[World Cup 2018] Group A (Egy - Rus - Sau - Uru)

[Reg]

Group A

https://i.imgur.com/9a59U8p.png

Thursday 14th June, 16:00 ITV
Russia v Saudi Arabia

Friday 15th, 13:00 BBC1
Egypt v Uruguay

Tuesday 19th, 19:00 BBC1
Russia v Egypt

Wednesday 20th, 16:00 BBC1
Uruguay v Saudi Arabia

Monday 25th, 15:00 ITV & ITV4
Uruguay v Russia
Saudi Arabia v Egypt

[SincereTheRebel]

Warming up :drool:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

It's too early.

[Disco]

We need a thread to discuss when all the other threads should be posted.

[Pepe]

Worst group ever?

[Giggles]

Worst group ever?

H.

[Disco]

Weren't the Ruskies in a terrible group last time as well? Hardly matters, they are getting anywhere this time either.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

We need a thread to discuss when all the other threads should be posted.

One giant thread or multiple off-shoots?

[Pleb]

Egypt
Uruguay
~~~~~~
Saudi Arabia
Russia

Get the other threads up Reg :chief:

[Kikó]

I'm at the Russia Egypt game in saint Petersburg

[Magic]

Egypt
Uruguay
~~~~~~
Saudi Arabia
Russia

Get the other threads up @Reg (https://www.thethirdhalf.co.uk/member.php?u=50) :chief:

That would be pretty hilarious, but I think the Ruskis will qualify 2nd in the group.

[Disco]

I'm at the Russia Egypt game in saint Petersburg

Already?

[mugbull]

H.

Not a chance is H worse than this one

[ItalAussie]

I don't rate Russia, but you'd have to imagine they're getting out of the group.

If only because football isn't exactly pristinely uncorrupted, and if there's one result that they'll be trying to guarantee...

[SincereTheRebel]

Get a subforum going for the world cup

[mugbull]

To be fair, I think Russia are the 2nd best team in the group. Salah can only do so much, the rest of that team is pure trash

[Jimmy Floyd]

Egypt and Uruguay. Egypt aren't even about Salah, he's just the icing on the cake. No side in the tournament will play more as a team.

The worst group ever was 2002's effort between Russia, Tunisia, Belgium and Japan.

[Ian]

Already?

In a full half-and-half kit too.

[Baz]

Egypt vs Uruguay is probably the game I’m most excited about in the entire World Cup. Salah vs Suarez :drool:

[Kikó]

Already?

Atmosphere is building nicely. I'll be doing daily updates.

[Giggles]

Salah :harold:

[Dquincy]

The World Cup is always a better tournament when the best players are playing. So the Salah thing is a shame.

[Spikey M]

Where’s the rest of the groups?

And before anyone says that I can do it, no I can’t. I’m far too lazy.

[Giggles]

The World Cup is always a better tournament when the best players are playing. So the Salah thing is a shame.

It's really not. Egypt are irrelevant in the scheme of it all.

[-james-]

So are Senegal, Mexico, Ireland etc.

Let's just have a four team knock-out between Germany, Brazil, England and Italy every four years.

[Giggles]

So are Senegal, Mexico, Ireland etc.

Let's just have a four team knock-out between Germany, Brazil, England and Italy every four years.

They are indeed. That's why I don't mind us not qualifying. No business being there, along with most of what's currently there.

I've already said I'd love to see a 16 team competition made up of Europe/S. America. 4 is too few.

[Mike]

I have Suarez for top scorer, so I'm after him blasting all the goals in all three group games as I can't see them getting far in the knockout stages.

[-james-]

They are indeed. That's why I don't mind us not qualifying. No business being there, along with most of what's currently there.

I've already said I'd love to see a 16 team competition made up of Europe/S. America. 4 is too few.

This seems an incredibly joyless way of experiencing a world cup. Underdogs are half the fun.

It's not like international football is ever particularly high quality, so Paraguay lolling Italy out in the group stage is about as good as it gets.

[Kikó]

Is this the first time you've met giggles?

[Jimmy Floyd]

The whole fun of a World Cup, regardless of who wins and loses, is that there are teams from all around the world who have different football cultures and play in different styles.

[Giggles]

Just swap out half the premier league for league two teams then. Variety, brilliant.

