RUSSIA 2018 - THE WORLD CUP THREAD.

[Trapper John]

Wall to wall football on Saturday - don't know how I'll fit in all my chores?

Game Guide: (KO times BST)

France v Australia - 11:00am BBC1 (from 10:30am)
Argentina v Iceland - 2:00pm ITV1 (from 1:30pm)
Peru v Denmark - 5:00pm BBC1 (from 4:30pm)
Croatia v Nigeria - 8:00pm ITV1 (from 7:30pm)

For me, I suppose if I have to miss one or just glance it, it will be the Peru/Denmark match because I want to see how France perform as they are probably going to go far, even to the final. They have a great side and this time, unlike in recent big tournaments, they are all said to be singing from the same hymn sheet as the manager and each other.

I also want to watch Argentina to see if Messi can make his mark in his last world cup, he's never really shone for the national side. Also they struggled to qualify and could be one of the shock departures early in the competition.

I'm keen to see Croatia too, they (along with Serbia) could be the dark horses of the tournament. According to Slaven Bilic they have the best team the country has ever produced out there and they've had some good sides in the past. Nigeria are also capable of showing up in a game, forget their friendly with us, they are a force to be reckoned with.

[Dean]

Wall to wall football on Saturday - don't know how I'll fit in all my chores?

Game Guide: (KO times BST)

France v Australia - 11:00am BBC1 (from 10:30am)
Argentina v Iceland - 2:00pm ITV1 (from 1:30pm)
Peru v Denmark - 5:00pm BBC1 (from 4:30pm)
Croatia v Nigeria - 8:00pm ITV1 (from 7:30pm)

For me, I suppose if I have to miss one or just glance it, it will be the Peru/Denmark match because I want to see how France perform as they are probably going to go far, even to the final. They have a great side and this time, unlike in recent big tournaments, they are all said to be singing from the same hymn sheet as the manager and each other.

I also want to watch Argentina to see if Messi can make his mark in his last world cup, he's never really shone for the national side. Also they struggled to qualify and could be one of the shock departures early in the competition.

I'm keen to see Croatia too, they (along with Serbia) could be the dark horses of the tournament. According to Slaven Bilic they have the best team the country has ever produced out there and they've had some good sides in the past. Nigeria are also capable of showing up in a game, forget their friendly with us, they are a force to be reckoned with.

Bit harsh on Messi that mate. He got them to the World Cup final last time around, virtually on his own.

[Trapper John]

Wall to wall football on Saturday - don't know how I'll fit in all my chores?

Game Guide: (KO times BST)

France v Australia - 11:00am BBC1 (from 10:30am)
Argentina v Iceland - 2:00pm ITV1 (from 1:30pm)
Peru v Denmark - 5:00pm BBC1 (from 4:30pm)
Croatia v Nigeria - 8:00pm ITV1 (from 7:30pm)

For me, I suppose if I have to miss one or just glance it, it will be the Peru/Denmark match because I want to see how France perform as they are probably going to go far, even to the final. They have a great side and this time, unlike in recent big tournaments, they are all said to be singing from the same hymn sheet as the manager and each other.

I also want to watch Argentina to see if Messi can make his mark in his last world cup, he's never really shone for the national side. Also they struggled to qualify and could be one of the shock departures early in the competition.

I'm keen to see Croatia too, they (along with Serbia) could be the dark horses of the tournament. According to Slaven Bilic they have the best team the country has ever produced out there and they've had some good sides in the past. Nigeria are also capable of showing up in a game, forget their friendly with us, they are a force to be reckoned with.

Bit harsh on Messi that mate. He got them to the World Cup final last time around, virtually on his own.

Yeah he did but that was the first time he really put himself out for them, or appeared to anyway. Before then Argentinian media and fans didn't even want him in the squad because his performances were so indifferent.

Maybe after seeing Ronaldo steal the show yesterday, it'll inspire him to some stellar performances in Russia. I still think Ronaldo is the more impressive player just for the simple reason that Messi is a naturally gifted player it comes to him so easily, whereas Ronaldo - although just as gifted - has had to work very hard to keep himself at the top.

[Dean]

Ronaldo is a machine, Messi is an artist. Both of them will go down in history as all time top 10 greats. I love watching both them, I’m not an “either or” type of guy. We should just feel lucky they were both around in their prime for us to appreciate!

[Trapper John]

Ronaldo is a machine, Messi is an artist. Both of them will go down in history as all time top 10 greats. I love watching both them, I’m not an “either or” type of guy. We should just feel lucky they were both around in their prime for us to appreciate!

Aye

[Punk]

Can Australia get the ball into the French half? Wow they've done it, after 8 minutes...

[Punk]

Bloody Nora Australia nearly scored, good save by Lloris, still 0-0 18 minutes

[Vam]

I'm no expert, but this is looking to be a lacklustre, scrappy game (so far). And that Uruguayan ref seems a bit suss

We were totally spoilt with the thrills of yesterday's amazing match, and I'd love to see more of the same kind of passion, grit and flair

[Punk]

Since the first ten minutes France have really tailed off and are looking very ordinary. 0-0 30th minute

[Punk]

0-0 Half time peops, I imagine the French players are getting the hairdryer treatment from Deschamps.

[Punk]

VAR results in a penalty to France, 1-0 57 minutes

[Dean]

VAR results in a penalty to France, 1-0 57 minutes

Even after VAR I don’t think that was a penalty...

[dis]

C’mon Australia!

[dis]

[Punk]

1-1 Australia penalty 62 minutes