World Cup 2026

[StillAWarrior]

So, apparently FIFA could upgrade the suspension beyond one match if it deems the foul sufficiently egregious. Although it's not directly stated, the undercurrent of this rules analysist's comments seems to be, "be careful of poking the bear with a challenge."

[JWags85]

Not just messi

Some of the defenses about the absurd double standard with Messi's challenge are hilarious.  "He pulled back as soon as he felt contact!!"  "He couldn't have broken his ankle like Balogun's challenge!!"

Almost 12 hours later, I still can't believe the ref went to the monitor.  As soon as he went for review, there was no way it wasn't going to be a red.  I think VAR can be great for some things, but I really hate how it takes all pace of play out of decisions like this and inevitably boils down to slow-mo replays or still images, which always make contact seem more severe.  I saw this morning that the VAR officials specifically called in the referee due to slow-mo and still images, which is infuriating in its own right.

That being said, still incredibly impressed by how the US responded after the red card.  Their success this tournament has been nearly all when they've been the aggressor and playing off the strong foot and momentum.  After they weathered the first 10 or so minutes of the Bosnian attack with the man advantage, they really bossed the game and kept control.  Tillman's set piece was magical, but they very much deserved that second goal and were threatening for it from open play.

Still concerned about Belgium without Balo, because he's been that good and that dynamic.  I can't remember a US striker in my lifetime in form where I felt like he was gonna score each time he has some daylight and a view of goal within 20 yards.  But for the first time in ages, I'm confident in Poch to put together a lineup and tactic that can generate some offense in his absence.  Having a healthy Pulisic will obviously be a huge help.  Tillman has been SO good this cup, but just was lacking that final finish multiple times in the first few matches, so hopefully that goal unlocks him a bit as well.

Pepi gets the start, obviously.  But I would like to see 20 min or so of Haji.  Ive always rated him and he was in really good form for Coventry (second leading scorer in the Championship) and he could be a good fresh legs injection.

[MUBurrow]

Not just messi

And every one of the similar fouls in those shots is worse than Balogun's. In every single one, the offender's head/eyes are down and looking directly at the lunging foot that steps on the ballhandler's leg.  As opposed to Balogun, who was moving laterally toward a constested ball and not remotely looking at the opposing player's leg he came down on.  Just peak FIFA nonsense.

[MuggsyB]

And every one of the similar fouls in those shots is worse than Balogun's. In every single one, the offender's head/eyes are down and looking directly at the lunging foot that steps on the ballhandler's leg.  As opposed to Balogun, who was moving laterally toward a constested ball and not remotely looking at the opposing player's leg he came down on.  Just peak FIFA nonsense.

You're damn right!  Exactly!  Total and inexcusable nonsense.  That said, I think still we have a good shot vs 🇧🇪. 

[Uncle Rico]

You're damn right!  Exactly!  Total and inexcusable nonsense.  That said, I think still we have a good shot vs 🇧🇪. 

That play was flat out dirty

[MuggsyB]

That play was flat out dirty

It wasn't intentional at all. 

Balo is a good dude. 

[Uncle Rico]

It wasn't intentional at all. 

Balo is a good dude. 

How do you know?

[Juan Anderson's Mixtape]

Soccer remains an unserious sport.  Until that changes, Americans will continue to half-heartedly care.

[Johnny B]

CR7 is just beyond washed. Big fan of his but he's done. Portugal basically down a man with him out there

[Shaka Shart]

CR7 is just beyond washed. Big fan of his but he's done. Portugal basically down a man with him out there

Luckily they gave him a freebie. We know he likes to score when they can't defend themselves.

[MuggsyB]

Wow!

[MuggsyB]

Off sides??

[MuggsyB]

Croatia fans are not pleased. 

[GB Warrior]

Portugal following the cue of its leader and giving the world something it doesn't want

[Johnny B]

How's the VAR just decide the ball MAYBE grazed the hair of the Croatian player there. lol

[Its DJOver]

There are sensors in the ball.

Brutal for Croatia.

[Johnny B]

There are sensors in the ball.

Brutal for Croatia.

Yeah someone just said that to me.. what is there a 20 thousand dollar super chip
In the ball that can register a hair graze? Wild to me. If it can pick something so minimal like that I'd think the wind would screw with it at times

[Its DJOver]

Yeah someone just said that to me.. what is there a 20 thousand dollar super chip
In the ball that can register a hair graze? Wild to me. If it can pick something so minimal like that I'd think the wind would screw with it at times

Your guess is as good as mine regarding the sensitivity of the sensors, just pointing out it's not the VAR official making the call by looking at a tv. Just makes it all the more brutal IMO.

[Johnny B]

Your guess is as good as mine regarding the sensitivity of the sensors, just pointing out it's not the VAR official making the call by looking at a tv. Just makes it all the more brutal IMO.

Wow I had no
Idea the VAR guys just go with what the ball says? No discretion.
Wth

[GB Warrior]

Wow I had no
Idea the VAR guys just go with what the ball says? No discretion.
Wth

Beware the robo umps. Ruin it all

[Its DJOver]

Wow I had no
Idea the VAR guys just go with what the ball says? No discretion.
Wth

Different kind of sensors but I have never seen the goal line technology get a call wrong. Far and away the most accepted form of technology introduced into the game, if the refs watch says it's a goal, it's a goal. I think the sensors are accepted because there's nobody to complain to.

[Johnny B]

Different kind of sensors but I have never seen the goal line technology get a call wrong. Far and away the most accepted form of technology introduced into the game, if the refs watch says it's a goal, it's a goal. I think the sensors are accepted because there's nobody to complain to.

The goal line stuff seems to work well. not convinced of everything else yet.

[Pakuni]

Soccer hot take .... offsides would be better if the rule were applied as it is in hockey. If any part of you is onsides, you're good. Stop punishing aggressiveness and rewarding defenders who get beat.
I realize this is never going to happen.

[Johnny B]

Soccer hot take .... offsides would be better if the rule were applied as it is in hockey. If any part of you is onsides, you're good. Stop punishing aggressiveness and rewarding defenders who get beat.
I realize this is never going to happen.

At least have it be based off of ur feet position. Tired of seeing a freaking hand past the defender be offside

[BM1090]

At least have it be based off of ur feet position. Tired of seeing a freaking hand past the defender be offside

Feet, shoulders, hips, all fine. Hands are so dumb. Should be cut at the shoulder.