World Cup Begins

[cernjSHU]

In two days, one of the greatest Sporting events begins. I am a huge fan of the World Cup and can't wait until it comes to the USA in 4 years. Anyway, this should be a very interesting Cup as there are a number of teams that have a chance to win it. I would say Brazil and France are the favorites. France has the most extraordinary collection of talent. But the way that they play leaves me saying what a waste of talent. They should be imposing their will on other teams and too often they wait and play off the counter attack. Brazil is stacked with offensive talent. Only problem is that there is only one ball.

The second tier of potential winners are Spain, Belgium, Argentina. Spain as always is an interesting team with tremendous talent. However, they still are lacking a great goal scorer and have not had one since Torres and David Villa. However, this team is young and has 4 or 5 teenagers on it with 2 of them starting in the midfield. I think Spain comes up short this year, but in 2026, they are going to be the odds on favorite. Argentina with Messi's last chance for World Cup glory. They have a good offensive team with a much improved defense. Belgium's golden generation of players last chance for a World Cup. They have great players with DeBruyne, the Hazzards, Lukaku and the great goaltender in Courtois.

The third tier is England and Portugal. Portugal has some excellent defenders. But they lack some punch offensively since Ronaldo has certainly lost something. Vegas has England as tied with Spain as the third best odds of winning. I don't see England being a threat to win. But they do have an easy group to advance to the knockout stage.

 

[SHU_Pirate1]

How can you leave out Germany? Kimmich, Goretzka, and Gündoğan...throw in Musiala if they decide to move him there and there's no midfield in the world that's better. They have the greatest goalie in the history of the sport in Manuel Neuer. With Hansi Flick as the manager they now have true leadership.Something that's been lacking for some time. Germany has perhaps the most exciting and talented young player in the world in Jamal Musiala. The kid is phenomenal and already being called by some a young Messi.At 19 he's excelled in the Bundesliga and in Champions League. The World Cup will be his coming out party and he'll showcase his magnificent talent on the world's biggest stage. The kid is a joy to watch, every touch of the ball is done with skill and elegance and he can finish like a killer. Could be the player of the tournament. With a good combination of youth and experience a key component to Germany is they play as a TEAM, not just a group of assembled talent. I'm actually glad people are underestimating them.

 

[SHU_Pirate1]

It's an absolute shame that the great Sadio Mane got injured right before the tournament and won't be able to play for Senegal. One of the best players in the world and a great guy as well. Senegal would have a chance to make some noise if he was healthy but he's another injury victim to this crazy tourney starting in late Nov.

 

[cernjSHU]

How can you leave out Germany? Kimmich, Goretzka, and Gündoğan...throw in Musiala if they decide to move him there and there's no midfield in the world that's better. They have the greatest goalie in the history of the sport in Manuel Neuer. With Hansi Flick as the manager they now have true leadership.Something that's been lacking for some time. Germany has perhaps the most exciting and talented young player in the world in Jamal Musiala. The kid is phenomenal and already being called by some a young Messi.At 19 he's excelled in the Bundesliga and in Champions League. The World Cup will be his coming out party and he'll showcase his magnificent talent on the world's biggest stage. The kid is a joy to watch, every touch of the ball is done with skill and elegance and he can finish like a killer. Could be the player of the tournament. With a good combination of youth and experience a key component to Germany is they play as a TEAM, not just a group of assembled talent. I'm actually glad people are underestimating them.

Who has Germany beaten in international play lately? They lost to Hungary in September 1-0. They have not beaten a top 10 team since Portugal in the Euros. Spain embarrassed them 6-0 a two years ago. They went to the 80th minute to beat Oman in their last game. I don't see them having a chance to win the Cup.

 

[viere24]

Neuer is a great player, but the whole sweeper-keeper thing is overrated.
I agree the German team is a little under the radar, but a player or 2 away from going on a run. The Spanish team might grow up fast, and I think they could play with any team in the tournament. France will go as their midfield goes, but too much talent to count them out. Brazil will be dangerous, with tons to offer in attack, but their defense feels suspect. Argentina is very balanced and I could see them winning it all.
The USA team has a decent draw, and I think it sets up a chance for them to get through a couple of rounds.
Football goes in cycles so I get it but it is still hard to imagine two back-to-back world cups without the Azzurri, FORZA ITALIA.

 

[SHU_Pirate1]

Who has Germany beaten in international play lately? They lost to Hungary in September 1-0. They have not beaten a top 10 team since Portugal in the Euros. Spain embarrassed them 6-0 a two years ago. They went to the 80th minute to beat Oman in their last game. I don't see them having a chance to win the Cup.

