2018 FIFA World Cup Thread [W:87]

[Jredbaron96]

We're 54 days away from the World Cup kicking off in Russia so I started this thread.

Looking forward to seeing Die Mannschaft once more take home the trophy, but it's anyone's game.


Here are the groups:

GROUP A

Russia
Saudi Arabia
Egypt
Uruguay

GROUP B

Portugal
Spain
Morocco
Iran

GROUP C

France
Australia
Peru
Denmark

GROUP D

Argentina
Iceland
Croatia
Nigeria

GROUP E

Brazil
Switzerland
Costa Rica
Serbia

GROUP F

Germany
Mexico
Sweden
S. Korea

GROUP G

Belgium
Panama
Tunisia
England

GROUP H

Poland
Senegal
Colombia
Japan


For Group A I expect Uruguay and Russia to go through; the hosts don't seem all the impressive to be honest but I don't see Egypt or Saudia Arabia beating them. Portugal and Spain seem obvious contenders from Group B. France I expect to lead Group C but not sure who will be runner up. Probably Australia but Peru might surprise. Group D will almost certainly see Argentina advance, and while I wanna see Iceland go through I have a feeling Croatia might have something to say about that.

Group E of course I expect Brazil, though with Costa Rica things could get interesting very quickly. Germany seems top dog for Group F but runners up seems wide open; I like both Mexico and Sweden's chances. Group G seems like Belgium is the strong choice, but England have done well recently, so maybe this time they can get out of the group stages. Group H is interesting; no team is from the same continent. I see Colombia and Poland going through.

 

[Jetboogieman]

I of course will once again be awaiting bitter disappointment and failure as England drowns in its utter ineptitude.

Oh wait, I can't be disappointed if there's no expectation.

Us England fans are way past having any of that in supply.

 

[Serenity]

No Italy, USA or Netherlands.

My head says;

Obvious choice - Germany or Spain for the win

Argentina as the dark horse

My heart says;

England as the dark horse and the Aussies to do well.

 

[Rogue Valley]

Personally, I wish the world would boycott the World Cup in Moscow.

 

[Jredbaron96]

No Italy, USA or Netherlands.

Italy and Holland missing out still stuns me. Holland I understand given their aging corps, but Italy? God damn.

 

[Higgins86]

Personally, I wish the world would boycott the World Cup in Moscow.

I’m torn. Yes we should absolutely boycott based on Russians Rhetoric, ejection meddling, foreign policy, use of banned chemical weapons to kill ppl inside a NATO country etc...

But then again it’s the World Cup....

 

[Critique]

No Italy, USA or Netherlands.

No Chile either, and they would have been a factor.

Had I money to bet, I'd put it on Germany even with the short odds.

I suspect Argentina will struggle; Messi is great, but he's dominant at Barca because the people around him are so dangerous. The more reliant on one player a team becomes, the harder it is for that one player to put up good performances. Lewandowski and Poland, and Salah & Egypt will suffer similarly.

Of the teams with marquee talent I expect to do well are Germany, Belgium, Brazil, and Spain.

I suspect Germany, Spain and Brazil will both make it at least to the semis. I'd say Belgium, but I'm American and I'm still holding a grudge. I'd say England, but I've watched too many World Cups.

 

[Rogue Valley]

Boycott the FIFA World Cup in Moscow. June/2018

 

[Critique]

Boycott the FIFA World Cup in Moscow. June/2018

I'm boycotting the TV & pitch side display sponsors of the next two world cups. (both on human rights grounds)

I will watch them though.

 

[Rexedgar]

I’m torn. Yes we should absolutely boycott based on Russians Rhetoric, ejection meddling, foreign policy, use of banned chemical weapons to kill ppl inside a NATO country etc...

But then again it’s the World Cup....

Reminds me of an old story (early 2000's), a few University of Tennessee football players were arrested for attempting to rob a gas station. The owner declined to press charges saying, "damn, they are UT football players, ya know!" Looked for a link, can't locate one.

 

[Critique]

Reminds me of an old story (early 2000's), a few University of Tennessee football players were arrested for attempting to rob a gas station. The owner declined to press charges saying, "damn, they are UT football players, ya know!" Looked for a link, can't locate one.

Solution: watch the games, boycott the sponsors.

Maybe the 2022 world cup will be moved to a country that doesn't use slave labor.

 

[Jetboogieman]

Look everyone I think we can all agree that the fact that Russia is hosting this was a problem going all the way back to the bidding process.

