Official road to World Cup 2024 Thread

Who will win the World Cup?

  • Brazil

    Votes: 22 36.1%
  • Argentina

    Votes: 7 11.5%
  • France

    Votes: 14 23.0%
  • Germany

    Votes: 2 3.3%
  • Belgium

    Votes: 3 4.9%
  • Netherlands

    Votes: 2 3.3%
  • Spain

    Votes: 2 3.3%
  • Portugal

    Votes: 1 1.6%
  • Other

    Votes: 8 13.1%

  • Total voters
    61

Politic Negro

Rising Star
BGOL Investor
Top 15 Players according to EspnFC

15. Joshua Kimmich
Country: Germany
Club: Bayern Munich
Age: 27
Position: Midfielder
2018 Rank: Not ranked

He is the heart and lung of Germany's midfield. Kimmich rarely breaks under pressure, which makes him hard to separate from the ball. The majority of buildup plays go directly through him and Ilkay Gundogan. The two complement each other greatly in the middle of the park, as Kimmich provides intensity and defensive awareness while Gundogan has proven to be a creative mind. -- Constantin Eckner

Illustration by ESPN
14. Federico Valverde
Country: Uruguay
Club: Real Madrid
Age: 24
Position: Midfielder
2018 Rank: Not ranked

Few players have improved so much, so fast as Valverde in the past year. Now one of Real Madrid's key attacking players, he is consequently a star-in-waiting for Uruguay at this tournament. One question mark is exactly what position he will adopt: He has tended to operate more centrally for his country than the right-wing role that has already brought him eight goals for Madrid this season. -- Alex Kirkland

13. Son Heung-Min
Country: South Korea
Club: Tottenham Hotspur
Age: 30
Position: Forward
2018 Rank: 37

South Korea have a deeper talent pool than in recent years, but Son remains the country's superstar, carrying a nation's hopes on his shoulders. So in that context, news that the Tottenham forward required surgery on a fractured eye socket less than three weeks before the tournament began was just about the biggest scare South Korea could endure. They face a tough group with Uruguay, Portugal and Ghana to play, and they will surely need Son back at his best to progress. -- James Olley

12. Virgil van Dijk
Country: Netherlands
Club: Liverpool
Age: 31
Position: Defender
2018 Rank: Not ranked

Van Dijk has had a mixed club season so far. Great performances against Man City and Napoli were combined with matches where he was rightfully criticised for his performances. Along the way he also lost his amazing unbeaten record at Anfield, but whatever happens, Van Dijk is and will be throughout this tournament the undisputed leader of the Dutch national team. -- Max Toemen

11. Harry Kane
Country: England
Club: Tottenham Hotspur
Age: 29
Position: Forward
2018 Rank: 5

Kane is quite simply England's talisman and could become his country's all-time record goal scorer in Qatar (currently on 51, two behind Wayne Rooney). He won the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup and will have designs on doing the same again as part of a Three Lions side that was fourth in that tournament, second at Euro 2020 and eyeing the biggest prize of all this month. The problem is, England have struggled for goals of late in a six-match winless run, and Kane has not scored an international goal from open play since November 2021. -- James Olley

10. Sadio Mane
Country: Senegal
Club: Bayern Munich
Age: 30
Position: Forward
2018 Rank: 31

The Bayern Munich forward is arguably Africa's leading player, edging out his old Liverpool teammate and Egypt star Mohamed Salah for that distinction, and Mane's performances for Senegal more than back up his claims to be regarded as his continent's most important player.

The 2022 African Player of the Year struck the winning spot kick in this year's Africa Cup of Nations final penalty shootout against Salah's Egypt and he became his country's all-time leading goal scorer with 32, eclipsing the previous record of Henri Camara, in June. Having been named as the player of the tournament at the Cup of Nations, Mane then delivered for Senegal again by sending his team to the World Cup, scoring the decisive penalty once again in the playoff against Egypt. -- Mark Ogden

9. Thibaut Courtois
Country: Belgium
Club: Real Madrid
Age: 30
Position: Goalkeeper
2018 Rank: 43

A year ago, Courtois felt underrated and underappreciated, overshadowed by high-profile Premier League counterparts like Alisson and Ederson. Not anymore. An all-time great, man-of-the-match goalkeeping performance in Real Madrid's Champions League final win over Liverpool in May -- making a record nine saves -- was followed by a seventh-place finish on the 2022 Ballon d'Or shortlist.

