2022 FIFA World Cup

by Duty281 Mon 07 Nov 2022, 2:35 pm

First topic message reminder :

The strangest World Cup of them all will begin in Qatar in just a couple of weeks. The first World Cup (and surely not the last!) to be held in Arabia; the first World Cup not to take place in May, June or July; only the second World Cup to be hosted in Asia; and the last World Cup to be played with the 32-team format, as from 2026 the tournament will expand to 48 teams.

Free-scoring Brazil are, as usual, the bookmakers' favourites for the World Cup. It's been quite a barren run for the five-time winners - 20 years since they last won the tournament, and they've only made it past the quarter-finals once in the last four iterations. They were runners-up in last year's Copa America, but have since gone on an unbeaten run which has seen them cruise through qualification.

Argentina, the Copa America champions, are installed as the second favourites, in what will surely be Messi's last chance of World Cup glory. The Argentines are on a very long unbeaten run, having not experienced defeat in any fixture for over three years. Will Messi finally emulate Maradona and lead his side to their first World Cup in 36 years? Uruguay and Ecuador are the only other South American entrants; Colombia and Chile have missed out.

Turning to Europe, France are defending their second World Cup crown - they will be hoping it will go better than their first defence when they were dispatched in the group stage in 2002. On paper they still retain a strong side; in reality they're on a poor run of form, having been knocked out of the last Euros in the Last 16, and some key players will miss the World Cup through injury.

Europe, of course, has a wide range of potential winners extending beyond France. England, with an array of exciting attacking talent, will try to end all those years of hurt and misery, having come so close last year to breaking the duck. But they have also struggled in recent times, with Southgate struggling to get the best out of his creative talents. Germany and Spain both won the World Cup in the last decade, and are hoping to bounce back from disappointments in 2018. Belgium's golden generation has one last chance to deliver, as does Ronaldo for Portugal. The Dutch and the Danes will remain optimistic, and Wales are in it for the first time since 1958.

Or, perchance, for the very first time a winner outside of Europe and South America? African champions Senegal are likely leading this charge, with Mane and Koulibaly at the heart of their side, although no African nation has ever made the semi-finals of this competition. The North Americans are well represented with all three host nations of 2026 - Canada, USA and Mexico - and Costa Rica making an appearance, although you'll have to go back to 1930 for the last, and only, time a North American team made the semi-final stage.

Oceania have zero representation - unless you count Australia, but in footballing terms Australia are as Asian as Israel are European - and haven't done so since New Zealand's unbeaten run in 2010. The Asian continent hasn't done anything of note since South Korea in 2002, and their best hope this year probably comes from the South Koreans or Japanese, although hosts Qatar will be hoping to navigate themselves through a tricky group.

Um...come on, England?

Odds on the outright winners:

Odds on Golden Boot:

World Cup Schedule:

by Duty281 Thu 01 Dec 2022, 7:15 pm

Doesn't look as though it'll be as interesting as last night.

by Duty281 Thu 01 Dec 2022, 8:11 pm

My jinx worked! Drama of the highest order as Japan score two in five minutes to lead.

Japan top of the group, Spain second.

by Duty281 Thu 01 Dec 2022, 8:15 pm

Costa Rica equalise after a Neuer spill. Germany haven't converted their dominance to more goals and they're in deep trouble.

Surely Costa Rica can't score again and put Spain out as well?!

by GSC Thu 01 Dec 2022, 8:28 pm

Germany losing!

by Duty281 Thu 01 Dec 2022, 8:28 pm

Oh my flipping word, Costa Rica have scored again after a right scrappy finish. Spain heading out as it stands. Madness.

by Duty281 Thu 01 Dec 2022, 8:30 pm

Germany don't take long to equalise. Spain can say thanks.

by **Galted** Thu 01 Dec 2022, 8:31 pm

Well done, Duty, that was some elite level jinxing.

by Duty281 Thu 01 Dec 2022, 8:33 pm

In all the madness Navas calmly pops up with the save of the tournament.

