The World Cup 2026 Thread

[Jack the Stripper]

Big day at the World Cup with two European giants both knocked out in a penalty shootout. Germany was a disappointment in this World Cup and really look a shadow of a once great consistent footballing nation that has always been a major player in the big tournaments. Similar goes for the Dutch. Up and down in the group stage and looked like they were playing for the penalty shootout for much of the 2nd half and extra time against Morroco who have proven to be no slouches. Have to say as captain, van Dijk was weak as piss for not stepping up to take a penalty.

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

The Dutch and the Germans would have been good bets for the last 8 so going out in the round of 32 is a shock. Morocco are, however, a class act and they are in the top 10 ranked teams in the world, so maybe not such a surprise.

I do think some of the lower ranked teams have done the obvious thing and packed their defence leaving 1 or 2 up field to capitalise on a break away. England struggled against Ghana because of that. Some teams cope better with those tactics than others which is why I suspect we could be looking at an Argentina / France final again (unless they meet before the final!).

I do worry for England, because even though on their day they could give anyone a good game, they are also capable of losing to lesser teams.

Now we are down to the knock out phase I'm finally getting excited for this tournament, and the occasional shock helps!!

[Charger]

Germany's been on and off lately so I wasn't all that surprised that they didn't make it but honestly Netherlands was a bit of a shock. Also cost me my bet!

England might be struggling to get through, but I have faith in them.

[Charger]

Norway didn't make things easy for them but in the end they managed to pull through...

But now I've got a quadruple bet so that's just part one done...

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

I guess you're betting on France rather than Sweden?

[Charger]

Indeed!

But goddamn Ecuador...all you needed to do was keep your goal clean for 90 minutes....but no...!

Oh well....now if England wins Congo 1-0 I'll make something back.

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

Well that's my nerves shot to pieces... thank god for Harry Kane!

[Charger]

Same here! That was the most nerve wrecking game yet! But Harry to the rescue!

[Charger]

Today's only watchable match is Canada vs Morocco...

Haven't seen a single match from either yet...But I did put some money down on Canada to win....I'd much rather see them advance than Morocco! But quite possibly this will be another tie and maybe even penalties.

Paraguay vs France should be a cake walk for France. Might even be something like 1-4.

[Zzzptm]

The Aussie mates I got on the AFL Discord server were devastated after Imhotep beat Crocodile Dundee in penalty shootouts.

Honestly, I think penalty shootouts should be done first. Then play the game. The shootout is a way of saying, "OK, losing team, you best hustle in the next 90 mins or YOU LOSE." Game should be over when it's over, and not after a skill drill.

[Charger]

Haha! That might be a nice twist! I'd support that!

I watched the match and honestly I think the Aussies would have deserved the win...although neither team really played all that well and the match was rather boring...But I think Egypt was even weaker.

Hany now has the honor of scoring two goals....in their OWN GOAL!!!

Go for the hat trick and do another one in the next match!!

[Charger]

Wow...

Morocco is one disgusting team I gotta say...Since the hey days of Neymar I have not seen so much filming in 45 minutes of footsy...

Also the moroccans (is that a word? well it is now) commits crass and disgusting fouls constantly.

These clowns are giving Oliver a very hard day...Hopefully some of those assholes will getting red cards.

[Charger]

Well well well looks like my World Cup Champion bet is still alive!!

WAY TO GO ENGLAND!

Interesting matches coming again today!

Portugal vs Spain

This should be a very even match...Most likely Spain will be keeping the ball and Portugal will defend...honestly I wouldn't be surprised if this one would be 0-0 or 1-1

USA vs Belgium

This could go either way honestly...can't imagine a goal extravaganza out of this one either.

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

I didn't stay up for the Mexico vs England game. Half expected to wake up and find England were out... pleasantly surprised we became only the 3rd team to beat Mexico in Mexico City in 56 years. Not seen many clips yet, but apparently we played well but were "holding on" a bit at the end which wasnl't too surprising given that they were down to 10 men.

Happy, if a little surprised, to see Norway get past Brazil, but Brazil were poor.

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

Spain should get past Portugal, but it may be close.

I can see teh US winning with home advantage, Belgium just aren't the team they were 6-10 years ago. But yeah, it could go either wya.