2018 World Cup running thread

Have they announced the automatic bids for 2026? If the US gets a free pass in 8 years I doubt it will change much. They'll focus on 2022 and let 26 sort itself out

 

Argentina's bacon has been saved

 

Croatia doing its part. If Agrentina doesn't trip on its own dick they'll advance.

 

So who did it better, Maradona or Bill Russell?

 

The Fingers of God?

 

Getting a good look at Messi's goal, it was a thing of beauty. The first touch was perfect, and his second touch let him sprint in stride to beat the defender. The third touch was the strike, which was masterful.

 

My wife Alice pointed out that during the whole play, his eyes were always on the ball. Never looked up. Knew where he was without looking.

 

I finished listening to American Fiasco about the '98 team. The US squad seems to be in a constant cycle of a really bad or no Cup, a really good bounce back effort with a lot of national interest four years later, then a disappointing effort the following Cup as whatever coach they have tries to incorporate new players without alienating the players from the previous Cup.