as we endeavor to show the world how trash our society is, there will also be matches played

Mexico not exactly playing intrepid football up a man in the second half, squatting on a 1-0 lead like they're the ones a man short

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

More disgusted than Qatar, in fact, which doesn't seem correct.

especially since the cup is in the USA (and Mexico and Canada).

i had planned to go to a couple games now for years since they are in my city.

when them ticket prices hit, all them plans went up in smoke, and that's definitely put a bad taste in my mouth. i DO think (and have heard) that attendance won't be great in American cities depending on the match, so i am going to check for tickets day before/day of and see if people are trying to offload just to get something back in their pockets, so we'll see about that.

then, as the event actually approached and is now here, i learned more and more about the bullshit that FIFA tried, and in a lot of cases, pulled off.

i'm sure i'll watch a handful of games, but my actual EXCITEMENT is nearly non-existent.

The thing is, the times are such that I kinda hope the whole thing fails, miserably, and becomes an embarrassment. Terrible attendance, logistical fuckups, all that. Anything to make the regime (both of them, really) look stupid.

But of course that isn't fair to the teams and supporters for whom this means a hell of a lot.

So I don't know...whatever happens happens. Was hoping for boycotts, but that isn't the world we live in.

>The thing is, the times are such that I kinda hope the whole
>thing fails, miserably, and becomes an embarrassment. Terrible
>attendance, logistical fuckups, all that. Anything to make the
>regime (both of them, really) look stupid.
>
>But of course that isn't fair to the teams and supporters for
>whom this means a hell of a lot.
>
>So I don't know...whatever happens happens. Was hoping for
>boycotts, but that isn't the world we live in.


the way they treated certain teams right on the tarmac in the blazing heat, questioning them with the jet engine still roaring...pathetic

and the ref from somalia, smh

-------------------
I wanna go to where the martyrs went
the brown figures on the walls of my apart-a-ment...

but watching Mexico yesterday i couldnt help but catch a vibe. seeing Mexico on display for the world, fans in delerium (incl la presidenta), and contemplating Mexico vs England in R16 in Estadio Azteca...I felt it.

i feel like this group of Americans is a special group as the first generation littered with important Champions League players, and Ive invested in them emotionally, esp with so many playing for PSV. but this time around, it may be Mexico that pulls my heartstrings the hardest.

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

Pulisic Flo balogun and Weston look ready

doing things theyve never really done. Tillman dropping way deep to break the press with combination play rather than someone just blasting it downfield, then he and McKennie dictating possession and keeping the ball in the attacking third.

Pulisic was tearing thru the defense on his own, and on the other side Dest and McKennie were confusing the defense with Dest going underneath and inside while McKennie drifted out to the RWB role he plays for Juve sometimes.

that was great fucking soccer, and its nice to have a coach talented enough to build a system around what his players are good at with their clubs. didnt really see an asymmetrical 352 coming, which turns into a 433 in possession, unless ot turns back into a 352. that puts everyone on the roster into some approximate version of what they do at club level. Dest did this at PSV 2 years ago (on the left even), McKennie plays inside-outside at Juve, Pulisic plays that inside forward spot at Milan, Tillman was the best defensive attacker in Europe 2 years ago. and Freeman...hes swimming in deep water. hes also got a hybrid role, at 21, and will make himself a lot of money if he holds up as a LCB in a back 3.

It seems like Balogun, Robinson, Adams, Ream, and Richards have more traditional roles, but I didnt really notice a foot wrong from any of them. i think the goal was actually on Weah for not getting back into his wingback responsibility, but i might be wrong. Ream and Robinson in particular still have that connection. smooth unbothered passing to get out of pressure, and seamless switching on and off of runners.

even Gio giving us a little taste, still just 23 lol.

what a performance

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

>even Gio giving us a little taste, still just 23 lol.

I figured he was 25-26 by now 🤣

jan 2020, pre-stoppage, if not pre-pandemic

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

i thought we were gonna get rolled out on our asses but these boys actually look like they know how to play ball a little.

South Korea was balling last night too.

was there some BS leading up to this cup? of course. it wouldn't be FIFA if it wasnt. but what matters is the games are here and NOBODY does sports better than America. strap in this looks like it's going to be a very fun World Cup all around.

<--- Big Baller World Order

Not worth much, really. Still...

I think Paraguay got the whole thing wrong as much as the US got it right. I mean, good on USA, but ten minutes in I began to think Paraguay really botched their preparation. I blame their manager.

Yeah, 48 teams is great. What the WC really needed was more 7-1 scorelines. Well done, everyone.

Hydration breaks when required are good. Hydration breaks when it's 75 degrees outside are some bullshit. But of course the advertisers and networks are happy, so that's what's important.

