dajo9 said:

---

sluggo said:

---

dajo9 said:

---

concordtom said:

---

sluggo said:

---

concordtom said:

---

I put the turkey game back on. Weah hot beat by Guler in the build up to their first goal and then gave up on Guler's run.

I think Weah won't play again unless there are injuries/cards.

He used to provide a positive spark with his speed and strong right foot, but all I've seen lately is him get beat and have a bad temper, risking unnecessary card discipline.

His touch was be er good. I don't trust him anymore.

---

He used to be helpful but we have moved past him. Next we need an upgrade on Adams. Then Dest. We have the teenagers.

---

I think Dest might be my favorite player.
He and Pulisic are like the only dudes who can face a defender up and go past him.

Speaking of which…. You must have missed Doku last night while you slept. The announcer here pointed out how he has the rare ability to stand a defender upright at a standstill, then jitter and go around either side with a burst. And the man did it over and over and over again. It was uncanny, amazing. I covet a few of those on our squad. I gotta read about him. We have those guys in America, they just play football or basketball.

---

Yeah, I'm no expert but Dest has looked amazing to me

---

He is very good. He started some for Barcelona. But when you compare him to Vini, Dembele, Diaz, Saka, even Pulisic, etc., he is not good enough. Too short, too slow, has tricks but they do not come off enough. Nice left foot. He is a level up from Weah, whose job he took because Freeman took his job, but we will go up another level by 2030. I guarantee it.

---

Ok, but not everybody can be as good as the people you named

---

Do you want to win the world cup or what? The players were okay under Wilcox until Tosh was hired and Cal got ambition.

At winger Belgium has Trossard, who an American may say is equivalent to Pulisic, and Doku, who is miles ahead of Dest. How do we beat them without better players? Based on our good looks?

sluggo said:

---

oski003 said:

---

Wimbledon begins with 128 players, and it is the greatest tennis tournament. Yes, the matches don't get exciting until the round of 32, but that doesn't take away from the overall tournament. People just don't tune in as much until later rounds.

---

I am not sure how that is relevant. The first round used to be great. One loss and a team was on the edge. Was it the last two cups that Germany went out in the first round? And the groups were much stronger with 32. Now you know everyone good will go through. Zzz.

---

I guess the closest thing to this is Uruguay going out, but people didn't think they were the best team in the group.

sluggo said:

---

dajo9 said:

---

sluggo said:

---

dajo9 said:

---

concordtom said:

---

sluggo said:

---

concordtom said:

---

I put the turkey game back on. Weah hot beat by Guler in the build up to their first goal and then gave up on Guler's run.

I think Weah won't play again unless there are injuries/cards.

He used to provide a positive spark with his speed and strong right foot, but all I've seen lately is him get beat and have a bad temper, risking unnecessary card discipline.

His touch was be er good. I don't trust him anymore.

---

He used to be helpful but we have moved past him. Next we need an upgrade on Adams. Then Dest. We have the teenagers.

---

I think Dest might be my favorite player.
He and Pulisic are like the only dudes who can face a defender up and go past him.

Speaking of which…. You must have missed Doku last night while you slept. The announcer here pointed out how he has the rare ability to stand a defender upright at a standstill, then jitter and go around either side with a burst. And the man did it over and over and over again. It was uncanny, amazing. I covet a few of those on our squad. I gotta read about him. We have those guys in America, they just play football or basketball.

---

Yeah, I'm no expert but Dest has looked amazing to me

---

He is very good. He started some for Barcelona. But when you compare him to Vini, Dembele, Diaz, Saka, even Pulisic, etc., he is not good enough. Too short, too slow, has tricks but they do not come off enough. Nice left foot. He is a level up from Weah, whose job he took because Freeman took his job, but we will go up another level by 2030. I guarantee it.

---

Ok, but not everybody can be as good as the people you named

---

Do you want to win the world cup or what? The players were okay under Wilcox until Tosh was hired and Cal got ambition.

