Tag: 2022 World Cup

Japan’s goal that ultimately eliminated Germany counted thanks to the cruelest geometric twist

Yes, this ball is in-bounds!

Japan shocked Spain — and Germany — with a 2-1 victory on Thursday to win Group E at the 2022 World Cup.

Yes, Germany is out early in the World Cup once more despite winning their match against Costa Rica 4-2. The Germans needed to win and Japan needed to lose in order for the team to advance to the knockout round. Unfortunately for Germany, Japan came to play on Thursday and bested Spain, who also made it into the knockout round as the runner up of Group E.

The goal that ultimately sent Japan to the knockout round was not without controversy, however. In the 51st minute, Ao Tanaka knocked in a pass from Kaoru Mitoma for the 2-1 score. The goal was looked at by VAR and was given a pass, but on first glance it really looks like Mitoma’s pass to Tanaka goes out of bounds before the score.

If so, then what gives? Clearly the ball was out of bounds, right? Not according to geometry, actually!

Let me explain.

Thanks to a geometric phenomenon called the parallax view, the broadcast camera angle is tricking you into believing the ball was out of bounds. Checking the overhead view, however, reveals that it was close, but the ball was actually in bounds!

Basically, viewing a ball crossing a line — or a puck crossing the red line in hockey, where this often comes up — from a side angle like that can be deceiving. Looking at an overhead view, however, gives an unbiased perspective at what’s really going on here.

Who knew geometry had such an important role in how we view sports?

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Polish goalie Wojciech Szczęsny made the most casual gesture before saving a key Lionel Messi PK

Imagine being THIS cool before you have to stop Messi.

Heading into the final day of their group stage, Poland and Robert Lewandowski were simply hoping to preserve their place in the knockout stages. But after Argentina and Lionel Messi decided to absolutely shell the Poles, Lewandowski and Co.’s chances of living to fight another day seemed bleak. Argentina leveled Poland with 23 shots (13 on goal!) throughout their matchup while enjoying 74 percent (!) possession.

Naturally, with such output, two goals in a 2-0 Argentinian victory were inevitable. Even still, the margin kept Poland’s place in the Round of 16 — albeit on a very slim basis.

With what happened between Mexico and Saudi Arabia on the other side of Group C — especially concerning goal differential — if Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny doesn’t make an incredible save on a late first-half Messi penalty kick, the “biało-czerwoni” probably wouldn’t have advanced. 

It was indeed a heroic play in a heroic individual performance:

Holy cow. You rarely see the arguably best player of all time stopped in such a spot. But Szczęsny — who stood on his head in an immaculate nine-save first half — didn’t seem worried about keeping Messi from scoring. In fact, he appeared to know he’d keep the legendary No. 10 off the board — judging by a casual gesture right before the kick:

Incredible. It should be impossible to be that cool in that clutch of a moment.

Szczęsny now leads all goalies at the 2022 World Cup with 18 saves. His two penalty kick saves (he made another against Saudi Arabia) are the most in any World Cup since the United States’ Brad Friedel did it in 2002. As Poland moves on to the Round of 16, they can thank their man between the posts, who is having himself quite the tournament so far.

They’ll face impossible odds to upset defending champion France, but anything can happen when you have a locked-in goalie like Szczęsny.

Bet on fireworks from Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski in their potentially last World Cup

Expect an incredible show from two all-timers in a delicious Wednesday World Cup main course.

As various nations (like the US Men’s National Team!) gear up for the knockout stages of the 2022 World Cup, an underlying and perhaps bittersweet storyline may overshadow Wednesday’s titanic Group C matchup between Argentina and Poland.

With both squads seeking a firm place in the Round of 16, the Argentinians and Poles will lean on Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski — the two best players to ever feature for their respective teams — to become the hero. Unfortunately, in the event that the other side of the group — Mexico and Saudi Arabia — breaks the right (or wrong?) way, Wednesday could be the last time we see one of the two soccer icons suit up for their home country.

In recent months, speculation has mounted that Messi and Lewandowski may call it quits from international competition following this World Cup. That lays some delicious drama onto this showcase of the two current Group C leaders.

With what’s on the line, we very well could see the finest possible versions of Messi and Lewandowski as they try to lift their countries over the top. That means you should expect goals galore from Messi — who has scored 93 goals for Argentina in his career (the third-most international tallies ever). And Lewandowski, who tied Pelé for 10th most all-time at 77 when he notched his first-ever emotional World Cup goal against Saudi Arabia.

Of course, while he’ll never admit to it, Lewandowski could be seeking a measure of “revenge” on a personal level over Messi. The Argentinian midfielder beat out Lewandowski for the 2021 Ballon d’Or (awarded annually to the best soccer player in the world). Given that Messi only enjoyed a usual stellar season by his standards, while Lewandowski scored a record 41 goals en route to leading Bayern Munich to a win in the Champions League Final — some thought Messi’s honor was controversial.

Lewandowski quelled those concerns earlier this month. Knowing that Poland would eventually square off with Argentina, Lewandowski told World Cup journalists he’s not bitter with Messi and that he’s never “had anything ‘bad’ with him.” The prolific striker’s words are one thing. How he’ll actually respond on the field with Messi standing in the way of his first-ever appearance in a World Cup knockout stage is a different matter entirely.

Look for Messi to bring his trademark kitchen sink array of tools all over the field. And expect Lewandowski to aggressively take matters into his hands in response. (Oh, and did I mention neither has ever won a World Cup? That’s … probably a big deal here.)

As the group stages of this tournament finally wind down, Wednesday’s clash between two of the greatest to ever kick a round ball should be a wonderful treat. A draw might take Messi and Lewandowski into the Round of 16 in their potential international swan songs anyway. But that kind of result will also assuredly not come without a tense battle between a special No. 10 and a special No. 9.

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How to bet USA’s World Cup elimination game against Iran

The winner moves on. Will it be the U.S. or Iran?

Tuesday’s World Cup meeting between the USA and Iran is a high stakes game for both teams, as only the winner can advance from group-stage play to the knockout round.

Odds have favored the U.S. to come out on top from the beginning, and they’re even shorter now at -107. But Iran already has one upset under its belt, defeating Wales in its last match to create the win-or-go-home stakes of this game.

Though Iran has outscored USA 4-1 this tournament, three of those goals came in stoppage time, including two in their stunning win over Wales. The other two goals were footnotes in a 6-2 blowout at the hands of England.

Those six goals allowed came on seven shots on goal, a remarkably high percentage. The U.S., though, held England scoreless with just three shots on goal and nearly did the same to Wales before a late penalty on Gareth Bale. That defense is why I’m picking the Americans to prevail.

The offense is due for better luck after blowing some good opportunities against England. But I’m expecting Iran to have a harder time finding the back of the net.

Prince’s Pick: USA wins 2-0

 

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Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘haircut goal’ forced sportsbooks to correct their payouts and bettors were furious

“The hair of God” no-goal.

In his prolific, all-time career, Portugal talisman striker Cristiano Ronaldo has usually made it a point to eventually score for his home nation. In 193 international appearances for Portugal, Ronaldo has netted 118 goals — the most of any Men’s player ever. He’s usually as sure of a bet to not only find a way to get a goal but also pepper a goalie with several shots.

That was not the case during Portugal’s 2-0 win over Uruguay in Group H on Monday.

Not only did Ronaldo not get a shot on target during the matchup, he also just barely missed a golden opportunity to score (which would’ve poached a goal from his own teammate Bruno Fernandes).

Look closely, and yes, Ronaldo indeed did not make any contact with the ball. After being initially credited with the score, it was appropriately awarded to Fernandes.

Of course, Ronaldo’s miss/subsequent rescore didn’t end up hurting Portugal, given the eventual win. Plus, he still has the all-time international scoring mark.

It was, however, a disastrous result for bettors. Some sportsbooks naturally had to correct payouts after it was revealed Ronaldo didn’t actually score.

Others were a little more forgiving of the unfortunate circumstance:

In all fairness, could you blame anyone for expecting a guy who essentially scores at least one goal every two international games to score a goal in an international game? If not for a slight miss on precision, Ronaldo would’ve had another one here, and sportsbooks wouldn’t be issuing corrections on payouts to bettors.

Early odds that USA gets necessary win over Iran to avoid World Cup elimination

The U.S. needs to beat Iran on Tuesday to advance.

The mission is simple for the U.S. in its next and final match of the 2022 World Cup group stage on Tuesday, beat Iran and you move on to the knockout round.

Thanks to Iran’s stunning win over Wales on Friday morning, the USMNT’s match against England later in the day was mostly meaningless in terms of how it impacted group standings — especially after it ended in a tie.

So, as they still trail Iran by a point in the group standings, the U.S. needs a win to avoid elimination. Early odds at BetMGM favor the Americans to get it done at +110.

Odds that Iran wins are +270 and odds on a draw or +245. Either result would send the USMNT home earlier than expected.

Even as they trail in the standings, their -135 odds to qualify for the knockout round are still slightly better than Iran’s -110.

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Bettors backing massive underdog USA in World Cup match against England

Where there’s hope, there’s money.

The United States Men’s National Team isn’t expected to beat England in their World Cup meeting Friday. But if it does win, bettors are making sure they’re in position to cash in on the incredibly long odds.

Since opening at +500, USA’s odds to win the match have grown as long as +600 at BetMGM. Yet, 63% of bets on the result and 49% of the money favors the U.S.

American bettors are obviously biased, but the potential payout at those odds certainly help the slant. England’s much shorter odds have only received 20% of bets and 39% of the money. Bets on a tie account for 17%, and 12% of the money.

A spokesperson at BetMGM said USA-England was the most heavily bet match at the World Cup so far, according to ESPN’s David Purdum. The public doesn’t favor the U.S. everywhere, though. At Caesars Sportsbook, 56% of the money was on England.

England has +650 odds to win the entire tournament, tied with Spain and France for second-shortest behind Brazil (+210). Their odds to win Group B are -1000, followed by USA (+1000), Iran (+3200) then Wales (+10000).

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The Arabic call of Saudi Arabia’s stunning game-winning goal against Argentina will give you goosebumps

You have to hear the Arabic call on the game-deciding Saudi Arabia goal.

Saudi Arabia’s shocking win over Argentina on Tuesday has already become part of World Cup history.

The country’s 2-1 decision over the Lionel Messi-led powerhouse is going to become the stuff of legend for Saudi Arabia fans. Some are already regarding it as the biggest upset in World Cup history.

The Arabic call on the game-deciding goal has to be heard if you’ve not seen it yet.

The entire sequence, from the lead up to the goal to the goal being made and the celebration after, will give you goosebumps. It’s why the World Cup continues to be such a singular event, and why this unbelievable underdog story will be one of the defining narratives from this year’s installment.

While Argentina isn’t out of the hunt just yet, Saudi Arabia will have a clearer path to be successful in Group C. Mexico and Poland are also competing in that block of countries.

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Saudi Arabia’s win over Argentina at 18-1 odds was the biggest upset in World Cup history. Here’s proof

The biggest upset EVER.

Saudi Arabia’s win over Argentina early Tuesday morning isn’t just one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history, it might actually be the biggest.

That’s according to several sportsbooks, many of whom had Saudi Arabia’s odds to win the match at 18-1 or longer.

To demonstrate just how big of an upset it was, Argentina entered the World Cup on a 36-match unbeaten streak, one short of tying the longest streak in men’s international soccer history. At BetMGM, they had the second-shortest odds to win the World Cup at +550. Even after the loss, their odds are tied for fourth-shortest at +850.

Saudi Arabia’s odds were at the very bottom of the 32-team field and remain in the bottom five even after the massive upset. Their odds to beat Argentina were 18-1 at BetMGM.

Those odds grew to 125-1 at PointsBet once Lionel Messi’s penalty kick put Argentina ahead 1-0.

A bet for $100 on Saudi Arabia at that point would have won $12,500.

But I’m no soccer historian. If those numbers aren’t enough to convince you this was the biggest upset in World Cup history, others made the argument too.

Who is Mexico’s coach at the World Cup?

El Tata is back in the World Cup.

Following the 2018 World Cup – in which El Tri failed to make the quarterfinals for the seventh straight tournament – the Mexico national team let the contract of Juan Carlos Osorio expire and embarked on a coaching search.

That exploration took Mexico north to the United States. Specifically, it took them to Atlanta, Georgia, where Atlanta United FC was powering its way to the top of Major League Soccer and shattering attendance records in just its second year of existence. The architect of the Five Stripes’ success that season – which ended with Atlanta winning the MLS Cup on its home turf – was Gerardo “Tata” Martino.

And just weeks after Atlanta celebrated that championship, the worst-kept secret in professional soccer became a reality – Martino would be the next manager of the Mexican national team.

This will not be the first time Martino has coached in a World Cup. In 2010, he managed an upstart Paraguay squad to the quarterfinals – the country’s best finish on the sport’s biggest stage. Paraguay hasn’t qualified for a World Cup since Martino left in 2011 to coach the club of his youth, Argentina’s Newell’s Old Boys.

Martino had two excellent seasons with Newell’s as the club overachieved, going 36-17-18 in two seasons, and he parlayed that success into coaching Spanish giant FC Barcelona in 2013. Barcelona was unbeaten in its first 20 matches with Martino at the helm, but the club lost to Ajax in Champions League and failed to win the La Liga crown. After just one season, he resigned.

In 2014, Martino was again tapped to lead a national team, coaching his native Argentina. Twice during his reign, the Argentines were runners-up in the Copa America. Argentina went 19-3-7 during Martino’s tenure, and he resigned in 2016.

With Atlanta United, American soccer fans got an up-close look at Martino’s high-pressing attacking style. In 2018, crafty and speedy midfielder Miguel Almiron and Golden Boot winner Josef Martinez thrived in Martino’s system and powered Atlanta to its first professional sports championship since the 1995 Atlanta Braves. Martino was named MLS Coach of the Year.

Since he took the reins at Mexico, Martino’s team won the Gold Cup in 2019 and were runners-up in the tournament in 2021. But after that 2019 win over the U.S., Martino’s side has lost three straight to the Americans.

A lot of folks seem to believe that El Tri’s fanbase has tuned against Tata. Back in September, he declared himself “public enemy No. 1.”

The nomadic manager has never spent more than four years at any coaching stop. If Mexico has a disappointing and short stay in Qatar, the 60-year-old Martino could be looking for a job again.

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