[ItalAussie]

Just swap out half the premier league for league two teams then. Variety, brilliant.

I know. Maybe we can make the CL just the top ten teams from Italy, Spain, England, and Germany. Done. Get in.

[Giggles]

I know. Maybe we can make the CL just the top ten teams from Italy, Spain, England, and Germany. Done. Get in.

Would be a far better competition with a higher number of relevant games then. Wouldn't go 10 but I'd go 5 from each and just cut through numbers overall.

[Kikó]

Giggles doesn't see the point in wasting time on weaker teams. Just play the final.

I'm sure he probably hates all cup competitions except the charity shield.

[ItalAussie]

We should let the countries buy players, and put them on contracts. That way, we could concentrate the best players even more, and ensure that the quality of those teams exceeds even the best that current international teams can put out! Get every player worth a damn in, say, eight teams. Then have them play a round robin or something. The quality will be through the roof.

Satisfying!

[Jimmy Floyd]

Then it would just be Qatar v Brunei in every final.

[Kikó]

Perfect.

[Giggles]

In no way would I ever want transfers between international teams. I'd even tighten up the eligibility criteria much more than it currently is.

[SincereTheRebel]

I don't like players switching international alliances after they have already had caps. Regardless of it its friendly fixtures or not. Fuck you Diego Costa.

[Pepe]

Let's just have a four team knock-out between Germany, Brazil, England and Italy every four years.

Brazil. :harold:

England?

https://s16-us2.startpage.com/cgi-bin/serveimage?url=https:%2F%2Fi1.wp.com%2Fi.imgflip.c om%2F90j1d.gif&sp=0fbdb409bd9459b0edc64ed117bf8a00

[-james-]

Brazil. :harold:

England?

https://s16-us2.startpage.com/cgi-bin/serveimage?url=https:%2F%2Fi1.wp.com%2Fi.imgflip.c om%2F90j1d.gif&sp=0fbdb409bd9459b0edc64ed117bf8a00

We invented it mate.

It's amusing that you didn't take issue with my inclusion of Italy.

[Magic]

This seems an incredibly joyless way of experiencing X

Where X is literally anything.

[Dquincy]

It was a kiss. Just accept the come on. X

[mugbull]

Salah will be there. Fuck yeah

[Kikó]

We will be having A LONDON BEER WITH MATES for the first game for those who are about.

[Pepe]

Boydy

[Dave.]

Uruguay
Egypt
Russia
Saudi Arabia

Each of the top three will thrash Saudi Arabia. Suarez and Salah the difference makers, enabling their teams to qualify for next round ahead of Russia.

[Raoul Duke]

Salah is crippled.

I'd love it if Russia didn't go through but I suspect Vlad would Novistock the shit out of any ref that stopped that happening.

[Dave.]

I thought he was going to be fit for the start of the tournament. I think Egypt still have a chance of qualifying ahead of Russia without him though.

[Jimmy Floyd]

He's not as crucial as you'd think. Egypt are a well oiled machine and he's just a nice luxury to have. No one ever understands this though in tournament football, they just look at names.

[mugbull]

Egypt are pretty dreadful, and Salah is their raison d'etre. Without him they're genuinely nowhere.

[ItalAussie]

Especially in international football, where systems have an inordinate advantage over beat individual talent.

Although one has to wonder if home refereeing might have an advantage over either.

[Pleb]

Amazing opening game to kick this off. Both Russia and Saudi Arabia on paper are garbage and I wouldn't be surprised if everyone turned over to BBC 1 to watch Flog It and Pointless tomorrow.

I wouldn't mind Saudi Arabia nicking one at the death :baz:

[niko_cee]

Yeah, this must be the worst opening game ever.

They should never have scrapped the holders being in the first game, at least that guaranteed a decent team in the opener (and instant Jock disappointment).

[Max Power]

Based on the ten minutes of Germany-Saudi Arabia I watched the other day I fancy them to nick something off the hosts.

Good job this is the first game as it is easily the worst on paper but I’m still looking forward to it.

[Spikey M]

I’m going to do it. I’m actually going to watch Russia vs Saudi Arabia. ON PURPOSE. What times we live in.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I'll catch the second half on the radio on the way home. I've worked out a plan to do that with the 4pm games, and watch the first half of the 1pm games on my phone. Tragic times.

