BearlySane88 said:

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Anarchistbear said:

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BearlySane88 said:

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🚨JUST IN: Iran wants FIFA to prevent any “ceremonies or promotional activities” in support of the LGBTQ community

Seattle’s local World Cup host committee has designated the upcoming game between Iran and Egypt a “Pride Match” pic.twitter.com/G3he27H1i7

— Polymarket Sports (@PolymarketSport) June 25, 2026

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Not just Iran, Egypt complained as well

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Can't wait to see how certain people spin this.

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We have no problem guessing how certain hall monitors will spin it.

Anarchistbear said:

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BearlySane88 said:

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🚨JUST IN: Iran wants FIFA to prevent any “ceremonies or promotional activities” in support of the LGBTQ community

Seattle’s local World Cup host committee has designated the upcoming game between Iran and Egypt a “Pride Match” pic.twitter.com/G3he27H1i7

— Polymarket Sports (@PolymarketSport) June 25, 2026

---

Not just Iran, Egypt complained as well

---

Every African nation is going to oppose this, as would every Asian country except for Taiwan maybe. Wouldn't play well in many eastern European countries either.

Pulisic will likely sub in. He is available.

Our agency was told ahead of time that any references to FIFA, World Cup and especially FIFA World Cup in public statements were verboten, not that we had much involvement with the World Cup. Copyright issues supposedly. Referring to Special Events is OK. I've heard second hand that other agencies aren't touching Pride Match with a 10 foot erect pole.

Turkey made 7 changes. A lot.

Advantage USA

Cal88 said:

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Anarchistbear said:

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BearlySane88 said:

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🚨JUST IN: Iran wants FIFA to prevent any “ceremonies or promotional activities” in support of the LGBTQ community

Seattle’s local World Cup host committee has designated the upcoming game between Iran and Egypt a “Pride Match” pic.twitter.com/G3he27H1i7

— Polymarket Sports (@PolymarketSport) June 25, 2026

---

Not just Iran, Egypt complained as well

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Every African nation is going to oppose this, as would every Asian country except for Taiwan maybe. Wouldn't play well in many eastern European countries either.

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What's the thought process around which games are scheduled in which cities?

Goal tonight is to test players, build momentum ad avoid injuries and cards.

Eastern Oregon Bear said:

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Our agency was told ahead of time that any references to FIFA, World Cup and especially FIFA World Cup in public statements were verboten, not that we had much involvement with the World Cup. Copyright issues supposedly. Referring to Special Events is OK. I've heard second hand that other agencies aren't touching Pride Match with a 10 foot erect pole.

---

said erect, snicker, if we can share that on the internet

A better bracket predictor and breakdowns:

https://worldcup.louisguichard.fr/

He has these potential opponents should we get past Bosnia :

Round of 16
Egypt
28.5%
South Korea
21.3%
Belgium
20.7%
Senegal
8.4%
Algeria
6.4%
Uruguay
4.9%

QF
Spain
48.6%
Portugal
18.3%
Colombia
11.6%
Austria
6.5%
Croatia
6.2%
England
3.7%

Would you guys say soccer has evolved to be more physical over the years? Hands on the other team and shoving etc? I feel like it's too much and more fouls should be called. Has the game changed or have I?

dajo9 said:

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Would you guys say soccer has evolved to be more physical over the years? Hands on the other team and shoving etc? I feel like it's too much and more fouls should be called. Has the game changed or have I?

---

I was just having this convo with some friends while watching. It seems way more physical than I remember. I kinda like it but it probably also leads to more flopping.

dajo9 said:

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Would you guys say soccer has evolved to be more physical over the years? Hands on the other team and shoving etc? I feel like it's too much and more fouls should be called. Has the game changed or have I?

---

I think it is the opposite. Watch old Maradona games on youtube. He was constantly battered. The game is much softer now, at least in the top leagues. The World Cup has a more diverse set of refs and sometimes they let things get out of hand.

USA almost pulls off the draw despite sitting most of their starters, but Turkey nips them right at the end. On to the next!

