THE WORLD CUP

[Becket]

The World Cup begins on June 11. I can't wait. Anybody else interested?

I am picking France to win, though I hope England does well.

Don't see the USA doing much, so I hope to be pleasantly surprised.

I also cheer for Germany, even if my favorite player, the gorgeous Manuel Neuer, doesn't play. Always thought they had the best looking guys. 

LET'S GO! 

[Becket]

Not many soccer (football) fans here it seems. 

[jonasfoleson]

Spain are favourites iMHO. most balanced team.

Then France and England. Germany and Argentina aren't all that compared to yesteryear, and yes Argentina are the holders. 

Portugal still rely on Ronaldo - GOAT status aside he's old. Their younger stars like Bernando and Fernandes don't do much.

[BuffaloKyle]

On 6/3/2026 at 11:02 AM, Becket said:

Not many soccer (football) fans here it seems. 

[MikeBiDude]

3 hours ago, BuffaloKyle said:

Like the cartoon! I’m not a huge fan, but the local (to me) USA/Paraguay game was kinda exciting. Was watching it with some family.

[BuffaloKyle]

 

[Becket]

After about a week here are some thoughts.

1.  USA looked amazing, especially in the first half. Was shocked to see how well they played; aggressive, yet tight at the back (a trait we can all be thankful for.) Christian Pulisic was the spark plug. Suffered a slight calf injury; hope it's nothing serious.

2.  France looked awesome, very much like the best team; while Spain looked lethargic and uninterested. 

3. Watching the champions Argentina as we speak. Early on they seem solid and ready to go. Yep, Messi just scored.* They're in it but good.

4. Norway had a great first game against Iraq. The world's (probable) best player Erling Haaland was spectacular, scoring two of their four goals.

5. Can't wait for tomorrow's game here in Dallas between England and Croatia. Ought to be a thrilla'. 

*Messi just scored his THIRD goal tonight. A "hat trick." At this level, very rare, almost impossible it seems. Sorry Erling, I spoke too soon. Messi is the GOAT and STILL the best player in the world. (Almost gave myself a stiffie watching his excellence; His Excellency!)

Edited June 17 by Becket

[mike carey]

[Becket]

Yes, I'm very much looking forward to the Cape Verde vs Curacao showdown. Sends shudders down my spine.

[mike carey]

1 minute ago, Becket said:

Yes, I'm very much looking forward to the Cape Verde vs Curacao showdown. Sends shudders down my spine.

People have actually heard of Curaçao. Problem is most of them think it comes in a bottle. Thankfully, a few know it has beaches.

[cany10011]

Not a soccer fan… but a few hookups are here visiting to cheer on their teams (France and Argentina). 
 

[mike carey]

Ecuador 0 Curaçao 0

What were they drinking?

 

[Becket]

Interesting article about escorts (in this case, female) working the world cup.

https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-15920381/escorts-world-cup-players-requests.html

And for those of us who complain about $300 an hour rates, check out what this person is charging, and getting.

Edited June 24 by Becket

[TonyDown]

32 teams advance to the knockout round, so it's early to start making predictions.

I love the Scottish fans, so it would be nice to see them advance.

Will a Cinderella team like Croatia advance.  Their #21 is handsome.  🥰  They beat Panama today in a pretty good match.

English fans in Mexico City were too special to join in the wave.  No fun!!  Where I come from we'd say those fans think "their sh!t don't stink".   😆

Edited June 24 by TonyDown

[Becket]

I just don't know........

...what the hell Paris Hilton was doing prancing and strutting with a ball on the middle of the field.

...when Turkey became Turkiye.

...how it is that German goalie Manuel Neuer seems to be getting better looking with age.

...how Team USA suddenly became so formidable. 

...how England, with a very good team, manages to choke every world cup.....EXCUSE ME!   FIFA World Cup.

...why the German National Anthem is the same tune as a hymn we sometimes sing at church.

