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 Sat 03 Dec 2022, 4:39 pm

America completely doze off and the faint hope they had evaporates.

by Lowlandbrit Sat 03 Dec 2022, 4:52 pm

westisbest wrote:I actually think the Dutch will win 3-1.

Feel free to share any more actual thoughts Smile

by GSC Sat 03 Dec 2022, 4:53 pm

Thought this tie was winnable for the US but it took way too long to recover from losing an early goal. Don't really have much attacking output that isn't pressing and winning the ball early.

Dutch get the job done, and that's all that counts. Not completely convinced but not many have so far

by eirebilly_01 Sat 03 Dec 2022, 4:57 pm

I have said it all along, the Dutch are a much underrated side.

Pending Argentina beat Australia (I expect that), Argentina will have to be at their absolute best to beat Nederlands. It may take some world class diving from Messi an co to break De Nederlands but I fully expect an Argentina loss.

by Duty281 Sat 03 Dec 2022, 5:02 pm

Very well done to the Dutch. A controlled and measured performance, albeit with a curious tactical shift, to a more attacking shape, at half-time. Once they got ahead the result wasn't in much doubt, it may have been different if Pulisic had scored after three minutes with that great chance, as the USA were in no way equipped to chase a game.

I think the Dutch can beat Argentina, but I'm still not seeing them as being likely to get the better of Brazil or France, should it come to it. They do have a strong central defence, the class of De Jong, and pace on the break, so they won't be an easy opponent for any team.

The USA have a promising young core to their squad, but I must say I thought they had a poor tournament. They may look at a Last 16 exit as respectable, but getting past Wales and Iran was barely a hurdle. Too many of their attacking moves they tried to channel through Pulisic, who had a poor tournament and was an easy target for some defences. A quality striker is certainly something they require, though they also have a weak defence, particularly in the centre.

2026, with the USA as hosts, could be a huge sliding doors moment for the sport in that country. If the USA play good, entertaining football and make a run to, perhaps, the semi-finals (as Korea did in 2002) then it could be a moment that USA football never looks back from, and the game gains immense popularity from California to Florida. Or if they have a miserable World Cup it could kill casual interest in the sport stone dead.

by westisbest Sat 03 Dec 2022, 5:23 pm

I thought USA did ok this tournament. I didn’t actually think they would get out of the group. Thought wales would come second.

I guess they did well to hold England, who are obviously a much stronger side.

Pulusic scores early today and could have been a different game.
They certainly have a lot of promise for 2026.

If they can find a striker, one or two centre backs, they will be dangerous.
They will be disappointed with the way they lost today.

Anyway, well done Holland, hope they go onto win it.

Ps. Does Dumfries know how to smile.

by eirebilly_01 Sat 03 Dec 2022, 7:10 pm

Well less than 10 minutes in and Argentina have resorted to diving and feigning injuries...

by Duty281 Sat 03 Dec 2022, 7:22 pm

Aussies following the Saudi example - high line and very compact.

by eirebilly_01 Sat 03 Dec 2022, 7:37 pm

Then inevitable Argentinian dive leads to a free kick which results in a Messi goal.

Absolute shambles

by GSC Sat 03 Dec 2022, 7:37 pm

When all else fails there's Messi

by alfie Sat 03 Dec 2022, 7:38 pm

Guess that was coming...

Can't give him an inch , can you ?

Thought Australia had done well to keep it nil all for half an hour but up against it now.

by eirebilly_01 Sat 03 Dec 2022, 7:40 pm

Pathetic, absolutely pathetic.

When will FIFA sanction these cheats... Yellow card for brushing his face???

by westisbest Sat 03 Dec 2022, 7:45 pm

eirebilly_01 wrote:Pathetic, absolutely pathetic.

When will FIFA sanction these cheats... Yellow card for brushing his face???

Agree 100%. Something needs to be done for play acting.

Match bans would be a start.

by eirebilly_01 Sat 03 Dec 2022, 7:49 pm

westisbest wrote:
eirebilly_01 wrote:Pathetic, absolutely pathetic.

When will FIFA sanction these cheats... Yellow card for brushing his face???

Agree 100%. Something needs to be done for play acting.

Match bans would be a start.

Sorry for the rant brother but seriously. This is Australia, Argentina should beat them comfortably without cheating.

