2018 World Cup in Russia
- stattointhailand
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Re: 2018 World Cup in Russia
So it looks like Salah will be risked against Uruguay
Even if Luis Suarez doesnt take a bite out of him, he can expect more than a few "Shoulder to shoulder" challenges from Godin & Co ............ if the arm (and his confidence) is anything less than 100%, it would surely make sense to leave him on the bench for this one and have him available for the two games that will matter to Egypt
Even if Luis Suarez doesnt take a bite out of him, he can expect more than a few "Shoulder to shoulder" challenges from Godin & Co ............ if the arm (and his confidence) is anything less than 100%, it would surely make sense to leave him on the bench for this one and have him available for the two games that will matter to Egypt
- mathusalah80
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Re: 2018 World Cup in Russia
I note both Statts & Zid have refused to take up my, oft repeated, challenge to post the formation and personnel THEY , (NOT Southgate), would choose for the opening game against Tunisia. Of course, that does leave the door open to be critical, or wise, after the event! :-"stattointhailand wrote: ↑June 14, 2018, 8:48 pmPrediction Time:-
Statts............................................Mat.
Group A 1st Uruguay 2nd Russia............ditto.
Group B 1st Portugal 2nd Spain.............Spain; Portugal.
Group C 1st Peru 2nd Denmark.............France; AUSTRALIA!
Group D 1st Argies 2nd Croatia.............Argentina; Nigeria.
Group E 1st Brazil 2nd Serbia..............Brazil; Serbia.
Group F 1st Germany 2nd Mexico..........Germany; Sth. Korea.
Group G 1st England 2nd Belgium..........Belgian; England.
Group H 1st Columbia 2nd Senegal.........Colombia; Japan.
So, seems I am the only one prepared to risk 'the slings & arrows....' by placing before you, my pearls of footballing wisdom!
One disclaimer I wish to make is that I have been restricted in my selection by the fact that Southgate has demonstrated, by both his actions and words, the bastion of the England teams performance, will be built around a back three formation. Were that position otherwise, my choices, both as to formation and personnel, would have been somewhat different.
From the outset, I omitted Young; Cahill; Alli; Henderson; Sterlings & Welbeck, as candidates for inclusion in the starting eleven. The short explanation for my decision, in each case, is that I considered there were available challengers in the squad, whose 'time had arrived' to be given an opportunity over older players on the wane; others who possessed greater footballing skills than those omitted and others that could be relied upon to commit 100% , both physically and mentally, to the team; and even some among those I have selected who could be said to fulfill all these criteria.
My decisions to omit Jones; Trent-Arnold; Dier & Loftus-Cheek, were not made easily; but the last three named have their whole careers before them, and may yet get the opportunity to prove me wrong during this current World Cup.
MY Selection. Formation will comprise Goalkeeper; Back Three; A midfield of three, flanked on each side by wing backs and, up front two strikers, working in harness and supporting each other.
A GoalKeeper: Trippier, Stones & Maguire; Walker, Lingard, Delph, Rashford, Rose; Vardy & Kane.
The Bench:To include a Goalkeeper, Cahill, Dier, Loftus-Cheek, Sterling,Alli & Trent-Arnold.
Of course, Southgate's selection will bear not the remotest resemblance to mine, but I bet I have had more fun doing this than has he; plus I don't have the need or responsibility to be right!
- stattointhailand
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Re: 2018 World Cup in Russia
I thought that it was blatantly obvious why neither zid or I have "taken you up on your oft repeated challenge"
Neither zid or I would have half of them there in the first place, so to then select them into a team would be a complete waste of time and effort.
BTW I hope the rumour that Gareth (in the wake of the tattoo incident) has told little Raheem to be careful and make sure he doesnt shoot, is not true :-"
The comments about Rashford being injured are completely untrue. He got the 'ump when Gareth told him that any goals he scored will be credited to Harry Kane in his attempt to get the Golden Boot award
Neither zid or I would have half of them there in the first place, so to then select them into a team would be a complete waste of time and effort.
BTW I hope the rumour that Gareth (in the wake of the tattoo incident) has told little Raheem to be careful and make sure he doesnt shoot, is not true :-"
The comments about Rashford being injured are completely untrue. He got the 'ump when Gareth told him that any goals he scored will be credited to Harry Kane in his attempt to get the Golden Boot award
Re: 2018 World Cup in Russia
Not so sure about the earlier Group B game & the late one will have to wait for the morning..
