• WC 2026 Biscotto Watch

    From Futbolmetrix@futbolmetrix@yahoo.com to rec.sport.soccer on Sat Jun 20 08:29:51 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.sport.soccer

    Group A:

    CZE-MEX: Mexico is already guaranteed first place, so they could just
    roll over and let CZE reach 4 points and qualify. But would they do it
    in front of their fans?
    Biscotto likelihood: not really a biscotto, and not very likely.

    RSA-KOR: a draw would send Korea through, and could be enough for RSA
    to clinch third place, but with 2 points and -2 GD, they wouldn't be
    going anywhere.
    Biscotto likelihood: extremely unlikely.


    Group B:
    SWI-CAN
    A draw sends them both to the second round, with Canada in first. But
    both teams are basically through already, so no real incentives for
    any shenannigans
    Biscotto likelihood: extremely unlikely.

    BIH-QAT
    A draw doesn't help either of them. Rather, it's one of those matches
    where you'll see crazy end to end attacks if the score is tied
    approaching the end. 4 points could be enough to see either of the
    teams through as abest third.
    Biscotto likelihood: not gonna happen



    Group C:
    SCO-BRA
    A draw would almost surely send Scotland through, but would not be
    tolerated in Brazil.
    Biscotto likelihood: extremely unlikely

    MOR-HAI
    Haiti is last, Morocco would probably like to secure first place in
    the group.
    Biscotto likelihood. Zero.


    Group D:
    TUR - USA
    USA is first, Turkey is last. Dead rubber match.
    Biscotto likelihood: not relevant

    PAR-AUS
    Finally! A draw is very likely to send both through, even though
    Paraguay may have to sweat a little with their -2 GD. But they will
    already know the outcomes of Groups A-C (and, if I'm reading the
    schedule correctly, also the outcomes of Groups E and F). It's
    possible that at kickoff they will already know that 4 points sends
    them to the R32. Plus, getting to the R32 would probably have been a
    good outcome for both teams ex-ante.
    Biscotto likelihood: very high



    Groups E-L to follow.







    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From doctor@doctor@doctor.nl2k.ab.ca (The Doctor) to rec.sport.soccer on Sat Jun 20 13:27:55 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.sport.soccer

    In article <um0d3l92gsnc1tc8hdh81gv3gm7m626isf@4ax.com>,
    Futbolmetrix <futbolmetrix@yahoo.com> wrote:
    Group A:

    CZE-MEX: Mexico is already guaranteed first place, so they could just
    roll over and let CZE reach 4 points and qualify. But would they do it
    in front of their fans?
    Biscotto likelihood: not really a biscotto, and not very likely.

    RSA-KOR: a draw would send Korea through, and could be enough for RSA
    to clinch third place, but with 2 points and -2 GD, they wouldn't be
    going anywhere.
    Biscotto likelihood: extremely unlikely.


    Group B:
    SWI-CAN
    A draw sends them both to the second round, with Canada in first. But
    both teams are basically through already, so no real incentives for
    any shenannigans
    Biscotto likelihood: extremely unlikely.


    After 11 000 000 Candians watched the game on Saturday,
    CMT will aim for top spot.

    BIH-QAT
    A draw doesn't help either of them. Rather, it's one of those matches
    where you'll see crazy end to end attacks if the score is tied
    approaching the end. 4 points could be enough to see either of the
    teams through as abest third.
    Biscotto likelihood: not gonna happen



    Group C:
    SCO-BRA
    A draw would almost surely send Scotland through, but would not be
    tolerated in Brazil.
    Biscotto likelihood: extremely unlikely

    MOR-HAI
    Haiti is last, Morocco would probably like to secure first place in
    the group.
    Biscotto likelihood. Zero.


    Group D:
    TUR - USA
    USA is first, Turkey is last. Dead rubber match.
    Biscotto likelihood: not relevant

    PAR-AUS
    Finally! A draw is very likely to send both through, even though
    Paraguay may have to sweat a little with their -2 GD. But they will
    already know the outcomes of Groups A-C (and, if I'm reading the
    schedule correctly, also the outcomes of Groups E and F). It's
    possible that at kickoff they will already know that 4 points sends
    them to the R32. Plus, getting to the R32 would probably have been a
    good outcome for both teams ex-ante.
    Biscotto likelihood: very high



    Groups E-L to follow.







    --
    Member - Liberal International This is doctor@nk.ca Ici doctor@nk.ca
    Yahweh, King & country!Never Satan President Republic!Beware AntiChrist rising! Look at Psalms 14 and 53 on Atheism ; 31 years in the ISP business!
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Real Mardin@realmardinrss@proton.me to rec.sport.soccer on Sat Jun 20 16:48:02 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.sport.soccer

    On 20/06/2026 14:27, The Doctor wrote:
    In article <um0d3l92gsnc1tc8hdh81gv3gm7m626isf@4ax.com>,
    Futbolmetrix <futbolmetrix@yahoo.com> wrote:
    Group A:

    CZE-MEX: Mexico is already guaranteed first place, so they could just
    roll over and let CZE reach 4 points and qualify. But would they do it
    in front of their fans?
    Biscotto likelihood: not really a biscotto, and not very likely.

    RSA-KOR: a draw would send Korea through, and could be enough for RSA
    to clinch third place, but with 2 points and -2 GD, they wouldn't be
    going anywhere.
    Biscotto likelihood: extremely unlikely.


    Group B:
    SWI-CAN
    A draw sends them both to the second round, with Canada in first. But
    both teams are basically through already, so no real incentives for
    any shenannigans
    Biscotto likelihood: extremely unlikely.


    After 11 000 000 Candians watched the game on Saturday,
    CMT will aim for top spot.

    BIH-QAT
    A draw doesn't help either of them. Rather, it's one of those matches
    where you'll see crazy end to end attacks if the score is tied
    approaching the end. 4 points could be enough to see either of the
    teams through as abest third.
    Biscotto likelihood: not gonna happen



    Group C:
    SCO-BRA
    A draw would almost surely send Scotland through, but would not be
    tolerated in Brazil.
    Biscotto likelihood: extremely unlikely

    MOR-HAI
    Haiti is last, Morocco would probably like to secure first place in
    the group.
    Biscotto likelihood. Zero.


    Group D:
    TUR - USA
    USA is first, Turkey is last. Dead rubber match.
    Biscotto likelihood: not relevant

    PAR-AUS
    Finally! A draw is very likely to send both through, even though
    Paraguay may have to sweat a little with their -2 GD. But they will
    already know the outcomes of Groups A-C (and, if I'm reading the
    schedule correctly, also the outcomes of Groups E and F). It's
    possible that at kickoff they will already know that 4 points sends
    them to the R32. Plus, getting to the R32 would probably have been a
    good outcome for both teams ex-ante.
    Biscotto likelihood: very high



    Groups E-L to follow.

    Excellent idea for a thread.

    Is there a risk of this with the Holland - Sweden match today?


    RM
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From doctor@doctor@doctor.nl2k.ab.ca (The Doctor) to rec.sport.soccer on Sat Jun 20 23:48:32 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.sport.soccer

    In article <1116cni$62ub$1@dont-email.me>,
    Real Mardin <realmardinrss@proton.me> wrote:
    On 20/06/2026 14:27, The Doctor wrote:
    In article <um0d3l92gsnc1tc8hdh81gv3gm7m626isf@4ax.com>,
    Futbolmetrix <futbolmetrix@yahoo.com> wrote:
    Group A:

    CZE-MEX: Mexico is already guaranteed first place, so they could just
    roll over and let CZE reach 4 points and qualify. But would they do it
    in front of their fans?
    Biscotto likelihood: not really a biscotto, and not very likely.

    RSA-KOR: a draw would send Korea through, and could be enough for RSA
    to clinch third place, but with 2 points and -2 GD, they wouldn't be
    going anywhere.
    Biscotto likelihood: extremely unlikely.


    Group B:
    SWI-CAN
    A draw sends them both to the second round, with Canada in first. But
    both teams are basically through already, so no real incentives for
    any shenannigans
    Biscotto likelihood: extremely unlikely.


    After 11 000 000 Candians watched the game on Saturday,
    CMT will aim for top spot.

    BIH-QAT
    A draw doesn't help either of them. Rather, it's one of those matches
    where you'll see crazy end to end attacks if the score is tied
    approaching the end. 4 points could be enough to see either of the
    teams through as abest third.
    Biscotto likelihood: not gonna happen



    Group C:
    SCO-BRA
    A draw would almost surely send Scotland through, but would not be
    tolerated in Brazil.
    Biscotto likelihood: extremely unlikely

    MOR-HAI
    Haiti is last, Morocco would probably like to secure first place in
    the group.
    Biscotto likelihood. Zero.


    Group D:
    TUR - USA
    USA is first, Turkey is last. Dead rubber match.
    Biscotto likelihood: not relevant

    PAR-AUS
    Finally! A draw is very likely to send both through, even though
    Paraguay may have to sweat a little with their -2 GD. But they will
    already know the outcomes of Groups A-C (and, if I'm reading the
    schedule correctly, also the outcomes of Groups E and F). It's
    possible that at kickoff they will already know that 4 points sends
    them to the R32. Plus, getting to the R32 would probably have been a
    good outcome for both teams ex-ante.
    Biscotto likelihood: very high



    Groups E-L to follow.

    Excellent idea for a thread.

    Is there a risk of this with the Holland - Sweden match today?


    The dutch won big.


    RM
    --
    Member - Liberal International This is doctor@nk.ca Ici doctor@nk.ca
    Yahweh, King & country!Never Satan President Republic!Beware AntiChrist rising! Look at Psalms 14 and 53 on Atheism ; 31 years in the ISP business!
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Futbolmetrix@futbolmetrix@yahoo.com to rec.sport.soccer on Sun Jun 21 07:36:28 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.sport.soccer

    On Sat, 20 Jun 2026 08:29:51 -0400, Futbolmetrix
    <futbolmetrix@yahoo.com> wrote:

    Group A:

    Group E:
    Standings before MD3
    GER 6 9-2 (Q and first place locked)
    CIV 3 2-2
    ECU 1 1-0
    CUW 1 1-7

    CUW-CIV
    CIV needs to win to guarantee second place, but a draw is likely going
    to be enough to see them through. CUW needs a win. A draw with their
    GD is totally useless. In normal circumstances this is a zero
    probability biscotto, but CUW could be so happy just to get a second
    draw in the WC, that I'll upgrade it a bit.
    Biscotto likelihood: very unlikely.

    ECU-GER
    Germany has nothing to play for, while Ecuador is almost surely
    through with a win, and almost surely out with anything less than
    that. The stereotypically ruthless Germans of old would have just
    crushed Ecuador's hopes, but this team?
    Biscotto likelihood: somewhat likely, but would it even be a proper
    biscotto?


    Group F:
    NED 4 7-3
    JAP 4 6-2
    SWE 3 6-6
    TUN 0 1-9 (eliminated)


    JAP-SWE
    A draw qualifies Japan, and Sweden almost for sure, but the Japanese
    may have an incentive to go for first place. Or maybe not, especially
    since it will be difficult to get beat NED's goal difference against
    hapless Tunisia. Also, 1-2 in this group play 2-1 in group C, likely
    Brazil and Morocco in some order. Not obvious that you want to finish
    first.
    Biscotto likelihood: somewhat likely.

    TUN - NED
    Tunisia playing to salvage some pride, NED playing for first place and
    avoiding the one between Brazil and Morocco that they view as most
    threatening.
    Biscotto likelihood: not very likely.
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Werner Pichler@wpichler@gmail.com to rec.sport.soccer on Sun Jun 21 12:23:02 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.sport.soccer

    Futbolmetrix <futbolmetrix@yahoo.com> wrote:
    On Sat, 20 Jun 2026 08:29:51 -0400, Futbolmetrix
    <futbolmetrix@yahoo.com> wrote:

    Group A:

    Group E:
    Standings before MD3
    GER 6 9-2 (Q and first place locked)
    CIV 3 2-2
    ECU 1 1-0
    CUW 1 1-7

    CUW-CIV
    CIV needs to win to guarantee second place, but a draw is likely going
    to be enough to see them through. CUW needs a win. A draw with their
    GD is totally useless. In normal circumstances this is a zero
    probability biscotto, but CUW could be so happy just to get a second
    draw in the WC, that I'll upgrade it a bit.
    Biscotto likelihood: very unlikely.

