FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

[troutman]

Originally Posted by Slava

I disagree on the point about randomness and luck. Honestly, if all the major sports, soccer is the least random. That’s why you can play a one game final; the better wins probably 9/10 times or more. Sure, you get some undeserving winners here and there. Like Champions League a few years ago when Liverpool inexplicably won (you’re welcome, Locke!), but more often than not it’s not a weird bounce or odd events that turn the tide.

In contrast a sport like hockey has a lot of luck and a single game is much more difficult to predict.

I see it the opposite - because it is relatively hard to score, and penalties are near automatic goals, soccer has more potential for upsets in one-off games.

[Sainters7]

Originally Posted by troutman

I see it the opposite - because it is relatively hard to score, and penalties are near automatic goals, soccer has more potential for upsets in one-off games.

Agreed. Which makes the refs so central to the results. I know this goes for most sports these days, but in soccer where it's usually 1-0 / 2-1, all it takes is one brutal call resulting in a penalty kick, and that's the game.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

I hate to be a cynic, but I'm afraid there will be some shenanigans to try to get Messi a Cup. They've pretty much had a PK every game like clockwork.

The Emir didn't pay all that money for the WC for his club team star to not win said WC.

Well...I'm not going to call you a conspiracy theorist or anything because you may well be on to something there.

Messi does have some seriously tight ties to Qatar and Mbappe has already won a Cup? But he's the Qatari's Golden Boy for the foreseeable future...

I mean, PSG rolled out the red carpet for Mbappe's new contract so the conspiracy could go either way.

Lets just see how the cards play out. If Messi dropkicks, bites or headbutts someone and there is no punishment meted out....then maybe.

[Slava]

I’m not sold on the conspiracy, because I think Qatar is thrilled either way. They have their poster boy, regardless of who wins.

[Winsor_Pilates]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

I hate to be a cynic, but I'm afraid there will be some shenanigans to try to get Messi a Cup. They've pretty much had a PK every game like clockwork.

The Emir didn't pay all that money for the WC for his club team star to not win said WC.

Yeah, the way they gave Netherlands 10 minutes of extra time & called a free kick for them on the edge of the box, clearly they've been trying to hand the cup to Argentina.

[Yoho]

https://twitter.com/user/status/1603819551250006016

[CroFlames]

Orsic with a goal scorers goal. Nice.

He’s got a nose for goal in the Champions League.

[White Out 403]

What a camera angle. Looks like they're spraying his arse with somethign and the other guys whacking him off

[White Out 403]

what bull#### thats a penalty

[EldrickOnIce]

Originally Posted by White Out 403

what bull#### thats a penalty

I think that ridiculous flailing dive is what stopped the penalty call, and I'm definitely OK with that.

[White Out 403]

Originally Posted by EldrickOnIce

I think that ridiculous flailing dive is what stopped the penalty call, and I'm definitely OK with that.

yeah on replay i def didnt love the theatrics.

Great job to Croatia!

[CroFlames]

Yeah Gvardiol absolutely shoulda had a PK.

It matters not now we won.

What were the Moroccans getting so pissed at the ref after.

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

Yeah Gvardiol absolutely shoulda had a PK.

It matters not now we won.

What were the Moroccans getting so pissed at the ref after.

They wanted some calls and they're probably still pissed about the refereeing in the semifinal

[PaperBagger'14]

I'm very proud of my Croatian heritage today, I wish my grandfather got to see them win a world cup in his lifetime but odds are that he won't make it to the next world cup. Either way, Dido, Viva Hrvatska

[Locke]

Originally Posted by PaperBagger'14

I'm very proud of my Croatian heritage today, I wish my grandfather got to see them win a world cup in his lifetime but odds are that he won't make it to the next world cup. Either way, Dido, Viva Hrvatska

As you should be, Croatia played a hell of a tournament.

I do feel a little bad for Morocco because I cant say enough good things about that team, that is a 'feel good story' of a tournament team. They played with heart and grit and I think its fair for them to feel that they got jobbed a bit on some calls, but nothing too egregious.

In reality Morocco were always going to be in tough against the big, experienced teams when the rubber really hits the road in a tournament like this, but at the end of the day both Croatia and Morocco really acquitted themselves very well and they can be proud of their performance.

I do sympathize that Modric doesnt get to add an international title to his trophy cabinet, that guy is pure class.

[GirlySports]

So who's with me and the French tomorrow?

[Senator Clay Davis]

I just want a good final and not a conservative snoozefest. Feels like an early Argentina goal is the best path to that, France have packed it in with their leads in the last two matches, not that I can blame them when you can counter with Mbappe.

[Yoho]

https://twitter.com/user/status/1604299328591466497

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Yoho

https://twitter.com/user/status/1604299328591466497

Ugh...not directed at you but....don't glorify the stadiums.

Screw that nonsense.

People want to talk about the teams, the stakes, the circumstances and the upsets or the amazing plays? Fine. Fill your boots.

But don't glorify the goddamned stadiums.

They are monuments to bribery, corruption, preposterous decadence, slavery and death.

I know we have to pick our battles with this World Cup and mine is...don't slobber over the stadiums.

[Slanter]

^^^^

I haven't watched a ton of coverage, but I feel like tsn has done a good job of this.

A formative part of my youth was the 98 Nagano Olympics. CBC would do these vignettes where they would tell you about Japanese culture, the venues, etc. I really grew to like Japan. I've traveled there, I work with Japanese colleagues now, I have Japanese friends. I feel like that's what a country wants to get out of hosting these things.

But this World Cup could have been held in any generic stadiums anywhere, for all I've heard about them. I've learned nothing about Qatar from the broadcasts, and everything from the critical media pieces removed from the coverage itself.

I think tsn has done a great job of bringing us the matches, without being propaganda for qatar. Well done.