The Thunder Down Under: 2023 Women’s World Cup News & Discussion (no spoilers)

[Ale Xander]

Love the 5 minute YT highlights, even with the lack of goals. Kinda wish there were 10-12 minute versions. Great day for the host continent, especially the Kiwis.

O'Sullivan is a great Irish name. Can't wait for tomorrow night.

 

[Ale Xander]

Even if you don't speak French, you will get the gist.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_HPiaAx_QA

I've watched this way too many times.

I'm a little emotional when they add the e in.

 

[Ale Xander]

This will be an awkward one to watch in anything approaching real-time without spoilers. I suspect many folks that would have watched during the day won’t if they see a “boring” scoreline.

What are the rules on spoilers for these 3AM ET matches?

 

[67YAZ]

What are the rules on spoilers for these 3AM ET matches?

I think group stages, go for it.

But let’s use the spoiler drop down for group stages?

Or let’s make a running game thread for live commentary, spoilers be there.

 

[InstaFace]

I've watched this way too many times.

I'm a little emotional when they add the e in.

Kindly drop me the number of your shrooms supplier.

 

[Ale Xander]

Kindly drop me the number of your shrooms supplier.

1-800-SHETAKE

 

[steeplechase3k]

Or let’s make a running game thread for live commentary, spoilers be there.

I think a specific game thread with spoilers is a good idea to keep this one more focused is a good idea. I don't game thread that much, but if I do don't want to ruin it for someone else.

 

[67YAZ]

Maybe the most important part of Spain’s 3-0 curb stomping of Costa Rica is that Putellas came in for the last 13 minutes.

CR’s keeper made 10 saves. Tough day at the office.

 

[InstaFace]

What's the statute of limitations on spoilers in this thread? I came here expecting Nigeria-Canada talk and just had the Spain result spoiled, which arguably is my own fault, but I figure let's set some sort of buffer, otherwise there's no point having two threads. E.g., 12 hours after the whistle, except for US matches?

 

[wonderland]

That’s 10-0 for Spain against Costa Rica when you add the men’s match in there.

 

[67YAZ]

What's the statute of limitations on spoilers in this thread? I came here expecting Nigeria-Canada talk and just had the Spain result spoiled, which arguably is my own fault, but I figure let's set some sort of buffer, otherwise there's no point having two threads. E.g., 12 hours after the whistle, except for US matches?

Shit, my bad. 12 hours is good.

 

[Ale Xander]

What's the statute of limitations on spoilers in this thread? I came here expecting Nigeria-Canada talk and just had the Spain result spoiled, which arguably is my own fault, but I figure let's set some sort of buffer, otherwise there's no point having two threads. E.g., 12 hours after the whistle, except for US matches?

I’m thinking 2PM for the overnight ET matches but the 12 hours is fine too)

 

[InstaFace]

ok, that's fine. "spoiler it before 2pm, except USWNT matches".

 

[InstaFace]

Based on Scuffed modeler DopeIsland, 3/4 matches will likely be near-walkovers today, it's the one at 8am ET tomorrow (Denmark vs China) that's the one to watch.

 

[InstaFace]

Well those were some fun matches, even on highlights.

The next matchday (all games in Sunday ET):

1:00am - Sweden vs South Africa
3:30am - Netherlands vs Portugal
6:00am - France vs Jamaica

But it's funny to me how they've lined up the game times to match plausible TV audiences for the countries. Here's the next matchday, on Monday eastern time:

2:00am - Italy vs Argentina (Argentines are probably up anyway, and for Italians 7:00am is doable)
4:30am - Germany vs Morocco (9:30am for Morocco, 10:30 for Germany)
7:00am - Brazil vs Panama (8:00 for Brazil)

That all definitely qualifies as "making the best of it", schedule-wise.

Worth noting that the Netherlands plays at 3:30am ET tonight, but then their next match vs the USA is 6 and a half hours earlier, at 9:00pm ET, while the USA keeps the same game time. That could definitely have an effect on the field, in our favor.

 

[SocrManiac]

2:00am - Italy vs Argentina (Argentines are probably up anyway, and for Italians 7:00am is doable)

My grandparents came off the boat from Italy in the 20’s and 30’s and I’ve done a ton of business travel in Italy. My opinion is that 0700 is not doable for Italians.

 

[Ale Xander]

Doable if post-double espresso

 

[InstaFace]

I think this accurately captures the vibe of Sophia Smith.

View: https://twitter.com/ryantclarke/status/1680215853449777152

 

[67YAZ]

In an intriguing move, Mia Fishel is going to Chelsea.

Fishel has flown under the USWNT radar because she turned down the NWSL - drafted 5th to Orlando - to sign with Tigre’s. She said that she wanted to win and Tigers was closer to trophies than the Pride. And she did win a trophy there was well as a Golden Boot. In all, she netted 47 times in 64 matches.

Chelsea is a huge step up and the Blues are clearly looking for a young striker to mold and use in specific situations. Fishel is not beating out Sam Kerr.

At this point. Fishel is a pure poacher - she’s got good height and just has that uncanny knack for finding a sliver of space to unleash a clinical finish. She’s played 28 times for US youth squads, but this move will def out her in the running to replace Morgan.