Yes, the US failed to qualify, but I'm sure some are still interested. The draw was released. https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/so...up-stage-in-full/ar-BBG1anD?OCID=ansmsnnews11
No USA No Italy No Netherlands No Turkey I loved rooting for USA,Netherlands and Italy and loved rooting against Turkey. Oh well, on to Spain, Belgium, Argentina and Brazil for me.
Germany for sure. I also like Belgium a lot. Brazil and Argentina from South America. Let's see what happens.
Maybe Spain and England too? I enjoy it, looking forward to it. I watched those recent tournies in Europe and the Americas and it seems like Germany is stacked. I always root for Mexico or a Central America team too, I don't know why, lol. I hate Alexi Lalas tho lol
I remember hearing a few weeks ago about Italy failing to qualify. I didn't hear about The Netherlands. Very shocking to not see them in the draw.
The Dutch have been struggling for a while so I don't think it is a massive shock. It's not a big country and the talent well seems to have dried up, for the moment at least. Belgium has been the poor relation in football terms for most of my lifetime, but the tables have turned and they currently have the sort of players you would normally associate with the Netherlands. Italy not making it was a big surprise. They are an oldish squad though and not what they once were as well. Still would have banked on them making it via the playoffs.
Lol at us. It's honestly embarrassing that we didn't make it after hearing how many of our good athletes shying away from the NFL to go play soccer. However, I'm still convinced that within 20 years we will have our Messi or Ronaldo type soccer player here in America.
Hoping for more Pulisic type of players. Also why the heck all these immigrants from South America couldn't generate a Messi type player in USA. Is it because they chose to play for their home country? Anybody know anything about this?
I CANNOT STAND LALAS! Smug Prick IMO. While I am super bummed the States didn't make it this round I do hope that it gets the USA Soccer program in order. It seems like they were relying on their vets and not giving some of the younger guys a chance to get some quality PT. The WC is one of my favorite sporting events to watch because of the absolute passion from the fans. I usually take a few days off during the course of the tourney to go out to local bars here in Queens to watch the games with the countries fans during the game. Always a blast!
No USA. No Italy. I guess I'm rooting for Mexico. Or a country that hasn't been there before, or been there very little. any suggestions of places that fit that criteria??
Belgium also in their golden years is a underdog favorite to win I'd say. I think it will come down to France, Germany, Brazil
Peru was at Mexico in 70, Argentina in 78 and Spain in 82 Brook. The only other time they played was 1930. Iceland are a really interesting story. A tiny country that has invested massively in coaching and youth development. It's not a model that many others can follow because it works due to their small size and population concentration. It remains to be seen how sustainable their success will be.
On paper Belgium has all the talent to win, particularly in their forward line, but they have underperformed in the last 2 major tournaments. Can they become a great team, rather than a team of great individuals? I agree with your top 3, but someone will come out of the pack. Spain and Argentina may have struggled in qualifying but I can't discount them.
