France win the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

BBC and ITV announce their punditry teams for the Fifa World Cup 2018 coverage from Russia next month.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44103384

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...eane-lead.html



Joe Hart left out of England’s World Cup squad by Gareth Southgate.

https://www.theguardian.com/football...hgate-west-ham

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Such a big deal is being made of that too. Can't remember it ever mattering who we had between the sticks, they always found a way to have their cock up moment.

Seaman, Carson, Rob Green, Paul Robinson, Hart.

Can't wait for the next howler.

Wondering who knocks us out this time though, Peru or Iran? :D

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

No big deal as far as l am concerned as Hart has just simply not been good enough and has even been dropped by the Hammers which says everything.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Rumours sweeping around that Wilshere , Cahill and Bertrand have been left out with Delph , Shelvey . Livermore and Trent Arnold being in the 23.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Shelvey makes sense. His passing and risk taking are a wildcard, he's easily wound up though. If Vardy and Kane get into positions he'll find them.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

I predict a post tournament inquiry after our early exit, about how the Premiership is ruining the national game. We"ll all agree, forget, then obsess about the Premiership again. Ever get deja vu ?!

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

England World Cup squad announced..

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/football/44138959

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Given that if England had anything of a spine they wouldn't be going to that ******* country to take part, I truly hope they are eliminated at the earliest opportunity.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Personally sport and politics should not mix IMO.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

It's being used very politically by Russia. We shouldn't be going.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

In your opinion Mr K but not mine.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

There's always the cricket in the summer Den ;)

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

No doubt someone will come along pretty soon telling us to withdraw from that Mr K.;)

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Well I certainly wouldn't play the cheating Aussies any longer, see they've managed to squeeze a few one dayers in this summer.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

I'm sure your support is appreciated by them. :dozey:

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

I don't think Premiership players think about anything else other than their next contract. Hence them not giving heart and soul for their country.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Rather over generalising there Mr K l see.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

No, I think he has it about right considering the amount of foreign players who ply their trade in the best richest league in the world ;)

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

And you are saying those foreign players like ours don't give their.heart and soul for their country?.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

I've no idea . . but IMO players from all nations are chasing the cash (freely given) . . . and there are a few shocks concerning world cup qualifications :p:

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Now what would you do in their shoes if you were offered better wages?.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

It's boots, not shoes :p:

But yes I see your point about wages, however being one of the highest earners doesn't - shouldn't - mean you're a shoe in (see what I did there) for a place in the England team, as some seem to expect.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

I don't watch much Premiership football but is that the best we have? I've seen better in non-league. That Harold Kane can hit a ball, but what's with the diving Stirling bloke? Since when did we do that? Don't think Tunisia have much to fear.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Forever the pessimist l see Mr K.;)

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

So aye, remember previous threads in which it was noted that it was comical to award a racist country the right to host a world cup. Well only now are the media starting to board the bandwagon. Now it's suddenly an issue. You couldn't make it up. What? Wasn't it a problem in the years we've had to rectify this?

What did the removal of Blatter and his cronies solve? As far as I'm aware FIFA is as corrupt now as it was then. It needed massive reform from top to bottom and it got none of that. Replaced idiots with idiots.

I would massively get behind the idea that any racially abused team just walks off and takes the tournament suspension, watch the bubble burst when numerous teams just come home. Maybe FIFA will get the message. We apparently can't do anything about Qatar too because of legal ramifications. So the 1200+ people that have died building infrastructure via slave labour can just continue meaning a nothing number.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Racism was a issue long before Russia ever bid for the world cup as those attitudes are pretty endemic in Russian society adzii and have been for as long as l know.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Ooof, just got my Radio Times World Cup wall chart !

Remember my first World Cup wall chart (still have it !) - 1978 - you had to put stickers of the countries flags for each fixture. Very exciting. Just Scotland that year of course, had plenty of Saltire flag stickers left over at the end of the tournament ! (they beat the Netherlands, but lost to Peru, idiots !)

