2026 World Cup thread

[Webster]

I did like the Totally Football podcast's line about Team USA -- "from appealing to appalling".

 

[Chet Lemon]

I don’t have an opinion on whether any of it is “woke” or not, but the analysis today overall leaves much to be desired and I think is indicative of the U.S. sports media’s unfamiliarity with the sport, along with its free-flowing nature that makes it difficult for us casuals to dissect. Whereas after a baseball or football game we get largely on-point analysis about particular decisions, at-bats, etc., today 99 percent of what I’m reading is LAZY.

“WHY DIDN’T WE TRY HARDER?!”

“THE PLAYERS DON’T CARE!”

 

[Inky_Wretch]

I don’t have an opinion on whether any of it is “woke” or not, but the analysis today overall leaves much to be desired and I think is indicative of the U.S. sports media’s unfamiliarity with the sport, along with its free-flowing nature that makes it difficult for us casuals to dissect. Whereas after a baseball or football game we get largely on-point analysis about particular decisions, at-bats, etc., today 99 percent of what I’m reading is LAZY.

“WHY DIDN’T WE TRY HARDER?!”

“THE PLAYERS DON’T CARE!”

https://www.dazn.com/en-US/news/soc...-states-vs-belgium/12zk2wzlirrfx1jvtmyakda4no

https://www.squawka.com/en/features/post-match-analysis-usa-vs-belgium-07-07-26/

https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_...er-ratings-pulisic-co-struggle-world-cup-exit

https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_...ed-united-states-fifa-world-cup-reality-check

 

[Chet Lemon]

https://www.dazn.com/en-US/news/soc...-states-vs-belgium/12zk2wzlirrfx1jvtmyakda4no

https://www.squawka.com/en/features/post-match-analysis-usa-vs-belgium-07-07-26/

https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_...er-ratings-pulisic-co-struggle-world-cup-exit

https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_...ed-united-states-fifa-world-cup-reality-check

Oh, I have no doubt there are experts out there providing good objective analysis and I appreciate the guidance to find it. Sports radio is a ****ing nightmare today.

 

[dixiehack]

Sports radio is a ****ing nightmare today.

Ends in Y, etc.

As for the “woke” guy, there is a magic button to put his comments in a coma as far as your feed is concerned. Just saying.

 

[exmediahack]

USMNT is the Houston Texans of this World Cup.

Got past the Jags, Titans and Colts in the group stage. Beat the Chargers in the Saturday 4:30 pm Shakey’s Game… and lost 38-7 to the Ravens/Bills/Chiefs.

 

[Inky_Wretch]

Sports radio is a ****ing nightmare today.

 

[Inky_Wretch]

I get out of a meeting to find Egypt up 1-0? On Argentina!?!

 

[micropolitan guy]

The USMNT is a lot like the Bills. I know at some point they're going to disappoint me. It's just a question of when.

But at least with the Bills, I get to watch a fantastic, generational talent like Josh Allen make unbelievable plays (and yes, occasional WTF! moments) every single game. There are no Josh Allens on the USMNT yet.

 

[poindexter]

The last 5-10 minutes of last night's game - we had several runs up the left side, only to cross to.. nobody.
We couldn't even move guys up in desperation.

 

[poindexter]

Alma: Woke
Rainman: Judge Wapner at 5:00

 

[Meat Slapping Sound]

After my strident defense yesterday of watching the US match without qualms or considerations, I'm here today to say that I was wrong and no one should have watched that.

 

[HanSenSE]

Yeah, that was Lalas-level garbage, and overall I think Holden is pretty good. John Strong was also in Lalas rah rah mode all night and I'm like, are you watching what is happening out there? It needed a Johnny Miller beatdown from the commentary side.

But major minus points for that little plea at the end of the game for viewers to keep watching the Cup even with USMNT eliminated.

 

[Justin_Rice]

The second paragraph.

It made the writer in question feel like a Bad Guy because the Bad Man intervened. Even if the red card was total BS, the Bad Man helped facilitate the correct result. And this will not do.

Sports and its outcomes should not depend on how much political pressure can be imposed.

And whether he exerted pressure or not, just injecting himself into the conversation creates the appearance of impropriety.

I mean … should the governor of one state be calling the NCAA Tournament selection committee to lobby for a school? Or is it best the politicians stay out of it?

 

[Alma]

I don’t have an opinion on whether any of it is “woke” or not, but the analysis today overall leaves much to be desired and I think is indicative of the U.S. sports media’s unfamiliarity with the sport, along with its free-flowing nature that makes it difficult for us casuals to dissect. Whereas after a baseball or football game we get largely on-point analysis about particular decisions, at-bats, etc., today 99 percent of what I’m reading is LAZY.

“WHY DIDN’T WE TRY HARDER?!”

“THE PLAYERS DON’T CARE!”

How'd you like moral lectures from sportswriters on how the world should work?

 

[HanSenSE]

So I’ve distilled my immense futbol knowledge down to one simple thought even you rubes can understand: Team USA is an Erling Haaland away from making the elite eight.

Although it's been said, many times, many ways, that would take a development program that isn't more interested in soaking parents for every dime they have first.

 

[Alma]

Sports and its outcomes should not depend on how much political pressure can be imposed.

How about courts?

 

[I Should Coco]

But major minus points for that little plea at the end of the game for viewers to keep watching the Cup even with USMNT eliminated.

Yeah, I had a chuckle at that, too. Anyone who's seen great knockout games like Portugal-Croatia, Brazil-Norway and England-Mexico is going to keep following the World Cup until the end.

 

[Oggiedoggie]

I

How about courts?

Basketball and tennis should be included.

 

[HanSenSE]

Yeah, I had a chuckle at that, too. Anyone who's seen great knockout games like Portugal-Croatia, Brazil-Norway and England-Mexico is going to keep following the World Cup until the end.

Exactly. As a sports fan, I'm interested in seeing how this all plays out. It's why I watch the Stanley Cup, World Series, ect., when I don't have a dog in the hunt.