***Official*** 2018 World Cup thread (and Drinking Guide) (3 Viewers)

[NewlyRetired]

Newbie to the world cup guys.I am going to pull for Peru because of Yoshi Yotun. Plus I always pull for the underdog.Do they have much chance of advancing very far.?

France is the clear and dominant favorite in that group (but they have been in a similar position in previous cups and screwed up).

Top 2 teams in each group advance so even if you stipulate France is one of them Peru should have a fair shot against both Denmark and Aussie for the other spot.

If they come in second, they likely get Argentina and Messi in the first knock out round.

 

[Poke_4_Life]

every game is on tv in both English and Spanish

here is the English schedule

https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/schedule?competition=12

Thanks.

 

[NewlyRetired]

OK, this is driving me crazy...  what time zones is that schedule in?  I can't see anywhere on that page that says...  I think those are East Coast times...

look at the time itself.  It lists ET next to it.

 

[rustycolts]

France is the clear and dominant favorite in that group (but they have been in a similar position in previous cups and screwed up).

Top 2 teams in each group advance so even if you stipulate France is one of them Peru should have a fair shot against both Denmark and Aussie for the other spot.

If they come in second, they likely get Argentina and Messi in the first knock out round.

Thank you.

 

[Poke_4_Life]

look at the time itself.  It lists ET next to it.

You're too quick.  Damn it all.  

 

[The Gator]

Germany and Sir Harold of Kane, savior of the HotSpur and 3 Lions.

Man, more votes for a fat forward than I thought there would be

 

[The Z Machine]

France is the clear and dominant favorite in that group (but they have been in a similar position in previous cups and screwed up).

Top 2 teams in each group advance so even if you stipulate France is one of them Peru should have a fair shot against both Denmark and Aussie for the other spot.

If they come in second, they likely get Argentina and Messi in the first knock out round.

That's assuming that Argentina doesn't blow it.  Their defense is suspect IMO.

 

[roadkill1292]

Germany and Sir Harold of Kane, savior of the HotSpur and 3 Lions.

I always imagine Harry as an English officer in a World War I movie. Complete with riding stick, of course.

 

[Eephus]

I've taken off my bib and will sub in for @Ramsay Hunt Experience to preview the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

They're the only CAF qualifier that's making a return trip to the finals, but the past four years have seen more downs than ups.  They've been through a couple of coaching changes, dealt with the tragic death of Big Boss Stephen Keshi, stumbled in the group stage in AFCON 2016 and got jobbed in the abbreviated AFCON 2017 qualifiers.  

The Super Eagles turned it around under well-traveled German manager Gernot Rohr and roared through their WC qualifiers.  They finished top of tough group with Algeria, Cameroon and Zambia even though they forfeited their game at Algeria for fielding a suspended player.  It seems strange to follow that with the observation that their federation is in good shape but I'll say it anyways.  Nigerian oil billionaire Benedict Peters pumped a lot of money into the FA so the Super Eagles have avoided the usual disputes about bonuses and travel arrangements in their run-up.  The players have reportedly already received their bonus money.  I'd rather read stories about their kit selling out than the players organizing a strike in an airport lounge.

Nigeria has the seventh largest population on Earth and large emigrant communities throughout Europe, so there's always depth of talent. Piecing it together into a cohesive unit is where it gets tricky. They're sending the youngest side to the tournament with almost complete turnover from Brazil 2014.  

John Obi Mikel is the skipper and an essential part of the team.  He plays in a freer role for Nigeria than he ever did at Chelsea.  He played at the sharp end of a midfield triangle in a 4-2-3-1 but is able to drop to help holding midfielders Joel Obi (Torino) and Ogenyi Onazi (Trabanspor).  Onazi had a poor game against England and will be challenged by Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester) in his return from injury.

Nigeria's defense looked shaky at times in their last few friendlies, especially on set pieces. Their normal #1 Carl Ikeme (Wolves) missed the entire season  following a leukemia diagnosis so the Super Eagles will turn to either Ikechukwu Ezenwa (famous for bouncing on his butt after goals) or 19 year old Francis Uzoho (Deportivo).  Uzoho played against both ENG and CZE and made some nice saves but also a number of errors.  He's the likely starting keeper but it wouldn't be totally surprising if Rohr turns to more experienced hands at some point.  The central defense partnership of German-born Leon Balogun and Dutchman William Troost-Ekong (Bursaspor) will be critical to the Super Eagles' chances.  They've been dubbed the "Oyinbo Wall" in reference to their mixed heritage and the local slang word for Caucasians.  Balogun will join Premiership club Brighton next season (it still is odd to have Brighton in the Premier League).

