World Cup 2018

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harry
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Re: World Cup 2018

by harry » 24 Mar 2017 20:39

Watching Ireland v Wales in Welsh on S4C.
Shane Long with Doyle & Pearce as subs
v
Gunts & HRK

It's like Welsh Julio Geordio
e.g.
....................Bale , .......... route one, ..................... come on boys, ................................ Chris Coleman

COYBIG

Emeraldroyal
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Re: World Cup 2018

by Emeraldroyal » 24 Mar 2017 22:51

Saaaaaaaammmmmm Alright let's try and find some excitement across this week's international break...

Syria! Bloody Syria, they've only gone and put themselves in contention. Plenty of coverage of their plight this week from the BBC and journalist Richard Conway, who wrote this brilliant feature ahead of their game with Uzbekistan http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt ... _frontline

Plenty of drama from the Syrians as well, who won with an injury-time panenka penalty, which is some way of clinching maybe the biggest win in your country's history http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39368564

It really has been astonishing both in football terms and of course situationally with the ongoing war. Ahead of the qualification process Syria were ranked 26th in Asia (151st in the world), behind international footballing forces such as Turkmenistan, Myanmar, Tajikistan and the Maldives. They took advantage of the new Asian qualification process and got through the initial group stage, and their performances in the final round have been remarkable. We keep saying after every round of fixtures they won't be able to finish in the Top 3, but with 4 games left they're still in there. A result against South Korea will certainly make it a real possibility, and that's not out of the question given they've only conceded two goals in five games so far. Amazing job from the manager, who was in tears in the press conference. Proper emotional stuff

Group B in Asia has also suddenly got a bit interesting, as Australia have now drawn four consecutive matches after a 1-1 result against Iraq in Iran yesterday. They're in danger of missing out, and face a huge game against UAE next week. Japan and the Saudis therefore look to have done enough to qualify automatically, whilst the Aussies will be ruing missed oppurtuinites, particularly drawing against the whipping-boys Thailand

Flying over to everyone's favourite continent, Oceania, and there was a big result yesterday as Tahiti scored two late goals to win away in Papau New Guinea. In a hugely competitive group of three in which only the winner progresses, that Tahitians have the advantage now despite a defeat to the other group member the Solomon Islands in the last round of fixtures. Tahiti will play their final game next week as they host PNG, with June and two games between the Papaus and the Solomons likely deciding who will get to lose to New Zealand in the final. I wouldn't usually mention New Zealand's fairly standard exploits, but there is Reading interest, as ahead of our massive game against Leeds their star man Chris Wood will be in Fiji playing a double header against the Pacific Islanders next week. He'll be back from Fiji by next Saturday, but who knows in what jetlagged state

South America doesn't usually interest despite all the megastars, but it was Messi who scored a significant goal in a 1-0 win over Chile, lifting Argentina over the Copa America champions back into the qualification places. There were a few other interesting events last night. Former Spurs midfielder Paulinho scored a hat-trick (yes, three goals) against Uruguay in a 1-4 away win, whilst Bolivia losing to Columbia meant they have now equalled Luxembourg's record of 53 competitive away matches without a win. Which is quite some run

Our OS have been proud to give details of all our international players young and old competing next week, but they did miss out covering one of our men. Forgotten yet still contracted man Paolo Hurtado returned to the Peru squad for the first time since joining the Royals thanks to his performances on loan in Portugal. He was an unused sub as they drew 2-2 away at Venuezela, which has left them 5 points away from the qualification places

No African fixtures this time round, but in my last round-up I commented that the South Africa vs Senegal game had one of the worst refeering decisions I'd ever seen in my life. The refeere has since been banned for life by FIFA http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39327805

North America resumes with one round of fixtures all on Tuesday. The pick is Panama hosting USA, with the hosts seemingly looking stronger every qualification campaign and pushing closer than ever to a debut appearance. Given they lost to Mexico in the opening game before being stuffed 4-0 by Costa Rica, the Americans could do with a result, and fast. The Top 3 qualify with the 4th place facing off against Asia (yes maybe Syria), so plenty of interest there potentially this year. Costa Rica and Mexico look far stronger than the rest of the continent, and they also go head to head on Tuesday night

