World Cup 2022 Qualifiers

[Finnegan]

3 hours ago, purpleronnie said:

I'm surprised that Gareth Bale isn't lauded (outside of Wales) as one of the best players of the last decade, he seems to get an unwarranted amount of criticism.

 

I think he was considered one of the best three or four players in the world when he first went to Madrid, to be fair, no? 

 

His career just tanked thanks to a combination of injuries, Zidane being largely incompetent at inter personal management and internal politics in the Madrid world. 

[NasPb]

African and South American qualifiers are an absolute bloodbath, miles better than European qualifiers 

[RumbleFox]

Just watched the Bale free kick for the first time. He really is a special player. 

[filbertway]

14 minutes ago, NasPb said:

African and South American qualifiers are an absolute bloodbath, miles better than European qualifiers 

 

Well they need to do something to entertain the fans because the football entertainment is basically non-existant

 

[Super_horns]

Quiet on the goals front in Africa again!

 

5 in 5 games. 

 

https://www.flashscore.co.uk/football/africa/world-cup/results/

[when_you're_smiling]

52 minutes ago, Super_horns said:

Quiet on the goals front in Africa again!

 

5 in 5 games. 

 

https://www.flashscore.co.uk/football/africa/world-cup/results/

Due to the away goals rule being used? Probably more to do with the high stakes as well.

[The Horse's Mouth]

10 hours ago, purpleronnie said:

I'm surprised that Gareth Bale isn't lauded (outside of Wales) as one of the best players of the last decade, he seems to get an unwarranted amount of criticism.

He's the Welsh Rooney, incredible career but you can't help but feel it could've been better, and it feels more self inflicted with bale.

[Lionator]

9 hours ago, when_you're_smiling said:

Due to the away goals rule being used? Probably more to do with the high stakes as well.

Would’ve been nice to see DR Congo and Mali qualify but looking unlikely now. Also sad that two of Algeria/Cameroon/Egypt/Senegal will miss out due to luck of the draw. 

[Chiltern Fox]

13 hours ago, RumbleFox said:

Just watched the Bale free kick for the first time. He really is a special player. 

Just don't like the guy. Hate Madrid, but hate him more. Can't put my finger on it though. 

[Detroit Blues]

11 hours ago, Lionator said:

Would’ve been nice to see DR Congo and Mali qualify but looking unlikely now. Also sad that two of Algeria/Cameroon/Egypt/Senegal will miss out due to luck of the draw. 

CAF qualifying is just brutal. No matter who you are, it comes down to a random draw and two legged playoff. 

[Jattdogg]

2 nil half time. We're going to qatar!  Never did i ever think i would witness Canada at a world cup that they qualified for. I was only like what 2 or 3 when they last did so dont count.

 

Leicester winning the league, fa cup..england almost getting a final...just need england to win a world cup or euro in my life. Canada winning anything would be maybe a lifetime away

[Jattdogg]

Fook yes Canada i love you!

[Jattdogg]

@spacemunky @Molson Canadian how you feeling? Heck @OntarioFox we will win the cup before england lol.

 

 

Will put the joint back down but what a momentus time for us Canadians. I will be supporting two sides this world cup. Half and half shirt time

[spacemunky]

8 minutes ago, Jattdogg said:

@spacemunky @Molson Canadian how you feeling? Heck @OntarioFox we will win the cup before england lol.

 

 

Will put the joint back down but what a momentus time for us Canadians. I will be supporting two sides this world cup. Half and half shirt time

Love it!

 

So proud of the team and especially doing it with Phonzie.

 

It'll be two teams for me too and 3, if Wales makes it 

[Tuna]

Canada qualifying is fantastic, always great to see new teams qualify or those who haven't qualified for a while!

[Jattdogg]

14 minutes ago, Tuna said:

Canada qualifying is fantastic, always great to see new teams qualify or those who haven't qualified for a while!

Not sure how we will do. At this point i will take the participation certificate/trophy! Lol

 

 

 

[Deeg67]

US mowing through Panama with most of their team unavailable due to injury or illness.  If they go into the WC healthy they're going to be a problem for anybody.

[Nalis]

6 hours ago, Deeg67 said:

US mowing through Panama with most of their team unavailable due to injury or illness.  If they go into the WC healthy they're going to be a problem for anybody.

The US are improving but lets be realistic; their 2nd string team hammering the 5th best North/Central American team is hardly a bar for beating 'a problem for anybody'.

[Lionator]

7 hours ago, Jattdogg said:

Not sure how we will do. At this point i will take the participation certificate/trophy! Lol

 

 

 

If Davies gets himself fit again, then Canada won’t just be making up the numbers. They’re a pretty formidable outfit with a great coach and some genuinely world class players. No reason why they couldn’t make the knockout stages. 

[Deeg67]

2 hours ago, Nalis said:

The US are improving but lets be realistic; their 2nd string team hammering the 5th best North/Central American team is hardly a bar for beating 'a problem for anybody'.

They haven't had their first choice eleven (or even close, really) for any portion of the hex and they still could win it if they beat CR.  Their squad has guys who when healthy start for the likes of Chelsea, Barcelona and Juventus.  The old empire prejudices against "soccer" don't really apply anymore.  Not sure Berhalter is the guy to get the most out of them (I would have much preferred Marsch) and they may still be too young this go-around.  But on talent alone they're dangerous against any opponent if they can manage to get their best talent on the pitch at the same time.

Edited 28 March 2022 by Deeg67

[Sampson]

Great for Canada. Has the men’s game exploded there in recent years since the success of the women’s team?

 

Be interesting to hear the Canadian fans here opinions.

 

I saw a video recently they finally got a professional Canadian league now in 2019 and that football is now the most played sport in Canada overtaking ice hockey amongst both children and adults, though ice hockey is still the most popular spectator sport.

 

Also the Canadian NT manager is an Englishman who learn his trade in the women’s game which is cool.

 

Seems like they have some really exciting young players like Alfonso Davies and Jonathan David now, so it feels more like a long-term growth of the sport that will hopefully be sustainable rather than just a freak one off qualification.

[Deeg67]

I'm happy for Canada.  They play a kind of quick-strike counterattacking football that reminds me a bit of us in the title year.  I'd bet the American team makes more noise in Qatar, though.

[enmac]

12 hours ago, Jattdogg said:

Not sure how we will do. At this point i will take the participation certificate/trophy! Lol

 

 

 

I've seen Atiba Hutchinson play for Besiktas a few times. Looks like a decent player. But he's 39, now. Makes JV look like a spring chicken. Do you have any other outstanding players? 

[Leicesterpool]

So thrilled for Canada to make it. Think they may cause a few surprises. Unless their in England's group. Theyll be my second team. 

[Deeg67]

28 minutes ago, enmac said:

I've seen Atiba Hutchinson play for Besiktas a few times. Looks like a decent player. But he's 39, now. Makes JV look like a spring chicken. Do you have any other outstanding players? 

Dude, Alphonso Davies starts for Bayern (when he's healthy) and Jonathan David starts for Lille.  Those two are legit.

Edited 28 March 2022 by Deeg67