The Official FIFA World Cup 2022 Megathread

[jd1981]

These comms really he’s checking for interference.

 

[jd1981]

So Belgium have fortune in each game and are still rubbish

 

[Alan]

That is so tight even by computer standards that it just shats all over the intent of the law.

This sort of thing gets said a lot but I'm not sure what it means (genuinely, not trying to be sassy). What is the spirit of the offside rule?

 

[White Wolf]

America are pushing for penalties in drawn group games for a bonus point, in the same way as the pizza cup

I find this laughable honestly, hope it's not true. What's with the American hatred of draws? Feels like a childish desire for there to always be a winner and a loser.

 

[Deano]

This sort of thing gets said a lot but I'm not sure what it means (genuinely, not trying to be sassy). What is the spirit of the offside rule?

It was probably initially to stop goal hanging.

 

[Alan]

I find this laughable honestly, hope it's not true. What's with the American hatred of draws? Feels like a childish desire for there to always be a winner and a loser.

With 48 teams involved I suppose you could argue that it's an attempt to stop the situation where a 0-0 draw is the most desirable result for both sides (which I'm sure I've read is more likely to be a problem with 3 nation groups).

As for hating ties/draws as a sporting culture, I think it's mostly just seen as an anti-climax. It also doesn't serve a lot of purpose in the biggest leagues here as we don't do points; standings are decided entirely by Win-Loss record. Keeping ties out of the equation as much as possible simplifies things.

 

[Donegal Wolf]

That is so tight even by computer standards that it just shats all over the intent of the law.

I still say on incredibly tight rulings like that a margin of error should be introduced and just rule them onside with no advantage had.

Should be like cricket when things are too tight and it goes back to umpires call, in other words back to the officials on the pitch original decision. If the linesman didn't flag it then its not offside

 

[The Bear]

This sort of thing gets said a lot but I'm not sure what it means (genuinely, not trying to be sassy). What is the spirit of the offside rule?

It was to stop attackers gaining an unfair advantage.

 

[Alan]

It was to stop attackers gaining an unfair advantage.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Should be like cricket when things are too tight and it goes back to umpires call, in other words back to the officials on the pitch original decision. If the linesman didn't flag it then its not offside

Doesn’t work as linesmen are told not to flag and let play develop

 

[White Wolf]

With 48 teams involved I suppose you could argue that it's an attempt to stop the situation where a 0-0 draw is the most desirable result for both sides (which I'm sure I've read is more likely to be a problem with 3 nation groups).

As for hating ties/draws as a sporting culture, I think it's mostly just seen as an anti-climax. It also doesn't serve a lot of purpose in the biggest leagues here as we don't do points; standings are decided entirely by Win-Loss record. Keeping ties out of the equation as much as possible simplifies things.

2 points on offer for a 0-0 followed by winning on penalties is surely a greater incentive for smaller nations to play incredibly defensively though, no? Draw both your group games 0-0 and win both on penalties and that's 4 points from a possible 6. I don't think it would address that (perceived) problem.

The whole thing looks like a mess so far, the best option is probably to mimic the Euros with groups of 4 and a set of third placed teams going through but it means you'll get some absolute shit qualifying and even getting to knockouts.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Just don’t do groups of three as it’s impossible to avoid a match where teams have the advantage of knowing what they need. 48 is a fucking stupid idea from start to fucking finish which FIFA are only implementing because ££££££££

 

[Alan]

Smaller nations playing defensively ain't a crime!

Personally I hope it's a BS report, but we're already stuck with 48 nations so the whole thing is a bit fucked regardless.

 

[White Wolf]

Just don’t do groups of three as it’s impossible to avoid a match where teams have the advantage of knowing what they need. 48 is a fucking stupid idea from start to fucking finish which FIFA are only implementing because ££££££££

Just wait until India/China/Indonesia still fail to qualify with the extra spots so FIFA makes it 64 teams instead! At least the format will work then...

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Groups of 3 is a horror. So has to be 12 groups of 4 and a load of 3rd place crap qualifying. It’s a shit of an idea that is as well thought through as a bridge between Scotland and Ireland.

 

[Alan]

Groups of 3 with just the winners qualifying? Best 8 winners get a "bye" in the next round?

 

[The Bear]

Groups of 3 with just the winners qualifying? Best 8 winners get a "bye" in the next round?

Bit too NFL Playoffs for my liking.

Just keep it at 4 in a group. It's not broke and doesn't need fixing.

 

[Alan]

I'd rather put more emphasis on trying to win the group than letting 3rd place finishers qualify, I think.

So IMO 4 in a group is broken already just by having the 16 extra teams involved.

 

[Jack Regan]

The mentality of these two teams is appalling. I'm beginning to think it's a European malaise as the majority of the entertainment in games is coming from the non European teams.

 

[jd1981]

3 teams per group puts to much jeopardy on the first games so expect a lot of 0-0 draws in the opening matches plus 2 draws will probably get you through. Also could easily end up with 3 sides with an absolutely identical record and having to use the fair play system.