World Cup 2026

[The Sultan]

Only you hand cannot make you offsides. Since you can use neither to hit the ball while playing, your entire arm can't either.

Your foot, shoulder, head, etc. can make you offsides.

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.

That's a lot easier to enforce when you are looking at a line. I think the current way is easier to judge with the current standard.

[brewcity77]

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.

I don't think we've ever had one. McBride was great, but his effectiveness was largely set pieces and crosses where someone else was creating it for him. Altidore & Eddie Johnson showed flashes, but never the consistent danger of Balogun. Most of our other forward options were MLS merchants at best.

Dempsey & Donovan had dynamism, but always felt to me like midfielders who were pushed forward due to lack of options. Right now Balogun feels like he's one of one.

[JWags85]

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.

That's actually the proposal that Arsene Wenger, the long time Arsenal manager, came up with called "daylight offsides".  Basically if any part of the player is "onsides" when the ball is played, they are not offsides.  Also, FWIW, he's done this while being FIFA's "Chief of Global Football Development" not just some musings from the Sky Sports studio.

Do I think it's gonna happen?  Probably not.  But I would be wholeheartedly in favor of it...and I'm speaking as a pure fanatical soccer fan for my entire life.  I can fully appreciate a tight 1-0 match with a dramatic winner in the last 10 min.  But the soccer matches Ive most enjoyed, whether as a Liverpool supporter or watching other EPL/ Champions League matches, have had significant offensive output.  I think most modern soccer fans would admit the same, if they are honest.  Old heads might object to criticism of the "beautiful game" in its original/pure form and bristle at the thought of higher scoring, but if you claim to like soccer and you didn't enjoy the PSG/Bayern CL Semifinal this year that ended 5-4...you're a total liar.

That doesn't mean the current game is boring or "unserious", but I think a 0-0, 1-0 soccer match is more like a 10-7, 9-6, 13-6 sort of NFL game.  Are there some great defensive plays and schemes?  Absolutely.  Probably some dramatic stops in key parts of the field.  But when the scoring is that low, there are HUGE parts of the game with sputtering offense or gameplay that is just a slog (dropped passes, missed reads, etc..)  Same for low scoring NBA/CBB games.  (A pitcher's duel in baseball can be super exciting and exhilarating cause the low scoring is often due to individual brilliance, rather than team ineptitude, which is unique to the sport, IMO).

I don't think soccer needs to change so you get an average of 5 goals a match (though I wouldn't hate it.  I would much rather watch a random Bundesliga match than a random Serie A because the offensive standard is much higher in the former) but if it went from 2.5ish a match to 3.5ish, I think it would do a lot of good for a lot of things. Also, I think if it was adopted, given the intense analytical nature of the modern game and use of tape study for defenders (and attackers), teams would also learn and adapt defensively.  Teams that play a high line, or some form of an offside trap defensively, would figure a way to execute it within the new rules.  They are currently testing daylight offsides in Canada's pro league (basically their USL Championship, a step below MLS) this season.  Will be very interesting to see the stats, review, and assessment of it in a few months when the season concludes.

[JWags85]

I don't think we've ever had one. McBride was great, but his effectiveness was largely set pieces and crosses where someone else was creating it for him. Altidore & Eddie Johnson showed flashes, but never the consistent danger of Balogun. Most of our other forward options were MLS merchants at best.

Dempsey & Donovan had dynamism, but always felt to me like midfielders who were pushed forward due to lack of options. Right now Balogun feels like he's one of one.

Couldn't agree more.  Honestly, in terms of a pure striker, I think the best for the US has probably been Wynalda.  McBride was an absolute DAWG, amazing at hold up play, but as you said, he needed the service and delivery, cause he wasn't dynamic enough to create on his own.  Wynalda might not have been the complete package like Mcbride, but he was probably the best 9 we had in terms of technical ability, creativity, and finishing...which is a bit depressing considering he hasn't worn the US badge in 25 years.  All the "best" elite scoring threats for the US since Wynalda and Mcbride have been wingers/attacking mids (Dempsey, Donovan, Pulisic)

Eddie Johnson was inconsistent and even more damning was how toothless he was once he went to Europe.  He was a complete non-factor for Fulham and, even worse, was a ghost for multiple clubs in the Championship.

Altidore is the natural comparison cause he was our most athletic striker, scored a ton of goals, and played up top forever with very little challenge from anyone else in the USMNT system for the 2010s.  But, with all due respect, I think his technical ability was very much lacking.  He was a great athlete, had great size which let him work well alone up top, always had a great motor, but that lack of technical skill and creativity is the biggest difference with him and Balo.  Also, I believe that's the reason he floundered at the tougher European levels like Johnson.  He scored a bunch for AZ, but everyone scored in the Eredivise at that time (shout out Aron Johannsson) when bottom half teams were giving up an average of 2.5-3 goals a game.