I like Landon. Smart guy, has some good ideas, obviously a really good player. But what would be best for everyone is if he suddenly came down with a brutal case of laryngitis that left him unable to speak until, say, July 20.

he and Ian Darke are good television presenters together. im entertained by their interplay, and he knows when to STFU.

stu holden is the one I hate. at least taylor twellman isnt around.

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

Everywhere else in the world, the commentators assume a basic level of knowledge in their audience. But Fox is still doing the thing where they're apparently trying to speak to some hypothetical audience that has no idea how the game is played. And it's 2026, man...do we still need all the handholding? If a viewer is still that dumb, fuck 'em.

i hate that among all announcers, but i dont think thats always up to them. im sure hes just doing what they want him to do, and every american announcer does it.

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WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

the English lady is alright too

i loved Cobi Jones as a player when i was a kid but ive never been a fan of his commentary

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

Proper British (or whatever the hell Hargreaves is) commentators.

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

<--- Big Baller World Order

Dembele was a zero, but they didn't need him

including Mbappe. maybe any TWO guys.

the attacking options are comically plentiful

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

Ran the game in the first half.

Aussies tried to make it a mess in the 2nd half and succeeded but not enough to get anything out of the game.

USA advances to the Round of 32 early, which is great if they wanna rest some yellow card guys and Pulisic again. Will be even better if Paraguay wins tonight and USA clinches the group w/out playing, because then you can FOR SURE rest whoever you want and still have the benefits of the group W (playing in LA in Round of 32 and Seattle in Round of 16 if they get there).

>Ran the game in the first half.
>
>Aussies tried to make it a mess in the 2nd half and succeeded
>but not enough to get anything out of the game.
>
>USA advances to the Round of 32 early, which is great if they
>wanna rest some yellow card guys and Pulisic again. Will be
>even better if Paraguay wins tonight and USA clinches the
>group w/out playing, because then you can FOR SURE rest
>whoever you want and still have the benefits of the group W
>(playing in LA in Round of 32 and Seattle in Round of 16 if
>they get there).

Might be dumb but I do feel a little pride with all the praise the city is getting, not just for the atmosphere at the game but the atmosphere in general.

Hope USMNT can be back for the Round of 16.

obviously Adams and Robinson and Pulisic, and maybe Richards

but the rest, the vibes are so good i might want to play them a half. two weeks in between matches could do more harm than good.

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

Gakpo and Dumfries are dominating. with their service even that goof Brian Brobbey nabbed a pair. 2 assists for Dumfries, 2 goals and an assist for Gakpo.

elsewhere, Tillman and Dest are excelling for USA. Esmir Bajrakterovic important for Bosnia at 21. Ivan Perisic is ageless. Ismael Saibari with both Morocco goals taking 4 points from Brazil and Scotland. hopefully Pepi can get on the board on MD3.

Matej Kovar having a rough go as Czechia's GK, and Armando Obispo is starting for Curacao, and theyre all having a rough go.

Ibi Sangare starting for Ivory Coast today as well

also some absences being felt. the Netherlands midfield is thin without Jerdy Schouten, and Koeman is a jackass for taking Koopmeiners and De Roon instead of Veerman.

also dont understand why Mauro Junior isnt with Brazil when the fullbacks are clearly the weakest part of the squad.

all in all a wonderful impact for the club

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

Prolly Chelsea

Would say United, but for mbeumo

always had talent but only ever really produced in the Championship

and if Man U is going to have Dorgu on the left side, Summerville seems like a definite upgrade on that

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

missed PK of all things cost him a hat trick

over 2.5 bettors (not me!) will be vomiting all day

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

stunning ineptitude

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

Poch took all our subs and plugged a bunch of them into spots they dont' usually play.

From that, we scored early, fell behind, and fought back (which is the part i wanted to see most) and just went to sleep the last 45 seconds of the game.

I'm not really mad at that, especially because despite going home, Turkiye was the best team we played in the WC thus far.

Lastly, I think if Cristian Roldan is healthy and plays we don't lose that game.

We've got a pretty easy (on paper) game next with Bosnia-Herzegovina. Very winnable, but you still have to come out and perform.

Weah was in his normal attacking wingback role, and he was awful.

Scally has 130 Bundesliga starts, and switches off like that on goal #2.

Aaronson was invisible, and he and Weah offered Pepi *ZERO* service.

These are top flight regulars in big leagues, and are supposed to be pur front line of substitutes.

I dont know what Roldan would have offered, or why hes even on the team with Tanner Tessman watching from home. Berhalter wasnt bad, but is a step down from Cardoso.

