South America will never win another World Cup. They need to end the marathon World Cup Qualifying where they play 18 games compared to 10 for Europe. Factor in the 9 hour to 16 hours flights from their clubs in Europe and the 5 to 7 time zone change, most of the South American teams look gassed in the knockout rounds and have more injuries. South America has won only World Cup since the Bosman ruling in Mid 90s. Their is a lack of chemistry within Brazil and Argentina compared to the days of Maradona and Pele.

(07-06-2018 02:45 PM)aTxTIGER Wrote:  De Brunye can barely walk but you are taking out Lukaku?

Don't get that at all....

Hazard is tireless.

Felani is just a turnover waiting to happen.

(07-06-2018 02:18 PM)aTxTIGER Wrote:  Not a great few minutes for the ref....no yellow card for the Neymar dive in the box and no PK for the Kompany challenge.

Of course no PK for Kompany challenge, Europeans always get the calls against the South American teans, Uruguay were also denied a clear penalty!

Oh god that save

EURO 2018

(07-06-2018 02:56 PM)aTxTIGER Wrote:  EURO 2018

European Teams would struggle without their immigrant players from Africa, Middle East, and the Caribbean. Yet when those players don't win they suffer from racism such as Durmaz from Sweden, Akanji from Switzerland, Ozil, Gundogan, Boateng, and others players of color from Germany. If Trump and the right in Europe get their way then their football teams will definitely suffer. On another side our country could learn from Europe and integrate our Latin American and African immigrants into our soccer program.

Sweden vs England is going to be a dull game of Northern European Kickball according to one of the Telemundo commentators, Ha Ha!

(07-07-2018 09:14 AM)Loco Bearcat Wrote:  Sweden vs England is going to be a dull game of Northern European Kickball according to one of the Telemundo commentators, Ha Ha!

So far I would agree.

This is boring and headed to penalties at 0-0.

Or not.

England is going to get washed if they make it to the final.

(07-07-2018 09:49 AM)BrooklynRocket Wrote:  England is going to get washed if they make it to the final.

They and France are playing with house money. Both are really young teams who were expected to do well, but really are set up for the next cycle. Both are kind of pulling a Boston Celtics this year (with out the injuries).

(07-07-2018 09:55 AM)TU4ever Wrote:  

(07-07-2018 09:49 AM)BrooklynRocket Wrote:  England is going to get washed if they make it to the final.

They and France are playing with house money. Both are really young teams who were expected to do well, but really are set up for the next cycle. Both are kind of pulling a Boston Celtics this year (with out the injuries).

The time is now for France and England. You never know what the future holds with injuries or tough draws. England benefited with an easy draw plus Colombia were missing their star James Rodriguez and 2 other starters. France and England struggle in World Cups outside of Europe and the next 2 are outside of Europe.

(07-06-2018 02:51 PM)Loco Bearcat Wrote:  

(07-06-2018 02:18 PM)aTxTIGER Wrote:  Not a great few minutes for the ref....no yellow card for the Neymar dive in the box and no PK for the Kompany challenge.

Of course no PK for Kompany challenge, Europeans always get the calls against the South American teans, Uruguay were also denied a clear penalty!

I don't know what the American commentators said about it, but the BBC game announcers and studio crew blamed the no call for the ref on neymars recent antics, which they think also made the VR decide the evidence was not clear enough to give it. I tend to agree and hope it will be an example that puts an end to the way over acting of players, taking 8nto account it's still soccer.

It's Russia though and if you thought any of the non-europeans were going to get calls you don't know Putin.

Alright come on Croatia!

My guess is just like Putin doesn't get 90% in an "election" or kids missing answers on a test to prevent cheating accusations Russia bows out here.

(07-07-2018 11:03 AM)TU4ever Wrote:  Alright come on Croatia!

My guess is just like Putin doesn't get 90% in an "election" or kids missing answers on a test to prevent cheating accusations Russia bows out here.

My teams are out so I'm cheering for Real Madrid players so come on Croatia. Luka Modric is one of the best Midfielders in the World, plus he is a real footballer in that he is a great technical player and a winner despite being small!

I just saw some interesting stats..First time in World Cup History that Argentina, Brazil, and Germany All failed to reach the Semifinals. This will be the 2nd time that a World Cup Final will not have Argentina, Brazil, Germany, or Italy.

(07-07-2018 11:48 AM)Loco Bearcat Wrote:  

(07-07-2018 11:03 AM)TU4ever Wrote:  Alright come on Croatia!

My guess is just like Putin doesn't get 90% in an "election" or kids missing answers on a test to prevent cheating accusations Russia bows out here.

My teams are out so I'm cheering for Real Madrid players so come on Croatia. Luka Modric is one of the best Midfielders in the World, plus he is a real footballer in that he is a great technical player and a winner despite being small!

I just heard on Fox radio that World Cup USA ratings are down 42% from last World Cup including a 28% drop from matches not including the USA. The announcers pointed to general decline in TV ratings, time zone difference, lack of USA presence, and disinterest from American viewers. I was a bit surprised hearing the news from a Fox source since Fox is hyping the event.