At winger Belgium has Trossard, who an American may say is equivalent to Pulisic, and Doku, who is miles ahead of Dest. How do we beat them without better players? Based on our good looks?

---

I Jeep saying it, but perhaps you've forgotten.
We field not only our players, but CHANCE!

sluggo said:

---

oski003 said:

---

Wimbledon begins with 128 players, and it is the greatest tennis tournament. Yes, the matches don't get exciting until the round of 32, but that doesn't take away from the overall tournament. People just don't tune in as much until later rounds.

---

I am not sure how that is relevant. The first round used to be great. One loss and a team was on the edge. Was it the last two cups that Germany went out in the first round? And the groups were much stronger with 32. Now you know everyone good will go through. Zzz.

---

It's great for teams to warm up, and fans to, too!!

Plus… Cape Verde!!

sluggo said:

---

oski003 said:

---

Wimbledon begins with 128 players, and it is the greatest tennis tournament. Yes, the matches don't get exciting until the round of 32, but that doesn't take away from the overall tournament. People just don't tune in as much until later rounds.

---

I am not sure how that is relevant. The first round used to be great. One loss and a team was on the edge. Was it the last two cups that Germany went out in the first round? And the groups were much stronger with 32. Now you know everyone good will go through. Zzz.

---

Czech, Uruguay, and Turkey were upset and our out of the tournament. Heck, Cape Verde made it over Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, and South Africa made it over Korea and Czech. Barring injury, the top 8 seeds rarely lose in the first round of Wimbledon. The tournament has been great. The TV ratings are shattering global records.

dajo9 said:

---

oski003 said:

---

dajo9 said:

---

oski003 said:

---

Wimbledon begins with 128 players, and it is the greatest tennis tournament. Yes, the matches don't get exciting until the round of 32, but that doesn't take away from the overall tournament. People just don't tune in as much until later rounds.

---

Well the World Cup model relies on sold out venues and TV contracts

---

That's not relevant to our discussion. You are diminishing a tournament because the early rounds aren't exciting. This is true for almost any major tournament, at least ones that involve a potential pool greater than 50.

---

It's completely relevant to the discussion. It doesn't work without the attendance.

---

TV ratings are shattering global records. The World Cup has also broken the all-time tournament attendance record with over 3.6 million fans attending matches as of late June 2026, even with high ticket prices. This milestone was reached before the group stage even concluded.

SCOTLAND

Scotland now need three different results to go their way on Sunday if they are to progress.

First, they need Ghana to beat Croatia by three goals or more, which would give Zlatko Dali's side a worse goal difference than the Scots.

Then, they would need Uzbekistan to either win or draw against Congo DR, but not by four or more goals, otherwise the Asian side would overtake Scotland.

Finally, Clarke's side would need Austria to beat Algeria by two or more goals to bring the North African side's goal difference below Scotland's.

If the Scots manage to progress against all odds, they would likely face either Mexico, Germany or France in the round of 32.

sluggo said:

---

dajo9 said:

---

sluggo said:

---

dajo9 said:

---

concordtom said:

---

sluggo said:

---

concordtom said:

---

I put the turkey game back on. Weah hot beat by Guler in the build up to their first goal and then gave up on Guler's run.

I think Weah won't play again unless there are injuries/cards.

He used to provide a positive spark with his speed and strong right foot, but all I've seen lately is him get beat and have a bad temper, risking unnecessary card discipline.

His touch was be er good. I don't trust him anymore.

---

He used to be helpful but we have moved past him. Next we need an upgrade on Adams. Then Dest. We have the teenagers.

---

I think Dest might be my favorite player.
He and Pulisic are like the only dudes who can face a defender up and go past him.

Speaking of which…. You must have missed Doku last night while you slept. The announcer here pointed out how he has the rare ability to stand a defender upright at a standstill, then jitter and go around either side with a burst. And the man did it over and over and over again. It was uncanny, amazing. I covet a few of those on our squad. I gotta read about him. We have those guys in America, they just play football or basketball.

