MiZery said:

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I'd like to remind everyone that the USA outplayed Germany for half the match last week

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That's a matter of opinion.
I posted my contrary opinion previously.

dajo9 said:

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Does anybody else consistently punch above their weight like the Netherlands? I'm not talking about Portugal which has been boosted by a generational player. I'm talking about the Netherlands always being in the mix without a player Americans can recognize. Any other country pull that off?

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I recognize this guy!

dajo9 said:

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dajo9 said:

---

Does anybody else consistently punch above their weight like the Netherlands? I'm not talking about Portugal which has been boosted by a generational player. I'm talking about the Netherlands always being in the mix without a player Americans can recognize. Any other country pull that off?

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I jinxed them

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You did.

sycasey said:

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dajo9 said:

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Does anybody else consistently punch above their weight like the Netherlands? I'm not talking about Portugal which has been boosted by a generational player. I'm talking about the Netherlands always being in the mix without a player Americans can recognize. Any other country pull that off?

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I definitely recognized Arjen Robben when he was around.

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Who could miss him?

dajo9 said:

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sycasey said:

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Anyway, I love the random colors that some countries choose for their sports uniforms. Netherlands wears orange and Japan wears blue, despite those colors not being on their national flags at all.

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Netherlands has always worn orange. I think it has something to do with William of Orange or something. Like Italy wearing blue because of Savoy.

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I think for these European countries it tends to go back to some older family flag or coat of arms or something, yeah.

Then you've got Australia always in green & yellow and New Zealand in black & white, despite the national flags carrying the British colors (red/white/blue) over.

sycasey said:

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dajo9 said:

---

sycasey said:

---

Anyway, I love the random colors that some countries choose for their sports uniforms. Netherlands wears orange and Japan wears blue, despite those colors not being on their national flags at all.

---

Netherlands has always worn orange. I think it has something to do with William of Orange or something. Like Italy wearing blue because of Savoy.

---

I think for these European countries it tends to go back to some older family flag or coat of arms or something, yeah.

Then you've got Australia always in green & yellow and New Zealand in black & white, despite the national flags carrying the British colors (red/white/blue) over.

---

I just learned that Australia wears green and yellow because of the national floral emblem, the golden wattle. They started the color changing as far back as the 1890s.

Australia can kiss my blue and gold ass. Unlikely, but I'd love to get our second consecutive 4-1 against them.

concordtom said:

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sluggo said:

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Australia beat Turkiye 2-0 last night. Which makes the USA-Australia game on Friday even bigger. I watched the first ten minutes (I am dvring every game) and found it boring and looked up the score. Anyone have any insights?

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I just finished watching.
It was amazing. Australia played a low block the entire game and when I say low I'm talking LOW.
Turkey had 30 shots. The back line of Australia was often at the pk spot or even at the 6. Turkey had the ball inside the 18 all night long.

Australia has two very fast strikers. Both black guys that are apparently immigrants who grew up together in Melbourne or Perth or something. Little dude is built like frank gore or Barry sanders, 20 years old, and made a great fast break goal to open it up and stun everyone. Look it up. Last name starts with A.

The taller guy had some runs later that showed speed, too. Last name starts with T.

The second goal was a strike from far out tucked into the corner er as Turner was backing up with too many upfield and nobody stopping the ball, late second half.

It should be a fun shooting gallery for USMNT, though I think the little dude could run past anytime but Antonee. They might want to think that through.

Australia would block and punt and he'd chase 1 vs 2. If that's against Tim Ream, danger.

I was definitely entertained!


Depending on results in round 2, we could have first place locked up before game 3.
That would be unbelievable!!!
Goal differential could be huge.

Let's light up Australia and play more of the bench. I was disappointed that Pochettino didn't go to our bench 20 minutes sooner.

If we win group, we get a weak 3rd place team and should roll into the second round knockout game healthy and we rotated (deep).

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I think we're in a group where the winner gets a runner-up. Not ideal.

BearlySane88 said:

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sycasey said:

---

dajo9 said:

---

sycasey said:

---

Anyway, I love the random colors that some countries choose for their sports uniforms. Netherlands wears orange and Japan wears blue, despite those colors not being on their national flags at all.

