Well we've had our set backs to!
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Perhaps? What else would come close?
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The 2017-2018 Football Thread
- Thread starter Lord Blackadder
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On the contrary, the US produces big TV viewing figures and a huge number of Americans travel to every world cup. It is true that, as a proportion of its population, the USA's participation lags behind that of the traditional football powers, but football has a much bigger hold on the USA than mainstream American culture might suggest.
This is partially because, in US culture, football has long been the sport of immigrants - and with immigration a topic of major political debate at the moment in the US, supporting the sport could be seen in certain circles as a very political choice - it goes without saying that everyone knows that Latin America is both a football-crazy region of the world AND the US's biggest source of immigration. Additionally, some Americans like to depict soccer fandom as the province of effete, snobbish, urban bourgeois hipsters. This insult largely targets white middle class soccer fans, but ignores all of the immigrants and children of immigrants who are more likely to be working class, and at any rate never saw football as a snobbish sport - it was the ONLY sport. They know nothing about that deal where you wear silly helmets, throw the egg-shaped thing around, crash into each other and dance every few minutes between commercials.
What? Please go back and look prior post by @Lord Blackadder and myself in discussion of Real Madrid. This is nothing new here, and I carry great conversation for the most part. Also look at the fact he quoted me on a question I ask. He is very clear for his distaste for Real Madrid.
As for focusing on why my opinion merits consideration, why should it not? I am a football fan just like anyone else here, and my team is the one I follow the closest. I think everyone opinion should be valued here. This was a very poor response to my post.
Tend to agree with most of this, but for a lot of people it’s a hard sport to get into unless you have money. The club play here cost a lot to get into. Unless you play a lot recreationally, it’s still a hard sport to adopt here. I think that’s the shame.
I think association football has the potential to be really huge in the USA soon. Why? Because you can easily see the face of the players, and that is a marketer's dream. Why do you think we all recognize the faces of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi just about everywhere in the world, even the USA? The fact we recognize the faces of NBA players has made that sport a marketer's dream, especially when many foreigners recognize who LeBron James is.
Opening ceremony started off with a band. A nice middle finger to the world from Robbie Williams.
On the football side, looks like Russia should easily win game one.
On the football side, looks like Russia should easily win game one.
Yeah it looks like Saudi Arabia is getting more of the ball now, but not sure it’s enough. Not the best football we will see at the WC.
Tomorrow’s games look to be really intriguing. Really interested to see what Mo Salah will look like. I hope he does really well.
I'm in Kenya at the moment, and people here - I asked who they supported - are mainly shouting for Senegal, I was informed.
While they would love to see any African team do well, in general, they are less enamoured of Nigeria, (despite their stunning shirts) and not exactly enthusiastic about the teams from the north of the continent that have qualified (Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt) as these are Muslim countries & cultures, though Tunisia is somewhat secular; however, I gather that the Somali diaspora in Kenya (in common with Somalis in Somalia) are strongly supporting the north African teams.
That’s interesting. Well us Americans can choose just about anyone lol. I cheer for Spain because of my support of Madrid, and then England. Seems the most logical lol. I guess it’s nice to just enjoy the tournament and not be too stressed. Still wish the US was here.
Russia cruising now. A good win will do there confidence a world of good.
Yes they are not going to win it, but getting out of the group stages would be good for the home nation.
Yes they are not going to win it, but getting out of the group stages would be good for the home nation.
I'd be very surprised if they didn't.
Most World Cups do their utmost to ensure that the host makes it to the knock-out stages.
Who do you see not making through out of Uruguay and Egypt? I feel like both those squads are better. Well at least Uruguay, and Salah makes Egypt a contender.
A good win to start. It's possible.
Maybe if Mo Salah isn't available!
I hear he's training now so fingers crossed. After the season he's had, he deserves to be at a WC.
100% agree! I want to see him do really well. That’s why I think Russia don’t make it through. They don’t have anyone close to that talent.
Well I guess we will see tomorrow. Sadly I'll be at work, but I'm sure there will be some highlights on.
The Spanish v Portugal game looks like it might be worth watching.
Those squads are better, - far better - I agree, but this might not be the only factor that plays a role in determining such things.
Moreover, Salah is a brilliant player and I would love to see him have the chance to display his talent to the full on such a stage.
This is one of those situations where what I want - or would like to see happening - comes into conflict with what I think may happen instead.
However, and it is a big however: We have the WC being played in Russia - something which in itself is controversial enough; there will be huge political and economic imperatives (to ensure Russia go through) that may prompt - let us say - refereeing decisions, - a goal allowed, a goal disallowed, ten minutes of stoppage time, or any other sort of sleight of hand; a cynical draw somewhere?
In other words, footballing skill and the scoreboard might not be the only factors at play.
These days, I'm a political analyst by profession and I spent some time in Russia in 2016 observing their elections - and, shall we say - I will be exceedingly surprised if they fail to emerge from their group.
Agreed.
Yeah, I am going into work early as it will be 7:30am start for that match for me in the states. I am just going to setup my iPad. I get off early, so I will for sure be checking out the Portugal v Spain match. Very torn on that game. I just don’t know that Ronaldo has enough to carry Portugal to a WC.
Yeah Your probably right. Seeing as how they screwed with our election as well, your probably right. I hate the political nature of football. It should be bringing us together not asking whether is fair or not.
For those very reasons, not a fan of Russia at all.
Goal difference, confidence and national pride!
Also ensures you don't end up working in the saltmines come August!
Brilliant two goals in the last 18ish minutes of match play. Was about to walk away and get ready for work until I saw the ball midflight on the telly post OT minutes. I can't see Russia doing well in future group games let alone stages if they manage to succeed and come up against a worthy adversary.
Have a wonderful day!
Have a wonderful day!
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