Rohr experimented with a 3 man backline in the second halves of their last two friendlies. In both cases, the team was more effective after the switch.  They also played 3-5-2 in their win over Argentina last December.  Nigeria has plenty of athletes to play a press.  They pressed the Czechs aggressively and mostly effectively.  But they'll have to be closer to perfection in Russia; better sides may punish the Super Eagles for any lapses.

There's a nice set of attacking options even though goals haven't been coming lately.  Alex Iwobi and Victor Moses are household names if mostly for the company they keep.  Moses' versatility is useful on the left side.  He featured on almost all set pieces so he could be a good fantasy play if he's classified as a MID.  Odion Ighalo scored a lot of goals for Watford until he didn't.  He's regained his goal scoring form since moving to China.  Kelechi Iheanacho and Ahmed Musa will also be familiar to Premier League anoraks.  I think there's enough talent to score some goals if they get quality changes.  They're most dangerous on the counterattack but had good stretches of possession in a driving rain against CZE.

I realistically don't expect them to advance like they did in Brazil. Their inexperience will likely betray them against better organized opponents but there's always hope in a short tournament.  So allow me to dream a bit.  Their schedule works in their favor because they won't play Argentina until the last group game.  If ARG has clinched by then, the Super Eagles could slip through against a weakened side.  From there, maybe they can avoid France in the round of 16  and make it to the quarters.  I think that's their absolute best case scenario though.  I'm afraid Pele's best hope to get his prediction right will be to live another four years.  His second best hope is probably Senegal

SOAR SUPER EAGLES

 

[CletiusMaximus]

France is the clear and dominant favorite in that group (but they have been in a similar position in previous cups and screwed up).

Top 2 teams in each group advance so even if you stipulate France is one of them Peru should have a fair shot against both Denmark and Aussie for the other spot.

If they come in second, they likely get Argentina and Messi in the first knock out round.

My gut feeling on this is that Denmark has a strong advantage over Peru. I'm not sure about Australia.

Peru's kit is polarizing.  I've seen it ranked both near the bottom and top of the 32. Sadly, I've got it near the bottom.  The diagonal slash just doesn't work for me.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Marvel Comics and ESPN World Cup preview.

 

[Eephus]

My gut feeling on this is that Denmark has a strong advantage over Peru. I'm not sure about Australia.

Peru's kit is polarizing.  I've seen it ranked both near the bottom and top of the 32. Sadly, I've got it near the bottom.  The diagonal slash just doesn't work for me.

Denmark seems like a sneaky pick to make a deep run

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Denmark seems like a sneaky pick to make a deep run

Likely to get either Argentina or Croatia in the next round.  Probably Argentina unless Denmark or Croatia surprise as group winners.  I actually do have Croatia winning the group, and thought Croatia/Denmark was a crapshoot, but I chose Croatia.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

And awesome job with the Super Eagles, eeph.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Just realized I haven't done France yet, have I?

 

[The Gator]

Just realized I haven't done France yet, have I?

If I say yes will you still do one? 

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

If I say yes will you still do one? 

Oui.

 

[Eephus]

Likely to get either Argentina or Croatia in the next round.  Probably Argentina unless Denmark or Croatia surprise as group winners.  I actually do have Croatia winning the group, and thought Croatia/Denmark was a crapshoot, but I chose Croatia.

Soar Super Eagles

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Soar Super Eagles

:bounces on butt:

 

[Christo]

I always imagine Harry as an English officer in a World War I movie. Complete with riding stick, of course.

Trenchfoot 'Arry

 

[Christo]

My gut feeling on this is that Denmark has a strong advantage over Peru. I'm not sure about Australia.

Peru's kit is polarizing.  I've seen it ranked both near the bottom and top of the 32. Sadly, I've got it near the bottom.  The diagonal slash just doesn't work for me.

Heathen

 

[Sebowski]

Heathen

You can't talk, hoops guy. 

