don't mention the VAR
June 28, 2018 12:56 PM Subscribe
The World Cup 2018 moves into the knockout round of 16.
the standings after the Group round-robins
Group A
30 June:
France v Argentina
Uruguay v Portugal
1 July
Spain v Russia
Croatia v Denmark
2 July
Brasil v Mexico
Belgium v Japan
3 July
Sweden v Switzerland
Colombia v England
some color and background:
The Anatomy of Germany’s World Cup Disaster
While Mexico was thumped by Sweden, a bigger World Cup win came 450 miles away
Philippe Coutinho Might Fuck Around And Win The World Cup For Brazil
Alireza Beiranvand: from sleeping rough to the World Cup with Iran
Joachim Löw cannot survive Germany’s World Cup humiliation
we are watching the World Cup in livethreads organized as Special Events on FanFare and as part of the MeFi Football Club
AskMe: how to stream the World Cup
previously: World Cup 2018
the standings after the Group round-robins
Group A
- Uruguay: Uruguay Wins World Cup Group A With Romp Over Russia
- Russia: Russia Finally Ran Into A Good Team And Got Exposed
- Saudi Arabia: Very late goals in either half enabled Saudi Arabia to come from behind and consign Egypt to the bottom of the group
- Egypt: Egypt finish bottom of group after World Cup's oldest player saves a penalty but Saudi Arabia strike with last kick of the game
- Spain: Spain clinch late equaliser to top Group B by the skin of their teeth against valiant Morocco as VAR controversy reigns
- Portugal: Iran vs. Portugal and the Excruciating Thrill of Technologically Enabled Meta-Bewilderment
- Iran: Iran vs. Portugal 2018 World Cup: Portugal survives late surge to advance with 1-1 draw
- Morocco: Spain 2-2 Morocco: Late VAR drama
- France: France wins Group C after serving up Russia 2018's first goalless game
- Denmark: Denmark 0 -0 France: Bore draw ends in boos and whistles
- Peru: Peru bow out of the World Cup with support not seen in decades
- Australia: Australia fall at the last as Peru score two in final World Cup group game
- Croatia: Croatia Crushes Iceland’s World Cup Dream
- Argentina: Argentina Survived the Group Stage. But How Far Can Messi Carry Them?
- Nigeria: World Cup: So close, yet so far for Nigeria
- Iceland: Iceland v Croatia: A Battle For The Ages
- Brazil: Paulinho and Thiago Silva put Brazil through and send Serbia home
- Switzerland: Switzerland seal place in World Cup last 16 after draw with Costa Rica
- Serbia: Recap: Serbia v Brazil
- Costa Rica: Resilient Central Americans take leaf out of Swiss book for deserved draw
- Sweden: Sweden top group and power into World Cup last 16 with dream win over Mexico
- Mexico: Mexico fans celebrate South Korean 'brothers'
- South Korea: South Korea's Performance Is Why The World Cup Exists
- Germany: Germany crashes out of World Cup after embarrassing defeat by South Korea
- Belgium: England vs. Belgium
- England: England’s Latest World Cup Problem: Winning
- Tunisia: Tunisia v Panama liveblog
- Panama: Tunisia vs. Panama
- Colombia: Colombia snatch top spot in dramatic Group H finale
- Japan: Japan progress despite defeat
- Senegal:Senegal the first team in World Cup history eliminated on fair play tiebreaker
- Poland: Japan 0-1 Poland
30 June:
France v Argentina
Uruguay v Portugal
1 July
Spain v Russia
Croatia v Denmark
2 July
Brasil v Mexico
Belgium v Japan
3 July
Sweden v Switzerland
Colombia v England
some color and background:
The Anatomy of Germany’s World Cup Disaster
While Mexico was thumped by Sweden, a bigger World Cup win came 450 miles away
Philippe Coutinho Might Fuck Around And Win The World Cup For Brazil
Alireza Beiranvand: from sleeping rough to the World Cup with Iran
Joachim Löw cannot survive Germany’s World Cup humiliation
we are watching the World Cup in livethreads organized as Special Events on FanFare and as part of the MeFi Football Club
AskMe: how to stream the World Cup
previously: World Cup 2018
I am just glad that the Swedish team has been able to get over its Zlatan problem.
posted by Foci for Analysis at 1:08 PM on June 28, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Foci for Analysis at 1:08 PM on June 28, 2018 [1 favorite]
Some great schadenfreude at seeing Germany crash out of the Worldcup in such an unconvincing fashion; reminds me of how hilariously England and France managed in 2010. Mind, we couldn't even get it together enough to get qualified for either it or Euro 2016.
Poor Senegal though. Last African team left with a chance to progress, gets booted for fair play reasons.
At least the Japan/Senegal game lead to Senegalise weebs singing the One Piece opening with Japanese Otaku.
posted by MartinWisse at 1:17 PM on June 28, 2018 [3 favorites]
Poor Senegal though. Last African team left with a chance to progress, gets booted for fair play reasons.
At least the Japan/Senegal game lead to Senegalise weebs singing the One Piece opening with Japanese Otaku.
posted by MartinWisse at 1:17 PM on June 28, 2018 [3 favorites]
As another daytime worker / postponing watching games until the evening.... I second CrowGoat.
I guess Metafilter is now off limits for the next two weeks.
posted by cfraenkel at 1:18 PM on June 28, 2018
I guess Metafilter is now off limits for the next two weeks.
posted by cfraenkel at 1:18 PM on June 28, 2018
I would have been totally excited over the prospect of France v Argentina going in, but going by their performances so far...
posted by Capt. Renault at 1:20 PM on June 28, 2018
posted by Capt. Renault at 1:20 PM on June 28, 2018
Just posted in the megathread, but I'll repeat it here.
