2014 FIFA World Cup: Group H (BEL/ALG/RUS/KOR)

[Raps in 4]

you could have 3-4 uefa or conmebol teams in the same group, do you really want to watch another copa america or euro cup?

Why not? I just want to see the most competitive tournament possible. I don't care about geographic representation.

I do. Now what do we do?

But what is gained by using geographic distribution to determine grouping? It might give some weak soccer country a chance to get blown out in the second round, but that's it. On the other hand it undermines the competitive nature of the tournament by ignoring pure seeding.

Like I said, I have no issues with "weaker" countries getting through via upset, a la Costa Rica, but I do have an issue when they essentially get through on a free pass (by being the least terrible of 3-4 teams).

[Ted Lasso]

Why not? I just want to see the most competitive tournament possible. I don't care about geographic representation.

I do. Now what do we do?

But what is gained by using geographic distribution to determine grouping? It might give some weak soccer country a chance to get blown out in the second round, but that's it. On the other hand it undermines the competitive nature of the tournament by ignoring pure seeding.

A World Cup is gained.

You may not be much for subjective gains, and i respect that, but they're there.

[Ted Lasso]

Seriously though, loving this tournament!

[Point forward]

SKOR trying to Sweden itself to a 4:4, but up to now, Algeria != Germany (in a good way).

[Foye]

Nice goal from Koo.

Sent from my GT-I9001 using RealGM Forums mobile app

[Andi Obst]

This World Cup, though.

[Doormatt]

Then it no longer become the "World" Cup. Part of the allure of the tournament is seeing these small nations qualify and play against the giants of world football. I don't watch the World Cup to see the absolute best football in the world with strict seeding, we have the champions league for that. The World Cup is awesome because for 2 or so months proud nationalism brings people together and gives us something to cheer for that is totally different from the club level.

[Point forward]

Ji in. Augsburg is really representing.

(Verhaegh hasn't played yet, hasn't he?)

[Andi Obst]

Then it no longer become the "World" Cup. Part of the allure of the tournament is seeing these small nations qualify and play against the giants of world football. I don't watch the World Cup to see the absolute best football in the world with strict seeding, we have the champions league for that. The World Cup is awesome because for 2 or so months proud nationalism brings people together and gives us something to cheer for that is totally different from the club level.

Great post, 100% agree.

This whole seeding discussion needs to stop.

[Ted Lasso]

I thought Son was left-footed?

[5DOM]

I thought Son was left-footed?

two-footed according to FM

[Ted Lasso]

Nasri should have picked Algeria.

[TheAdmiral]

Nasri should have picked Algeria.

Not sure Algeria would want that. He and his teammates would fight (for whatever reason) during half-time and as a result would magically and ultimately lose the game after being up 3-0.

[cgf]

Can I mock Dino Capello now?

[britblazerdude]

This thread dropped to page two, quite funny.

[Matty]

This thread dropped to page two, quite funny.

Beligum was the only thing exciting about this group and even they were quite a disappointment not being able to dominate it.

[TheAdmiral]

What a great, great save by Akinfeev.

[El Turco]

This thread dropped to page two, quite funny.

Beligum was the only thing exciting about this group and even they were quite a disappointment not being able to dominate it.

this aint a sprint buddy, belgium will show the world its might when it matters.

[MountainDrew]

Ji in. Augsburg is really representing.

(Verhaegh hasn't played yet, hasn't he?)

Nope, it's been all Janmaat at RB. Admittedly, I don't know a whole lot about Verhaegh... Is he any good?

[Andi Obst]

What was Defour thinking? Unnecessary but very well deserved red card.