# World Cup 2022 - discussion, predictions, and thoughts **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Tags:** football-soccer-fifa\ **Created:** [November 6, 2022, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2022-discussion-predictions-and-thoughts/974476 "2022-11-06T20:37:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 65
**Author:** ![AK84](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85e7bf/32.png) [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2022, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2022-discussion-predictions-and-thoughts/974476/1281 "2022-12-07T04:12:34Z")
> [@Snarky\_Kong](#): > > Tiki taka only worked for 2008-2012 Spain, and they almost lost many times in 2010, because Xavi and Iniesta were so amazing. I like Pedri, but this midfield doesn’t create. And it worked for Barcelona because they had great strikers, and Messi. You need the final ball or a guy that can break defenses on the dribble. > [@Fiendish\_Astronaut](#): > > Sit deep against Spain and let them pass it in front of you seems to be the best tactic to beat them Classic Tikki Taka always had a powerful and or fast striker up front with someone who can deliver accurate long balls.Barca had Et’oo and then Villa. Spain had the Torres, Villa combination. For the exact reason. One of the reasons Spain struggled in 2010 was since Torres was injured and below par most games and the counter to Villa seemed to be to beat the shyt out of him (not that it worked too well, he got 5 goals). Morata seems, not to be the striker who can do that. The German “Copy Taka” also relied heavily on Klose upfront. What Morocco were doing wouldn’t have worked well with prime Fernando Torres and or David Villa up front. ---
**Author:** ![AK84](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85e7bf/32.png) [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2022, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2022-discussion-predictions-and-thoughts/974476/1282 "2022-12-07T04:20:11Z")
> [@Dr\_Paprika](#): > > But I am surprised at Spain’s apparent nerves during penalty kicks. I had one analyst make a point. Keepers are no longer given any leeway to have any feet off the line when a kick is being taken. To ensure the penalty doesn’t get retaken several are starting inside the goal and doing a running start. He said that this makes the taker mess up his angle. I don’t know if thats the case, but an intriguing thing. Ok, after having gotten theR16 horribly wrong, here I am for the QF. Croatia v Brazil: Croats on penalties (as per usual) Netherlands v Argentina: Van Gaal pulls some crazy tactical stunt to win. Morocco v Portugal: Portugal get to the Semis England v France: Mpabbe is too good. ---
**Author:** ![Maserschmidt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maserschmidt/32/18829_2.png) [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2022, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2022-discussion-predictions-and-thoughts/974476/1283 "2022-12-07T04:42:31Z")
> [@AK84](#): > > The German “Copy Taka” also relied heavily on Klose upfront. What? No…. I’ve never even heard the expression “copy taka”, and that’s certainly not how Germany built up with Klose. Starting in 2006, the DFB began emphasizing attacking football, with the back lines slowly moving up over time. In 2014 in particular they emphasized a lot of quick attacks on the wings, with the outside backs sometimes overlapping. They may have sometimes dominated possession, but they did not pay play the possession game. ---
**Author:** ![AK84](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85e7bf/32.png) [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2022, 5:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2022-discussion-predictions-and-thoughts/974476/1284 "2022-12-07T05:06:24Z")
Its meant to be tongue in cheek dude. (Which google tells me is _Zunge in die Wange_) ---
**Author:** ![SanVito](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sanvito/32/2805_2.png) [@SanVito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanVito)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2022, 8:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2022-discussion-predictions-and-thoughts/974476/1285 "2022-12-07T08:10:08Z")
You think they can beat England? Unlike Spain, England actually has strikers who score. If Spain could manage the same, Morocco would be on the plane home right now. ---
**Author:** ![AK84](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85e7bf/32.png) [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2022, 8:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2022-discussion-predictions-and-thoughts/974476/1286 "2022-12-07T08:30:14Z")
Yes. Kane is a fine striker, and if Rashford comes on it becomes even better, but that Moroccan defense is ruthless so it’s possible. Likely? No. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Librarian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_librarian/32/402_2.png) [@The\_Librarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Librarian)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2022, 12:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2022-discussion-predictions-and-thoughts/974476/1287 "2022-12-07T12:04:22Z")
Given that Morocco could implement a very disciplined and effective strategy against one of the favorites, I think England has their work cut out for them. England has a slight edge in overall player quality but is lacking the ruthless tactical discipline. ---
**Author:** ![Maserschmidt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maserschmidt/32/18829_2.png) [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2022, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2022-discussion-predictions-and-thoughts/974476/1288 "2022-12-07T13:28:48Z")
This is a little over the top, but not by much. And Stu Holden might even deserve more grief than this. > **[Fox Sports’ US World Cup coverage is an unmissable abomination | Aaron Timms](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/dec/05/fox-sports-us-world-cup-coverage-tv-soccer)** > > The broadcaster has offered up a feast of gaffes, stupidity, and unconquerable on-air awkwardness for American viewers to enjoy ---
**Author:** ![The\_Librarian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_librarian/32/402_2.png) [@The\_Librarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Librarian)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2022, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2022-discussion-predictions-and-thoughts/974476/1289 "2022-12-07T18:34:47Z")
I believe it is an international standard that to be a presenter/live commentator for any sport you have to be a halfwit. I cannot remember ever being impressed by insightful comments. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2022, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2022-discussion-predictions-and-thoughts/974476/1290 "2022-12-07T19:01:41Z")
> [@The\_Librarian](#): > > I believe it is an international standard that to be a presenter/live commentator for any sport you have to be a halfwit. > I cannot remember ever being impressed by insightful comments. See: Joe Buck. ---