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

We need to see how the next World Cup bid is done to judge I think

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

l remember the 1978 World Cup Mr K :Yikes::eeek: as did not Scotland lose to Peru :( and then beat the Dutch masters with the goal of the tournament from Archie Gemmill.:)

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Nothing like throwing your dummy out of the pram..:bigcry::bigcry:

https://www.sportinglife.com/footbal...petegui/148867

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44467548

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

I can understand them being upset with him for announcing taking a new job a few days before the World Cup starts but sacking him seems excessive. As long as he put his all into the tournament I don't see why it would have been an issue.

The phrase shooting yourself in the foot springs to mind.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Quite a few international managers over the years at the major tournaments go to new club jobs after the tournament ends so yes l think the Spanish FA reaction is a bit OTT that is for sure.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44464913

North America have won the bid to host the 2026 FFIA World Cup.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

l wonder whether the wall will be up by then.;)

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Which one?

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

The one that The Donald wants to build.:)

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Result! Drawn Germany in the Office sweepstake ! Makes a change, I usually get someone like Swaziland or even worse England ;)
Come on Deutschland !

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

It won't be long before you pick up your winnings then Mr K.:D

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

No, I meant which border - North or South?

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

South Hugh.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Guess you never watched South Park then Den.:D

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

No l have to say Jim South Park is not for me.:)

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

:tu:

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Well the opening match of the World cup was a afternoon stroll for the hosts as the other side did not turn up...:td:

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Which poor sod got Saudi Arabia. :D

---------- Post added at 18:01 ---------- Previous post was at 18:00 ----------


Both teams about mid Div 1 or Scottish Prem standard.:rolleyes:

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

They turned up Den, but they ate something the Russians suppliied.....

Ridiculous that teams like Saudi Arabia are in the World Cup and Italy/Netherlands aren't.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

:D:D

---------- Post added at 18:18 ---------- Previous post was at 18:18 ----------

Yes it was not great.

---------- Post added at 18:19 ---------- Previous post was at 18:18 ----------

FIFA will have the answers Mr K.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Not me, I got Nigera,



Oh yeah and some country called Brazil :D

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

First attack happened right as the world cup started. Two gay French fans were attacked earlier. One has serious injuries.

I Point out that they're gay because the media are already labelling it as a targeted attack with the recent mention of likely racism and homophobic behaviour set to run wild. I'm reserving opinion on it though as it says they were also robbed. I think it's entirely possible it had nothing to do with their sexuality. Have to wait and see.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Why is it every man and his dog has to invade the pitch when a goal is scored.:rolleyes:

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Thought it was at the Emirates with all those empty seats. :)

Both sides should beat Russia and S Arabia, Egypt need to get Mo on the pitch though.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

l thought it was a pretty poor match to be fair Jim as most definitely this ain't a great group as you say.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Damn, first potentially interesting game, Spain v Portugal and I have just remembered the missus has booked us to go to a play at Playhouse 2 tonight, our local cultural hotspot. :(

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

There is simply no contest Jim.:D

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

SWMBO will always have the last word I'm afraid.;)

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

There are many who will agree.;)

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

It’s a good thing Bouhaddouz doesn’t play for Columbia.:shocked:

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Well not a good start for the Spanish as their week seems to be going from bad to worse.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

The cheating diving ******* ronaldo scores a hatrick 2 from dives.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

He might cheat but no one cannot dispute his great talent as many others cheat and dive as well.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Was it more the hands in the back than leg to leg contact?

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

None of it matters. There was contact on both occasions. Whether they were dives or not became irrelevant 10 years ago when we started accepting being blown over as a foul and looking for the tiniest points of contact. It became such a norm that the great Sir Alex started ignoring it as Ashley Young progressed into being the most prolific diver in world football.. Fancy that, Ashley Young not fitting the foreign diving agenda.