---

Yeah, I'm no expert but Dest has looked amazing to me

---

He is very good. He started some for Barcelona. But when you compare him to Vini, Dembele, Diaz, Saka, even Pulisic, etc., he is not good enough. Too short, too slow, has tricks but they do not come off enough. Nice left foot. He is a level up from Weah, whose job he took because Freeman took his job, but we will go up another level by 2030. I guarantee it.

---

Ok, but not everybody can be as good as the people you named

---

Do you want to win the world cup or what? The players were okay under Wilcox until Tosh was hired and Cal got ambition.

At winger Belgium has Trossard, who an American may say is equivalent to Pulisic, and Doku, who is miles ahead of Dest. How do we beat them without better players? Based on our good looks?

---

You can always count on Belgium to underperform, one semifinal in the last 5 world cups...

concordtom said:

---

SCOTLAND

Scotland now need three different results to go their way on Sunday if they are to progress.

First, they need Ghana to beat Croatia by three goals or more, which would give Zlatko Dali's side a worse goal difference than the Scots.

Then, they would need Uzbekistan to either win or draw against Congo DR, but not by four or more goals, otherwise the Asian side would overtake Scotland.

Finally, Clarke's side would need Austria to beat Algeria by two or more goals to bring the North African side's goal difference below Scotland's.

If the Scots manage to progress against all odds, they would likely face either Mexico, Germany or France in the round of 32.

---

Also an asteroid has to hit Levi stadium and Spencer Pratt is Mayor of LA once all votes are counted.

concordtom said:

---

SCOTLAND

Scotland now need three different results to go their way on Sunday if they are to progress.

First, they need Ghana to beat Croatia by three goals or more, which would give Zlatko Dali's side a worse goal difference than the Scots.

Then, they would need Uzbekistan to either win or draw against Congo DR, but not by four or more goals, otherwise the Asian side would overtake Scotland.

Finally, Clarke's side would need Austria to beat Algeria by two or more goals to bring the North African side's goal difference below Scotland's.

If the Scots manage to progress against all odds, they would likely face either Mexico, Germany or France in the round of 32.

---

Less than 1% chance of Scotland going through.

S Korea in very bad shape as well.

I'd give Iran around 1 chance in 3, they will pin their hopes on Uzbekistan not losing to Congo. Congo needs a win to advance, so the last spot is going to be between them and Iran.

Look for Austria to tie Algeria, and the most boring 2nd half in history since the infamous West Germany-Austria 1982 game in Gijon, would be surprised if a tie isn't the outcome, as it suits both teams. Algeria is better off with a tie than with a win, but both would be eliminated by a loss in this game.

Cal88 said:

---

sluggo said:

---

dajo9 said:

---

sluggo said:

---

dajo9 said:

---

concordtom said:

---

sluggo said:

---

concordtom said:

---

I put the turkey game back on. Weah hot beat by Guler in the build up to their first goal and then gave up on Guler's run.

I think Weah won't play again unless there are injuries/cards.

He used to provide a positive spark with his speed and strong right foot, but all I've seen lately is him get beat and have a bad temper, risking unnecessary card discipline.

His touch was be er good. I don't trust him anymore.

---

He used to be helpful but we have moved past him. Next we need an upgrade on Adams. Then Dest. We have the teenagers.

---

I think Dest might be my favorite player.
He and Pulisic are like the only dudes who can face a defender up and go past him.

Speaking of which…. You must have missed Doku last night while you slept. The announcer here pointed out how he has the rare ability to stand a defender upright at a standstill, then jitter and go around either side with a burst. And the man did it over and over and over again. It was uncanny, amazing. I covet a few of those on our squad. I gotta read about him. We have those guys in America, they just play football or basketball.

