FIFA WC 26 - Other Nations LIVE Match Thread ⚽

[rebelliousfeminist974]

Enciso is fine. More drama about nothing.

Not sure why Paraguay were making it seem that Julio Enciso was going to be ruled out of their group stage opener, and likewise there was all that talk of Mo Toure being ruled out for the Socceroos but it turns out he just had a cold.

 

[HappyGuus]

Is it better for the Socceroos if this match is a draw?

 

[rebelliousfeminist974]

Is it better for the Socceroos if this match is a draw?

If the United States and Paraguay play out a draw today then everyone in group D will be on just the one point at the conclusion of matchday 1 should the Socceroos also eke out a draw with Turkey and it means that everything will be on the line over the course of the following two group stage matches in terms of who progresses out of the group.

 

[Bbouy]

Is it better for the Socceroos if this match is a draw?

This a repost from the other thread...

""
I believe we want the US to win 1-0. We DO NOT want Paraguay to win, because that will severely diminish our chances of making third place. We want Paraguay to lose both games against the US and Turkey as our best safety net, meaning we only need to beat them in the final game to have a strong chance to make it through in third-place.

If Paraguay win, another danger is the effect on the US team when they against the Socceroos. The US will enter our match with a dangerous, desperate and firey intensity which could hurt us easily. I'd rather play them when they're more comfortable not when their attack is trying anything to score a goal, we will not win.

A draw is another possible result, it's okay but it gives both teams life which could hurt us later if results go a certain way where Turkey, US and Paraguay all go into the last match-day on 2-4 points and Paraguay now only needs to draw against us instead of win to go through.

I think mentally, you want the better team to win first and sacrifice one team in the group that you are hoping to lose both of their other games. We simply need to root against Paraguay in both of their games.

Obviously, we control our own destiny but it would be nice to have a safety net if we lose our first two games. Bank on Paraguay losing as well so we just need to beat them to have a strong chance to make it out.

""

 

[JS96]

Is it better for the Socceroos if this match is a draw?

Depends on a few things. If Australia avoid defeat tomorrow, a Paraguay win is probably better because it heaps pressure on the USA. Having a more complacent Paraguay in the final game may be advantageous.

At the same time if Australia can draw with Turkey and he's the USA while Paraguay lose the first two games, that would also be ideal.

 

[Bbouy]

This a repost from the other thread...

""
I believe we want the US to win 1-0. We DO NOT want Paraguay to win, because that will severely diminish our chances of making third place. We want Paraguay to lose both games against the US and Turkey as our best safety net, meaning we only need to beat them in the final game to have a strong chance to make it through in third-place.

If Paraguay win, another danger is the effect on the US team when they against the Socceroos. The US will enter our match with a dangerous, desperate and firey intensity which could hurt us easily. I'd rather play them when they're more comfortable not when their attack is trying anything to score a goal, we will not win.

A draw is another possible result, it's okay but it gives both teams life which could hurt us later if results go a certain way where Turkey, US and Paraguay all go into the last match-day on 2-4 points and Paraguay now only needs to draw against us instead of win to go through.

I think mentally, you want the better team to win first and sacrifice one team in the group that you are hoping to lose both of their other games. We simply need to root against Paraguay in both of their games.

Obviously, we control our own destiny but it would be nice to have a safety net if we lose our first two games. Bank on Paraguay losing as well so we just need to beat them to have a strong chance to make it out.

""

This is of course a buffer for the Socceroos for the worst case if they lose both games. If we win tomorrow, then none of this matters.

 

[JS96]

Australia need to get it done in the first two games. It's too risky to wait until the end. It'll be Peru 2018 all over again otherwise.

 

[Bbouy]

What an atmosphere!

 

[rebelliousfeminist974]

Paraguay and the United States now underway in their World Cup group D opening match, with Paraguay kicking from right to left and the USA kicking from left to right.

 

[JS96]

Luck of the draw but Iran NZ at SoFi is mental.

 

[JS96]

Early probes by both teams make me suspect we'd handle those defensively but very nervy adventures forward.

 

[highkick05]

USA v Paraguay looks like it will be saucey matchup worth the watch

 

[Bbouy]

Goallll 1-0 US

 

[rebelliousfeminist974]

Damian Bobadilla scores an own goal in the seventh minute of the match to give the United States a 1-0 lead.

 

[Bbouy]

Looks like lots of opportunities to counter-attack against both teams. Irankunda will cook.

 

[JS96]

Note to self: Paraguay aren't in the red and white stripes! They're horizontal however. Paraguay dark kit looks good.

 

[JS96]

Wow own goal by Paraguay! 1:0 USA.

Some of the goals so far this tournament would kill me to see Australia concede that way.

 

[rebelliousfeminist974]

Juan Caceres yellow carded in the ninth minute for Paraguay for a foul, becoming the first player to receive one this match.

 

[JS96]

Look at the way the USA move the ball quickly and are in behind the midfield line. There's no way Irvine and O'Neill are goal side. They'll pull Bos inward or force a defender forward. Devlin must start.

 

[highkick05]

Geez teams are really cautious about fouling after the first game with Mexico v SA
Barely seen any