- stattointhailand
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Re: 2018 World Cup in Russia
Thought the fixtures were designed with Udons finest in mind Bob ........ watch early game in bar, pay no attention whatsoever to middle game and then watch last game when you get home (could have done with it starting an hour or so later, but will probably get back for second half)
- mathusalah80
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Re: 2018 World Cup in Russia
Yes, you are both indeed guilty of a "Double Cop Out@stattointhailand wrote: ↑June 15, 2018, 12:01 pmI thought that it was blatantly obvious why neither zid or I have "taken you up on your oft repeated challenge"
Neither zid or I would have half of them there in the first place, so to then select them into a team would be a complete waste of time and effort.
BTW I hope the rumour that Gareth (in the wake of the tattoo incident) has told little Raheem to be careful and make sure he doesnt shoot, is not true :-"
The comments about Rashford being injured are completely untrue. He got the 'ump when Gareth told him that any goals he scored will be credited to Harry Kane in his attempt to get the Golden Boot award
I challenged you to state the players YOU, repeat YOU would select in the squad. This you determinedly avoided doing, thus SURPRISE, SURPRISE, enabling you to criticise Southgate's selections with impunity. In other words, place yourself in a win, win situation!
Your excuse for avoiding the squad selection challenge , is embarrassing, to say the least. Because of your first 'cop out', we will never know which 'half'of the selected squad you would not have chosen, or the identity of the players you would have improved the squad, by selecting in their place.
Your excuse for avoiding selecting what you consider the best team from a mere 23 players is even less convincing. Interesting you consider the squad to be so poor in quality as for it to be a waste of your time and effort to select them into a team. YET YOU CONTRADICT YOURSELF BIG TIME BY TIPPING ENGLAND TO HEAD GROUP G ABOVE BELGIUM, THE BOOKMAKERS FOURTH FAVOURITES TO LIFT THE TROPHY.
But never you mind my friend, just continue to sit on the fence, throughout the tournament; that way you cannot fail to to be right, by default, in selecting the winner!
PS. You will note Sterling is not in my starting eleven. He lacks ball control, also football vision, is inclined to go for personal glory, and squanders far too many goal scoring opportunities; apart from that, he definitely has potential! :-"
- stattointhailand
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Re: 2018 World Cup in Russia
As it 'appens Mat, the reason for tipping Engerlund to win the group is quite simple. By the time they get to play each other they will .....SHOULD both have six points and so be in a position to play their "squad players". The difference between Belgiums 1st X1 and their squad players is far greater than that of Engerlunds (bearing in mind most of the 1st X1 are no better than the average squad player) so there is a reasonable chance that an Engerlund X1 can beat what is basically Belgium Reserves
Re: 2018 World Cup in Russia
No, I'm here. We'll all have a different perspective on "interesting". It's an international game and tournament.mathusalah80 wrote: ↑June 14, 2018, 3:19 pmThen obviously you should restrict your literary 'gems' to the current EPL thread!
I am sure the REAL WC fans will be hoping your post is not the prelude to you and your mob spoiling serious & interesting discussion of the WORLD CUP for us by now selfishly taking over and disrupting this thread .
Do any of you guys bet on the games? I have a few small bets.
Lock 'em up - Eastman, Giuliani, Senator Graham, Meadows and Trump
- stattointhailand
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Re: 2018 World Cup in Russia
I'm sure that the Udon Expats are all law abiding members of the community and as such would not dream of doing such a thing as gambling in Thailand
- mathusalah80
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Re: 2018 World Cup in Russia
Simple! eerrrh, yes!; I think I know what you are saying; notwithstanding that, upon analysis, your reasoning defies logic. [-o< .stattointhailand wrote: ↑June 15, 2018, 2:14 pmAs it 'appens Mat, the reason for tipping Engerlund to win the group is quite simple. By the time they get to play each other they will .....SHOULD both have six points and so be in a position to play their "squad players". The difference between Belgiums 1st X1 and their squad players is far greater than that of Engerlunds (bearing in mind most of the 1st X1 are no better than the average squad player) so there is a reasonable chance that an Engerlund X1 can beat what is basically Belgium Reserves
Are you sure you were not a lawyer/solicitor by profession, Statts? You could talk your way out of Alcatraz; no problem. =D>
Re: 2018 World Cup in Russia
555 I'm in the free world.stattointhailand wrote: ↑June 15, 2018, 2:42 pmI'm sure that the Udon Expats are all law abiding members of the community and as such would not dream of doing such a thing as gambling in Thailand
Lock 'em up - Eastman, Giuliani, Senator Graham, Meadows and Trump
- stattointhailand
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Re: 2018 World Cup in Russia
Really looking forward to the "48 team" World Cups of the future .........
