The world Cup Russia 2018 Thread

[horlock07]

Pretty surprised FIFA went with the sensible choice

Sure it was not entirely down to that...

'The US, Canada and Mexico joint bid is promising Fifa associations vast profits of $11bn (£8.2bn). That compares with around $6bn (£4.48bn) from Morocco.'

[Abrahammer]

Well I suppose costs will be low, already got brilliant stadiums in place so plenty of profit to be creamed off

[pauld]

As long as they get a singer who's never seen a football before to take a penalty, I'm OK with it

[RedRag]

So Spain have just sacked their manager because he agreed to take over at Real after the tournament, it’s almost Swindon esq.

Big Sam on standby

[4D]

As for England, it’s a great group and a great last 16 potential draw against a team from the weakest group. Should get to QF against Brazil or Germany and that’s where it will end

Nah, we'll beat Germany on penalties.

[fittons_coaching_badge]

Didn't realise this will also be a 48 team tournament!!

I'm all for globalisation and growing the sport but thats too many!!

[kirky69]

If anyone did fancy joining a Fantasy League - PIN 8157787 and Passcode 1969

It's relatively easy to sign up - https://fantasyfootball.telegraph.co.uk/world-cup/main

Nemo - I have joined.. thanks

[Matchworn Shirts]

Not even Holland managed that level of implosion at a WC.

They have never managed anything at the WC :-)

[Batch]

they got to the final and nearly won it by kicking Spain a lot.

or is this a Netherlands/Holland point?

[DarloSTFC84]

If anyone did fancy joining a Fantasy League - PIN 8157787 and Passcode 1969

It's relatively easy to sign up - https://fantasyfootball.telegraph.co.uk/world-cup/main

Done.

[Batch]

Nestor

https://www.thesun.co.uk/world-cup-2018/6519558/world-cup-2018-colombia-nestor-lorenzo-brian-clough-swindon-town-england/?utm_source=TWITTER&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=Sprnklr+SUN+Organic&UTMX=Editorial%253ATheSunFootball%253ATw+Image+and+link%253AStatement%253ASport

[Peter Venkman]

Nice piece there about the most mental player possibly ever to grace the CG in Swindon colours.

I will be interested to see football in UHD on the beeb, about time the technology came up to speed, the few bits I have seen on Sky Q in UHD have been not a lot better than HD TBH though.

[Bob's Orange]

I think for the first time in a while, I am fully behind this England side. Of course I don't expect us to win the tournament, but I reckon this group of players seem relatively likeable and seem to have an idea of how they want to play.

I also think Gareth Southgate comes across very well in interviews and I would like to see his side do well for him.

[Reg Smeeton]

Interesting that Fernando Hierro whose taken on the Spain job as caretaker, would have worked under Phil Brown's cone carrying skills at Bolton. 

[Reg Smeeton]

I think for the first time in a while, I am fully behind this England side. Of course I don't expect us to win the tournament, but I reckon this group of players seem relatively likeable and seem to have an idea of how they want to play.

I also think Gareth Southgate comes across very well in interviews and I would like to see his side do well for him.

Gareth is a nice chap... he comes across like a geography teacher, taking a bunch of kids on a field trip. He's in a good position atm.  The realisation that as a country we're not very good at this football lark, seems to have finally sunk in.

Further, the idea for better or worse, that the best way to improve prospects is by bringing in kids through the age groups and at the same time develop their coaches, looks to be flavour of the month.   This needs time and continuity....and Gareth provides that.  I would hope that he could survive not getting out of the group, and get a shot at the next Euro.

Otherwise the logic of the "model" is that Ady Boothroyd will be next England boss