Finally, Europe. Just the one round of fixtures this time but nicely spread over three days this weekend and all covered on Sky Sports for those interested. Tonight sees the big one between injury-hit Ireland and a Wales side suddenly desperate for some points. Things will be clearer come kick-off as Serbia will have already played in Georgia, meaning they could go ahead of Ireland and five points clear of Wales. Remember only the group winners are guaranteed a place at the finals, whilst 2nd place doesn't even guarantee a play-off spot. Chris Gunter is fit to play for the Welsh, but opposition Paul McShane and Liam Kelly have both been ruled out

Also tonight sees the continuation of a genuinely interesting group in Europe, as Croatia, Ukraine, Iceland and Turkey all fight it out for the limited spots. Croatia host Ukraine tonight in a game between the top two, whilst Iceland have a tricky trip to Kosovo, who are starting to get desperate themselves for a first international win. Other excitement tonight sees giants Spain and Italy, both level on 10 points, continue the fight for that single spot. Although seemingly a procession for those two, Israel have clung on behind them and are just a point behind. The Israelites travel to Spain tonight in what should be a game too far, but pick up a surprise win and it would add another dimension to that group no one expected

Saturday's highlight is probably across Group A, with France looking an absolute force talent-wise they'll probably have first place wrapped up. But that leaves Netherlands, Sweden and Bulgaria fighting for the play-off spot, with the Dutch in danger of missing out on a second consecutive tournament. The Swedes should see off Belarus, but Holland must go to Bulgaria and really can't afford a defeat that would plunge them fourth in the group

Finally Sunday sees England (hooray) play Lithuania, with England two clear of Slovenia who go to Scotland, although it's quite difficult to get excited about any of that group. Northern Ireland are much more interesting, as they genuinely believe they can reach the World Cup for the first time in a generation, trailing Germany but sneaking into the play-offs as a best runner-up. They host Norway in what should be a massive evening at Windsor Park, where another win would put them in prime position ahead of the Czech Republic, who have already dropped a number of points, and Azerbaijan who keep doing the N.Irish a favour by taking points off all their rivals

So as always, plenty of interest when you look at the big picture, and could be a good weekend. Looking forward to the midweek games in North America and Asia particulalry, where hopefully some good stories will arise


Jesus. That's a mightily impressive post.
But have you ever considered internet porn / scrabble ?

:wink:

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Winston Smith
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Re: World Cup 2018

by Winston Smith » 28 Mar 2017 10:24

Ivory Coast Vs Senegal abandoned on 88 minutes after a pitch invasion and one of Senegal's players was dived on


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Re: World Cup 2018

by stealthpapes » 28 Mar 2017 13:55



m8


lol

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Winston Smith
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Re: World Cup 2018

by Winston Smith » 29 Mar 2017 08:10

South American table looking very tasty after yesterdays games!

A ten team group and with 4 games left there is just a 6 point gap between 2nd and 8th. Brazil are top and have qualified, Columbia up into 2nd.

Argies in 5th which is the play off spot, they are away to 3rd placed Uruguay next too


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Brum Royal
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Re: World Cup 2018

by Brum Royal » 13 Jun 2017 11:56

Iran became the third team at the tournament yesterday after beating Uzbekistan 2-0, alongside Russia and Brazil

10539.4 Miles Away
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Re: World Cup 2018

by 10539.4 Miles Away » 01 Sep 2017 08:05

A piss poor performance from Australia against Japan last night sees Japan qualify from Australia's group leaving Australia to need a win against Thailand and Saudi Arabia to get less than 3 points against Japan next week.

Australia had the majority of the possession but defended like clowns and got a nose bleed whenever they got within a metre of Japans box. Japan looked tidy, well organised and could have got more than the 2-0 win.

Have to feel for Mat Ryan in goal, no less than 2 minutes after seeing his world cup hopes fade the news that Brighton were signing Tim Krul broke. Tough night at the office.

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Re: World Cup 2018

by double d » 01 Sep 2017 08:16

10539.4 Miles Away A piss poor performance from Australia against Japan last night sees Japan qualify from Australia's group leaving Australia to need a win against Thailand and Saudi Arabia to get less than 3 points against Japan next week.

