The official FIFA World Cup 2018 thread

[Zakalwe]

The most popular, most watched and indeed greatest sporting event in the world is almost upon us. The 21st iteration of the global tournament of the beautiful game is being held in Russia and commences on the 14th June with the final held on 15th July. It is a genuine World event being contested by teams from more than 1 or 2 countries ( ) - 32 in fact. It’s hard to look past reigning champions Germany, perennial winners Brazil, tika-taka masters Spain and hugely talented France but there’s likely to be a few surprises along the way. Who knows, even England might win it

As this is a global forum, I wondered if there might be some interest in shooting the breeze about this event. I think it’ll be sodding brilliant and I look forward to trying to skive as much time off work as possible to watch as many games as is humanly feasible.

Oh, and COME ON ENGLAND!!!

[Abdullah71601]

Will England be going home the first round again?

[jfree0125]

I'm attending the world cup in St Petersburg. Would you wear your Rolex there?

[Zakalwe]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

Will England be going home the first round again?

[GerardoG]

World Cup is indeed a MAJOR event. Without a doubt, the most popular sport in the world

https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/...the-world.html
https://www.economist.com/blogs/game...%99-popularity


No matter if your country made it to the World Cup or not, this world wide gathering events gives us a month of pure beauty in exceptional execution of this sport.

To me, I do know that unfortunately Mexico is far away from previous cups and, as sad as it sounds, I doubt they will make it to the 'Fifth Game'. But even with this; I am anxiously waiting to see the known star teams as well as the new surprises!!!!!!

[tudorbaja27]

Originally Posted by jfree0125

I'm attending the world cup in St Petersburg. Would you wear your Rolex there?

Ahaha.
On a different note, terribly excited as well here for the WC. Had Romania (or even the US) qualified, I would have found a way to spend a few amazing days in Russia...but I'll have to settle for much beer in front of a TV

[antbkny]

My money is on Brazil

[tudorbaja27]

My money is on the fans
https://nypost.com/2014/06/17/the-ho...d-cup/slide-1/

[Chewbacca]

should be interesting.

i'd have to go with either Croatia or Brazil but then again, Russia has home field.

i'll need to do more research.

https://list25.com/25-fearsome-socce...eet-in-person/

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/28/s...as-police.html

https://www.express.co.uk/news/world...oligans-ultras

[SearChart]

I'm glad that my country (the Netherlands) didn't qualify, so no orange decoration anywhere thank god.

[dmash]

Originally Posted by antbkny

My money is on Brazil

Money is on what? Losing another match in blowout fashion to be ridiculed as one of the largest embarrassments in World Cup history?

I couldn't even use the bathroom without missing another goal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdxEr5_jQ0E

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by SearChart

I'm glad that my country (the Netherlands) didn't qualify, so no orange decoration anywhere thank god.

[daveathall]

It would be hard to bet against the Germans, they have a fabulous team.

[Zakalwe]

Originally Posted by daveathall

It would be hard to bet against the Germans, they have a fabulous team.

They say never write off the Germans. Sod that.

OFF THE GERMANS!














(I’ll get my coat. It’s not even an original joke).

[Cru Jones]

Championship #2 is a little over a month away. :-)

[Wesley Crusher]

Since the USA isn’t playing, I’ll be rooting for Mexico and Germany!

[strettyend]

Belgium have quite a squad as well...on paper

[Andrés G]

I can’t hardly wait for the WC to begin. It’s the most amazing sports event without a doubt.

I simply love it!

[GB-man]

Ouch too soon

When you’re american and the 2018 World Cup gets brought up on a global forum...

[daveathall]

Originally Posted by Zakalwe

They say never write off the Germans. Sod that.

OFF THE GERMANS!

(I’ll get my coat. It’s not even an original joke).

[Al1969]

Originally Posted by GB-man

Ouch too soon

When you’re american and the 2018 World Cup gets brought up on a global forum...

X2. Still can’t believe we failed to qualify.

[dmash]

Originally Posted by Al1969

X2. Still can’t believe we failed to qualify.

You think you feel bad, think about Italians

[tudorbaja27]

Originally Posted by dmash

You think you feel bad, think about Italians

That was quite a national tragedy. Spent a few years in Italy and still have many friends there. My brother was at San Siro during the return leg against Sweden. Saying Italians were disappointed is an understatement.

[Rolex Essex]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

Will England be going home the first round again?

Wales will probably get further than England again lol

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by antbkny

My money is on Brazil

Originally Posted by dmash

Money is on what? Losing another match in blowout fashion to be ridiculed as one of the largest embarrassments in World Cup history?

I couldn't even use the bathroom without missing another goal

Shit happens.

In all fairness, if Zuniga hadn't taken Neymar out of the cup, and he was the main brazillian player, you guys would have someone to worry about on the field and that would be tough to have happened. But if grandma had balls she would be grandpa.

If you guys reach the final against Brazil again like 2002 you'll have another shot. I wish Germany good luck. Very disciplined and talented players. I was lucky enough to visit Germany a few times and it was always a great experience so all the best to you guys.

[watchtabs]

I'm with the Swiss.





Ehrmmm. I mean....

[dmash]

Originally Posted by FTX I

Shit happens.

In all fairness, if Zuniga hadn't taken Neymar out of the cup, and he was the main brazillian player, you guys would have someone to worry about on the field and that would be tough to have happened. But if grandma had balls she would be grandpa.

If you guys reach the final against Brazil again like 2002 you'll have another shot. I wish Germany good luck. Very disciplined and talented players. I was lucky enough to visit Germany a few times and it was always a great experience so all the best to you guys.

Originally Posted by tudorbaja27

That was quite a national tragedy. Spent a few years in Italy and still have many friends there. My brother was at San Siro during the return leg against Sweden. Saying Italians were disappointed is an understatement.

Buffon crying on TV was heartbreaking. A true warrior. So sad he couldn't get one more WC in.

[Runnin' Rebel]

Out right winning odds

Brazil 9/2
Germany 19/4
Spain 6/1
France 13/2
Argentina 19/2
Belgium 12/1
England 18/1
Uruguay 25/1
Portugal 28/1
Croatia 33/1
Colombia 40/1
Russia 50/1
Poland 80/1
Denmark 100/1
Mexico 100/1
Switzerland 100/1
Sweden 150/1
Senegal 150/1
Egypt 150/1
Iceland 200/1
Serbia 200/1
Japan 200/1
Nigeria 200/1
Peru 200/1
Costa Rica 300/1
Australia 300/1
Iran 500/1
Morocco 500/1
South Korea 500/1
Tunisia 500/1
Panama 1000/1
Saudi Arabia 1000/1


Sent from my iPad while on the beach

[dmash]

I think Portugal is being a little underrated. They *did* just win the Euro....

It's not always about the stats on paper but your actual execution.



Speaking of which, what games are you guys looking forward to this weekend?

My lineup will be:

Thurs- Russia/Saudi (opening match, of course will watch)
Fri- Portugal/Spain (this should give some solid input on two top tier teams)
Sat- Argentina/Iceland (Cinderalla story x2?)
Sun- Germany/Mexico (self explanatory)

[77T]

I’d love the watch but last time I had to find anti-flopping pills to tolerate the worst offenders.

Has FIFA figured out how to end this silliness? An Orange Card would be a good one. 3 free kicks for its second appearance against a team per match.

If not, I may have to only watch the highlights.