team that will vie to win the World Cup? No. There's only about 5-6 teams in the whole world who can probably say that. Maybe 10 if we are being super duper generous. Are they a team that can get out of the group stage? Yes. They actually have a very realistic chance to do so in this World Cup. They control their own destiny, and that's about as much as you can ask for in the 3rd game in the group stage.

To me, Costa Rica is a team that sucks. Qatar is a team that sucks. The US? They are what they are. A team that is usually a threat to get out of the group but not a real threat to win the whole thing. Which applies to probably half of the teams in the Cup.

Getting out of a group where you only need to finish higher than Iran and Wales, doesn't make you a non-sucky team. England suck because they couldn't even get max points from such a group.

As you said the World Cup really doesn't start until the quarter finals.

[HIF]

its not looking good for US

It's not? If they win their last game they're in. That's about all you can really ask for for most teams.

Who it's not looking good for is Wales. They have to hope that the US beats Iran and they beat England by 4 goals. That's the definition of "not looking good."

Or Qatar, who has already been eliminated.

It certainly doesn't look good for Qatar. Nice goal though.

[HIF]

US with a much better effort vs England...

Surprised England played so conservative? Perhaps waiting for an exploit to open up?

Lucky for them McKennie is the American Cueva

England played like a pile of poo, as they often do.

[HIF]

I have a hard time imagining there are many US fans who, before the Cup started, wouldn't have gladly taken a winner-take-all match with Iran to reach the elimination round. As we proved in 2017, we have almost zero margin for error against even mediocre sides and can't take anything for granted. But THAT was embarrassing. And if we fail on Tuesday, then go ahead and pile on. I'll be right there with you. But I don't understand what all the bleating and negativity is about after going toe-to-toe with one of the better teams in the world.

I must say that I was impressed with the US support from the clips I watched of the match. Maybe there is hope for you all yet.

[HIF]

I don't get "USA sucks" opinion.

Are the US a team that will vie to win the World Cup? No. There's only about 5-6 teams in the whole world who can probably say that. Maybe 10 if we are being super duper generous. Are they a team that can get out of the group stage? Yes. They actually have a very realistic chance to do so in this World Cup. They control their own destiny, and that's about as much as you can ask for in the 3rd game in the group stage.

To me, Costa Rica is a team that sucks. Qatar is a team that sucks. The US? They are what they are. A team that is usually a threat to get out of the group but not a real threat to win the whole thing. Which applies to probably half of the teams in the Cup.

We have money , resources , stadiums etc. and we haven’t made any progress in the international stage. It’s really embarrassing . We don’t have any raw talent and the talent that does come (Freddy adu) flame out. The whole setup is a disgrace

Our talent goes into the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL before soccer. Our 10-year olds dreams of being the next Brady, Lebron, Trout, or Crosby. They dream of making $$$$$$$$$. There is no real soccer culture in the USA.

You have a population of 330 million and your professional Football and Basketball leagues are miniscule. There should be plenty of talent for football. That is a weak excuse. The culture point is a better one.

[HIF]

It's quite simple.

The US need to beat Iran.



England virtually through. For some odd reason, at the World Cups, goal difference trumps results between the teams, so Wales would have to beat England by like 4 goals to overtake them.

This explains the reason why England were perfectly fine with this result.

It's called the rules. Probably been around longer than the US.

still a very stupid rule , you would have to agree.

three team draws is one thing, but direct draws should be decided by the game resutl.


take note that im SPANISH, so after the 7-0 it greatly benefits my team to follow the actual rules because with a draw tomorrow to germany were basically qualified and even if we lose to germany it would favour us in a 6 point tie with japan.

but i still think its unfair.

what's unfair about it? The aim is to score goals. Supporters like to see goals. You play the same teams so score more goals against them than the others. H2H is so American, next you'll want the final to be a best of 7 to make it more "fair".

