918 replies to this topic

[BSLChrisStoner]

ESPN: Costa Rica hoping for repeat run to quarterfinals

 

ESPN: Peru captain Guerrero banned from World Cup

 

ESPN: Croatia: Midfield among the best in the world

 

ESPN: Denmark: Eriksen can take Danes to last 16

 

ESPN: World Cup: All 32 previews

[BSLSteveBirrer]

With the WC rapidly approaching thought it would be good to start a thread focused just on that. I will be writing an article in the coming days on the tournament and what to look for. But in the meantime this is a good place to post any rumors, injuries, etc.

 

Yes it SUCKS that the US didn't qualify but that is behind us and not worth harping on any further. 

 

So to begin. For those who watched the UCL Final on Saturday you saw one of the world's top strikers go down for Liverpool. Mohamed Salah has to be taken off mid first half in what was termed a serious injury. Evaluation has concluded that he has a severe shoulder injury. At this point its uncertain if that rules him our for the WC or not. The problem is going to be that even if he can recover well enough to play he likely will not be having much if any training time. This is really bad news for Egypt.

 

https://www.independ...n-a8371031.html

 

But Salah is not the only key player who may miss the WC or at least be limited in playing time. Others include Manuel Neuer (Germany), Laurent Koscielny (France), Jerome Boateng (Germany), and Sergio Aguero (Argentina).  Brazilian forward Neymay has also been hurt but latest reports have him back to full time training so he should be in.

 

https://www.independ...n-a8371031.html

[Mike in STL]

So to begin. For those who watched the UCL Final on Saturday you saw one of the world's top strikers go down for Liverpool. Mohamed Salah has to be taken off mid first half in what was termed a serious injury. Evaluation has concluded that he has a severe shoulder injury. At this point its uncertain if that rules him our for the WC or not. The problem is going to be that even if he can recover well enough to play he likely will not be having much if any training time. This is really bad news for Egypt.

That holy water they squirt on guys didn't work? Damn. Must be serious.

[BSLSteveBirrer]

Update on Mohamed Salah. Out for at three weeks which means he likely misses the WC. Could potentially return for the last Group Stage match?

[BSLChrisStoner]

ESPN: FIFA 2018 World Cup: Fixtures, results and coverage
http://www.espn.com/...ts-and-coverage

[BSLChrisStoner]

SI: The Little Nation That Can: The Incredible Global Rise of Iceland to the World Cup Stage

[BSLSteveBirrer]

All, here's a link to my WC preview. Take a look! Less than two weeks to kick off!!!!

 

http://baltimorespor...ia-almost-time/

[BSLChrisStoner]

All, here's a link to my WC preview. Take a look! Less than two weeks to kick off!!!!

 

http://baltimorespor...ia-almost-time/

 

Fantastic read from Steve here.  Please give it a look.

[BSLChrisStoner]

SI: Who Will Win the World Cup? Expert Predictions and Brackets

[BSLChrisStoner]

CBS Sports: Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup: Team previews for all of the 32 teams
https://www.cbssport...r-all-32-teams/

[BSLMikeLowe]

ESPN: Inside Russia's new-school hooligan culture

 

They battle in the forest, soccer gang against soccer gang. They are the underground fighters the World Cup host doesn't want you to see.

[NewMarketSean]

I am officially Team Croatia for the 2018 World Cup.

 

They also have cool uniforms.

[BSLChrisStoner]

SI: World Cup Crystal Ball: Russia 2018's Dark Horse, Breakout Star, Golden Boot and More

[BSLChrisStoner]

The Ringer: Meet the Five Most Exciting Prospects at the 2018 World Cup
https://www.theringe...mexico-portugal

[BSLChrisStoner]

The Ringer: The ‘Ringer FC’ World Cup Preview

[BSLChrisStoner]

SI: Germany's World Cup Repeat Hopes Hinge on Muller's Effectiveness, Neuer's Health

[BSLChrisStoner]

SI: World Cup Tier Rankings: Russia 2018's true contenders

[BSLSteveBirrer]

Interesting article from SI. Their tier rankings look a lot like mine. The only issue I have with the article is them saying that soccer at the high levels is "elitist" as only 8 countries have ever won the world cup.

 

Well that is a fact but its also a simple matter of where the sport is most popular and where its played the most.  No different than any other sport. How many different countries would have a legit chance at winning a true championship in these sports;

 

1. Baseball

2. Basketball

3. Hockey

 

Only a handful of countries really play those at a high level. And if you want to talk elitist then how about our football. How many teams could even remotely win a world championship in football? One. Period.

 

So the article is spot on but I think it is a bit disingenuous to term it "elitist."

[BSLChrisStoner]

NBC Sports / PST: 2018 World Cup dark horses
https://soccer.nbcsp...cup-darkhorses/

[BSLChrisStoner]

ESPN: World Cup 2018 Ultimate XI: Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo lead; David De Gea in goal
http://www.espn.com/...-de-gea-in-goal