World Soccer XXXI: Golden Generation?

[Slap Shot]

One negative being in the Philippines during the WC is it doesn't get much fanfare. Now I don't have cable so perhaps it's getting advertised and I'm just not aware. Of the past few cups where my location during most of it was located, the hype in the U.S. in 2014 > hype in Thailand 2022 >>>>>>>>>> Philippines 2018 and 2026? I should have joined the boss on her current trip to Bangkok through the end of June.

 

[unofan]

Sarcasm? Me? Whyever would you say that? I'm just so pumped up!

I can't watch any games on my TV since I haven't subscribed to cable in over a decade and I refuse to pay the extortionate rate for Fox One. So I'll be firing up the VPN and logging in from Liverpool. Yes, of course I have a BBC license...

Just noticed one of my Amex offers is a free month of FoxOne (except for taxes). So I'll sign up this weekend so I have it for the Cup and then cancel it.

Also, how is it not an anti-trust violation for one of the offered bundles, from Fox itself, to be FoxOne + ESPN (for a dirt cheap price of $40/month /s)?

 

[ticapnews]

Just noticed one of my Amex offers is a free month of FoxOne (except for taxes). So I'll sign up this weekend so I have it for the Cup and then cancel it.

Really? I have 3 AMEX cards so I'll have to check.

ETA: I have it too. Thanks for the heads up! I'll add it Wednesday. But that means Alexi Lalas, right? Crap.
Also see that I have a bigger discount on Peacock annual than I'm getting monthly with my other card, so double good.

Also, how is it not an anti-trust violation for one of the offered bundles, from Fox itself, to be FoxOne + ESPN (for a dirt cheap price of $40/month /s)?

The same way it isn't an anti-trust violation for Disney+ and HBO Max to be bundled. You don't think the law applies to corporations or the rich anymore, do you?

 

[RaceBoarder]

I'm probably on an island with this, but my expectations for the US are fairly narrow. I think that ultimately, the USA ends up in the Round of 16. That's both the floor and the ceiling.

None of the group matches will be a gimme, but I think that I'm realistic in thinking that more likely than not, the US will be undefeated. 5 points is very possible, with Paraguay being the likely W.

With the 48 team format, provided you are 1st or 2nd in the group, it will be a fairly reasonable R32 matchup. Fall to 3rd and it's a European power, so death... But the R16 plays out like every other time, with no simple matchups. I wouldn't be surprised in the least to see the US fall here. Anything beyond that is a substantial upset.

 

[unofan]

Really? I have 3 AMEX cards so I'll have to check.

Technically it's phrased as "spend $19.99 or more, get a statement credit for $19.99" - but yeah.

 

[Jimjamesak]

I'm probably on an island with this, but my expectations for the US are fairly narrow. I think that ultimately, the USA ends up in the Round of 16. That's both the floor and the ceiling.

None of the group matches will be a gimme, but I think that I'm realistic in thinking that more likely than not, the US will be undefeated. 5 points is very possible, with Paraguay being the likely W.

With the 48 team format, provided you are 1st or 2nd in the group, it will be a fairly reasonable R32 matchup. Fall to 3rd and it's a European power, so death... But the R16 plays out like every other time, with no simple matchups. I wouldn't be surprised in the least to see the US fall here. Anything beyond that is a substantial upset.

I’m expecting at least some amount of upsets and wacky results that would be very in line with 1994. While the Euro countries are far better at dealing with the heat and humidity than back then it’s still likely to have an effect. That said, there’s going to be a few absolute blowouts in the group stage (likely against South Africa, Jordan, and Cape Verde).

I agree with you on the USMNT, they’ll likely make the R16 but it won’t be easy. Paraguay will be a tough one.

 

[Spartanforlife4]

Stats say:

6 points - 100% chance of advancing to knockout
4 points - 99.8%
3 points - 67%
2 points - 5%

So win a match and you’re most likely in. 3 pts and -2 GD from what I saw was still enough to be over 50%.

 

[Jimjamesak]

Serie A just reupped with Paramount but it's only for next season.

Saw the amount that Paramount is paying for Serie A next season: Around $10 million.