[Baz]

Yeah I timed my two weeks off work really badly, considering I go back tomorrow. :cab:

[Ian]

It'll be on in work I expect. Weird how the worst games imaginable become that bit more interesting purely for having Group _ in front of it.

[Mazuuurk]

Yeah. It's just a shame they start with just the one game.

That "aww yess, another game coming up soon" feeling you get in early stages of the WC is the best.


This guy gets it


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rw0gAuWw-lM

[-james-]

I realised the other day that my (football ignorant) mate is getting married on the 7th July. If England win their group, their quarter final is the day before, if they don't, it's on the evening of the wedding.

If there was ever any doubt how the group is going to go, it's settled now.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I didn't realise until I saw him pop up on the news last night that the Russia manager is a cut out and keep caricature World Cup buffoon. This year's Jomo Sono / Ricardo LaVolpe.

[Bob Sacamano]

Disappointed to see the Berezutskiy twats haven't made it, but somehow Ignashevich has.

At least there's an element of surprise with the Saudis but that Russia team is :sick:

[Jimmy Floyd]

There's a very definite trend around national teams being turd in countries where it's insular, few go abroad and there's more money around than there needs to be.

Russia. Turkey. Mexico. England. China. USA. Saudi. All utter shite.

[Mazuuurk]

The pretense that this Draw wasn't rigged by the Russians is ridiculous.

Not only is their group easy enough that they could manage to squeeze through, they also start the World Cup by facing Saudi Arabia on the very last day of Ramadan :rolleyes:

[Pepe]

Excitement level: 1%

[Giggles]

The closer this gets the less I think I'm going to watch. I suppose you need your own team in it but the more I've focused on the domestic stuff, and the less I play FM, I just don't care any more about X Moroccan that plays for Getafe.

[Mazuuurk]

Nah fuck that, I'm Hyped!

[Yevrah]

I'm actually quite up for this now. Saturday could be immense.

[Mazuuurk]

Saturday is fucking glorious. I'm going to be so drunk by the third game :drool:

[Pepe]

France's match at 4 am. :sick:

[Mazuuurk]

12.00 PM here. Perfect for the first Pint :drool:

[Spikey M]

France's match at 4 am. :sick:

This is what the South Korean World Cup did to us. :(

[bruhnaldo]

World Cup! :)

[-james-]

:alan:

[niko_cee]

This is what the South Korean World Cup did to us. :(

That was more like 6am, 8am and 10am wasn't it? Which, as a student, was awesome.

Really need a timezone to get it 5pm, 7pm, 10pm - the US is probably the best bet for this.

[Max Power]

ITV kicking off by asking Lee Dixon about political tensions lol.

World Cup fever is high now. Can’t wait.

[thommo]

That was more like 6am, 8am and 10am wasn't it? Which, as a student, was awesome.

Really need a timezone to get it 5pm, 7pm, 10pm - the US is probably the best bet for this.

Brazil was pretty good for that, only game at a ridiculous time that I can remember was the late night one between Ivory Coast and Japan.

[Pepe]

Is there not some sort of ceremony here? Already bored of listening to former footballers talking nonsense.

[Spikey M]

That was more like 6am, 8am and 10am wasn't it? Which, as a student, was awesome.

Really need a timezone to get it 5pm, 7pm, 10pm - the US is probably the best bet for this.

I was in year 11, so it was a right cunt for me. Had to tape a game to watch it and tip-toe around the results all day.

[Jimmy Floyd]

My first disappointment is that the BBC's titles are dogshit. Use Tchaikovsky ffs. Are ITV's any better?

[Trancemeister]

it's 2018 and they have Robbie Williams :scratch:

[Spikey M]

Nothing says ‘Russia’ quite like Robbie Williams and glittery tracksuits.

[Bob Sacamano]

I love that football is still so shit at with these ceremonies, it's actually got a bit of charm about it.

Glad to see they've got rid of the running track at the Luzhniki.

[Spikey M]

Fuck me, bring back Lee Dixon’s political assessment.

[-james-]

Welling up here.

[Adramelch]

That's so super cheesy.

