The Official 2022 FIFA World Cup Thread

[TripleThreat]

YOUNG AMERICANS
The USMNT was by far the youngest team to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, garnering valuable experience going through the rigors of World Cup qualifying. Through 14 qualifiers, the USA Starting XI came in at an average of 23.82, almost two years younger than the next closest team, Ghana at 25.67. Together, the other 31 participating teams averaged a Starting XI age of 27.5 through qualifying, nearly four full years older than the U.S. Sources say this is one of the youngest, but most talented teams the U.S. has ever fielded. While they may not win the world cup this year, they may garner the experience needed to make a serious run on home soil in the year 2026 when the World Cup comes back to North America.

2022 USA World Cup Roster

FORWARDS
Jesús Ferreira (FC Dallas)
Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders)
Christian Pulisic (Chelsea)
Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund)
Josh Sargent (Norwich City)
Timothy Weah (Lille)
Haji Wright (Antalyaspor)

MIDFIELDERS
Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United)
Kellyn Acosta (LAFC)
Tyler Adams (Leeds United)
Luca de la Torre (Celta Vigo)
Weston McKennie (Juventus)
Yunus Musah (Valencia)
Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders)

DEFENDERS
Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic)
Sergiño Dest (AC Milan)
Aaron Long (New York Red Bulls)
Shaq Moore (Nashville SC)
Tim Ream (Fulham)
Antonee Robinson (Fulham)
Joe Scally (Borussia Monchengladbach)
DeAndre Yedlin (Inter Miami)
Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC)

GOALKEEPERS
Ethan Horvath (Luton Town)
Sean Johnson (NYCFC)
Matt Turner (Arsenal)

[loochy]

Welp, SUI is SOL

[Hark Clunt]

before the tourney started i predicted a brazil-portugal final just to be different, but...

[Gary Cooper]

Originally Posted by POND_OF_RED

Cockblocked? Morocco is not some pushover squad. They’ve held their own against Spain, Belgium, Croatia and Canada. They aren’t pulling rabbits out of their hats. They’re a good team. They should be able to go toe to toe with Portugal too. Nothing shows that they can’t. Spain dominates possession against everyone.

Meh. Underdogs only get so far in World Cups. They typically don't get further than the quarters. Besides, Portugal is legit. This is likely their best ever squad. They'll be way more direct and creative than Spain.

[loochy]

well at least we get to see lots of goals in this one

[Gary Cooper]

Originally Posted by Hark Clunt

before the tourney started i predicted a brazil-portugal final just to be different, but...

Yeah, England/France is a tough matchup for anyone. I expect Portugal to make the semis but they'll need something special to overcome those two squads. Impressed with them today but I'm surprised how poor Switzerland has defended in this tournament. I expected them to be better.

[loochy]

Shaquiri is a hobbit

[penguinz]

Originally Posted by Gary Cooper

Isn't he like 38? Most soccer players are pretty much done by early 30s. The fact he lasted this long shows how great he was.

37. Age happens quickly though. In the pre-tournament physicals all the players go through he was testing more fit than almost all other players in 2018.

[loochy]

With that performance by Ramos at the 9 spot it's going to be hard for Ronaldo to get his starting spot back (since he's not versatile enough to play wide anymore).

[penguinz]

CR7 is soooo sloooooow now.

[TripleThreat]

I don’t like not having games in the morning, I realize I’ve been spoiled. My work days have been flying by with these games on.

[Dull Tools]

Originally Posted by Gary Cooper

Yeah, England/France is a tough matchup for anyone. I expect Portugal to make the semis but they'll need something special to overcome those two squads. Impressed with them today but I'm surprised how poor Switzerland has defended in this tournament. I expected them to be better.

Portugal always had a talented squad but they had a Ronaldo problem. They should be better now. Would be even better if Jota was fit.

[Skyy God]

**** Qatar.

“We’re in the middle of a World Cup. And we have a successful World Cup. And this is something that you want to talk about right now? I mean, death is a natural part of life, whether it’s at work, whether it’s uh, in your sleep. Of course, a worker died, um, our condolences go to his family, however, you know, I mean it’s strange that this is something that you want to focus on as your first question.”

[POND_OF_RED]

Todays matches are going to be great. Hoping we get the potential Brazil vs Argentina semifinal, but Croatia and the Dutch are very tough opponents as well. it’s crazy how lucky France got with a free ride to the final on the other side. I just don’t see Portugal or Morocco beating them and obviously Mbappe and Dembele will torch the England fullbacks tomorrow.

[Eleazar]

Originally Posted by Cave Johnson

**** Qatar.

“We’re in the middle of a World Cup. And we have a successful World Cup. And this is something that you want to talk about right now? I mean, death is a natural part of life, whether it’s at work, whether it’s uh, in your sleep. Of course, a worker died, um, our condolences go to his family, however, you know, I mean it’s strange that this is something that you want to focus on as your first question.”

Someone said the last time football was played over this many bodies was the Christmas truce of WWI

[SuperBowl4]

Anybody but france!