---

Yeah, I'm no expert but Dest has looked amazing to me

---

He is very good. He started some for Barcelona. But when you compare him to Vini, Dembele, Diaz, Saka, even Pulisic, etc., he is not good enough. Too short, too slow, has tricks but they do not come off enough. Nice left foot. He is a level up from Weah, whose job he took because Freeman took his job, but we will go up another level by 2030. I guarantee it.

---

Ok, but not everybody can be as good as the people you named

---

Do you want to win the world cup or what? The players were okay under Wilcox until Tosh was hired and Cal got ambition.

At winger Belgium has Trossard, who an American may say is equivalent to Pulisic, and Doku, who is miles ahead of Dest. How do we beat them without better players? Based on our good looks?

---

You can always count on Belgium to underperform, one semifinal in the last 5 world cups...

---

Seems like overprrformance for a country of that size

oski003 said:

---

dajo9 said:

---

oski003 said:

---

dajo9 said:

---

oski003 said:

---

Wimbledon begins with 128 players, and it is the greatest tennis tournament. Yes, the matches don't get exciting until the round of 32, but that doesn't take away from the overall tournament. People just don't tune in as much until later rounds.

---

Well the World Cup model relies on sold out venues and TV contracts

---

That's not relevant to our discussion. You are diminishing a tournament because the early rounds aren't exciting. This is true for almost any major tournament, at least ones that involve a potential pool greater than 50.

---

It's completely relevant to the discussion. It doesn't work without the attendance.

---

TV ratings are shattering global records. The World Cup has also broken the all-time tournament attendance record with over 3.6 million fans attending matches as of late June 2026, even with high ticket prices. This milestone was reached before the group stage even concluded.

---

Yes but that isn't the discussion we are having. You said the World Cup would be fine with little interest in the early games just like Wimbledon. I disagreed with you.

dajo9 said:

---

oski003 said:

---

dajo9 said:

---

oski003 said:

---

dajo9 said:

---

oski003 said:

---

Wimbledon begins with 128 players, and it is the greatest tennis tournament. Yes, the matches don't get exciting until the round of 32, but that doesn't take away from the overall tournament. People just don't tune in as much until later rounds.

---

Well the World Cup model relies on sold out venues and TV contracts

---

That's not relevant to our discussion. You are diminishing a tournament because the early rounds aren't exciting. This is true for almost any major tournament, at least ones that involve a potential pool greater than 50.

---

It's completely relevant to the discussion. It doesn't work without the attendance.

---

TV ratings are shattering global records. The World Cup has also broken the all-time tournament attendance record with over 3.6 million fans attending matches as of late June 2026, even with high ticket prices. This milestone was reached before the group stage even concluded.

---

Yes but that isn't the discussion we are having. You said the World Cup would be fine with little interest in the early games just like Wimbledon. I disagreed with you.

---

Things I didn't say for 1000 Alex.

To summarize:

1) Many tournaments, such as Wimbledon, don't have make or break matchups in the first couple rounds and there is less interest until the rounds are more compelling; and

2) Despite this normal occurrence, the World Cup is absolutely shattering records for attendance and TV ratings, despite your insinuation that the World Cup is not getting good attendance and ratings.

3) What has been compelling is the offensive star power in the tournament and the incredible goals scored by the likes of Mbappe, Dembele, Ronaldo, Messi, Kane, Haaland, and Vinicius Jr.

Perhaps this star power is a function of soccer's surging popularity in America, and that makes this World Cup incredible. There is more interest in my town for this World Cup than I imagined. I took the kids to a large outdoor pub for the USA Australia game at noon and it was difficult to grab a table and did not receive our food until the game was over. I arrived 15 minutes before the game. My son wore his Pulisic jersey and my daughter wore her Argentina jersey. The kitchen was so backed up that they closed it after the second hydration break and ended up giving out about 50 certificates for $10 off your next visit. They were just overwhelmed. This World Cup has been amazing.