[Max Power]

This is endearingly shit. The default stock image footballs dotted everywhere. Ronaldo and a small child. Robbie Williams.

[-james-]

That was great.

[bruhnaldo]

He's flipped off the camera lmfaoooo legend.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Some washed up shit from 20 years ago? In Russia? Surely not.

[Spikey M]

Lol

[Browning]

This is amazing.

[Pepe]

What a wankerfest. :D

[Spikey M]

Shit. You CAN get more corrupt.

[Spikey M]

If they lose the 2 not singing get disappeared.

[Pepe]

Everything that is wrong with the world, this.

[mugbull]

That Golovin lad not playing? Isn't he their only actual footballer? Besides Yuri Jerk-off, ofc

[Pepe]

Thought that was Scolari lol.

[mugbull]

Nvm he's playing

[Bob Sacamano]

Can't believe the Saudi's don't have any dodgy South Americans or Africans with passports knocking about.

[Spikey M]

I’ve never wanted them to win anything before and I’m unlikely to want them to again, but come on you Saudi pricks.

[Boydy]

This has started pretty well.

[Spikey M]

Can't believe the Saudi's don't have any dodgy South Americans or Africans with passports knocking about.

I was surprised at them having 2 (possibly 3, can’t work the afro’d geezer out) black players. They could be your dodgey Africans.

[Max Power]

Early Stalin mention from Clive. Good signs.

[Adramelch]

I was surprised at them having 2 (possibly 3, can’t work the afro’d geezer out) black players. They could be your dodgey Africans.

The afro guy has a clear Arabian mug I think.

Edit: All 11 are born in Saudi Arabia according to wiki.

[Spikey M]

I’ve never wanted them to win anything before and I’m unlikely to want them to again, but come on you Saudi pricks.

That’s what you get for starving yourselves you mongs.

[-james-]

I was surprised at them having 2 (possibly 3, can’t work the afro’d geezer out) black players. They could be your dodgey Africans.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afro-Arab

:dc:

[Pepe]

Bent defender.

[Spikey M]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afro-Arab

:dc:

Smuggled in across the lakes. Gotcha.

[mugbull]

Was that Daniel Levy sitting in between Putin and Bin Salman? Amazing

[Bob Sacamano]

Reckon this World Cup has the potential to be a new low for goalkeeping.

[Browning]

No, it was Infantino.

[bruhnaldo]

They've just said Collina has told all the linesman to "keep their flags down unless they're 100% sure" and therefore, per the announcer, "if we see linesman not putting up the flag it's not that they're not doing their job it's that they're respecting the instruction of their boss" per the VAR.

This is gonna be a shitshow.

[mugbull]

No, it was Infantino.

One and the same

[Pepe]

Was that Daniel Levy sitting in between Putin and Bin Salman? Amazing

Lol.


They've just said Collina has told all the linesman to "keep their flags down unless they're 100% sure" and therefore, per the announcer, "if we see linesman not putting up the flag it's not that they're not doing their job it's that they're respecting the instruction of their boss" per the VAR.

This is gonna be a shitshow.

+1

[Pleb]

5Live are having a massive seethe over VAR.

[Browning]

It's really the only logical way to implement VAR for an offside call, but the fact they already missed one isn't a good sign.

[Jimmy Floyd]

It's all great news for those of us backing over 139.5 group stage goals.

Oh look, there's the first. 139 to go.

[Spikey M]

Nice of the Saudis to get in on the Grenfell memorial.

[bruhnaldo]

It's really the only logical way to implement VAR for an offside call

While you're right, we have VAR in MLS and it's an absolute clusterfuck so in all honesty I have no faith in them to not fuck it up entirely as well.

[Giggles]

Bonus that this doesn't look like most Russian soccer you see in the champions or europa leagues. I was expecting a running track and ice.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Do they have those fucking horns? Like communist vuvuzelas?

[randomlegend]

https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2018/06/14/fifa-world-cup-russia-gay-fan-brain-injuries-brutal-attack/?utm_source=MOBFB&medium=280755+Gay+World+Cup+fan+left+with+brain+in juries+after+brutal+attack&utm_campaign=PNMOBFB

Didn't take long.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I was surprised at them having 2 (possibly 3, can’t work the afro’d geezer out) black players. They could be your dodgey Africans.