The US loses 3-2 to Australia in what was basically a friendly. In a friendly I think good things count, bad things don't. So the good:
1. Auston Trusty! Nice goal after a back pick. But he was generally excellent at the position that most needed a reserve, left center back (Tim Ream). The way he skyed for the header that he missed reminded me of Gabriel of Brazil/Arsenal. I hope his injury is okay, he is now important if they want to up the athleticism or score late on a set piece.
2. 75 minutes of Gio Reyna. He is so freaking good, I don't care what his uptight German coaches believe. I think he should replace Tyler Adams as a starter, no chance that happens.
3. Christian Pulisic is so quick right now it is hard to keep him in the picture.
4. It is the middle of the night where I am so I watched without sound to not wake the fam. I think that was a full strength Turkiye team. And the US played them better than even for most of the game with scrubs + McKennie. A full strength US team plays them off the field.
5. A draw would have been nice, losing that way is sort of like in basketball when the other team hits from half court going into halftime. I hope it does not dampen the mood, it shouldn't.
6. Nice goal by Berhalter. He still is not quite there athletically or soccer-wise. If he gets to Europe soon maybe he can become good enough by 2030.
7. No more Ricardo Pepi. Please, please, please. Haji Wright is better, I promise.

BearlySane88 said:

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dajo9 said:

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Would you guys say soccer has evolved to be more physical over the years? Hands on the other team and shoving etc? I feel like it's too much and more fouls should be called. Has the game changed or have I?

---

I was just having this convo with some friends while watching. It seems way more physical than I remember. I kinda like it but it probably also leads to more flopping.

---

On one hand, too much blatant pushing and shoving. Not even trying to disguise it as incidental contact.

On the other hand, too much flopping and whining -- "The pain!"-- only to get up and play on like nothing happened.

Big C said:

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BearlySane88 said:

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dajo9 said:

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Would you guys say soccer has evolved to be more physical over the years? Hands on the other team and shoving etc? I feel like it's too much and more fouls should be called. Has the game changed or have I?

---

I was just having this convo with some friends while watching. It seems way more physical than I remember. I kinda like it but it probably also leads to more flopping.

---

On one hand, too much blatant pushing and shoving. Not even trying to disguise it as incidental contact.

On the other hand, too much flopping and whining -- "The pain!"-- only to get up and play on like nothing happened.

---

Every time they fall and roll around on the ground I think "gosh I can't believe they will never be able to walk again."

dajo9 said:

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Would you guys say soccer has evolved to be more physical over the years? Hands on the other team and shoving etc? I feel like it's too much and more fouls should be called. Has the game changed or have I?

---

No doubt.
Good call.

VAR is a great development, but the grabbing has gotten bad.

Tonight showed us that the difference between the first USA team and the second USA team is pretty vast.
We do not have good depth.

Weah cannot play on the left. He is a right footed player only.
He also looks like he's not nearly as good as he was a few years ago. What happened?
He will likely not play again this WC.
Aaronson? Yikes. Missed a wide open goal.
Zendejas? Nope.

Obviously Arfsten is not going to feature in any game, either.
We can start narrowing down the options at this point.
If we go far, better hope for no yellow accumulations and no injuries.

sluggo said:

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The US loses 3-2 to Australia in what was basically a friendly. In a friendly I think good things count, bad things don't. So the good:
1. Auston Trusty! Nice goal after a back pick. But he was generally excellent at the position that most needed a reserve, left center back (Tim Ream). The way he skyed for the header that he missed reminded me of Gabriel of Brazil/Arsenal. I hope his injury is okay, he is now important if they want to up the athleticism or score late on a set piece.
2. 75 minutes of Gio Reyna. He is so freaking good, I don't care what his uptight German coaches believe. I think he should replace Tyler Adams as a starter, no chance that happens.
3. Christian Pulisic is so quick right now it is hard to keep him in the picture.
4. It is the middle of the night where I am so I watched without sound to not wake the fam. I think that was a full strength Turkiye team. And the US played them better than even for most of the game with scrubs + McKennie. A full strength US team plays them off the field.
5. A draw would have been nice, losing that way is sort of like in basketball when the other team hits from half court going into halftime. I hope it does not dampen the mood, it shouldn't.
6. Nice goal by Berhalter. He still is not quite there athletically or soccer-wise. If he gets to Europe soon maybe he can become good enough by 2030.
7. No more Ricardo Pepi. Please, please, please. Haji Wright is better, I promise.

