NicCarBel
Club Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 17, 2024
- Replies
- 2,993
rankings for host nations are traditionally lower than what they should be, given that the FIFA Rankings weights matches based off their importance, and friendlies are lower than qualifiers. I remember Germany being ranked low-ish in the lead up 2006 (yes they were rebuilding), but that's just the way the rankings work.The US, particularly the MLS, want this World Cup to be a huge success. I can see it as a complete football and PR nightmare. First football - they play Paraguay first. This is a team that beat Argentina and Brazil in qualifying. Sure USA beat them in a friendly (where managers trial players and tactics) but realistically the CONCACAF teams are not match hardened from qualifying like the Europeans, South Americans or the AFC. Only 3 real standouts mean their qualifying is a doddle and their ranking is probably inflated. So assume they lose or get a point on the first day.
Does the press turn?
Then they place us. Almost certainly it is a low scoring match with any result possible. If Australia win or draw then the US is either on 0 to 2.
Does the pressure hurt them now, they can't afford to lose the last game against a probable Turkey and a draw could be problematic for a third placegetter. After the hype from the draw the pressure has flipped to 11.
Non- football. Unfriendly locals that hate foreigners, entry problems and high ticket prices that only allow event goers lead to a poor atmosphere and empty seats.
The MLS that wanted this event to turbocharge the sport suddenly learn that they are still not a footballing nation.
BASE WEIGHTINGS
- Friendlies outside FIFA window = 5
- Friendlies inside FIFA window = 10
- Nations League group game = 15
- Qualifiers for World Cup or Continental Cups (Asian Cup, Euros, etc) = 25
- Nations League finals/knockouts = 25
- Continental Cup tournaments = 35
- FIFA World Cup finals = 50