by GSC Thu 01 Dec 2022, 8:37 pm

Of course Qatar get the greatest world cup ever

by GSC Thu 01 Dec 2022, 8:41 pm

Germany now need Spain to return the favour

by Duty281 Thu 01 Dec 2022, 8:42 pm

Germany's turnaround now complete, but they need Spain to equalise.

by GSC Thu 01 Dec 2022, 8:54 pm

Germany out! Japan top a group with Spain and Germany in it

by **Galted** Thu 01 Dec 2022, 8:59 pm

I think I'm in favour of the next world cup's 16 groups of 3 after this, my nerves are shot.

by Duty281 Thu 01 Dec 2022, 9:04 pm

Astonishing. Japan and Spain are through. What an amazing night.

Not sure how Japan have done it. They were dominated for large stages by both Spain and Germany, but managed two quick goals in both games to come back from a goal down and win. In between they lost to the hopeless Costa Rica, further adding to the mystery. They go in the Dutch/Argentina half and will play Croatia in the last 16, very winnable, and a possible QF v Brazil.

Spain will be a bit stunned at their defeat, but they've got a very good second prize. Last 16 game v Morocco and then an Iberian Derby looks probable for the QFs. It's made England's prospective route that bit harder also. Not entirely sure what to make of Spain so far, I think the QF game could let us know properly.

Germany, wow. Got equally as stunned by the Japanese as Spain did, but they didn't smash Costa Rica by as many goals as Spain did and that's the difference. They shouldn't have lost to Japan, the lack of a quality 9 that we all spoke about meant they couldn't finish their opponents off and it came back to hurt them. From 1954-2014 Germany were astonishingly consistent at World Cups, finishing no worse than quarter-finalists in every single one, and winning it four times. But at the last two World Cups it has been a group stage exit. That will pile the pressure on ahead of the Euros they're hosting in 2024, but they bounced back well at the last tournament they hosted in 2006 after suffering humiliation in 2004.

Time to sort out the last two groups tomorrow. Brazil and Portugal assured, virtually, of finishing top in their respective groups. Switzerland need to avoid defeat v Serbia to advance, or Serbia need to win to advance, barring a Cameroon upset of Brazil which blows it open. Similar story in the other group with Ghana in the Switzerland role and Uruguay in the Serbia role. Ghana v Uruguay could be feisty.

by Duty281 Thu 01 Dec 2022, 9:09 pm

Galted wrote:I think I'm in favour of the next world cup's 16 groups of 3 after this, my nerves are shot.

In line with GSC's post earlier, it seems FIFA are coming round to the idea of 12 groups of 4, with 8 3rd placed teams advancing, even though it'll increase the number of matches to 104 (!) because money.

One well-placed observer said that if the tournament were extended by a few days to fit in more matches then neither Fifa nor the major sponsors would likely object. They pointed to the vast extra revenue that would be generated through ticket sales and concessions.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/dec/01/world-cup-organisers-consider-ditching-three-team-group-format-for-2026

by westisbest Thu 01 Dec 2022, 9:17 pm

Ball looked out of play from what I’ve seen.

Then seen another angle, may look like small part of the ball on the line.

Pretty poor it’s not been properly cleared up.

Well done Japan though.

by GSC Thu 01 Dec 2022, 9:57 pm

Duty281 wrote:
Galted wrote:I think I'm in favour of the next world cup's 16 groups of 3 after this, my nerves are shot.

In line with GSC's post earlier, it seems FIFA are coming round to the idea of 12 groups of 4, with 8 3rd placed teams advancing, even though it'll increase the number of matches to 104 (!) because money.

One well-placed observer said that if the tournament were extended by a few days to fit in more matches then neither Fifa nor the major sponsors would likely object. They pointed to the vast extra revenue that would be generated through ticket sales and concessions.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/dec/01/world-cup-organisers-consider-ditching-three-team-group-format-for-2026

Does whoever made up the numbers know FIFA are making up the attendance figures

by eirebilly_01 Fri 02 Dec 2022, 6:17 am

As sad as i am to see Germany go out, I am very happy for Japan. They really are a breath of fresh air hen they get going and they have shown the glaring weakness' in the Spanish team.