---

Netherlands has always worn orange. I think it has something to do with William of Orange or something. Like Italy wearing blue because of Savoy.

---

I think for these European countries it tends to go back to some older family flag or coat of arms or something, yeah.

Then you've got Australia always in green & yellow and New Zealand in black & white, despite the national flags carrying the British colors (red/white/blue) over.

---

I just learned that Australia wears green and yellow because of the national floral emblem, the golden wattle. They started the color changing as far back as the 1890s.

---

Yeah and for New Zealand the black & white (or silver) seems to be an important Maori thing.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_colours_of_New_Zealand

In the obscure corner of twitter that follows the USMNT, there are casuals and sickos. I have been a sicko for 36 years, soaking up as much as I can since the US played in the WC in 1990, the first time it had played in the Cup in my lifetime. Since I believe many of you are casuals (no insult intended), I thought it might be interesting to learn more about the starting lineup. The is all in my from my head, CT or others can check me with AI if they choose. Except AI is sometimes wrong (Balogun is Nigerian, not Ghanaian) and lacks wit.

Goalie: Matt Freese. One of the two starters to go to college, the other being Tim Ream. Went to Harvard. Announcer said he wrote an honors paper (or whatever) about stopping penalty kicks. From my perspective Poch took him from obscurity to starter, obscurity since I don't watch MLS. Matt Turner had been the starter for like four years. But Turner had lost his confidence and started playing poorly and Poch saw a change was needed. Freese rarely blunders, and I have never seen him lose his confidence. Also, with teams crashing the goal on corners, it is nice to have a goalie built like a linebacker.

Left back: Jedi Robinson. Grew up in the England system. Used to be a weak 1-v-1 defender, but has improved a lot. NFL level athlete, very fast and strong. Was considered one of the best left backs in the world before getting injured a couple years ago. Looks to be back at a high level. Does amazing gymnastics when he scores.

Left center back: Tim Ream. His story is so strange. He was always a good player after playing four years (I think) at St. Louis U (I think). To me he seemed just good enough that he might get a shot that I did not want him to get. If he made a WC team before 2022, he did not get playing time. But around 2020 his Fulham team got promoted to the premier league and he started to get national team minutes. And he was good, very good. He had developed into one of the best passing center backs in the world. And while he was not fast, he was quick and fearless. He became a WC starter for the first time in 2022 at 34 or 35. And he played well, although there were times his lack of speed hurt him. But he obviously was not going to play in the next WC given his age, right? Well, no one told him that. He came back to MLS last year, but he still has no challengers at LCB position right now. Austin Trusty, his backup, is not a strong player. USMNT Twitter said he was washed, but he did not look bad at all against Paraguay.

Right center back: Chris Richards. Father was a professional basketball player in Europe. Moved from Alabama to Dallas as a teenager to get better competition. At 18 went to Germany instead of MLS. After a few years moved to Crystal Palace, where he is now their best center defender. Should have a long career in England. He used to daydream a bit on the field, but he seems locked in now. Has great jumping ability, but his speed is just okay.

Left back: Alex Freeman. Kind of came out of nowhere even more than Freese. Only became a starter in Orlando like a year ago, which was about when he joined the national team. Did not play on junior national teams like U17 and U20 and was thought to be headed to the U23s (also known as the Olympic team). But he became too damn good. Can just slide by two or three players on offense and never seems to get tired. His only weakness, in my opinion, is that his 1-v-1 defending is not great. At 6'3'' I think his future should be as a center back, not an outside back, especially since the US is so weak at center back. His father was Antonio Freeman of the Packers. I don't think he is as dynamic an athlete as his father, but I think he is as fast and as strong as his father. At 21 still (I think), his future is incredibly bright. He is playing at a weaker top level Spanish league team but I think he is good enough for Atletico Madrid, and maybe even FC Barcelona or Real Madrid.

Defensive midfielder 1: Malik Tillman. Grew up in the German system. Was a rising star in the Bayern Munich youth system before tearing his knee and losing some of his glamor. Moved to PSV, the current best team in the Netherlands, where Dest and Pepi still play. Came back to Germany for about 40 million to play for Bayer Leverkusen. Then was benched. Attitude is sometimes questioned, but maybe that is because he makes everything look easy. Seems to have found a niche at this more defensive position.