---

I agree with you, especially on the bolded, except of course the US lost 3-2 to Turkiye, not Australia.

I just can't believe that in a game like this, effectively a "friendly" as you say, with seemingly everyone playing that Haji Wright did not get time at striker. That is nuts.

I've watched Wright as I follow a team in the English second league (EFL Championship League, not to be confused with Champions League), Middlesbrough (AKA "Boro"). This past season, Wright absolutely schooled and destroyed Boro as striker for first place Coventry who is getting promoted to the Premier League next season. (Boro finished 5th in the league and just missed promotion).

Wright finished tied for second in goals in the EFL Championship league with 17. He is fast, skilled, and athletic, and, assuming he is fit, should absolutely be Balogun's backup at striker, not Pepi.

OneKeg said:

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sluggo said:

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The US loses 3-2 to Australia in what was basically a friendly. In a friendly I think good things count, bad things don't. So the good:
1. Auston Trusty! Nice goal after a back pick. But he was generally excellent at the position that most needed a reserve, left center back (Tim Ream). The way he skyed for the header that he missed reminded me of Gabriel of Brazil/Arsenal. I hope his injury is okay, he is now important if they want to up the athleticism or score late on a set piece.
2. 75 minutes of Gio Reyna. He is so freaking good, I don't care what his uptight German coaches believe. I think he should replace Tyler Adams as a starter, no chance that happens.
3. Christian Pulisic is so quick right now it is hard to keep him in the picture.
4. It is the middle of the night where I am so I watched without sound to not wake the fam. I think that was a full strength Turkiye team. And the US played them better than even for most of the game with scrubs + McKennie. A full strength US team plays them off the field.
5. A draw would have been nice, losing that way is sort of like in basketball when the other team hits from half court going into halftime. I hope it does not dampen the mood, it shouldn't.
6. Nice goal by Berhalter. He still is not quite there athletically or soccer-wise. If he gets to Europe soon maybe he can become good enough by 2030.
7. No more Ricardo Pepi. Please, please, please. Haji Wright is better, I promise.

---

I agree with you, especially on the bolded, except of course the US lost 3-2 to Turkiye, not Australia.

---

Another thing I would say is that Turkey was actually a pretty good team despite their record. They were ranked above Australia and Paraguay before the tournament started. In the first two World Cup games they generated a lot of good scoring chances but just couldn't put one in the net. Probably should have had at least a draw coming into this game and were unlucky not to have any points.

OneKeg said:

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sluggo said:

---

The US loses 3-2 to Australia in what was basically a friendly. In a friendly I think good things count, bad things don't. So the good:
1. Auston Trusty! Nice goal after a back pick. But he was generally excellent at the position that most needed a reserve, left center back (Tim Ream). The way he skyed for the header that he missed reminded me of Gabriel of Brazil/Arsenal. I hope his injury is okay, he is now important if they want to up the athleticism or score late on a set piece.
2. 75 minutes of Gio Reyna. He is so freaking good, I don't care what his uptight German coaches believe. I think he should replace Tyler Adams as a starter, no chance that happens.
3. Christian Pulisic is so quick right now it is hard to keep him in the picture.
4. It is the middle of the night where I am so I watched without sound to not wake the fam. I think that was a full strength Turkiye team. And the US played them better than even for most of the game with scrubs + McKennie. A full strength US team plays them off the field.
5. A draw would have been nice, losing that way is sort of like in basketball when the other team hits from half court going into halftime. I hope it does not dampen the mood, it shouldn't.
6. Nice goal by Berhalter. He still is not quite there athletically or soccer-wise. If he gets to Europe soon maybe he can become good enough by 2030.
7. No more Ricardo Pepi. Please, please, please. Haji Wright is better, I promise.

---

I agree with you, especially on the bolded, except of course the US lost 3-2 to Turkiye, not Australia.

I just can't believe that in a game like this, effectively a "friendly" as you say, with seemingly everyone playing that Haji Wright did not get time at striker. That is nuts.

