I'm definitely hoping Croatia can do it. France have had their turn, and everyone expects them to win, so it would be nice to see one final upset, and see a country win it that has never done so before.

Football doesn't really work like that otherwise why didn't the US qualify? If it's down to wealth, facilities and population they should be at the top.

Also Uruguay had a population of about half Croatia's when they won it - twice.

TBH I expect everyone expects latinos to win World Cups.

Only three Latin American teams have ever won it and it will be 20 years at least by the time the next one wins it. Europe is the dominant force in football.

America is the dominant force in football.

I've seen USA Soccer Guy say something like this before.

I thought we were talking about football.

Brazil has won five cups and Argentina and Uruguay have won two apiece. Don't try to be arrogant like America.

See what I mean? Actually America is the dominant force in everything but soccer and boy do we let you know it.

Nah, we're talking about rugby :D

We are. Not American Football. Real football. The original and best. Suck it. :D

I'm aware of how many World Cups those nations have won.

What are you going on about?

There's a reason why there's no alternative for "American football" that doesn't include "American".

Case in point. The United States almost always won the Gold in basketball like it was somehow their birthright. They were always college amateurs up until 1988, when they had the audacity of settling for the Bronze. Well, we couldn't have that, so in 1992, we formed the Dream Team with the biggest NBA stars.They blew everyone out and a couple players really showed their ass in the process. The Dream Team all but ruined amateur sports for everyone. Why? Because the US had to be best at everything, kind of like the Soviet Union in its heyday and Germany in 1936 infamously. The point is nobody really likes someone that has to win at all costs (and, no, I'm not talking about England- they're a class act). Anyhow, I'm glad Europe is a power in football (sorry, Bats, but that is what it's called in most of Europe), but don't dis the other countries, especially the Latin ones. I have no doubt they'll rise again.

I didn't diss anyone :crazy:

Which bit was the diss?

You said Latin America wouldn't win another World Cup for twenty years. I wouldn't be so sure about that. Anyway, it doesn't really matter. It's been a great Cup and England has nothing to be ashamed of. Here's hoping for Croatia to do it tomorrow. :)

I didn't say that.

2002 Brazil
2006 Italy
2010 Spain
2014 Germany
2018 France or Croatia
2022 ?????????????

What is the difference in time between 2002 and 2022??????????

That makes no sense. :confused:

It's because football is inherently American and your silly European nonsense is a distraction.

You made it sound like a Latin American team wouldn't win until 2038. I apologize if I misinterpreted. Not trying to pick a fight, honest. :)

Well considering we are only the 13th country to participate in the finals, and the first since 1962 and Czechoslovakia that has less than 10 million people, it kind of does work like that. Americans have very little culture or general interest in football, that's why they're not very successful.

And I really wouldn't compare football from 70 years ago with modern football.
Let's not try to downplay what's happening here please...;)

Soccer never really caught on in the States, not men's soccer anyway (the Women won their cup the last time around). We have a professional soccer league but it doesn't get the fan base that the other sports do.

So, what do you think, Adidass? Another shootout win for Croatia? (I hope they win in regulation this time).

:laughing: I really hope not, but I'll take it anyway. :)

It doesn't. Of the top 20 most populated countries in the world only two of them have won a World Cup.

Northern Ireland and Scotland have qualified since 1962, NI twice and Scotland six times and their populations are way less than 10m people so that's still wrong.

Forgot Trinidad and Tobago qualified in 2006, 1.3m
Iceland this year, just 350k
Costa Rica qualified for the last two, 4.8m

Spoken like a true lunkhead American. Your country has only been around for less than 250 years. The Romans were playing football with heads back before the birth of Jesus Christ. Get back in your box. It's about as inherently American as chariot races and crucifixions.

And while we're at it...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gridiron_football

America usually qualifies

America could win a World Cup in my life

Who knows?

The new MLS in America is very healthy some games are attracting 80,000 fans

I hate when countries disrespect each other sports

They all take mad skills

Respect what you can’t do

Given their performance to date, I wouldn't bet the rent money just yet. Kudos to them for what they've done, but they're a long long way from being challengers.

I think you misunderstood me, or I expressed myself wrongly, I meant the FINAL of the World cup, as in, the LAST GAME.

Oh and I don't really know how we ended up from me saying that a country of 4 million people winnig the world cup would be extraordinary to now arguing that population=/=success in football. Obviously it doesn't since China and India haven't even come close. Croatia winning the world cup would still be extraordinary and unexpected, or are we arguing about that also? :unsure:

Don't let Fluffy get to you, Adid, he hates any team that has the audacity to defeat England.

Finals = tournament proper.

It wasn't me that started it.

What a strange post.

Rooting for France so much.
I love sleeping at night.

Don't mind him. He's just a bitter English nationalist.

Unionist actually.

Rooting for Croatia. I don't want grindy to be able to sleep. :)
So .. that would be ... every team? :laughing:
Surprised you didn't call him an ignorant island monkey!

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...4/64970175.jpg

Time to become a national hero!

Interesting.

Never know in footy.

I definitely underrated France though, and let my Messi man crush get to me :(

Did alright with mine really the England and Kane predictions were :cool:

When I don't sleep enough, I get grumpy, post edgelord ****, don't ban people I should, ban people I shouldn't, don't approve journal posts and avatars in a timely manner...
You want that, huh? Huh?

Good point, well made.
:shycouch:

BUT

Croatia all over France in the first five minutes. Modric could have stolen in there to score had he not fouled Umtiti. France need to up their game.

Pull yourselves together, you frog-eating pieces of baguette!

:D

Great header Mandzukic shame it's at the wrong end though.