World Cup 2026

Pretty interesting Belgium-Iran game right now. 1st half extra time, still 0-0. Iran had a goal canceled for offside after VAR.
 
Patrick said:
Iran had a goal canceled for offside after VAR
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That was the best moment of an otherwise snoozy match -- Zlatan Ibrahimović joked repeatedly afterward about falling asleep -- and yet another instance of a very nitpicky offside (see VAR graphic below) killing a well executed play.

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As I was saying:
jamesdeluxe said:
I'm constantly trying to figure out ways to "improve" the sport:
  • Adjust the excitement-killing offside (good thing that there's now video review to reverse the many bad calls like in yesterday's US/AU match)
  • The constant uncalled grabbing and pushing (similar to the NBA)
  • Melodramatic on-field "injuries" with players grasping their lower legs in alleged pain (to be fair, this has decreased a bit in recent years)
  • The Harry Kane stutter step on penalty kicks shouldn't be allowed: goalkeepers already have a very small chance of making a save
  • Tie matches: do not allow knockout-stage tournament games to be decided by penalty kicks; instead, have them go 5-on-5 for the overtime period.
  • Too many players, which frequently creates a traffic jam, especially in front of the net. Make it eight players instead of ten (not counting the goalkeeper).
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Here are a couple more important ones that will horrify futbol traditionalists:
  • While there are too many players (ten on ten not counting goalkeepers), one on-field referee isn't sufficient to make the majority of calls because he can't be everywhere. It's unconscionable how many decisions are blown or completely missed. Thankfully, there's now video review but only for the most critical calls; there are so many others that get overlooked and have a cumulative deadening effect on the action. AI should significantly augment the referee.
  • Following up on the observation above about the sheer amount of pushing, shoving, holding, grabbing, and tackling -- the only penalty for all but the most flagrant fouls is a change of possession, which has zero preventive value. In addition to yellow and red cards, futbol should borrow from basketball and allow each player four fouls, after which he is ejected and can't be replaced. That would immediately end the unpalatable wrestling-match aspects.
 
My Scotsman mate and neighbour Bill went into Brisbane city at 6am this morning (Thursday) to a function to watch his side take on Brazil.
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Sbooker said:
I’ll get the full run down about the event then but I believe there were pipers and all.
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I hope that there were enjoyable off-pitch attractions as the match itself must've been hard to watch for the Scottish contingent. 3-0 doesn't indicate how one-sided it was. Brasil is on a completely different level.
 
jamesdeluxe said:
I hope that there were enjoyable off-pitch attractions as the match itself must've been hard to watch for the Scottish contingent. 3-0 doesn't indicate how one-sided it was. Brasil is on a completely different level.
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That would’ve been expected? Brazil are heavyweights I believe.
 
The South Americans really support the World Cup.

I looked at various locals to see a game (NYC, SF, Boston, Miami). You want to avoid anything in Miami with a South American team playing. The tickets to Brazil or Colombia were nearly $ 4k–$5k for a horrible seat.

These nations commanded a premium even for the Third Place match final that is also in Miami.

My sister-in-law, and likely my brother, are attending it.

Me: I have no desire to spend more than $100 on a World Cup match, let alone $ 1,000. I have seen Messi play for Inter Miami CF in South Florida during the MLS-winning year, and it was just OK.

I'd rather spend money on South American skiing or something else.

On the other hand, the Florida Panthers (2x Stanley Cup winners) are worthwhile games - fast, fun, small arena!
 
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