 

[Jaysus]

Germany and Sir Harold of Kane, savior of the HotSpur and 3 Lions.

The reply options on this board are stupid - why can't I nest the fn replies?

Gator: "OFFICIALLY on France to win it and Muller for the golden boot."

RHE: "In with Spain and IscoMania running wild."

Jaysus: Russia &Timo Werner

Chuck Steiner: "Give me France to win and Griezmann for the Golden Boot."

(Chuck Steiner's Gut: France & Lewandoski)

Christo: Spain & Messi

Moe: England & Kane (p.s. lol)

Cleatius: Germany & Giroud

Eephus: France & Jesus

Bonzai: Germany & Mueller

Shader: Brazil & Neymar (I always liked you!)

Floppo: Brazil & Suarez

Z Machine: France & Mueller

P4L: Germany & Kane

 

[Christo]

You can't talk, hoops guy. 

Greatest Jersey Ever

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

:drags on cigarette:

Life is meaningless.  We are all just here to pass into nothingness.  But in the meantime, let's preview Les Bleus.

As several people have commented, France is stacked with talent from spot 1 to spot 23.  In fact, some very good players were left out.  Koscielny and Payet due to injury.  Martial in a numbers game.  And Benzema because of a narrow-minded prejudice against guys blackmailing their teammates with sex tapes.  

GK -- Hugo Lloris, Steve Mandanda, Alphonse Areola

At the risk of angering our resident Tottenham stans, I think Lloris was underrated for so long that he is now overrated.  He's still a good keeper, but I don't think he's been as steady the last two or three seasons.  I also think his keeper-sweeper skills are just more commonplace nowadays.  With that said, he's still solid. It's certainly not an area of weakness.  But I don't think it's an area that will separate them from the other contenders.

DEF - Djibril Sidibe, Benjamin Pavard, Adil Rami, Raphael Varane, Samuel Umtiti, Presnel Kimpembe, Benjamin Mendy, Lucas Hernandez

I think the injury to Koscielny was a blessing in disguise.  Because Deschamps seemed to favor him and he was declining pretty quickly.  Varane and Umtiti have struggled at times in limited minutes as the central pairing, but you have to think they'll be very solid with time.  I will say that as good as Varane is, I've seen him bullied and beaten to headers in some big games before.  Something to watch.  Mendy appears to healed from his injury, but you do have to worry about rust.  Mendy's personality seemed to really keep things light for City, so I think he plays a big role in a team that is famous for strife and turmoil at these tournaments.  

MF --  Paul Pogba, N'Golo Kante, Blaise Matuidi, Stephen N'Zonzi, Corentin Tolisso

So, it's all about Pogba, again.  Nobody can deny his talent.  But it is equally true that perhaps no top player presents such difficulty in finding the right players to compliment him.  Kante provides ball winning, but I'm not sure he's a guy to just mop up behind two more advanced CMs.  I've always liked him pushing the line of engagement higher up the field.  Matuidi has been very underrated for a long time, but he's 31.  The mileage might help curb his own all-action impulses and provide a skilled and stable partner for Pogba in the center of the pitch.  Among the reserves, N'Zonzi provides steel and Tolisso a little silk.

Attackers -- Kylian Mbappe, Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele, Florian Thauvin, Thomas Lemar, Nabil Fekir.  

This looks to me a group selected to play two different ways.  Giroud is really the only traditional #9 in the bunch.  But Mbappe, Griezmann, and Dembele play like inside forwards while Lemar, Thauvin, and Fekir play like attacking midfielders/traditional wingers.  Giroud will be relied on to hold up the ball.  Either Griezmann or Mbappe will drift in to stay close and combine at any one time.  Probably Griezmann more often.  Deschamps has a wealth of pace or playmaking at his disposal here.  The only question is chemistry, but the early friendlies (even the loss to Colombia that highlighted some big problems in defense) seem to show a pretty cohesive attack already.

Predicted Formation:  I've seen 4-4-4, 4-2-3-1, and 4-3-3 floated.  My best guess is a 4-3-3 that can look a lot different in attack depending on gets close to Giroud.

                      Lloris

Sidibe       Varane Untiti     Mendy

                      Kante

              Matuidi     Pogba

Mbappe                         Griezmann

                     Giroud

Projected Finish:  I have them losing the third place game.  They are obviously a favorite.  But I question the fit and the egos.  

