World Cup Qualifying - 2018 Russia

[Joseph Bianco]

He doesn't. He's an Italy fan.

Im 2 nationalities so im a fan of both teams. It’s really not that hard to understand. I was at the USA game and im an American outlaw so im not sure where you’re going with this

ETA: it’s funny how on the USMNT thread you guys are praising the fans who support USA and Costa Rica. But when I support Italy and USA you guys seem to have an issue with it.

 

[Davo15]

I think a very large percentage of Americans have at least a second national team they follow. A lot of us tend to have at least some interest in where our roots are from. I see no problem with it as long as USA comes first if you've lived here for any significant amount of time. I have some French blood and I've spent a fair amount of time in Marseille I will always root for France as long as their not playing the US. What I do have a problem with is people who were born here, have lived all their lives here who don't follow or support The USA at all but are hardcore into where their parents or grandparents are from. Lots of the Italian kids I grew up with are like that unfortunately extending to having no interest at all in and at times out right contempt for MLS and only following Serie A.

 

[SoupInNYC]

I can understand that given how Brazil struggled in the last World Cup, Copa America and Copa American Centenario. But they were the first team to earn qualification. (I'm not counting Russia since they automatically qualified as host nation.)

Oh no, to clarify, it was me fucking up my math and logic. Had absolutely nothing to do with my thoughts on the team itself. I was just a moron.

 

[SoupInNYC]

In today's games, Spain beat Italy and Finland upset Iceland. Ultimately, no teams advanced, and only one team was eliminated (Moldova) after Georgia fought for a draw against Ireland (almost deserved a win).

Tomorrow's games, the only team that can qualify is Belgium, with a win over Greece.

Teams that can be eliminated include: Luxembourg, Belarus, Hungary, Estonia.

Switzerland and Portugal can turn Group B into a two team race after tomorrow.

 

[LionNYC]

I think a very large percentage of Americans have at least a second national team they follow. A lot of us tend to have at least some interest in where our roots are from. I see no problem with it as long as USA comes first if you've lived here for any significant amount of time. I have some French blood and I've spent a fair amount of time in Marseille I will always root for France as long as their not playing the US. What I do have a problem with is people who were born here, have lived all their lives here who don't follow or support The USA at all but are hardcore into where their parents or grandparents are from. Lots of the Italian kids I grew up with are like that unfortunately extending to having no interest at all in and at times out right contempt for MLS and only following Serie A.

Even the descendants of the Mayflower follow England.

 

[Christopher Jee]

I think a very large percentage of Americans have at least a second national team they follow. A lot of us tend to have at least some interest in where our roots are from. I see no problem with it as long as USA comes first if you've lived here for any significant amount of time. I have some French blood and I've spent a fair amount of time in Marseille I will always root for France as long as their not playing the US. What I do have a problem with is people who were born here, have lived all their lives here who don't follow or support The USA at all but are hardcore into where their parents or grandparents are from. Lots of the Italian kids I grew up with are like that unfortunately extending to having no interest at all in and at times out right contempt for MLS and only following Serie A.

I was born in Australia and can't bring myself to support them. And I am a Leeds fan going back to Kewell and Viduka. Thing is, if you grow up as a weird looking immigrant in a homogenous environment, you are constantly being told that you don't belong there. So why would I support a team that represents a nation populated by people who don't think I have a right to support that nation?

There's a solid chance that the US will playoff against Australia for a ticket to Russia and I will probably support the US because I find NYC much more accepting than where I grew up.

 

[413Blue]

This is pretty ridiculous.

 

[Angela Miller]

Lots of the Italian kids I grew up with are like that unfortunately extending to having no interest at all in and at times out right contempt for MLS and only following Serie A.

This is exactly the reason I had such a hard time coming to the MLS ! But I was given no choice in the matter .

 

[Angela Miller]

I was born in Australia

REALLY ?? No Offence Mate but I thought you were ASIAN ??? I was duped just like that episode of Seinfeld !

 

[adam]

I think a very large percentage of Americans have at least a second national team they follow. A lot of us tend to have at least some interest in where our roots are from. I see no problem with it as long as USA comes first if you've lived here for any significant amount of time. I have some French blood and I've spent a fair amount of time in Marseille I will always root for France as long as their not playing the US. What I do have a problem with is people who were born here, have lived all their lives here who don't follow or support The USA at all but are hardcore into where their parents or grandparents are from. Lots of the Italian kids I grew up with are like that unfortunately extending to having no interest at all in and at times out right contempt for MLS and only following Serie A.

Hmm. I support the USA and Israel. But if they play each other, I probably root for Israel because of the underdog status (they lost to macedonia yesterday!). Though in my mind I'm not a permenant US citizen. I plan to eventually make Aaliyah and move to Israel permenantly. So, maybe that also has something to do with it.

