World Cup 2022

I should clarify, I'm not a "fan" of CONCACAF, lol. I just think its important for the growth of the sport in our region for the regional teams to do well. Unfortunately, this has been a pretty disappointing tournament in that regards.

I've seen articles touting Canada's strong showing in this World Cup. Winning fans all over the world, now other teams will want to play Canada leading up to qualifications, etc. Sure, they played Belgium tough, which led Herdman to trash talk about how they were going to "F up Croatia". Seems they ended up being on the other end of the "stick".

i find myself rooting for CONCACAF teams, but not with much fervor. I have mixed feelings about Mexico - their fan base can be very off putting. I find the vitriol toward Tata entertaining and amusing, especially after the fanfare when he became coach.

Our Nats have struggled to score but have been very well organized. Only one goal conceded in open play in three games. There were some missed chances but the team is difficult to create chances against. If Sargent is out and Puli is less that 100% it is going to be tough to move on (tough even if they were healthy). Berhalter has made some effective tactical moves - it will be interesting to see how the team adjusts for NED.

He was on a yellow card from the 6th minute. Proceeded to go into several more reckless two footed slide tackles throughout the game. Then while needing a goal, he lays down for a minute to catch his breath and ease a cramp. Gotta love the guy even if he gives you heart attacks every game. He shut down Brazil on that side.

I love American ref Ismail Elfath dapping up Aboubakar when showing him his 2nd yellow for taking his shirt off after scoring the game winner. Not sure I've seen a friendlier red card on this big a stage.

(1 min mark)

Yes Nouhou shut down Brazil's attack down the right. I think he only got beaten once but usually not only shut down the defender but won the ball and started heading up field. I know that Nouhou gets mixed reviews here, but I love the guy.

Everyone (except Brazil) was so happy for Aboubaker's goal that they didn't mind his bonehead 2nd yellow. Cameroon was extremely unlikely to advance at that point, and the goal meant that they would beat mighty Brazil. Even coach Rigobert Song (who cut a fine figure in his long coat, dreads and ball cap) was chuckling with Aboubaker immediately after he was carded.

Too bad Cameroon didn't advance but I am pleased to see the African nations do so well in this Cup, as well as Asia. Japan's fans cleaning the stadium and their team leaving the locker room spotless is pretty cool.

I agree on poor subs and lack of scoring opportunities but appreciate the effective defense and midfield play. Hopefully attack can be enhanced...

US has no killer instinct for goal, refuses to stop trying to force things through the middle (clogged by Dutch), retreats and passes back instead of pressing, makes sloppy passes out of the back, and can't defend late runs or low crosses.

Pulisic and Robinson keep making the same runs and try to occupy the same space around the top left corner of the box too much. No good movement, no good passing, and only two decent shots by the US. Zimmerman is a liability.

Once the match was set, I predicted 4-0 to Netherlands. Only way the Dutch don't score four is if they just sit back with the ball to save energy and see out the second half.