The Syndicate

The Internet now:

dunya wrote: ↑Wed Jun 13, 2018 7:58 pm I don't know if Jay was joking or serious, actually. If he was joking, it's still funny. If he was serious, it's hilarious and I love it.

Both. I know it doesn't mean much of anything, but still -- the greater the population, the greater the talent pool from which to draw players. The culture has to give a crap about the sport though.

i.e. most of the talented American athletes are playing other sports.

Golden wrote: ↑Wed Jun 13, 2018 7:37 pm Why is everyone going for Russia? Just home advantage, or history? Seems to me they are in turmoil, they don't seem like a great chance to win or qualify. I guess they do have a weaker pool though.

Homefield and 4x the population of Saudi Arabia (and presumably a stronger cultural pull for the sport).

Rock-solid reasoning.