FIFA World Cup 2018 - Russia

[Nielsb90]

Originally Posted by tob

My country didn't qualify for it too but always look forward to the World Cup.

You didn't qualify ?

Here we go again! I'm very, very excited! Besides Denmark, I'll be following Iceland, Japan and Iran!

I can’t speak for everyone, but it’s hard to get excited for the World Cup when my nation didn’t make the cut. I’m usually pumped for it, but this time around is a very different feeling

Qualifying isn't a given for most countries. I'll watch any and every World Cup or European Championship and having qualified is just a wonderful bonus!

[BizCat]

I'm excited:

[Lacit170]

Originally Posted by BizCat

I'm excited:

who ya rootin for?

[dublinbluray108]

And......we're off.

[BizCat]

Originally Posted by Lacit170

who ya rootin for?

I'm fine with either Belgium, Germany, or Poland.. lol.

[Nielsb90]

Originally Posted by Lacit170

who ya rootin for?

Denmark will win it. Thats the only possible outcome according to my calculations..

[West E]

Pulling for Iceland lol

[dublinbluray108]

1-0 Russia

[Lacit170]

Originally Posted by BizCat

I'm fine with either Belgium, Germany, or Poland.. lol.

are those your nationalities? or just countries you like? just curious...

[Bigdog]

Originally Posted by Bullitt

Sorry to disappoint ya but they never qualified either.

Yeah I just realized that last night while looking over the brackets, how the heck did they miss the cut as they are usually a strong country in the world cup tournament.


And if they only allow natural grass then I don't see how Met life stadium is going to host the finals seeing as it's a fake surface. Changing over would cost a ton.

[BizCat]

Originally Posted by Lacit170

are those your nationalities? or just countries you like? just curious...

I'm German.

I think Belgium in general is an interesting nation (though I admittedly have never been to Europe).

Poland..... because I've seen a bunch of their girls at a place I used to work that hired a lot of international employees for their summer help from all over and I believe Poland has the hottest girls

[Nielsb90]

Originally Posted by Bigdog

Yeah I just realized that last night while looking over the brackets, how the heck did they miss the cut as they are usually a strong country in the world cup tournament.


And if they only allow natural grass then I don't see how Met life stadium is going to host the finals seeing as it's a fake surface. Changing over would cost a ton.

They were in the same qualifying group as France and Sweden, among others. Qualifying in South America or Europe is really tough.. Also, they kinda suck now. Nowhere near as good as 4-8 years ago.

[Lacit170]

Originally Posted by Bigdog

Yeah I just realized that last night while looking over the brackets, how the heck did they miss the cut as they are usually a strong country in the world cup tournament.


And if they only allow natural grass then I don't see how Met life stadium is going to host the finals seeing as it's a fake surface. Changing over would cost a ton.

regarding the natural grass...

[Show spoiler]
The 2026 World Cup is coming to the U.S., Canada and Mexico
Leadoff: Mercedes-Benz Stadium will need real grass for World Cup
4 hours ago
By Tim Tucker, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter...More
If Mercedes-Benz Stadium hosts World Cup matches in eight years, as seems highly likely, a natural-grass playing surface will have to be installed for the occasion.

The home stadium of the Falcons and Atlanta United has artificial turf because the decision was made during the design process that grass couldn’t thrive long-term under the retractable roof and heavy events schedule. But the turf would need to be temporarily replaced with real grass to meet FIFA requirements for the 2026 World Cup.

Eleven of the 23 North American stadiums proposed as sites for the event currently have artificial turf, according to a FIFA bid evaluation report prepared in advance of Wednesday’s decision to award the World Cup to the United States, Canada and Mexico. But the North American bid “is committed to meeting FIFA’s requirement for there to be grass pitches at all 2026 World Cup stadiums,” the document states.

It also acknowledges the transition may not be simple: “There may be risks in ... the conversion of artificial pitches to natural grass pitches in terms of installation work, different operational procedures, etc. It should be noted, however, that the bidder has already taken measures to seek to address such matters and demonstrated this during the course of the official inspection visits.”

[Lacit170]

damn, just noticing that every single game is in the AM or early afternoon....not going to be able to watch any games live on weekdays...

anyone know if theyre airing games in the US after 5pm? theyve got to, right?

[Bullitt]

Originally Posted by Bigdog

Yeah I just realized that last night while looking over the brackets, how the heck did they miss the cut as they are usually a strong country in the world cup tournament.


And if they only allow natural grass then I don't see how Met life stadium is going to host the finals seeing as it's a fake surface. Changing over would cost a ton.

How did Italy not make it?seems strange them not being there.

That’s where the final is,the money involved in a W.C. will be buttons to change over a playing surface.
Thankfully I’m sure we’ll never see these games on plastic.

[Moviefan1203]

Originally Posted by Lacit170

broooo! how come you didnt run a fantasy league for this again?

thats was fun last time around... cant believe how quick this came around... thought it started in july or something lol

Forgot about it until just now.

[CV19]

Originally Posted by Bullitt

How did Italy not make it?seems strange them not being there.

Very surprised at that myself. In previous tournaments, Italy were generally seen as one of the favourites, so not sure what happened this time.

[dublinbluray108]

Russia are up 3-0 against the Saudi's.

[Lacit170]

Originally Posted by Moviefan1203

Forgot about it until just now.

cant blame ya since i didnt even know it started today!

i was thinking about the fantasy a few weeks ago and assumed we had time to get it together... oh well... see ya in 4 years lol ?

[dublinbluray108]

Well would you look at that. Russia win 5-0 against Saudi Arabia. A great start to their World Cup campaign being the hosts.