2023-2024 European Football Thread

[Chongo94]

Serbia seems like the Tech of the soccer world. Clinical on offense, uninterested in defense. I know they have to press, but they concede so easily. Makes for an entertaining match, though.

Also, temporary Stadium 974 where SRB-SWI is being played is an interesting concept. Constructed from shipping containers, it apparently will be fully dismantled after the World Cup and shipped to somewhere in the developing world. Curious if anyone here who works in design/construction has a take on it.

Big rivalry, Serbia would probably be fine with winning this match but not going through. Bad blood between them and the Kosovo Swiss players.

 

[Chongo94]

So much extra time in all these matches this tournament, so odd.

 

[dawg]

I don't think it was out. The ball has to be completely over the line. I think about a centimeter was still over the line. So, the goal was good, IMHO.

Saw this image on one of the Reddit threads...

In by millimeters, even though the views from the side appear to be out.

 

[dawg]

This World Cup has delivered. Great, great group stage. Here's to an even better knockout round.

 

[JogginFrog]

Big rivalry, Serbia would probably be fine with winning this match but not going through. Bad blood between them and the Kosovo Swiss players.

I'd missed all of that; wasn't aware of the Swiss-Kosovo connection and the recent nationalist displays (but always wondered what kind of Swiss name Xhaka was).

Speaking of the Balkans, I visited Albania for work last year and highly recommend it. They are friendly to Americans (dating back to Woodrow Wilson advocating for an Albanian state, despite all the concrete bunkers anticipating NATO attacks during the Cold War era), and have made the most of their status on the fringe of the EU by becoming a manufacturing hub for German automakers. Some interesting history and great food--feels a lot like Italy at a quarter of the price.

 

[Purp]

OK, clarify the rule for this novice. What I saw was an overhead shot where a portion of the side of the ball was above the line, and a side shot in which green was clearly visible between the bottom of the ball and the line. If that's considered in based on verticality, then fair enough.

Also, if the ball hasn't hit the ground, it can be played from space beyond the line, yes?

If any part of a ball is over the outside edge of the line the ball is in. The same is true going into the air all the way to outer space. The moment a ball crosses that line completely it's ruled out even if in the air. That's why you'll sometimes see out-swinging corner kicks whistled out even before the ball hits anyone. It may swing back to the 6 yard box, but it crossed the line and is deemed out. Another example is the placement of the ball on a corner kick. You'll notice players put the bottom of the ball outside the corner crease with just a little bit of the edge hanging over the outside edge of that line. The assistant referee will step over the ball to ensure it is, indeed, over the line.

 

[dawg]

So much extra time in all these matches this tournament, so odd.

It's down to FIFA instructing referees to more closely watch "unnatural lost time," which is resulting in drastically higher added times than we're used to seeing.

Time after time: World Cup’s record match durations after new Fifa directive

A Fifa directive to referees to include all ‘unnatural lost time’ is leading to record match durations at the Qatar World Cup, with England’s win against Iran lasting a record 117 minutes

www.theguardian.com

 

[JogginFrog]

If any part of a ball is over the outside edge of the line the ball is in. The same is true going into the air all the way to outer space. The moment a ball crosses that line completely it's ruled out even if in the air. That's why you'll sometimes see out-swinging corner kicks whistled out even before the ball hits anyone. It may swing back to the 6 yard box, but it crossed the line and is deemed out. Another example is the placement of the ball on a corner kick. You'll notice players put the bottom of the ball outside the corner crease with just a little bit of the edge hanging over the outside edge of that line. The assistant referee will step over the ball to ensure it is, indeed, over the line.

Perfect, thanks. I'd noticed that on a corner kick yesterday and wondered about it.

 

[Chongo94]

I'd missed all of that; wasn't aware of the Swiss-Kosovo connection and the recent nationalist displays (but always wondered what kind of Swiss name Xhaka was).