[HIF]

Why don’t we run something unorthodox? I’m not sure what the comparison is but why aren’t we using our small, super fast guys differently and attacking more. Like how the NBA learned that 3s are more efficient than 2s…just seems like we’re running an offense that doesn’t maximize our talent

That's certainly an option. But by being more aggressive & pressing the opponent, you also become more vulnerable to conceding goals. That's often why you will see teams with less firepower like the U.S. try & play it safe. The goal is to make it hard for the opponent to outscore you. Chances are you can't keep pace playing that style. So instead, win ugly.

What did Leicester do? No guts no glory. If we lose to Iran this will set us back 50 years imo

Leicester outplayed every other team in the league over 38 matches. They stopped other team's scoring and had the strikers to punish the other team's defence. They played their hearts out and never gave up. They were like Japanese WWII fighters with a Samurai belief.

[HIF]

That's certainly an option. But by being more aggressive & pressing the opponent, you also become more vulnerable to conceding goals. That's often why you will see teams with less firepower like the U.S. try & play it safe. The goal is to make it hard for the opponent to outscore you. Chances are you can't keep pace playing that style. So instead, win ugly.

What did Leicester do? No guts no glory. If we lose to Iran this will set us back 50 years imo

Not qualifying for Russia in 2018 set us back. No one really expected the U.S. to make it out of the group stage.

Leicester had a good team that got a good amount of luck on their side the year they won. The Premier League also had a down year. It was before Guardiola came to Man City. Before Liverpool became title contenders.

And there speaks a big 6 fan.

Luck? No more than anyone else, a down year - just an excuse for being outplayed. Liverpool, Man U, Chelsea, Arsenal , Spurs, Man city were all contenders and have been for decades.

Leicester were simply the better TEAM. No-one luckily wins a 38 match championship in English football.

[HIF]

It's quite simple.

The US need to beat Iran.



England virtually through. For some odd reason, at the World Cups, goal difference trumps results between the teams, so Wales would have to beat England by like 4 goals to overtake them.

This explains the reason why England were perfectly fine with this result.

It's called the rules. Probably been around longer than the US.

Wrong. The US was founded in 1776, long before "futbol" was a game. I thought Europeans were better versed in historical facts than the lowly Americans. But then again can't expect much from someone from a country that needed rescuing not once, but TWICE in the 20th century

I thought you'd blocked me. Of course I know when the genocide of the native American Indian by the white americans took place, my post was HIFhumour. Clearly you know little about the World Wars though, you've probably only heard american propaganda and watched hollywood films, some of us have family members who fought alone to free the rest of Europe until the americans decided it was in their economic interest to join in, and let's not forget the Russians helped too.

[LDNMagic90]

America have an almost simple solution for their striker woes… Florian Balogun. As far as I remember, he was born in New York and I think grew up in the states before coming over to the UK. He’s currently in the English under 21 set up without a cap for the senior team, so he can switch to the US mens senior team. Problem is will he want to? Does he fancy his chances at breaking into the England set up? In my opinion I would play for USA. He has a chance to be one of the stars for the team where as England could shun him from playing like they do with a lot of players over the years. You hear about a few players that made under 10 appearances for England having regrets playing for them, when they have another nationality to choose from.

[SkyHookFTW]

We have money , resources , stadiums etc. and we haven’t made any progress in the international stage. It’s really embarrassing . We don’t have any raw talent and the talent that does come (Freddy adu) flame out. The whole setup is a disgrace

Our talent goes into the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL before soccer. Our 10-year olds dreams of being the next Brady, Lebron, Trout, or Crosby. They dream of making $$$$$$$$$. There is no real soccer culture in the USA.

You have a population of 330 million and your professional Football and Basketball leagues are miniscule. There should be plenty of talent for football. That is a weak excuse. The culture point is a better one.

There is little development of talent in the USA for soccer. It's not an excuse, it's a fact. Very few really care beyond youth league. I don't care what the population is--if no one cares to develop the talent, the sport won't take hold beyond any rudimentary level. If population was the main issue, China and India would be world powers in all sports.