Anybody who knows even a little bit about soccer would see the quality on this team. Did you ever watch Musiala play? Do you watch Champions League where Bayern is dominating again? Half the team is from Bayern. You know they have a new manager, right? One who led Bayern to one of most dominant years in soccer history winning a sextuple topped by a Champions League title. You're bringing up games of 2 years ago? And you really even mention a useless friendly played right before the tourney?That's the icing on the cake for that half baked critique. Half the team didn't play and the others went at half speed to avoid being injured. Thats's just silly. Perhaps you have something personal against Germany which is fine. Bet against them at your own peril.

 

[SHU_Pirate1]

Neuer is a great player, but the whole sweeper-keeper thing is overrated.
I agree the German team is a little under the radar, but a player or 2 away from going on a run. The Spanish team might grow up fast, and I think they could play with any team in the tournament. France will go as their midfield goes, but too much talent to count them out. Brazil will be dangerous, with tons to offer in attack, but their defense feels suspect. Argentina is very balanced and I could see them winning it all.
The USA team has a decent draw, and I think it sets up a chance for them to get through a couple of rounds.
Football goes in cycles so I get it but it is still hard to imagine two back-to-back world cups without the Azzurri, FORZA ITALIA.

Disagree about the importance of the sweeper keeper. It's almost like having an extra player on the backline the way he handles balls and gets them out to start breaks. Also his stature and presence often intimidates players going up agains him.

I do agree that I miss Italy. Really too bad they didn't make the tourney. Not the same without them. I was really disappointed that Ukraine didn't make it as well. They had a solid team and would have really boosted morale in the country had the made it.

France is loaded with talent but has injuries and more importantly aren't a cohesive team and there's lots of talk of unrest on that squad.

Everybody loves Brazil...I think I like being under the radar.

 

[viere24]

It can be effective, but he has gotten burned being off his line trying to make a play. It looks great when it works out, but feels disastrous when it doesn't. He has had mostly quality center backs in front of him, at times they didn't have the pace to play such a high line, but domestically it tends to work out. You can see his influence on the game, as most teams utilize the keeper to build from the back and expect the keeper to do more than kick it long.

Bayern doesn't usually have much of a challenge in the league, so traditionally they have been able to rotate and rest their squads for Europe. That is a huge advantage, the same way that Man City has enough talent to field basically 2 starting line-ups (and still manage to drop points???). There could be a whole other thread for CL posts...

I hope there is a team like Iceland from the last world cup that goes on a cinderella run and knocks off a few of the powerhouse teams.

 

[SHU_Pirate1]

It can be effective, but he has gotten burned being off his line trying to make a play. It looks great when it works out, but feels disastrous when it doesn't. He has had mostly quality center backs in front of him, at times they didn't have the pace to play such a high line, but domestically it tends to work out. You can see his influence on the game, as most teams utilize the keeper to build from the back and expect the keeper to do more than kick it long.

Bayern doesn't usually have much of a challenge in the league, so traditionally they have been able to rotate and rest their squads for Europe. That is a huge advantage, the same way that Man City has enough talent to field basically 2 starting line-ups (and still manage to drop points???). There could be a whole other thread for CL posts...

I hope there is a team like Iceland from the last world cup that goes on a cinderella run and knocks off a few of the powerhouse teams.

It’s true that at times Neuer can get a little too exuberant and take some dangerous chances. However imho still the best goalie in the history of the game.

Tying your bottom two points together one of the best players in the world got injured on Bayern right before the tourney when Mane went down. If he played I would have had Senegal as a dark horse to root for that could have made some noise. Just a shame. Quick aside as great as Mane is I think Musiala is the best player on Bayern. The kid is that freaking good!

 

[JRSlim2284]

I'm just hoping the Americans make it to the knockout round. Otherwise, this is the 1st Cup in awhile where I'm just sitting back and enjoying the ride

 

[cernjSHU]

Anybody who knows even a little bit about soccer would see the quality on this team. Did you ever watch Musiala play? Do you watch Champions League where Bayern is dominating again? Half the team is from Bayern. You know they have a new manager, right? One who led Bayern to one of most dominant years in soccer history winning a sextuple topped by a Champions League title. You're bringing up games of 2 years ago? And you really even mention a useless friendly played right before the tourney?That's the icing on the cake for that half baked critique. Half the team didn't play and the others went at half speed to avoid being injured. Thats's just silly. Perhaps you have something personal against Germany which is fine. Bet against them at your own peril.