Harry Kane just scored on a header while I was typing this!

oski003 said:

---

dajo9 said:

---

oski003 said:

---

dajo9 said:

---

oski003 said:

---

dajo9 said:

---

oski003 said:

---

Wimbledon begins with 128 players, and it is the greatest tennis tournament. Yes, the matches don't get exciting until the round of 32, but that doesn't take away from the overall tournament. People just don't tune in as much until later rounds.

---

Well the World Cup model relies on sold out venues and TV contracts

---

That's not relevant to our discussion. You are diminishing a tournament because the early rounds aren't exciting. This is true for almost any major tournament, at least ones that involve a potential pool greater than 50.

---

It's completely relevant to the discussion. It doesn't work without the attendance.

---

TV ratings are shattering global records. The World Cup has also broken the all-time tournament attendance record with over 3.6 million fans attending matches as of late June 2026, even with high ticket prices. This milestone was reached before the group stage even concluded.

---

Yes but that isn't the discussion we are having. You said the World Cup would be fine with little interest in the early games just like Wimbledon. I disagreed with you.

---

Things I didn't say for 1000 Alex.

To summarize:

1) Many tournaments, such as Wimbledon, don't have make or break matchups in the first couple rounds and there is less interest until the rounds are more compelling; and

2) Despite this normal occurrence, the World Cup is absolutely shattering records for attendance and TV ratings, despite your insinuation that the World Cup is not getting good attendance and ratings.

3) What has been compelling is the offensive star power in the tournament and the incredible goals scored by the likes of Mbappe, Dembele, Ronaldo, Messi, Kane, Haaland, and Vinicius Jr.

Perhaps this star power is a function of soccer's surging popularity in America, and that makes this World Cup incredible. There is more interest in my town for this World Cup than I imagined. I took the kids to a large outdoor pub for the USA Australia game at noon and it was difficult to grab a table and did not receive our food until the game was over. I arrived 15 minutes before the game. My son wore his Pulisic jersey and my daughter wore her Argentina jersey. The kitchen was so backed up that they closed it after the second hydration break and ended up giving out about 50 certificates for $10 off your next visit. They were just overwhelmed. This World Cup has been amazing.

Harry Kane just scored on a header while I was typing this!

---

Lol. OK, you're just randomly talking about low interest in Wimbledon in early games. Got it.

dajo9 said:

---

oski003 said:

---

dajo9 said:

---

oski003 said:

---

dajo9 said:

---

oski003 said:

---

dajo9 said:

---

oski003 said:

---

Wimbledon begins with 128 players, and it is the greatest tennis tournament. Yes, the matches don't get exciting until the round of 32, but that doesn't take away from the overall tournament. People just don't tune in as much until later rounds.

---

Well the World Cup model relies on sold out venues and TV contracts

---

That's not relevant to our discussion. You are diminishing a tournament because the early rounds aren't exciting. This is true for almost any major tournament, at least ones that involve a potential pool greater than 50.

---

It's completely relevant to the discussion. It doesn't work without the attendance.

---

TV ratings are shattering global records. The World Cup has also broken the all-time tournament attendance record with over 3.6 million fans attending matches as of late June 2026, even with high ticket prices. This milestone was reached before the group stage even concluded.

---

Yes but that isn't the discussion we are having. You said the World Cup would be fine with little interest in the early games just like Wimbledon. I disagreed with you.

---

Things I didn't say for 1000 Alex.

To summarize:

1) Many tournaments, such as Wimbledon, don't have make or break matchups in the first couple rounds and there is less interest until the rounds are more compelling; and

2) Despite this normal occurrence, the World Cup is absolutely shattering records for attendance and TV ratings, despite your insinuation that the World Cup is not getting good attendance and ratings.

3) What has been compelling is the offensive star power in the tournament and the incredible goals scored by the likes of Mbappe, Dembele, Ronaldo, Messi, Kane, Haaland, and Vinicius Jr.

