The Final: Argentina v France

[verreauxi]

I think Japan could win the WC before the USA, but this is still a long way off.

USA Soccer Fed has too many internal politics and bad habits about developing youth soccer, finding good coaches, and finding consistent talent for all positions.

I would love to see Uruguay or Croatia, which are more likely to win it before USA or Japan. Uruguay, in particular, has a great youth program for developing talent, and lots of role models to boot.

Forgot Uruguay already won the WC 2x. Doh!!

 

[BNJ1878]

Firstly, this World Cup was basically hosted in one city which meant travel costs were minimal and people from 32 countries were all able to amalgamate in one area and it brought this togetherness. In other world cups, everybody is hella segregated.

That's very true, but for me (and I suspect many others) one of the best things about international sports events is seeing more than one city. Even the 'London Olympics" wasn't just in London. Add in the fact that on non-match days there's very little interest to do in Qatar and you run out of fun pretty quick. (and money for that matter. Everyday expense for a visitor without knowing local hacks would have come as quite a surprise)

Secondly, arab hospitality is second to none and as somebody like yourself living in UAE you can probably back me up on this. Nothing makes a world cup more special than hospitality.

Yes, the Arabs can be very hospitable, you can get some real miserable picks too. Just like any other country on the map.

There was no alcohol and by extension, there was no hooliganism or any trouble. It was literally minimal and such a flawlessly ran tournamenet. You had the CL final in Paris and the EC final in London, that were complete disasters from a fan viewpoint. Women and children felt extremely safe in this nation because of how strict law and order is.

It wasn't 'flawlessly ran.'

There we issues with ticketing and access at several games. Yes, it improved later on, but they ran just two trial games pre WC without a full city and packed public transport for visitors and assumed it was fine

There was gridlock around most stadiums. It's in tbe Modern Arab mentality to drive absolutely everywhere, no matter how short the journey. Add in the fact that because the wear a thobe they automatically assume they're 'Vip' and all attempt to park at the stadium entrance and waste time arguing with the police about it. (as a Qatari they'll argue with the police, safe in the knowledge that nothing will happen.)

Add in lots of the temporary accommodation had, erm..... plumbing issues..... The people paying 200 pounds a night to share a repurposed container with a leaking bathroom would probably argue it wasn't 'flawless.'

The lack of alcohol was a factor in the atmosphere. Though I suspect that if any other host city made alcohol less accessible and charged 10/12/15 pounds for a drink the aggravation would also be lower than past tournaments.

This World Cup was literally the most accessible world cup ever. It's in the Middle East which means it's bang in the middle. It's in between Europe and Asia. People from China and Indian subcontinent turned up in masses. Third world citizens were able to attend. Somebody from a third world country wouldn't be able to attend other World Cups.

Most accessible? Probably correct.

Masses from China and the Indian Subcontinent? No, lots of East Asians and South Asians who are already in the Gulf took the opportunity to attend, though by attend I mean packing the fan zones. Yes, some went to the games, but not masses.

From a footballing point of view, this WC had the greatest football game ever in history recorded which was the final.

Subjective. A one sided stroll for 70 minutes which sparked into life later on. It was 'dramatic' but not great football.

The group stages had very entertaining underdog stories and of course, you had the magical run of Morocco.

Morocco was a great story, but it was laughable how as they progressed it became an Arab success story. The only interest Gulf Arabs have in Morocco is the female kind.

There's a great reason why all the visiting fans said this was the greatest WC they have been to, so far. It's objective fact.

No It's subjective.

Do yourself a favour and look up the word fact in any dictionary. Nobody can claim any Olympics/WC/Euros etc can be the greatest. Everybody has a different experience.

Recency bias is a very real thing. You'll have people in 4 years saying the same about the next WC, and the one after that.

Qatar did a far better job than I expected. Well done them. They have achieved their goal of putting their rock on the world map.

I'm sure they have been caught a little off guard by the amount of negative press Qatar has received from a (hypocritical) media. Some hope this will bring about meaningful change, I have my doubts.

They'll make some minor concessions so people pipe down over migrant workers but they'll continue to pretend there's no homosexuals or other members of the LBTQ community in the Gulf.

