OT: We may win the World Cup in 2026
- Thread starter brad1218
- Start date
Tonight‘s performance was very poor in a number of ways. Poor set piece entry passes is definitely one of ways.
Can’t be happy with this game. Qualifying is more important. But the regression tonight was tough to watch.
Very anticlimactic way to qualify. Thank goodness we got the draw at Mexico.
More Jenny Chiu please.
I don’t think in terms of fault. I think in terms of how to improve. I think GB, the rest of the staff, and the players should commended for qualifying.
Then they should get back to work improving.
We sure berhaltered our way into qualifying tonight. But, Just qualify, baby! Feels good to be back in the WC.
So glad we are in Pot 2. There isn't a single team I'm comfortable with the USA facing.
So glad we are in Pot 2. There isn't a single team I'm comfortable with the USA facing.
Pretty sure it's because Australia switched regions that there's no guaranteed slot.
Oceania is getting the guaranteed slot back with the expansion for 2026.
In your first grouping, I'd rather have Scotland/ Ukraine (but not Wales) than Ghana or Cameroon (groups can have 2 Euros).
In your second group, Saudi Arabia is a good shout but wouldn't mind Scotland or Ukraine.
Your Group of Death scenario couldn't include Ecuador since Brazil is already there. Actually would prefer to avoid any of the Euro Pot 1 teams over Brazil/ Arg.
Australia left Oceania because they kept having to get in via playoff, usually vs S American team. Went to Asia since they had multiple auto qualifiers.
I agree on the Scotland/Ukraine, however I'd rather avoid that ball tomorrow rather than potentially face Wales if they win the playoff.
And good call on Ecuador.
They are nice to look at but aside from her…not sure on the talent thing besides appearance.
Sadly, who knows if Ukraine will be able to field a team in June. Could be Wales/Scotland for the last Euro spot.
Kate has been doing this for years covering champions league. She's good at it. Wrangling the US yahoos is not easy... they aren't naturals in front of the camera.
Exactly right. All those former US Nats get to be a bit boring & not all that much for insight. Too many homers but what can you expect for Concacaf qualifiers.
Yeah, I get what you mean. More than a good probability that Wales gets through vs the other 2. They already are in the final for that group, just waiting for one of the other 2.
As an outsider looking in…it sure didn’t look like it last night.
And I am not going to blame it all on the jockocracy either.
Very different dynamic on the Women's side. Mexican-American players often choose to play for Mexico because that's the team they can make.
I'm actually not very familiar (don't pay attention) to who the commentators are. So I don't know who Jenny Chiu is. I'm guessing she's been part of the coverage crews in some of the games, yes?
In my weird way of focusing, the commentators are often just background noise I ignore. They're a very low focus priority compared to what's taking place in the game on the field.
I'm gonna rant a little...
When I'm watching soccer, I really appreciate accurate commentary focused overwhelmingly on the tactics on display, or the tactical evolution of the game, along with stuff about a various players' great, or poor, moments on or off the ball, etc. In other words, pure dryly delivered soccer talk.
As opposed to a bunch of BS that's wholly irrelevant to the game on the field. Such as how some coach or player must be feeling about something. I mean, putting aside the fact that the commentators can't possibly know how the players or coaches are feeling (unless they're mind readers), who actually GAF anyway?. It's not a freaking soccer therapy session.
It just seems like the USMNT qualifier game coverage has had far too much of the irrelevant BS and too much reality-TV-esque injected fake drama. And not nearly enough actual soccer talk about what's taking place on the field, other than droll play by play about stuff we can all see for ourselves anyway.
I also get the sense that they've been instructed to dumb everything way way down for the US audience, whom they appear to assume must know very little about soccer. There's almost a complete absence of discussion about the tactics in play at any given time.
I don't get that same sense at all when watching most European soccer, where it seems the presumption appears to be that the fans actually have a reasonably decent level of understanding about the sport.
But other than that, I'm perfectly okay with the commentating. 🙂
Okay, rant over.
Agreed. More Arlo White, Graeme Le Saux, and Lee Dixon in game please. But def more Jenny, Kate, and Jules in the pre and post-game.
Assuming that American audiences are less educated about the game is fine. They could use it as an opportunity to educate folks about the tactics, in game adjustments, positioning, etc., rather than be a cheerleader. It's why Madden was so beloved for the NFL.
If rants are acceptable at this point.. can the Outlaws please come up with more creative chants? Various flavors of chanting USA is so basic and annoying. Be more creative please.