 

[Christo]

Les Bleus sont formidable.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

You know, I wish there were a word or phrase to use when a team or some other thing just seems to lack something crucial to success but you can't put your finger on what ...

 

[roadkill1292]

:drags on cigarette:

Life is meaningless.  We are all just here to pass into nothingness.  But in the meantime, let's preview Les Bleus.

As several people have commented, France is stacked with talent from spot 1 to spot 23.  In fact, some very good players were left out.  Koscielny and Payet due to injury.  Martial in a numbers game.  And Benzema because of a narrow-minded prejudice against guys blackmailing their teammates with sex tapes.  

...........

So, it's all about Pogba, again.  Nobody can deny his talent.  But it is equally true that perhaps no top player presents such difficulty in finding the right players to compliment him. 

FWIW I clicked the like button as soon as I read the Benzema joke.

The inability of teams to mesh with a great talent like Pogba makes me appreciate ever more how Juventus made things work with him four or five years ago when I first started watching Euro club footy. That was the Pirlo-Vidal team and it remains one of the most interesting teams tactically to me in the years since. They were so different that even I could see it.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

The inability of teams to mesh with a great talent like Pogba makes me appreciate ever more how Juventus made things work with him four or five years ago when I first started watching Euro club footy. That was the Pirlo-Vidal team and it remains one of the most interesting teams tactically to me in the years since. They were so different that even I could see it.




1

Marchesio too.  The trick there was surrounding Pirlo with guys who could all run, all win balls, and all pass in their own right.  So you had to pick your poison.  Let Pirlo pick you apart from deep or watch him drag two defenders over to the side leaving you one down to a midfield with super talented all around players.  

 

[The Gator]

The inability of teams to mesh with a great talent like Pogba 

I'm almost certain the rest of the players aren't the problem when it comes to meshing with Pogba. Whoever called him a youtube player nailed it. He won't be able to carry a midfield let a lone a team with the way he plays. 

 

[Ned]

I've had some experience with buying counterfeit soccer shirts online, good and bad.  I would be very wary of anything on ebay or amazon that doesn't have a solid history of good feedback.  Amazon has always backed me up with refunds when I've been cheated.  I would check ebay and take the risk on a seller who's been around a while and has good feedback history.  You can email them and gauge the skeeviness of their response.  The best combo of price and reliability I've found is at www.gogoalshop.com - typically about $20 or so for a really nice replica.  My most recent purchase from them was about a year ago and went fine. Their youth sized shirts are somewhat limited, but I'll bet they have Jr.  Its probably unlikely you'll get the shirt in time for the first game, but I think 3-4 weeks delivery time is possible.

They got shut down...

On June 7, 2017, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, adidas AG, et al. filed a Complaint for Injunctive Relief and Damages. The filings and orders in this matter are available below.

NOTICE TO DEFENDANTS

If you fail to respond to this complaint, judgment by default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint.

To prevent this from happening you must file a response with the court clerk or administrator within 21 days of the date this message was posted. Your response must be in proper form and have proof of service on the plaintiffs' attorney, Stephen M. Gaffigan, P.A, 401 East Las Olas Boulevard, Suite 130-453, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33301.

6/7/2017COMPLAINT FOR INJUNCTIVE RELIEF AND DAMAGES

 

[Ned]

The reply options on this board are stupid - why can't I nest the fn replies?

Gator: "OFFICIALLY on France to win it and Muller for the golden boot."

RHE: "In with Spain and IscoMania running wild."

Jaysus: Russia &Timo Werner

Chuck Steiner: "Give me France to win and Griezmann for the Golden Boot."

(Chuck Steiner's Gut: France & Lewandoski)

Christo: Spain & Messi

Moe: England & Kane (p.s. lol)

Cleatius: Germany & Giroud

Eephus: France & Jesus

Bonzai: Germany & Mueller

Shader: Brazil & Neymar (I always liked you!)

Floppo: Brazil & Suarez

Z Machine: France & Mueller

P4L: Germany & Kane

I don't know what's at stake here, but put me down for Brazil & Suarez

 

[El Floppo]

My gut feeling on this is that Denmark has a strong advantage over Peru. I'm not sure about Australia.

Peru's kit is polarizing.  I've seen it ranked both near the bottom and top of the 32. Sadly, I've got it near the bottom.  The diagonal slash just doesn't work for me.

WRONG

the slash is awesome

 

[El Floppo]

I don't know what's at stake here, but put me down for Brazil & Suarez

Uneasy feeling....

 

[Eephus]

They got shut down...

Fake replica web stores get shut down pretty quickly these days. 

If you want to go down the fake route, your best bet is to take your chances on AliExpress.  They're likely the same sellers that you'd find on eBay and Amazon but the Ali prices are generally lower.  On any site, the seller may be gone before your item arrives but worst case you're only out US$20 or thereabouts.

 

[Ned]

Fake replica web stores get shut down pretty quickly these days. 

If you want to go down the fake route, your best bet is to take your chances on AliExpress.  They're likely the same sellers that you'd find on eBay and Amazon but the Ali prices are generally lower.  On any site, the seller may be gone before your item arrives but worst case you're only out US$20 or thereabouts.

Yup.  They stuck around for a while, surprisingly.

 

[Jaysus]

I don't know what's at stake here, but put me down for Brazil & Suarez

The reply options on this board are stupid - why can't I nest the fn replies?

Gator: "OFFICIALLY on France to win it and Muller for the golden boot."

RHE: "In with Spain and IscoMania running wild."

Jaysus: Russia &Timo Werner

Chuck Steiner: "Give me France to win and Griezmann for the Golden Boot."

(Chuck Steiner's Gut: France & Lewandoski)

Christo: Spain & Messi

Moe: England & Kane (p.s. lol)

Cleatius: Germany & Giroud

Eephus: France & Jesus

Bonzai: Germany & Mueller

Shader: Brazil & Neymar (I always liked you!)

Floppo: Brazil & Suarez

Z Machine: France & Mueller

P4L: Germany & Kane

Ned: Brazil & Suarez

 

[Charlie Steiner]

Chuck Steiner: "Give me France to win and Griezmann for the Golden Boot."

(Chuck Steiner's Gut: France & Lewandoski)

Can't argue with the gut.  Plus, it's always safer to diversify.  Axe Frenchy and I'll sit on the Pole.

 

[lardonastick]

I predict Spain to win & Neymar (Jr.) for top scorer.

 

[El Floppo]

interesting... only one Messi vote and none for CRo. 

 

[Sebowski]

Argentina and Aguero for me. If Argentina is going to do this they need someone to step up when Messi gets triple teamed. So put me down for that. 

 

[The Gator]

Argentina and Aguero for me. If Argentina is going to do this they need someone to step up when Messi gets triple teamed. So put me down for that. 

Setting up excuses for messi again, I like it. 

 

[El Floppo]

Argentina and Aguero for me. If Argentina is going to do this they need someone to step up when Messi gets triple teamed. So put me down for that. 

I still think Dybala figures in this, but a friend recently told me he and Messi don't play nice... so I guess not.

 

[El Floppo]

Setting up excuses for messi again, I like it. 

you put your money down on ronaldo, right?

 

[Charlie Steiner]

Setting up excuses for messi again, I like it. 

If anything, I think in this format, Messi will get more chances if he gets triple-teamed. He'll get the same favorable calls he usually gets, then bend shots into the top corners like he did in the Copa a couple years ago. I don't know why I didn't think of that earlier, but still I can't bring myself to change my Golden Boot pick again.

 

[shader]

You know, I wish there were a word or phrase to use when a team or some other thing just seems to lack something crucial to success but you can't put your finger on what ...

Personally I think the problem with France is that they just aren’t that good in midfield and defense.  I mean, they are good enough to beat most teams, but winning a WC good?  I don’t see it.  You look at all their talent and salivate at the wealth of options but I don’t see anything special behind the front 3-4 players.

Pogba isn’t an enigma to me anymore either.  He’s a classic tweener.  

 

[The Gator]

you put your money down on ronaldo, right?

How many times does the best player get the boot in a tournament?

Last one was the fake Ronaldo?

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Germany and Lewandowski please.

 

[Eephus]

Only 7% of all goals in Brazil 2014 were scored from the penalty spot.  This is pretty much in line with the previous two tournaments.

I would have thought it was higher

 

[El Floppo]

How many times does the best player get the boot in a tournament?

Last one was the fake Ronaldo?

I'll take that as a no.