World Cup 2022 - Qatar (with SR Pick'Em league)

So I mentioned that I wasn’t watching out of protest against FIFA and their selection of Qatar as host, other than the US.

Last night I was in a restaurant picking up dinner and while I waited they had the replay of France v Poland on.

I was there for like 15 minutes and got to see Mbappe’s goal to make it 2-0.

Jeebus that was magical.

Received the ball felt no one closing and looked up; saw the defenders hesitate for 1 split second and neither immediately closed as both instead retreated a step to take away the far post. The defender closest realizes it as Mbappe picks his head up but it’s too late.

Tears the net in the upper with a knuckler that was almost a foot over the bar when it got past the keeper. Ball kept dipping and got under the bar. 2-0.

My food was done so that is all I saw of this WC outside of US.

That one goal is a prime example in the remaining gap for the US. A true finisher. It is something that has eluded us since I can remember.*

We had a great Cup and only gave up 4 goals in the WC and three were to the Netherlands. But we only scored 3 through Group and Ro16. Not nearly enough.

Being -1 for the tournament spells early exit. We need more offense; and not necessarily possession. Japan has found success without possession.



Altedore* was solid, but he could be eliminated as his carrying was subpar making it necessary for service in the box or a through ball for him to use his superior aerial abilities and speed.