[Dave-ncl]

I know there is a lack of interest with the national team and i probably have that too but with the amount of talent on show in other squads, I probably looking forward to watching some of the 'big' teams just as much as our 'boys'.

As people have mentioned, I expect there will be battles. There is always a minority who will have racist views. I think Poland/Ukraine in 2012 did a good job to stifle thug mentality but whether Russia want to or not is a big question.

Tengocity - Brazil are favorites with the bookies. 9/2, Germany 5, Spain 13/2 and France 15/2. Can't really see past one of those. You can get 20/1 for England if you enjoy throwing money away.

Teaston, I think it's evident football isn't how it was. The game has changed and is now a business empire instead of a passion. There are football cities where washing your hands of you team or the game isn't an option. Places like Liverpool, Glasgow, Newcastle etc... football is still alive as ever. It's in the blood. Not something you can turn on and off. It's what you are born into. We should have walked away 10 years ago when the fat cockney took over. We've had one disaster after another and there is still a 52,000 full house every other week watching a very average team.

It's true, money has ruined it somewhat, but the cash also brings some of the best players in the world.

Originally Posted by Rhino at Work

I got Australia in the office sweep!

Try and it trade it in for a wine gum.

Originally Posted by Broncho

Could be worse, I got England

Try and trade it in for half a wine gum.

Originally Posted by isleaiw1

hmm, I think the fact we even think of taking him says alot about our chances.

I agree, but he better than whats going. No one saying he world class but when you consider his form and attributes compared to whats been picked, it's a no brainier. Every pundit has added him to their squad except for the ex-smoggie. Case closed.

I don't buy the red card thing. He's had 4 in 171 games. He got 2 last season and 1 was highly debatable. You can never tell what will happen. Did anyone expect Beckham to see red in 98? Lets see how the mackem reject does with his side wards passing routine.

Originally Posted by Ivan Ivanov

Greetings from Russia, friends!)))
I congratulate you on the beginning of the World Cup 2018!

Bad news Ivan,

Doesn't look like the host will make it past the group stage. Mo Sallah will put 3 past your dinosaur defenders to send Egypt through with Uruguay. You'll have more time to make your favorite sweet and sour cabbage
https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/s...r-cabbage.html

Just a few more hours to the start - bring it on!

[Dave-ncl]

Just watched Portugal v Spain.

Enthralling stuff for the full 90 minutes.

Ronaldo 3
Costa 2

Spain just look like they have an extra gear when needed.

Great advert for the competition. Finished 3-3

[....,,,,..,,..]

Originally Posted by Dave-ncl

Just watched Portugal v Spain.

Enthralling stuff for the full 90 minutes.

Ronaldo 3
Costa 2

Spain just look like they have an extra gear when needed.

Great advert for the competition. Finished 3-3

Yep a good game, plenty goals.

Decent draw.

[Tengocity]

Originally Posted by Dave-ncl

Just watched Portugal v Spain.

Enthralling stuff for the full 90 minutes.

Ronaldo 3
Costa 2

Spain just look like they have an extra gear when needed.

Great advert for the competition. Finished 3-3

Annoying twat that Ronaldo is, can't be any doubts he will go down as one of the all time greatest players.

[TodmordenLad]

Originally Posted by Dave-ncl

Just watched Portugal v Spain.

Enthralling stuff for the full 90 minutes.

Ronaldo 3
Costa 2

Spain just look like they have an extra gear when needed.

Great advert for the competition. Finished 3-3

Yeh, a fantastic game with wonderful goals
Nachos goal was unreal

[JustChris]

Genius move by the Spanish authorities to announce Ronaldo's sentence 2hrs before kick off....that will keep him quiet....


:

[jgoens]

Originally Posted by Dave-ncl

Just watched Portugal v Spain.

Enthralling stuff for the full 90 minutes.

Ronaldo 3
Costa 2

Spain just look like they have an extra gear when needed.