Everyone at that end of the peninsula has 'black' players, there was a lot of movement between there and east Africa way back when.

[Spikey M]

They really did their best to fuck that up.

[Adramelch]

That final pass was so incredibly shit.

[Pepe]

Nice flick.

[Pleb]

The Saudis are having a MELTDOWN here.

[Browning]

That flicking between goal scorers at the bottom of the screen can fuck off.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

The text used for the Russian shirts is fucking shit.

[Pepe]

Egypt better be far superior to this shite.

[bruhnaldo]

They're getting some decent chances smh. Come on you Saudi fucks.

[Boydy]

The shots of Putin with the Saudi guy after Russia score are great. :D

[bruhnaldo]

Welp.

[Max Power]

Not only are Saudi shit they are so open. Would have liked to see them against a proper big boy. Could have been double figures.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I've only watched the second half but Saudi Arabia are once again just not good enough to be here. People moan about CONCACAF but they or Africa should really be getting one of Asia's places.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Jimmy's overs bet with a good start.

[Browning]

The Suarez for golden boot odds must be dropping as we speak, he'll have about 12 against this lot.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Trying to imagine how fucking shit Qatar will be in 2022.

[bruhnaldo]

Or the US in 2026 .

(Ok ya I'm joking but Canada will likely look ridiculous)

[Jimmy Floyd]

Canada could at least find a bunch of meaty white and black men. These skinny Arabs losing literally every single 50/50 in the match is just painful to watch.

[Pepe]

More of this once the number of teams goes up. :sick:

[Pepe]

That was nice.

[Boydy]

Put 2 quid on Russia -3 and 2 quid on Cheryshev to score 2 or more at half time. :drool:

[bruhnaldo]

Outside foot fuckin golazo yikes.

[Pepe]

Love the Jan Koller regen. Football needs more lumps like that.

[bruhnaldo]

Vodka for everyone holy shit.

[Boydy]

Put 2 quid on Russia -3 and 2 quid on Cheryshev to score 2 or more at half time. :drool:
£27 back. Did have £2 on Saudi before the game but still, £21 profit on the first game. Not too shabby.

[Bob Sacamano]

Couldn't ITV dig out Alexi Smertin for this?

[SvN]

I've just put £20 on Suarez for top goalscorer. He'll score 5 against these clowns.

[bruhnaldo]

I tell you what man the first game usually will always find a way to surprise in one way or the other.

[Pepe]

What was the surprise?

[Boydy]

What was the surprise?

I expected it to be dull as fuck.

[John]

https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2018/06/14/fifa-world-cup-russia-gay-fan-brain-injuries-brutal-attack/?utm_source=MOBFB&medium=280755+Gay+World+Cup+fan+left+with+brain+in juries+after+brutal+attack&utm_campaign=PNMOBFB

Didn't take long.

One of the twats arrested is named fucking 'Gaydar'.

[bruhnaldo]

What was the surprise?

That the lowest ranked team in the entire tournament won 5:0 I'd imagine.

[Pepe]

Are you referring to the FIFA rankings? Biggest joke around.

[niko_cee]

Putin and the Crown Prince the definite highlight of that.

Fucking hell the Saudi 'keeper is bad, as is that monumentally slow centre-half. I suppose it shouldn't come as a great surprise, the Saudis have good form for World Cup roastings.

Light the Sami Al-Jaber distress beacon.

[-james-]

That the lowest ranked team in the entire tournament won 5:0 I'd imagine.

It's because they they've only played 6 competitive matched in the last 3 years. Points from qualifiers have a 2.5 multiplier that points from friendlies don't.

[bruhnaldo]

All I mean is that a lot of what I read had SA winning the match, not Russia winning it five to fuckin' zero. Saw quite a few articles bemoaning how bad the Russian team was this go around etc. etc.

Sorry for not being more clear.

[Spikey M]

All I mean is that a lot of what I read had SA winning the match, not Russia winning it five to fuckin' zero. Saw quite a few articles bemoaning how bad the Russian team was this go around etc. etc.

Sorry for not being more clear.

I think it’s the PASSION factor. Not to mention the fact that the Saudi’s haven’t been allowed to eat during daylight hours for a month. But yeah, I didn’t see anyone predicting a score like that. I’d have had my money on a shambles of a 2-2 draw probably.

