World Soccer XXX: We Have Men Too!

[Kepler]

Seeing that big bloc of robes in the center of the stands reminds me of carousel.

[Spartanforlife4]

Not sure how that didn’t get at least a look at VAR for Qatar.

[Kepler]

Finally. Allez Senegal!

[Jimjamesak]

That's a red card for the Wales keeper. Big advantage Iran for the final 4 minutes plus stoppage time...

Woof. Talk about “endangering the safety of an opponent”. Shouldn’t have needed VAR but CONCACAF gonna CONCACAF.

First send off of the tournament means Escobar is buying the ice cream!

[Drew S.]

Would like to see the lads be solid at the back today and not pick up any knocks. Don’t think winning big is super important.

[Kepler]

First send off of the tournament means Escobar is buying the ice cream!

I did not understand that reference.

[dxmnkd316]

A tie would have been nice. But Iran over Wales is the next best result.

[Fighting Sioux 23]

A tie would have been nice. But Iran over Wales is the next best result.

Yeah, a draw (ideally a scoreless draw) would have been the best possible result. It would have kept open the possibility of advancing on 2 points...which would have been crazy.

But, Iran over Wales means that USA likely just need a victory over Iran to advance, and takes off at least some of the pressure today. Wales over Iran would have put a lot of pressure to get a result today. Instead, if USA take 4+ points in their last two matches, they are guaranteed to advance. Even a loss today (provided it isn't an absolute bloodbath) likely presents a scenario where any victory over Iran is enough to advance.

[Jimjamesak]

I did not understand that reference.

Bit of deep cut on my part. I don’t know if it exists elsewhere but, in the US, it’s traditional for the referee who gives the first red card of a tournament to buy all the referees ice cream (a cheap variety pack of bars or cones is acceptable). If it’s a small group and everyone is of age then a round of drinks is acceptable too.

[Jimjamesak]

Yeah, a draw (ideally a scoreless draw) would have been the best possible result. It would have kept open the possibility of advancing on 2 points...which would have been crazy.

But, Iran over Wales means that USA likely just need a victory over Iran to advance, and takes off at least some of the pressure today. Wales over Iran would have put a lot of pressure to get a result today. Instead, if USA take 4+ points in their last two matches, they are guaranteed to advance. Even a loss today (provided it isn't an absolute bloodbath) likely presents a scenario where any victory over Iran is enough to advance.

A US loss today means they would need a win over Iran along with Wales either not winning against England or Wales winning but not making up the goal difference.

[Jimjamesak]

Also, a win by the Dutch or a draw in this match means Qatar is eliminated.

[Kepler]

Bit of deep cut on my part. I don’t know if it exists elsewhere but, in the US, it’s traditional for the referee who gives the first red card of a tournament to buy all the referees ice cream (a cheap variety pack of bars or cones is acceptable). If it’s a small group and everyone is of age then a round of drinks is acceptable too.

That is awesome! Thanks.

[Fighting Sioux 23]

A US loss today means they would need a win over Iran along with Wales either not winning against England or Wales winning but not making up the goal difference.

Yes. Takes a lot of pressure off today's game.

I think Wales (without their top GK) beating England...and doing so by multiple goals...is highly unlikely. Realistically, so long as the US don't get their doors blown off today, a win over Iran is likely all that is necessary to advance. Of course, if the US knocks off both Iran and England, USA will finish top in the group and likely avoid Netherlands in the second round.

[Kepler]

Ecuador has Netherlands tied at the half.

[Fighting Sioux 23]

Jimjamesak, as to the offside call on the Ecuador goal before half, how much influence on the gk (if any) is necessary? Is it purely a judgment call? The keeper was already diving to his right when the ball was deflected.