Great advert for the competition. Finished 3-3

I don't follow soccer much, but I love the World cup..just watched the Spain/Portugal game and that penalty shot by Ronaldo was just too sweet. He really is a great player to watch. Maybe he is arrogant and what not, but he has the goods.

[TouringPleb]

Having said I had no interest I've got to say tonight's game was an absolute cracker. Really enjoyed it.

[philiper1]

France vs. Australia has to be the worst game so far, flat:

[Wills2]

Originally Posted by Ivan Ivanov

They say, that the fans did not come to Russia at all and all the matches will be held at the empty stands (((Those few who have arrived, have already been arrested and are sitting in terrible Putin prisons, they are mocked by Russian fans ((

Greetings from Russia, friends!)))
I congratulate you on the beginning of the World Cup 2018!

I hope they pay you well buddy as you only every crop up on Russian related threads.....

You keep up the good work comrade bot.

[Wills2]

Originally Posted by Dave-ncl

Just watched Portugal v Spain.

Enthralling stuff for the full 90 minutes.

Ronaldo 3
Costa 2

Spain just look like they have an extra gear when needed.

Great advert for the competition. Finished 3-3

A great match, some lovely football on show from Spain and Ronaldo sorry Portugal played well too.

I thought Spain looked like WC winners such was their passing ability and Costa looks up for it too.

[JustChris]

Originally Posted by philiper1

France vs. Australia has to be the worst game so far, flat:

Poor Mark Lawrenson, he must be absolutely inconsolable that Pogba scored the winner.

[mikeoz]

Well German game didn't to plan that's for sure...

[TouringPleb]

Originally Posted by mikeoz

Well German game didn't to plan that's for sure...

I thought it was a great result.

[mikeoz]

Yeah me too..lol

[....,,,,..,,..]

Originally Posted by mikeoz

Well German game didn't to plan that's for sure...

The Germans never usually do that well in Russia.

[Consett Mag]

Originally Posted by Brigand

The Germans never usually do that well in Russia.

Funny, but I was wondering myself of that very possibility. Their Fans probably feel as loved as ours do across there...

[....,,,,..,,..]

Originally Posted by Consett Mag

Funny, but I was wondering myself of that very possibility. Their Fans probably feel as loved as ours do across there...

Luckily the Germans do not have Englands fixtures.

Germany playing Tunisia tonight at Vologograd stadium would be a nightmare and have huge political overtures.

[Wills2]

My neighbours have just come back from a week in St Petersburg they were amazed at how polite and friendly the Russians were to them.

I just really hope our fans haven't got any of the idiots with them this time, we need to keep a low profile, support the team but none of this "England on tour" bollocks where they take over entire bars/areas and aggressively chant whilst getting pissed up and generally making the locals feel uncomfortable, as that will get the wrong reaction from the Russians I suspect.

[philiper1]

what are the predictions for tonight's game then?so far, major contenders have failed to produce, like Brazil, Germany, Argentina

[Dave-ncl]

Originally Posted by Wills2

My neighbours have just come back from a week in St Petersburg they were amazed at how polite and friendly the Russians were to them.

I just really hope our fans haven't got any of the idiots with them this time, we need to keep a low profile, support the team but none of this "England on tour" bollocks where they take over entire bars/areas and aggressively chant whilst getting pissed up and generally making the locals feel uncomfortable, as that will get the wrong reaction from the Russians I suspect.

For sure, the idiots will surface soon. Maybe not tonight but its just a matter of time.

Going for a 2 nowt win tonight.

[TodmordenLad]

Originally Posted by Wills2

My neighbours have just come back from a week in St Petersburg they were amazed at how polite and friendly the Russians were to them.

I just really hope our fans haven't got any of the idiots with them this time, we need to keep a low profile, support the team but none of this "England on tour" bollocks where they take over entire bars/areas and aggressively chant whilst getting pissed up and generally making the locals feel uncomfortable, as that will get the wrong reaction from the Russians I suspect.

F***ing around in France at the Euros is one thing, f***ing around in Russia at the World Cup is another.

Only a bunch of complete morons would risk aggravating the Russian police. Oh, hang on a minute.....