Another four years have gone and even though it's winter, the World Cup is here again.

Qatar was always a crazy choice, but massive money's been spent to transform the nation and build the infrastructure necessary to host the event. Off-pitch issues may arise, especially in terms of accommodations and travel, and the cultural issues and human rights will be hot topics, but I ask that those things be discussed elsewhere if needed and we focus on the sporting side in this thread.

The US has a shot at making it out of the group, but it's not a sure thing. Group B is a tricky one. The roster was announced a week ago and while there were few surprises, keeper Zach Steffen was left out entirely, which was a big shock considering he was essentially 1A to Matt Turner's 1B all through the qualifying cycle. To not even be named to the squad is a big surprise. The US has a good midfield, and Turner's a steady pair of hands. The backline is solid too, but striker is a question mark, and I have zero faith in Berhalter's ability to adapt tactics and formations to counter and exploit the opposition. If plan A works they'll be fine. If they need a plan B they're in trouble.

So who ya got? What are your predictions?

I'm a very casual soccer fan and I only follow the WC if the US team is in it. Maybe the US team will make it as far as it did back in 2014 when they played Germany in the semi-finals. I believe that was also the year when they tied England 1-1 in their match. I remember some of our UK SimHQ members being "miffed" by that.

In 2014 semifinal, Germany defeated Brasil in Rio de Janeiro 7 - 1, to become champion, defeating Argentina 1- 0. Just to be kicked out in the group phase in 2018

I think you are thinking of the worldcup 2010, where the US team indeed tied against England, to be kicked out by Ghana in the next stage. In turn, in 2014 you defeated Ghana in the group phase, and again were kicked out in the next stage, this time by Belgium.

Thank you for that correction. Yeah it was in 2010 that the US tied England.

I see the games start on Sunday 20 November, but really get going on Monday. Any idea where they will be televised?

In the US, Fox and FS1 will carry the broadcasts I believe.

So no predictions?

I'll step out.

Brazil.

Yeah I know, quite a stretch right? After all, they've won it five times. But they have not done in 20 years. This however is going to be star number 6. The roster's strong in all phases, with an embarrassment of riches in certain positions. KK kindly put up the groups above, and Brazil's Group G is one of the weakest. Brazil will cruise to the top of the group, this will set up a round of 16 match against the second-placed team form Group H, let's say South Korea (Son runs wild). Win that and it's Spain in the quarters, Argentina in the semis (sad for Messi), and they win the World Cup final against Germany.

I always pick a dark horse too, an unfavored side to make some noise. For the past six major tournaments I've picked Belgium to be this team, and this feels like the last real shot for their golden generation.

My prediction for the US is to make it out of the group in second place where they lose to Netherlands in the round of 16. But you never know!

Who decided to have it in Qatar?

Gonna be a lot of folks in jail https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-fans-jail-shoulders-28511867

Many or all these girls from 2018 would be in jail if they were in Qatar

My prediction for the US is to make it out of the group in second place where they lose to Netherlands in the round of 16. But you never know!

Only if they get win against Wales.

Indeed, and there has been woke-triggering here in England as gay fans were advised not to be too gay during their stay in Quatar.

England could do it. But they won't! Germany always a possibility though.

I'm rooting for USA to get past Wales, more keen to watch that than England's first to be honest.

The FIFA Committee. And why Qatar? Because Qatar offered a CRAP load of money.

Lots of fans going to be upset with no booze sales.

No doubt about that but I'm certain some closed door negotiations were made between FIFA and Qatar to make up for that lost liquor revenue.

I am waiting for Budweiser to pull their sponsership.

I just can't fathom why so many people still drink that piss water.

Yep, my theory is that despite it being the only beer available, they didn't actually sell any.....hence this cover story.

Now Qatar has decided that no alcoholic beverages are to be served!

What a buzz kill...literally. I imagine many fans have travelled from other countries, to see their teams play. Party poopers.

This isn't true I don't think, restricted 'around the stadiums', meaning the stadium perimeter only, unless they change it again. It will still be served in the stadiums and fan zones according to the latest. But another backpedal may be coming.

Anyone have any thoughts on the football side of things?

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.

Any predictions for USA? 1-1 for me.

Well, let me see how the US looks against Wales. Like I said we've not really seen the first eleven on the pitch together at any point during the qualifying cycle.

I assume Ross you're asking about US-England? I'll say 2-1 England if forced to predict it now. England have more firepower than the US, but you never know and it wouldn't be the first time the US got the better of them. They CAN win, but on balance I think England have more. Of course anything can happen.