I appreciated the mentality and aggression, and Pepi was working his ass off, but some guys were individually poor.

One guy who was NOT poor was Austin Trusty, so of course hes injured now. He played great, and held down that hybrid defender role really well.

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

those guys brought 11 CL goal contributions into the starting lineup, which is absurd for American substitutes, and they each have more than one

they need to be better

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

>Weah was in his normal attacking wingback role, and he was
>awful.

Wrong side of the field. Right foot dominant so cant get balls in from the left w/out cutting back in which means he can't utilize his speed either. Should probably do better but WOULD have done better on the other side.


>Scally has 130 Bundesliga starts, and switches off like that
>on goal #2.

Can't make much reason of here other than whenever he puts on that USA shirt he regresses from his league form drastically. It's just a proven thing at this point.


>Aaronson was invisible, and he and Weah offered Pepi *ZERO*
>service.

Was in as a winger...why? Not his role.


>I dont know what Roldan would have offered, or why hes even on
>the team with Tanner Tessman watching from home. Berhalter
>wasnt bad, but is a step down from Cardoso.

Cuz Roldan is a dawg, and he would have harrassed the fuck outta Guler and made his life much harder than anyone else did.

Also had Reyna way out of position so whe was way more invisible than Aaronson. Reyna was like, playing as a 6.

its not THAT new for him, and he was fine I guess with his defensive responsibilities. but the inability to stay onside or keep the ball inbounds...yuck.

Reyna and Aaronson I absolutely agree. Putting Aaronson where Pulisic was, and Reyna where Tillman was, was an odd choice.

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

> but the inability to stay onside
>or keep the ball inbounds...yuck.

I hope the Ivorians beat that ass unmercifully

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

I was disappointed, but there's a chance it was the right thing to do. I don't think it was, but I'm not a professional football manager.

best players havent played in 2 weeks and you voluntarily sign up to play the stronger squad with the more rugged midfield and the more dangerous attackers with that disrupted rhythm.

if it went poorly id want to crawl into a hole and die

part of me wonders if they didnt want to put a loss on their best players' heads, so they just found a way not to have to

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

CIV maybe not great, but you know, Norway ain't ever been up to that much. All else being equal, I'd call it a toss-up.

And I'd probably feel dumber if I sent Haaland out there and he got injured. Plus, even full strength they're losing to France, if France are playing the first eleven, as they did.

Overall, if they lose to CIV, I think it's just because one middling squad lost to another middling squad, not because of rustiness.

but, i still give the slight edge to CIV.

i mean, if there was no Haaland not only would CIV be favorites by a good margin, but Norway wouldn't even be in the World Cup, lol.

Hes actually gotten better since his Dortmund days which I thought was his peak


after watching him TEAR my Inter squad LIMB from LIMB


and now this....


yea, hes gonna win B'Dor again

-------------------
I wanna go to where the martyrs went
the brown figures on the walls of my apart-a-ment...

i'd say Brazil was more potent, so they deserved to win, but for the Japanese guy to give up that steal at the top of his box when he could have played it to the defender who could have cleared it...bro just held it too long and Japan paid the price.

Hopefully 🇳🇱 doesn’t follow suit

to be fair it almost worked, but I honestly don't recall the last time Holland played that defensively

he absolutely wouldve helped this team, but Koeman painted himself into a corner with his own arrogance after Veerman had one bad game, even after Jerdy Schouten got hurt.

3 centerbacks, de Jong standing right next to them all game, and no one in an advanced area to link with the forwards

plus for a team so devoted to set pieces, Veermans's probably got the best delivery in the entire player pool.

PSV fans are TERRIFIED of Bosz and Koeman trading jobs

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

Congo doing yeoman's work on defense (and THEY should up 2-0 if Wissa doesn't blow it).

like, who scores for England if Kane doesn't score...they gonna be down bad when he's too old to put on the shirt.

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

But...as soon as they told the ref to come look at it I knew it was a wrap so its more of a fuck VAR to me than the ref, or at least equal.

Really fucks us for Belgium, but this isnt the old USMNT and hopefully they step up.

>But...as soon as they told the ref to come look at it I knew
>it was a wrap so its more of a fuck VAR to me than the ref, or
>at least equal.
>
>Really fucks us for Belgium, but this isnt the old USMNT and
>hopefully they step up.

because there is the least dropoff to his backup

obviously im biased but i think the dropoff is actually negligible. The press will be at least AS good, Pepi's got pre-existing chemistry with other attackers, and hes a pressure performer at club level.

Im excited for his chance to shine, more than I am concerned about Balogun not being there.

obviously you would rather be able to bring Pepi on to replace Balogun, than have to bring Haji Wright on to replace Pepi. That is a mild concern.