The Belgium stopper is widely recognised as the best in the world right now and he'll have the opportunity to prove that in Qatar. Some of Belgium's veteran outfield players such as club teammate Eden Hazard might be past their best, but Courtois, at 30, is at the top of his game. -- Alex Kirkland

Illustration by ESPN
8. Vinicius Junior
Country: Brazil
Club: Real Madrid
Age: 22
Position: Forward
2018 Rank: Not ranked

The young winger has exploded as an international star with Real Madrid, that extraordinary acceleration sowing panic in opposing defences. In contrast with Raphinha on the Selecao's opposite flank, Vinicius has taken time to find his feet with the national team, with one goal from 16 games, and his place in the starting lineup by no means a given.

Brazil have three slight variations in their formation. Vinicius appears in two, but not in the one that looks most likely in the tough games, where Lucas Paqueta operates as a withdrawn left winger. Even so, he still has a huge part to play in the tournament, if only off the bench. He will hope that by the end of the competition he will have made himself undroppable. -- Tim Vickery

7. Luka Modric
Country: Croatia
Club: Real Madrid
Age: 37
Position: Midfielder
2018 Rank: 13

What else is there to say about Modric? Croatia's record appearance holder -- with 154 caps since he made his debut in 2006 -- and arguably greatest ever player will be turning out for his eighth major international tournament in Qatar. Modric was key to Croatia's surprise run to the 2018 World Cup final and at 37, his level hasn't dropped a bit, starring in last season's LaLiga and Champions League-winning campaign for Real Madrid.

A midfield of Modric, Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic is a formidable unit and Croatia's chances of coming anywhere close to repeating their heroics last time out will rest on the trio's shoulders. You would say that this will surely be his international swansong, but with Modric, you never know. -- Alex Kirkland

6. Neymar
Country: Brazil
Club: Paris Saint-Germain
Age: 30
Position: Forward
2018 Rank: 3

The pressure will be immense on Brazil's No. 10, who may well overtake Pele as Brazil's all-time top scorer during the tournament. He trails well behind Pele in terms of achievement, though, and this will be the World Cup where he is expected to put that right.

Neymar says this will be his last World Cup, and it will certainly be the tournament that defines his legacy as a national team player.

He benefits from the emergence of a highly promising generation of young attackers, which will take some of the load off his slender shoulders. The timing of the tournament also works to his advantage. He has tended to be at his best in the first half of the season, and there would seem to be no problems about his form and fitness as he marches towards his date with destiny. -- Tim Vickery

5. Robert Lewandowski
Country: Poland
Club: Barcelona
Age: 34
Position: Forward
2018 Rank: 10

There will be few nations in Qatar whose hopes are pinned so much on one player. That's not to say Poland do not have other good players, but the reality is none are close to Lewandowski's level.

Now 34, the striker has seamlessly translated his form with Bayern Munich to Barcelona, where he has already scored 18 goals this season after being signed for €45 million in the summer. Now, his task is to lead Poland out of the group stage for the first time since 1986. A record of 76 goals in 134 caps proves his form carries into international football, but as a forward he is always, to an extent, reliant on the service he gets. Mexico, Saudi Arabia and Argentina will all have him singled out as the man to stop when they take on Poland. -- Sam Marsden

4. Lionel Messi
Country: Argentina
Club: Paris Saint-Germain
Age: 35
Position: Forward
2018 Rank: 1

This is likely his last World Cup and he'll arrive in Doha while playing, at 35, some of the best football of his recent career. Messi is obviously critical to Argentina's success, but, relative to the last World Cup, things are different. Coach Lionel Scaloni has made him the key cog in a well-oiled machine, capable of going 34 games unbeaten. It's a stark contrast to the last World Cup, when he was expected to carry the side amid coach Jorge Sampaoli's chaos.