...why I'm NOT one of those who thinks that Erling Haaland of Norway; who is a blond, blue-eyed, tall and fit star, is a drop dead gorgeous creation.

...if there is a more clever chant than the one sung out by Australian fans:

        Aussie lads are on a bender, (you know who's) a sex offender.  (Sorry I can't say the name. Against COM rules.)

 

...if I can watch anymore soccer this week. I'm maxed out.

Edited June 26 by Becket

[mike carey]

@Becket the first time I heard that chant I thought it was an AI construct. Maybe it is ....

Or maybe not.

[Becket]

On 6/20/2026 at 9:31 PM, mike carey said:

Ecuador 0 Curaçao 0

What were they drinking?

 

Probably both chewing on "coco leaves"? Maybe more, who knows. Too many boring games IMHO.

[Becket]

More World Cup thoughts from your intrepid reporter.

 

1. The USA team continues to impress. I continue to be shocked, but excited at how well they are doing.
2. I hate VAR, the video assistant referee. So many wonderful moments spoiled by their need to be accurate and precise. This sport has so many subjective moments; any one minute of play could be analysed up and down for accuracy. What they choose to review is a mystery; how they apply their rules is even more strange, IMHO. Like the foul that the American player made last night that got him a red card and suspension for the next game: At regular game speed it's just another hard foul, a yellow caution at the most. But in replay they slow it down and stare at it frame by frame. Made it look worse than it was and cost USA their best player for the next match against Belgium. And the off side rule. If it's an arm, you're not offside. If it's a toe nail or a lock of hair, offside will be called upon VAR review. Just ruins the match. So many goals get disallowed. It's frustrating.
3. Germany is out, which means no more lusting after the gorgeous Manuel Neuer and all the other beautiful German players. 
4. Spain and France look like the two best teams still, along with Argentina. Two of the three should be meeting in a wonderful final in ten day's time. Can't wait.
5. Portugal is hanging in, so at least one more game enjoying the play, and the physique, of the wonderful Christiano Ronaldo. He's such a fathead. What an ego!  But his game is so exciting. He is great fun to watch.
6. It's amazing how well the teams from Africa have been doing. Regular fine teams like Ghana and Morocco, plus surprises from Senegal, Egypt, Cape Verde, and Congo continue to push and challenge the best Europe and South America can offer.
7. Norway is such fun to watch. Erling Haaland is so talented and the rest of the team are playing great. And the bit where the Norway fans do this cheer where they yell and row like they are Vikings in a ship is really fun. Then after the game the fans and players all yell and row together. Tough game Sunday against Brazil.
8. I know you all were worried about me getting worn out by all the games. Rest assured I am back to full speed, ready to watch and cheer to the bitter end. (Tongue firmly in cheek, guys.)

 

[+ SirBillybob]

Young stans in England supposedly making a pitch for upcoming Sunday viewing, a school night.  

Edited Friday at 08:56 PM by SirBillybob

[Becket]

What a great showing by the tiny African island nation of Cape Verde. Pushing the world champions Argentina to extra time in a 1-1 tie. Then, down 2-1 in overtime, score yet again to make the score 2-2. What I do love about soccer is how a group of men can come together, work hard, and achieve marvelous results! 

Argentina is stunned! So is everyone else watching.

[+ purplekow]

I just walked out of the room it was 2 1 and I thought it was over as Argentina as been dominant in ball control.  In the minute it took to get to the computer in the other room Cape Verde scored.  

[Becket]

I thought it was over as well. Argentina survives. Barely. But on to the round of 16 for them. Again, wonderful from Cape Verde.

[Becket]

On 6/13/2026 at 4:09 PM, BuffaloKyle said:

 

Number 3. Though I'm not throwing any of them out for eating crackers in bed.

[Frankcal]

Amazing match!

[+ glutes]

Folarin's red card suspension overturned? People miss the point. There are subjectively bad calls that are held up week in and week out in the sport. Having it overturned in this way due to political pressure is a stunningly bad precedent.

Edited Monday at 04:09 AM by glutes