Our young Democratic mayor posted on his Facebook page:
posted by RedOrGreen at 1:22 PM on June 28, 2018 [15 favorites]
Our young Democratic mayor posted on his Facebook page:
Bad news everywhere today. I can't take one more piece of bad news. So I've decided to turn off the news and get into this World Cup thing. So what time does the USA play?Ha.
posted by RedOrGreen at 1:22 PM on June 28, 2018 [15 favorites]
Yeah, I prefer club football, and hate nationalism... but I am pulling for Mexico in case it pisses off The Orange Shitgibbon.
posted by terrapin at 1:24 PM on June 28, 2018 [7 favorites]
posted by terrapin at 1:24 PM on June 28, 2018 [7 favorites]
What with fussball and Wimbledin the films could take a hammering.
posted by Burn_IT at 1:24 PM on June 28, 2018
posted by Burn_IT at 1:24 PM on June 28, 2018
Mod note: Pulled the recent results out of the post; good idea to keep details below the fold where possible so folks catching up don't get spoiled unnecessarily.
posted by cortex (staff) at 1:27 PM on June 28, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by cortex (staff) at 1:27 PM on June 28, 2018 [2 favorites]
«vuvuzela noise»
posted by scruss at 1:31 PM on June 28, 2018 [5 favorites]
posted by scruss at 1:31 PM on June 28, 2018 [5 favorites]
I don’t really feel sad, or much schadenfreude, for Germany. They won the World Cup last time around, that’s enough good fortune for at least a few more years. I do feel really sad for Senegal though. Yet again the rules end up benefiting the bigger, wealthier nation. I don’t think anyone sat down and wrote the rules with the intention of sending Japan through at the expense of Senegal, but these tiebreakers have a history of breaking against smaller or poorer nations, such as when Algeria were eliminated following the Disgrace of Gijón.
posted by Kattullus at 1:33 PM on June 28, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Kattullus at 1:33 PM on June 28, 2018 [1 favorite]
Would be happy to see France take care of Argentina but frankly, and surprisingly to me, I have grown to increasingly dislike Brazil, particularly Neymar's brand of bullshit. Would be delighted to see Mexico cane then.
Burn IT: huge strike of luck on the film front, arrived in Bologna on first day of holiday, walked into city centre to find we had just enough time to get dinner before a giant outdoor showing of Once Upon a Time in the West, introduced by Raffaella Leone and Christopher Frayling. English language too!
posted by biffa at 1:36 PM on June 28, 2018
Burn IT: huge strike of luck on the film front, arrived in Bologna on first day of holiday, walked into city centre to find we had just enough time to get dinner before a giant outdoor showing of Once Upon a Time in the West, introduced by Raffaella Leone and Christopher Frayling. English language too!
posted by biffa at 1:36 PM on June 28, 2018
«vuvuzela noise»
Iran is out, so the 2018 edition of the vuvuzela era is over.*
* At least, Iran were the only games I watched where vuvuzela were present.
posted by sideshow at 1:38 PM on June 28, 2018
Iran is out, so the 2018 edition of the vuvuzela era is over.*
* At least, Iran were the only games I watched where vuvuzela were present.
posted by sideshow at 1:38 PM on June 28, 2018
> Would be happy to see France take care of Argentina
Hey! You take that back!
Does this mean we're not going to have more Fanfare Cup posts? Further discussion will be on the blue?
posted by languagehat at 1:41 PM on June 28, 2018 [1 favorite]
Hey! You take that back!
Does this mean we're not going to have more Fanfare Cup posts? Further discussion will be on the blue?
posted by languagehat at 1:41 PM on June 28, 2018 [1 favorite]
I do feel really sad for Senegal though. Yet again the rules end up benefiting the bigger, wealthier nation.
But those are just the breaks, and there certainly weren't any shenanigans like match-fixing going on fro either side. No one made Senegal accumulate more yellow cards than Japan. It was a bizarre circumstance where both teams were exactly tied on points, goal differential, head-to-head record, and goals scored. Maybe some other fallback tie-breaker might be better, but there's always going to be one team going home disappointed.
posted by Sangermaine at 1:43 PM on June 28, 2018 [5 favorites]
But those are just the breaks, and there certainly weren't any shenanigans like match-fixing going on fro either side. No one made Senegal accumulate more yellow cards than Japan. It was a bizarre circumstance where both teams were exactly tied on points, goal differential, head-to-head record, and goals scored. Maybe some other fallback tie-breaker might be better, but there's always going to be one team going home disappointed.
posted by Sangermaine at 1:43 PM on June 28, 2018 [5 favorites]
Fanfare for live watches, front page for finding interested people
posted by the man of twists and turns at 1:43 PM on June 28, 2018
posted by the man of twists and turns at 1:43 PM on June 28, 2018
I'm not a football fan per se, but I love the World Cup. I work with a very very diverse group of international scientists, and every time the World Cup rolls around there are these amazing pockets of people huddled together in the labs, at the weirdest hours of the day and night, rooting for "their" teams. (And often, rooting against...) The other day the library was completely silent and two different study carrels broke out with shouts of glee mid game, which I loved that was how folks got "caught" watching the games. It's just a really heartwarming time, and I love seeing diverse people united by a common theme. It's honestly what's gotten me through this week.
posted by librarianamy at 1:47 PM on June 28, 2018 [15 favorites]
posted by librarianamy at 1:47 PM on June 28, 2018 [15 favorites]
I have grown to increasingly dislike Brazil, particularly Neymar's brand of bullshit.