I meant against Wales v US really and agree too early to tell. Either way, wish your team good luck!

I noticed on Wednesday Germany plays against Japan. What's this? Former allies going against each other?

I see, I misunderstood. Honestly I don't know which team shows up today. See, I have zero faith in the gaffer, a man who's head is shaped like an egg and yet he's a blockhead at the same time. Quite the trick actually.

But seriously I don't know. Qualifying was fraught with peril and poor performances. I don't know how many lineups they used through the cycle but it had to be twenty at least. The side I expect to step on the pitch today has had little time to gel, and like I said I don't think the personnel is suited to the way Berhalter wants them to play. The US should be direct, long diagonals, balls over the top, sitting deep and countering, through balls for the attackers to run on to. But they insist on trying to be a possession team, playing out of the back without the players to do it well. It's as if direct play is beneath Berhalter's lofty vision. Yeah, I'm not a fan of the manager. It took two years to name the new boss, and this is the best they could do?

Fitness, athleticism and application have always been the way forward for the United States, who aren't going to beat the best teams with technique, triangles and tactics I don't think. Play to your strengths.

I hope the US does well in spite of him, and who knows, maybe he'll surprise me with his tactical nous. I had better hope so.

Good result for Netherlands, in group A, beating Mane-less Senegal 2-0. That 3-4-1-2 formation doesn't fit them I don't think. De Ligt seems miscast in a back three. But even without Mane, Senegal is a good side, so the result is a good one. I don't think they'll have trouble with either Ecuador or Qatar, so the hard work in the group stage is done. Now to see who finishes second I reckon.

The United States should have to start down a goal just for those shirts.

Great first goal, been coming for twenty minutes. Outplaying Wales so far.

Yeah, good start, good possession, in a 4-3-3. Great goal, through ball and outside of the boot. Long way to go.

Game can end in tie?

Yes. Later games in the next round, NO. 30 minutes OT and if still tied penalty kicks till one sides gets more goals 5 shots per team to start.

Thank you KraziKanuK.

I did not watch games today. Was at work. Just saw today's scores. England killed it. 6 goals!!

Bah! So Wales tied it 1-1 near the end.

No sport should be decided with penalty kicks/shots. Sudden death is the way to go.

Strange game. It seemed like the Wales tactic was to let the USA do what they wanted in the first half and tire themselves out..
Now it's a case of who scores the most against Iran or loses the least against England which determines who goes through.

Shock result brewing for Argentina.

The United States will feel it's two points dropped, although a draw in this match isn't the worst result. They played well enough to win, but didn't match Wales when they changed things up and it was a game of two halves. Berhalter lacks the ability to make the right tweaks to react to and exploit the changes the opposition make. If plan A works, great. But as soon as it doesn't they get caught out.

I see Saudi Arabia won 2-1. That's definitely a big upset.

Apparently Budweiser announced that they will be giving away the unsold beer to whoever wins the Cup. Hope it's not us, we don't need that **** here

Offering Budweiser to a Belgian would be like offering Kraft Singles "cheese" to a Frenchman.

Belgians tend to get too chauvinistic over their beer while there are plenty of fine beers to be found in other countries. And many Belgian beers are mediocre at best... the most mediocre of them is actually the official sponsor of the national team LOL

Ah you mean Stella Artois? Apparently in the UK it's nicknamed the "wife beater".

No, Jupiler. If you never heard of it, don't bother, it's not worth it.

At home it's my wife who's into football, for me it's just an excuse to sit on the couch with beer and pretzels :-)

Ah so I see England plays against USA on Friday. I'll be watching that!

Can confirm that's it's old nickname. But they lessened the percentage so it's actually just a nice easy drinker nowadays.

Wowsy,
What a nice aussie goal!!

That lead didn't last very long!

Two games today ended 0-0. Normal or unusual?

Even for soccer, 0-0 games are the exception and not the norm.

I love the World Cup, mainly because it keeps my hyper and annoying Italo-Brazilian girlfriend out of my hair for a few days.

If a tree falls in the forest........

The French are good at something.

Democracy was invented by ancient Greece.

Oops.
Japan - Germany 2-1.
6 minutes to go + extra time.

Another upset?

Oh wow. If Japan pulls off this comeback upset win that will be huge news.

I guess that wasn't factored in to the qualifying cycle?

Yeah, Germany on the ropes.

Germany lost.
They face Spain on Sunday.
That`s a must see game for me.