Now, sadly, a day of diving and cheating awaits us with Brazil, Uruguay and Portugal to play.

by alfie Fri 02 Dec 2022, 6:37 am

eirebilly_01 wrote:As sad as i am to see Germany go out, I am very happy for Japan. They really are a breath of fresh air hen they get going and they have shown the glaring weakness' in the Spanish team.

Now, sadly, a day of diving and cheating awaits us with Brazil, Uruguay and Portugal to play.

I found myself getting rather involved in this one ...was cheering frantically for Japan to hang on to that lead as the time ticked away. Nothing against Germany (who probably could have ousted Spain on GD if all their near-misses had gone in today !) but something about this Japanese team is rather likeable.

That second goal will be studied with microscopes ! Perhaps German fans with belief in conspiracy theories will feel VAR was in the hands of a very old Russian former linesman with experience in a World Cup Final Smile

by eirebilly_01 Fri 02 Dec 2022, 7:08 am

Japan actually have a team that will push many a higher ranked team. They, when their tails are up, play with such speed.

I still stand bye by Netherlands call though. Maybe not winning it but going very far, a massively underrated team for me thumbsup

by Soul Requiem Fri 02 Dec 2022, 8:04 am

After 2010 that ball was definitely on the line.

by GSC Fri 02 Dec 2022, 8:12 am

I think the overhead camera shows it was just on the line. Didn't stop Souness from alleging a conspiracy based on an angle that makes it look worse

by alfie Fri 02 Dec 2022, 8:21 am

GSC wrote:I think the overhead camera shows it was just on the line. Didn't stop Souness from alleging a conspiracy based on an angle that makes it look worse

Yes the overhead does confirm it - just. But of course we didn't see that at the time and it was very hard to say from the other angles. I'm sure a lot of Spanish fans thought they'd been dudded.

Good thing about this was it should put to bed any of the conspiracy theories that the "big" teams are being favoured thumbsup

by Duty281 Fri 02 Dec 2022, 3:35 pm

Ghana missed a penalty, one of the worst I've ever seen, which seemed to stun them. Uruguay have got up the other end and scored two quick goals, so they're heading through as it stands.

South Korea 1-1 with Portugal in the other game.

by Duty281 Fri 02 Dec 2022, 3:46 pm

VAR will get involved for a minimal offside, but it won't get involved when a Ghana player gets stamped on for the clearest red you'll ever see? Erm

by Duty281 Fri 02 Dec 2022, 4:50 pm

I say, more drama as South Korea take the lead late on v Portugal.

Means Uruguay are going out and SK through.

by GSC Fri 02 Dec 2022, 5:12 pm

Uruguay are a disgrace, glad they're out

by Duty281 Fri 02 Dec 2022, 5:16 pm

And that's that. Uruguay did what they thought would have got them through, but they didn't anticipate (and not many did) South Korea beating Portugal.

Great to see Uruguay get knocked out, a horrendous team with cheats like Suarez. I see they're nearly assaulting the officials as they walk off. Disgrace. Even by the very low standards of South American football, Uruguay's behaviour is especially disgraceful. In truth, with the exception of Brazil, the World Cup would be better off without South American nations like Uruguay, Colombia, Argentina, Chile etc. Equally pathetic to not see pundits and commentators call this behaviour out.

Portugal top the group. Not 100% but no team has been so far, although Brazil might be later. One of Switzerland/Cameroon/Serbia in the last 16, and a potential QF with Spain. They've looked OK, but not outstanding. Potential dark horses, if Portugal are such a thing?

South Korea, great achievement for them. Couldn't quite do it in the exciting game with Ghana, but any team that beats Portugal deserves progression. But can't see them getting much further with Brazil coming up next for them. Would be a huge shock if they pulled that off.

Ghana simply didn't do enough today. They deflated after the penalty, it was quite strange, and then they had nothing to offer to break down Uruguay's low block. After spirited efforts v Portugal and South Korea, where the goals flew in, it was quite strange.