The ship for not wanting this kind of foul baiting and diving in the game sailed a long time ago. It isn't even worth discussing anymore. By their own laws, there should be a penalty/free kick awarded for literally every single corner taken due to the amount of pulling and pushing, wrapping their arms around. Once every blue moon a referee will inexplicably award a penalty citing said issues and throws the game into further confusion.

Regardless. Cristiano Ronaldo is in my own opinion the greatest complete player to ever have played the game. Its been a privilege to have had the chance to see this lad from start to finish.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

The scoreline is flattering to Portugal, especially as the only goal scored in open play was a result of goalkeeper error.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Well it looks like I picked the best game to miss. :bigcry:

Did see the pen before I left for the theatre, definitely clear contact and it would have been run past VAR as well. I was amused at Lineker and Co before the game smugly pointing out how CR7 had only scored three goals in previous world cups.

The play was excellent BTW. :cool:

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Yes it was certainly in terms of entertainment and class a superb match despite the hysteric's at times.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Well I got Spain in the pub sweepstake but was hoping for Portugal. ah well it was a good game..Not sure I could face any more like the earlier games this week though.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Monday might be the day for that.;)

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

l hope nobody has France in the sweepstake as on the basis of this first half they look one of the worse teams of the World Cup.:td:

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Peru v Denmark - I love these bizarre World Cup fixtures !

The best one was USA v Iran in 1998. Iran won and Ayattolah modestly commented "Tonight, again, the strong and arrogant opponent felt the bitter taste of defeat at your hands.'' :D

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Lets see if the mighty Argentinians can handle the minnows of Iceland.:)

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

No magic from Messi yet. In fact Argentina don't even look that good to be fair.

Missed penalty, free kick over the bar, free kick into the wall. It's a Ballon D'nope again for Messi this time around.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Iceland had the Hand of Cod on their side :D

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Messi has never really done it at World Cups as Argentina are given a inflated reputation based on him but too many of their other players are average IMO as one or two world class players cannot carry a average team.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Oh dear, :D TBH their keepers hands excelled.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Does anybody remember Teófilo Cubillas?.;)

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

:tu:
Amazing to think the Peruvians have bought over 45,000 tickets compared to Englands 32,300.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Saw this on FB

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Serbia's Savic looks one rather tasty player.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

He must be worth £80 million of Man United's money.;)

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

At least it is money they have generated themselves, not from oily Arabs or Russian oligarchs.:p:

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Or American owners who load the club with huge debts to service.:p:

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Pity there's no cup for being top of the European table on club debt :D

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Yep, paying the debts off on a regular basis and still the highest revenue earners in world football.
I reiterate, buying their players with their own self generated funds.:p:

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Well , well . well Germany not looking so mighty here.:D

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Well deserved for Mexico so far,

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

And what happens if it suddenly goes tits up.:p:

---------- Post added at 16:41 ---------- Previous post was at 16:40 ----------

Indeed Germany looking slow and pedestrian here.:)

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Only worry for Mexico is how much that has taken out of them, Germany have hardly broken sweat yet.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Germany seem to think all they have to do is just turn up but as we know football usually does not work out like that.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Hmmm, :D

TBH Mexico should have had five or six.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Yippeeeeee......:D:D

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Well I only hope Brazil win tonight as I have them in a sweepstake at work.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Well that is what you get when you spend £105 million plus add ons.:clap::clap:

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Just what the doctor ordered..:D

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Very good start, I’m certain Rashford would not have missed that Sterling chance, he looked like a two year old girl.:rolleyes:

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Sterling needs 10 chances to score one goal.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

And now Lingard, you just can’t afford to miss easy chances like those. :(

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

A second goal is needed.

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

We need a ref and VAR that see fouls on Endland players ;)

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Outrageously poor are the words to describe this referee..:td::(

Re: 2018 FIFA World Cup.
 

Twice Kane has been wrestled to the ground in the penalty area and yet no penatly given.