World Cup 2022

[mosto]

This is the only true World Cup.

One where it takes years to qualify. When sides like Italy don't even make it.

And frankly, Australia don't deserve to be there.

France really showed us up this morning big time.

Nor does Tunisia it seems

 

[Hibyemama]

I just find soccer extremely boring. Rugby League is the best.

 

[G-land Express]

Good goal by keppie

 

[Budgie]

I just find soccer extremely boring. Rugby League is the best.

Once every four years, I LOVE it!

 

[simon64]

Nor does Tunisia it seems

No they don't. If it were the best 32 teams in the world.
But it's not. If it were, the competition would be pretty much all European and South American teams.
All the federations get a chance depending on the strength of the region.
That's why Oceania only get 0.5 of a slot. Because it's pretty much made up of rubbish teams like the Solomon Islands. NZ win every time but they struggle to beat the 5th ranked South American team so they don't qualify mostly.

If Australia jag a draw against Denmark and somehow come second in the group, there's a good chance they would play Saudi Arabia after they upset Argentina. Not an unwinnable game. Australia might actually be in the last 8 if the cards fall the right way.

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

Australia is currently paying $326 to win the World Cup.
(gamble responsibly)

 

[PONTIAN SEA EAGLE]

There were more celebrations in penrith when they won the nrl grand final Than when australia won the world cup.That’s how much interest there is in a rugby league world cup.I’d rather have a manly premiership win.

 

[rj90]

That's why Oceania only get 0.5 of a slot. Because it's pretty much made up of rubbish teams like the Solomon Islands. NZ win every time but they struggle to beat the 5th ranked South American team so they don't qualify mostly.

Interestingly, NZ all but guaranteed a spot in the World Cup from 2026 onwards with Oceania being granted 1.3 spots once the World Cup expands to 48 teams (way too many).

 

[simon64]

Interestingly, NZ all but guaranteed a spot in the World Cup from 2026 onwards with Oceania being granted 1.3 spots once the World Cup expands to 48 teams (way too many).

Way too many. But as usual, it's all about the dollars.

Otherwise, how else would a country like Qatar ever be the host ? Couldn't even begin to imagine how much they tipped in to FIFA's coffers to allow them to not only host it but move it to November. All while having antiquated laws about homosexuality and treating women like possessions.

Oh well. I'm just going to enjoy the football.

 

[Dinga7]

Go Croatia and The Aussies of Course

 

[lsz]

Firstly as left wokest (not sure of the terminology that is applied here but you get the sense) I am horrified that the cup is Qatar for a number of reasons.

But good lord I love football and what a cup so far! Early rounds are always great

 

[The '47ers]

Serbia v Cameroon was a good game, had a bit of everything!

 

[Budgie]

Andrew Voss and, for that matter, most League commentators could learn a lot from the soccer commentators. Less is best and just call the bloody game.

 

[cc eagle]

Serbia v Cameroon was a good game, had a bit of everything!

Sure was, enjoyable to watch, I was thinking of going to bed at 3-1 to the Serbs, then VAR got involved, it usually disallows goals but this time got it right for both goals to Cameroon.

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

Andrew Voss and, for that matter, most League commentators could learn a lot from the soccer commentators. Less is best and just call the bloody game.

It’s the embellishment that goes on during a game that annoys me, I just don’t get why they can’t just call the game.

They can leave the bull**** to the half time twits , where we can at least tune out of we don’t want to listen.

And the obvious favouritism that some show to certain clubs , again that’s fine during the pre game , half time , or full time twaddle but shouldn’t appear during games.

 

[Tragic Eagle]

I find Voss a pain to listen to. Ray Warren was the best by a country mile.

 

[manly al]

Does the English side take in Scottish , Welsh and Nth Ireland players as well or are they independent entities in trying to qualify , Well especially Scotland

 

[manly al]

Dutch usually go well , have not been following that closely and not sure how they are going. Then Italy did not even qualify apparently so results could be all over the place and especially with some of the emerging African countries . Odds of a South American side being finalists or eventual winners must be pretty high but Croatia could be one to watch from some reports

 

[cc eagle]

Does the English side take in Scottish , Welsh and Nth Ireland players as well or are they independent entities in trying to qualify , Well especially Scotland

All UK teams are independant, they join together for the Olympics

 

[lsz]

Dutch usually go well , have not been following that closely and not sure how they are going. Then Italy did not even qualify apparently so results could be all over the place and especially with some of the emerging African countries . Odds of a South American side being finalists or eventual winners must be pretty high but Croatia could be one to watch from some reports

Croatia are a good team but the difference in this world cup compared to others is that it is shorter.

Typically you have 5 days between games, here you are having 3 which means your depth and the age of your squad comes into play.

Croatia (and a few others) have great starting 11's but they are not a young team. Modric is a phenom and the heart beat of their team but he is 37 playing in some pretty extreme conditions (even with the aircon) which will count in the later games.

All that who knows! which is the great thing about the cup.