I don't want to jinx things just yet, but with Germany out, and Italy never having been in, and other past winners like Brazil not being particularly spectacular, we're already a good way along to a winner who is not the Same Old Thing. And I can fully support that.
posted by Capt. Renault at 1:52 PM on June 28, 2018 [4 favorites]
I don't want to jinx things just yet, but with Germany out, and Italy never having been in, and other past winners like Brazil not being particularly spectacular, we're already a good way along to a winner who is not the Same Old Thing. And I can fully support that.
posted by Capt. Renault at 1:52 PM on June 28, 2018 [4 favorites]
But, as seems appropriate in a World Cup that has not made a huge amount of sense so far,
This is my general impression. I've enjoyed the games I've seen, but they are kind of... odd?
posted by GenjiandProust at 2:07 PM on June 28, 2018 [1 favorite]
This is my general impression. I've enjoyed the games I've seen, but they are kind of... odd?
posted by GenjiandProust at 2:07 PM on June 28, 2018 [1 favorite]
Heja Sverige!
posted by Chrysostom at 2:08 PM on June 28, 2018 [4 favorites]
posted by Chrysostom at 2:08 PM on June 28, 2018 [4 favorites]
My wife and I were rooting for Iceland (as we did during Euro 2016, with happier results), but now that they're out I'm not sure who to switch my allegiance to. Perhaps Denmark or Sweden, because we recently visited both countries? The only team I'm rooting against is Portugal, because Ronaldo. At any rate, I'm another one of those people who doesn't have a "home" team and just likes to get swept up in the atmosphere of the big international tournaments. We were in Copenhagen for the Denmark-Peru game, which was the first time I'd ever been somewhere where the locals had a team playing. It was enjoyably intense!
posted by The Card Cheat at 2:12 PM on June 28, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by The Card Cheat at 2:12 PM on June 28, 2018 [2 favorites]
Ok, I hate the fair play tiebreaker. (And while I normally also hate Alexi Lalas as a commentator, he and his crew raised good alternative metrics such as "corners taken" or "shots on goal" as a better reward in case of a tie).
posted by TwoStride at 2:12 PM on June 28, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by TwoStride at 2:12 PM on June 28, 2018 [1 favorite]
Ok, I hate the fair play tiebreaker. (And while I normally also hate Alexi Lalas as a commentator, he and his crew raised good alternative metrics such as "corners taken" or "shots on goal" as a better reward in case of a tie).
The suggestion I made in the FanFare thread was that they should pick 23 random fans wearing each team's jersey from the crowd and make THEM play as a tiebreaker. I suspect it would get higher viewership numbers than the final does.
posted by 256 at 2:27 PM on June 28, 2018 [17 favorites]
The suggestion I made in the FanFare thread was that they should pick 23 random fans wearing each team's jersey from the crowd and make THEM play as a tiebreaker. I suspect it would get higher viewership numbers than the final does.
posted by 256 at 2:27 PM on June 28, 2018 [17 favorites]
> we're already a good way along to a winner who is not the Same Old Thing.
Well, at the very least, this won't happen this year.
posted by The Card Cheat at 2:28 PM on June 28, 2018 [1 favorite]
Well, at the very least, this won't happen this year.
posted by The Card Cheat at 2:28 PM on June 28, 2018 [1 favorite]
Give them 24 hours of preparation with the players and coaches of the team they support.
posted by 256 at 2:29 PM on June 28, 2018
posted by 256 at 2:29 PM on June 28, 2018
~England band parping out the same three notes for 20 years~
The England band is from my club and they are a regular source of pride and shame. I mean, they're not great but it's comforting to hear their bleating during an England or Wednesday match.
posted by kendrak at 2:33 PM on June 28, 2018 [1 favorite]
The England band is from my club and they are a regular source of pride and shame. I mean, they're not great but it's comforting to hear their bleating during an England or Wednesday match.
posted by kendrak at 2:33 PM on June 28, 2018 [1 favorite]
Historically I've been for Chile and Netherlands, in the group stage I was rooting for Iceland and Senegal...who shall I cast my baleful eye upon now...?
posted by juv3nal at 2:39 PM on June 28, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by juv3nal at 2:39 PM on June 28, 2018 [1 favorite]
Mexico needs your support. Less bale in the eye though please.
posted by 256 at 2:40 PM on June 28, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by 256 at 2:40 PM on June 28, 2018 [3 favorites]
I proposed to my wife in Brussels's Grand Place while working there in 1998, just before the World Cup. With no U.S. this year, Belgium's my side. Go Red Devils!
posted by AJaffe at 2:42 PM on June 28, 2018 [4 favorites]
posted by AJaffe at 2:42 PM on June 28, 2018 [4 favorites]
World Cup 2018 VAR guide: how will the video referee work in Russia?
How V.A.R. Would Have Changed the World Cup’s Greatest Plays
VAR controversies increase after successful World Cup start
VAR leads to record World Cup penalty count
The World Cup VAR verdict so far: Some success but more clarity needed
‘Only one VAR error so far and injustices were avoided’
posted by the man of twists and turns at 2:43 PM on June 28, 2018 [1 favorite]
How V.A.R. Would Have Changed the World Cup’s Greatest Plays
VAR controversies increase after successful World Cup start
VAR leads to record World Cup penalty count
The World Cup VAR verdict so far: Some success but more clarity needed
‘Only one VAR error so far and injustices were avoided’
posted by the man of twists and turns at 2:43 PM on June 28, 2018 [1 favorite]
I don't see Denmark taking Croatia, sadly. It looks more hopeful for Sweden, so maybe I'll throw my lot in with them instead...
posted by Dysk at 2:48 PM on June 28, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by Dysk at 2:48 PM on June 28, 2018 [3 favorites]
who shall I cast my baleful eye upon now
EL TRI my beautiful tiny sons
posted by poffin boffin at 2:48 PM on June 28, 2018 [4 favorites]
EL TRI my beautiful tiny sons
posted by poffin boffin at 2:48 PM on June 28, 2018 [4 favorites]
Ok Mexico it is. Also team power cube.
posted by juv3nal at 2:58 PM on June 28, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by juv3nal at 2:58 PM on June 28, 2018 [1 favorite]
I don't want to jinx things just yet, but with Germany out, and Italy never having been in, and other past winners like Brazil not being particularly spectacular, we're already a good way along to a winner who is not the Same Old Thing. And I can fully support that.
