2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar - Thread
- Thread starter Kilana2
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I'm not bubbling with excitement for the World Cup, but once it gets going, and if England do half-decent, I will probably pay it more attention. I'm not expecting much from us, especially since Southgate's decided to take the donkey that is Maguire (along with woefully under-fit players in the form of Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips, and the out-of-form Sterling). I don't see how Toney didn't get into the squad (he was involved in a betting scandal, but he's also the second-best English scorer in the Prem so far this season), and I fear Southgate will have us play too within ourselves.
The best I've seen out of England, in recent times, has been when we play attacking football. If we go for it, and fail, at least we can say we had a good go. If we play the timid, insipid football Southgate has had us play of late, we won't go anywhere. We're not technically gifted, and can't control a game at 1-0 up. We need to press, to push for a second goal, but I don't think Southgate will go for that.
As for predicting a winner, I think France will retain the trophy. Yes, the winner's curse would seem to a consideration, but I see so much quality in that French side. If not France, then it will be Brazil, or at a push, Argentina. The permutations might lead to a meeting of Brazil and Argentina in the semi-finals, along with a France/Germany semi-final. Any final from those semis would, on paper, be quite epic. Then again, it's a World Cup at an unusual time of year, coming literally a week after players have been playing for their clubs in Europe, so that throws in a wildcard element. It should make life interesting.
The best I've seen out of England, in recent times, has been when we play attacking football. If we go for it, and fail, at least we can say we had a good go. If we play the timid, insipid football Southgate has had us play of late, we won't go anywhere. We're not technically gifted, and can't control a game at 1-0 up. We need to press, to push for a second goal, but I don't think Southgate will go for that.
As for predicting a winner, I think France will retain the trophy. Yes, the winner's curse would seem to a consideration, but I see so much quality in that French side. If not France, then it will be Brazil, or at a push, Argentina. The permutations might lead to a meeting of Brazil and Argentina in the semi-finals, along with a France/Germany semi-final. Any final from those semis would, on paper, be quite epic. Then again, it's a World Cup at an unusual time of year, coming literally a week after players have been playing for their clubs in Europe, so that throws in a wildcard element. It should make life interesting.
Other day some rumours were going around of payments to Ecuador players from people linked to Qatar.
Now just saw this FIFA put on alert as football’s governing body have been warned about an unusually high number of penalties being awarded to the hosts in behind-closed-doors games leading up to the World Cup.
Hopefully it's all bogus BS but this World Cup stinks. I don't trust Qatar not bribing their way out of the group. They could face England in the last 16 too.
Now just saw this FIFA put on alert as football’s governing body have been warned about an unusually high number of penalties being awarded to the hosts in behind-closed-doors games leading up to the World Cup.
Hopefully it's all bogus BS but this World Cup stinks. I don't trust Qatar not bribing their way out of the group. They could face England in the last 16 too.
It is a struggle to get into it, normally im buzzing and have my England flag up, but just cant get into it. Hopefully i will.
Its the time of year and location. We all have our views on if it was a fair selection process of course.
Its said 6500 migrant workers have died in Qatar since the world cup bid but apparently thats ok as they arent all related directly to the world cup bid. Whether you agree with alcohol sales at stadiums or not banning it 2 days before the tournament starts after its been agreed previously is just an indication of what might come next, will promises of acceptance of gay people for example be rescinded?
Anyway, i hope England win but i dont feel the form has been good enough of late.
Its the time of year and location. We all have our views on if it was a fair selection process of course.
Its said 6500 migrant workers have died in Qatar since the world cup bid but apparently thats ok as they arent all related directly to the world cup bid. Whether you agree with alcohol sales at stadiums or not banning it 2 days before the tournament starts after its been agreed previously is just an indication of what might come next, will promises of acceptance of gay people for example be rescinded?
Anyway, i hope England win but i dont feel the form has been good enough of late.
Qatar reportedly spent 200 billion U.S dollars for this World Cup. That is hell alot of money spent just to host an sporting event that last one month.
I can imagine doing better things with that money like helping out folks in Syria and Afghanistan which happen to be in the neighborhood.
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/nov/14/qatar-world-cup-200-billion-dollar-gamble
I am okay with the Alcohol ban. I have seen plenty of unruly football fans before. Hell, the first time that i ever went to watch a soccer match at a stadium, a riot almost broke out as the visiting team was pelted with plastic water bottles and were verbally abused by the home fans just because the home team had lost. None of the fans were drunk but imagine if they were. It would haven been alot worse.
I can imagine doing better things with that money like helping out folks in Syria and Afghanistan which happen to be in the neighborhood.
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/nov/14/qatar-world-cup-200-billion-dollar-gamble
I am okay with the Alcohol ban. I have seen plenty of unruly football fans before. Hell, the first time that i ever went to watch a soccer match at a stadium, a riot almost broke out as the visiting team was pelted with plastic water bottles and were verbally abused by the home fans just because the home team had lost. None of the fans were drunk but imagine if they were. It would haven been alot worse.
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I have no issue with an alcohol ban, but its the way its done, why ban it 2 days before the tournament is due to start, its smacks of back tracking on promises made, what other promises will be broken.
The mentality though of some football fans (it's football not soccer
), is ridiculous, I'm a regular at watching football and it is sad to see, hopefully the fans can demonstrate how good the majority of fans can be as its always the noisy minority who get the headlines.
The mentality though of some football fans (it's football not soccer
), is ridiculous, I'm a regular at watching football and it is sad to see, hopefully the fans can demonstrate how good the majority of fans can be as its always the noisy minority who get the headlines.
Devastating, I’m sure.
Unfortunately, the reality of a mid season WC. England had many injuries too. Praying my Gunners stay uninjured.
I'm going for 3 2 to Qatar
I know, it was tongue in cheek but after the offside ruling who knowsThen three to go for Qatar......
Fifa have banned the one love arm band. What an horrific organisation they are.
Of course they have. They were never going to allow even as small a demonstration of solidarity as that. Wearing it anyway would likely result in an immediate booking, too. How pathetic.
It's remarkable - in a dismal sort of way - that they continue to find new depths to plumb. That Qatar ever got the event was bad enough, but their attempts to defend / justify the choice continue to boggle the mind (Infantino's...err...speech the other day was...err...something in and of itself. The thing about fish rotting from the head continues to apply).
Edit: Typo.
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I suppose at least those allegations of Ecuador being bribed by Qatar can be put to rest now.
no, just the var team for that awful offside call
Quark didn't arrive at Earth in time to manipulate the tournament to anyone's favor.
Being Dutch, of course I support the Dutch team.
Even so, I'm ambivalent about them playing in this tournament.
Even so, I'm ambivalent about them playing in this tournament.