20 Comments

What is *really* going on between Qatar and the American Outlaws?

Expand full comment

I never played soccer at anything approaching “competitive”. But I played enough basketball to know anticipation of what others are *about* to do is *vital* for team success.

Much as I’ve disparaged Tim Ream over the past few years, he is the CAPTAIN of the team in 7th place in the most competitive league in the world. And the relationship he’s formed with Jedi Robinson might really help the US in a couple weeks. Any chance we’ll see that partnership on the left side?

Expand full comment

Is this the best MLS final off all time? These two clubs have seemed to be on a collision course all year long and both play high energy football. I’m sure looking forward to seeing an entertaining final.

Expand full comment

There’s been quite a few “small” injuries for USMNT players recently… Do you believe that’s a method for them to avoid playing games to make sure they’re healthy for the World Cup?

Expand full comment

With the recent news about Qatar sponsoring fan groups, do you think social media is going to be a disaster for this World Cup with paid fans reporting on fans who aren't happy and likely inauthentic behavior (bots swarming journalists to shut down criticism of Qatar during the games)?

Expand full comment

Are you surprised that Gerard Piqué is retiring so abruptly? What so you think his legacy will be, and how does he stack up among some of the best CBs of all time?

Expand full comment

Hi Grant,

There has been concern voiced about USMNT MLS players not having a competitive match for over a month before the WC. Gareth Bale hasn’t gotten on the field for LAFC since October 2nd. How big of deal is it for Wales that Bale has played sparingly? Is it realistic he could be in the starting XI against us?

Expand full comment
founding

Is there a chance they might not let you in due to your investigative journalism? I sure hope you have no issues but you never know with a regime like theirs. Weirdest WC ever.

Expand full comment

I know Fox is *broadcasting* all games in 4K/UHD, but will Xfinity and other large non-streaming cable/Sat providersactually be *showing* them in 4K or do I need to get FuboTV or YouTubeTV to actually watch in 4K? And why does no one seem to be talking/writing about this? It seems like Xfinity would be bragging about having every game in 4K if they were planning to do so. Currently they only show 1-3 sporting events a week in 4K. Thanks!

Expand full comment

Rumors continue around the idea of Messi to Inter Miami when his contract is up at PSG. What do you think the reputation of MLS is worldwide among agents and GMs (or whatever they are called internationally)? Is MLS viewed as more of a place to acquire players or deposit players?

Expand full comment
founding
Nov 3, 2022·edited Nov 4, 2022

Two World Cup Questions:

I am really concerned honestly about the CB situation for the USMNT. Which CB’s do you think will make the roster?

Also, given everything bad that has been going on as it relates to this World Cup off the field, do you know of any steps that FIFA has taken in recent years to improve?

Expand full comment

Pretty wild that there is going to be a rematch of the World Cup Final, USA-Serbia, during January camp, huh?

Okay, now a serious question. What is the key piece to a club trying to replicate the Philadelphia Union model? I’m happy that us suffering FC Cincinnati fans got a piece of that puzzle in Pat Noonan, but I don’t know if he is THE piece, especially for if/when Brenner and Vazquez are sold.

Expand full comment
Nov 3, 2022·edited Nov 3, 2022

The CBS Champions League coverage from Brooklyn was really fun; one of the best things they did was use the studio team to do tactical breakdowns on the pitch. What do you think the future is for more in-depth analysis presented in a really accessible way for the American audience? Not that every setup will involve Thierry Henry and Peter Schmeichel talking out 1v1s, but it was really useful.

Expand full comment

Regarding NWSL championship: Is it unfair for fans to expect that a league championship match will have VAR (in prime time, on major network, in an MLS stadium that does have VAR)? Is it that NWSL referees are not trained in it?

Expand full comment

What's your pick for a "big" team to flop in Qatar and not even get out of the group stage, a la Germany in '18 or England in '14? France is always a risk to implode and the winners of the last WC often fail badly in the next one but, jeez, do they have talent...

Expand full comment

With the wonderful five part podcast series from The Athletic titled “From Couva To Qatar” that takes a deep dive into the last five years of the USMNT program rebuilding from the ashes of 2017 (and I highly recommend), would you consider doing something similar Grant, along with Witty, and maybe Landon?

Expand full comment

With under a week before the USMNT World Cup roster is announced, do you think Coach Berhalter has completed his group of 26 players? Or is there still room for players on the "bubble" to increase their stock with good play this weekend?

Expand full comment

Which do you think is more likely: England does not advance from Group B at the World Cup, or Iran does advance from the group?

Expand full comment

Do you think the employment reforms in Qatar will stick after the World Cup ends?

Expand full comment

Just came back from a trip to Europe and stayed in Paris for a few days. How is it possible that there is only one major team? That city should have at least 4 different Ligue 1 teams…

Expand full comment