[bruhnaldo]

I was reading something from Kanchelskis where he was saying it was the worst Russian team he's ever seen in his entire life so I bet my buddy $5 thinking I'd don the situation but alas.... Russian bastards played me like a fiddle. I must be related to my boy The Don.

[Disco]

The Russians must have had a better captain.

[Baz]

The Suarez for golden boot odds must be dropping as we speak, he'll have about 12 against this lot.:huhu:

[mugbull]

I predicted 3-0 Russia on the online predictor thing, got closer to the actual result than anyone I know so that's a plus

[SvN]

I got 3-0 too, thought I'd nailed it.

[thommo]

I got drawn in by the talk of how bad this Russia team is and predicted a draw.

Uruguay to hit 8 against the Saudis if they play like that again.

[Shindig]

You forget how corrupt Russia (and the World Cup in general) is. If the Saudi's thrown that, I'll grin myself dead.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I went for 1-0 as I thought the Saudis would do the keeping it tight thing, but in fact they are some zombie horror team from the 90s.

[Lewis]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEcPlgi2s-w

Wanker. I hope Jimmy Page has that planning committee in his pocket.

[-james-]

They're definitely absolute tosh, but they're also capable of performing better than that. Their manager had success with Chile a few years ago and is trying to make them do the same play out from the back, mate stuff, which is clearly ludicrous. All of their back seven looked absurdly terrified whenever they had possession in their own half.

[igor_balis]

My manager (who I actually really like) insisted on getting the tv set up for the fucking ROYAL WEDDING but refused to put it on for the game because of some bullshit about how we can't have adverts on or some shit. I'll take her word for it, but if she refuses to let us put on the BBC games I'm handing in my notice. At least when I stacked shelves at Asda on the nightshift in 2014 I could listen on my headphones.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I would also say I watched a fair bit of Asian qualifying and it is TERRIBLE. I'm not sure any of their teams would qualify even from Africa. Maybe Iran.

UAE are probably better than Saudi, but less good at gaming qualifying.

[-james-]

Australia played out even games with Saudi Arabia home and away. France should really curb stomp them.

[Shindig]

Our work doesn't have the games on in the office so I'm confined to 3 minutes of BBC website highlights. I mean, it's a timesaver but I'd rather get deep into this.

[mugbull]

Just watch the full match replays when u get home and avoid any news before then

[Pleb]

