FIFA 2022 Qatar World Cup

[hellowalkman Reporter]

So the 2022 FIFA World Cup starts today as all football fans as well as non-fans are probably well aware. Tell us which nation(s) you are rooting for, who are your favorite players, and who has the best chances to lift the trophy?

 

Here is a nice promo video made by the Bleacher Report:

 

[SidVicious]

Let's see England kick Iran's ass today.

[spikey_richie]

The whole thing is a farce.

• Fake fans https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11449433/England-supporters-sing-Coming-Home-wrong-tune-amid-claims-fake-fans-Qatar.html
• Hastily erected stadiums & stands which look like they'll collapse, and the human rights issues https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_FIFA_World_Cup_controversies#:~:text=Qatar and Sportswashing-,Migrant workers%2C slavery allegations%2C and deaths,migrants vulnerable to systematic abuse
• FIFA and Qatar broke their contract with Budweiser https://au.sports.yahoo.com/fifa-world-cup-20222-devastating-fallout-from-qatars-last-minute-beer-backflip-214027682.html
• Sepp Blatter has already admitted it was a mistake to have Qatar host it https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/nov/08/sepp-blatter-qatar-hosting-world-cup-mistake
• The host nation lost their first game, which is a first in world cup history https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63603375

[hellowalkman Reporter]

On 21/11/2022 at 17:39, SidVicious said:

Let's see England kick Iran's ass today.

They just did

On 21/11/2022 at 18:42, spikey_richie said:

The whole thing is a farce.

• Fake fans https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11449433/England-supporters-sing-Coming-Home-wrong-tune-amid-claims-fake-fans-Qatar.html
• Hastily erected stadiums & stands which look like they'll collapse, and the human rights issues https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_FIFA_World_Cup_controversies#:~:text=Qatar and Sportswashing-,Migrant workers%2C slavery allegations%2C and deaths,migrants vulnerable to systematic abuse
• FIFA and Qatar broke their contract with Budweiser https://au.sports.yahoo.com/fifa-world-cup-20222-devastating-fallout-from-qatars-last-minute-beer-backflip-214027682.html
• Sepp Blatter has already admitted it was a mistake to have Qatar host it https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/nov/08/sepp-blatter-qatar-hosting-world-cup-mistake
• The host nation lost their first game, which is a first in world cup history https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63603375

I understand but I am also looking at the positive side of things

[Astra.Xtreme]

On 21/11/2022 at 07:12, spikey_richie said:

• The host nation lost their first game, which is a first in world cup history https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63603375

To be fair, this is a meaningless stat.  It was quite a ranking mismatch.  #44 Ecuador vs #50 Qatar.  Honestly Qatar has no business being ranked nearly that high.
Back in 2010, it was an upset when South Africa beat France, but France was terrible that year.

Besides these two years, the World Cup has been hosted by powerhouse football nations ranked #20 or higher.

Edited November 21, 2022 by Astra.Xtreme

[spikey_richie]

On 21/11/2022 at 12:09, SidVicious said:

Let's see England kick Iran's ass today.

6-2 is a great result, especially when Iran rank 20th https://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/men?dateId=id13792

That last penalty was questionable. 

[hellowalkman Reporter]

On 21/11/2022 at 21:16, spikey_richie said:

That last penalty was questionable. 

ohhh absolutely.

[Steven P. Administrators]

If we just discuss the football, England vs Iran game was entertaining and how Harry Maguire is still allowed to start I do not understand, he makes far too many defensive mistakes, like he switches off. I think he is far too interested in getting forward than to be a good defender, and commentators seem to be far too apologetic for him, like he should have the chance to redeem himself at every international.

Result 6-2

Anyway, on to Netherlands vs Senegal, Senegal are ranked two places higher than Iran but The Netherlands look like they are playing France or Brazil half the time. Not entertaining, hope the game opens up in the second half.

First half score 0-0.

On 21/11/2022 at 16:46, spikey_richie said:

6-2 is a great result, especially when Iran rank 20th https://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/men?dateId=id13792

That last penalty was questionable. 

Yes! England wasn't given one for the bear hug and drag down in the first half? That was far worse than sticking out an arm behind yourself and the Iranian player going down like a sack of potatoes!

[hellowalkman Reporter]

On 21/11/2022 at 22:23, Steven P. said:

Senegal are ranked two places higher than Iran but The Netherlands look like they are playing France or Brazil half the time. Not entertaining, hope the game opens up in the second half.

really disappointing from the Dutch so far. I am rooting for them this time alongside Brazil and Japan. 😄

[SidVicious]

Netherlands x Senegal is getting hard to watch. 

Good example of "ugly game".

[hellowalkman Reporter]

Finally a goal

[hellowalkman Reporter]

Luckiest of the wins by Netherlands 😮

[SidVicious]

USA and Wales next.

Let's see how it goes.

[Astra.Xtreme]

Super young USA team this year with huge swings of inconsistency.  They can beat Mexico, but can't beat Canada or Costa Rica.  I'm definitely nervous.
This first match against Wales is probably a make or break for them.  Doubtful they'll put up a good fight against England.

[hellowalkman Reporter]

Looks like they are delivering so far. Great goal! ⚽

[hellowalkman Reporter]

[SidVicious]

Not a bad first half, but it could be better.

[hellowalkman Reporter]

Bale just equalized

[SidVicious]

Now Wales is getting in the game, but looks like it's too late.

[Astra.Xtreme]

USA lucky to come away with a point.  They'll either need to pound Iran or hope to not get pounded by England.  Goal differential is going to be vitally important.

[hellowalkman Reporter]

On 22/11/2022 at 02:35, Astra.Xtreme said:

USA lucky to come away with a point.

So was Wales TBH

[hellowalkman Reporter]

Highlights:

 

 

 

[SidVicious]

Argentina x Saudi Arabia now.

 

[hellowalkman Reporter]

On 22/11/2022 at 15:15, SidVicious said:

Argentina x Saudi Arabia now.

 

Let's see what Messi and co. do

[SidVicious]

On 22/11/2022 at 06:57, hellowalkman said:

Let's see what Messi and co. do

2 x 0 already.

Nope...offside.

Back to 1 x 0.