But let’s just stick this thread to the conversation about football shall we?

Whether Russia should host and whether we should boycott any sponsors can be done in another thread.

 

[PeteEU]

Look everyone I think we can all agree that the fact that Russia is hosting this was a problem going all the way back to the bidding process.

But let’s just stick this thread to the conversation about football shall we?

Whether Russia should host and whether we should boycott any sponsors can be done in another thread.

There was nothing wrong with the bidding process. They were favourites from the start and their only real competition was Spain/Portugal bid. Since Spain already had been a host and Russia not, then it went as expected to Russia.

The problem with the Russian bid was that the English thought they had it in the bag and deserved it. Well anyone outside the UK can tell you any English bid is doomed from the start. That is also why the British media went ape**** over not getting the games and started all sorts of conspiracy theories.

At least with Qatar there was some basis but Russia never, except in the eyes of English fans and media.

Now we can debate the overall process and we would probably agree it sucks... but let me remind you that same process game the US the 1994 games and France the 1998 games and the 96 Euros in...England.

Sendt fra min SM-N9005 med Tapatalk

 

[PeteEU]

And back to the topic.

Spain and Germany are joint favourites. Brazil and France are 2nd favourites with Argentina and Belgium as dark horses. I don't see England doing anything as that is what normally happens. Would be a pleasant surprise if they did.

This will be Messi last world cup as well as Ronaldo and Iniesta....who will take over?

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[Critique]

And back to the topic.

Spain and Germany are joint favourites. Brazil and France are 2nd favourites with Argentina and Belgium as dark horses. I don't see England doing anything as that is what normally happens. Would be a pleasant surprise if they did.

This will be Messi last world cup as well as Ronaldo and Iniesta....who will take over?

Sendt fra min SM-N9005 med Tapatalk

I'd say DeBruyne is the most likely big name to both shine and make it deep into the tourney. The Chelsea supporter in me makes me wants to say Alvaro Morata, but he hasn't shown much (other than decent hold up play) in recent months.

It seems very likely to me we will see another dominating full team performance from Die Mannschaft, and great individual performers will end up watching the final on TV.

It's also possible Cesar Azpilacueta will be the best player at the tourney and win it with few people even noticing how good he is. Such is the life of a great defender.

 

[Higgins86]

There was nothing wrong with the bidding process. They were favourites from the start and their only real competition was Spain/Portugal bid. Since Spain already had been a host and Russia not, then it went as expected to Russia.

The problem with the Russian bid was that the English thought they had it in the bag and deserved it. Well anyone outside the UK can tell you any English bid is doomed from the start. That is also why the British media went ape**** over not getting the games and started all sorts of conspiracy theories.

At least with Qatar there was some basis but Russia never, except in the eyes of English fans and media.

Now we can debate the overall process and we would probably agree it sucks... but let me remind you that same process game the US the 1994 games and France the 1998 games and the 96 Euros in...England.

Sendt fra min SM-N9005 med Tapatalk

Well i mean we uncovered direct proof that Russia were buying votes and our media reported it as they should have.

 

[Higgins86]

With England the main issue as it always is will be fitness. Until we implement a winter break we’re always going to be at a disadvantage. You look at Kane and the rest of the spurs players and you can already see them getting pretty jaded. That’s also an issue for foreign players in the prem which is why they rarely do well in the summer tournaments. Look at Belgium in the last two tournaments.

 

[Critique]

With England the main issue as it always is will be fitness. Until we implement a winter break we’re always going to be at a disadvantage. You look at Kane and the rest of the spurs players and you can already see them getting pretty jaded. That’s also an issue for foreign players in the prem which is why they rarely do well in the summer tournaments. Look at Belgium in the last two tournaments.

Excellent point. Many French and Spanish players are in the EPL right now too.

It's also worth looking at the performance of Germany, whose domestic league takes several weeks off mid-season.

 

[PeteEU]

I'd say DeBruyne is the most likely big name to both shine and make it deep into the tourney.

Problem with the Belgian team is that they are like the Spanish team before Spain won the euros in 2008.... some of the best players but unable to do it as a nation. The Belgian team is age wise in their prime to getting too old (Kompany and a few more), and their "time" was actually last Euros and they flopped. If they dont do this year, then it is getting too late for the golden generation. But who knows, no one expected Spain to do anything in 2008 due to their history.