Just think we'll have the chance to get up in the middle of the night to watch at least 16 teams worse than Saudi Arabia
Just think we'll have the chance to get up in the middle of the night to watch at least 16 teams worse than Saudi Arabia
- stattointhailand
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Re: 2018 World Cup in Russia
When did they release you ?...... did you get time off for good behaviour?GT93 wrote: ↑June 15, 2018, 2:44 pm555 I'm in the free world.stattointhailand wrote: ↑June 15, 2018, 2:42 pmI'm sure that the Udon Expats are all law abiding members of the community and as such would not dream of doing such a thing as gambling in Thailand
Re: 2018 World Cup in Russia
I've got Denmark & Peru in the sweepstake. Whoever's team progresses the furthered gets 100quid or B4300 as I'll be in Udonvegas
May the bridges I burn light the path in front of me
Re: 2018 World Cup in Russia
I'm more like Lord Lucan statts - I've never been caught.
I recall reading Lucan was quite a gambler. He's probably put his third world house on the outcome of this tournament and will probably be in the stands in Moscow. He's probably long ceased supporting England. I'd be wary of any older pom cheering Morocco, Tunisia or Peru.
I recall reading Lucan was quite a gambler. He's probably put his third world house on the outcome of this tournament and will probably be in the stands in Moscow. He's probably long ceased supporting England. I'd be wary of any older pom cheering Morocco, Tunisia or Peru.
Lock 'em up - Eastman, Giuliani, Senator Graham, Meadows and Trump
- mathusalah80
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Re: 2018 World Cup in Russia
So as not to disappoint DM, (who has been strangely quiet?), here follows my belated forecast, for posterity:
First Choice: Belgian. Could be found wanting should they be forced onto defence.
Second Fav. Brazil. The the most complete team. If weather is reasonable & grounds soft, glory days could be back.
Third Fav. Uruguay. Solid & well drilled. With a little rub of the green, could surprise.
Fourth Fav: France. As with Brazil & Belgian, a team with flair, which I expect to progress to the latter stages.
Fifth Fav. Spain. Impossible to calculate the damage late change of management has done. Only time will tell.
Wild Card: Germany. Everyone seems to be judging their chances based on 'history'. Sorry Statts, I think this squad is
simply not good enough.
Fantasy Football: English squad should be home early enough for all the players to enjoy a summer holiday,
watching the final with their families.
Thats it.
First Choice: Belgian. Could be found wanting should they be forced onto defence.
Second Fav. Brazil. The the most complete team. If weather is reasonable & grounds soft, glory days could be back.
Third Fav. Uruguay. Solid & well drilled. With a little rub of the green, could surprise.
Fourth Fav: France. As with Brazil & Belgian, a team with flair, which I expect to progress to the latter stages.
Fifth Fav. Spain. Impossible to calculate the damage late change of management has done. Only time will tell.
Wild Card: Germany. Everyone seems to be judging their chances based on 'history'. Sorry Statts, I think this squad is
simply not good enough.
Fantasy Football: English squad should be home early enough for all the players to enjoy a summer holiday,
watching the final with their families.
Thats it.
- arjay
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Re: 2018 World Cup in Russia
A great match on currently between Portugal and Spain.
- arjay
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Re: 2018 World Cup in Russia
And a 5th goal just scored!!
- arjay
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Re: 2018 World Cup in Russia
A stunning game: Spain 3 - Ronaldo 3.
Re: 2018 World Cup in Russia
The 3rd. was a cracker though. Niggly & some dramatic falls after fouls maybe, but the excitement & goals were great to watch. Ronaldo at his absolute best for his 3rd. goal & the equaliser & Costa at his aggressive best at the other end for Spain. The sort of game that is a real treat to watch when you don't have a dog in the fight...
Today has some interesting looking line ups especially to see if France & Argentina have bought their A game to these finals.