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

he didnt, like....DO anything. just tangled legs.

i dont know what VAR thinks the referee "missed"

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

them boys did not come to play an iota of ball vs France. just cheating, time wasting, trying to injure people and start fights

<--- Big Baller World Order

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7423410/2026/07/05/usmnt-folarin-balogun-red-card-available/

<--- Big Baller World Order

Nvr heard of anything like this before

They didn’t rescind the card, but a 1 year ‘probation’

?

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

now, Belgium has been granted an appeal of the decision, with the possibility that a response comes before the game today.

if they re-suspend him, that's fucking crazy.

also, fuck Belgium. i could see if this was Bosnia asking for this.

i get that this whole thing smells of corruption, but for once, corruption got it right (rescinding the red card) and i think that doing the right thing should always be the answer.

>think that doing the right thing should always be the answer.

It was a bad red card. But it was given. Two wrongs don't make a right. Balogun should not be playing.

and FIFA violated their own procedures to issue it, so him not being suspended is "right."

how he came to be able to play? that's wrong.

but i mean, FIFA is all kinds of fucked up, with a shit ton of stupid rules and procedures. fix the organization and their processes (wishful thinking, i know).

It's a corrupt victory, and that's all anyone will talk about.

And is your argument: "FIFA is corrupt, therefore the US should just smile and take advantage of that corruption?"

our cheetoh in charge getting involved is what made it corrupt, but i mean, that's all he knows so...

unless the referee was an impostor, i dont really see how that rises to the level of fraud

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

fraudulent, incorrect, wrong, bullshit...whatever you wanna call it. i don't care.

the referee went beyond the parameters of FIFA's own guidelines to deliver that card to Balogun = fraudulent (or whatever YOU wanna call it).

im not fine in a world where govt officials have their hands in sporting matters

they are not equivalent or parallel scenarios

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

I am PRO reviewing red cards and rescinding them if warranted.

I am NOT PRO our president putting pressure on anyone to make that happen.

On top of that, not letting Vini Jr. take the penalty was a wild choice, and Endrick shit the bed in front of goal.

Props to Norway. Why does Haaland have to play for my enemy? It makes it hard to enjoy him, but I respect the shit outta him. That 2nd goal was FIRE.

Why does Haaland have to play for my enemy?
>It makes it hard to enjoy him, but I respect the shit outta
>him. That 2nd goal was FIRE.

destoryed Gabriel on that 1st one

martinelli (good player) wasnt suited to play his role, and the fullbacks are useless. shoulda brought Mauro Junior.

the penalty situation was bizarre. Bruno G has taken 3 professional penalties for his entire career. galaxy brain shit.

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

rolled us again. it's not that deep.

<--- Big Baller World Order

that is my review of this game.

better WC run than we had any business to have. team was utter dogshit leading up to it.

<--- Big Baller World Order

I dont know what happened to the USMNT. Did Trump curse them? Maybe. Was Belgium extra motivated? Definitely. I definitely didn't expect basically EVERYONE to play like shit but thats what happened, and it's just disappointing.

I'm not even arguing should we have won or if Belgium is better, I'm talking about the level of focus and discipline and performance. No one can argue that wasnt where it should have been and thats with taking Belgium completely out of the equation.

Bad red card. The entire world knows it, and sympathizes. Good will toward the red white n' blue. And in the locker room, an entire squad bonding over their wronged brother, determined to avenge him. Extra focused now, with chips on their shoulders. Huddle before the match, they shout Balogun's name and take the field. Great.

What the story became:

One of the worst people on earth phones one of the other worst people on earth and cuts a shady deal. The entire world knows it, and shudders in disgust. Lawyers are retained; hearings are scheduled. It's the lead story the day of the match. There are guys in the locker just happy to have Balogun back; there are guys in the locker room who are happy, but can't help but raise an eyebrow; and there are at least a couple of guys who feel slightly sick to their stomachs. Meanwhile Belgium is fucking pissed, and now their whole squad is more than happy to beat the shit out of the cheating yanks. And when they do, the narrative is "serves them right."

I really prefer the first story. Probably still have lost, but it would have been straightforward and free of bullshit distraction. 3-2, maybe. A hard-fought 1-0.

But we got the second story.

https://board.okayplayer.com/okp.php?az=show_topic&forum=8&topic_id=2795842&mesg_id=2795842&listing_type=search#2797543

Im patting myself on the back like Barry Horowitz for that one

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

who moves to a bigger club after the WC, which always happens to a handful of players.

but, yeah, i think they have to be considered the favorites.

complete highway robbery incoming

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

hea not good, and making him look like a superstar was the most embarrassing part of the whole affair

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE