2018 WORLD CUP - Germany, Belgium & maybe PONTUS in action on Saturday

[1964white]

I predicted 3-0 Russia.

After this season following Leeds, I guess I'm used to being reduced to wishing that games were only 85 minutes long.

Saudi Arabia reminded me of Leeds

Lots of tippy-tappy football without creating a shot on goal
Continuously gave the ball away in dangerous areas
Lost count how many times they passed the ball into touch
Weak in the tackle, rarely won a 50/50 ball
Totally disorganised all over the park
Defensively inept especially the two lanky centre-backs

How are this lot rated higher than Russia god only knows although I don't get the rankings at all

[Gandalf]

Why FIFA should abandon their plans to up the World Cup numbers to 48, summed up in a single game. The Saudi's were absolutely awful, and a team that bad shouldn't be anywhere near a World Cup Finals. Made a mockery of the beautiful game tbh, and Russia should be ashamed that they couldn't put a lot more than 5 past a pub team.

[1964white]

Why FIFA should abandon their plans to up the World Cup numbers to 48, summed up in a single game. The Saudi's were absolutely awful, and a team that bad shouldn't be anywhere near a World Cup Finals. Made a mockery of the beautiful game tbh, and Russia should be ashamed that they couldn't put a lot more than 5 past a pub team.

FIFA are upping the numbers to 48 teams for the 2026 World Cup to be staged in the USA/Canada/Mexico

[1964white]

Russia recorded the second biggest victory ever by a host nation in their opening match at a World Cup tournament after Italy thrashed USA 7-1 in 1934.

[Muppet the Cat]

Two wonderful goals in added-on time for Russia to win 5-0

Only came in late this evening so hadn't seen the result. Certainly wasn't expecting 5-0.

Do you think comrade Putin may have had a word in the dressing room beforehand, geeing the Russian boys up, but also perhaps, highlighting the implications of a poor performance being a life of solitude in the permafrost lands of Eastern Siberia

[faaip]

Only came in late this evening so hadn't seen the result. Certainly wasn't expecting 5-0.

Do you think comrade Putin may have had a word in the dressing room beforehand, geeing the Russian boys up, but also perhaps, highlighting the implications of a poor performance being a life of solitude in the permafrost lands of Eastern Siberia

More likely he was in the Saudi dressing room threatening an accidental gas leak in their hotel room...

[1964white]

Only came in late this evening so hadn't seen the result. Certainly wasn't expecting 5-0.

Do you think comrade Putin may have had a word in the dressing room beforehand, geeing the Russian boys up, but also perhaps, highlighting the implications of a poor performance being a life of solitude in the permafrost lands of Eastern Siberia

Lets say I wouldn't wish to be a Russian footballer who falls at the first hurdle

[1964white]

More likely he was in the Saudi dressing room threatening an accidental gas leak in their hotel room...

Putin 5-0 Saudi Arabia

[John in Louisiana]

More likely he was in the Saudi dressing room threatening an accidental gas leak in their hotel room...

Actually, it's not so funny..........

After the recent G7 meeting, Guy Verhofstadt, the former Prime Minister of Belgium, tweeted out the following to Donald Trump:

“Just tell us what Vladimir has on you. Maybe we can help.”

[1964white]

Egypt v Uruguay

Mo Salah on the bench

[1964white]

Uraguay playing in all-white & from a distance their LB looks like Ayling

[hector]

Is that because he has a boy bun and is on the opposite side of the pitch to where he should be??

[1964white]

Is that because he has a boy bun and is on the opposite side of the pitch to where he should be??

[1964white]

Fantastic header from Ginenez to put Uraguay in the lead with minutes to go, just after Cavani had hit the woodwork with a superb free-kick

[1964white]

Missing the best match of the day as I have a bowls match tonight

[HarryofOz]

Missing the best match of the day as I have a bowls match tonight

Excellent first half of football but what a howler from De Gea to gift Portugal a 2-1 half time lead.

[HarryofOz]

Nacho chips in with a goal for Spain

[gessa]

Nacho chips in with a goal for Spain

Hit it crisp

[HarryofOz]

Hit it crisp

[whiteswan]

I shall be waiting Ducky...........

Wait no longer hector....my version is up and posted on the 'hector' thread....