dcro

Referee can make an error in the moment like any human. But people in the VAR room have like 6 cameras on offer to make a rational decision. And if it doesn't happen, it turns into a clear result manipulation.

Free points on offer tomorrow again. But only took the offer. As suspected, 30 km was too long for Hadžić's comfort zone. Even if it got shortened to 20 km, apparently.

Sikazwe take a bow, we have new sheriff in town. Italian officiating for Argentina, Qatari now in a historic first ever medal match for Arabia. I just wonder, will we ever get a Pole or Bulgarian officiating our key match? At any rate, what a wonderful bronze to crown this golden generation. This one will be cherished. Also - third medal for us. Wow.

Tena Hadžić earns the expected 36th place. I am 99.9% sure these must be the first ever XC skiing WC points for us. One time we came really close, but all things considered, this 34th place was rather an embarrassment. It was a missed opportunity which perhaps still haunts him. https://www.fis-ski.com/DB/general/results.html?sectorcode=CC&raceid=12715

Wow, pretty incredible 4th place in the Final B (11th overall) for Valentina Aščić in the 1500 m race.

Merel Conijn has a very pleasing technique to watch. I love it.

Park City is hosting this week. I will definitely tune in as it is a nice track not seen very often. But what a dreadful season this appears to be. Men's singles field must be at the record low. There are like 10 more spare places left unclaimed in the Nations Cup. And don't get me started on the women's doubles. Grand total of 8 crews, 5 of whom contain athletes from singles. Totally not worthy of the Olympic inclusion. Britcher/Sweeney qualified for the WC in Park City by virtue of getting DQ'd in the NC race. They didn't even include women's doubles in the relay last week. I guess there would be no point in having like 2 teams.

Only 39 starters in the women's sprint tomorrow. Guaranteed WC points for us, like everyone else. https://medias4.fis-ski.com/pdf/2023/CC/2234/2023CC2234QUA.pdf

You mean like the Canadian coach giving support, but also conveniently throwing insults in front of camera and microphones? Yeah that one ended differently...

I have never before seen *anything* like this. Well not in football. This is right on par with Bouchard refusing to shake hand of her opponent. So try again...

And finally the eventing calendar. https://inside.fei.org/system/files/OG Qualifying Events Eventing Calendar 2023_V1.pdf A lot of events in South America this time (but curiously no Brazil) and a lot in South Africa too... Hopes are high. Watch out for Bulgaria snatching the quota in Romanian events. They have a promising rider coming through ranks.

Jumping calendar is now out too. https://inside.fei.org/system/files/OG Qualifying Competitions Jumping Calendar 2023_V1.pdf

Ranking events for dressage have been revealed. https://inside.fei.org/system/files/OG Qualifying Events Dressage Calendar 2023 V1_0.pdf It's mostly the same events which are happening annually. Looks like Brazil learned their lesson. They have several home events listed so keeping the team quota should not b a problem this time. Curiously, Mexico is set to host several events and there is even one in Uzbekistan.

But then again, the fact that the incident was not even reviewed says it all...

Clearly a new Eric Heiden. Well, at any rate, it would be fun if he was to reach anything remotely close to that success.

Interesting statement given that we have been the only team thus was unbeaten by Morocco. But thanks for the anti-support. It has been our good luck charm all along.

Orsato officiating a match of Argentina... Yeah, we stood no chance. Argentina did deserve to win based on chances alone, but by the same token, this match was largely decided by the most outrageous penalty kick and the careless goal that followed in our typical fashion. Livaković was *defending*, and the collision was caused by his leg which was planted in place like 2 meters ahead of any contact. Conveniently, but unsurprisingly inconsistent in the age of VAR, this was never questioned.

Can't wait for the "Swimming at the World Aquatics World Aquatics Championships" thread.

Not sure would qualify even with 20 places. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algeria_national_football_team

Interesting to see Jordan Stolz entered in the 5000 m... In the B division of course.

Huh, so I guess Belgians were underrated for once... even by themselves considering all the arguing.

And to think some laughed when they "dared" to bid against the mighty CAN/MEX/USA...

Well, yeah, and that one is largely thanks to the motivation from the Canadian coach.

Funnily enough, it's rather an archaic name.