OT The official World Cup Qatar 2022 Megathread

Like the Winter/Summer Olympics, the FIFA World Cup only occurs once every 4 years.

This year the tournament is hosted by the nation of Qatar, which will get the tournament underway with the first game being Sunday 11/20/22 at 8am PST against Ecuador.

The United States first match of the group stage will be against Wales Monday 11/21/22 at 11am PST.

-In 10 World Cup appearances, the USA Men hold a record of 8 wins, 6 draws, and 19 losses. Their overall goal tally is 37 for, and 62 against for an aggregate goal difference of -25.
-The United States failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
-During the 2014 World Cup the United States advanced from the group stage with a record of 1-1-1. Defeating Ghana 2-1; Drawing 2-2 with Portugal; and losing 0-1 to Germany. The United States lost their first knockout matchup Vs Belgium. Belgium defeated the United States 2-1 after extra time.
-The United States best performance was in 1930 when they lost to Argentina in the Semi-Finals
-France are the defending Champions after defeating runner up Croatia in 2018

Group List:


-Powerhouse England will face the USA in their group match on Friday 11/25/22 at 11am PST

Bracket:


Here is a list of the USMNT roster of players which play for clubs in top leagues overseas

GK Matt Turner Arsenal (ENG)
GK Ethan Horvath Luton Town (ENG)
DEF Antonee Robinson Fulham (ENG)
DEF Joe Scally Mönchengladbach (GER)
DEF Cameron Carter-Vickers Celtic (SCO)
DEF Sergino Dest A.C Milan (ITA)
MID Yunus Musah Valencia (SPA)
MID Tyler Adams Leeds United (ENG)
MID Brenden Aaronson Leeds United (ENG)
MID Weston McKennie Juventus (ITA)
MID Luca de la Torre Celta Vigo (SPA)
FWD Haji Wright Antalyaspor (TUR)
FWD Christian Pulisic Chelsea (ENG)
FWD Gio Reyna Borussia Dortmund (GER)
FWD Josh Sargent Norwich City (ENG)
FWD Timothy Weah LOSC Lille (FRA)

USMNT players which play for MLS Clubs

GK Sean Johnson NYCFC
DEF Aaron Long NY Red Bulls
DEF Shaq Moore Nashville SC
DEF DeAndre Yedlin Inter Miami
DEF Walker Zimmerman Nashville SC
MID Cristian Roldan Seattle Sonders
MID Kellyn Acosta LAFC
FWD Jesus Ferreira FC Dallas
FWD Jordan Morris Seattle Sounders

 

I picked Spain. Not exactly sure that is a great pick, but a team that I have my eye on. Could see them ending up second in their group and in the knockout round they potentially could get paired up with Portugal in the second round. That would be pretty exciting if it occurred.

 

Germany lost Timo Werner to injury during a match for his club Red Bulls Leipzig, which increases Spains odds of winning a group that they were already favored to qualify from.

Not a bad pick, but they will have a tough road ahead of them just like everyone else.

 

I’ll personally be keeping an eye on the Dutch; whom many consider to be a dark horse candidate to win. I think Netherlands will qualify first from their group and then face USA/Wales/England in the first knockout round.

Could be an unfortunate draw for the Dutch if England finishes as the runner up after group stage.

I would enjoy seeing Messi win a World Cup for Argentina.

Brazil is probably my favorite as the team most likely to advance the furthest.

 

Brazil?

 

PLEASE PUT THIS SHIT ON THE OT PAGE. SOCCER IS NOT A SPORT.

 

Should be a lot of great action and storylines in these games.

Cant sleep on Senegal, a team which could be a potential first knockout round opponent for England/USA/Wales/Iran.

 

GOOOOOOOOOOOALLLLL........GOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLL

 

If the US can get a point in the wales game they should have a good chance of advancing. If they win that game they should advance. A lot riding on game one

 

I'm only kidding, of course. I would never want to prevent anyone from enjoying something they are a fan of.

 

soccer isnt, couldnt agree more

football (a real one) on the other hand is the best and most popular sport in the world

 

Given the US draw, I'm going to be really disappointed if they don't advance past the group phase and win at least 1 game in the knock out round.

 

So games are on FOX/FSN1/FOX SPORTS app.

 

Listing the stars I know off the top of my head…

FC Bayern Munich - Sadio Mane - Senegal (will miss first few games)
FC Bayern Munich - Thomas Muller - Germany (Maybe not as big of a name as the rest, but one of the best at their position. Not sure of their injury status)
Paris St-Germaine - Neymar - Brazil
Paris St-Germaine - Lionel Messi - Argentina
Paris St-Germaine - Kylian Mbappe - France
Barcelona - Robert Lewandowski - Poland
Barcelona - Memphis Depay - Netherlands
Barcelona - Raphinha - Brazil
Real Madrid - Karim Benzema - France
Manchester United - Christiano Ronaldo - Portugal
Tottenham Hotspur - Harry Kane - England
Manchester City - Kevin DeBruyne - Belgium
Manchester City - Jack Graelish - England

Notably missing from the list
Manchester City - Erling Haaland - Norway (Did not qualify)

Poland will live and die by how they can set up Robert Lewandowski as well. Lewandowski saw multiple 3+ goal matches in his time with FC Bayern Munich of the Bundesliga, much of that being credit to the German clubs depth of talent in the midfield.

 

We will need a draw or win against England or Wales to even punch our ticket to the knockout stage. That’s presuming we handle business against Iran.

I for one would not be disappointed if we make it out of the group and lose to The Netherlands. Ill just be happy to make it out of the group stage, but I’m not counting our chickens.

 

Never been a fan of soccer but something about the World Cup does draw my interest in. Hell I'll even buy the FIFA game when it's the WC edition!

 

That’s the way I was with Hockey and the Olympics, but I’ll actually watch an NHL match now.

I’ve always enjoyed the World Cup. I’m super hyped for it this year. Lots of interesting storylines, such as this likely being the last opportunity for Ronaldo to win a WC for his country of Portugal.