They had games at 1 am and 4 am. Who is awake to watch them!

Hardcore soccer fans.

NFB's notion is that everyone is in the same time zone

Some more related NFB gems when he explained the sport to us. This was a 'Football Thread" I tried to get off the ground a couple years ago. After being informed he was talking about the wrong sort of football, he laid insight like this on us, and it came to an end as what more is there to say?

"Only 3 substitutions are allowed in soccer matches per team and it's only to replace an injured player." Not true. Of course.

"Football players are the one who are the wimps, not the soccer players." Are you certain about this?

"Soccer players play the entire game, 60 minutes or 45 minutes, with only a break at halftime." The games are 90 minutes plus stoppage, but sure, they play a full game for 45 minutes. Or is it 60 minutes? Maybe it's three hours. Who knows!

https://SimHQ.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/4497385/re-the-football-thread#Post4497385

It has to be a parody account and someone's having a laugh.

What a result for Japan. I have Germany in the finals, and not on this evidence. Shocker, but then again Japan is a good side, and they've done damage in World Cups before. These sorts of results are great any time, but especially on the biggest stage. THis event could use some shaking up because the atmosphere in some matches has been rather embarrassing, hasn't it?

Belgium-Canada in a little bit. Belgium's my dark horse and let's see if they can extend their streak of disappointments. Spain having no trouble with Costa Rica, 3-nil at the mo.

In some news for Friday's US-England clash, Harry Kane is in for scans and we'll see if that has an impact on the match. England still have some good strikers, Wilson and Rashford can do the job. But Kane is great at both banging them in and spreading it around, the sort of versatility they'll miss if he is out.

That was a clear example of a coach making the right moves to change a match. They changed their tactics, from sitting deep and countering, to pressing with their subs, who brought plenty of energy. Germany didn't have an answer.

And to make Japan look even better, their fans stayed after the match to help clean up the stadium.

Winners!

Based on what I've learned about Japanese culture that doesn't surprise me one bit.

Wow. Spain is just CRUSHING Costa Rica.

I missed that match.
Had to do stuff.
Let`s see what Belgium can do.
Belgium is ranked #2 and Canada #41.

It`s hard to predict another upset, but as we say here in Norway: The Ball is Round. (whatever that means.)

I'm guessing the meaning gets lost in translation.

I believe such a phrase is said because a round ball favors no side? Chances are level. Of course such a phrase ignores the quality of the players kicking that impartial sphere. But in such things we find solace and hope. Or Canada does, I guess.

The way this tournament is going, results are in the air, round ball or not.

Yup.
As several of my posts tend to do.

Yeah.
We`ve seen that already haven`t we.
Qualty sometimes get unexpected and surprising results.

This guy knows UK football, I agree with everything you say. Though I think they'll keep Kane on the benches. I think they'll assume they can take USA without him and let him rest. After USA first game I'm not so sure that's wise. Both attacking sides and lets face it, the game is about number of goals in the end.

I'm getting the beers (not Bud!) ready for it. I want a clean game as respect both.

Canada though!? Keep going, you can do this 🤞

Just when the commentators wondered if there was something wrong with the Belgian team. BOOM!

I just look at scores. Costa Rica!! Did the lack of beer effect their game play?

I always support Spain and Germany. Both countries usually start a World Cup on a weak note and improve through the tournament. Germany is on par after the upset! haha Wow! WTF was up with Spain scoring 7 goals! That goes against precedence! haha

That second goal by Japan to defeat Germany was beautiful! And I can see why they call Soccer/Football, 'The most beautiful game.'

Canada did well in dominating first half of the match against Belgium. However, after that you can tell the Canadian national team has no effin' clue what they are doing on the pitch based on the stats! Canada will not keep going and fall to the wayside with all the others.

Yes, I know neither Austria or Hungary are in it, but I'm not gonna let facts get in the way of memes!

Where is this Austria and Hungary you speak of? I never heard of these countries in the World Cup venues! haha

Switzerland & Cameroon 0-0 half

haha, missing a very important, NOT in it. That's why I'm not a professional editor.

Everyone knows Austria-Hungry lost their soccer team as part of the conditions of the Treaty of Versailles. Sheesh.

England fight USA tomorrow. USA will win.

I don’t share your over-confidence but upsets can and do happen from time to time.

Why is Wales with 10 men team?

Dang, Wales. You let Iran score twice in 2 minutes.

That's not a good result for the US, who would have been hoping for a draw. With Iran now on three points the US will have to win a game, and probably need at least a draw out of the England match and a solid win against Iran to advance.

