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

I think a modern NFL third place game could fly with some goodies tossed in. We're talking about two very good teams for starters. The winner could realize immediate benefits, unlike a WC team that would have to wait 4 years.

(The benefits are buried deep in my workshop but I'm willing to accept suggestions.)

 

Dad took my brother and me to the last one, on Jan. 3, 1970, where the Rams beat the Cowboys 31-0 in a pouring rainstorm in front of an announced crowd of some 31,000 at the Orange Bowl. They held the finals of the National Punt, Pass and Kick at the half, and we wound up with a piece of the plastic measuring tape after the game.

I have the game program in a box in the basement somewhere. Having seen the Oilers and Dolphins, it's actually the first "NFL" game I ever witnessed first-hand.

Yeah, you can imagine neither team was particularly pleased with having to show up for an exhibition. Of course, I'm not sure the Pro Bowl was any better of a solution.

 

The losing teams' coaching staffs in the conference championship games used to be the coaching staffs for their respective conferences in the Pro Bowl. So they had something to do.

Not sure the players will really be eager to play a consolation game.

 

The players want to go home and in this case, return to their clubs for the remainder of their season. They play enough matches as it is.

 

The worst - yet unavoidable - way to settle a soccer match.

 

Prius energy on thoae Japanese PKs

 

Because they are all in the middle of their club seasons, and don't want to play consolation games?

 

Japan misses three PKs. Terrible way to end a great run.

 

Wasn't the playoff bowl held to help fund the pension plan? No need for that now.

 

This is the "giant big hat" of soccer ideas.

 

South Korea trailing faster than they were in July 1950.

Only difference it the USMNT can’t come in and get it to a 2-2 draw. Not with that offense.