World Cup
- Thread starter HawkGold
- Start date
kicker22
Well-Known Member
Fun weekend. The only real surprise outside of the possible murder of a damn good journalist was Brazil's early exit as I really thought they had the best chances to win it all and, of course, Kane missing the PK that would have sent them extra time. The way this tourney's played out nothing really truly shocks me anymore.
Don't sleep on Morocco. They're a very disciplined team that is incredibly well organized and does a fantastic job playing like they have an extra man on the field with the way they position themselves and fill gaps. While definitely not the favorite by any means I wouldn't be shocked to see them advance to the final or possibly win it.
Don't sleep on Morocco. They're a very disciplined team that is incredibly well organized and does a fantastic job playing like they have an extra man on the field with the way they position themselves and fill gaps. While definitely not the favorite by any means I wouldn't be shocked to see them advance to the final or possibly win it.
MelroseHawkins
Well-Known Member
I may be out of the loop. Are you telling me that a murder might be linked to that journalist's death. I did catch wind of a journalist passing over there but did not hear of those rumors.
kicker22
Well-Known Member
There was speculation that foul play may have been involved in the death of Grant Wahl, however that was put to rest when it was announced that he'd died of an aortic aneurism.
MelroseHawkins
Well-Known Member
I guess there have been 3 journalists or media deaths now?
kicker22
Well-Known Member
Didn't hear of the third, only knew of 2, but know very little. I was a big Grant Wahl fan so that one hurt and then I read about the other when reading comments regarding an article that mentioned foul play may have been involved.
MelroseHawkins
Well-Known Member
It is different at other places, that is for sure. Wow!
racerhawk
Well-Known Member
I think we are all limited by our culture and perspective. I agree with you about soccer, but if I grew up with it I would likely love it (as most of the world does, and it's massively popular).
Baseball, by contrast is very American and not played by all of these countries. I grew up with baseball, but to be honest, it's mind numbingly boring to most people. Players are basically standing and waiting most of the game. It's slow. Not much scoring. But.... if you grew up with it, and appreciate the "game of inches" it's interesting. But to most of the world, I'm sure it's boring as hell. Depends upon perspective. My perspective is that it was more fun to play than watch. It's a good kid's game.
I used to find hockey unbelievably boring because I didn't grow up with it. My wife's brothers played for Boston College and I got to go to a few frozen fours and saw them win a natty. Also partied with them all night after that win. I really like watching hockey now, because I learned about it.
thedukeofearl
Well-Known Member
I never watched it at all, never considered it
Until I watched the USA women during the 1999 World Cup when they were getting a ton of press
The way they played was an eye-opener
They were extremely aggressive and immediately on the attack and won the World Cup
At the time my son and daughter were playing in a middle school league so I had developed
an understanding of the game, by necessity
Ever since then I watched the USA women playing international soccer
Perhaps the best sports play I have ever seen was Megan Rapino's pass to Abby Wambach in the
World Cup against Brazil with mere seconds on the clock, behind by One
Abby Wambach Goal - World Cup 2011
USA vs BRA - World Cup 2011 Quarterfinals.Megan Rapinoe crossed an amazing ball to Abby Wambach in the 122nd minute of extra time to tie the game at 2-2. US...
www.youtube.com
kicker22
Well-Known Member
One hell of a tournament marked by one of the best finals I've ever seen. Not a Argentina or France fan, but to see Mbappe at the age of 23 (who could be in the future GOAT conversations in 10+ years) square off against Messi who is arguably the GOAT now was a spectacle and the performances both put on was amazing. The game aside was equally fantastic. To see Mbappe win the golden boot and Messi win his coveted title in penalties was fantastic. What a tourney. Now the count down to hosting 2026 begins and I can't wait.
MelroseHawkins
Well-Known Member
I actually watched it with my fam Saturday morning. It was a pretty exciting match. Honestly, it seemed to have many more exciting plays than when watching the US match. Maybe the US is just that far behind but the Argentina vs France match had some tense moments with plays.
kicker22
Well-Known Member
As you said a lot of it is style of play, but a great deal of it was the intensity level and France playing from behind most the match and the urgency involved. The first half definitely had a much slower pace to it. Second half France was forced to be more aggressive and as a result not only played with more tempo, but also pushed more players up allowing Argentina opportunities for the counter attack which really opened things up. The two 15 minute overtime sessions were just two teams absolutely getting after it, because TBH no one wants a game to go to penalties.