 

[TheBigIguana]

Only eight countries have won the World Cup, right?

Who does everyone think will be the next first time winner? Netherlands?

Tough one to predict as past 2026 who knows what'll happen. 5 of the 8 winners won as hosts first and since Portugal are both good enough and in the running for 2030 hosts I'll say them.

I do think either the US or Mexico will make a run in 2026. Probably not to win, but maybe a semi-finalist. Mexico are honestly more likely even if I think we'll have a better side because the atmosphere will be unreal.

 

[carolinablue232]

I don't think I will ever say a World Cup is the best, cos none will ever compare to 1986, for me. You never forget your first.

So is 1986 the best?

 

[Bohemian Toffee]

I think Japan could win the WC before the USA, but this is still a long way off.

USA Soccer Fed has too many internal politics and bad habits about developing youth soccer, finding good coaches, and finding consistent talent for all positions.

I would love to see Uruguay or Croatia, which are more likely to win it before USA or Japan. Uruguay, in particular, has a great youth program for developing talent, and lots of role models to boot.

I woke up about twenty minutes ago and was thinking through this question again. I overlooked South Korea and Japan as potential future first time winners.

Japan is a good shout.

 

[carolinablue232]

Only eight countries have won the World Cup, right?

Who does everyone think will be the next first time winner? Netherlands?

Portugal based on their talent today feels like an obvious choice. Maybe Belgium depending on their young players who will now get a chance to break through. Maybe Colombia given the right circumstances even though they missed out this time. Maybe the US if we hire the right manager and actually produce a competent striker. So many unknowns but the gap between the elites and the up and comings is still shrinking. 2026 should be exciting provided fifa don’t mess it up too much.

 

[BNJ1878]

Portugal based on their talent today feels like an obvious choice. Maybe Belgium depending on their young players who will now get a chance to break through. Maybe Colombia given the right circumstances even though they missed out this time. Maybe the US if we hire the right manager and actually produce a competent striker. So many unknowns but the gap between the elites and the up and comings is still shrinking. 2026 should be exciting provided fifa don’t mess it up too much.

Hopefully they stick with 4 team groups.

Personally, I'm looking forward to seeing how good the Infantino body doubles are so he can attend every game and enjoy the 3 second lingering airtime straight after kick off.

Not easy when the stadiums don't fall within a 20 mile radius.

 

[Shevin Keedy]

USA for me, and most of their population won't even be arsed.

Hopefully the USA win their first world cup on penalties, and in each case none of the players manage to get the the ball on target - but this doesn't stop the crossbar from splitting in half and the goal opening up to crazy ticker tape celebrations while a marching band plays Diana Ross' "I'm Coming Out"; joyful scenes.

 

[BNJ1878]

Hopefully the USA win their first world cup on penalties, and in each case none of the players manage to get the the ball on target - but this doesn't stop the crossbar from splitting in half and the goal opening up to crazy ticker tape celebrations while a marching band plays Diana Ross' "I'm Coming Out"; joyful scenes.

I hope they wheel her out in 4 years and she absolutely smashes the ball home.

One of footballs greatest redemption stories.

 

[Shevin Keedy]

I hope they wheel her out in 4 years and she absolutely smashes the ball home.

One of footballs greatest redemption stories.

Haha, Ross' rocket bursts the net then she wheels off to the camera at the corner flag, eyes bulging maniacally like a flake fuelled Diego.

 

[BNJ1878]

Haha, Ross' rocket bursts the net then she wheels off to the camera at the corner flag, eyes bulging maniacally like a flake fuelled Diego.

She can do it if she just ditches her run up. (the appears to be the inspiration behind Pogba penalties)

 

[Bohemian Toffee]

Hopefully the USA win their first world cup on penalties, and in each case none of the players manage to get the the ball on target - but this doesn't stop the crossbar from splitting in half and the goal opening up to crazy ticker tape celebrations while a marching band plays Diana Ross' "I'm Coming Out"; joyful

Happily, I am on a couple of FIFA committees. Pretty sure I can get Gianni on board with this.

Today, I am Diana.