OT: World Cup 2018

[intlzncster]

The Aussie's looked really good against Denmark, had many chances to win today.

Didn't get to see my team play. Good to here they showed. Didn't expect much this world cup, as they're kinda between generations right now

 

[intlzncster]

Oh Perú how do you miss that.

That was a must.

 

[intlzncster]

Main benefit is to Canada. I think USA would get in on its own, and Mexico almost certainly would. I wonder what happens to the other teams in Concacaf. That is all three of our slots.

I imagine they'll have the same chance. So qualifying happens per normal where the top three go. But if any of the Home countries are not top 3,they get an additional exemption.

You can't have the others playing for nothing.

 

[intlzncster]

Inevitable goal for France. France is ridiculous up front.

Fun game so far.

 

[Da_Aisijimo_Gou]

Officially no but it’s about 99% sure that all 3 will bet auto berths. USSF president said something along those lines.

Conveniently, the 2026 World Cup will add 16 participating nations for a total of 48 teams. More teams = more berths spread across regions.

 

[UConNick]

Conveniently, the 2026 World Cup will add 16 participating nations for a total of 48 teams. More teams = more berths spread across regions.

This. Plus, I believe CONCACAF is increasing from 3.5 to 6.5 bids. So even if the three host nations take three of those allotted slots, the remaining countries will still have the present allotment to fight over.

 

[intlzncster]

Man that's absurdly watered down.

 

[UConNick]

Man that's absurdly watered down.

I agree 100%. I think the current 32-team style is perfect. The cream rises to the top, but there's still a lot of diversity and teams get 3 games in the group stage. In the 48-team Cup, 16 groups of 3 will only play 2 group stage games. I'm not sure if the winners only would move on for a classical 16 team knockout, or they further water down the process of the tourney with a 32-team knockout.

 

[intlzncster]

Argentina's defense tho lol

 

[intlzncster]

HTF did he miss that wide open goal. Almost like Argentina doesn't want to win

 

[The X Man]

I agree 100%. I think the current 32-team style is perfect. The cream rises to the top, but there's still a lot of diversity and teams get 3 games in the group stage. In the 48-team Cup, 16 groups of 3 will only play 2 group stage games. I'm not sure if the winners only would move on for a classical 16 team knockout, or they further water down the process of the tourney with a 32-team knockout.

They're watering it down. Top 2 teams from each group moves on and 32 teams will be in the knock out round.

 

[UConNick]

HTF did he miss that wide open goal. Almost like Argentina doesn't want to win

It's amazing how all this attacking skill always seems to fail on the international stage. A team with Messi, let alone Agüero, Higuaín, Di María, Banega, and others should not be so inept offensively.

 

[UConNick]

Oh my the howler from Caballero

 

[The X Man]

Oh my the howler from Caballero

He's not going to be allowed back in the country.

 

[intlzncster]

Oh my the howler from Caballero

Doing dumb stuff back there all day.

 

[intlzncster]

Croatia really packed back there. Messi bracketed by 3 guys.

 

[HuskyHawk]

Evidently I should be watching this instead of keeping up with the Ollie threads

 

[intlzncster]

Evidently I should be watching this instead of keeping up with the Ollie threads

Unless you are a fan of Argentina. Tough to watch them struggle at times...

Croatia is pretty solid though

 

[intlzncster]

Tense though

 

[intlzncster]

Check that. Modric is a stud. And argentina sucks

 

[UConNick]

Modric and Rakitic name a more iconic duo

 

[HuskyHawk]

Unless you are a fan of Argentina. Tough to watch them struggle at times...

Croatia is pretty solid though

I'm not, although I don't dislike them. Seems like they are toast now. 2-0.

 

[intlzncster]

Modric and Rakitic name a more iconic duo

Messi and Aguer.....nevermind.

 

[intlzncster]

Wow Rakitic. What a strike

 

[HuskyHawk]

Former Yugoslavia countries looking strong. I'd love to see Iceland advance in place of Argentina.