Messi doesn't run like he did, but the trickery and the ability to find space remains. And his trademark move, when he starts wide right, cuts inside and whips a low, hard finish past the keeper, remains close to unplayable. The Copa America victory in 2021 got the "major international tournament" monkey off his back. Now it's time for the one crown that has always eluded him. -- Gab Marcotti

play
0:38
Laurens likes Argentina & Messi's chances of World Cup glory
Gab & Juls preview Group C at the 2022 World Cup, with Argentina expected to cruise into the knockout rounds.
3. Kevin De Bruyne
Country: Belgium
Club: Manchester City
Age: 31
Position: Midfielder
2018 Rank: 4

After Belgium's 2-1 win over Wales in September, Belgium manager Roberto Martinez was asked about De Bruyne. Sometimes managers prefer to focus on the collective, rather than the individual, but when it comes to De Bruyne, his ability is so remarkable and abundantly clear, that there's little point in holding back on celebrating his talents.

"It's a message for all our fans, don't take for granted watching Kevin De Bruyne play," Martinez said. "For me he's the most incredible playmaker in world football at this present time."

At Manchester City, Guardiola has recently challenged De Bruyne to improve. A week after Guardiola's ask, the player responded by scoring their winner against Leicester City, to sit alongside his Premier League-leading nine assists this term. He's indispensable for club and country, and his ranking of third in the last Ballon d'Or was the highest spot ever reached by a Belgian player. If the Red Devils make a dent in this year's tournament, then you can bet your house on the fact De Bruyne will be on song. -- Tom Hamilton

2. Karim Benzema
Country: France
Club: Real Madrid
Age: 34
Position: Forward
2018 Rank: Not ranked

Benzema, at the age of 34, has had to wait eight and a half years to feature again in the World Cup. He wants to make up for lost time.

After all that time away from the national team, he came back with a bang at the Euros in 2021 with four goals in four appearances, but the last 16 elimination left a sour taste in his mouth. Now, after winning the 2022 Ballon d'Or, he is ready to make this World Cup count. It is likely to be his last one, so this marks his biggest opportunity to write his name in the competition's history books.

Benzema is ultra motivated and he knows that his partnership with Kylian Mbappe up front is the key to France's success. They get on well and complement one another on the pitch. Benzema is a role model for Mbappe, and together, they are ready to lead France. -- Julien Laurens


1. Kylian Mbappe
Country: France
Club: Paris Saint-Germain
Age: 23
Position: Forward
2018 Rank: 15

Russia 2018 was the World Cup where Mbappe truly announced his arrival. He was 19, up and coming, still not necessarily known worldwide, and he took the competition by storm to become the first teenager since Pele to score in the final and to win it. Qatar 2022 will be the World Cup confirmation for the French prodigy; confirmation of his world-class status, of his superstar image, of his superstar talent.

There will be more pressure, the expectations will be higher and his role with France will be bigger. On the pitch, the 23-year-old has to redeem himself after not scoring a single goal for Les Bleus since missing the decisive penalty in the last 16 shootout defeat to Switzerland in the 2021 Euros some 18 months ago. Now he has to deliver, like he did in 2018. -- Julien Laurens
 

playahaitian

Rising Star
Certified Pussy Poster

Qatar bans alcohol at World Cup stadiums in late reversal

World Cup organisers have banned the sale of alcohol around stadiums in Qatar after last-minute showdown talks, FIFA announced on Friday.
First reported by British newspaper The Times, FIFA and Qatari organisers were engaged in late negotiations over whether beer would be sold at the stadiums during the tournament, which begins on Sunday.


FIFA said in a statement: "Following discussions between host country authorities and FIFA, a decision has been made to focus the sale of alcoholic beverages on the FIFA Fan Festival, other fan destinations and licensed venues, removing the sales points of beer from Qatar's FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium perimeters."

