729 replies to this topic

[You Play to Win the Game]

Has there ever been a 1 week window? Is it even safe? I feel like a lack of chemistry could lead to more injuries just by the nature of what that does to a team.

[BSLSteveBirrer]

Ricker - I don't think it increases the injury risk much. The upside of this is that the players will be in prime condition since its during league play. I dont think the lack of cohesion is really a higher injury risk its just less good soccer. I guess we will see?

 

Mike - I understand your view on Qatar and its valid. I so wish the big federations had pushed this issue in the courts. Several suits were filed but they just didn't have much push behind them. Now that said I would strongly be against boycotting WC2022 just like I was avidly against boycotting the Olympics in 1980. It sounds right on paper but the problem is that nothing changes because of it. What happened in 1980 is that a whole host of athletes around the world lost out on their chance to participate in their dream. And having known some athletes at this level its a really tough pill to swallow.

 

The problem with boycotting the WC from a players perspective is two fold.

1. They may get injured down the road and never return to that level of play and miss out on their opportunity. Look no further than the injuries. Charlie Davies got seriously hurt in a car crash and missed the 2010 WC. His return from injury never got him back to the level he had been at. 

2. Players countries may not qualify again during a given players peak performance. 

 

Now IF a bunch of countries had formally announced a boycott when the bid was awarded then perhaps FIFA could have been forced to make a change. But again what they should have done is to stand fast with their lawsuits that the bid was illegal in the first place which it was.

[Don Quixote]

Everything about this tournament has been a goddamned sham; why would this be any different? Heartily agree that a multitude of national/international bodies should have done more about this (host selection) from the off, and maintained the pressure. There having been such established ineptitude and corruption around selection with numerous Olympics/World Cups, especially in the last generation or so, it's hard to be surprised by much.

[Mike in STL]

Ricker - I don't think it increases the injury risk much. The upside of this is that the players will be in prime condition since its during league play. I dont think the lack of cohesion is really a higher injury risk its just less good soccer. I guess we will see?

Mike - I understand your view on Qatar and its valid. I so wish the big federations had pushed this issue in the courts. Several suits were filed but they just didn't have much push behind them. Now that said I would strongly be against boycotting WC2022 just like I was avidly against boycotting the Olympics in 1980. It sounds right on paper but the problem is that nothing changes because of it. What happened in 1980 is that a whole host of athletes around the world lost out on their chance to participate in their dream. And having known some athletes at this level its a really tough pill to swallow.

The problem with boycotting the WC from a players perspective is two fold.
1. They may get injured down the road and never return to that level of play and miss out on their opportunity. Look no further than the injuries. Charlie Davies got seriously hurt in a car crash and missed the 2010 WC. His return from injury never got him back to the level he had been at.
2. Players countries may not qualify again during a given players peak performance.

Now IF a bunch of countries had formally announced a boycott when the bid was awarded then perhaps FIFA could have been forced to make a change. But again what they should have done is to stand fast with their lawsuits that the bid was illegal in the first place which it was.

I get that. The bid should have been revoked, but it wasn’t. But countries have known for many years now how this event is being built. As well as what Qatar’s thoughts are on the most basic of human rights.

[Don Quixote]

I think I'm gonna have a heart attack and die from not surprise.

 

https://apnews.com/a...eb3553d402da7d1

[BSLSteveBirrer]

Unreal but no surprise.

[BSLSteveBirrer]

https://www.uefa.com...-play-off-draw/

[BSLChrisStoner]

CBS Sports: Italy to miss World Cup after shocking loss to North Macedonia

https://www.cbssport...rtugal-advance/

[BSLSteveBirrer]

FYI

 

FS1 has picked up the WC draw. Friday at 1130 eastern time. WOOT!!!

 

Pray we draw Qatar as our Pot 1 opponent!!!

[BSLChrisStoner]

ESPN: World Cup finals draw in Qatar puts spotlight on a tournament like no other

https://www.espn.com...t-like-no-other

 

2022 World Cup finals bracket and fixtures schedule

https://www.espn.com...xtures-schedule

[DuffMan]

FYI

 

FS1 has picked up the WC draw. Friday at 1130 eastern time. WOOT!!!

 

Pray we draw Qatar as our Pot 1 opponent!!!

What the fudge am I watching?

 

Spare me your propaganda and give me the groups!

[BSLMikeLowe]

Why do they need to do something akin to Olympic opening ceremonies for the freaking draw?

 

And how many migrant workers died to build that stage?

[BSLMikeLowe]

“You’re trying to accommodate the entire world, not just American sensibilities.”

 

Yeah, Im betting people watching in Senegal and South Korea are just as annoyed right now.

[DuffMan]

Stringer!

[BSLMikeLowe]

You’ve lost me FIFA, I’ll just look up the draw later. I have a life to get on with.

[DuffMan]

You’ve lost me FIFA, I’ll just look up the draw later. I have a life to get on with.

I should have went and ran my errand first, would have been back in time.  

[DuffMan]

Umm that was weird how he pronounced H

[DuffMan]

USA in B with England

[DuffMan]

USA will play on Monday November 21st, Friday November 25th and Tuesday November 29th.

[BSLSteveBirrer]

England is a middle of the road Pot 1. We could have done worse for sure. What really matters is the Pot 3 and 4 teams we get.