Perhaps this star power is a function of soccer's surging popularity in America, and that makes this World Cup incredible. There is more interest in my town for this World Cup than I imagined. I took the kids to a large outdoor pub for the USA Australia game at noon and it was difficult to grab a table and did not receive our food until the game was over. I arrived 15 minutes before the game. My son wore his Pulisic jersey and my daughter wore her Argentina jersey. The kitchen was so backed up that they closed it after the second hydration break and ended up giving out about 50 certificates for $10 off your next visit. They were just overwhelmed. This World Cup has been amazing.

Harry Kane just scored on a header while I was typing this!

---

Lol. OK, you're just randomly talking about low interest in Wimbledon in early games. Got it.

---

It definitely wasn't random. You just misinterpreted the information. It happens.

dajo9 said:

---

Cal88 said:

---

sluggo said:

---

dajo9 said:

---

sluggo said:

---

dajo9 said:

---

concordtom said:

---

sluggo said:

---

concordtom said:

---

I put the turkey game back on. Weah hot beat by Guler in the build up to their first goal and then gave up on Guler's run.

I think Weah won't play again unless there are injuries/cards.

He used to provide a positive spark with his speed and strong right foot, but all I've seen lately is him get beat and have a bad temper, risking unnecessary card discipline.

His touch was be er good. I don't trust him anymore.

---

He used to be helpful but we have moved past him. Next we need an upgrade on Adams. Then Dest. We have the teenagers.

---

I think Dest might be my favorite player.
He and Pulisic are like the only dudes who can face a defender up and go past him.

Speaking of which…. You must have missed Doku last night while you slept. The announcer here pointed out how he has the rare ability to stand a defender upright at a standstill, then jitter and go around either side with a burst. And the man did it over and over and over again. It was uncanny, amazing. I covet a few of those on our squad. I gotta read about him. We have those guys in America, they just play football or basketball.

---

Yeah, I'm no expert but Dest has looked amazing to me

---

He is very good. He started some for Barcelona. But when you compare him to Vini, Dembele, Diaz, Saka, even Pulisic, etc., he is not good enough. Too short, too slow, has tricks but they do not come off enough. Nice left foot. He is a level up from Weah, whose job he took because Freeman took his job, but we will go up another level by 2030. I guarantee it.

---

Ok, but not everybody can be as good as the people you named

---

Do you want to win the world cup or what? The players were okay under Wilcox until Tosh was hired and Cal got ambition.

At winger Belgium has Trossard, who an American may say is equivalent to Pulisic, and Doku, who is miles ahead of Dest. How do we beat them without better players? Based on our good looks?

---

You can always count on Belgium to underperform, one semifinal in the last 5 world cups...

---

Seems like overprrformance for a country of that size

---

Great talent coming out of Belgium, both in the late 80s and more recently, a solid football nation, but the WC results didn't follow, in good part due to poor coaching.

oski003 said:

---

dajo9 said:

---

oski003 said:

---

dajo9 said:

---

oski003 said:

---

dajo9 said:

---

oski003 said:

---

dajo9 said:

---

oski003 said:

---

Wimbledon begins with 128 players, and it is the greatest tennis tournament. Yes, the matches don't get exciting until the round of 32, but that doesn't take away from the overall tournament. People just don't tune in as much until later rounds.

---

Well the World Cup model relies on sold out venues and TV contracts

---

That's not relevant to our discussion. You are diminishing a tournament because the early rounds aren't exciting. This is true for almost any major tournament, at least ones that involve a potential pool greater than 50.

---

It's completely relevant to the discussion. It doesn't work without the attendance.

---

TV ratings are shattering global records. The World Cup has also broken the all-time tournament attendance record with over 3.6 million fans attending matches as of late June 2026, even with high ticket prices. This milestone was reached before the group stage even concluded.

---

Yes but that isn't the discussion we are having. You said the World Cup would be fine with little interest in the early games just like Wimbledon. I disagreed with you.

---

Things I didn't say for 1000 Alex.

To summarize:

1) Many tournaments, such as Wimbledon, don't have make or break matchups in the first couple rounds and there is less interest until the rounds are more compelling; and

2) Despite this normal occurrence, the World Cup is absolutely shattering records for attendance and TV ratings, despite your insinuation that the World Cup is not getting good attendance and ratings.

