OT: World Cup semi-finals. Any thoughts or picks?

Submitted by Amazinblu on December 13th, 2022 at 1:24 PM

The World Cup semi-finals (an equivalent of the CFP) will kickoff within an hour.   There are two matches - one today, and one tomorrow - before the finals take place this weekend.

The match schedule:

Argentina vs Croatia - today, 2:00 pm EDT, and

France vs Morocco - tomorrow (Wednesday) at 2:00 pm EDT.

This appears to be the "swan song" for Messi, and France is the defending champion.

One thing that strikes me is how "good", or how "poor" certain teams have been in their penalty kicks (and, I'm especially looking at Brazil and Spain).

I don't have a horse in the matches, and just look forward to the play.

Are you following the World Cup?   If so, any preferences or predictions?

 

RGard

December 13th, 2022 at 1:37 PM ^

I could never get into soccer.  90 minutes of running around and nobody scores? No thanks. That and you don't need an opposable thumb to play that game.

Joined: 10/20/2014

MGoPoints: 57073

DennisFranklinDaMan

December 13th, 2022 at 7:32 PM ^

Actually, by all accounts, the histrionics are limited in this World Cup, reportedly due to the advent of VAR. 

There's no doubt the players play up the fouls to try and draw the attention of the referee, but at the same time, you try running full speed down a field and then have someone kick you -- with cleats -- hard in the ankles.

Eh, I don't know. It's as irritating to me as wide receivers emphatically gesturing "first down" at their own 32 on the first drive of the game in (American) football. And like with American football, I'm able to overcome that frustration and still enjoy the game. It's like ... 1% of the game time. Is it really that big a deal, or is it an excuse people who are bored by the game use to justify their disinterest?

Joined: 01/23/2021

MGoPoints: 14418

DennisFranklinDaMan

December 13th, 2022 at 7:36 PM ^

It's a game to be watched with other people, who care. Go to an English pub, or an Italian pizzeria, during their season. The joy and the agony is almost tangible, and ... I don't know how you can not get caught up in it.

I personally think watching golf and bowling and car racing is insanely boring. But I understand millions of people like doing those things. It's always weird to me that people "announce" that soccer is boring as if they're not just stating a personal preference -- if you like the NBA more than the NFL, godspeed -- but somehow issuing a ruling from on high.

 

Joined: 01/23/2021

MGoPoints: 14418

Jmer

December 13th, 2022 at 3:22 PM ^

I tend to agree. I did enjoy watching the USA matches but every other match is hard. I know there is a whole lot of strategy involved but way too much passing backwards and back and forth. Way, way too much flopping and crying. I also hate the offsides rules. I get they don't want cherry picking down the field with players so far out in front of the defense that we mistakenly think were watching Michigan receivers torch Ohio St. secondary again, but if one were to beat their man by a step or two because they are a better athlete or because they caught the defender flat footed, they shouldn't be called for offsides.

Joined: 12/26/2014

MGoPoints: 29029

MJG

December 13th, 2022 at 6:42 PM ^

If you took away or amended offside, the game would be structurally impossible to play. It’s essentially a fluid line of scrimmage. Not to mention, you would lose the nuance of the perfectly timed run and pass. It still favors the best and smartest athletes - the best athletes can beat their defender from an even position, and the best athletes have the ability and vision to time their passes to beat those defenders as well. It’s a rule that makes the beautiful game the beautiful game. 

Joined: 08/29/2011

MGoPoints: 3540

MGoStretch

December 13th, 2022 at 3:45 PM ^

Ha, what a sub-post here.  I guess that's what the OP gets for asking if anyone has any thoughts on the semis.  He practically invited posters and simians to chime in, even if those thoughts are, "I don't like soccer". I'm going to start taking this approach to everyday life, maybe I'll join a hot yoga class and complain about the temperature.  Maybe I'll join 4H and be like, "Ugh, I could never get into pigs. They're just so boring, they just sit there and eat."

To answer the original question, calling this Messi's swan song would be accurate, if swans could twist you in a knot and then murder you in front of 100 million people watching.

Joined: 03/20/2015

MGoPoints: 8630

Dunder

December 13th, 2022 at 1:48 PM ^

Morocco fascinates me - seems like every World Cup there are a couple teams that play a very defense and counter attack strategy in order to advance past their expectation. But I don't remember one that looks so dynamic and dangerous on the counter attack as this team. 

Joined: 09/04/2010

MGoPoints: 8072

Booted Blue in PA

December 13th, 2022 at 1:54 PM ^

I have a good friend who is vacationing in Morocco right now.... and another friend who's wife is from Croatia....

 

So i'm picking Morocco vs Croatia for the finals.....

and my friend who's in Morocco isn't mean.... John's wife is mean as hell..... Morocco for the win.

Joined: 12/18/2018

MGoPoints: 60408

jmblue

December 13th, 2022 at 2:06 PM ^

Two French starters (Rabiot and Upamecano) apparently missed practice with an illness.  They can replace Upamecano but if Rabiot can't go, that could be a problem.  He's been surprisingly good this tournament and there's not much quality depth behind him.

I think both of these semis are going to be 1-0 struggles.  France and Argentina finally break through in a slog.

Joined: 11/07/2008

MGoPoints: 102818

stephenrjking

December 13th, 2022 at 2:10 PM ^

It’s weird being in the pro-Argentina camp, but I’m definitely pulling for Messi here. An all-timer by any standard, but to get a Cup at this moment would be amazing.

I generally like France dating back to the ‘98 Cup, but prefer variety to repeats. Still, they have to be the prohibitive favorite. That they’re doing this without Benzema or Kante (or Pogba, but his role would be less assured with this roster and his recent play on the field) is remarkable.

Of course, as much as there’s historical legacy on the line for Messi, Modric stands to gain more. I can’t pretend that I’ve followed his game closely for his career, but he’s a brilliant player, and if he were to make back-to-back finals as the leader of the team, given what his Real teammates have done with better teams around them in recent Cups… that says something.

And I think they can make the final. Not sure Argentina can overcome the midfield mismatch today. 

Joined: 03/15/2012

MGoPoints: 20143889

Rabbit21

December 13th, 2022 at 2:18 PM ^

The World Cup in November/December just feels wrong.  I am normally GLUED to the TV when its on but this year I just cannot make myself give a darn(outside of the USA matches), the timing is just too weird.  Only my issue I know and I hope those who are enjoying it are enjoying it greatly.  

Joined: 11/12/2009

MGoPoints: 30303

drjaws

December 13th, 2022 at 2:21 PM ^

i would love to see croatia win it all as i have some croatian (well, technically yugoslavian) friends who were born and raised in war on the (now) croatian coastline.

picks?

croatia somehow pulls it out vs argentina, but gets their hearts broken again in the finals v france.

Joined: 02/26/2014

MGoPoints: 46778