Egypt
Uruguay
~~~~~~
Saudi Arabia
Russia

:chief:

:nodd:

[ItalAussie]

I would also say I watched a fair bit of Asian qualifying and it is TERRIBLE. I'm not sure any of their teams would qualify even from Africa. Maybe Iran.

UAE are probably better than Saudi, but less good at gaming qualifying.
AFC is as weak as it's ever been at the moment, although it's been decent enough in the past to warrant four spots. Not more than that though.

It rises and falls on the quality of South Korea/Japan, I think.

[phonics]

How did New Zealand manage to not qualify this time? Don't they just have to shit out a few 6-0 wins versus American Samoa every few years?

[ItalAussie]

How did New Zealand manage to not qualify this time? Don't they just have to shit out a few 6-0 wins versus American Samoa every few years?

Then they have to go and get pumped by the fifth-best team in South America.

When we made it in 2006, we had to go through Uruguay to get there.

[Jimmy Floyd]

The time NZ got in, they lucked out and got Bahrain in the playoff.

[Shindig]

Just watch the full match replays when u get home and avoid any news before then

Nah, my roles changed in such a way I don't want to be knackered the next day. So three hours of football after coming in at 9pm isn't on.

[Mazuuurk]

Quite tempting to change all predictions for Saudi games to 6-0 etc now, but usually in World Cups that sort of logical reasoning never works out. So I wouldn't be surprised to see these fuckers somehow play a close game against Egypt or Uruguay.

Also, I do wonder how much Ramadan being still on played into this. Not that Saudis are any good anyway, but it seems a team like that is completely reliant on everybody running and fighting like shit to just try to keep it tight.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Egypt v Saudi (if Egypt need a result) will be the scrappiest ever 2-1 with two of the goals coming within a minute of each other, and three red cards in the last ten minutes.

[thommo]

For all this talk of Salah being fully fit, I can't see him having an impact so soon after this injury. Uruguay will grind out a win today.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I doubt he'll play. 0-0 Cuper special.

[thommo]

Yeah, just been announced he isn't starting.

[SincereTheRebel]

Suarez to bite a man

[Pepe]

I have three Egyptians in my fantasy squad, so 'mon Egypt.

[Boydy]

Were all the Saudis actually fasting?

You can do it at another time to make up for it if you're travelling or I'm pretty sure you can just donate money to charity or something instead. Seems a bit mad to still do it when you're at the world cup given there are loopholes.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Suarez to bite a man

Just the one?

[-james-]

Were all the Saudis actually fasting?

You can do it at another time to make up for it if you're travelling or I'm pretty sure you can just donate money to charity or something instead. Seems a bit mad to still do it when you're at the world cup given there are loopholes.

Nah, Allah said it was sound for them to go kick a pigskin around for a few days and fast after.

[Boydy]

Any decent bets in this Egypt - Uruguay game?

I'm not seeing much value.

[randomlegend]

I didn't realise Salah was only 25. I thought he was more like 28/29. Liverpool really have got a serious player on their hands.

[Pepe]

I have three Egyptians in my fantasy squad, so 'mon Egypt.

Two of them are not even starting. :face:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Two of them are not even starting. :face:

My only Uruguayan is on the bench :(

[-james-]

Any decent bets in this Egypt - Uruguay game?

I'm not seeing much value.

Uruguay will win by a couple I think.

[John Arne]

The stadium looks barely 50% full.

[Baz]

I didn't realise Salah was only 25. I thought he was more like 28/29. Liverpool really have got a serious player on their hands.He’s 26 today.

[Boydy]

There's a lot of empty seats here.

[Jimmy Floyd]

The Egyptian fans probably need to take a step back with Salah, someone being good at football doesn't merit the hysterical, all-consuming adulation he gets. I think he's by far, far and away the world's most popular player in his own country.

[Mazuuurk]

And apparently there's 100M of them.

[Max Power]

Is Suarez carrying a bit of timber?

Egypt look solid. If Salah is fit enough to play at all they might nick it.

[Boydy]

Uruguay looks shit. Godin looks like the only one who's arsed.

[phonics]

Is Suarez carrying a bit of timber?

He's been looking fat all year according to podcasts I listen to.

[Mazuuurk]

Hasn't Suarez always been one of those strikers that doesn't look very fit? Like Higuain.

[mugbull]

Suarez has been ass so far. De Arrascaeta seems like a talented motherfucker though

[phonics]

Fuck me that was dull, I started doing work instead.

[Pepe]

Suarez has always been fat and Uruguay has always been shit.

[Jimmy Floyd]

There was a textbook piece of Egyptian injury feigning on 39 minutes to stop a counter attack, why do commentators always assume the injury is real? It almost never is.

Jonathan Pearce really struggles nowadays, not sure why he is making Suarez Portuguese.

[Pepe]

There was a textbook piece of Egyptian injury feigning on 39 minutes to stop a counter attack, why do commentators always assume the injury is real? It almost never is.

They've shown a strong diving game so far too. Solid squad.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I've never heard of any of the Uruguayan midfield. Do people literally just tip teams who have famous strikers?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Suarez is fucking this hard.