    ECU-GER
    Germany has nothing to play for, while Ecuador is almost surely
    through with a win, and almost surely out with anything less than
    that. The stereotypically ruthless Germans of old would have just
    crushed Ecuador's hopes, but this team?
    Biscotto likelihood: somewhat likely, but would it even be a proper
    biscotto?


    Group F:
    NED 4 7-3
    JAP 4 6-2
    SWE 3 6-6
    TUN 0 1-9 (eliminated)


    JAP-SWE
    A draw qualifies Japan, and Sweden almost for sure, but the Japanese
    may have an incentive to go for first place. Or maybe not, especially
    since it will be difficult to get beat NED's goal difference against
    hapless Tunisia. Also, 1-2 in this group play 2-1 in group C, likely
    Brazil and Morocco in some order. Not obvious that you want to finish
    first.
    Biscotto likelihood: somewhat likely.

    TUN - NED
    Tunisia playing to salvage some pride, NED playing for first place and avoiding the one between Brazil and Morocco that they view as most threatening.
    Biscotto likelihood: not very likely.


    CanrCOt wait until this series gets to Algeria - Austria.

    ThererCOs a distinct possibility of it becoming the
    mother of all biscottos - qualifying out of the group
    biscotto, picking and choosing your Round of 32
    opponent biscotto, it could even become a make-up
    biscotto for an infamous previous biscottorCa



    Ciao,
    Werner




    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Futbolmetrix@futbolmetrix@yahoo.com to rec.sport.soccer on Sun Jun 21 08:37:58 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.sport.soccer

    On Sun, 21 Jun 2026 12:23:02 -0000 (UTC), Werner Pichler
    <wpichler@gmail.com> wrote:

    CanAt wait until this series gets to Algeria - Austria.

    ThereAs a distinct possibility of it becoming the
    mother of all biscottos - qualifying out of the group
    biscotto, picking and choosing your Round of 32
    opponent biscotto, it could even become a make-up
    biscotto for an infamous previous biscottoa

    :-)

    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Futbolmetrix@futbolmetrix@yahoo.com to rec.sport.soccer on Mon Jun 22 07:08:44 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.sport.soccer

    On Sat, 20 Jun 2026 08:29:51 -0400, Futbolmetrix
    <futbolmetrix@yahoo.com> wrote:

    Group A:

    Group G:

    Egypt 4 4-2
    Iran 2 2-2
    Belgium 2 1-1
    New Zealand 1 3-5

    EGY-IRN
    Egypt is already through virtually, if not mathematically. Iran has
    very good chances of making it as a best 3rd place team with a draw.
    The winner of the group is looking at a possible R16 matchup vs the
    United States, while the runner-up will have Australia or Paraguay in
    the R32, and likely Argentina in the R16. Probably it doesn't matter
    much for either Egypt or Iran.
    Biscotto likelihood: high


    NZL-BEL
    New Zealand needs a win. A draw could be enough for third place if
    Iran loses heavily, but won't be enough to be a best third. Belgium
    will probably want to top the group to land in the non-Argentina part
    of the draw.
    Biscotto likelihood: zero



    Group H
    Spain 4 4-0
    Uruguay 2 3-3
    Cape Verde 2 2-2
    Saudi Arabia 1 1-5


    CPV-KSA
    Cape Verde is almost surely qualified with a draw, either in second
    place, or as one of the best thirds. Saudis need a win.
    Biscotto likelihood: zero.


    URU-ESP
    Uruguay's situation is like that of Cape Verde: they are very likely
    through with a draw, which would also be enough for Spain to clinch
    first place. But will la Roja be in the mood of handing out favors? I
    doubt it.
    Biscotto likelihood: unlikely.
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Blueshirt@blueshirt@indigo.news to rec.sport.soccer on Mon Jun 22 14:09:20 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.sport.soccer

    Futbolmetrix wrote:

    Group G:

    Egypt 4 4-2
    Iran 2 2-2
    Belgium 2 1-1
    New Zealand 1 3-5

    EGY-IRN
    Egypt is already through virtually, if not mathematically.
    Iran has very good chances of making it as a best 3rd place
    team with a draw. The winner of the group is looking at a
    possible R16 matchup vs the United States, while the runner-up
    will have Australia or Paraguay in the R32, and likely
    Argentina in the R16. Probably it doesn't matter much for
    either Egypt or Iran. Biscotto likelihood: high

    All we need to know is if Iran can meet the USA, and when.

    (World Cups are supposed to be fun.)


    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Futbolmetrix@futbolmetrix@yahoo.com to rec.sport.soccer on Mon Jun 22 10:26:13 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.sport.soccer

    On Mon, 22 Jun 2026 14:09:20 GMT, "Blueshirt" <blueshirt@indigo.news>
    wrote:


    All we need to know is if Iran can meet the USA, and when.


    I have it with a 4% probability in Match 94 (Round of 16, July 6 in
    Seattle). Also a 0.01% probabilty that they meet in the final, and a
    0.06% probability that they meet in the third-place match.




    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Blueshirt@blueshirt@indigo.news to rec.sport.soccer on Mon Jun 22 14:30:31 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.sport.soccer

    Futbolmetrix wrote:

    On Mon, 22 Jun 2026 14:09:20 GMT, "Blueshirt"
    <blueshirt@indigo.news> wrote:

    All we need to know is if Iran can meet the USA, and when.

    I have it with a 4% probability in Match 94 (Round of 16, July
    6 in Seattle). Also a 0.01% probabilty that they meet in the
    final, and a 0.06% probability that they meet in the
    third-place match.

    Yeah, well I think we can rule out them meeting in the Final
    anyway... ;-)

    Although it would kind of be fun.
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Futbolmetrix@futbolmetrix@yahoo.com to rec.sport.soccer on Mon Jun 22 12:02:20 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.sport.soccer

    On Sun, 21 Jun 2026 12:23:02 -0000 (UTC), Werner Pichler
    <wpichler@gmail.com> wrote:



    CanAt wait until this series gets to Algeria - Austria.

    ThereAs a distinct possibility of it becoming the
    mother of all biscottos - qualifying out of the group
    biscotto, picking and choosing your Round of 32
    opponent biscotto, it could even become a make-up
    biscotto for an infamous previous biscottoa


    Looking at Polymarket prices:

    Paraguay-Australia: the probability of a draw has gone from about 28%
    to 43%, (AFAICT the only match in which a draw is the most likely
    outcome)

    Japan-Sweden: no real movements in the price of a draw.

    Egypt-Iran: probability of a draw has gone up from 30% to 36% in the
    last day. Egypt win down from 48 to 41%

    Germany-Ecuador: Probability of a Germany win down from 57% to 51%,
    Ecuador win up from 20% to 27% (but this is not really a biscotto...)

    Algeria-Austria: still no movements, but we'll see if it changes after
    today's matches.




    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Jesus Petry@jesus.petry@gmail.com to rec.sport.soccer on Mon Jun 22 13:06:20 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.sport.soccer

    On 21/06/2026 08:36, Futbolmetrix wrote:
    On Sat, 20 Jun 2026 08:29:51 -0400, Futbolmetrix
    <futbolmetrix@yahoo.com> wrote:

    Group A:

    Group E:
    Standings before MD3
    GER 6 9-2 (Q and first place locked)
    CIV 3 2-2
    ECU 1 1-0
    CUW 1 1-7

    CUW-CIV
    CIV needs to win to guarantee second place, but a draw is likely going
    to be enough to see them through. CUW needs a win. A draw with their
    GD is totally useless. In normal circumstances this is a zero
    probability biscotto, but CUW could be so happy just to get a second
    draw in the WC, that I'll upgrade it a bit.
    Biscotto likelihood: very unlikely.

    CIV is totally guaranteed second place with a draw, as they have the
    HTH against Ecuador.

    Tchau!
    Jesus Petry

    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Futbolmetrix@futbolmetrix@yahoo.com to rec.sport.soccer on Mon Jun 22 22:58:00 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.sport.soccer

    On Mon, 22 Jun 2026 12:02:20 -0400, Futbolmetrix
    <futbolmetrix@yahoo.com> wrote:


    Algeria-Austria: still no movements, but we'll see if it changes after >today's matches.

    And...the probability of a draw has started to creep up after the Argentina-Austria game (but before the beginning of Jordan-Algeria)

    Ghana-Croatia also has high biscotto potential if ENG beats GHA and
    CRO beats PAN

    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2