3) What has been compelling is the offensive star power in the tournament and the incredible goals scored by the likes of Mbappe, Dembele, Ronaldo, Messi, Kane, Haaland, and Vinicius Jr.

Perhaps this star power is a function of soccer's surging popularity in America, and that makes this World Cup incredible. There is more interest in my town for this World Cup than I imagined. I took the kids to a large outdoor pub for the USA Australia game at noon and it was difficult to grab a table and did not receive our food until the game was over. I arrived 15 minutes before the game. My son wore his Pulisic jersey and my daughter wore her Argentina jersey. The kitchen was so backed up that they closed it after the second hydration break and ended up giving out about 50 certificates for $10 off your next visit. They were just overwhelmed. This World Cup has been amazing.

Harry Kane just scored on a header while I was typing this!

---

Lol. OK, you're just randomly talking about low interest in Wimbledon in early games. Got it.

---

It definitely wasn't random. You just misinterpreted the information. It happens.

---

Nope

Worth a second look.

My goodness, the stereotypes write themselves……🤷‍♂️ #FIFAWorldCup 🇧🇦🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/UGj3uudcYL

— Bosnian Football (@BosniaNTBall) June 27, 2026

DiabloWags said:

---

Worth a second look.

My goodness, the stereotypes write themselves……🤷‍♂️ #FIFAWorldCup 🇧🇦🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/UGj3uudcYL

— Bosnian Football (@BosniaNTBall) June 27, 2026

---

If you're a reporter and you don't know anything meaningful about the subject, maybe it's best to keep your mouth shut or find another angle to report about.

Congo down 0-1 vs Uzbekistan at the half, needs an outright win to take Iran's spot as the last team in. Uzbekistan is just playing for their consolation win, just like Turkey did vs the US.

I would like to see Portugal win today as they stand a better chance of taking down Argentina than Colombia. The Ronaldo vs Messi matchup would also be compelling.

Anarchistbear said:

---

concordtom said:

---

SCOTLAND

Scotland now need three different results to go their way on Sunday if they are to progress.

First, they need Ghana to beat Croatia by three goals or more, which would give Zlatko Dali's side a worse goal difference than the Scots.

Then, they would need Uzbekistan to either win or draw against Congo DR, but not by four or more goals, otherwise the Asian side would overtake Scotland.

Finally, Clarke's side would need Austria to beat Algeria by two or more goals to bring the North African side's goal difference below Scotland's.

If the Scots manage to progress against all odds, they would likely face either Mexico, Germany or France in the round of 32.

---

Also an asteroid has to hit Levi stadium and Spencer Pratt is Mayor of LA once all votes are counted.

---

And Trump attends confession booth.

oski003 said:

---

dajo9 said:

---

oski003 said:

---

dajo9 said:

---

oski003 said:

---

dajo9 said:

---

oski003 said:

---

Wimbledon begins with 128 players, and it is the greatest tennis tournament. Yes, the matches don't get exciting until the round of 32, but that doesn't take away from the overall tournament. People just don't tune in as much until later rounds.

---

Well the World Cup model relies on sold out venues and TV contracts

---

That's not relevant to our discussion. You are diminishing a tournament because the early rounds aren't exciting. This is true for almost any major tournament, at least ones that involve a potential pool greater than 50.

---

It's completely relevant to the discussion. It doesn't work without the attendance.

---

TV ratings are shattering global records. The World Cup has also broken the all-time tournament attendance record with over 3.6 million fans attending matches as of late June 2026, even with high ticket prices. This milestone was reached before the group stage even concluded.

---

Yes but that isn't the discussion we are having. You said the World Cup would be fine with little interest in the early games just like Wimbledon. I disagreed with you.

---

Things I didn't say for 1000 Alex.