Speaking of the Balkans, I visited Albania for work last year and highly recommend it. They are friendly to Americans (dating back to Woodrow Wilson advocating for an Albanian state, despite all the concrete bunkers anticipating NATO attacks during the Cold War era), and have made the most of their status on the fringe of the EU by becoming a manufacturing hub for German automakers. Some interesting history and great food--feels a lot like Italy at a quarter of the price.

Very cool. I think my perception of Albania is still rooted somewhat in the unfair stereotypical Eastern European country type of view you see in Eurotrip.

 

[JogginFrog]

Very cool. I think my perception of Albania is still rooted somewhat in the unfair stereotypical Eastern European country type of view you see in Eurotrip.

Off topic, so I'll stop after this post. But another bit of creative urban renewal is what Tirana's mayor did with hundreds of Soviet-era concrete flats: Invited foreign artists to come in and brighten them up. Still hideous on the inside, apparently, but the city now looks more like Western Europe than Russia.

One football-related example to get the thread back on track:

 

[LisaLT]

I have to get up at 6:55 AM if I want to watch the US play.

 

[Chongo94]

Off topic, so I'll stop after this post. But another bit of creative urban renewal is what Tirana's mayor did with hundreds of Soviet-era concrete flats: Invited foreign artists to come in and brighten them up. Still hideous on the inside, apparently, but the city now looks more like Western Europe than Russia.

One football-related example to get the thread back on track:

Very cool!

 

[Chongo94]

I have to get up at 6:55 AM if I want to watch the US play.

Ha! I mean 8am on a Saturday is already annoying me so I feel for you.

 

[Moose Stuff]

Man, these past few days have been awesome; qualification riding on and shifting during both matches, LLLa Tri heading home, football bloody hell... just awesome

More drama should follow, summation provided by The Guardian:

"Brazil have already qualified for the knockouts, though there is some jeopardy for them tonight. If they lose against Cameroon, they could be denied top spot in Group G should Switzerland beat Serbia in the other game. In that scenario, top spot would be decided by goal difference.

Cameroon meanwhile need a win to progress, and only then if Switzerland fail to beat Serbia in the other game. A draw between Serbia and Switzerland would leave second place decided by goal difference between Cameroon and the Swiss; a Serbia win would leave second place decided by goal difference between Cameroon and the Serbs.

It could potentially get more complicated, should goal difference not decide everything. But let’s not go down the route of goals scored, disciplinary points, or the drawing of lots. Not yet. Not while we don’t have to."

Totally agree. Great games!!!

 

[Moose Stuff]

The Fox analysts (almost all former US players) are so homerish, they make SEC football radio guys seem objective.

Lalas is a beating. I really like Stu Holden and think Twellman does a good job too. He’s a big USMNT fan for sure but he tells it like he sees it and isn’t afraid to criticize.

 

[Moose Stuff]

Calling 2-1 win for USMNT tomorrow. I may be dead before our game ends.

 

[Purp]

Lalas is a beating. I really like Stu Holden and think Twellman does a good job too. He’s a big USMNT fan for sure but he tells it like he sees it and isn’t afraid to criticize

Twellman is nauseating to me. He says some of the dumbest stuff trying to sound intelligent or controversial. Hearing his analysis of games makes me understand why he was so ineffective at the international level. You're right that he's happy to call it like he sees it, though.

Lex is an absolute fool and if not for being the most bombastic and ridiculous looking of the entire roster at the 94 WC we'd have never heard of him. Absolutely cannot stand him. He's the Paul Finebaum of professional soccer media.

Give me Kate Abdo with Gooch, Mo Edu, Deuce, and Charlie Davies all day every day and twice on Sundays. I'd happily add Stu to that group. Agree he's fantastic. I wore his #11 U.S. jersey to my son's indoor game Tuesday. Always loved him as a player. Hate how his career ended with injury.

 

[Purp]

Calling 2-1 win for USMNT tomorrow. I may be dead before our game ends.

I can see it going either way. Feel good about our chances, though. We have the talent, it's just a matter of finishing.

 

[Moose Stuff]

I can see it going either way. Feel good about our chances, though. We have the talent, it's just a matter of finishing.

We may not win but it’s a winnable game.

 

[Chongo94]

That’s game, folks.