Uruguay, the usual cheating disgrace. Kindly bugger off. FIFA should issue a tournament ban, but they won't.

Word on the officials - I don't see how VAR missed the clear Uruguayan stamp in the first half which should have seen red. But a great call from the onfield referee to not give Uruguay a penalty after being called over to the monitor. That showed tremendous courage.

by **Galted** Fri 02 Dec 2022, 5:47 pm

As much as I enjoy a good bout of Maradona-level sh*thousery, the sight of Suarez crying into his shirt has made my weekend.

by GSC Fri 02 Dec 2022, 8:58 pm

So nobody takes 9 points from the group stage. It's about as open as it ever has been

by Duty281 Fri 02 Dec 2022, 9:22 pm

I think England ended up with the best group stage record on GD. Brazil were in second gear, and Cameroon didn't look much like scoring all the way through but they got it done at the end. Still ends up with the expected duo of Brazil and Switzerland in 1st and 2nd.

Completes the last 16 draw. Netherlands, Argentina and Brazil the standouts in one half, so you'd say Brazil are strong favourites to make the final with only the semi-final providing a big hurdle; and England, France, Spain and Portugal the big names in the second half, a half that's very open.

Brazil have to be favourites with the draw, but fair to say there's no outstanding team thus far.

England's chances look fairly minimal. To win the World Cup they'll probably have to beat Senegal, France, Spain and Brazil. England are historically hopeless at actually winning knock-out games against tough opposition, although they often push the tough opposition very close and (quite a few times) get mugged by dismal refereeing decisions, to be fair.

Southgate hasn't yet found a way to win against tough opposition at major tournaments, and he'll have to do it three times in a row to bring football home. Safe to say Southgate's favourable tournament draws are at an end - at his two previous tournaments he got Sweden and Ukraine in QFs, now it's looking like France! - and so it's back to usual.

I think if England were to beat Senegal and then lose to France it would represent a par effort.

Netherlands v USA should be a good game tomorrow. I make the Dutch narrow favourites, but nothing more. Gakpo being in-form and the USA lacking a quality striker will be the difference, I think.

Argentina v Australia should be a one-sided thrashing...but if Saudi can do it, Australia surely can?

by **Galted** Fri 02 Dec 2022, 11:33 pm

Apologies if my figures aren't 100% accurate as I have had several cans, but I've compiled a continental league table of games between continents (thus excluding the 5 Europe v Europe games played thus far, plus games involving Oceania as they only have one representative), arranged by points per game:

Africa 1.71
South America 1.67
Europe 1.52
Asia 1.13
North America 1.00
(Africa would be second to South America if Australia's games were included).

Bit of a difference when compared to a table of teams involved in the knockouts as a percentage of total teams representing their continent:

Europe 62%
South America 50%
Africa 40%
Asia 40%
North America 25%

Guess you could make a case for expanding the tournament.

by Lowlandbrit Sat 03 Dec 2022, 6:55 am

Great news for Duty's looming withdrawal concerns: Qatar now want to host the 2036 summer Olympics (winter edition).

by eirebilly_01 Sat 03 Dec 2022, 12:21 pm

To echo a few, I am also very happy to see the backs of Uruguay. The scenes at the end of that match were disgusting.

For too long South American sides have been getting away with such things. They are the kings of cheating, diving (faking injuries), waving fake yellow cards to try and get fellow professionals sent off and harassing referees. Its enough and makes the game of football a bit of a joke.

If FIFA want to regain any sort of respect from the average fan then they must introduce sanctions for teams and players that do this. Bring integrity back to football.

by westisbest Sat 03 Dec 2022, 1:54 pm

Galted wrote:Apologies if my figures aren't 100% accurate as I have had several cans, but I've compiled a continental league table of games between continents (thus excluding the 5 Europe v Europe games played thus far, plus games involving Oceania as they only have one representative), arranged by points per game:

Africa 1.71
South America 1.67
Europe 1.52
Asia 1.13
North America 1.00
(Africa would be second to South America if Australia's games were included).

