FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

[SuperMatt18]

Oh man what a goal by Gavi.

Outside of the foot, volley, off the post and in

Spain probably still has the best midfield in the world.

[Elkyiv]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

Spain probably still has the best midfield in the world.

Portugal

[SuperMatt18]

I’m still taking Spain I think. France, England, Portugal all have a shout too though.

Well this should help temper expectations. Costa Rica didn’t have their best game today but outclassed by Spain.

Canada needs to have strong efforts to avoid something like this.

[Elkyiv]

the most important thing is to not ball watch. The moment you begin sitting back and letting Belgium keep the ball, the game will be lost.

[Scrambler]

Talent level on CRC is not there. Spain probably saw what happened to GER and ARG for inspiration.

CANMNT can/should avoid a drubbing like this

[Scrambler]

Spain vs Germany should be interesting. Spain could knock out Germany, the Germans will be desperate.

Japan can/should handle CRC, another 3 points and they're all but through to the Round of 16!

[TheIronMaiden]

Originally Posted by Scrambler

Talent level on CRC is not there. Spain probably saw what happened to GER and ARG for inspiration.

CANMNT can/should avoid a drubbing like this

Canada is objectively better than Costa Rica but damn if their beat down has not made me sweat a little thinking about todays game.

[The Big Chill]

Larin on the bench to start. No other real surprises except for Laryea in over Adekugbe.

[SuperMatt18]

For Canada I think they need to attack with speed on the counter.

Davies, Hoilett, Lareya, Buchanon will be key to any type of success for Canada today.

Keep the ball away from KDB in the middle of the pitch, and attack the aging backline for Belgium and Castagne and Carrasco on the wings.

Spinazzola's attacks gave Belgium headaches last year in the Euro, and Canada's wide players need to replicate that today.

[CroFlames]

Adekugbe should start imo. We’ll need a physical defensive presence more so than attacking options. Let the games begin!

[White Out 403]

I have butterflies! This is so ####ing cool.

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

I’m still taking Spain I think. France, England, Portugal all have a shout too though.

Well this should help temper expectations. Costa Rica didn’t have their best game today but outclassed by Spain.

Canada needs to have strong efforts to avoid something like this.

so eurocentric!

Brazil has the best midfield

Casemiro, Fabinho, Fred, Paqueta, Rafinha. even Neymar can drop into midfield if they decide to play more forwards

[Elkyiv]

that was a good promo

[SuperMatt18]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

so eurocentric!

Brazil has the best midfield

Casemiro, Fabinho, Fred, Paqueta, Rafinha. even Neymar can drop into midfield if they decide to play more forwards

2 or 4 years ago I would have agreed.

But I feel like Casemiro, Fred, and Fabinho are all past their prime at this point. Their play at Man U and Liverpool this year reflects that IMO.

Pedro, Gavi, Rodri would be clear at this point. Busquets still effective for his age (very comparable to Casemiro/Fabinho). Thiago is better than Fabinho for Liverpool but can't get into Spain's squad.

France is probably similar to Brazil where as 2 or 4 years ago they would be considered, but age and injury knock them down the list.

Portugal with Fernandes, Silva, Vitinha have a shout but I'd take Spain.

Italy messed up qualifying but Barella, Veratti, Locatelli, Tonali, Jorginho is a great group but Spain is still clear IMO (Spain controlled the midfield during their Euro match and the Nations League final).

[GirlySports]

The money is being put on Canada. They were +500 to win outright this morning, now it's +430 and decreasing.

[Cecil Terwilliger]

[Ozy_Flame]

Butterflies in my thighs
I can go twice as high
Take a look
Lets get shook
Allez let's go

[Knut]

Anyway to watch other than TSN Live?

[SuperMatt18]

It's funny. I've followed international soccer my whole life, generally cheering for Italy while keeping an eye on Canada hoping they would take the steps one day.

When Canada won the Gold Cup in 2000 I remember thinking then as a 12 year old that Canada might be able to quailify for a world cup...only to be humbled in qualifying just months later.

And now 22 years after that it's almost surreal that Canada is playing at this World Cup while Italy watches at home.

And it's weird because I'm not sure I've ever felt this type of nervous about a soccer game. With Italy they generally go into a game as favourites, or at least maybe small underdogs. With Canada it's a completely different feeling knowing they are heavy underdogs and a win would shock the world.

Do it Canada. Shock the world.

[Cecil Terwilliger]

TSN appears to be showing the canadian feed and CTV the world feed. FYI.

EDIT: Nope. CTV just switched over. Maybe fox? Nope Fox showing their own feed too.