macstack

Almost forgot to get this started.

World Cup started yesterday with a tense game between Mexico and South Africa. S. Korea came from behind to beat Czechia. Canada tied with Bosnia today. US versus Paraguay tonight.

Fuck yeah, this is what work from home is made for.

I want to be excited, but the politics are like a cloud hanging over everyone's head. I wish it was happening in a different location.

Total stunner of an opener for US vs Paraguay. USMNT came out strong to force Paraguay into an own-goal error and didn’t let up. A lot of good play that will benefit from tightening up as the group stage progresses. Paraguay may be ranked 41 in the world, but it is no slouch of a team with world-class players. US came out and dominated the first half. The USMNT has never looked so good. This will be a fun group stage.

So far, the favored teams are not dominating their first game, first round opponents.

With the exception of Germany's 7-1 win over Curacao and Sweden 5-1 Tunisia (really, to be expected), most of the usual favorites are getting off to slows starts. Even France looked shaky in its 3-1 defeat of Senegal. Brazil ties Monaco (punching above its weight), Netherlands ties Japan (strong dark horse), favored Spain in a scoreless tie against Cape Verde -- a collection of islands with less half a million population.

After almost 30 years since we first got together on the MacAddict board, I appreciate you bearing with me and my quadrennial World Cup craziness.

Equally the best thing about this World Cup is Zlatan Ibrahimovic as commentator. Fun stuff.

Your interest makes me want to actually go to a game. Not in the U.S., but hopefully after I succeed in getting out. I like the sport, and it sounds incredibly fun.

Thanks. I, unfortunately, did not make sufficient preparation to attend a match for the World Cup on US soil. That will probably haunt me for a long time.

Somebody needs to put together a Zlatan commentating highlight reel.

Today, a Portugal draw with DR Congo is received as a Portugal loss. A hella exciting match with England beating Croatia, 4-2. You have to watch the highlights. Both teams played excellently and the score does not reflect the battle that Croatia put up.

And US takes down Australia in a very physical 2-0 win.

I wish BenightedBastard were here. I know he prefers cricket and isn’t much of a soccer guy, but still a good dude and fun to banter with.

Agreed, beebs is good people.

Germany v Ivory Coast: drink every time someone says Mannschaft.

Australia went out today, losing a shootout to Egypt. Sorry Beebs.

Netherlands out, Germany out, both also in shootouts. What’s going on?

USA still in it, beating Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday. Faces Belgium next.

England vs Mexico Sunday night is gonna be the game to watch.

Brazil out! Yaaaaaassss. Cry Brazil. Cry cry cry.

Man, if you didn't see that Cape Verde vs Argentina game, you need to go back and watch what is probably the best match of this Cup.

Mexico is out. I was rooting for Mexico to beat England, but I am not sad they lost. Mexico came out strong in the first half and dictated the play, but England made the most of its chances stunned em with two goals in two minutes. England played disadvantaged after a red card (correctly called); Mexico scored but couldn't regain game dominance. England parked the bus for the last 25 minutes while Mexico whipped crosses back and forth trying to crack 'em open. Mexico just couldn't come up with a solution. Lots of tenacity, no creativity. This loss is on them.

Tonight: USA vs Belgium!

Well, Trump finally managed to ruin that, too. Fuck Team USA, I hate you possibly more than England, now. And that‘s quite a feat.

This just in: FIFA is corrupt

Oh, Infantino is about to find out how well Trump treats his loyal lackeys, after they‘ve ruined their (professional) lives for his sake. I‘m going to thoroughly enjoy that part of the saga.

I'm not a soccer expert but the red card seemed excessive.

Not the point, anymore. As former UEFA vice president Michael van Praag put it: „we would put entire national FA‘s on suspension for letting politicians interfere with their affairs.“

Who does Infantino think pay his bills in Geneva?

Help me understand: a poor/questionable decision on the part of the in-game officials during the game has no avenue for appeal?

Of course it does. Through the proper channels.

channels are for peons

Don't threaten him with a good time!

Red card on Balogun seemed excessive only because the ref hadn’t issued any cards up until that point, he’d been letting the physical play go all game. But it was the appropriate call. And I’m not going to fault Balogun or USMNT for Trumps meddling. I don’t feel that is on them. You play with what you got.

Oh, and fuck Argentina.

France v Spain today. Spain has had a very tight defense with the least number of goals scored against them. France has been making wins look easy and effortless, like they’re playing in second gear. That may work against them unless they can ramp up the intensity.

Tomorrow is Argentina v England. While I prefer to see Argentina lose, it’d be pretty entertaining to see Messi re-enact Maradona’s iconic goals— the Hand of God and then the end-to-end run through England’s entire team. But even so, fuck Argentina.

I really haven't been following it, but I'd like to think this upsets trump and maga

World Cup 2026 100% in Spanish!