I sense discontent in the US camp after their performance against Wales. The fact that Reyna was overlooked despite being fit is an issue, but there are only so many places in the starting eleven and subs. Maybe he gets a start today.

The US-Wales match was a big disappointment, but I could see it coming a mile away. Plan A worked great in the first half, the US controlled the play and the midfield was excellent. But Wales aren't stupid and changed tactics, brought on the target man to start playing the ball over the top of the press. At this point you need your manager to recognize how the match has changed, and in turn make his own adjustments to counter and exploit. Berhalter was all like 'duh' and the game turned on its head and he was shown to be be ineffective in managing a match. He can come up with a plan after watching tape for six months. But if and when that plan stops working there's no ability to correct course.

That goal by Senegal was fricking mind blowing.

Just to think that the player has to have an amazing spatial ability to generate a mental picture of what is behind him in order to make a head shot goal like that. It's really dumbfounding.

Lineups submitted. The US with no changes, aside from Haji Wright getting the nod at center forward over Sargent. The US has no clear-cut first choice in this position and it's a weakness. Wright is a good choice (and Ferreira would have been too) because his pace should trouble the slow-footed England centerbacks (Maguire and Stones). But Wright also offers more of an aerial threat, and it's an interesting selection. He was no-where with the US squad throughout qualifying, was a surprise selection to the final roster and now gets a start in a massive game. That's a tough ask, but I'm hoping he takes it with both hands.

England are unchanged from the demolition of Iran.

20 minutes until kick off! I'm psyched but I'm also realistic about the US's chances.

USA! USA! USA!

Haji Wright starting instead of Sargent.

Kane passed the physical, but that does not mean he is at full-strength.

Fight ?

USA playing well. England struggling to deal with their style I think.

0-0 at halftime and the US looks quite energetic on the field but it will take more than that to win!

Yeah, the US looked more dangerous but nil-nil. England seemed befuddled by the Americans' formation, but expect some tactical changes for the second half. This is what we pay you for egghead. And you couldn't afford a suit jacket or a shirt with a collar or buttons?

A draw here is fine for the US. A win would be better of course. But a draw means the US advances with a win at any scoreline against Iran.

Good result for the US. I thought they played well enough to win, but a draw is a good result and their fate is in their hands. Win and move on.

Not sure what the US is doing on corners. They got a lot of them but nothing came out of it at all. Why is there no one on the near post? The area looks barren with most of the team standing outside the box. Clog that sh!t up!

England looked bereft of ideas and their performance surprised me off the back of such a comprehensive win. I reckon whatever good vibes they had from the first game are long gone after this result. They created virtually nothing, nor did the US for that matter, but I expected more out of England in this match. Both sides lacked any sort of threat in the final third.

Good result for the US if they can build on it.

I agree with you Dbond, but USA played better. They deserved a win.

Foden should be starting every match for England.

I'm really surprised at what I saw out of England today. Not at all the sort of performance I expected. Kane hardly touched the ball and had to come very deep to get some touches. Maguire and Stones are not good on the ball. The US were no better, mind, but everyone expected England to be the better side here, didn't they?

Southgate is a perpetual tinkerer, and it always feels like every match is an experiment, rather than identifying the best players and formation and going with it. Foden has to play more, doesn't he? I'd start him over Mason Mount anyway.

Did I hear right? In their game against Wales, one of Iran's player is ejected from playing in the next match? I hope that helps USA.

Another win for France. Amazing.

So the US plays Iran on Tuesday. I'm sure the media coverage for that game will be quite interesting.

Really disappointing from Belgium today. There's no way that a side with De Bruyne, Hazard (even this version), Courtois and Lukaku should be this poor. It was a golden generation and it's all been wasted. So much for a dark horse, and they've done next to nothing at all the recent major tournaments. Not sure why I keep thinking this one will be the one. Croatia doesn't have better players than Belgium, but they play so much better.

The Martinez era has to end now, I think. He has a reputation that outstrips his accomplishments. He did OK at Championship side Swansea then went to Wigan. His Wigan teams weren't all that good, but there was one spring, I think it was 2012 or 13 where they were bad enough all year to be in the relegation zone and suddenly starting winning, beating Liverpool, United and some others in the final weeks to avoid relegation. Yeah, it was good stuff, but ignores the position they were in before. Yet that seemingly made his reputation.

He went to Everton after steering Wigan to relegation the next season and did little there before being named Belgium coach and he's had some success. Third in Brazil and top of the world rankings for a time. But all this without winning anything. Time for a change I think.

