FIFA World Cup 2018 - Final

[Midas Mulligan]

And never ever call it “sports gambling”.

It’s sports betting.

Gambling is what black jack and slot players do.

Lol. Fair point. But you’ve obviously never suffered random pointless three pointers, blocked extra points returned for 2, or a homer off an outfielder brought in to chew up innings.

See? All that shit exists outside the probabilities. So yeah, it’s still gambling. Just like investing. I don’t give a shit what anyone says. If you can lose money, it’s gambling. Whether it’s a stock or a prop bet. It’s gambling. It’s why the best way to make money has little to do with portfolio balancing and way more to do with a proper barbell strategy. But most of us can’t afford to access the appropriately high top right risk/reward profile to execute on it.

Whatever. I digress. It’s gambling, dude. It just is. It is a skill game, but it’s a gamble. Just like that drunk punk sucking out on the river. Shit happens.

 

[21Architect]

It is a skill game, but it’s a gamble.

Now you’re talking my language. :highfive:

I can get on board with the gamble aspect of sports betting. Of course I’ve gotten creamed by a 2 strike, 2 out blooper into left field or the 2 outer on the river. It happens.


But the skill element in sports betting (like poker) is there if you want it enough. With enormous patience and bankroll management, you can win long term in sports betting and poker. The same can’t be said for craps, roulette and slots.

Trust me, I’m glad I have a steady eddie career so that the mortgage getting paid doesn’t depend on no hearts coming on the turn and river but I don’t consider myself a “gambler”.

I consider myself a sports bettor and a card player when I’m in a casino or in Nevada.

 

[Midas Mulligan]

Now you’re talking my language. :highfive:

I can get on board with the gamble aspect of sports betting. Of course I’ve gotten creamed by a 2 strike, 2 out blooper into left field or the 2 outer on the river. It happens.


But the skill element in sports betting (like poker) is there if you want it enough. With enormous patience and bankroll management, you can win long term in sports betting and poker. The same can’t be said for craps, roulette and slots.

Trust me, I’m glad I have a steady eddie career so that the mortgage getting paid doesn’t depend on no hearts coming on the turn and river but I don’t consider myself a “gambler”.

I consider myself a sports bettor and a card player when I’m in a casino or in Nevada.

Actually, craps is one of the best games you can play. It’s a very rewarding game if you have the money and balls to play it correctly.

That isn’t to imply that I’m a craps expert. But it’s worth pointing out. The problem with craps is the same as venture investing, you can’t control the swings and you need seemingly limitless money to survive it. Which, come to mention, is the same problem with poker.

 

[adam]

You swamped that dude. But for real, I’m proud of you and proud that someone else here obviously does sports gambling.

Much like my line of work, I’ve given up on educating people for free. But I appreciate those who aren’t yet so calloused.

Kid is 20. We need to set him straight with the rest of us degenerates.

 

[Keith Putnam]

I’ve see way more lopsided numbers hung by oddsmakers in soccer matches.

Oddsmakers notwithstanding, and just looking at the teams, I'd have to make France the favorite on paper but maybe not by much. I wouldn't be *surprised* if Croatia wins, but I would consider it an upset, if that makes sense.

Kanté and Pogba have to deal with shutting down both Modrić and Rakitić, which is no easy task, and may constrain Pogba to less of an attacking role than he's been able to fill so far (I believe the stats have Pogba as the best progressive passer in the tournament, which is saying something next to Modrić). Croatia can probably pass out of French pressure better than any team France has faced so far.

France's two centerbacks can probably team up on Mandzukić better than England's three could in the second half of their match, though.

In the end I imagine the difference will come down to Mbappé, Griezmann over a dead ball, and/or finally successfully getting Giroud to score from a header.

Probably gonna be "cagey" for the whole first half, at least.

 

[Midas Mulligan]

Oddsmakers notwithstanding, and just looking at the teams, I'd have to make France the favorite on paper but maybe not by much. I wouldn't be *surprised* if Croatia wins, but I would consider it an upset, if that makes sense.

Kanté and Pogba have to deal with shutting down both Modrić and Rakitić, which is no easy task, and may constrain Pogba to less of an attacking role than he's been able to fill so far (I believe the stats have Pogba as the best progressive passer in the tournament, which is saying something next to Modrić). Croatia can probably pass out of French pressure better than any team France has faced so far.

France's two centerbacks can probably team up on Mandzukić better than England's three could in the second half of their match, though.

In the end I imagine the difference will come down to Mbappé, Griezmann over a dead ball, and/or finally successfully getting Giroud to score from a header.

Probably gonna be "cagey" for the whole first half, at least.

I think what you’re getting at here is this is probably a first goal game, especially if Croatia were to get it.

I’d love for big Degsy and all the big names on Croatia to get their hands on the trophy. Lovren has had such a tough few years both personally and professionally since his move, and he’s finally realized his potential and been dominant this whole calendar year.

And I like the balls on the guy to give some shit back to the media. No one plays harder, loves his teams more, or leaves more on the field than that crazy bastard.

 

[NYCFC_Dan]

Thankfully I’ve been on vacation the last 3 days staying in a beach front condo on the east coast of Florida. It’s helped reduce my anxiety going into this match.
Whatever happens tomorrow I can say I’m honestly proud of what they’ve accomplished

 

[Davo15]

ALLEZ LES BLEUS! Let's get this ting kicked off!

 

[Midas Mulligan]

This game is an absolute banger!

Get ITT!

 

[Midas Mulligan]

I think what you’re getting at here is this is probably a first goal game, especially if Croatia were to get it.
.

Welp, guess we can throw this shit out.

 

[Midas Mulligan]

Damn. Really unlucky. Only a handball because Umtitti spazzed out and missed the damn ball.

 

[TabascoDiva]

My 2 cents of expertise

I am going for France.
Everyone I know or I ask, says " Croatia"

I agree partially with you All : Croatia May win

I see their historical record in this WC
Croatia has come behind in this WC. they went to overtime in in 3 or 4 of the games and that has given the mental , physical endurance to deal with the pressure . in Spanish we Use a word to describe this pressure " Fogeado"

that means they are so used to the pressure , hunger , thirst , both literally , Mentally, Physical and Emotionally .

its a" pueblo that has gone through years of the Balkan's war, Real hunger, death , poverty and all the horrible things that war brings

May the best team win : I am rooting for both Aaaaawwww; I am crying " cause I want France to win but I feel for the Croatians too

 

[Midas Mulligan]

This scoreline is so unjust.

I hate the “next superstar” shit about Mbappé.

Does Fox think we are all idiots? The guy was the second most expensive transfer ever behind Neymar just last summer. It’s like he’s come from anonymity.

It’s depressing to think that Fox will be covering the next 2 of these. They just kind of suck.

 

[LionNYC]

This scoreline is so unjust.

I hate the “next superstar” shit about Mbappé.

Does Fox think we are all idiots? The guy was the second most expensive transfer ever behind Neymar just last summer. It’s like he’s come from anonymity.

It’s depressing to think that Fox will covering the next 2 of these. They just kind of suck.

I'm just surprised they haven't said, "The next LeBron James of soccer." That would reach peak broadcasting terribleness.

 

[LionNYC]

Final in Moscow: France 4 - 2 Croatia

 

[NYCFC_Dan]

This scoreline is so unjust.

I hate the “next superstar” shit about Mbappé.

Does Fox think we are all idiots? The guy was the second most expensive transfer ever behind Neymar just last summer. It’s like he’s come from anonymity.

It’s depressing to think that Fox will be covering the next 2 of these. They just kind of suck.

Happy with how we played despite the loss. Don’t think the score line was fair. Bring on the Euros!

 

[NickA]

Croatia unlucky and France lucky.

Mbappé wasn't even the best player on the pitch...stop with the 2nd coming bullshit.

 

[21Architect]

The better side won today even if Croatia was a little unlucky.

I’m pretty sure Fox is only contracted to do one more WC (2022).

 

[ferrarinycfc]

Well done to both teams for putting on such an entertaining final. Some quality goals in that game.

France are worthy champions. They started off slow in this tournament but turned it on when needed as the tournament progressed.

I do feel they deserved it more than Croatia, as they had the much harder run to the final.

Croatia will be disappointed, but they had a fantastic tournament. Fatigue might have played its part in the end, but their fans should be proud.

 

[ferrarinycfc]

The better side won today even if Croatia was a little unlucky.

I’m pretty sure Fox is only contracted to do one more WC (2022).

They have 2026 as well.