I'm curious who these Italian supporters (and my grandfather spent significant time in Bari) rooted for in the 2006 World Cup? And if any of them plan to eventually leave the US and live in Italy. I have my suspicions on both accounts.

 

[Taurus]

France that good? Holland that bad? Or a bit of both?

A bit of both plus Netherlands went down to 10 men after conceding a goal. However I'd say France is really that good. They are my pick to win WC 2018. It reminds me of 98 even though they were home but the general public didn't pay attention to the actual talent on the squad. France is entering their second golden age in the modern footballing era.

 

[mgarbowski]

Hmm. I support the USA and Israel. But if they play each other, I probably root for Israel because of the underdog status (they lost to macedonia yesterday!). Though in my mind I'm not a permenant US citizen. I plan to eventually make Aaliyah and move to Israel permenantly. So, maybe that also has something to do with it.

I'm curious who these Italian supporters (and my grandfather spent significant time in Bari) rooted for in the 2006 World Cup? And if any of them plan to eventually leave the US and live in Italy. I have my suspicions on both accounts.

You can't make Aaliyah 'cause she's dead. You can make Aliyah if you're moving to Israel.

 

[Kenny]

Hmm. I support the USA and Israel. But if they play each other, I probably root for Israel because of the underdog status (they lost to macedonia yesterday!). Though in my mind I'm not a permenant US citizen. I plan to eventually make Aaliyah and move to Israel permenantly. So, maybe that also has something to do with it.

I'm curious who these Italian supporters (and my grandfather spent significant time in Bari) rooted for in the 2006 World Cup? And if any of them plan to eventually leave the US and live in Italy. I have my suspicions on both accounts.

You and me are the same person. NYCFC, Spurs, the Jets (oy vey) and Israel.

It's a hard knock life.

 

[adam]

You can't make Aaliyah 'cause she's dead. You can make Aliyah if you're moving to Israel.

Lol. 1. Screw autocorrect on this phone. 2. It's really both a phoenetic interpretation of the same original Hebrew אליה, which means to bring/rise up. In fact, when one is called to the Torah it's the same word and we kill the pronunciation by saying UH-liya.

 

[Ulrich]

Screw autocorrect on this phone .

Autocorrect or 3 bloody Mary's?

 

[Angela Miller]

Why were mine and other comments removed from this thread ?? Big Brother shit !!

 

[adam]

Autocorrect or 3 bloody Mary's?

Football Sundays start next week

 

[Ulrich]

Football Sundays start next week

Why do you need an excuse?

 

[Fake Jew]

I loosely follow Israel but I plan on moving to there one day. The people who follow Italy and Ireland because of there grandparents, not so much.

 

[SoupInNYC]

Also, my predictions for remaining qualifiers:

CONMEBOL: Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, Argentina, Ecuador (via playoff win over New Zealand)
CONCACAF: Mexico, Costa Rica, USA, Panama (via playoff win over Saudi Arabia)
UEFA Group Winners: France, Switzerland, Germany, Serbia, Poland, England, Spain, Belgium, Croatia
UEFA Group Runners Up (paired against each other in home-away playoffs to be drawn): Sweden, Portugal, Northern Ireland, Wales, Slovakia, Italy, Greece, Iceland
AFC: Iran, South Korea, Japan, Australia
CAF: Tunisia, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Egypt

Not that anyone probably cares, but after each confederation has completed its latest round of games, my updated predictions are now reflected in the quote, which changes noted below:

• Argentina taking a CONMEBOL qualifier
• Ecuador taking the 5th spot in CONMEBOL and winning the playoff (Chile eliminated - I really don't feel strong on this however)
• Serbia now winning their group instead of Ireland, Croatia winning their group instead of Iceland
• Wales taking second in their group instead of Serbia (Ireland eliminated), Iceland taking second in their group. Not reflected above, I have Denmark now taking second in their group instead of Montenegro, but they would be the weakest 2nd place team and eliminated.
• Tunisia now winning their group instead of DR Congo

The CONMEBOL qualifying is going to be nuts to watch. With three games remaining, Colombia is in 2nd with 25 and Ecuador is in 8th with 20. Chile is in serious danger of missing out, and I don't think any teams will be clear of the playoff until the last game is played.

I know the US had an awful result against Costa Rica, but I still see this team taking 3rd in CONCACAF.

In UEFA, the race between Switzerland and Portugal for the auto qualifier will be fun to watch. It may come down to the last match and if current points hold true, Portugal would need to win at Switzerland for it to draw even, but they hold a massive GD advantage. The races for the top 3 spots in Group D and Group I are super tight and will be fun to watch.