**Author:** ![Snarky\_Kong](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a183cd/32.png) [@Snarky\_Kong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snarky_Kong)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2022, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2022-discussion-predictions-and-thoughts/974476/1291 "2022-12-07T19:08:19Z")
I think people read too much into Spain’s win over Costa Rica; they were never a top tier contender for me. Tier 1: France, Brazil. Tier 2: Argentina England. Tier 3: Portugal, Belgium, Spain. So, yeah, Morocco upset them, but I didn’t find it shocking. Can they beat England? Yeah, I think Morocco can beat any team in the world on a given day. They’ll be underdogs the rest of the way though so doing it 3 times in a row would be difficult. ---
**Author:** ![Maserschmidt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maserschmidt/32/18829_2.png) [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2022, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2022-discussion-predictions-and-thoughts/974476/1292 "2022-12-07T19:09:32Z")
I really like Derek Rae on ESPN+. He knows the Bundesliga inside and out, and does tons of prep work before each match. Tony Romo was good when he started out calling NFL games…he still makes some good observations, but other times will just fall back on a cliche when he senses a momentary silence. ---
**Author:** ![Snarky\_Kong](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a183cd/32.png) [@Snarky\_Kong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snarky_Kong)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2022, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2022-discussion-predictions-and-thoughts/974476/1293 "2022-12-07T19:23:42Z")
Romo was such a breath of fresh air when he came on the scene because he actually analyzed the game and explained tactics. It’s weird to me both that that was novel and that it hasn’t been replicated that much. ---
**Author:** ![Maserschmidt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maserschmidt/32/18829_2.png) [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2022, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2022-discussion-predictions-and-thoughts/974476/1294 "2022-12-07T19:30:21Z")
Yes, given how many ex-players have been in the booth, it’s weird we haven’t gotten more of that. In that vein, I’ll take a step back on Stu Holden - he says some silly things, but he also occasionally points out some strategy (e.g. marking Busquets heavily). Landon Donovan also did a bit of that, pointing out a dangerous offside trap on set plays, and suggesting it could be taken advantage of. I’d like way more of that and less of “US and England are playing for the chance to advance in group, for pride, and for bragging rights.” ---
**Author:** ![EinsteinsHund](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/einsteinshund/32/8400_2.png) [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2022, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2022-discussion-predictions-and-thoughts/974476/1295 "2022-12-07T19:37:34Z")
> [@AK84](#): > > Will Flick survive? Well, he survived. After the crisis meeting with his DFB bosses I mentioned it was announced that he will stay as Bundestrainer. ---
**Author:** ![borschevsky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/97f17d/32.png) [@borschevsky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/borschevsky)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2022, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2022-discussion-predictions-and-thoughts/974476/1296 "2022-12-07T19:39:26Z")
> [@Snarky\_Kong](#): > > Yeah, I think Morocco can beat any team in the world on a given day. They’ve played 390 minutes against Belgium, Croatia, Canada, and Spain, and their only goal allowed is the deflected own goal from Canada. Spain couldn’t even put one in on them during the penalties. Defending like that will give you a chance against anyone. ---
**Author:** ![ISiddiqui](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/97f17d/32.png) [@ISiddiqui](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ISiddiqui)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2022, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2022-discussion-predictions-and-thoughts/974476/1297 "2022-12-07T22:19:46Z")
> [@Maserschmidt](#): > > This is a little over the top, but not by much. And Stu Holden might even deserve more grief than this. > > [Fox Sports’ US World Cup coverage is an unmissable abomination | Soccer | The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/dec/05/fox-sports-us-world-cup-coverage-tv-soccer) This is massively over the top. One of the big complaints is that the author feels that the commentators dumb down things… uh, yeah… most of these people watching haven’t seen a soccer match in 8 years. I invited people over - I had to explain the backpass rule to one of my guests who was one of the more soccer literate people in the room (he has been to numerous games over the past 4 years). Also apparently seems to have no clue when Clint Dempsey is being sarcastic. ---
**Author:** ![Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de053/32.png) [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2022, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2022-discussion-predictions-and-thoughts/974476/1298 "2022-12-08T01:56:23Z")
Morocco has given up one goal in their last 750 minutes of play. 8 games. And as you noted, it was an OG. ---
**Author:** ![Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de053/32.png) [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2022, 2:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2022-discussion-predictions-and-thoughts/974476/1299 "2022-12-08T02:06:29Z")
For baseball fans, we had Tim McCarver who would point out the most seemingly mundane intricacies that even those who consider themselves knowledgable baseball fans would roll their eyes at. But to me, he was brilliant. And he was famous for predicting certain outcomes. With any sport (even ones I’ve never played like soccer or cricket), I like to put myself mentally in the place of a player, to try to think what they are thinking and going to do situationally. To also try to understand the range and probabilities of outcomes from each decision. Romo is awesome too for NFL. ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2022, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2022-discussion-predictions-and-thoughts/974476/1300 "2022-12-08T02:37:19Z")
I liked this article on just how remarkably fit you need to be to be an elite soccer referee. It’s a tough job. > **[Here’s what it takes to be a World Cup referee](https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2022/12/07/world-cup-referee-fitness/)** > > Referees, who must pass a fitness test, typically cover a distance of six to eight miles during a 90-minute match. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2022-discussion-predictions-and-thoughts/974476.md?page=64) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-2022-discussion-predictions-and-thoughts/974476.md?page=66)