RUSSIA 2018 - THE WORLD CUP THREAD.

[Lady Murasaki]

Why are they bothering then?

It's a FIFA rule, a set amount of friendly games per season are allowed and have to be arranged and played, regardless of whether there is a tournament in the offing or not.

It's supposed to give national team managers time with their players and of course creates revenue for the national Football Associations.

That’s ok then. It’s not all about the World Cup. And the fans might enjoy it as their teams aren’t through, then again they might be seething if they play well. Seems the old greats aren’t cutting it as well as they used to.

Nope, it's a sad day when such International giants as Italy and Holland don't make the grade. At least they have the Euro's in two years time to plan for.

Maybe it’s just as well the Italians didn’t get through, what with their hooligan problem.
The Russian military/fans would’ve marmalised them!

Shame for the Holland fans though, they always seem full of good spirits and bring a bit of joy to the events.

[Guest]

Why are they bothering then?

It's a FIFA rule, a set amount of friendly games per season are allowed and have to be arranged and played, regardless of whether there is a tournament in the offing or not.

It's supposed to give national team managers time with their players and of course creates revenue for the national Football Associations.

That’s ok then. It’s not all about the World Cup. And the fans might enjoy it as their teams aren’t through, then again they might be seething if they play well. Seems the old greats aren’t cutting it as well as they used to.

Nope, it's a sad day when such International giants as Italy and Holland don't make the grade. At least they have the Euro's in two years time to plan for.

Maybe it’s just as well the Italians didn’t get through, what with their hooligan problem.
The Russian military/fans would’ve marmalised them!

Shame for the Holland fans though, they always seem full of good spirits and bring a bit of joy to the events.

Except when they are kicking the shit of of Germans.

As for TJ he said, when Holland didn't qualify for Euro 2016, they can plan for the World Cup

I'm sure the likes of Iceland will bring more to the World Cup than Italy did last time.

[Trapper John]

It's a FIFA rule, a set amount of friendly games per season are allowed and have to be arranged and played, regardless of whether there is a tournament in the offing or not.

It's supposed to give national team managers time with their players and of course creates revenue for the national Football Associations.

That’s ok then. It’s not all about the World Cup. And the fans might enjoy it as their teams aren’t through, then again they might be seething if they play well. Seems the old greats aren’t cutting it as well as they used to.

Nope, it's a sad day when such International giants as Italy and Holland don't make the grade. At least they have the Euro's in two years time to plan for.

Maybe it’s just as well the Italians didn’t get through, what with their hooligan problem.
The Russian military/fans would’ve marmalised them!

Shame for the Holland fans though, they always seem full of good spirits and bring a bit of joy to the events.

Except when they are kicking the shit of of Germans.

As for TJ he said, when Holland didn't qualify for Euro 2016, they can plan for the World Cup

I'm sure the likes of Iceland will bring more to the World Cup than Italy did last time.

Did I? you have a better memory than me then, which I'm now thinking is quite spooky in a stalky way.

[Punk]

England could reach the Semis but I'd be surprised if Germany didn't win tbh. It depends if we win our group.

[Trapper John]

England could reach the Semis but I'd be surprised if Germany didn't win tbh. It depends if we win our group.

Yeah I said earlier I can't see past Germany - they just have the knack somehow, plus good players of course which helps.

[Trapper John]

Just noticed Leroy Sane has been left out the German squad, thats a shocker. Apparently he's been overlooked in favour of Leverkusen's Julian Brandt. Not seen Brandt play but he must have had a fantastic season otherwise one might think that national team managers still have this thing about their players playing their football on home turf.

[Red Okktober]

Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa don't seem to fancy Argentina's chances that much.

From todays Metro:

Are Argentina among the World Cup favourites?

OA: The preparation has been poor — we changed managers three times in three years. We now have Jorge Sampaoli but I don’t expect too much. The quality of players is there but we should have renovated the team after the last World Cup. It’s the same players as 2014 but not at the level they were.

RV: We have great individual players but as a team we don’t look solid. Lionel Messi needs an Andres Iniesta with him.

https://www.metro.news/ricky-villa-ossi ... s/1086930/

[Red Okktober]

Just noticed Leroy Sane has been left out the German squad, thats a shocker. Apparently he's been overlooked in favour of Leverkusen's Julian Brandt. Not seen Brandt play but he must have had a fantastic season otherwise one might think that national team managers still have this thing about their players playing their football on home turf.

Almost as surprising as the French leaving Lacazette behind.

Apparently Sane has been disruptive around the German camp - some of the other players were said to be 'stunned' by Sane's 'big time attitude'.

[honest guest]

Just noticed Leroy Sane has been left out the German squad, thats a shocker. Apparently he's been overlooked in favour of Leverkusen's Julian Brandt. Not seen Brandt play but he must have had a fantastic season otherwise one might think that national team managers still have this thing about their players playing their football on home turf.

Almost as surprising as the French leaving Lacazette behind.

Apparently Sane has been disruptive around the German camp - some of the other players were said to be 'stunned' by Sane's 'big time attitude'.

Not true.

His playing style suits Man City but not Germany.

[xtras1]

Looking forward to it.
Hopefully with the team we can pull something off

[Red Okktober]

His playing style suits Man City but not Germany.

https://www.sport24.co.za/Soccer/WorldC ... e-20180605

[Guest]

His playing style suits Man City but not Germany.

https://www.sport24.co.za/Soccer/WorldC ... e-20180605

Is believed

[Guest]

England 3 v Russia 2

Holland vs Sctoland

[Vicky]

England 3 v Russia 2

Holland vs Sctoland

I don't know of this Sctoland you speak of, but Scotland the country of my birth, had a wonderful result against them in the 1978 World Cup.

What group were England in that tournament?

[Vicky]

They must be lacing the water in England with Smirnoff, if anyone thinks England will win the World Cup.

By the way..

What bloody awful song are you torturing us with this time?

Don't tell me those twats Baddiel and Skinner are getting wheeled out again.