147 replies to this topic

[TwentyThirtyFive]

In what regards?

Im assuming they are ranked fairly high in the world rankings. Seems the top 15 teams should all be in a 48 team field

[BSLSteveBirrer]

Im assuming they are ranked fairly high in the world rankings. Seems the top 15 teams should all be in a 48 team field

Wrong. This is why soccer is the best sport on the planet. Every nation gets to play the qualifying process. No free rides (except for the host nations). You want to go to the WC. Then qualify. Italy didn't.

And for just so you know Italy us #13 in the world.

[Pedro Cerrano]

Wrong. This is why soccer is the best sport on the planet. Every nation gets to play the qualifying process. No free rides (except for the host nations). You want to go to the WC. Then qualify. Italy didn't.

And for just so you know Italy us #13 in the world.

Soccer is the best sport on the planet if you ignore the existence of about 10-15 other sports.

[BSLMikeLowe]

Sounds to me like they need to change the rules

They already expanded the WC field and UEFA gets 16 teams. If you can’t get in, you probably don’t deserve to.

[BSLSteveBirrer]

Soccer is the best sport on the planet if you ignore the existence of about 10-15 other sports.

Go away...lol

[BSLMikeLowe]

Well Turkiye ousted Bosnia 1-0 so its the Turks in our group.

I thought Bosnia beat Italy to make it?

[BSLSteveBirrer]

I thought Bosnia beat Italy to make it?

You are correct. Bosnia Herzegovina beat Italy on penalties. Turkiye beat Kosovo.

[BSLMikeLowe]

Nice to see Bosnia make it, I think only their second WC appearance. Always have a spot in my heart for the country after spending a few months there right after the civil war.

[BSLChrisStoner]

ESPN: Aggravations prompt fans to ask: Is the World Cup worth the expense?

https://www.espn.com...assles-expenses

[BSLSteveBirrer]

I could write a book, well ok not really, but a dang long story about my road to getting tickets.

[BSLSteveBirrer]

Here's a look at the big event. Note this does not address Group D and the USMNT. I  will do an in depth piece on our guys once the final roster is announced.

 

https://baltimorespo...26-its-go-time/

[BSLChrisStoner]

ESPN: World Cup Power Rankings

https://www.espn.com...gland-argentina

[BSLSteveBirrer]

Latest on US players availability.

 

1. Cardoso is most likely out with his high ankle sprain. He had to have surgery to repair it. Realistically at best he could be available for the knockout rounds so would Poch use spot #26 for him? 

2. Pulisic is back in training and available for Milan this weekend.

3. Weah missed last Marseille match and ruled out for next one but still believed to be short term issue.

4. Tessman still nursing a minor injury. Probably not an impact on his ability to play at the WC. But missing time now isn't helping him make a case either.

[BSLSteveBirrer]

Richards is apparently not as bad off as some feared. He may even bit fit enough to play in Palaces championship match next week. But also hearing that his manager may keep him out to ensure hes not at risk for the WC.

 

I hope like heck he's ok and doesn't play next week. He, along with Adams, are probably our two key players. The next guy in line is a large drop off in talent.

[Pedro Cerrano]

What’s up with Freddy Adu

[Pedro Cerrano]

Question:

I see on tv (espn) that the US group is “USA Paraguay Australia Türkiye”

My question: obv Türkiye is turkey. Why don’t they just say “turkey” if we were in Germany’s group they’d write “Germany” and not “Deutschland” I assume

If I’m dumb and missing something please correct me

[BSLSteveBirrer]

They officially changed their name in 2022.

[BSLSteveBirrer]

Ok here it is guys. My look at our side and Group D.

 

https://baltimorespo...nt-and-group-d/

[BSLSteveBirrer]

US hosts Senegal tomorrow afternoon. Going to interesting to see how Poch rolls them out and how subs are handled.

Reyna needs minutes today.

[Pedro Cerrano]

I expect a LOT of gambling picks in this thread!