Thread: FIFA World CUP Russia 2018

The Jermans have always been the most consistent team at every World Cup...Like a machine, they rarely lose...

Look for them to be tough to beat once again...

Russia v Saudi Arabia: Pressure on hosts in World Cup opener

Russia are the lowest-ranked team at the World Cup and yet, come Thursday's opener, they will be expected to provide a nation-lifting performance against Saudi Arabia.

The hosts are somewhat ill-equipped to deliver the fireworks expected of such an occasion, having tumbled to an all-time low of 70th in the world ahead of a tournament that will be debated as much for events on the pitch as those that rumble on in the shadows.

Thankfully for head coach Stanislav Cherchesov, a former national team goalkeeper who was appointed to the top job in August 2016, the order of Group A fixtures has at least been kind.

Saudi Arabia are just three places better off in the FIFA rankings and present an opportunity for Russia to bank a precious three points at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.

The Green Falcons are back on the big stage for the first time since 2006 but are without the man who got them there, Dutchman Bert van Marwijk having stepped aside last September.

Edgardo Bauza lasted barely two months in the position before he was cast aside in favour of former Chile boss Juan Antonio Pizzi, who is yet to inspire belief this Saudi side can match the efforts of the team that reached the last 16 in 1994.

Pizzi has presided over nine friendlies in 2018 and won just three, although that recent record is more encouraging in light of Russia's seven-match winless streak.

"We still have time to study Russia's game," Saudi midfielder Yahya Al-Shehri said.

"First of all, we must focus on our own game. I hope, we will be able to beat Russia.

"I think the game against Russia will be very difficult... Russia are a good team with great players.
"They are united and strong, especially in defence."

Russia's Artem Dzyuba, meanwhile, issued an impassioned rallying cry to fans of the team.

"We are preparing for the tournament, we want to win," he said.

"For us, this is the main event in our lives, we need support of the whole country… We will fight, we will struggle, and you will judge us then."

"We are preparing for the tournament, we want to win," he said.

They'll need a few tanks for that!

Originally Posted by Chittychangchang

England are being touted at 66/1

For those that don't understand odds ;that means if you bet 50 pounds at 66/1 you will receive fuck all

they are generally around 18/1 Chitty you utter fuckin cockwomble.

IMHO still the greatest world cup advert ever....

Originally Posted by Luigi

Thailand have expressed interest in bidding for the 2034 WC.

Confident enough that you will be still here around that time?

^ he's only in his 30's, is nearly set to retire on the Costa del Rayong and has a high powered voluntary job.

Originally Posted by HuangLao

Even in that weak group where they will still struggle to advance from, after their placement was highly politically manipulated.
Embarrassing for English fans and followers to know that the traditionally powerful English side haven't lived up to their talent [overrated??] for numerous/successive WC.

Nonetheless, I'm wishing them all the best.
Perhaps they'll surprise the footy world this time 'round.

Could stun us all by earning the right to play a 4th game.

Originally Posted by jabir

Could stun us all by earning the right to play a 4th game

Speak for yourself. I fully expect them to get to the quarter final at least.

We will finish the group in at least second spot and the players haven't got the pressure on them as in previous world cups.

A lot of talent in that England team to trouble the best.

It doesnt hurt to dream

Originally Posted by HuangLao

traditionally powerful English side

Originally Posted by Dillinger

It doesnt hurt to dream

Day dream believe and a homecoming team

888.com are offering those England odds.

^ should be a pizza advert in there

Originally Posted by Chittychangchang

888.com are offering those England odds

No rhey're not.
Read their terms and conditions.

Its all bollocks to allure first time mug punters.

Read their terms and conditions, they pay you normal odds and make it up in free bets that you need to season and win.

And...

A couple of handy phrases for those mystified by the Arsenal offside trap

Such a whole heated defender - dirty tackler

Such a talened forward - small and foreign

A real threat to England - swarthy person with ball skills

Football's coming Home - England are going home

Big clubs are ready to swoop - his agent is desperate

The move is almost certain - until his Spanish wife sees Newcastle

Well, the first half of the 1st game is like watching an U15 team play an U12 team and both of them being told to gun it.


2-0 to the hosts at half-time.

I think they misheard the coach's Putin it about as Booting it about, it's like watching paint dry sitting in a bucket of pie filla

Is Punty still in Russia with love? Gonna be some vodka parties tonight after that.


Possibly a few beheadings in Saudi.

5-0 to the hosts.

Get your money on Russia before the odds plummet !

I've got a tenner @ 80-1. That's £810 back if they win the cup.

Just banged another £30 on!!

This time next month, I'll be sipping Chang on Rayong beach

They were Saudimized...

Will the Soccoroos (Australia) win a game ... probably not*

Croatia will do better then expected and possibly top Pool D

My 'second' Team is Iceland ... wish the Lad's well.






* I hope they prove me wrong