A surefire sign of popularity.

You see a lot of discussion online about how "soccer is popular in the US, but it's only Euro soccer". The reality is that, like everywhere else in the world, people want to watch the big teams and don't care about anyone else.

 

[ticapnews]

Just stay home and watch on TV. It'll be cheaper and a whole lot less painful.

Scottish football fans have been warned that approved travel permits do not guarantee entry to the United States just days before the World Cup begins
Dozens of supporters say their electronic system for travel authorisation (Esta) has unexpectedly changed from “approved” to “travel not authorised”, with no explanation

Also, Swiss striker Breel Embolo had his ESTA placed "under further review," but has now been approved.

 

[RaceBoarder]

Just stay home and watch on TV. It'll be cheaper and a whole lot less painful.

Also, Swiss striker Breel Embolo had his ESTA placed "under further review," but has now been approved.

Wisconsin is intimidated and has pulled some strings.

 

[Kepler]

I'm probably on an island with this, but my expectations for the US are fairly narrow.

I have no idea, but I will say Mens Soccer is the only sport I can think of where I root 100% without reservation and no divided loyalties for the US. In everything else we're either the bully or an insufferable douche, but in this one thing we're a genuine underdog. I'm not much of a nationalist, but it's nice not to be the asshole for once.

 

[psych]

Convicted felon and rapist World Cup Referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been deported to Turkey after entering the United States to rape and steal referee soccer matches.

 

[ticapnews]

The friendly between Denmark and Ukraine was abandoned after Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch. Fortunately, he seems to be OK.

 

[Jimjamesak]

The friendly between Denmark and Ukraine was abandoned after Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch. Fortunately, he seems to be OK.

Glad he’s ok but JFC he needs to reevaluate his career decision. Just glad he’s not playing at the World Cup this summer or there’s a real chance he would die on the pitch.

 

[Jimjamesak]

Convicted felon and rapist World Cup Referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been deported to Turkey after entering the United States to rape and steal referee soccer matches.

Bit of context: He apparently tried to enter the country and work using a diplomatic passport, which is a big nono under any circumstance.

 

[psych]

Bit of context: He apparently tried to enter the country and work using a diplomatic passport, which is a big nono under any circumstance.

I originally read the article in Spanish, so I’m sure I missed quite a bit of nuance, but do you think they returned him for improper paperwork?

 

[Jimjamesak]

I originally read the article in Spanish, so I’m sure I missed quite a bit of nuance, but do you think they returned him for improper paperwork?

Trying to enter the US on a diplomatic passport then trying to work outside of a diplomatic capacity is a big no-no so I would guess that's the reason.

AFAIK, he was having difficulty obtaining a visa to referee at the tournament and used the diplomatic passport in an effort to make it to the tournament ASAP.

Reading between the lines I doubt he was going to be used much. He didn't have a full crew of ARs assigned with him and FIFA dropped him pretty damn quick after this. If he was going to be an important official FIFA likely would've gone to bat for him.

 

[psych]

Trying to enter the US on a diplomatic passport then trying to work outside of a diplomatic capacity is a big no-no so I would guess that's the reason.

AFAIK, he was having difficulty obtaining a visa to referee at the tournament and used the diplomatic passport in an effort to make it to the tournament ASAP.

Reading between the lines I doubt he was going to be used much. He didn't have a full crew of ARs assigned with him and FIFA dropped him pretty damn quick after this. If he was going to be an important official FIFA likely would've gone to bat for him.

The reason provided was “vetting concerns.” He flagged on the “security check.” If paperwork was the problem, this administration would have said that, yes? Anyways, it’s ultimately irrelevant.

 

[FadeToBlack&Gold]

The reason provided was “vetting concerns.” He flagged on the “security check.” If paperwork was the problem, this administration would have said that, yes? Anyways, it’s ultimately irrelevant.

"Vetting concerns" just means "we don't owe the public a real explanation". Even if their concerns were legit (as you've implied), we will never know the real reason why because it benefits this regime's CBP and ICE directives.

 

[Kepler]

"Vetting concerns" just means "we don't owe the public a real explanation".

Exactly. Well said.