The official FIFA World Cup 2018 thread

[tudorbaja27]

My colleague is bringing an extra laptop to the office - just to make sure games are always on ;)

[tudorbaja27]

Originally Posted by dmash

I think Portugal is being a little underrated. They *did* just win the Euro....

It's not always about the stats on paper but your actual execution.



Speaking of which, what games are you guys looking forward to this weekend?

My lineup will be:

Thurs- Russia/Saudi (opening match, of course will watch)
Fri- Portugal/Spain (this should give some solid input on two top tier teams)
Sat- Argentina/Iceland (Cinderalla story x2?)
Sun- Germany/Mexico (self explanatory)

Portugal Spain should be tremendous! Always have to watch the opening match, though don't expect the Russians to have issues with Saudi Arabia. I'm starting tog excited! Some of my fondes memories from childhood were at my grandparents house in the countryside in '98 in France and their 3-0 win in the final!

[dmash]

Originally Posted by tudorbaja27

Portugal Spain should be tremendous! Always have to watch the opening match, though don't expect the Russians to have issues with Saudi Arabia. I'm starting tog excited! Some of my fondes memories from childhood were at my grandparents house in the countryside in '98 in France and their 3-0 win in the final!

One thing I like about the World Cup, is even if you don't like football....everybody still kind of gets in on it. It's a fun time!

[tudorbaja27]

Originally Posted by dmash

One thing I like about the World Cup, is even if you don't like football....everybody still kind of gets in on it. It's a fun time!

Who doesn't like football?

[Zakalwe]

Originally Posted by Runnin' Rebel

Out right winning odds

Brazil 9/2
Germany 19/4
Spain 6/1
France 13/2
Argentina 19/2
Belgium 12/1
England 18/1
Uruguay 25/1
Portugal 28/1
Croatia 33/1
Colombia 40/1
Russia 50/1
Poland 80/1
Denmark 100/1
Mexico 100/1
Switzerland 100/1
Sweden 150/1
Senegal 150/1
Egypt 150/1
Iceland 200/1
Serbia 200/1
Japan 200/1
Nigeria 200/1
Peru 200/1
Costa Rica 300/1
Australia 300/1
Iran 500/1
Morocco 500/1
South Korea 500/1
Tunisia 500/1
Panama 1000/1
Saudi Arabia 1000/1


Sent from my iPad while on the beach

I’m curious Mark, where are those odds taken from?

England are 7th favourites according to our own bookies but I assumed we were being over-rated because the odds were shortened due to the bookmakers reducing liabilities as naturally lots of optimistic/drunk Englishmen put money on England to win.

Though for once we’ve got a team rather than a collection of individuals, unfortunately we are a bit short in midfield and defence. Still, you never know.

Incidentally, the top 4 in the betting cannot meet each other until the semis if they all win their respective groups, which is why it’s hard to see past one of them for the win. I’d say Brazil if pushed - Tite has actually organised a watertight defence to go with the traditional Brazilian flair in attack.

[1st amg]

Originally Posted by tudorbaja27

That was quite a national tragedy. Spent a few years in Italy and still have many friends there. My brother was at San Siro during the return leg against Sweden. Saying Italians were disappointed is an understatement.

Yes, understatement. Us Italians are walking around with our heads down during a time when most of the world is setting up for this. It sucks. I will be watching with some interest regardless, but not with so much passion. I am trying to figure out who I should cheer for. Good luck everyone.

[City74]

Well since my countries men’s team sucks (but our Women rock) I don’t have a dog in the fight. I guess I’ll root for England. They have some players I like. I wouldn’t be upset if Germany won it tho

[Runnin' Rebel]

Originally Posted by Zakalwe

I’m curious Mark, where are those odds taken from?

England are 7th favourites according to our own bookies but I assumed we were being over-rated because the odds were shortened due to the bookmakers reducing liabilities as naturally lots of optimistic/drunk Englishmen put money on England to win.

Though for once we’ve got a team rather than a collection of individuals, unfortunately we are a bit short in midfield and defence. Still, you never know.

Incidentally, the top 4 in the betting cannot meet each other until the semis if they all win their respective groups, which is why it’s hard to see past one of them for the win. I’d say Brazil if pushed - Tite has actually organised a watertight defence to go with the traditional Brazilian flair in attack.

England is 7th on that list too. These odds are for the wining the World Cup Title. Some odds have already adjusted and will daily until the games start.

Spain is a favorite over Portugal at about -120. Portugal is +320..Draw is at +250 Over/under is 2.25 goals ~ over/under flops are at 3 per game

[gettocard]

I can't belive there is no Italy...lol. I bet russian hooligans will give everybody a hard time

Probably I will root for Germany,I like germans after all,they are good,no fuss,solid people. And besides that I have a 2 years old boy I'm raising sticking to this :

[AK797]

Was looking a the betting and not really sure who to back, I feel it's pretty open this year with no standout teams. I'll see which three teams I get in the family sweepstake.