Spain and Brazil are still the favorites but they don't look as strong as the favorites in years past. I think there's a real chance this year that a good team from a smaller country like Croatia, Belgium or Columbia could pull off an upset and win the whole thing.
posted by mcmile at 2:59 PM on June 28, 2018 [1 favorite]
Spain and Brazil are still the favorites but they don't look as strong as the favorites in years past. I think there's a real chance this year that a good team from a smaller country like Croatia, Belgium or Columbia could pull off an upset and win the whole thing.
posted by mcmile at 2:59 PM on June 28, 2018 [1 favorite]
I was just happy to see Carlos Valderrama and René Higuita in the stands with their '80s footballer hair.
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 3:03 PM on June 28, 2018 [5 favorites]
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 3:03 PM on June 28, 2018 [5 favorites]
I was rooting for Iceland -- ah, well. I think I'll switch to Mexico and/or Switzerland, given personal connections.
Excellent set of links. I can tell because I now have Way Too Many Tabs open, curse you.
posted by Quasirandom at 3:09 PM on June 28, 2018 [1 favorite]
Excellent set of links. I can tell because I now have Way Too Many Tabs open, curse you.
posted by Quasirandom at 3:09 PM on June 28, 2018 [1 favorite]
Is there a reason not to very vaguely root for Uruguay? No horrible scandals or murders or anything?
posted by dilettante at 3:30 PM on June 28, 2018
posted by dilettante at 3:30 PM on June 28, 2018
Luis Suarez is a bit bitey.
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 3:50 PM on June 28, 2018 [11 favorites]
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 3:50 PM on June 28, 2018 [11 favorites]
Uruguay employs someone who bites a bit too much for my tastes.
posted by mmascolino at 3:51 PM on June 28, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by mmascolino at 3:51 PM on June 28, 2018 [2 favorites]
Ok, I hate the fair play tiebreaker...alternative metrics
Best goal celebration
Ball dribbling contest
Fan approval, demostrated by cheer-off
Shoot-out
American gladiators quarterstaff fight
Midnight tiebreaker game
Dirt bike race
Arm wrestling
Trivia contest
Beauty contest
City-wide hide and go seek for the next game's referee
Pretty much anything would be more entertaining.
posted by justsomebodythatyouusedtoknow at 3:55 PM on June 28, 2018 [2 favorites]
Best goal celebration
Ball dribbling contest
Fan approval, demostrated by cheer-off
Shoot-out
American gladiators quarterstaff fight
Midnight tiebreaker game
Dirt bike race
Arm wrestling
Trivia contest
Beauty contest
City-wide hide and go seek for the next game's referee
Pretty much anything would be more entertaining.
posted by justsomebodythatyouusedtoknow at 3:55 PM on June 28, 2018 [2 favorites]
I am terrible luck and a fiend for underdogs, so everyone I like is gone. Therefore, I shall root for Croatia — the villains we all need.
posted by dame at 3:58 PM on June 28, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by dame at 3:58 PM on June 28, 2018 [1 favorite]
Uruguay are nice, because they're both a reawakened old power from a romantic era of football, like if suddenly Hungary got good again, but they're also a relatively unpopulous nation that routinely bosses around teams from much larger and wealthier countries. On that level they're impossible to dislike. They do have a tendency to grind out wins, though, which can put a strain on the reservoirs of good will. They were pretty great in 2010 though, probably the most charming team of that tournament (though that World Cup had lots of teams lacking in charm, so it didn't take much to stand out of the crowd).
posted by Kattullus at 4:01 PM on June 28, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by Kattullus at 4:01 PM on June 28, 2018 [2 favorites]
Huh. the first link shows Iran's record as 1/1/0 having played three games. Which I guess is to say get your fucking house in order, CBS!
Jesus Christ.
posted by Navelgazer at 4:06 PM on June 28, 2018
Jesus Christ.
posted by Navelgazer at 4:06 PM on June 28, 2018
Uruguay are nice, except for when they're serially biting people...
Most of my usual backup teams to root for have players I can't stand (coughNeymarcough) or have proven themselves to be so joyless when playing for their national team (coughMessicough) that I'm a bit adrift this time. I'm almost on board with El Tri except that I wish their fans would stop shouting homophobic slurs frequently enough to warrant cautioning from FIFA.
...
Croatia it is! Plus they have that cheery checkerboard going on.
posted by TwoStride at 4:07 PM on June 28, 2018 [2 favorites]
Most of my usual backup teams to root for have players I can't stand (coughNeymarcough) or have proven themselves to be so joyless when playing for their national team (coughMessicough) that I'm a bit adrift this time. I'm almost on board with El Tri except that I wish their fans would stop shouting homophobic slurs frequently enough to warrant cautioning from FIFA.
...
Croatia it is! Plus they have that cheery checkerboard going on.
posted by TwoStride at 4:07 PM on June 28, 2018 [2 favorites]
If you don't like offensive supporter chants, I have some bad news about Croatia.
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 4:11 PM on June 28, 2018 [11 favorites]
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 4:11 PM on June 28, 2018 [11 favorites]
I have some bad news about Croatia.
Well, damn.
Ok, fine. Anyone but England it is!
posted by TwoStride at 4:15 PM on June 28, 2018 [6 favorites]
Well, damn.