The Chelsea supporter in me makes me wants to say Alvaro Morata, but he hasn't shown much (other than decent hold up play) in recent months.

He most likely wont be at the world cup. Spain will have 3-4 attackers. Iago Aspas is a given. Rodrigo is almost a sure thing as well. That leaves 1 to 2 spots, where Diego Costa seems a good bet, and for some reason Lucas Vazquez always gets a nod over Morata despite playing about the same. Hell I could see Pedro beating out Morata or Mata.

It seems very likely to me we will see another dominating full team performance from Die Mannschaft, and great individual performers will end up watching the final on TV.

It is always Germany or Italy that do team performances at big tournaments. This year no Italy, so Germany will do it. Problem with Germany however is certain spots are not exactly strong. I would claim that their attackers are not exactly quality. The best one is Mario Gomez and he does not make defenders **** their pants in anyway.

It's also possible Cesar Azpilacueta will be the best player at the tourney and win it with few people even noticing how good he is. Such is the life of a great defender.

Err no. He wont be a starter. The Spanish defence is Alba on the left, Carvajal on the right with Pique and Ramos in the center. He is however one of the first back-ups.

 

[PeteEU]

Well i mean we uncovered direct proof that Russia were buying votes and our media reported it as they should have.

There was no proof. There was deals sure, but the fact is England will always lose because they are not well liked within FIFA. They have far too many enemies because of their whole multiple votes issue and other issues.

Fact is, that to get the games nations do deals.. call it "buying votes", but please... the ONLY reason England got the 1996 Euros, was because they made a deal with France and its allies... France got the 1998 World Cup and England got the 1996 Euros. Same with the 1994 World cup.. it went to the US because FIFA said it should for financial reasons. Every WC bidding has been "rigged" since the start and yet NOW you complain because Russia got it over England?

As I said.. there was 4 candidates. England, Belgium/Holland, Russia and Spain/Portugal. Why only 4 candidates? Because non UEFA candidates withdrew to guarantee that a non UEFA candidate got the 2022 games.. wait what? Corruption deals there too?

And among the those 4 candidates... England got 1 vote in the first round and was out. Russia had 9 votes from the start. It was all but over then as many FIFA members (who can vote) have stated that they were against combined candidates. Like it or not, the fact that England only got one vote (their own), shows how unpopular England is in FIFA. And it aint the first time. Why is it, when ever England bids for this.. they complain about corruption when they lose so clearly?

Case in point.. Germany 2006. Germany was favourite all a long with South Africa as a dark horse. However the English thought they were the best choice.. well when England got only 5 out of 23 votes in the first round then wait a minute.. second round that vote went down to 2!.. they actually LOST votes and were eliminated and soon after the accusations of Germany buying votes. Funny how every time England lose a bid, these accusations come out.. just saying.

 

[Higgins86]

There was no proof. There was deals sure, but the fact is England will always lose because they are not well liked within FIFA. They have far too many enemies because of their whole multiple votes issue and other issues.

Fact is, that to get the games nations do deals.. call it "buying votes", but please... the ONLY reason England got the 1996 Euros, was because they made a deal with France and its allies... France got the 1998 World Cup and England got the 1996 Euros. Same with the 1994 World cup.. it went to the US because FIFA said it should for financial reasons. Every WC bidding has been "rigged" since the start and yet NOW you complain because Russia got it over England?

As I said.. there was 4 candidates. England, Belgium/Holland, Russia and Spain/Portugal. Why only 4 candidates? Because non UEFA candidates withdrew to guarantee that a non UEFA candidate got the 2022 games.. wait what? Corruption deals there too?

And among the those 4 candidates... England got 1 vote in the first round and was out. Russia had 9 votes from the start. It was all but over then as many FIFA members (who can vote) have stated that they were against combined candidates. Like it or not, the fact that England only got one vote (their own), shows how unpopular England is in FIFA. And it aint the first time. Why is it, when ever England bids for this.. they complain about corruption when they lose so clearly?

Case in point.. Germany 2006. Germany was favourite all a long with South Africa as a dark horse. However the English thought they were the best choice.. well when England got only 5 out of 23 votes in the first round then wait a minute.. second round that vote went down to 2!.. they actually LOST votes and were eliminated and soon after the accusations of Germany buying votes. Funny how every time England lose a bid, these accusations come out.. just saying.

The mere fact we have hosted once and Mexico are on the verge of hosting for a third time and the US a 2nd time is a disgrace.