I'm a little bit optimistic about England for some reason, maybe because in Harry Kane we have our best player since Gazza, and he's probably the best striker in the world, all those ahead of him in the betting are more no 10s really and play for teams expected to go deeper than the group stage. We have a lot of fast support players from Man Utd and City and we may just be able to rip thru teams for parts of a game and if Kane can put a few away and our defence can hold together who knows, we may see a Quarter final again.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by dmash

I think Portugal is being a little underrated. They *did* just win the Euro....

It's not always about the stats on paper but your actual execution.



Speaking of which, what games are you guys looking forward to this weekend?

My lineup will be:

Thurs- Russia/Saudi (opening match, of course will watch)
Fri- Portugal/Spain (this should give some solid input on two top tier teams)
Sat- Argentina/Iceland (Cinderalla story x2?)
Sun- Germany/Mexico (self explanatory)

Portugal Spain is the big game, will tell us a lot. I fancy Messi to be Messi in a WC at last and so think maybe they could be the ones to watch. On paper the Belgians look very good and with England in the same group I bet they now play fantastically.

[Zakalwe]

Originally Posted by AK797

Was looking a the betting and not really sure who to back, I feel it's pretty open this year with no standout teams. I'll see which three teams I get in the family sweepstake.

From a punter’s perspective I think the value bets are Belgium and Uruguay. Great odds for both and the Belgians can put out a side that is, as you say at least on paper as good as anyone’s. Shame they’re managed by Premier League basement reject Martinez.

[tudorbaja27]

Originally Posted by AK797

Portugal Spain is the big game, will tell us a lot. I fancy Messi to be Messi in a WC at last and so think maybe they could be the ones to watch. On paper the Belgians look very good and with England in the same group I bet they now play fantastically.

Argentina barely qualified - and they've been underperforming for many years now. Wouldn't hold my breath for them. To me, the usual suspects, as always, are Brazil & Germany. France may have a shot as well. and that's about it.
Let the games begin!

[andrewjb88]

Will be backing Germany like I always do.

The only year I didn't back Germany, I backed Argentina, it was Germany vs Argentina in the final... Doh!

[Scapegoat]

Bring it on! Go Messi!

[daveathall]

Originally Posted by Zakalwe

From a punter’s perspective I think the value bets are Belgium and Uruguay. Great odds for both and the Belgians can put out a side that is, as you say at least on paper as good as anyone’s. Shame they’re managed by Premier League basement reject Martinez.

Belgium are a very good shout.

[dmash]

Originally Posted by gettocard

I can't belive there is no Italy...lol. I bet russian hooligans will give everybody a hard time

Probably I will root for Germany,I like germans after all,they are good,no fuss,solid people. And besides that I have a 2 years old boy I'm raising sticking to this :

Germans don’t fuss

Germans complain about EVERYTHING, but only to close friends and family

[tudorbaja27]

Originally Posted by dmash

Germans don’t fuss

Germans complain about EVERYTHING, but only to close friends and family

and they wear socks with sandals

[chris242]

Originally Posted by tudorbaja27

and they wear socks with sandals

but they kick a$$ on the pitch!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Castlesinthesky]

Come on England !!!!

rashford england.jpg

[City74]

Originally Posted by chris242

but they kick a$$ on the pitch!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I remember a couple world cups ago watching Germany when Lahm and Schweinsteiger (spelling) were playing and thinking “who is ever gonna beat these guys”. They were a pleasure to watch

[City74]

Originally Posted by Castlesinthesky

Come on England !!!!

Attachment 958731

After hearing about Danny Rose “issues” I’m hoping he does well this WC

[Zakalwe]

Originally Posted by Castlesinthesky

Come on England !!!!

Nearly time to rock out “World in Motion” and “Three Lions” and start playing them on an endless loop in the car to and from work.

[Castlesinthesky]

Originally Posted by Zakalwe

Nearly time to rock out “World in Motion” and “Three Lions” and start playing them on an endless loop in the car to and from work.

oh yes, and.......................

Where on earth are you from?
We're from England
Where you come from
Do you put the kettle on?
Kick it
Nah Nah Nah
Nah Nah Nah
Nah Nah Nah
Nah Nah Nah Nah Nah
Nah Nah Nah
Bonjour
Nah Nah Nah
Monsieur
Nah Nah Nah
Nah Nah Nah Nah Nah
Nah Nah Nah
Nah Nah Nah
Nah Nah Nah
Nah Nah Nah Nah
We're England
We're gonna score one more than you
England!
Can I introduce you please
To a lump of Cheddar Cheese
Knit one, Pearl one
Drop one, Curl one
Kick it
Nah Nah Nah
Nah Nah Nah
Nah Nah Nah
Nah Nah Nah Nah Nah
Nah Nah Nah
Nah Nah Nah
Nah Nah Nah
Nah Nah Nah Nah Nah
Nah Nah Nah
Nah Nah Nah
Nah Nah Nah
Nah Nah Nah Nah
We're England
We're gonna score one more than you
England!
Me and me Mum and me Dad and me Gran
We're off to Waterloo
Me and me Mum and me Dad and me Gran
And a bucket of Vindaloo
Bucket!…

[Zakalwe]

Originally Posted by Castlesinthesky

oh yes, and.......................

Where on earth are you from?
We're from England
Where you come from
Do you put the kettle on?
Kick it
Nah Nah Nah
Nah Nah Nah
Nah Nah Nah
Nah Nah Nah Nah Nah
Nah Nah Nah
Bonjour
Nah Nah Nah
Monsieur
Nah Nah Nah
Nah Nah Nah Nah Nah
Nah Nah Nah
Nah Nah Nah
Nah Nah Nah
Nah Nah Nah Nah
We're England
We're gonna score one more than you
England!
Can I introduce you please
To a lump of Cheddar Cheese
Knit one, Pearl one
Drop one, Curl one
Kick it
Nah Nah Nah
Nah Nah Nah
Nah Nah Nah
Nah Nah Nah Nah Nah
Nah Nah Nah
Nah Nah Nah
Nah Nah Nah
Nah Nah Nah Nah Nah
Nah Nah Nah
Nah Nah Nah
Nah Nah Nah
Nah Nah Nah Nah
We're England
We're gonna score one more than you
England!
Me and me Mum and me Dad and me Gran
We're off to Waterloo
Me and me Mum and me Dad and me Gran
And a bucket of Vindaloo
Bucket!…

Jeez I’d forgotten about that. Keith Allen was in the video if I remember right and it came out for Euro ‘96 alongside Skinner, Baddiel and the Lightning Seeds. I was 15 and that was nearly a great Summer.

Damn you Germans with your ruthlessly efficient penalty skills

[AK797]

Originally Posted by tudorbaja27

Argentina barely qualified - and they've been underperforming for many years now. Wouldn't hold my breath for them. To me, the usual suspects, as always, are Brazil & Germany. France may have a shot as well. and that's about it.
Let the games begin!

I just think Messi is so much a better player than Ronaldo, altho Ronaldo's finishing is fantastic these days and he's more of a striker, and yet Ronaldo has scooped up all the recent accolades with the Champion's League and the Euros that surely Messi will be fired up and determined to drag Argentina and himself to true legendary status like Maradona in 86. It's now or never for him I feel.

France I like too on paper, and I'm gonna say Brazil and Germany do not win this one.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Zakalwe

Nearly time to rock out “World in Motion” and “Three Lions” and start playing them on an endless loop in the car to and from work.

I'll be having Vindaloo next Monday week! Think we're booked for a Chinese but I'm still gonna ask.

Keith Allen actually wrote it too, and Baddiel and Skinner's was not the official 96 song, it was actually Mick Hucknall's.

[tudorbaja27]

Originally Posted by AK797

I just think Messi is so much a better player than Ronaldo, altho Ronaldo's finishing is fantastic these days and he's more of a striker, and yet Ronaldo has scooped up all the recent accolades with the Champion's League and the Euros that surely Messi will be fired up and determined to drag Argentina and himself to true legendary status like Maradona in 86. It's now or never for him I feel.

France I like too on paper, and I'm gonna say Brazil and Germany do not win this one.

Being a Real Madrid fan - I will not get into the Messi vs. Ronaldo debate
It is probably now or never for Messi - we shall see. His performances on the national team haven't been amazing thus far, but that can all change.

[dmash]

Originally Posted by AK797

I just think Messi is so much a better player than Ronaldo, altho Ronaldo's finishing is fantastic these days and he's more of a striker, and yet Ronaldo has scooped up all the recent accolades with the Champion's League and the Euros that surely Messi will be fired up and determined to drag Argentina and himself to true legendary status like Maradona in 86. It's now or never for him I feel.

France I like too on paper, and I'm gonna say Brazil and Germany do not win this one.

The thing about Messi.....is that he has the capability to win a match himself. Easily. His entire team can play mediocre and still win if he’s on fire. It’s a sight to behold.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by tudorbaja27

Being a Real Madrid fan - I will not get into the Messi vs. Ronaldo debate
It is probably now or never for Messi - we shall see. His performances on the national team haven't been amazing thus far, but that can all change.

Well I'm a Man Utd fan and Ronaldo had many of his best years with us and won us a few Premier Leagues almost by himself so we love him, but still he's not in Messi's league, only Maradona and Zidane are for me, best three players I've ever seen, but those two produced in WCs so they do have the edge over him... for now.