2022 World Cup

[AWvsCBsteeeerike3]

Mexico and Poland tie 0-0. Mexico looked pretty good. Their goalie saved a PK.

I'd be curious to see the stats...

[BottenFieldofDreams]

I'm impressed by the amount of stoppage time. Good. Accurate stoppage time could help put to rest Soccer's most irritating [expletive]. It seems like it used to be three minutes extra unless somebody died. Then a few years ago it went to six. Now it almost looks like they're actually taking the amount of delays into account.

So roll around in fake agony, young man--like you'll never walk again. We're all going to see you spring up and tear down the field on a break in three minutes: and now, God willing, you'll have gained no time advantage.


There is still the matter of this jackassery to kill momentum. But I like the clock work. Hopefully the refs are telling the guys as they enthusiastically flip side to side holding a totally fine ankle that hurt or not (and it's incredibly easy to tell, generally), this goes back on the clock.

[thrill]

I would prefer stoppage time be tracked by AI via cameras, a ball chip, and GPS, rather than a 4th official with a watch who is not ultimately accountable for the subjective time added and also has to pay attention to other aspects of gameplay. The US got 9 minutes of extra time in the second half yesterday, Wales wasted at least 2 additional minutes in that stoppage time, and we got like an extra 15 seconds of gameplay added to the 9.

I feel like this is very achievable with existing technology.

[BottenFieldofDreams]

I did notice Wales get away with that. Is all that tech something they've tried? I would love that. Imagine tracking the accumulation as a spectator.

I don't care if you play for the Timbers and are my own progeny: I hate that part of soccer.

Diving sucks, but time wasting is an abomination.

[thrill]

Is all that tech something they've tried?

Nope, but the infrastructure is already in most major stadiums/leagues. The problem is that soccer (FIFA) wants to codify everything so there would be objections to wealthier leagues having access to the tech without significant reinvestment. It's one thing for the World Cup, Premier League, MLS, other rich competitions to do it. It's another for like the 4th division Argentinian league or world cup qualifying in countries that don't have the sporting money or infrastructure.

Shout out to the timbers, btw, who no longer have to deal with Garth Lagerway in Seattle. He took the Atlanta CEO job. Seattle put that out today under the cover of the world cup and NFL news.

[thrill]

Speaking of Lalas--where can I buy that star spangled diarrhea jersey from 94?

Idk, but can I interest you in an oral history of the denim kit? (Put in reader mode to get around paywall).
https://theathletic.com/3923994/2022/11 ... world-cup/

[BottenFieldofDreams]

Hopefully Seattle introduces their new GM with skydivers as the Timbers players have to watch on the field. Worked well with the Concacaf trophy.

But we have our own far more serious front office issues.

[thrill]

But we have our own far more serious front office issues.

MLS is secretly the most owner-oriented league and the idea of ousting one, even in the age of Snyder, Sterling, and Sarver (aka SSS, aka House SSSlytherin, aka the world's least-likable law firm), seems like it won't happen. But MLS has such a left-leaning demo that maybe they will? Either way, Paulson sucks and needs to go.

Seattle seems like they have an opportunity here to elevate Schmetzer into the front office. They basically can't fire him due to his track record and club history, and last year I felt like he did the least with the most in terms of talent, payroll, and results. He's never been a tactics guy, more of a chemistry guy, and I just don't think they'll have a better opportunity to upgrade at manager while making it a win for Schmetz.

[CardsofSTL]

The Fifa World Cup sponsor Budweiser has announced that the alcoholic beer it cannot sell in stadiums in Qatar will go to the winning country of the tournament.

Despite Budweiser’s reported $75m (£63m) deal with Fifa, a decision that alcoholic beer could not be sold in World Cup stadiums was taken two days before the tournament started. That led the brand to tweet – then delete – the message: “Well, this is awkward …”

Budweiser announced the beer would go to the winning side with a tweet saying: “New Day, New Tweet. Winning Country gets the Buds. Who will get them?” and a picture of a large quantity of beer in a storage warehouse.

The move sparked considerable mockery on social media, with some users suggesting the move acts as a disincentive to winning the World Cup because the American brand of beer has a low reputation in some European countries, despite its being owned by AB InBev, which is based in Leuven in Belgium. “Props to Budweiser on giving everyone the perfect excuse to not win the tournament,” quipped one person on Twitter.

[CardsofSTL]

I don't much care about whether you can drink budweiser or not but Qatar seems like its run by a bunch of 'phobes so hell with them too.