I also brought up the last two games Germany has played and it has not been impressive. Didn't Hungary knock Germany out of the Nations League two months ago? Dismiss these games all you want. But I am going on what they have done leading up to the Cup and its not a World Cup winning team. I am not saying they are not a good team, but I just can't see Germany having what it takes to win the tournament. Maybe you are right that Mussiala has such an effect on Germany to raise its level of play.

However, of the teams I mentioned is Germany better than France, Brazil, Spain, Argentina, England or Portugal?

 

[cernjSHU]

I'm just hoping the Americans make it to the knockout round. Otherwise, this is the 1st Cup in awhile where I'm just sitting back and enjoying the ride

USA better get out of the Group stage. that would be embarrassing. This is made for the US to progress through.

 

[SHUSA]

its such a disaster over there. its laughable

 

[SHU_Pirate1]

I also brought up the last two games Germany has played and it has not been impressive. Didn't Hungary knock Germany out of the Nations League two months ago? Dismiss these games all you want. But I am going on what they have done leading up to the Cup and its not a World Cup winning team. I am not saying they are not a good team, but I just can't see Germany having what it takes to win the tournament. Maybe you are right that Mussiala has such an effect on Germany to raise its level of play.

However, of the teams I mentioned is Germany better than France, Brazil, Spain, Argentina, England or Portugal?

Hungry is a very solid and underrated team…ask England. And Nations League is a tournament not many get excited about. Not saying Germany will win The Cup (praying they do though) but I definitely see them at least in the quarterfinals or semis. They can play with all the teams you mentioned and on any given day can beat them. Besides talent, experience, an amazing goaltender, and rising young superstar they are a TEAM. Few countries will bring that togetherness that can’t be underestimated. Half the team play together at Bayern (arguably the best club in the world) and play as a cohesive unit under a manager they love and respect. Do they have a shot? Heck yeah! They’re in a very tough group and it’ll be very important to win the group as they don’t want to be paired up with a Brazil in the next round. Let’s GO!🇩🇪

 

[SHU_Pirate1]

First shoe falls on the S Show that this tournament in Qatar could turn out to be. Beer is now banned!!! 🍺😳🤯 The Brits and Germans who paid big bucks to be there will be pissed!😡😤🤬…what’s next?

 

[cernjSHU]

Hungry is a very solid and underrated team…ask England. And Nations League is a tournament not many get excited about. Not saying Germany will win The Cup (praying they do though) but I definitely see them at least in the quarterfinals or semis. They can play with all the teams you mentioned and on any given day can beat them. Besides talent, experience, an amazing goaltender, and rising young superstar they are a TEAM. Few countries will bring that togetherness that can’t be underestimated. Half the team play together at Bayern (arguably the best club in the world) and play as a cohesive unit under a manager they love and respect. Do they have a shot? Heck yeah! They’re in a very tough group and it’ll be very important to win the group as they don’t want to be paired up with a Brazil in the next round. Let’s GO!🇩🇪

I agree that Germany is in the toughest Group. The Spain Germany matchup will be the premiere game at the Group stage. It will be a great midfield matchup. One of the few teams that can match up with Spain in the midfield. I see Spain being a much better team. But with Spain, they sometimes want to walk the ball into the goal. If Ferran Torres, Morata or Olmo can get the scoring touch, Spain will be a very tough out. Otherwise, they will be a set play away from losing to Germany.

 

[cernjSHU]

First shoe falls on the S Show that this tournament in Qatar could turn out to be. Beer is now banned!!! 🍺😳🤯 The Brits and Germans who paid big bucks to be there will be pissed!😡😤🤬…what’s next?

Ha I g the World Cuo first in Russia and to follow that up to Qatar just reeked of corruption. Btw, Netflix special about the FIFA corruption is pretty good. No reason at all to have this tournament in Qatar. What’s joke.

Thankfully, We will have it next and hopefully to Spain and Portugal. It needs to be held in countries that are democratic and have the infrastructure to support it.

 

[SHU_Pirate1]

Some ominous...but not unexpected signs coming already. Strap in, this could be ugly.

Qatar Authorities Threaten To Smash Camera Of World Cup News Crew On Live TV

“You invited the whole world to come here. Why can’t we film? It's a public place," Danish TV2 reporter asks as Qataris threaten to smash the camera.

news.yahoo.com

 

[SHU_Pirate1]

Ha I g the World Cuo first in Russia and to follow that up to Qatar just reeked of corruption. Btw, Netflix special about the FIFA corruption is pretty good. No reason at all to have this tournament in Qatar. What’s joke.

