The Soccer Thread (Version 13) — Winter World Cup Edition

I'm not seeing it at first glance.

If both games end in a draw, Argentina and Saudi Arabia would be on four points but Argentina has a better goal difference, which is the first tiebreaker ahead of head to head. If Mexico wins and Argentina draws and they both end up on four points, Mexico would have to win by exactly three, and even then there's goals scored and eventually a head to head.

 

¡Vamos Polacos!
¡Vamos Tri!

 

That happened fast.

 

Poland still through if results hold. Just.

 

Please, ONE MORE GOAL!!!!!!!

 

Mexico firing away like it’s an 80s Holiday Bowl.

 

Of course they're never going to get rid of the offside rule or even significantly modify it, but it reflects the mindset that any change in the game is an abomination (see also baseball).

I asked both of the Soccer Gurus what would happen if both those rules changes were instituted (along with another of my pet brainstorms, hockey-style unlimited live substitutions) and they said, "oh my god, you'd have World Cup matches with final scores of 12-10, with three goals in the final two minutes of the game as teams just wildly stormed in on the goal and pepper them with last second shots."

Which of course is why they'll never ever do it. Which is cool.

 

VIVA ARGENTINA VIVA ARGENTINA

 

This shit is bonkers. Poland and Mexico are down to yellow cards to decide who advances.

Concurrent 3rd games are some of my favorite things in sports.

 

Poland is absolutely limping to the finish line

 

Mexico winning 2-0 and Poland losing 2-0 puts them level on points and GD. Poland would go through on yellow card tiebreaker.