To summarize:

1) Many tournaments, such as Wimbledon, don't have make or break matchups in the first couple rounds and there is less interest until the rounds are more compelling; and

2) Despite this normal occurrence, the World Cup is absolutely shattering records for attendance and TV ratings, despite your insinuation that the World Cup is not getting good attendance and ratings.

3) What has been compelling is the offensive star power in the tournament and the incredible goals scored by the likes of Mbappe, Dembele, Ronaldo, Messi, Kane, Haaland, and Vinicius Jr.

Perhaps this star power is a function of soccer's surging popularity in America, and that makes this World Cup incredible. There is more interest in my town for this World Cup than I imagined. I took the kids to a large outdoor pub for the USA Australia game at noon and it was difficult to grab a table and did not receive our food until the game was over. I arrived 15 minutes before the game. My son wore his Pulisic jersey and my daughter wore her Argentina jersey. The kitchen was so backed up that they closed it after the second hydration break and ended up giving out about 50 certificates for $10 off your next visit. They were just overwhelmed. This World Cup has been amazing.

Harry Kane just scored on a header while I was typing this!

---

Hahaha, and my laughter at not caring about your Live Commentary While Typing caused me to fart, too.

Congo through

Leopards deliver, up next vs 3 Lions!

Last one in will be Algeria, taking Iran's spot tonight.

First blatant BS call for Argentina with that free kick and yellow on a clean tackle, resulting in the first goal.

2nd BS call, the kick was on the ball and low, Argie leaned down for this header.

Austria making things interesting in the group, opening up the score in the other game. Iran in, Algeria out as it stands. I predict a 1-1 tie and both teams calling it a day in the 2nd half.

2 - 0 at the 31:00 mark

Al Tamari of Jordan scores against the World Champs!

Messi enters at 60'

Messi on the free kick !!!!

7 goals in 7 consecutive WC matches.

Man. Iran is the unluckiest team

concordtom said:

---

Anarchistbear said:

---

concordtom said:

---

SCOTLAND

Scotland now need three different results to go their way on Sunday if they are to progress.

First, they need Ghana to beat Croatia by three goals or more, which would give Zlatko Dali's side a worse goal difference than the Scots.

Then, they would need Uzbekistan to either win or draw against Congo DR, but not by four or more goals, otherwise the Asian side would overtake Scotland.

Finally, Clarke's side would need Austria to beat Algeria by two or more goals to bring the North African side's goal difference below Scotland's.

If the Scots manage to progress against all odds, they would likely face either Mexico, Germany or France in the round of 32.

---

Also an asteroid has to hit Levi stadium and Spencer Pratt is Mayor of LA once all votes are counted.

---

And Trump attends confession booth.

---

Scotland could have made it if Mike Pence had done the right thing.

Cal88 said:

---

Look for Austria to tie Algeria, and the most boring 2nd half in history since the infamous West Germany-Austria 1982 game in Gijon, would be surprised if a tie isn't the outcome, as it suits both teams. Algeria is better off with a tie than with a win, but both would be eliminated by a loss in this game.

---

It was indeed a tie, but actually not boring at all!

Great tournament for Africa, very poor for Asia (especially since one of the "Asian" teams that made it was Australia). Average for CONCACAF, really only the host countries were any good.

Here's the group stage wrapup.

Africa had 10 teams in the tournament, and 9 made it through! Incredible performance. pic.twitter.com/TrFSIVRbVn

— Sickos Committee (@SickosCommittee) June 28, 2026

sycasey said:

---

Great tournament for Africa, very poor for Asia (especially since one of the "Asian" teams that made it was Australia). Average for CONCACAF, really only the host countries were any good.

Here's the group stage wrapup.

Africa had 10 teams in the tournament, and 9 made it through! Incredible performance. pic.twitter.com/TrFSIVRbVn

— Sickos Committee (@SickosCommittee) June 28, 2026

---

Curacao should be part of South America. It is so weird that for some purposes it is considered part of North America yet is 37 miles from Venezuela.