International Football (non-USMNT)

dirtynine

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Best possible US draw on paper?  I'd say:  Switzerland, USA, Algeria, Bosnia-Herzegovina.  Worst?  Maybe Brazil, USA, Nigeria, Netherlands. 
 

Zososoxfan

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dirtynine said:
Barring insanity in Wellington or Montevideo, here are the 32 World Cup 2014 teams, in the pots they will be drawn from into groups.
 
Pot 1 (Seeds)
Brazil
Argentina
Colombia
Uruguay
Spain
Germany
Belgium
Switzerland
 
Pot 2
Japan
Australia
Iran
South Korea 
USA
Costa Rica
Honduras
Mexico
 
Pot 3
Chile
Ecuador
Côte d'Ivoire
Nigeria
Cameroon
Ghana
Algeria
Russia
 
Pot 4
Netherlands
Italy
Bosnia-Herzegovina
England
Portugal
France
Greece
Croatia
 
Holy shit just seeing this makes me super excited! Oij a;trjgje;rg;rjgo'i'agj'gijerj gag
 
To add: It's interesting to think that the US would be the WORST draw from pot 2 for the other teams in the group (i.e. the US is the best team in pot 2, IMHO). One last note, it kinda bothers me that Iran gets to compete, but I'll get over it when they go 0-3 with a -7 GD.
 

SoxFanInCali

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How is it chosen which European team ends up in pot 3?
 
If it's the lowest rated one, wouldn't it be France instead of Russia?
 

OCST

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Zososoxfan said:
 
Holy shit just seeing this makes me super excited! Oij a;trjgje;rg;rjgo'i'agj'gijerj gag
 
To add: It's interesting to think that the US would be the WORST draw from pot 2 for the other teams in the group (i.e. the US is the best team in pot 2, IMHO). One last note, it kinda bothers me that Iran gets to compete, but I'll get over it when they go 0-3 with a -7 GD.
 
It would have been fun to see USA play Iran, for 1) seeing increased interest from 'Muricans who think soccer is for Eurosissies, but IRAN; and 2) Iron Shiek tweets.
 
Oh well.
 

PedroSpecialK

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Zososoxfan said:
 
One last note, it kinda bothers me that Iran gets to compete, but I'll get over it when they go 0-3 with a -7 GD.
Out of curiosity, why does it bother you that Iran gets to compete?
 

dirtynine

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It would have been fun to see USA play Iran, for 1) seeing increased interest from 'Muricans who think soccer is for Eurosissies, but IRAN; and 2) Iron Shiek tweets.
Well, that happened in '98, and it didn't work out so great.
 

OCST

Sunny von Bulow
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dirtynine said:
Well, that happened in '98, and it didn't work out so great.
 
I remember, even though I wasn't a big football fan at the time.  I think we're a little better than that now.
 

dirtynine

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SoxFanInCali said:
How is it chosen which European team ends up in pot 3?
 
If it's the lowest rated one, wouldn't it be France instead of Russia?
I just did some searching and it's not clear. Outside Pot 1, the pot numbers might also switch around (but the assignments, I believe, are correct).

As always with FIFA, I guess we just wait until they tell us.
 
edit - seen a bit more that makes me believe you are correct, and France and Russia should swap. Going to update.  
 

Titans Bastard

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OilCanShotTupac said:
 
It would have been fun to see USA play Iran, for 1) seeing increased interest from 'Muricans who think soccer is for Eurosissies, but IRAN; and 2) Iron Shiek tweets.
 
Oh well.
 
It would be extra fun because Iran's new starting right back is San Jose's Steven Beitashour, who accepted a call from the team in October and has gone straight into the lineup in AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.  Beitashour has been a fringe USMNT guy of late, having been to the last January camp, but he was never capped.
 

Bosoxen

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I was initially inclined to think that quality of competition played a large part in that. But then I remembered that they played Jamaica to a scoreless draw at home. So, who knows.
 
Now the interesting part begins. Will Herrera be given the gig full time? If so, will he go back to using the Europe-based regulars? As much success as he had with nearly half the squad being made up of his America squad, I really don't think that will play against the competition they'll face in Brazil. On the other hand, I do appreciate his ability/desire to think outside the box, which was de la Torre's biggest weakness.
 
The Mexican federation really needs to get its shit together. That's two straight rounds of qualifying in which they had to scramble to salvage their position in the World Cup. If they keep fucking around like that, one of these years they'll end up on the outside looking in. And the last thing you want to do is piss off a mob of frustrated Mexicans.
 