Ok, fine. Anyone but England it is!
posted by TwoStride at 4:15 PM on June 28, 2018 [6 favorites]
I'm only interested in this as far as it impacts my work fantasy team.
And since I have Courtois as my goalkeeper and no England players I'm delighted with the 1-0 Belgium win.
I'm hoping Mexico does well, cos I've got Lonzano as well.
Pretty sure I don't have anyone from Brazil.
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 4:40 PM on June 28, 2018
And since I have Courtois as my goalkeeper and no England players I'm delighted with the 1-0 Belgium win.
I'm hoping Mexico does well, cos I've got Lonzano as well.
Pretty sure I don't have anyone from Brazil.
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 4:40 PM on June 28, 2018
Argentina is the only correct choice as your second team to root for, and in an ideal world would also be your first team.
posted by Rumple at 4:47 PM on June 28, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Rumple at 4:47 PM on June 28, 2018 [1 favorite]
I've been low-key cheering for Uruguay for a while (since that glorious Forlan-Suarez teamup in 2010, in fact), but they haven't been particularly compelling in this tournament. My hope is that we'll see something more exciting in the Portugal-Uruguay match. If not...well, we probably won't have to think about them after the Portugal-Uruguay match.
I didn't realize how intensely I was cheering for Mexico until I thought they were going out! I hope they can pull it together against Brazil, because I hate for the same teams to keep winning. I have a horrible suspicion that if Brazil wins this time, Italy will surge back and win next time. And we'll just get an ever-higher tally of wins from Brazil, Germany, and Italy...
I'm surprised to see that France and Spain have each only won the Cup once. They've made it to enough finals (World Cup and the Euros) that they certainly can't claim to be underdogs, but I'd feel better about cheering for France now.
posted by grandiloquiet at 4:55 PM on June 28, 2018 [2 favorites]
I didn't realize how intensely I was cheering for Mexico until I thought they were going out! I hope they can pull it together against Brazil, because I hate for the same teams to keep winning. I have a horrible suspicion that if Brazil wins this time, Italy will surge back and win next time. And we'll just get an ever-higher tally of wins from Brazil, Germany, and Italy...
I'm surprised to see that France and Spain have each only won the Cup once. They've made it to enough finals (World Cup and the Euros) that they certainly can't claim to be underdogs, but I'd feel better about cheering for France now.
posted by grandiloquiet at 4:55 PM on June 28, 2018 [2 favorites]
Luis Suarez is a bit bitey.
we have been reminded in the fanfare threads that It Has Been Four (4) Years Since The Last Chomping Incident
posted by poffin boffin at 5:55 PM on June 28, 2018 [4 favorites]
we have been reminded in the fanfare threads that It Has Been Four (4) Years Since The Last Chomping Incident
posted by poffin boffin at 5:55 PM on June 28, 2018 [4 favorites]
Mexico is the last remaining CONCACAF side. So, Viva El Tri!
posted by jim in austin at 6:10 PM on June 28, 2018 [4 favorites]
posted by jim in austin at 6:10 PM on June 28, 2018 [4 favorites]
Top bracket shenanigans in ascending order of hilarity:
Argentina v Portugal quarter, we see Ronaldo and Messi in all glory.
Argentina v Portugal and one or the other totally breaks down.
France v Portugal.
Argentina v Uruguay rivalry game.
France v Uruguay and constant cuts to Ronaldo and Messi at home.
Argentina v Portugal and either gets ejected.
Argentina v Portugal and both get ejected.
posted by the man of twists and turns at 6:39 PM on June 28, 2018 [1 favorite]
Argentina v Portugal quarter, we see Ronaldo and Messi in all glory.
Argentina v Portugal and one or the other totally breaks down.
France v Portugal.
Argentina v Uruguay rivalry game.
France v Uruguay and constant cuts to Ronaldo and Messi at home.
Argentina v Portugal and either gets ejected.
Argentina v Portugal and both get ejected.
posted by the man of twists and turns at 6:39 PM on June 28, 2018 [1 favorite]
Not a sports fan but thanks for the heads up...driving in Toronto means keeping an eye the schedule for the Portugal or Brazil games.
posted by bonobothegreat at 8:39 PM on June 28, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by bonobothegreat at 8:39 PM on June 28, 2018 [1 favorite]
I am and have always been Uruguay. Slightly less enthusiastic since the Sounders’ Lodeiro got cut , but Suarez is an exciting player and they are the smallest country that really could win it all. Plus they won the first cup.
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 8:51 PM on June 28, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 8:51 PM on June 28, 2018 [1 favorite]
Uruguay are nice, except for when they're serially biting people...
And the handball incident in 2010. Having watched that game in a pub in Brixton, crowded with Ghana fans, I'm comfortable saying that they're the most evil team in the world. (OK it's actually just Bitey McRacistface who's the problem, the others are fine, but he is sufficient to drag them down).
posted by Pink Frost at 8:58 PM on June 28, 2018 [4 favorites]
And the handball incident in 2010. Having watched that game in a pub in Brixton, crowded with Ghana fans, I'm comfortable saying that they're the most evil team in the world. (OK it's actually just Bitey McRacistface who's the problem, the others are fine, but he is sufficient to drag them down).
posted by Pink Frost at 8:58 PM on June 28, 2018 [4 favorites]
Yeah, having stopped Ghana in 2010 is cause enough to dislike them. Ghana are “my team” in Africa, because the north half of Ghana was part of the Danish colonial empire, like Iceland. Uruguay had a torrid enough time in 2014 (while still managing to take out Italy and England) that I feel that they suffered enough. But waiting for Suarez to leave is also reasonably human.
posted by Kattullus at 11:33 PM on June 28, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Kattullus at 11:33 PM on June 28, 2018 [1 favorite]
If you don't like offensive supporter chants, I have some bad news about Croatia.
yeah uh
Note the line
Croatian football has a history of Nazi-related incidents.