I watch dozens of Altidore matches and don't remember holding my breath when he got a touch in or near the box like I do with Balo.  That eye-test/emotion-test, beyond the stats, is what feels so different. 

And as I said in the post before, he's still not even to his prime (actually just turned 25 today), and he's not been the primary striker on a very good/great club team yet.  He was a boss at Reims the year he got his call up, but he was a bright spot on a mid table team.  Then he went to Monaco and was second choice to Ben Yedder, a club legend that first season.  Ben Yedder moved on the next season but Balo was banged up all year.  This was his first full season as the unquestioned 9 for Monaco, and he was very good, but Monaco was a mess.  Point being, I think he's still got so much upside and ceiling we haven't even seen yet.  I hope we find a way on Monday cause I'd love to see him back with a vengeance and a mission against a top 5 Intl squad (Spain or Portugal)

[BM1090]

I do think people are giving way too much respect to Belgium right now. I'd argue we've definitively been better in this tournament to this point. The Balo loss is big for sure, but we're still slight favorites in the books.

Yes they beat us in March but we were down a few starters and playing a different formation, and experimenting throughout the match. We're playing in Seattle. The whole starting 11 has been performing at a good level.

It'll be a pretty even match, but I expect a win.

[panda]

Couldn't agree more.  Honestly, in terms of a pure striker, I think the best for the US has probably been Wynalda.  McBride was an absolute DAWG, amazing at hold up play, but as you said, he needed the service and delivery, cause he wasn't dynamic enough to create on his own.  Wynalda might not have been the complete package like Mcbride, but he was probably the best 9 we had in terms of technical ability, creativity, and finishing...which is a bit depressing considering he hasn't worn the US badge in 25 years.  All the "best" elite scoring threats for the US since Wynalda and Mcbride have been wingers/attacking mids (Dempsey, Donovan, Pulisic)

Eddie Johnson was inconsistent and even more damning was how toothless he was once he went to Europe.  He was a complete non-factor for Fulham and, even worse, was a ghost for multiple clubs in the Championship.

Altidore is the natural comparison cause he was our most athletic striker, scored a ton of goals, and played up top forever with very little challenge from anyone else in the USMNT system for the 2010s.  But, with all due respect, I think his technical ability was very much lacking.  He was a great athlete, had great size which let him work well alone up top, always had a great motor, but that lack of technical skill and creativity is the biggest difference with him and Balo.  Also, I believe that's the reason he floundered at the tougher European levels like Johnson.  He scored a bunch for AZ, but everyone scored in the Eredivise at that time (shout out Aron Johannsson) when bottom half teams were giving up an average of 2.5-3 goals a game.

I watch dozens of Altidore matches and don't remember holding my breath when he got a touch in or near the box like I do with Balo.  That eye-test/emotion-test, beyond the stats, is what feels so different. 

And as I said in the post before, he's still not even to his prime (actually just turned 25 today), and he's not been the primary striker on a very good/great club team yet.  He was a boss at Reims the year he got his call up, but he was a bright spot on a mid table team.  Then he went to Monaco and was second choice to Ben Yedder, a club legend that first season.  Ben Yedder moved on the next season but Balo was banged up all year.  This was his first full season as the unquestioned 9 for Monaco, and he was very good, but Monaco was a mess.  Point being, I think he's still got so much upside and ceiling we haven't even seen yet.  I hope we find a way on Monday cause I'd love to see him back with a vengeance and a mission against a top 5 Intl squad (Spain or Portugal)

Charlie Davies is an all time what if for me. Such a sad occurrence as his career was in a great trajectory

[brewcity77]

Altidore is the natural comparison cause he was our most athletic striker, scored a ton of goals, and played up top forever with very little challenge from anyone else in the USMNT system for the 2010s.  But, with all due respect, I think his technical ability was very much lacking.  He was a great athlete, had great size which let him work well alone up top, always had a great motor, but that lack of technical skill and creativity is the biggest difference with him and Balo.

Agree with that. Altidore was so frustrating. Him and Freddy Adu looked incredible at the 2007 U20 World Cup. Then that goal against Spain in the Confederations. Great hold up, received the ball, shrugged off his defender on the turn, and fired it in from 20 yards out. All that at age 19! He just looked so natural, so fast, so powerful. Then he went and tore up the Eredivisie before we all knew how little that meant. I really thought he'd be a star, but he just never had enough quality to turn that potential into high level production.

[PointWarrior]

so much USA Hubris, watch out, you are going to ruin the World Cup experience for some one...

I do think people are giving way too much respect to Belgium right now. I'd argue we've definitively been better in this tournament to this point. The Balo loss is big for sure, but we're still slight favorites in the books.

