World Cup 2026

[Sheilbh]

So not a great comparison, France had very good players in every position that year too

Sure but that doesn't mean you win everything - see this French team in 2022, the 2024 and 2020 Euros.

My point is as a team they've looked formidable for a while and look as stacked as that great Brazil team, particularly with several of the best attacking players in the world (like fenemeno Ronaldo, Ronaldinho etc). That's the last team I can think of in football where there's just that level of quality especially in attack.

[crazy canuck]

So not a great comparison, France had very good players in every position that year too

Sure but that doesn't mean you win everything - see this French team in 2022, the 2024 and 2020 Euros.

My point is as a team they've looked formidable for a while and look as stacked as that great Brazil team, particularly with several of the best attacking players in the world (like fenemeno Ronaldo, Ronaldinho etc). That's the last team I can think of in football where there's just that level of quality especially in attack.

You're right it doesn't mean you win everything, but it means you're very hard to beat. I don't know why you guys are pushing back so hard on the fact if anybody does beat France in this tournament, it will be a huge victory.

I just seems to be obviously true

[Sheilbh]

I'm literally not pushing back on it. I know nothing about the Chicago Bulls so used a comparison from football of probably the best national team in my lifetime - that were, oddly enough, beaten by France.

You read that as pushing back or a bad comparison because France in 98 were very good too (which they were, but I think that Brazil team was special).

[crazy canuck]

 

[DGuller]

I don't get it, why are the refs often from conflicted countries?  First you had a French ref, then an Argentine ref, now an English ref?  It almost seems like a policy, but why?  Surely some of the eliminated countries have competent referee teams?

[Gups]

First time I've realized just how stunning the LA stadium is.

[garbon]

First time I've realized just how stunning the LA stadium is.

I saw a game there a couple years ago. It was really nice / also easy to get in and out of.

[HVC]

Great defensive play by the ref

[HVC]

Tough luck for belgium. Goalie went down.

[crazy canuck]

Yeah, he probably would not have given the rebound away like that.  Tough break for the backup

[HVC]

To be fair wasn't the first goal a rebound too?

[HVC]

Two games tomorrow:

England vs Norway

And

Switzerland vs The Ref

[Sheilbh]

Tough luck for belgium. Goalie went down.

Yeah although the cut to Courtois after the goal went in was brutal.

I feel for Lammens - I think being a sub goalie is very tough and he's had a good season for Man United.

I would have preferred Belgium to go through (always love Lukaku) but difficult without Courtois. Probably his last World Cup too now?

[HVC]

Feel very old man shouting at clouds but as well as modern stutter penalties, I hate short corners

For you Sheilbh

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DalPw0oMagK

[Sheilbh]

I saw about the Norway fan who doesn't join in the rowing because it's historically inaccurate (Vikings sailed) and silly.

Nice to see an EUOT poster enjoying the World Cup