I've watched Wright as I follow a team in the English second league (EFL Championship League, not to be confused with Champions League), Middlesbrough (AKA "Boro"). This past season, Wright absolutely schooled and destroyed Boro as striker for first place Coventry who is getting promoted to the Premier League next season. (Boro finished 5th in the league and just missed promotion).

Wright finished tied for second in goals in the EFL Championship league with 17. He is fast, skilled, and athletic, and, assuming he is fit, should absolutely be Balogun's backup at striker, not Pepi.

---

I've been both hopeful of and disappointed with both Pepi and Wright in the past few years.

One difference for sure is that Pepi is willing to run a good amount more. Higher work rate.

Big C said:

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BearlySane88 said:

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dajo9 said:

---

Would you guys say soccer has evolved to be more physical over the years? Hands on the other team and shoving etc? I feel like it's too much and more fouls should be called. Has the game changed or have I?

---

I was just having this convo with some friends while watching. It seems way more physical than I remember. I kinda like it but it probably also leads to more flopping.

---

On one hand, too much blatant pushing and shoving. Not even trying to disguise it as incidental contact.

On the other hand, too much flopping and whining -- "The pain!"-- only to get up and play on like nothing happened.

---

I think the flopping has gotten better. But that's just because I remember it as really bad years ago.

On paper, I think France vs. Norway is the best match of the group round

I'm no soccer fan but Turkey looked like they had a better offensive scheme than either our two other opponents. Whether we advance further against better opponents will depend on our defense which didn't look great

dajo9 said:

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Big C said:

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BearlySane88 said:

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dajo9 said:

---

Would you guys say soccer has evolved to be more physical over the years? Hands on the other team and shoving etc? I feel like it's too much and more fouls should be called. Has the game changed or have I?

---

I was just having this convo with some friends while watching. It seems way more physical than I remember. I kinda like it but it probably also leads to more flopping.

---

On one hand, too much blatant pushing and shoving. Not even trying to disguise it as incidental contact.

On the other hand, too much flopping and whining -- "The pain!"-- only to get up and play on like nothing happened.

---

I think the flopping has gotten better. But that's just because I remember it as really bad years ago.

---

Flopping IS decreased because VAR can punish you with a yellow for "simulation".
Replay means you not only get ridiculed (see Neymar) but punished in the game.

Cal88 said:

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Anarchistbear said:

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BearlySane88 said:

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🚨JUST IN: Iran wants FIFA to prevent any “ceremonies or promotional activities” in support of the LGBTQ community

Seattle’s local World Cup host committee has designated the upcoming game between Iran and Egypt a “Pride Match” pic.twitter.com/G3he27H1i7

— Polymarket Sports (@PolymarketSport) June 25, 2026

---

Not just Iran, Egypt complained as well

---

Every African nation is going to oppose this, as would every Asian country except for Taiwan maybe. Wouldn't play well in many eastern European countries either.

---

And when Quatar hosted a rainbow flag on your uniform got you a yellow card.

This is overblown by both sides. There are no pride demonstrations inside the stadium at the match, there are outside as part of Seattle's pride match celebration

"However, the FIFA President Gianni Infantino attempted to play down the "Pride Match" branding in an interview with the Swiss newspaper Weltwoche in January. He said: "I must clarify that there will be no 'Pride Match' at the (FIFA) World Cup. There will be a FIFA World Cup match in Seattle, and on the same day, events organised by external organizations will be taking place in the city. But that has nothing to do with the match itself."

Hercules Gomez made a good point about USMNT:

Christian Pulisic has barely played, but it's clear during the moments he has been with the squad that our attack is so much better.

So if he stays healthy, we will look even better than we have.

Anarchistbear said:

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I'm no soccer fan but Turkey looked like they had a better offensive scheme than either our two other opponents. Whether we advance further against better opponents will depend on our defense which didn't look great

---

I wouldn't judge much from the USA's performance in this game because we played mostly backups.

But yes, coming in the thinking was that Turkey had a better offense than Australia or Paraguay. It was weird that they hadn't scored in the World Cup yet.

sycasey said:

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Anarchistbear said:

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I'm no soccer fan but Turkey looked like they had a better offensive scheme than either our two other opponents. Whether we advance further against better opponents will depend on our defense which didn't look great

---

I wouldn't judge much from the USA's performance in this game because we played mostly backups.