Sick to death of this free wave for Latin American teams. Its an embarrassment to football.

by Mind the windows Tino. Sat 03 Dec 2022, 7:50 pm

Argentina really are a bunch of scumbags. Sh*thousery of the highest order.

by Duty281 Sat 03 Dec 2022, 7:52 pm

Argentina have looked lethargic and generally rubbish, they don't have the energy to press, but a moment of quality from Messi has done the trick.

Presuming they get through here I'm looking forward to the odds for Argentina-Netherlands, because I have a suspicion that the Argies will be made favourites, when it should be the other way round.

by westisbest Sat 03 Dec 2022, 7:53 pm

No need to apologise bud. One of if not the worst things about football.

One of the reasons I’ve gone off the game sadly.

by alfie Sat 03 Dec 2022, 7:58 pm

The incessant play acting is a reason I have never been able to warm to Argentina , despite the magical brilliance of many of their players over the years. So unnecessary given they have plenty of skill to get the job done with just football...but we see it every time...

Australia still in it at only one down. They will have a real go on the resumption so I'm not calling the game yet.

by alfie Sat 03 Dec 2022, 8:00 pm

Duty281 wrote:Argentina have looked lethargic and generally rubbish, they don't have the energy to press, but a moment of quality from Messi has done the trick.

Presuming they get through here I'm looking forward to the odds for Argentina-Netherlands, because I have a suspicion that the Argies will be made favourites, when it should be the other way round.

Getting ahead of ourselves looking at quarters just yet...but IF it is Argentina v Netherlands , I fancy the Dutch on what I've seen .

by alfie Sat 03 Dec 2022, 8:18 pm

Oh dear ...

Rare error from Matt Ryan...but what a horrible one ! Absolute gift to Argentina and I'm afraid there is no way back now

by GSC Sat 03 Dec 2022, 8:18 pm

That will be that, complete howler from Mat Ryan

by Duty281 Sat 03 Dec 2022, 8:26 pm

Need to concentrate 100% at this level, the tiniest switch-off and you're done. And Australia are done.

by alfie Sat 03 Dec 2022, 8:38 pm

Wow !

Didn't see that coming : massive slice of good fortune with that wicked deflection ; but that's football sometimes...

Game on again ?

by Duty281 Sat 03 Dec 2022, 8:41 pm

That was almost a Maradona by Behich.

by alfie Sat 03 Dec 2022, 8:42 pm

Aussie subs having a bit of an impact. Argentina looking a bit rattled. Could be an interesting last few minutes...

by Duty281 Sat 03 Dec 2022, 9:01 pm

Very commendable effort from Australia, Behich and Kuol both going close to an equaliser. They've exceeded expectations at this tournament.

Argentina look well off being genuine contenders. I fancy the Dutch to turn 'em over in the first QF on Friday.

by alfie Sat 03 Dec 2022, 9:02 pm

Close.

Took some great goal keeping from Martinez to prevent a last moment equaliser...

Australia did all they could. Pleased to see they made that annoying BBC pundit with his disrespectful 5-0 prediction look foolish thumbsup

Can't ever rule out a team with Messi in it ; but I don't think Argentina will go any further.

by GSC Sat 03 Dec 2022, 9:11 pm

Pretty even quarter final game in prospect. Van Gaal to do a job on Scaloni?

by Duty281 Sat 03 Dec 2022, 9:16 pm

Duty281 wrote:Presuming they get through here I'm looking forward to the odds for Argentina-Netherlands, because I have a suspicion that the Argies will be made favourites, when it should be the other way round.

Yep, just seeing 27/10 on the Dutch to win in 90 minutes, or 27/20 on the Dutch to qualify (win in 90 mins/ET/pens).

by **Galted** Sat 03 Dec 2022, 9:33 pm

I thought that was pretty emphatic, on another night could have been 5 or 6. Defence solid, midfield and forwards winning balls all over the Aussie half and creating at will, Messi looking like he's about to explode. Sh*thousing was ok, not up to Rivaldo, Italy, Suarez or Dutch ca 2010 levels yet but think it's building up for the crunch games. The world needs a new Argie to hate now that Maradona's passed on, wonder who it will be.

by Duty281 Sat 03 Dec 2022, 11:07 pm

England team has usually leaked by now, but it hasn't so far.