Yes they beat us in March but we were down a few starters and playing a different formation, and experimenting throughout the match. We're playing in Seattle. The whole starting 11 has been performing at a good level.

It'll be a pretty even match, but I expect a win.

[panda]

Agree with that. Altidore was so frustrating. Him and Freddy Adu looked incredible at the 2007 U20 World Cup. Then that goal against Spain in the Confederations. Great hold up, received the ball, shrugged off his defender on the turn, and fired it in from 20 yards out. All that at age 19! He just looked so natural, so fast, so powerful. Then he went and tore up the Eredivisie before we all knew how little that meant. I really thought he'd be a star, but he just never had enough quality to turn that potential into high level production.

Hull and sunderland will ruin even the brightest careers

[JWags85]

Really happy for Egypt.  Wanted Salah to have one more run and getting their first ever WC win, first knockout stage appearance, and now their first knockout win, Panenka in dramatic fashion, is a pretty greatz way to do it.  Not sure if he'll still be playing for the 2030 Cup, he'd only be a squad guy if so, so this is a great potential send off.  That pseudo-Panenka to put Ryan on skates was absolutely perfect.

I also recently started getting my hair cut at a new shop where my barber is a young Egyptian guy who just passed his 1 year anniversary in the States. Nice guy, great cut, but was fairly quiet and reserved. Found out his background d at my second visit, mentioned Salah and LFC, and he transformed and turned into Sky Sports studio panelist.  Now up spending 5-10 min after each appt just shooting the crap about soccer.  Saw him on Wed and he was beyond excited for today.  So he's over the moon and I'm stoked for him.

As for the actual match, pretty inexplicable choice to sub Matt Ryan in cold with a min left for penalties.  I know he's the captain and experienced, but it's not like he's a world removed penalty stopper. Beach had played every minute of the group stages and their last warm up match...not to mention the only reason they made it to penalties was cause Beach stood on his head 2-3 times to deny great Egyptian chances

[Shaka Shart]

Really happy for Egypt.  Wanted Salah to have one more run and getting their first ever WC win, first knockout stage appearance, and now their first knockout win, Panenka in dramatic fashion, is a pretty greatz way to do it.  Not sure if he'll still be playing for the 2030 Cup, he'd only be a squad guy if so, so this is a great potential send off.  That pseudo-Panenka to put Ryan on skates was absolutely perfect.

I also recently started getting my hair cut at a new shop where my barber is a young Egyptian guy who just passed his 1 year anniversary in the States. Nice guy, great cut, but was fairly quiet and reserved. Found out his background d at my second visit, mentioned Salah and LFC, and he transformed and turned into Sky Sports studio panelist.  Now up spending 5-10 min after each appt just shooting the crap about soccer.  Saw him on Wed and he was beyond excited for today.  So he's over the moon and I'm stoked for him.

As for the actual match, pretty inexplicable choice to sub Matt Ryan in cold with a min left for penalties.  I know he's the captain and experienced, but it's not like he's a world removed penalty stopper. Beach had played every minute of the group stages and their last warm up match...not to mention the only reason they made it to penalties was cause Beach stood on his head 2-3 times to deny great Egyptian chances

Salah grinning at the keeper after going right down the middle was ice cold. He's so cool.

[JWags85]

Salah grinning at the keeper after going right down the middle was ice cold. He's so cool.

The very slow walk up.  Completely blank expression, bordering on looking exhausted/drained. Then ripping that ballsy chip and immediately smiling.  Couldn't agree more, such a legend.

Also went right over to the Aussies and gave them props/consolation before running over to celebrate with his team.  Some don't like it, say it's easy to be magnanimous in victory, but that's always been the kind of dude Salah is.

[MuggsyB]

Cape Verde needs to wake up. 

[MuggsyB]

GOAL!!!!  Cape Verde!! 

[pbiflyer]

GOAL!!!!  Cape Verde!! 

The Ghana juju witch doctor called it.
Currently checking to see if he's in my network. Will be switching my PCP to him.

[MuggsyB]

Is there a hoops culture in Cape Verde?  Maybe MU should get a scout out there and Senegal??

[GB Warrior]

Is there a hoops culture in Cape Verde?  Maybe MU should get a scout out there and Senegal??

I've seen only mediocre necks

[JWags85]

Backside defender gets cleared out to open up the near post for Argentina's go ahead goal, no call.  I can GUARANTEE that's called if it was the same scenario for Cabo Verde

[MuggsyB]

GOAL!!!!  CV!!!

[MuggsyB]

Tremendous props to Cape Verde. 

[GB Warrior]

Finally a clutch performance from a European team

[Its DJOver]

The streets won't forget Cape Verde. So much respect.

[GB Warrior]

Canadians can sleep tight knowing they at least regularly win championships in the sport they invented

[tower912]

Curling?

[GB Warrior]

No they don't win that either