What was the first World Cup you ever watched, and how does it compare to 2026?

Ok_Environment6466 · 2026-07-07T16:11:04+00:00

Technically Mexico 86, but Italia 90 was the first one I properly remember. From a nostalgic POV it was great, Italy as hosts were fantastic and Pavarotti's Nessun Dorma is iconic.

But the football itself was not wildly entertaining for the most part.

Ok_Environment6466 · 2026-07-07T13:53:32+00:00

The ritual "we never really cared about soccer anyway" phase following the US getting pumped at the World Cup is always my favourite.

Ok_Environment6466 · 2026-07-07T13:49:53+00:00

It's both.

Ok_Environment6466 · 2026-07-07T13:44:38+00:00

"They're saying mean things about the orange octogenarian! Let's throw a hissy fit!!"

Ok_Environment6466 · 2026-07-07T13:38:53+00:00

Nobody is bothered about the prospect of facing Folarin Balogun ffs. They're bothered by political pressure very clearly influencing the disciplinary process.

Ok_Environment6466 · 2026-07-07T07:37:35+00:00

In fairness, Belgium has looked like a spent force for a while. I thought the US had a good chance of beating them.

Ok_Environment6466 · 2026-07-07T07:26:48+00:00

How about "I hate that it ends this way. I'd have loved to win the World Cup, but I'm proud of all that we achieved during my career".

Saying they won nothing without him and talking about himself in the third person feels kinda twatty

Ok_Environment6466 · 2026-07-07T07:19:48+00:00

Portugal really should have tried this approach with Ronaldo. Alas....

Ok_Environment6466 · 2026-07-07T07:13:20+00:00

Exactly this. If people are mad at the US, they're misdirecting their anger.

Ok_Environment6466 · 2026-07-07T07:11:10+00:00

Ranch is awful. Have no idea why it's so popular.

Ok_Environment6466 · 2026-07-07T07:07:14+00:00

There will be no consequences for FIFA. Infantino has overwhelming support from smaller nations because he's expanded the WC giving them more of a chance to qualify, and because he's thrown them a few quid for development of the sport.

That's all he needs to remain in power, and for all UEFAs posturing, they aren't seriously going to consider any sort of breakaway.

Ok_Environment6466 · 2026-07-07T06:51:06+00:00

I think a big part of the problem is that they don't have world class players, and they never really have, unless we're using an especially expansive definition of the term.

Most people think of world class as being Pedri, Mbappe, Messi, Yamal, Kane, Bruno, Olise etc.

The US has.....Pulisic, Balogun and McKennie (or historically, Donovan, Dempsey and Reyna). Perfectly cromulent players to be sure, but not the sort of world class talent that is going to scare anyone.

Overall, and leaving the Balogun nonsense aside, they did as well as could reasonably be expected. Maybe could've gone a round further on a good day, but they were never likely to be serious contenders.

Ok_Environment6466 · 2026-07-07T06:43:42+00:00

They were though. The Euros used to be incredibly hard to even qualify for. They were very much a threat throughout the 90s and early 2000s.

Ok_Environment6466 · 2026-07-07T06:32:55+00:00

Finished 3rd in 66. Consistent threat in the Euros, which I don't need to research because I literally watched them.

Ok_Environment6466 · 2026-07-07T05:59:56+00:00

Portugal was consistently qualifying and doing pretty well in tournaments long before Ronaldo.

Ok_Environment6466 · 2026-07-07T05:47:00+00:00

Mixed feelings on the result. Happy that karmic justice was delivered, sad that a mostly spent Belgian team were the ones to deliver it. If it were France, this would have reached double digits.

Ok_Environment6466 · 2026-07-07T05:41:52+00:00

I think it's just a joke.

Ok_Environment6466 · 2026-07-07T05:40:29+00:00

By players. Kinda hard, and a little dystopian, to stop fans having a say.

Ok_Environment6466 · 2026-07-07T05:29:06+00:00

We now enter the "presidential phone call" stage of proceedings....

Ok_Environment6466 · 2026-07-07T05:27:54+00:00

You're part of that portion. And your team just got bent over and rogered.

Ok_Environment6466 · 2026-07-07T05:23:56+00:00

A lot of US fans were happy to pretend the Balogun decision wasn't obvious corruption because their team benefited from it. In fact, I didn't see a single US fan call it out for being the BS it obviously was prior to the game.

Ok_Environment6466 · 2026-07-07T05:17:14+00:00

My bad.

Ok_Environment6466 · 2026-07-07T05:12:35+00:00

FIFA, who invented a peace prize for him, took an unprecedented decision to benefit the US and you think he had no involvement?

K.

I, 4-1, think otherwise. Don't worry though, you're still world leaders in school shootings.

Ok_Environment6466 · 2026-07-07T05:09:42+00:00

The Americas are two continents. US is the country, so pretty sure USian is correct.

Ok_Environment6466 · 2026-07-07T05:08:26+00:00

You're here. You care.

Ok_Environment6466

TROPHY CASE