Thankfully, We will have it next and hopefully to Spain and Portugal. It needs to be held in countries that are democratic and have the infrastructure to support it.

Just shows how corrupt and slimy FIFA is. Borderline criminal enterprise with pay to play the norm. They make deals with the devil for 💵💰💵💰☠️ Everybody knows it and it still happens. Can't believe they are allowed to get away with the blatant corruption in this day and age. I hope not but things can turn really ugly in a country like this. I hope not but it may take a catastrophic event to bring about change.

I'm a huge football fan and would have traveled to the World Cup had it been held anywhere else. It'll be great to have it back here, too bad it'll take another 4 years to see it.

 

[LBP43]

First shoe falls on the S Show that this tournament in Qatar could turn out to be. Beer is now banned!!! 🍺😳🤯 The Brits and Germans who paid big bucks to be there will be pissed!😡😤🤬…what’s next?

It is a total disgrace that Qatar got the
World Cup

 

[SHU_Pirate1]

It is a total disgrace that Qatar got the
World Cup

As the great Smokey Robinson once said…I second that emotion.

 

[Seton75]

Crab man cancelled his tickets

 

[hallsoccer03]

I want to say that Brazil will win, but I think
I read where the top ranked team in the world hasn’t won the tournament in I do t know when… also, I rule out France because the previous winner usually does not fair well…. Argentina is a popular pick….. but I can’t pull for Messi… I think Portugal is a real good dark horse and a real deep dark horse is Serbia….

As for the USA if they don’t make it to the knock out round it’s a failure… I have no faith in Berhalter at all…. They are young, very young as a team, but they have the talent…. I question the system though…. This WC is all a build up to 2026… get a good coach who doesn’t value the system of their players as much and a coach that has a good track record and I really think they have a realistic shot in 2026 at home

 

[cernjSHU]

I want to say that Brazil will win, but I think
I read where the top ranked team in the world hasn’t won the tournament in I do t know when… also, I rule out France because the previous winner usually does not fair well…. Argentina is a popular pick….. but I can’t pull for Messi… I think Portugal is a real good dark horse and a real deep dark horse is Serbia….

As for the USA if they don’t make it to the knock out round it’s a failure… I have no faith in Berhalter at all…. They are young, very young as a team, but they have the talent…. I question the system though…. This WC is all a build up to 2026… get a good coach who doesn’t value the system of their players as much and a coach that has a good track record and I really think they have a realistic shot in 2026 at home

Serbia is a real out of the box pick. Can’t see it but now that you said it, I’ll be checking them out. I hate how the USA plays but such is life. I find it hard to watch them.

 

[metalpirate07]

Some ominous...but not unexpected signs coming already. Strap in, this could be ugly.

Qatar Authorities Threaten To Smash Camera Of World Cup News Crew On Live TV

“You invited the whole world to come here. Why can’t we film? It's a public place," Danish TV2 reporter asks as Qataris threaten to smash the camera.

news.yahoo.com

An associate of mine was offered an opportunity by another site, fully paid for, to travel to Qatar to cover the World Cup writing for that site. I spent 15 minutes on the phone successfully talking him out of it, said we can just keep doing what we’re doing and cover the tournament here in 4 years. Traveling to a place like Qatar (especially when we’ve discussed on our YouTube show about how awful the LIV tour is) was a terrible idea. I hate being right on things like this…

I’m so conflicted on this tournament. I just started writing about professional soccer earlier this year so I should be excited to watch the best in the world, but everything else about this tournament is so gross I’m having a hard time enjoying it. Maybe that will change once the games start but it feels so dirty. It’s a coin flip between FIFA and the IOC for who is the most disgusting and corrupt sports organization in the world.

One of my favorite sports journalism moments I’ve ever seen was the time at the height of the FIFA bribery scandal that our own Bob Ley read a FIFA press release live on ESPN and then shredded it. Literally. He said nothing and sat for a few seconds shaking his head and tearing the paper he just read into pieces.

I want to joke about how just serving Bud Light at the stadium is just like serving water so the Qatari government shouldn’t care, but it’s already worn out.

It’s so hot in Qatar that the dumpster fire has already started 2 days before the first game.

What a mess. I just hope everyone crazy enough to go see this disaster in person makes it home safely.

 

[hallsoccer03]

Serbia is a real out of the box pick. Can’t see it but now that you said it, I’ll be checking them out. I hate how the USA plays but such is life. I find it hard to watch them.

They won’t win but Serbia has some talent and can be a sleeper to go to the knockout rounds and maybe go further…