I'm sure they're not the only team with some dodgy nationalist associations but what do you know these guys sure do keep themselves occupied.
(So I mean what are some teeth marks between friends?)
posted by atoxyl at 12:52 AM on June 29, 2018
yeah uh
Note the line
Croatian football has a history of Nazi-related incidents.
I'm sure they're not the only team with some dodgy nationalist associations but what do you know these guys sure do keep themselves occupied.
(So I mean what are some teeth marks between friends?)
posted by atoxyl at 12:52 AM on June 29, 2018
OK I've just objectively analysed the teams remaining in the competition according to a range of criteria including: likeability of players, quality of play, underdog status, previous history of winning major trophies, and general moral standing of the country and its fans. I have compiled the following 100% accurate and correct list, and I'm sure there's no need to debate it because we all agree.
Teams that most deserve our support (in order):
Mexico, Colombia, Belgium, Japan, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark. Plucky underdogs, stylish golden generations, non-European teams (only Brazil has ever won a WC in Europe), fans who clean up litter after the game.
Teams that are worth supporting, but as a neutral you shouldn't really because they're favourites/have won it too many times:
Brazil,France, Spain
Teams that it's OK to support but basically your fave is problematic OK:
Argentina (won it too many times, the annoying cult of Messi, no team with Caballero, Rojo and Otomendi deserves to win anything), Croatia (Nazi fans), England (Piers Morgan, the Sun, and a bunch of Brexit wankers will be insufferable if they win).
Teams that you really shouldn't support:
Uruguay (reasons given above), Portugal (Pepe and Ronaldo), Russia (bribes and doping and racism and homophobia)
posted by Pink Frost at 2:13 AM on June 29, 2018 [3 favorites]
Teams that most deserve our support (in order):
Mexico, Colombia, Belgium, Japan, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark. Plucky underdogs, stylish golden generations, non-European teams (only Brazil has ever won a WC in Europe), fans who clean up litter after the game.
Teams that are worth supporting, but as a neutral you shouldn't really because they're favourites/have won it too many times:
Brazil,France, Spain
Teams that it's OK to support but basically your fave is problematic OK:
Argentina (won it too many times, the annoying cult of Messi, no team with Caballero, Rojo and Otomendi deserves to win anything), Croatia (Nazi fans), England (Piers Morgan, the Sun, and a bunch of Brexit wankers will be insufferable if they win).
Teams that you really shouldn't support:
Uruguay (reasons given above), Portugal (Pepe and Ronaldo), Russia (bribes and doping and racism and homophobia)
posted by Pink Frost at 2:13 AM on June 29, 2018 [3 favorites]
I'd happily support Raheem Sterling specifically.
So England winning would be fine so long as it is explicitly down to Raheem Sterling at every single point.
The cognitive dissonance from the Sun and Chums would be a joy.
Despite having no Swedish players in my Fantasy Team I'd quite like if they won.
But then I know a lot about modelling and not a lot about football so I've gone for a managed attrition strategy to ensure I keep players throughout the tournament rather than heavily focussing on one team.
That said I have Hirving Lozano up front and he seems a nice enough boy, so sure let's go for Mexico.
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 2:50 AM on June 29, 2018
So England winning would be fine so long as it is explicitly down to Raheem Sterling at every single point.
The cognitive dissonance from the Sun and Chums would be a joy.
Despite having no Swedish players in my Fantasy Team I'd quite like if they won.
But then I know a lot about modelling and not a lot about football so I've gone for a managed attrition strategy to ensure I keep players throughout the tournament rather than heavily focussing on one team.
That said I have Hirving Lozano up front and he seems a nice enough boy, so sure let's go for Mexico.
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 2:50 AM on June 29, 2018
I don't get the "anyone but England" thing. I'm English
To understand Anyone But England, you have to have experienced "Football England" while not being English. This is not a nationalist beef, it's a reaction to how the England team is presented to the UK. To take a trivial example, it's perfectly natural to English ears to hear commentators saying "we" and "us" about the ENGMNT, to Scottish ears, it's not.
If England won the World Cup (ha ha!) it would be a victory for the whole country
This is itself a classic example of Football England While Being English. If England won the World Cup, it would have nothing to do with Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. By and large, SWNI isn't interested in England Football and how the England team does. We're likewise not interested in endlessly hearing mythologising about 1966 or of Gazza's Tears or Psycho screaming or any of that and if England were to even get to the final we'd have "We Kane Be Heroes" "England Expects" u.s.w. piped right into our pasty celtic faces all day long. I'd prefer it if it didn't happen.
In all "Anyone But England" is a manifestation of a petty grievance, built up and, nursed and gripped close over decades. This is what we Scots are best at. Certainly better at that than we are at football.
posted by my face your at 3:38 AM on June 29, 2018 [11 favorites]
To understand Anyone But England, you have to have experienced "Football England" while not being English. This is not a nationalist beef, it's a reaction to how the England team is presented to the UK. To take a trivial example, it's perfectly natural to English ears to hear commentators saying "we" and "us" about the ENGMNT, to Scottish ears, it's not.
If England won the World Cup (ha ha!) it would be a victory for the whole country
This is itself a classic example of Football England While Being English. If England won the World Cup, it would have nothing to do with Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. By and large, SWNI isn't interested in England Football and how the England team does. We're likewise not interested in endlessly hearing mythologising about 1966 or of Gazza's Tears or Psycho screaming or any of that and if England were to even get to the final we'd have "We Kane Be Heroes" "England Expects" u.s.w. piped right into our pasty celtic faces all day long. I'd prefer it if it didn't happen.
