Qatar Hero - The World Cup 2022 thread

[Franchise FC]

Yeah, that doesn't sound at all like FIFA fixed the draw of the groups...

I’m all for thinking conspiracy with FIFA but it’s a massive stretch to extract that from his statement

[6ft Kerplunk]

Just thought it was odd it was based on this year's group stages when that's been the format for the ages. Will he change his mind after the next world cup if the group stages aren't as fun as this year.

[Franchise FC]

Just thought it was odd it was based on this year's group stages when that's been the format for the ages. Will he change his mind after the next world cup if the group stages aren't as fun as this year.

But by suggesting a major shift and then deciding to go a different route he gets to show that he’s doing stuff

[Winston Biscuit]

didn't bother watching the WC Finals in 90,94,98,10, only saw bits of 2014 and I may not bother with this one

finals are generally a disappointment

[South Coast Royal]

This was being talked about on the radio yesterday.
It seems most likely to be groups of 4 as the practicalities of playing in South America, USA and Canada,, taking into account various time zone differences, are just too difficult and ,with final group matches being played simultaneously, it just doesn't work with a 3.

They were also saying that the tournament will probably be over 5 weeks.

[fartdad]

Visiting the US and watched the semi-finals easy enough on Fox Sports. Local mouth-breathing radio jock seriously believed that Fox Sports negotiated with FIFA an early kick off to the World Cup final (9:00 ET) on Sunday so that it does not impact on scheduled NFL games. Total weapon.

To be fair to the boomer population which makes up most of sports radio, soccer is relegated pretty far down the totem poll of what to discuss and they don’t really care but just a feign interest.

Football
College football
UFC
Boxing
Basketball
College basketball
Golf
Baseball
Hockey
NASCAR
Wrestling
Then maybe soccer

Hockey obviously depends where you live, take Dallas for example

NFL/college football take up 90% of discussion, then basketball the rest. If baseball or hockey teams make playoffs they might get a mention. Soccer discussions mostly something you find in pod form.

[Hendo]

Following a lot of Pittsburgh based sports, I'm constantly exposed to Mark Madden, who sounds exactly like the above.

[Ark Royal]

My World Cup XI:

Livakovic (Cro)
Hakimi (Mor) Varane (Fra) Gvardiol (Cro) T. Hernandez (Fra)
Bellingham (Eng) Amrabat (Mor) Griezmann (Fra)
Messi (Arg) Giroud (Fra) Mbappe (Fra)

Alternative XI:

Amrabat (Mor)
Amrabat (Mor) Amrabat (Mor) Amrabat (Mor) Amrabat (Mor)
Amrabat (Mor) Amrabat (Mor) Amrabat (Mor)
Messi (Arg) Amrabat (Mor) Mbappe (Fra)

...with a shitload of Amrabats on the bench. What a player he has been this World Cup.

[AthleticoSpizz]

^100 fukkin % agree^

He’s been awesome…in fact he’s been everywhere.

[AthleticoSpizz]

OK….so who do ‘we’ want to win?

For me, it’s the choice between death or eternal DD

[Loafer]

OK….so who do ‘we’ want to win?

For me, it’s the choice between death or eternal DD

I'm never going away trust me

[AthleticoSpizz]

OK….so who do ‘we’ want to win?

For me, it’s the choice between death or eternal DD

I'm never going away trust me

France it is then?

[From Despair To Where?]

Infantino says that, after the success of Group stages this WC, FIFA will reconsider the intention to reduce Groups to 3 teams in 2026.

Well, there’s a thing.

8 groups of 6 it is then, Top 4 go through to "Round of 32".

[Loafer]

OK….so who do ‘we’ want to win?

For me, it’s the choice between death or eternal DD

I'm never going away trust me

France it is then?

No. I need Argentina for sorare game

[bcubed]

didn't bother watching the WC Finals in 90,94,98,10, only saw bits of 2014 and I may not bother with this one

finals are generally a disappointment

Amen bro
Won't be watching

[LUX]

My World Cup XI:

Livakovic (Cro)
Hakimi (Mor) Varane (Fra) Gvardiol (Cro) T. Hernandez (Fra)
Bellingham (Eng) Amrabat (Mor) Griezmann (Fra)
Messi (Arg) Giroud (Fra) Mbappe (Fra)

.

I would prolly bow to the hype and include Neymar and Modric somehow.

For the gk, Bono (Mor), or even Pickford in with a shout.

Kyle Walker wildcard. Very underrated, never put a foot wrong.

[6ft Kerplunk]

Nothing much to say today other than there should be a special register for anyone who watches the final in ITV.

[LUX]

Nothing much to say today other than there should be a special register for anyone who watches the final in ITV.

Lol.

I watch all WC on Belgian tv, great coverage, knowledgeable, self- deprecating.

Ftr, the Belgians are 70% “anyone but France”, bit like Scotland and Ireland with England.

[Orion1871]

Free kicks already being given against players for having the nerve to go near Messi.

[Orion1871]

Really poor start from France. Every time they win the ball they give it straight back to the Argies.