Defensive midfielder 2: Tyler Adams. I don't like him. He is short and has little skill. While his bread-and-butter is covering a lot of ground and making tackles, he gets caught ball watching too much. The Paraguay goal was when he was beaten on a header and then ball watched. It was not all his fault, but like usual, it was somewhat his fault, as were the two goals against Germany. Signed with Red Bull NY but lived two or three hours away; his mom drove him endless hours to and from practice. Played briefly in MLS and then moved to Germany and then England. Now is a starter for Bournemouth in the premier league. The US will grow past him by 2030. I think in the elimination round they should bring in Reyna to replace him.

Attacking midfielder: Weston McKennie. Army brat who learned to play in elementary school in Germany. Grew up in Dallas (I think) and played for FC Dallas youth teams. Broke their hearts by signing in Germany when he was 18 instead of MLS. Then moved to Juventus, which was the top team in Italy but is no longer. For 3 or 4 years they would bench him to start the season and ask his agent to find another team. He would bide his team until he was given a chance and become a starter. In the last year or two has become a star. I think he is one of the 50 best players in the world. His dating life is tabloid fare in Italy. He was once suspended from the USMNT for either going out to see a woman or bringing one in, I can' remember. Wears fancy clothes and would be a pop celebrity in most other countries. I think he could have played in the NFL, a quietly great athlete.

Left wing: Christian Pusilic. Went to Germany to play for Borussia Dortmund at 16 (would have had to wait until 18 but had European grandparents). Broke into the first team at 17. At around 20 made a big money move to Chelsea. Won the Champions League with Chelsea, then got benched for a couple years. Moved to AC Milan. Is very up and down but looks to be in magnificent form right now. A little like Landon Donovan in his reluctance to be in the spotlight. Unlike Landon, has done great in Europe.

Right wing: Sergino Dest. Grew up in the Dutch system. Was known as a street baller when he was young. Soccer street ball is played on cement and rewards tricks as much as success, a little like street basketball. Went from Ajax in the Netherlands, to a brief starting role with FC Barcelona, where he was not good enough, and back to PSV in the Netherlands. Has just come back from injury in the last few months. Usually an outside back, Poch gave him Tim Weah's starting position at right wing. I like Dest+Freeman better than Weah+Dest.

Striker: Folarin Balogun. Grew up in the English system with Arsenal. Not quite good enough for the Arsenal first team so has made his way in France, now with Monaco. Has Nigerian immigrant parents, could have played for them. He is a very good finisher with both feet and not bad with his head. Though he is undersized for a striker, he makes up for it with very good movement. Also an excellent passer for a striker. Can get neutralized by large center backs. The US wanted him for years before he decided to play with them a couple years ago. I think he is the best USMNT striker ever.

Coach: Poch. I think he played in one WC for Argentina as a center back. Known more as a vibes coach than an innovative strategist, I think he has gotten the strategy right so far. Really spread Paraguay out because the US has way more speed. Took Tottenham to the finals of the Champions League. First USMNT coach that I think is above replacement level, the others I think were below replacement level. Will be gone the day after the WC, I hope someone of his stature will replace him. I worry it will be another crappy American.

If anyone is still reading, I told you I was a sicko.

Big C said:

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Australia can kiss my blue and gold ass. Unlikely, but I'd love to get our second consecutive 4-1 against them.

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Europeans discovering America is some of the best content of the internet right now: pic.twitter.com/4iOREgOGzM

— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) June 14, 2026

Check out these Aussies, Euros, (and Brits) discovering America.

concordtom said:

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dajo9 said:

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dajo9 said:

---

Does anybody else consistently punch above their weight like the Netherlands? I'm not talking about Portugal which has been boosted by a generational player. I'm talking about the Netherlands always being in the mix without a player Americans can recognize. Any other country pull that off?

---

I jinxed them

---

You did.

---

In the last World Cup, Japan was down after halftime and scored two second half goals in games against both Spain and Germany.