In all "Anyone But England" is a manifestation of a petty grievance, built up and, nursed and gripped close over decades. This is what we Scots are best at. Certainly better at that than we are at football.
posted by my face your at 3:38 AM on June 29, 2018 [11 favorites]
If England won the World Cup (ha ha!) it would be a victory for the whole country and perhaps help bring us back together as a cohesive nation with a distinct identity rather than the division of the past few years
It would energise the worst of the rah-rah Engerland brexiteers. It would be bad for the world right now, nevermind the many immigrants living in England...
posted by Dysk at 3:49 AM on June 29, 2018 [3 favorites]
It would energise the worst of the rah-rah Engerland brexiteers. It would be bad for the world right now, nevermind the many immigrants living in England...
posted by Dysk at 3:49 AM on June 29, 2018 [3 favorites]
But basically the reason people support ABE is the same reason people hate Ronaldo - smug entitlement and arrogance doesn't tend to sit well with people. And that is how the media are about the English football team.
posted by Dysk at 3:54 AM on June 29, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Dysk at 3:54 AM on June 29, 2018 [1 favorite]
But if there is one group of people that the British ruling classes f**ked over the most over history, it's the Brits.
Omg wut. No. Exhibit Q in why people dislike English arrogance.
posted by dame at 5:08 AM on June 29, 2018 [7 favorites]
Omg wut. No. Exhibit Q in why people dislike English arrogance.
posted by dame at 5:08 AM on June 29, 2018 [7 favorites]
Apologies for missing your point winterhill! Looks like I was experiencing Talking About England while Being Scottish. If nothing else, I have inadvertently supported my position that Scots are petty grudge bearers.
posted by my face your at 5:30 AM on June 29, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by my face your at 5:30 AM on June 29, 2018 [1 favorite]
> I'd feel better about cheering for France now.
Perhaps you didn't see that appalling France-Denmark game ("It’s all done and dusted and one of the worst games of football it’s ever been my displeasure to watch very closely for a living ends in an entirely predictable stalemate"). I would have been OK with France advancing before that, I have nothing against les Bleus, but now I want them sent home to wallow in their shame.
> the annoying cult of Messi
You take that back!
posted by languagehat at 6:18 AM on June 29, 2018 [2 favorites]
Perhaps you didn't see that appalling France-Denmark game ("It’s all done and dusted and one of the worst games of football it’s ever been my displeasure to watch very closely for a living ends in an entirely predictable stalemate"). I would have been OK with France advancing before that, I have nothing against les Bleus, but now I want them sent home to wallow in their shame.
> the annoying cult of Messi
You take that back!
posted by languagehat at 6:18 AM on June 29, 2018 [2 favorites]
But basically the reason people support ABE is the same reason people hate Ronaldo - smug entitlement and arrogance doesn't tend to sit well with people.
At least Ronaldo is good at football.
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 6:21 AM on June 29, 2018 [7 favorites]
At least Ronaldo is good at football.
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 6:21 AM on June 29, 2018 [7 favorites]
I wouldn't mind England winning it because they seem a much less ego-driven squad than the ones with Beckham, Lamps, Gerard and Full-kit Terry of the past decade. Plus, having to write anything nice about Sterling or Alli would cause a few aneurysms in The S*n. That's a positive.
posted by lmfsilva at 6:30 AM on June 29, 2018
posted by lmfsilva at 6:30 AM on June 29, 2018
I wouldn't mind England losing it because then I'd get to see John Terry crying again.
posted by Capt. Renault at 6:45 AM on June 29, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by Capt. Renault at 6:45 AM on June 29, 2018 [3 favorites]
At least Ronaldo is good at football.
Yeah, he has legitimate backing for his arrogance (even if he is still something of a prick aside from that) and I don't share the hatred for him myself.
posted by Dysk at 7:22 AM on June 29, 2018 [2 favorites]
Yeah, he has legitimate backing for his arrogance (even if he is still something of a prick aside from that) and I don't share the hatred for him myself.
posted by Dysk at 7:22 AM on June 29, 2018 [2 favorites]
Portugal (Pepe and Ronaldo)
With the US not in it, I don't have a home rooting interest, but Portugal is a natural second choice. My wife's half Portuguese (a grandmother was Rhode Island Portuguese, a grandfather was from Lisbon) and we've been a couple times and I really really love the country. I'm cheering for my wife and daughter's heritage, even if it's not my own. They're also a decent team, but not previous winners, which is sort of a sweet spot for cheering for a second team.
But Lord does the actual team make it hard to stick to the plan.
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 8:48 AM on June 29, 2018 [2 favorites]
With the US not in it, I don't have a home rooting interest, but Portugal is a natural second choice. My wife's half Portuguese (a grandmother was Rhode Island Portuguese, a grandfather was from Lisbon) and we've been a couple times and I really really love the country. I'm cheering for my wife and daughter's heritage, even if it's not my own. They're also a decent team, but not previous winners, which is sort of a sweet spot for cheering for a second team.
But Lord does the actual team make it hard to stick to the plan.
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 8:48 AM on June 29, 2018 [2 favorites]
Yeah, I cannot stress enough how glad I am that the US did not place, it would be extremely ugly and unpleasant to see US flag waving and gross horst wesselish furious redfaced USA USA cheering for any reason these days, let alone during something I am trying to enjoy. Nationalism in general isn't great for people who are not white and it is exceptionally not great right now.
posted by poffin boffin at 9:14 AM on June 29, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by poffin boffin at 9:14 AM on June 29, 2018 [1 favorite]
With Canada never in it1,
...and my go-to heritage pick Netherlands not even qualifying,
...and my brother-in-law's heritage pick Italy not even qualifying (who am I kidding, I'd never support Italy ;-)
...and my wife's heritage pick Germany exiting early,
I've had to dig pretty deep to my distant Belgian ancestry to even find a team to root for. Go Belgium 🇧🇪!