Does this mean Ben White, also in the squad for the Euros where team leaks were constant, was responsible?

by GSC Sun 04 Dec 2022, 8:30 am

On that note Saka does keep his place

by Duty281 Sun 04 Dec 2022, 11:02 am

Sounds like guessing at the moment. The Times are saying unchanged, Sky are saying Saka comes in but not sure for who, The Sun are saying Saka in for Foden.

We miss the mystery leaker. Don't think two pace options (e.g. Rashford and Saka) would be the right choice against a team likely to defend deep.

by GSC Sun 04 Dec 2022, 12:02 pm

The bold choice of playing Wilson and letting Kane be the playmaker he wants to be

by alfie Sun 04 Dec 2022, 12:46 pm

Duty281 wrote:

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.

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

Or it could be Senegal , Poland , Morocco and South Korea Smile

Well you never know , after a couple of the group game upsets ! But yes I think they'll have to up their game and beat a couple of "big" teams. Have to beat the African Champions first though - one step at a time. Looking forward to a good match in the (Melbourne) morning...

by Duty281 Sun 04 Dec 2022, 12:55 pm

It could be. Poland will need to beat France to keep Southgate's record of kind tournament draws alive. Not really sure that I see them doing it, Poland are arguably the poorest team left, but where there's Lewandowski there's hope, I suppose.

Senegal will be tough for England, albeit they're missing their best midfielder and best forward. If England go ahead at any point they'll be fine, I don't see Senegal coming from behind to win. Senegal's threat comes from pace on the break and the set-piece. And it's going to be tough to break down that Senegalese defence, with Koulibaly attached to Kane. I wouldn't be surprised if this one went the distance, maybe even penalties. Not good to see an inexperienced Central American referee in charge for this one. Central American referees are usually the worst.

by Duty281 Sun 04 Dec 2022, 3:50 pm

Really intelligent movement from Giroud to carve out France's opener, 1-0 at HT. All-time highest goalscorer for France now.

France could have easily been behind as, up to that point, Poland had the best chance of the game. Has been Poland's best performance of the tournament, they've taken the game to France, so it's a cruel blow for them to be behind.

by GSC Sun 04 Dec 2022, 4:33 pm

Mbappe just about sends France into the quarters

by Duty281 Sun 04 Dec 2022, 4:35 pm

Neat strike. Can't give Mbappe that much space.

by eirebilly_01 Sun 04 Dec 2022, 4:51 pm

When France click, they really are the best team in the world.

by Duty281 Sun 04 Dec 2022, 4:51 pm

That's an even better strike. With Mbappe on this type of form France are going to be very difficult to stop.

by GSC Sun 04 Dec 2022, 4:57 pm

Anyone who does that stupid hop should lose the keeper has to be on the line rule

by eirebilly_01 Sun 04 Dec 2022, 5:01 pm

Agree GSC, its a form of cheating for me and should be ruled against.

Anyway, best of luck to all ye English fans later, its going to be one tough game.

by Duty281 Sun 04 Dec 2022, 5:01 pm

Imagine doing a stutter in the run when your side is 3-0 down and it's the last kick. Just bang it top corner.

Anyway, pretty comfortable in the end for France. Time for England (soon).

by GSC Sun 04 Dec 2022, 5:18 pm

I thought you weren't allowed to stop during the run up.

Sterling dropped apparently. Gareth getting brave

by GSC Sun 04 Dec 2022, 5:28 pm

Foden and Saka seems to be the consensus

by Duty281 Sun 04 Dec 2022, 5:34 pm

Sterling apparently unavailable for selection due to a family matter.

Think Saka over Rashford would be harsh on Rashford, but Rashford would be a superb bench option if it's 0-0 after 60/65 minutes.

by GSC Sun 04 Dec 2022, 5:45 pm

Saka for Rashford the only change. Walker and Henderson retained

by Duty281 Sun 04 Dec 2022, 5:56 pm

I'd have kept the same team, but overall I'm happy enough with it. Can't help wondering if Sterling would have been in, and who for, if it hadn't been for his unavailability.

Always a strange feeling with these knockout games. It could be all over for England, and for Southgate, in a few hours, or the dream might still be alive. Haven't yet had an upset in these Last 16 games...

Senegal seem to be lining up as expected.

by westisbest Sun 04 Dec 2022, 7:23 pm

Should have scored that.

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