You can tell just how awful the global Legacy Media is by seeing the shock of visiting World Cup fans when they discover how awesome America actually is in real life.

Lying to the World.

The Legacy Media is the enemy of the People.

— C3 (@C_3C_3) June 14, 2026

People that hate America: “Nobody will want to travel to the US for the World Cup and their terrible stadiums will be empty.”

Reality: pic.twitter.com/U5QmMciebV

— Gain of Fauci (@DschlopesIsBack) June 14, 2026

sluggo said:

---

In the obscure corner of twitter that follows the USMNT, there are casuals and sickos. I have been a sicko for 36 years, soaking up as much as I can since the US played in the WC in 1990, the first time it had played in the Cup in my lifetime. Since I believe many of you are casuals (no insult intended), I thought it might be interesting to learn more about the starting lineup. The is all in my from my head, CT or others can check me with AI if they choose. Except AI is sometimes wrong (Balogun is Nigerian, not Ghanaian) and lacks wit.

Goalie: Matt Freese. One of the two starters to go to college, the other being Tim Ream. Went to Harvard. Announcer said he wrote an honors paper (or whatever) about stopping penalty kicks. From my perspective Poch took him from obscurity to starter, obscurity since I don't watch MLS. Matt Turner had been the starter for like four years. But Turner had lost his confidence and started playing poorly and Poch saw a change was needed. Freese rarely blunders, and I have never seen him lose his confidence. Also, with teams crashing the goal on corners, it is nice to have a goalie built like a linebacker.

Left back: Jedi Robinson. Grew up in the England system. Used to be a weak 1-v-1 defender, but has improved a lot. NFL level athlete, very fast and strong. Was considered one of the best left backs in the world before getting injured a couple years ago. Looks to be back at a high level. Does amazing gymnastics when he scores.

Left center back: Tim Ream. His story is so strange. He was always a good player after playing four years (I think) at St. Louis U (I think). To me he seemed just good enough that he might get a shot that I did not want him to get. If he made a WC team before 2022, he did not get playing time. But around 2020 his Fulham team got promoted to the premier league and he started to get national team minutes. And he was good, very good. He had developed into one of the best passing center backs in the world. And while he was not fast, he was quick and fearless. He became a WC starter for the first time in 2022 at 34 or 35. And he played well, although there were times his lack of speed hurt him. But he obviously was not going to play in the next WC given his age, right? Well, no one told him that. He came back to MLS last year, but he still has no challengers at LCB position right now. Austin Trusty, his backup, is not a strong player. USMNT Twitter said he was washed, but he did not look bad at all against Paraguay.

Right center back: Chris Richards. Father was a professional basketball player in Europe. Moved from Alabama to Dallas as a teenager to get better competition. At 18 went to Germany instead of MLS. After a few years moved to Crystal Palace, where he is now their best center defender. Should have a long career in England. He used to daydream a bit on the field, but he seems locked in now. Has great jumping ability, but his speed is just okay.

Left back: Alex Freeman. Kind of came out of nowhere even more than Freese. Only became a starter in Orlando like a year ago, which was about when he joined the national team. Did not play on junior national teams like U17 and U20 and was thought to be headed to the U23s (also known as the Olympic team). But he became too damn good. Can just slide by two or three players on offense and never seems to get tired. His only weakness, in my opinion, is that his 1-v-1 defending is not great. At 6'3'' I think his future should be as a center back, not an outside back, especially since the US is so weak at center back. His father was Antonio Freeman of the Packers. I don't think he is as dynamic an athlete as his father, but I think he is as fast and as strong as his father. At 21 still (I think), his future is incredibly bright. He is playing at a weaker top level Spanish league team but I think he is good enough for Atletico Madrid, and maybe even FC Barcelona or Real Madrid.

Defensive midfielder 1: Malik Tillman. Grew up in the German system. Was a rising star in the Bayern Munich youth system before tearing his knee and losing some of his glamor. Moved to PSV, the current best team in the Netherlands, where Dest and Pepi still play. Came back to Germany for about 40 million to play for Bayer Leverkusen. Then was benched. Attitude is sometimes questioned, but maybe that is because he makes everything look easy. Seems to have found a niche at this more defensive position.

