JERSEY GIVEAWAY!!!

We promised, and now we are delivering. The first person to get 10 referrals (and no, you cannot create 10 different emails - it needs to be 10 different people), will get an official 2021-2022 jersey of their choice.

Get sharing!

Let's get straight into it.

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

🇪🇬 No revenge for Mo Salah against his Senegalese opposition. For the second time in less than two months, Senegal has put Egypt down on penalties––one of which (as you can see) Salah missed. First, the AFCON finals, now the deciding game in a World Cup qualifier. Lots of chatter about laserpointers, which you can see are all over Salah as he takes this penalty... Did it affect the spot takers? Hard to say. If I was up there and it was getting in my way, I would've stopped and refused to kick. Something should be done about it for the future nonetheless.

🇺🇸 The USMNT are back into the World Cup for the first time in 8 years!!! It took some hard graft, but Berhalter's boys are through to Qatar after all. Am I full of praise for this accomplishment? Frankly, no not really. Though I am excited for a return to the big stage after so long, I'm skeptical how a team with so much talent could squeak through one of the world's easiest qualification routes on goal difference alone. Captain America, Christian Pulisic, scored a hattrick en route to downing Panama 5-1 and seeing the US make it through. A lot to look forward to with this young, talented squad; let's see how we do come winter. 

🌍 WC Results Around the World:

In South America, Peru pipped Colombia and Chile to the final spot which puts them in an intercontinental playoff against the winner of the Asian playoff. Costa Rica will play New Zealand similarly in a winner take all playoff. 

In Africa, Cameroon beat one of the African favourites Algeria to make it to the WC, while Ghana beat Nigeria in a big clash as well. Morocco and Tunisia partner Senegal in rounding out the last five in.

The European playoffs also took place in the last week, with Poland taking care of Sweden comfortably at home, whilst Portugal beat tournament darlings North Macedonia. The final playoff sees Wales play either Scotland or Ukraine, whenever the latter two are able to play out their semifinal. Some of you may know Daniel is from Sweden, but he's also from 4 other countries so one going out won't hurt too much. 

Quiz Of The Week

The quiz of the week is....BACK! You asked, and we heard you. We're starting you off with an easy one:

Name the only country that has qualified for every single World Cup? 

Scroll to the bottom for the answer...

Fight For Second Place

FC Barcelona vs Sevilla –– Sunday March 3PM ET

Barcelona, amazingly, can leapfrog Sevilla with a win and go into second place. Normally, seeing Barcelona and Real Madrid 1-2 in La Liga would be nothing out of the ordinary, but considering how bleak things were earlier in the year, Xavi has done remarkably to get his team here. They have not lost since the 20th of January in a Copa del Rey match. On the flip side... Sevilla haven't won a league game since February 27th––2022 has not been kind to the Basins. 

With the Europa League coming down the pike as well, it will be interesting to see how Xavi rotates his squad with big matches coming left and right. Shout out to the women's team as well––breaking the all time attendance record with over 91,000 fans in a 5-2 romp of Real Madrid(just like the men). 

Is Juve In The Title Race?

Maybe you listened to a smart, speculative better who told you weeks ago to put a few sheckles down on Juventus to win Serie A. It's still far from crystalising––Juve are 7 points behind Milan––but there's still a puncher's chance here. The Old Lady are in exceptional form and have the chance to effectively end any chances of an Inter repeat title this season.

Other than an embarrassing loss to Villareal in the Champions League, Juventus haven't lost since the Supercoppa final January 12th against... Inter Milan. Inter have been fairly good themselves, but ultimately losses against Milan and Sassuolo and draws against Napoli and Atalanta are what have brought them out (for now) of a very tight title race in Italy. A big game for both sides. 

Dan & Billy's Betting Picks

Dan's Picks: I'm excited to make money this weekend. Getting you started with a fun Prem parlay - Liverpool, Man City, and Spurs all to win at +100. I also think there's great value at Southampton to beat Leeds at +180. And lastly I love the over 3.5 goals in the Dortmund vs Leipzig game at +134 - great value as well. 

Billy's Picks: 1/2 in an international break is something I can live with. My lock of the week is a little minus money but it'll be worth it when it cashes: Brighton (-200) to beat Norwich. Both of these teams are struggling massively, but expect Brighton to get the job done at home. Ok here's a funny one.. Kilmarnock (+103) to beat Greenock Morton in the Scottish Championship (a guy told me). I also like Benfica (+123) over Sporting Braga in the Portuguese top flight. Weird picks this week but stick with me. 

Goal Of The Week 

Mbappe put on a show against South Africa and scored this absolute stunner! Like all PSG players he's certainly enjoying his International football more than club football...

Red Card Of The Week 

Nothing friendly in this tackle on Lucas Digne this week... Also, since when do they have VAR on friendly games?! 

Quiz Answer: 🇧🇷 5-time WC winners Brazil!

Have a great weekend and continue to spread the Straight Red love if you want a chance to win a jersey of your choice!