Infield Infidel

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Speaking after the game, Ibrahimovic said to his app Zlatan unplugged: "It was probably the last attempt to reach the World Cup with the national team for me. One thing is for sure, a World Cup without me is nothing to watch so it is not worthwhile to wait for the World Cup.
 
 

Zososoxfan

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Dummy Hoy said:
 
I'm curious too...would love an explanation. 
 
Mostly their lack of human rights and anti-Israel rhetoric. I'm aware that other participating countries have these problems, but I just can't help that it bothers me.
 

OCST

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Zososoxfan said:
 
Mostly their lack of human rights and anti-Israel rhetoric. I'm aware that other participating countries have these problems, but I just can't help that it bothers me.
 
I guess if you need a villain to hate in the field of 32, there's always Croatia: http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1621979/croats-celebrate-world-cup-berth-pro-nazi-chants?cc=5901
 
 
ZAGREB, Croatia -- Croatia's World Cup qualification celebrations have been marred by apparent pro-Nazi chants by fans and defender Joe Simunic.
Croatia qualified for the World Cup with a 2-0 win over Iceland on Tuesday. Video footage appears to show Simunic taking a microphone to the field after the match and shouting"For the homeland!" ["Za dom spremni!"] to the fans. The fans respond: "Ready!"
That was the war call used by Ustashas, the Croatian pro-Nazi puppet regime that ruled the state during World War II when tens of thousands Jews, Serbs and others perished in concentration camps.
The Australian-born Simunic defended his action, saying "some people have to learn some history. I'm not afraid."
"I did nothing wrong. I'm supporting my Croatia, my homeland," the 35-year-old defender said. "If someone has something against it, that's their problem."
 
Aren't they eliminated from the tournament now by aggregate Godwins?
 

PedroSpecialK

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Zososoxfan said:
Mostly their lack of human rights and anti-Israel rhetoric. I'm aware that other participating countries have these problems, but I just can't help that it bothers me.
Makes sense, and I agree with you that the people within the current regime who pull the strings (along with the prior president's views) are deplorable to say the least.

Sadly many countries in the region have human rights track records that mirror Iran's when it comes to minority groups. Islamic regimes in general are horrible to women and homosexuals in particular.

From my experience, the vast majority of Iranians citizens (and Iranian NT soccer players) are moderates at worst, and loathe the Islamic regime and its views. It's an embarrassment.

[/V&N]






Go Iran :fonz:
 

Dummy Hoy

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PedroSpecialK said:
Makes sense, and I agree with you that the people within the current regime who pull the strings (along with the prior president's views) are deplorable to say the least.

Sadly many countries in the region have human rights track records that mirror Iran's when it comes to minority groups. Islamic regimes in general are horrible to women and homosexuals in particular.

From my experience, the vast majority of Iranians citizens (and Iranian NT soccer players) are moderates at worst, and loathe the Islamic regime and its views. It's an embarrassment.

[/V&N]






Go Iran :fonz:
 
I agree 100% with everything until the end.
 
Although I'm sure there are a few teams I would support Iran over. 
 
Edit: Croatia, Portugal, Mexico, Brasil? 
 

BrazilianSoxFan

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He is Argentinian, if I'm not mistaken, putting Brazil above Iran probably hurts a lot.

The small little brother always resent the older, smarter, good looking, bigger brother... :p
 

BrazilianSoxFan

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He is Argentinian, if I'm not mistaken, putting Brazil above Iran probably hurts a lot.

The small little brother always resent the older, smarter, good looking, bigger brother... :p


Nevermind, I thought the poster was zososoxfan, but the dutch ran interference. Damn that dutch!
 

Dummy Hoy

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I don't care for the Brazilians and their superiority complex.
 
But I wouldn't expect a Man U fan to understand.  :rolling:
 
Edit: Or perhaps you were commenting on my spelling. 
 

teddykgb

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Dummy Hoy said:
I don't care for the Brazilians and their superiority complex.
 
But I wouldn't expect a Man U fan to understand.  :rolling:
 
 

 
Although now I'm interested in understanding why Croatia made the list.  Although I'm Portuguese, I understand the inclusion.
 

Dummy Hoy

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A higher percentage of Croats are crazy religious nutters than Iranians? 
 
