The Soccer Thread (Version 13) — Winter World Cup Edition

Seems like management is hoping for a "you can't fire me, I quit" ending.

 

Another US invasion and rout of Grenada.

 

Tottenham sacks the gaffer while sitting fourth on the table?

 

I would have liked Conte to stick around over a financial dispute

 

What the hell is USA wearing?

 

Tie dye!!!

 

2023 U-20 World Cup host Indonesia kicks up a fuss about Israel being in the tournament, the governor of (mostly Hindu) Bali refuses to host the Israeli team, and FIFA ... stands its ground? What a bizarre twist. I guess there's not enough money tied up in a U-20 tournament for FIFA to do its usual craven, money-grubbing routine. Kudos for doing the right thing, I guess, but something tells me FIFA might've been much less forceful if the troublesome host country was someone better connected and/or funded.
Indonesia removed as U-20 World Cup host amid Israel row

 

Indonesia got kicked out of the 1964 Olympics after it went along with kicking Israel out of the 1962 Asian games so this is a bit of a throwback.

 

Indonesia is a Muslim-majority nation, about 80% of the total population. Bali happens to be the province with the lowest percentage of Muslims.

 

Indonesia politicians seem to not be immune from political pressure. It would be like Charlie Baker blocking the Democratic Convention from Boston.

 

I know that bills have to be paid, but you can’t put Man City v. Liverpool as the first match back from the international break on Peacock.

 

There may be better soccer teams, although not many if there are, but there's no team that can make its opponent look as bad as City can.