Defensive midfielder 2: Tyler Adams. I don't like him. He is short and has little skill. While his bread-and-butter is covering a lot of ground and making tackles, he gets caught ball watching too much. The Paraguay goal was when he was beaten on a header and then ball watched. It was not all his fault, but like usual, it was somewhat his fault, as were the two goals against Germany. Signed with Red Bull NY but lived two or three hours away; his mom drove him endless hours to and from practice. Played briefly in MLS and then moved to Germany and then England. Now is a starter for Bournemouth in the premier league. The US will grow past him by 2030. I think in the elimination round they should bring in Reyna to replace him.

Attacking midfielder: Weston McKennie. Army brat who learned to play in elementary school in Germany. Grew up in Dallas (I think) and played for FC Dallas youth teams. Broke their hearts by signing in Germany when he was 18 instead of MLS. Then moved to Juventus, which was the top team in Italy but is no longer. For 3 or 4 years they would bench him to start the season and ask his agent to find another team. He would bide his team until he was given a chance and become a starter. In the last year or two has become a star. I think he is one of the 50 best players in the world. His dating life is tabloid fare in Italy. He was once suspended from the USMNT for either going out to see a woman or bringing one in, I can' remember. Wears fancy clothes and would be a pop celebrity in most other countries. I think he could have played in the NFL, a quietly great athlete.

Left wing: Christian Pusilic. Went to Germany to play for Borussia Dortmund at 16 (would have had to wait until 18 but had European grandparents). Broke into the first team at 17. At around 20 made a big money move to Chelsea. Won the Champions League with Chelsea, then got benched for a couple years. Moved to AC Milan. Is very up and down but looks to be in magnificent form right now. A little like Landon Donovan in his reluctance to be in the spotlight. Unlike Landon, has done great in Europe.

Right wing: Sergino Dest. Grew up in the Dutch system. Was known as a street baller when he was young. Soccer street ball is played on cement and rewards tricks as much as success, a little like street basketball. Went from Ajax in the Netherlands, to a brief starting role with FC Barcelona, where he was not good enough, and back to PSV in the Netherlands. Has just come back from injury in the last few months. Usually an outside back, Poch gave him Tim Weah's starting position at right wing. I like Dest+Freeman better than Weah+Dest.

Striker: Folarin Balogun. Grew up in the English system with Arsenal. Not quite good enough for the Arsenal first team so has made his way in France, now with Monaco. Has Nigerian immigrant parents, could have played for them. He is a very good finisher with both feet and not bad with his head. Though he is undersized for a striker, he makes up for it with very good movement. Also an excellent passer for a striker. Can get neutralized by large center backs. The US wanted him for years before he decided to play with them a couple years ago. I think he is the best USMNT striker ever.

Coach: Poch. I think he played in one WC for Argentina as a center back. Known more as a vibes coach than an innovative strategist, I think he has gotten the strategy right so far. Really spread Paraguay out because the US has way more speed. Took Tottenham to the finals of the Champions League. First USMNT coach that I think is above replacement level, the others I think were below replacement level. Will be gone the day after the WC, I hope someone of his stature will replace him. I worry it will be another crappy American.

If anyone is still reading, I told you I was a sicko.

---

sicko stuff

Uruguay team plane held up in Cancun, their game scheduled this afternoon might be postponed. I can't recall this happening in any other World Cup.

🚨🇺🇾 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: The Uruguayan national team's plane was NOT allowed to head to the United States due to administrative issues, even though they play TOMORROW in Miami against Saudi Arabia

A new flight is set to take off in a few hours, but it's total chaos as Marcelo… pic.twitter.com/Q5U93bEbfM

— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) June 14, 2026

C'est la FIFA qui a oublié de solliciter à temps l'autorisation de voyage aux Etats-Unis pour le vol uruguayen 🇺🇾

Ca fait des années que je m'époumone à parler des dirigeants incompétents de la FIFA (sciemment mis à des postes importants pour garder un système sous contrôle) et… https://t.co/i96VJYfnUG

— Romain Molina (@Romain_Molina) June 14, 2026

" It's FIFA that forgot to request travel authorization to the United States in time for the Uruguayan flight

I've been shouting myself hoarse for years about FIFA's incompetent leaders (deliberately placed in key positions to keep a system under control), and now everyone can see just how massive a governance problem the world football governing body has...

In a normal world, Infantino and his clique should be gone after the World Cup given all the scandals, but with the COWARDICE and COMPROMISE of the federation presidents, it's just a pipe dream"

Big C said:

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Australia can kiss my blue and gold ass. Unlikely, but I'd love to get our second consecutive 4-1 against them.

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Hey they train and are staying in Oaktown at the Claremont. Their fans drink and eat a lot being descended from criminals. Got to support the local economy

Jameis Winston is having the time of his life with the Oranje Army 🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/LLvcCeXhuf

— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) June 14, 2026

Japan fans always clean up their section after the match and this time, they were joined by Jameis Winston pic.twitter.com/OjnOnzOHYU

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 14, 2026

The strange Kennedy legacy behind 'Sweet Caroline'

Predictions for today:

Spain 4-0. I predicted Germany would ease off yesterday but they kept rolling. I think Spain follows Mexico and cools off in the late game. Yamal will likely come on as a sub so maybe he gets a late goal.

Belgium 2-1 but this will be tight until the end. Egypt will have their chances.

Uruguay 2-0, Saudi Arabia keeps it close but Uruguay pulls away late. Uruguay is bolstered by their solid defense.

Iran 1-0. Travel restrictions make it a slower start for Iran but they score early in the second half and their tournament experience holds off New Zealand.

Dwight Way said:

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The strange Kennedy legacy behind 'Sweet Caroline'

---

sweet story, thanks (somehow familiar) stranger.

Seeing 5,000 Scottish fans bring a footie atmosphere to a baseball game is a sight to behold 😂 Doubt Fenway Park has ever heard anything like it 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 pic.twitter.com/EWGLOk2mm1

— Steve Dennis (@thestevedennis) June 15, 2026

Anarchistbear said:

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Seeing 5,000 Scottish fans bring a footie atmosphere to a baseball game is a sight to behold 😂 Doubt Fenway Park has ever heard anything like it 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 pic.twitter.com/EWGLOk2mm1

— Steve Dennis (@thestevedennis) June 15, 2026

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Pretty cool. The Scots are making a lasting impression.

sluggo said:

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If anyone is still reading, I told you I was a sicko.

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You get an Incomplete.
Will comment when you finish the roster.

Can Cape Verde hold on for one point against Spain? This would be a massive upset.

Cape Verde on the verge of the biggest upset of the tournament so far, holding Spain to a scoreless draw with time expiring.

Cape Verde has great music. Lots of them as well in New York and New England. I'm rooting for them to win it all.

Wow. One of the biggest World Cup upsets of all time

Anarchistbear said:

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Cape Verde has great music. Lots of them as well in New York and New England. I'm rooting for them to win it all.

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Rooting for them to advance with 2 more scoreless draws!

Whoa, this time we actually got an underperformace from a top European side. My theory is gaining steam!

sycasey said:

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Whoa, this time we actually got an underperformace from a top European side. My theory is gaining steam!

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What was your theory?

BearlySane88 said:

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Wow. One of the biggest World Cup upsets of all time

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It's not quite that big an upset, CV having eliminated Cameroun and dominated their group. Their team core plays in the Portuguese league, which is the 6th best domestic league in Europe.

concordtom said:

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sluggo said:

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If anyone is still reading, I told you I was a sicko.

---

You get an Incomplete.
Will comment when you finish the roster.

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Heehee. Will probably do when I get some down time. Right now I am rushing to finish my work to go on Thursday to Seattle for the game.

Cal88 said:

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BearlySane88 said:

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Wow. One of the biggest World Cup upsets of all time

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It's not quite that big an upset, CV having eliminated Cameroun and dominated their group. Their team core plays in the Portuguese league, which is the 6th best domestic league in Europe.

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I disagree. Spain went undefeated in qualifying, the reigning European Champion winning all seven games they played and are one of the favorites to win it all. Cape Verde was in their first ever WC match and 3rd smallest nation to ever qualify.