Australia had the majority of the possession but defended like clowns and got a nose bleed whenever they got within a metre of Japans box. Japan looked tidy, well organised and could have got more than the 2-0 win.

Have to feel for Mat Ryan in goal, no less than 2 minutes after seeing his world cup hopes fade the news that Brighton were signing Tim Krul broke. Tough night at the office.


I hope Syria get through in 2nd. What a great story that will be.

double d

Re: World Cup 2018

by double d » 01 Sep 2017 08:16

10539.4 Miles Away A piss poor performance from Australia against Japan last night sees Japan qualify from Australia's group leaving Australia to need a win against Thailand and Saudi Arabia to get less than 3 points against Japan next week.

Australia had the majority of the possession but defended like clowns and got a nose bleed whenever they got within a metre of Japans box. Japan looked tidy, well organised and could have got more than the 2-0 win.

Have to feel for Mat Ryan in goal, no less than 2 minutes after seeing his world cup hopes fade the news that Brighton were signing Tim Krul broke. Tough night at the office.


I hope Syria get through in 2nd. What a great story that will be.


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Ascotexgunner
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Re: World Cup 2018

by Ascotexgunner » 02 Sep 2017 21:00

Woodburn :D

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Winston Biscuit
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Re: World Cup 2018

by Winston Biscuit » 03 Sep 2017 21:17

France 0-0 Luxembourg

::stands and applauds::

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LUX
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Re: World Cup 2018

by LUX » 03 Sep 2017 21:27

Fantastic performance, they even could have won it.

Hang on, I'm French now. And Luxembourgish.

So I 'm embarrassed. And jubilant.

France should still qualify, mind

double d

Re: World Cup 2018

by double d » 03 Sep 2017 21:39

Bastards ruined my bet :evil:

But still well done. Always good to stick it to the frogs. That Shirley must be the best result in their history.


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Re: World Cup 2018

by Sanguine » 04 Sep 2017 11:22

Ascotexgunner Woodburn :D


Pretty darn good goal that, wasn't it?

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Re: World Cup 2018

by Sanguine » 04 Sep 2017 11:23

double d
10539.4 Miles Away A piss poor performance from Australia against Japan last night sees Japan qualify from Australia's group leaving Australia to need a win against Thailand and Saudi Arabia to get less than 3 points against Japan next week.

Australia had the majority of the possession but defended like clowns and got a nose bleed whenever they got within a metre of Japans box. Japan looked tidy, well organised and could have got more than the 2-0 win.

Have to feel for Mat Ryan in goal, no less than 2 minutes after seeing his world cup hopes fade the news that Brighton were signing Tim Krul broke. Tough night at the office.


I hope Syria get through in 2nd. What a great story that will be.


Would be awesome, it's a real outside bet though - needs South Korea to lose in Uzbekistan (possible), and Syria to win in Iran, who haven't let in a goal yet in qualifying.

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Re: World Cup 2018

by Sanguine » 04 Sep 2017 11:29

Still three games to go in Africa so little resolved there yet - I like to see new teams at the World Cup though and at this stage both Burkina Faso and Uganda top their groups, ahead of the likes of Senegal, South Africa, Egypt and Ghana.

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Ascotexgunner
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Re: World Cup 2018

by Ascotexgunner » 04 Sep 2017 19:19

MC Grinder It's a golden generation for Belgium but can they win a major tournament?


Damaged goods after the Euros and what we did to them. 8)

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Re: World Cup 2018

by double d » 04 Sep 2017 19:27

Same old sh1te from England. I hope we don't qualify because we sure as heck don't deserve it. We are abysmal. Awful. Pathetic. Shambolic. If it wasn't for that lucky oxlade goal in the last game to beat them we would probs be 4 points adrift tonight at 10pm.

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Re: World Cup 2018

by Ascotexgunner » 04 Sep 2017 20:43

Deli Ali appears to be the new Daniel Sturridge. Greedy b#stard.

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LUX
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Re: World Cup 2018

by LUX » 04 Sep 2017 21:34

England are frustrating to watch, but I'm pretty sure that's 99% ITV's fault.

I'm no Murdoch man, but Sky>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> ITV.

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