Giving all the Canadian a big hug. You can win Thursday.

Most Canadians only care about one World Cup (next one in 2025). That and the Olympics.

Couldn't say any of that better myself.

I was fully expecting Spain to shellac Germany but it ended up being a 1-1 tie.

With the surprising defeat of Japan by Costa Rica, both teams had more to lose than to gain from an over-agressive posture.
As it stands now, if Spain wins vs. Japan, a German victory is enough to advance, and if Spain draws the German victory needs to be with a +2 or better score. Even with a Japanese victory the German could still afvance (in this case over Spain) - the score just needs to be +8 or better (as said earlier, they gave Brazil 7 in the semifinals 2014...)

Cameron and Serbia 3 all 71 minutes

4 matches daily at 4 am, 7 am, 10 am, 1 pm. This week schedule, it's 2 matches at 9 am and 2 matches at 1 pm. Why the change.

The reason of the change is the match Austria-Germany in FIFA World Cup1982, known as the Disgrace of Gijon. Playing the last two games of each group simultaneously avoid some agreements before the game has started.

Thank you Roudou. I Google it. There is no honesty.

tinyurl.com/frjzm7rj

(that is a WIKI link. The WIKI link had strange characters and it will not work after I pasted it here)

Aussie v the Danes soon. Should be interesting as my daughter has been going out with a Danish lad for about a year now.

Good luck to Australia!

My predictions for today's games:

USA over Iran
Netherlands over Qatar
England over Wales
Senegal over Ecuador

Looks good Panzer, but a Wales win or draw would be good and give the US a shot at topping the group. Come on Wales!

What a massive game for the US. Win or go home. There are so many subplots here, but from a sporting point of view it's a big test. Iran are a quality side, and could give the US fits. We've gotten nothing at all out of the striker position so far, they've hardly touched the ball. There has to be better service from midfield and better off-the-ball movement and positioning from the center forward. And who will Berhalter pick? Could he not pick a striker at all, put someone like Reyna in and play a false nine?

I said before the tournament that I wanted to see the US in some version of a 4-5-1. This was for two reasons. one, the US strength and depth is in their midfield, so get more of them on the pitch. And two, because matches are usually won and lost in the midfield, and this formation, or versions of it, allows for better midfield control and prevents getting overrun by better teams. The US has been in a 4-3-3, which when you think about it is a 4-5-1 when they don't have the ball. When they do, the wingers push further up the pitch and then it's a 4-3-3. So essentially it's the same formation with different wing instructions. And it's really worked well for them. In both of their games the US midfield has played well. For three halves out of four (excluding Wales second) they have won this battle. That they haven't turned that good play in to goals is a big problem, and they'll have to hope they find some answers today. They have to score to win.

Netherlands 2 Qatar 0 90+3 min. Is is the end of Qatar if they lose?

added::

Qatar loses and is eliminated. Ecuador loses and is eliminated. I think someone in Qatar will lose their heads. For the host nation to lose all 3 games and not advance, that's a big loss of face.

Ah so I see I'm 2 for 2 so far with my predictions

Did you put a bet on that Panzer? You should have done

USA wins 1-0. Iran is out. Iran was cheating. Cheaters are never winners.

Congratulations to the US.

This is a great day indeed. Looking forward to see which country the US plays next.

Iran didnt care how they would win, they just wanted to defeat the USA. It was a great game to watch! GO USA!

That would be The Netherlands.

Oh boy. I see the US team has its work cut out for them!

9 am Saturday.

Perfect time for me. I'll be watching the game live.

I will be slumbering.

Great result for the US obviously. Netherlands is the reward.

It's a glass half-empty, glass half-full sort of thing.

One one hand, the US didn't lose a game in the group stage, and only conceded once, a penalty.

On the other hand they only scored two goals and created few real chances. Despite the possession and application, there's not much cutting edge in their attack. Set pieces, which I thought would be a strength, have instead been abysmal, and it's hard to believe that their corner routine is intentional.

But through they are, and credit to the team for playing with such determination. I don't expect a win against the Oranje, but you never know. The ball is round as they say in Norway.

Predictions for today:

France over Tunisia
Mexico over Saudi Arabia
Argentina over Poland
Denmark over Australia

Unfortunately I don't have a bookie in Vegas!

GL to US team next game, and bravo for beating Iran.

Holy smokes. I was wrong with picking France and Denmark to win.

I pick France too. Just now seeing the score online. What happened, France?