Bit of a difference when compared to a table of teams involved in the knockouts as a percentage of total teams representing their continent:

Europe 62%
South America 50%
Africa 40%
Asia 40%
North America 25%

Guess you could make a case for expanding the tournament.

How many is several galted Wink

by westisbest Sat 03 Dec 2022, 2:36 pm

Let’s go USA

I do like Holland a lot, just something about the US team I enjoy.
I was going to put money on Holland at the start of the tournament.

I actually think the Dutch will win 3-1.

Hopefully an exciting first knock out game.

by eirebilly_01 Sat 03 Dec 2022, 2:41 pm

I am pure Orange today

Kom op Nederlands

by Duty281 Sat 03 Dec 2022, 2:44 pm

Think the Dutch will win one or two nil.

I like the USA's midfield of Musah, Adams and Mckennie, but I think they lack reliable goalscorers and they are going up against a defence that is strong on the ground and in the air.

The Dutch width through their wingbacks, Blind and Dumfries, will be important to stretching the USA midfield three, thereby allowing key creator De Jong the time and space to provide key passes. Gakpo is in excellent form and has scored in all three games.

I don't think we've seen the best of the USA yet, or maybe they're just not a very good side? They drew with a terrible Welsh team and only narrowly got past Iran. I believe the Dutch are capable of lifting their game from what we've seen in the groups. They were very poor against Ecuador, but every top team has had an off game so far (England v USA, Brazil v Cameroon, Portugal v Korea etc.).

Still time to get money on the Dutch! I see 20/1 is available.

by Duty281 Sat 03 Dec 2022, 2:51 pm

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/dec/03/pele-moved-to-end-of-life-care-in-hospital-reports-say

Terrible news about Pele.

by eirebilly_01 Sat 03 Dec 2022, 2:53 pm

Very sad news indeed, an absolute gentleman and brilliant player.

by eirebilly_01 Sat 03 Dec 2022, 3:03 pm

USA coming out with some intent, nearly scored as well.

by eirebilly_01 Sat 03 Dec 2022, 3:11 pm

What a goal that was Very Happy

by westisbest Sat 03 Dec 2022, 3:11 pm

Harsh on USA. That’s Wanstead’s Holland are capable of.
US need to keep their heads now.

by Duty281 Sat 03 Dec 2022, 3:12 pm

What a fantastic goal. Haven't seen an extended passing move result directly in a goal yet, that was superb. One of the goals of the tournament, and a hammer blow to the Americans who started off the better. Now they have to chase.

Think I counted 20 passes watching it back.

by westisbest Sat 03 Dec 2022, 3:26 pm

I’ll say it again, if only the states had a good striker, would be a totally different team. The rest of the side look good and have age on their side.

by eirebilly_01 Sat 03 Dec 2022, 3:48 pm

Nederlands really playing quite smart football. Making the USA do all the running and just sucker punching them.

by Duty281 Sat 03 Dec 2022, 3:53 pm

2-0 on the cusp of HT, I think that's the game. Can't see the Americans scoring twice in 45 minutes.

I'm not sure what to think of the Dutch tactics. On the one hand it appears to have worked because, obviously, they're 2-0 up, through being clinical and the Dutch keeper making a couple of good saves. On the other I think they've been a little too respectful towards the USA. When the Dutch have pressed high, on the rare occasion, they've forced errors from the USA in possession. If they keep letting the USA have so much possession (61%) they're bound to do something with it at some point.

But at 2-0 it doesn't really matter now what they do, the game should be done.

by eirebilly_01 Sat 03 Dec 2022, 4:07 pm

End to end stuff now with goal line clearances for both...

by eirebilly_01 Sat 03 Dec 2022, 4:21 pm

Fair play to the referee there for not going to VAR. An onfield decision, more of that please.

by eirebilly_01 Sat 03 Dec 2022, 4:33 pm

Shambolic from the Dutch, savage 5 mins of defending and the USA pull one back...

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