To be honest though, not having a strong preference for any team is actually kinda liberating. Just a lot of good football to watch (not mentioning the thing we've been warned not to mention.)
1 Yes, we qualified in 1986 but didn't even manage a goal, sooo...
posted by howling fantods at 9:34 AM on June 29, 2018 [2 favorites]
...and my go-to heritage pick Netherlands not even qualifying,
...and my brother-in-law's heritage pick Italy not even qualifying (who am I kidding, I'd never support Italy ;-)
...and my wife's heritage pick Germany exiting early,
I've had to dig pretty deep to my distant Belgian ancestry to even find a team to root for. Go Belgium 🇧🇪!
To be honest though, not having a strong preference for any team is actually kinda liberating. Just a lot of good football to watch (not mentioning the thing we've been warned not to mention.)
1 Yes, we qualified in 1986 but didn't even manage a goal, sooo...
posted by howling fantods at 9:34 AM on June 29, 2018 [2 favorites]
Why I'm Anyone But England:
1. Parent is from a former colony. Needless to say, not everyone thinks that the true victims of empire are the colonizers.
2. You don't even have to get into the tabloids to talk about low level xenophobia and racism: I'm devoted to the Guardian's minute-by-minute coverage, and the writers described fouling from European teams as "rough" or "barging"... but "filthy" from South/Central American teams. And then get all defensive and "how dare you call me a racist!" when asked not to do so.
3. I absolutely love seeing teams that think they should be powerhouses (1966 was just yesterday!) totally befuddled and wailing and gnashing teeth when they go out... which everyone but them could totally see was coming (see also: why I loved that the US didn't even qualify).
4. The English fans always sound like they're singing a dirge when they sing.
posted by TwoStride at 10:14 AM on June 29, 2018 [4 favorites]
1. Parent is from a former colony. Needless to say, not everyone thinks that the true victims of empire are the colonizers.
2. You don't even have to get into the tabloids to talk about low level xenophobia and racism: I'm devoted to the Guardian's minute-by-minute coverage, and the writers described fouling from European teams as "rough" or "barging"... but "filthy" from South/Central American teams. And then get all defensive and "how dare you call me a racist!" when asked not to do so.
3. I absolutely love seeing teams that think they should be powerhouses (1966 was just yesterday!) totally befuddled and wailing and gnashing teeth when they go out... which everyone but them could totally see was coming (see also: why I loved that the US didn't even qualify).
4. The English fans always sound like they're singing a dirge when they sing.
posted by TwoStride at 10:14 AM on June 29, 2018 [4 favorites]
As a passing note, that Belgium shirt is fucking awful isn't it? It looks like a golfing jumper ffs.
That doesn't let Theresa May off for her reaction to being gifted one however, she is still an unnatural, inhuman weirdo.
posted by biffa at 5:16 PM on June 29, 2018
That doesn't let Theresa May off for her reaction to being gifted one however, she is still an unnatural, inhuman weirdo.
posted by biffa at 5:16 PM on June 29, 2018
If you're rooting for anyone but Mexico for non-ancestral reasons you're a cop.
posted by dry white toast at 5:52 PM on June 29, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by dry white toast at 5:52 PM on June 29, 2018 [2 favorites]
Of all the coverage I've only seen the England-Belgium match so far and it's confirmed my prejudices that English Football when so called upon shall always do her job, which is to deliver a middle class embarrassment in a working class sport. God save the Queen Team, if our brave Tommies can miss their traditional penalties like their forebears, if our great goalies can learn to punch as hard as Nigel Flowers, if our WAGs can but WAGADAY then maybe, just maybe, we (that's you and me, fellow Englisher, the real and rightful heroes of the tournament), just maybe WE have got a chance of coming home with The Real Prize, which is something to build on for Euro 2020/24/28/32/36....
I think liked football briefly once, but I was young and it was Euro '96, i.e. EASYMODE.
posted by I'm always feeling, Blue at 7:38 PM on June 29, 2018
I think liked football briefly once, but I was young and it was Euro '96, i.e. EASYMODE.
posted by I'm always feeling, Blue at 7:38 PM on June 29, 2018
Winterhill, I think my grammar suffered - I meant that people like Morgan, the Sun and the pro-Brexit crowd would be insufferable, not that all of you were in that category. (If it helps, my original version of that post was much longer and had reasons to support and oppose every team; reasons for a neutral to support England included that they were a likeable team with no dickheads, and with Raheem Sterling...for reasons I gave here). FWIW I lived in England for ten years and genuinely cheer for your football team against most opponents...well aware of the view of the Scum and so on...
LH: Just meaning the tedious ones who take the view that (a) Messi is the GOAT, therefore (b) everyone else sucks, especially (c) Ronaldo. Liking or loving Messi is obviously good.
Post was of course tongue in cheek, I mean I love Ronaldo in spite of myself, and in spite of him being a total dickhead.
posted by Pink Frost at 12:25 AM on June 30, 2018
LH: Just meaning the tedious ones who take the view that (a) Messi is the GOAT, therefore (b) everyone else sucks, especially (c) Ronaldo. Liking or loving Messi is obviously good.
Post was of course tongue in cheek, I mean I love Ronaldo in spite of myself, and in spite of him being a total dickhead.
posted by Pink Frost at 12:25 AM on June 30, 2018
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This thread has been archived and is closed to new comments
A suggestion: my brother is a former semi-pro player and he works day shift and he is constantly telling family members to not post "hints/scores" about games. He records them and plays them back daily in the evenings. He doesn't want to know scores before he sees the games....
So, y'all might want to not give scores in the headline. YMMV, FYI, etc.
posted by CrowGoat at 1:02 PM on June 28, 2018 [3 favorites]