World Soccer XXX: We Have Men Too!

[Jimjamesak]

I always forget that the 1950 World Cup didn't have a Final.

Of the 5 countries that have hosted the World Cup twice (Mexico, Italy, France, Germany, and Brazil), Mexico and Brazil are the only ones not to have won the World Cup at least once (Mexico, of course, has never even reached the Semifinals, let alone win the World Cup). The US will likely be added to this list following 2026...although I would love to be proven wrong.

You never really know with a host nation sometimes. France was coming off not qualifying in 1990 and 1994 before winning in 1998 (though they finished fourth and third in 1982 and 1986).

Though most of the “host nation wins” are more examples of corruption and cheating than “great play inspired by home crowds”.

1934: Mussolini basically interfered in everything.
1966: The English organizers are reported to have tipped the scales with referee selections among other smaller controversies. The quarterfinal match against Argentina is good example of this.
1974: Not so much corruption but CONCACAF-style s-thousing by the Germans. They overwatered the field before the final to slow down the Dutch and the PK awarded to Germany is considered highly questionable.
1978: The World Cup that should not have happened. The Argentine military government basically interfered in everything, the biggest being a match between Argentina and Peru largely believed to be fixed by both governments.

[Fighting Sioux 23]

You never really know with a host nation sometimes. France was coming off not qualifying in 1990 and 1994 before winning in 1998 (though they finished fourth and third in 1982 and 1986).

Though most of the “host nation wins” are more examples of corruption and cheating than “great play inspired by home crowds”.

1934: Mussolini basically interfered in everything.
1966: The English organizers are reported to have tipped the scales with referee selections among other smaller controversies. The quarterfinal match against Argentina is good example of this.
1974: Not so much corruption but CONCACAF-style s-thousing by the Germans. They overwatered the field before the final to slow down the Dutch and the PK awarded to Germany is considered highly questionable.
1978: The World Cup that should not have happened. The Argentine military government basically interfered in everything, the biggest being a match between Argentina and Peru largely believed to be fixed by both governments.

I'm fairly familiar with the 1966, 1974, and 1978 "controversies" (my father-in-law is Brazilian and occasionally subscribes to the theory that, at minimum, the '66 and '74 World Cups were rigged and that Brazil should have won 5-straight World Cups...which I believe was also championed by the corrupt Joao Havalange). I am not familiar with the issues with the 1934 World Cup.

[Jimjamesak]

I'm fairly familiar with the 1966, 1974, and 1978 "controversies" (my father-in-law is Brazilian and occasionally subscribes to the theory that, at minimum, the '66 and '74 World Cups were rigged and that Brazil should have won 5-straight World Cups...which I believe was also championed by the corrupt Joao Havalange). I am not familiar with the issues with the 1934 World Cup.

According to the Wikipedia article (bad source I know):

Throughout the years, several sources have reported that the tournament was marred by bribery and corruption, and could have been influenced by Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, who used the tournament as a propaganda tool for fascism. According to these accusations, Mussolini personally selected referees for the matches where the Italian national team were playing, while the Italian government meddled in FIFA's organisation of events, re-organizing the logistics of the matches to further promote fascism.

It should be said, Italy did win the Olympics in 1936 and the next World Cup in 1938.

[Russell Jaslow]

No QF or SF in Canada or Mexico?

Where's the 3rd place game?

Correct. That's how the bid was initially put in. Everyone knew this from the start.

This is basically a USA World Cup, with Canada and Mexico thrown in for "good measure."

[RaceBoarder]

I think South Korea's 2002 run shows what "home field" can do. There weren't any shenanigans around that of which I am aware of....

[Jimjamesak]

I think South Korea's 2002 run shows what "home field" can do. There weren't any shenanigans around that of which I am aware of....

No shenanigans at all…

On that note, Ronaldinho’s goal against England is now 20 years old. I don’t think anything could’ve stopped Brazil from winning that World Cup. Everyone else was playing for second that entire tournament.

[Jimjamesak]

Also, fun fact: The 2002 World Cup Quarterfinals featured teams from five different continents, the only one ever.

Europe: England, Germany, Spain, and Turkey
Africa: Senegal
Asia: South Korea
North America: US
South America: Brazil

[unofan]

Also, fun fact: The 2002 World Cup Quarterfinals featured teams from five different continents, the only one ever.

Europe: England, Germany, Spain, and Turkey
Africa: Senegal
Asia: South Korea
North America: US
South America: Brazil

The US got jobbed against Germany that year - the handball on the line that went uncalled was brutal.

[Jimjamesak]

The US got jobbed against Germany that year - the handball on the line that went uncalled was brutal.

I have an uncontrollable moment of anger/disgust whenever I see or hear the name Hugh Dallas or Torsten Frings…

The officiating in that tournament was terrible with a few moments of brilliance (Collina, Brian Hall from the US, the Portuguese referee in the US-Mexico game).

[RaceBoarder]

The last two friendlies were announced for September:

Japan somewhere in the US on 09/23 and Saudi Arabia in Murcia, Spain on 09/27

[Jimjamesak]

The last two friendlies were announced for September:

Japan somewhere in the US on 09/23 and Saudi Arabia in Murcia, Spain on 09/27

Both games will be in Europe. Sounds like the Japan game will be somewhere in Germany, probably Dusseldorf.

[joecct]

Gareth Bale -> LAFC via free transfer.

[JF_Gophers]

Both games will be in Europe. Sounds like the Japan game will be somewhere in Germany, probably Dusseldorf.

That feels very ww2-ish. Hope we win again!

[Jimjamesak]

Gareth Bale -> LAFC via free transfer.

And not as a Designated Player apparently. Welp, ****.

[Kepler]

Gareth Bale -> LAFC via free transfer.

Good god, MLS. Is George Best's corpse available?