[phonics]

Everytime I swap over it's someone launching a low diagnol ball up the field to no-one.

[ItalAussie]

I've never heard of any of the Uruguayan midfield. Do people literally just tip teams who have famous strikers?To be fair, they were good in qualifying. How well the team system works must count for something.

Both teams seem pretty cagey and Uruguay are petrified of making a mistake. Still look marginally the more likely though.

[Mazuuurk]

Uruguay feels a lot like a team who will win against a better team by having a solid defence (Gimenez/Godin :drool:) but can't kill off a minnow.

As for their midfield, all I know is this Bentancur is supposed to be quite good or talented for Juve, he's only 20 though.

[mugbull]

I've never heard of any of the Uruguayan midfield. Do people literally just tip teams who have famous strikers?

If Suarez and Cavani weren't totally shitting this up it'd be a very different game

[bruhnaldo]

if Salah isn't even fit for 30 minutes i mean ...?

[Mazuuurk]

It's his shoulder isn't it? More of an all-or-nothing thing if he rips up the injury again..

They probably figure it's more important to beat Russia, so better not risk it.

[Bob Sacamano]

How and why is Cuper still managing?

Were Abou Trika's mob better than this version of Egypt?

[Jimmy Floyd]

How and why is Cuper still managing?

Were Abou Trika's mob better than this version of Egypt?

Yes, they just couldn't travel in qualifying.

Draw here and Salah fit to roast Saudi is a good 2 games for Egypt.

[mugbull]

I cant imagine a more toothless attack than Salah-less Egypt. I feel like even the Saudis were doing more in the final third

[ItalAussie]

if Salah isn't even fit for 30 minutes i mean ...?

Why risk him in the game they can probably afford to lose? They're here for the draw by the looks of it, so the worst case is a point lower than they aimed. The Russia game will be the one they need him fit for.

EDIT: Although Uruguay look a little bit more vulnerable than expected. Godin's been on top of it though.

[Adramelch]

If Suarez and Cavani weren't totally shitting this up it'd be a very different game

I can't remember the last time Cavani did anything in a big international tournament.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

What the fuck was that?

Suarez has money on 0-0.

[Pepe]

Looking for the PK like a wanker.

[ItalAussie]

Suarez was desperately hoping for a penalty there. No intention of shooting whatsoever. :D

On Cavani, I heard that he's never scored in the Copa America, and has only two World Cup goals, both in games Uruguay lost.

[thommo]

Just finish it you moron.

[ItalAussie]

Attendance looks a bit embarrassing. How do you not sell out every match at a World Cup?

It's not even about the specific games. I'd watch Tunisia v Panama if tickets were available.

[Boydy]

I'd love to see Egypt nick this now.

[bruhnaldo]

It's his shoulder isn't it? More of an all-or-nothing thing if he rips up the injury again..

They probably figure it's more important to beat Russia, so better not risk it.


Why risk him in the game they can probably afford to lose? They're here for the draw by the looks of it, so the worst case is a point lower than they aimed. The Russia game will be the one they need him fit for.

EDIT: Although Uruguay look a little bit more vulnerable than expected. Godin's been on top of it though.

Fair play. Just kinda figured especially even now why not go try and sneak 3 points but you guys are totally right.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Attendance looks a bit embarrassing. How do you not sell out every match at a World Cup?

It's not even about the specific games. I'd watch Tunisia v Panama if tickets were available.

In Yekaterinburg?

Joy comes not easily to the Russian.

[bruhnaldo]

Oh wow what a save. Isn't this supposed to be their 3rd choice GK?

[bruhnaldo]

Attendance looks a bit embarrassing. How do you not sell out every match at a World Cup?

It's not even about the specific games. I'd watch Tunisia v Panama if tickets were available.

Read somewhere tickets were around 300 quid for this (though I also heard around 70 from another person so who knows).

[bruhnaldo]

Off the fuckin woodwork holy shit.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Felt that had been coming for the last 10 minutes or so.

[bruhnaldo]

Just as I was typing "I'd be gutted if Egypt dropped this now".... wow.

[Boydy]

Poor Egypt. :(

[Pepe]

Classic Uruguay right there, as Forlan correctly predicted it.

[Bernanke]

Well that's shit.

[thommo]

Cracking header. Was on the cards, Egypt looked tired.

[ItalAussie]

If they were going to get a late winner, they could have at least gotten the free kick. Would have been far more impressive.

[Pepe]

Diving pays.

[Pepe]

I really hope Egypt destroys Russia. Third match corruption. :drool:

[Pepe]

Suarez. :D

[Pleb]

Well that was something.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Good to see a couple of stoppage time yellows after the goal, old Arab traditions die hard.

[-james-]

That was highly enjoyable.

Egypt were pretty solid, 2 deep banks is a bit of an international cheat code, but Uruguay deserved it really. Suarez was proper rotten, doubt he's capable of playing much worse.

[Waffdon]

This has to be up there with the most turgid group ever.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I think the worst group in my memory was Spain-Ukraine-Tunisia-Saudi in 2006, and worse still it spawned the worst ever 2nd round match as well.