Spin @ 19/6/2018 14:09

I think I've figured out the theme of this year's World Cup: Own Goals

In Soviet Russia, goals score you.

Is Russia actually good, or are Saudi Arabia/Egypt just this bad?

Mittens @ 19/6/2018 11:16

I watched England vs. whoever yesterday for about 10 minutes, saw three different players act like they had been shot in the leg, and turned it off straight away. It's unwatchable for me because of that shit - very similar in the NBA which I hate just as much.

Same, drives me nuts!

Spin @ 19/6/2018 12:18

Is Russia actually good, or are Saudi Arabia/Egypt just this bad?

Yes

I'm digging VAR

Spin @ 19/6/2018 14:09

I think I've figured out the theme of this year's World Cup: Own Goals

Every time I see one, I think back to when the Columbia soccer player was murdered after scoring an OG against his team in the World Cup and hope something similar doesn't happen. Soccer fans are crazy!

Mercator @ 19/6/2018 13:29

I'm digging VAR

I don't follow soccer, but heard some radio people outraged about it - slowing down the game etc. etc. But their description to me sounded a lot like in rugby they have a Television Match Official (TMO) which the referee can request to look into penalties, if a pass was forward, if they scored a try, etc. Sounds like a good addition to give the referee more information to make a decision.

Mittens @ 19/6/2018 14:15

Mercator @ 19/6/2018 13:29 I'm digging VAR I don't follow soccer, but heard some radio people outraged about it - slowing down the game etc. etc. But their description to me sounded a lot like in rugby they have a Television Match Official (TMO) which the referee can request to look into penalties, if a pass was forward, if they scored a try, etc. Sounds like a good addition to give the referee more information to make a decision.

It would be better if it was like it is in rugby, but the ref needs to not be a total shithead for it.

IIRC they tell the ref if they "think" he made a wrong call, and he takes a look and makes the final decision (again), they do this to not undermine the ref or something stupid like that.

Interesting. I don’t know all the logistics, but I think in rugby the TMO can only get involved if the ref initiates the conversation. But there are also two sideline assistants who can look for things and signal the main red of things they may miss.

In soccer is it just the one ref or are there any sideline assistants?

In Rugby League the video ref only ever gets involved at the behest of the referee, and they are only used to confirm a try.

Anyway, a lot has changed in football since I last watched a game. When did they change the kick off rules? Usually there are two players in the centre at the start, but they seem to have stopped doing that

Mittens @ 19/6/2018 14:46

Interesting. I don’t know all the logistics, but I think in rugby the TMO can only get involved if the ref initiates the conversation. But there are also two sideline assistants who can look for things and signal the main red of things they may miss. In soccer is it just the one ref or are there any sideline assistants?

There are 2 sideline assistants, and usually one or two off field referees who assist the ref and replace the referees if something happens (injuries and such), I think they usually just banter with the managers.

I'm expecting Mexico and Germany to anal rape Sweden.

What are the results so far?

Mercator @ 19/6/2018 20:19

Spin @ 19/6/2018 12:18 Is Russia actually good, or are Saudi Arabia/Egypt just this bad? Yes

I've never heard of Saudi Arabia and Egypt being any great. I don't think they usually qualify for the World Cup.

Russia's pretty good, but they would likely struggle against southern european and spanish speaking teams.

I hate that I have to work and am missing out on these games