While supporters can purchase alcohol at the official fan zones during the competition, the sale of beer at the matches themselves has been a controversial topic.

It appeared an agreement was originally struck to allow FIFA to permit sponsors Budweiser to sell beer at the stadiums. This was then further clarified in the buildup to the tournament after The New York Times first reported that the beer tents would be less visible at the grounds on request of the hosts.

But it emerged there was late pressure on FIFA to halt sales of alcohol at the stadiums themselves, two days before hosts Qatar kick off the tournament on Sunday against Ecuador.

"There is no impact to the sale of Bud Zero which will remain available at all Qatar's World Cup stadiums," FIFA added.
"Host country authorities and FIFA will continue to ensure that the stadiums and surrounding areas provide an enjoyable, respectful and pleasant experience for all fans.

"The tournament organisers appreciate AB InBev's understanding and continuous support to our joint commitment to cater for everyone during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022."
Well, this is awkward...
— Budweiser (@Budweiser) November 18, 2022
The World Cup was awarded to Qatar back in 2010, but despite the competition starting in two days, the situation around the sale of beer is just one of several last-minute adjustments and teething problems occurring in Qatar.

Building work is ongoing around the various fan parks, transport hubs and stadiums. Meanwhile, some of the temporary fan accommodation has also come in for heavy criticism.

There are more luxurious options available, such as the ships docked in Doha. At the Old Port, there are already two, vast passenger ships waiting for fans to board, with a third expected to arrive on Friday. The port has also undergone reconstruction to provide restaurants and shops to those staying there, but on Thursday there was still last-minute building work being undertaken.

The same goes for the metro hubs and stadiums, where the buildings and grounds are ready to host but the areas around the facilities are still being finished off.



 

heavyhand

International
International Member

Qatar bans alcohol at World Cup stadiums in late reversal

World Cup organisers have banned the sale of alcohol around stadiums in Qatar after last-minute showdown talks, FIFA announced on Friday.
First reported by British newspaper The Times, FIFA and Qatari organisers were engaged in late negotiations over whether beer would be sold at the stadiums during the tournament, which begins on Sunday.


FIFA said in a statement: "Following discussions between host country authorities and FIFA, a decision has been made to focus the sale of alcoholic beverages on the FIFA Fan Festival, other fan destinations and licensed venues, removing the sales points of beer from Qatar's FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium perimeters."

While supporters can purchase alcohol at the official fan zones during the competition, the sale of beer at the matches themselves has been a controversial topic.

It appeared an agreement was originally struck to allow FIFA to permit sponsors Budweiser to sell beer at the stadiums. This was then further clarified in the buildup to the tournament after The New York Times first reported that the beer tents would be less visible at the grounds on request of the hosts.

But it emerged there was late pressure on FIFA to halt sales of alcohol at the stadiums themselves, two days before hosts Qatar kick off the tournament on Sunday against Ecuador.

"There is no impact to the sale of Bud Zero which will remain available at all Qatar's World Cup stadiums," FIFA added.
"Host country authorities and FIFA will continue to ensure that the stadiums and surrounding areas provide an enjoyable, respectful and pleasant experience for all fans.

"The tournament organisers appreciate AB InBev's understanding and continuous support to our joint commitment to cater for everyone during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022."

The World Cup was awarded to Qatar back in 2010, but despite the competition starting in two days, the situation around the sale of beer is just one of several last-minute adjustments and teething problems occurring in Qatar.

Building work is ongoing around the various fan parks, transport hubs and stadiums. Meanwhile, some of the temporary fan accommodation has also come in for heavy criticism.

There are more luxurious options available, such as the ships docked in Doha. At the Old Port, there are already two, vast passenger ships waiting for fans to board, with a third expected to arrive on Friday. The port has also undergone reconstruction to provide restaurants and shops to those staying there, but on Thursday there was still last-minute building work being undertaken.

