Can't imagine football fans from any part of the UK or Ireland wanting to go to a game without beer

Qatar bans sale of beer at World Cup stadiums in about-face
https://www.cp24.com/sports/qatar-bans-sale-of-beer-at-world-cup-stadiums-in-about-face-1.6158570?cache=yes%3FclipId%3D68597


DOHA, Qatar (AP) - Qatar banned the sale of beer at World Cup stadiums on Friday, a sudden U-turn on the deal the conservative Muslim emirate made to secure the soccer tournament with only two days to go before the opening game.

The move was the latest sign of the tension of staging the event, which is not just a sports tournament but also a monthlong party, in the autocratic country where the sale of alcohol is heavily restricted. It's also a significant blow to World Cup beer sponsor Budweiser and raised questions about how much control FIFA retains over its tournament.

When Qatar launched its bid to host the World Cup, the country agreed to FIFA's requirements of selling alcohol in stadiums - but the details were only released in September, just 11 weeks before the first kickoff, suggesting how fraught the negotiations may have been. Friday's statement from FIFA said non-alcoholic beer will still be sold at the eight stadiums, while champagne, wine, whiskey and other alcohol will be served in the luxury hospitality areas of the arenas.

So the peons can't have booze.

Exactly my thought. What a bloody joke. As a host county, know the fanbase that will be visiting. It's ridiculous. Keep your religious beliefs out of an international event.

So people in luxury suites can drink ? Man I would be pissed off if I planned a trip to the World Cup. (and I don't even drink anymore) But beer and Football just go together.

PS, had to Google "Peons" I learnt a new word today.

Ontario is opening pubs extra early so you can have a beer for breakfast instead of orange juice.

Canada does understand the importance of beer.

That's a bit of a secondary consideration as the whole point of going to these things is a few weeks of heavy drinking in the sun away from the wife.

But, if you really want to discuss that, I suppose the first big event to interest this forum is the USA-Wales clash.
I'd say Wales are strong favourites, especially if Gareth Bale is playing.

I’ll definitely be watching the USA vs Wales match.

Budweiser paid $75 million. Who got that money, need to pay it back.

You betcha!

This guy is the head of World Cup.SMDH!

https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/infantino-double-standard-world-cup-critics-93605130

USA & Wales tomorrow. USA!! USA!! USA!! USA!!

https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/fi...vs-wales-nov-21-2022-game-boxscore-97041

Game starts at 2:00 pm EDT today. The smack talk will start in a few hours.

The US has every chance of winning this match. The team does not come in to the World Cup on the back of a string of good results. But they're fit and will have the full roster to select from. Due to injuries and suspensions the United States has very rarely gotten all of their first-choice eleven on the pitch at the same time, so we really don't have much to judge them on. Berhalter's formation will be key, as the US will look to control the midfield and play the ball out of the back, which honestly doesn't really suit them, but there are some managers who shape the tactics to the players, and others who shape the players to their tactics. Berhalter has his vision and sticks to it, often in spite of the suitability of the players at his disposal or the effectiveness of his tactical plans.

I'd like to see some variation of a 4-5-1 with probably Ferreira up top. Not sold on him if I'm honest but he's got a good turn of pace and if the US can give him service they could spring a surprise or two. Matches are often won and lost in the midfield and I think this is the strongest part of the US squad. They have industry, pace and technical ability, but are a bit lightweight. Tyler Adams is the pivot and he'll be tasked with breaking up the opposition's attacking moves. He's really good in this role, but lacks the size and strength to be the midfield destroyer often needed in these sorts of matches. But he has a motor and will pop up all over the pitch.

In players like Pulisic, Aaronson and Reyna they have plenty of pace, skill and creativity in the center of the park if they're on song. This will be the key for the US hopes, that these players play well, control the tempo and get the ball in to dangerous spots. The US also is handy on set pieces. For the first time in forever I like the US fullbacks, Robinson having grown in to a fine player. Dest can be great on his day, but runs hot and cold and is always near an injury it seems. The centerbacks are solid but lack pace, and Turner should get the nod in goal with Steffen at home.

In their last meeting, these teams produced a scoreless draw. Wales are a difficult prospect, and I reckon this match could go either way. The key for the US will be to control the midfield, break at pace and get the ball forward for their attackers to run on to. They aren't very effective with all eleven defenders to break down, and lack the prototypical back-to-the-goal striker. So they'll look to be dangerous in transition and counterattack, and play for corners and free kicks. If they can finish off their chances they'll be in with a shout today.

Whatever.

I feel obliged to support Wales since that was the patch of dirt I hit when I vacated my mother's uterus.
Wales were really good 5 or 6 years ago with some key players who are probably past it by now, so not getting my hopes up.

England cruising. Had 82% of the ball in the first half. And this is WITH Maguire on the pitch

They have impressed me. Bellingham is seriously talented.

I'm hoping they get to 6 before the whistle..

And Grealish granted my wish!

Bellingham is going to be sold at the end of the season and they're talking about 150 million transfer fee. He's good. Liverpool are keen, as well as most of the top teams. Dortmund just keep printing it.

Wow England is demolishing Iran.

They sure are and the US didn't need England finding confidence ahead of their match. This result will do wonders for them, after so many questions heading in to the tournament.