Edit: The teams I dislike generally are either filled with cunts or play a certain type of football that is "the right way to play" and whose fans insist that not admitting this makes you ignorant of football. I tend to like teams that open things up and attack in a generally forward direction. And I always support the US and Belgium.
 

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Dummy Hoy said:
A higher percentage of Croats are crazy religious nutters than Iranians? 
 
Edit: The teams I dislike generally are either filled with cunts or play a certain type of football that is "the right way to play" and whose fans insist that not admitting this makes you ignorant of football. I tend to like teams that open things up and attack in a generally forward direction. And I always support the US and Belgium.
 
 
You must love Barca.
 

Infield Infidel

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So apparently South Africa beat Spain the other day 1-0. Bernard Parker. Spain started 7 players from the 2010 team. Didn't see that one coming.
 
Also Victor Valdes was injured after Spain used all their subs; Pepe Reina subbed in anyway to finish the game, and the crowd booed
 

Dummy Hoy

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Zomp said:
 
 
You must love Barca.
 
 I love Leo because he's always moving in the right direction, but the Barca/Spain 'keep away' style that has ruled the last few years bores the shit out of me. Denying the talent and ability isn't possible, but I don't have to enjoy the style or admit that it's the superior way to play football.
 

OCST

Sunny von Bulow
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Infield Infidel said:
So apparently South Africa beat Spain the other day 1-0.
 
Not so fast my friend:
 
http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/4944/international-soccer/2013/11/20/4421422/south-africa-could-face-ranking-loss-over-spain-substitution
 
 
South Africa is set to lose the FIFA world ranking points accrued by beating Spain on Tuesday because of an illegal substitution during the sides' friendly fixture in Johannesburg.

The two nations had agreed on a maximum of six replacements each, but Vicente del Bosque had used up all of his changes when goalkeeper Victor Valdes went down injured after 76 minutes.

Right back Alvaro Arbeloa went in goal initially, but Spain soon sent on Pepe Reina - despite the protests of Bafana boss Gordon Igesund.
 

Bosoxen

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Dummy Hoy said:
 
 I love Leo because he's always moving in the right direction, but the Barca/Spain 'keep away' style that has ruled the last few years bores the shit out of me. Denying the talent and ability isn't possible, but I don't have to enjoy the style or admit that it's the superior way to play football.
 
I'm having trouble reconciling the fact that you like teams to open up and attack with the fact that you hate the style of the team that has scored the most goals in La Liga the past two seasons.
 

Dummy Hoy

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Bosoxen said:
 
I'm having trouble reconciling the fact that you like teams to open up and attack with the fact that you hate the style of the team that has scored the most goals the most talent in La Liga the past two seasons.
 
Perhaps I think of Spain too much when viewing Barca...Leo Messi and his direct attacking style is the difference in those two squads to me.
 
I admittedly don't watch that much La Liga so perhaps I''m mistaken about Barca's approach, which has always appeared similar to Spain, with the exception of Leo pushing things forward at high speeds. Watching teams knock the ball around the midfield for 90 minutes doesn't interest me.
When I watch Barca in La Liga (which is sparingly), I either see them running up 5-0 scores on second rate teams with Messi picking up 2-3 of those goals or playing low scoring Classicos (with a notable exception or two). When I've watched them in CL games against worthy opponents, I see a lot of booting the ball around waiting to lull the opposition into giving them an opening. It's skillful and effective, but I don't like it.
 
I'm pretty close to over my head in this conversation...I played soccer most of my life and have watched it on and off since the early 90s. I understand the game, but don't watch enough of it to be definitive about some of the finer points or players (I would NOT be good at fantasy soccer). So if I'm way off base about Barcelona, my bad.
 
I still root for them over Franco's team, but that's just principles. 
 

mgoblue2

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Zososoxfan said:
 
Mostly their lack of human rights and anti-Israel rhetoric. I'm aware that other participating Icountries have these problems, but I just can't help that it bothers me.
Then you'll love Qatar! I really hope they move it to the States sooner rather than later.
 

teddykgb

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I got Switzerland, USA, Ghana, and Italy.  I'd take that.
 
My group B ended up being Germany, Mexico, Portugal, Chile.  That'd be fun to watch.
 

Bosoxen

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teddykgb said:
I got Switzerland, USA, Ghana, and Italy.  I'd take that.
 
My group B ended up being Germany, Mexico, Portugal, Chile.  That'd be fun to watch.
 
I'll pass on that Group B, thanks!
 