But yes, coming in the thinking was that Turkey had a better offense than Australia or Paraguay. It was weird that they hadn't scored in the World Cup yet.

---

They had somewhere around the 7th most shots on goal going into last nights game. Very weird they hadn't scored yet.

sluggo said:

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6. Nice goal by Berhalter. He still is not quite there athletically or soccer-wise. If he gets to Europe soon maybe he can become good enough by 2030.

---

Highest rated US player in last nights game, 8.9. Created the most chances, five, and had the most touches, 89 to go along with his goal and assist.

Anarchistbear said:

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Cal88 said:

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Anarchistbear said:

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BearlySane88 said:

---

🚨JUST IN: Iran wants FIFA to prevent any “ceremonies or promotional activities” in support of the LGBTQ community

Seattle’s local World Cup host committee has designated the upcoming game between Iran and Egypt a “Pride Match” pic.twitter.com/G3he27H1i7

— Polymarket Sports (@PolymarketSport) June 25, 2026

---

Not just Iran, Egypt complained as well

---

Every African nation is going to oppose this, as would every Asian country except for Taiwan maybe. Wouldn't play well in many eastern European countries either.

---

And when Quatar hosted a rainbow flag on your uniform got you a yellow card.

This is overblown by both sides. There are no pride demonstrations inside the stadium at the match, there are outside as part of Seattle's pride match celebration

"However, the FIFA President Gianni Infantino attempted to play down the "Pride Match" branding in an interview with the Swiss newspaper Weltwoche in January. He said: "I must clarify that there will be no 'Pride Match' at the (FIFA) World Cup. There will be a FIFA World Cup match in Seattle, and on the same day, events organised by external organizations will be taking place in the city. But that has nothing to do with the match itself."

---

Seattle gets huge trolling points for Pride events for Iran and Egypt. I think we should have Pride events for every match that includes a country that criminalizes homosexuality.

🚨 𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗜𝗡: Norway will use their team B against France today. Erling Haaland and Ødegaard will all be on the bench.

Up to 10 players who started against Senegal will be on the bench.

— @lequipe pic.twitter.com/09aQmvTjNC

— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) June 26, 2026

dajo9 said:

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Anarchistbear said:

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Cal88 said:

---

Anarchistbear said:

---

BearlySane88 said:

---

🚨JUST IN: Iran wants FIFA to prevent any “ceremonies or promotional activities” in support of the LGBTQ community

Seattle’s local World Cup host committee has designated the upcoming game between Iran and Egypt a “Pride Match” pic.twitter.com/G3he27H1i7

— Polymarket Sports (@PolymarketSport) June 25, 2026

---

Not just Iran, Egypt complained as well

---

Every African nation is going to oppose this, as would every Asian country except for Taiwan maybe. Wouldn't play well in many eastern European countries either.

---

And when Quatar hosted a rainbow flag on your uniform got you a yellow card.

This is overblown by both sides. There are no pride demonstrations inside the stadium at the match, there are outside as part of Seattle's pride match celebration

"However, the FIFA President Gianni Infantino attempted to play down the "Pride Match" branding in an interview with the Swiss newspaper Weltwoche in January. He said: "I must clarify that there will be no 'Pride Match' at the (FIFA) World Cup. There will be a FIFA World Cup match in Seattle, and on the same day, events organised by external organizations will be taking place in the city. But that has nothing to do with the match itself."

---

Seattle gets huge trolling points for Pride events for Iran and Egypt. I think we should have Pride events for every match that includes a country that criminalizes homosexuality.

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I support this

The WORLD CUP TRAPEZOID OF EXCELLENCE⬇️

Verticality x FotMob rating

If you play too direct/aggressive or not aggressive enough, you cannot win in a singe elimination tournament bracket, like in CBB.

Works in theory AND in practice.
2022 🇦🇷 & 2018 🇫🇷 were used as the base pic.twitter.com/goVZs8cfcE

— Ryan Hammer🔨 (@ryanhammer09) June 26, 2026