 

[Critique]

I think you're underestimating the German attack. Mueller is back in form, and they are very deep up front.

I'll concede Carvajal is the likely starting right back for Spain, but talk about an embarrassment of riches. Any injury or suspension on the back line likely turns Azpilacueta into a starter, given his performance as a center back these past two years. I actually prefer Azpilacueta to Carvajal on defensive grounds. I think it's a mistake to leave Morata off: he may be the best passing forward Spain has, and given the quality they have to put around him, that should matter almost as much as recent scoring record. He's also better coming back to help in defense than Costa or Vazquez.

Belgium is a strange case; they've consistently under-performed, but like you say, that was true of Spain until they suddenly didn't. There is little reason to believe they can't have a great tourney; some to believe they won't.

The thing is, the other guys with the kind of scoring touch to really light up a tourney, like Lewandowski, Salah and Kane are likely to be gone by the semifinals. That's why I think DeBruyne is the most likely to be the star performer.

I'm comfortable calling for the repeat.

 

[PeteEU]

With England the main issue as it always is will be fitness. Until we implement a winter break we’re always going to be at a disadvantage. You look at Kane and the rest of the spurs players and you can already see them getting pretty jaded.

Dont disagree with the winter break.. or at least not play as many games. However a better idea would be to dump the minor cup competition instead. That is really what causes most of the problems if you ask me.. and of course the 3 games in a week or so during Christmas/New Years.

But all nations, with maybe the Germans as an exception, will have this issue. Either their players play in the EPL or at teams fighting for titles... or at least the key players.

 

[PeteEU]

The mere fact we have hosted once and Mexico are on the verge of hosting for a third time and the US a 2nd time is a disgrace.

I dont disagree, but that is politics for you. England in FIFA are not popular due to historical issues. Now it might improve, now that England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales and Northern Ireland are not guaranteed 2 seats in the executive anymore, but the damage is done if you ask me.

Look at the members of the council today. From CONCACAF... Turks and Caicos Islands.. a British protectorate. From Oceania... Cook Islands, a British protectorate. And American Samoa.. wtf? Point is, the English islands member nations opened a floodgate of suspect members to achieve more power in FIFA which contributed to the overall corruption of FIFA. Lets not forget, it was a member from the Cayman Islands... a British Protectorate, that started the whole FIFA corruption scandal back in the day. And no, I am not saying that other nations have not done similar.. France has multiple members, as does Denmark even.. I mean Greenland and the Faroe Islands are members for **** sake.. they should not be, nor should Gibraltar as they are not nations!

It of course does not help that the British media have done so much to damage the sport (for good or bad), and go around claiming that the EPL is the best league in the world.. people dont respond well to such arrogance.

 

[PeteEU]

I think you're underestimating the German attack. Mueller is back in form, and they are very deep up front.

Mueller has been out of the team for a few games plus he is a more false nine/winger type than a striker. And I dont underestimate them at all. All I am saying is that the attackers they have are not world class, which is what they had before. Klose at 40 is better than anyone in the present German attack if you ask me. Gomez is only their top striker because there is no one else. He was 3rd on the pecking order when Germany had Klose and Podolski and that was despite them being ancient.

I'll concede Carvajal is the likely starting right back for Spain, but talk about an embarrassment of riches. Any injury or suspension on the back line likely turns Azpilacueta into a starter, given his performance as a center back these past two years. I actually prefer Azpilacueta to Carvajal on defensive grounds.

Azpilacueta will be the main backup for center back and right back. That is clear from the last few games Spain played.

I think it's a mistake to leave Morata off: he may be the best passing forward Spain has, and given the quality they have to put around him, that should matter almost as much as recent scoring record. He's also better coming back to help in defense than Costa or Vazquez.

Dont disagree, but he aint playing for his team and that is a problem. What he is though, is a great target man, so he could come in as a plan B type player.

Belgium is a strange case; they've consistently under-performed, but like you say, that was true of Spain until they suddenly didn't. There is little reason to believe they can't have a great tourney; some to believe they won't.

Took Spain decades to stop under preforming.

The thing is, the other guys with the kind of scoring touch to really light up a tourney, like Lewandowski, Salah and Kane are likely to be gone by the semifinals. That's why I think DeBruyne is the most likely to be the star performer.

If Neymar comes back.. then he will be the star performer.. or so I suspect. Him and possibly Isco. The Brazilian team has sooooo much talent up front that it is nuts. We shall see.