Of course, I run a simulation and what do I get? Germany, Mexico, Portugal, Ecuador. Ouch.
 
Oh,  yes please:
 
http://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2013/dec/world-cup-draw-2014-create-your-own-draw-interactive
 
Not only can you create your own draw, with one click all of the matches are resolved. ("Winners of matches based on Fifa rankings, with an added upset percentage", it says...which is kinda bogus, but still.) First time up, the USA finished second in a group with Germany, Italy and Ecuador...and then defeated Colombia, Uruguay and Russia to reach the final before losing to Germany again. I'll be back after playing through this another 3,500 times...
 

OCST

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I didn't need that half-hour for anything productive. . .
 
After a bazillion clicks, the biggest longshots that won the whole thing were Japan and Ghana.  I had USA making the finals 5 or 6 times, always losing (once to Colombia, once to Belgium).
 

OCST

Sunny von Bulow
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For shits & giggles, I kept going until I got a simulation that had USA winning the Cup.
 
The one that finally did the trick had USA drawn in Group H with Belgium, Nigeria, and Greece, advancing as runner-up in the group, beating Group G winner Germany in the round of 16, then Russia in the quarters, Italy in the semis, and Belgium in the finals.
 

cjdmadcow

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First go for me and what happens, the ultimate G.O.D. - Spain, England, USA and Ivory Coast. No thanks! Though that is the order it finished, so that would be ok :)
 
Oh what a surprise, the bloody Germans beat Argentina in the Final (my two favourite countries as an Englishman).
 
I actually had the US winning twice in the first 25 or so simulations I drew. The first time, they finished second in a group with Germany, Ghana and Russia, then defeated Uruguay, Italy, Holland and then England in the final; the second time, they finished second in a group with Argentina, Ghana and Greece before defeating Brazil, England, Croatia and then Germany in the final. (Not that I still have both of the tabs with these results open in Firefox or anything...) There was another run-through which cracked me up where the two losing semifinalists were the USA and Honduras...I'm guessing we won't see two CONCACAF semifinalists in the same World Cup this century, let alone without one of those teams being Mexico.
 
So, yeah, not exactly what I would call a simulation - but certainly something to help fill the hours until the real draw on Friday. Actually, the one thing I have learned from looking at lots of different possible draws is that there seem to be many more potential tough draws for the US than there are easy draws, at least on paper. Looking up and down the groups, I'm struck by the overall quality of the qualifying field - there seem to be fewer weaklings in the draw than almost any tournament I can remember. And sure, the US could get Switzerland, Greece and Algeria...but I've seen many more Groups of Death than Groups of Life. As well it should be.
 

DLew On Roids

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I'd take some stronger Northern Hemisphere teams if the USA can get Group G.  It's gonna be hot in Salvador, Manaus, and Brasilia, and I suspect the Americans (at least the MLS players) won't have as much trouble with it.  What's more, our relative strength tends to be fitness, so anything that emphasizes that has got to help.
 

SoxFanInCali

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I had to run it about 10 times just to get the USA into the knockout stages.  Kept ending up with mega-death groups.
 
The next try, the US finished top in the group over Switzerland, Bosnia, and Nigeria, then beat Columbia, Spain, Belgium, and Italy to raise the trophy.
 

trekfan55

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I have a question that does not merit a new thread, I think.

Felipe Baloy of Panama's National Team has been on the news a lot lately over here because he is becoming a Mexican Citizen. Since he has played for Panama plenty of times would he now be eligible to play for Mexico?
 

dirtynine

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No. You have to have only represented your "first" country at the under-21 level (at most). Then you can make a one-time switch if you file a successful petition. Baloy is Panama for life.
 

Billy R Ford

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Haven't had the US win in that simulator, but after a dozen or so tries I got what you might call my realistic-dream final - Argentina beating Spain to win the Cup.
 
I know people are tired of Spain, but I'd love to see Messi overcome his Barca teammates and really make the case for being the greatest of all time. It's been pointed out that without Messi, Xavi and Iniesta are World and European champions, but without Xavi/Iniesta, Messi hasn't won much with Argentina (senior level at least). As a neutral, seeing him erase the final doubts about his career would be awesome.
 

ForceAtHome

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I ran the simulation five or six times. The best result I was able to get for the US was a loss to Uruguay in the quarterfinals. And that draw had Australia and Cameroon advancing over Spain and Russia.
 
The first draw I got put Germany, Ecuador, Italy, and the US together. Do not want.