The same goes for the metro hubs and stadiums, where the buildings and grounds are ready to host but the areas around the facilities are still being finished off.





Sports without liquor? fuck these sand cacs :smh: :smh:
 

Politic Negro

Rising Star
BGOL Investor

Qatar bans alcohol at World Cup stadiums in late reversal

World Cup organisers have banned the sale of alcohol around stadiums in Qatar after last-minute showdown talks, FIFA announced on Friday.
First reported by British newspaper The Times, FIFA and Qatari organisers were engaged in late negotiations over whether beer would be sold at the stadiums during the tournament, which begins on Sunday.


FIFA said in a statement: "Following discussions between host country authorities and FIFA, a decision has been made to focus the sale of alcoholic beverages on the FIFA Fan Festival, other fan destinations and licensed venues, removing the sales points of beer from Qatar's FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium perimeters."

While supporters can purchase alcohol at the official fan zones during the competition, the sale of beer at the matches themselves has been a controversial topic.

It appeared an agreement was originally struck to allow FIFA to permit sponsors Budweiser to sell beer at the stadiums. This was then further clarified in the buildup to the tournament after The New York Times first reported that the beer tents would be less visible at the grounds on request of the hosts.

But it emerged there was late pressure on FIFA to halt sales of alcohol at the stadiums themselves, two days before hosts Qatar kick off the tournament on Sunday against Ecuador.

"There is no impact to the sale of Bud Zero which will remain available at all Qatar's World Cup stadiums," FIFA added.
"Host country authorities and FIFA will continue to ensure that the stadiums and surrounding areas provide an enjoyable, respectful and pleasant experience for all fans.

"The tournament organisers appreciate AB InBev's understanding and continuous support to our joint commitment to cater for everyone during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022."

The World Cup was awarded to Qatar back in 2010, but despite the competition starting in two days, the situation around the sale of beer is just one of several last-minute adjustments and teething problems occurring in Qatar.

Building work is ongoing around the various fan parks, transport hubs and stadiums. Meanwhile, some of the temporary fan accommodation has also come in for heavy criticism.

There are more luxurious options available, such as the ships docked in Doha. At the Old Port, there are already two, vast passenger ships waiting for fans to board, with a third expected to arrive on Friday. The port has also undergone reconstruction to provide restaurants and shops to those staying there, but on Thursday there was still last-minute building work being undertaken.

The same goes for the metro hubs and stadiums, where the buildings and grounds are ready to host but the areas around the facilities are still being finished off.




Slavery good, alcohol bad.........

 
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LegendOfLedo

Slayer and Lord of Mid West Heaux
BGOL Investor
I've paid no attention to football, but did Ronaldo fall off a cliff like that to not even be mentioned in that top 15 players of the cup coming up?!
 

DJCandle

Well-Known Member
BGOL Investor
least enthused I have been on the eve of a WC in forever.

Quatar is providing entertainment though; "strange" fan situation and assorted bullshit already. :lol:




Bro we was just talking bout this in the group chat tonight.

Never have I ever been so uninspired for a World Cup before as I have been for this one. Shit just feels wrong and off. Hope the games don’t disappoint but the spectacle itself is off putting to say the least
 

SmoothD

Smooth*****
BGOL Investor
I'll go with France or Germany.
Belgium is the sleeper team of the cup.
I'll always hate Argentina. Always.
Would love to see one of the African teams make it to the final four.
 

TIMEISMONEY

Rising Star
BGOL Investor
I'll go with France or Germany.
Belgium is the sleeper team of the cup.
I'll always hate Argentina. Always.
Would love to see one of the African teams make it to the final four.
Co-sign everything along with racists ass Argentina
 

gman4gov

Rising Star
BGOL Investor
I'll go with France or Germany.
Belgium is the sleeper team of the cup.
I'll always hate Argentina. Always.
Would love to see one of the African teams make it to the final four.
Nah, Belgium is in it to win it with their talent. Belgium could be seen as the top team.
 
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