World Cup 2018 FIFA World Cup-Group A Thread (Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Uruguay)

Sep 24, 2008
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RUSSIA V SAUDI ARABIA

FRIDAY JUNE 15-1am @ Moscow

EGYPT V URUGUAY

FRIDAY JUNE 15-10pm @ Yekaterinburg

RUSSIA V EGYPT

WEDNESDAY JUNE 20-4am @ St Petersburg

URUGUAY V SAUDI ARABIA

THURSDAY JUNE 21-1am @ Rostov-On-Don

RUSSIA V URUGUAY

TUESDAY JUNE 26-12am @ Samara

SAUDI ARABIA V EGYPT

TUESDAY JUNE 26-12am @ Volvograd
 
Russia vs Saudi Arabia would have to be the least interesting opening match in history.

As for results, you can rule out the Saudis from making any sort of threat but the other 3 are in it. Russia, on paper, are weak but home ground advantage is very significant, especially with favourable reffing. Will go with Uruguay to top it (strongest team in the group) with Egypt second. All Egypt do is sit back and defend and wait for the opportunity for Salah to weave his magic on the counter.
 

Established1870

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Interesting to see how two teams from the desert and one from South America goes in the snow. Think it'll be a larger factor than what people realize. Russia and Uruguay to go through.
 
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Macpotata

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Egypt and Russia for me. South Africa I believe have been the only host to not get past the group phase.
 

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Aug 10, 2015
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Awkward first match.

Back in the day the defending champion would kickoff the tournament.

But the home team doing he honours does make sense.

Still think the Opening should be the “Best Match” of the group ie best opponent for Russia.

In this case Russia v Uruguay.

They do the draw and then juggle the matches to fit the best match.
 

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Aug 10, 2015
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Uruguay to top the Group
Russia to make it through.
 
Sep 7, 2008
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Awkward first match.

Back in the day the defending champion would kickoff the tournament.

But the home team doing he honours does make sense.

Still think the Opening should be the “Best Match” of the group ie best opponent for Russia.

In this case Russia v Uruguay.

They do the draw and then juggle the matches to fit the best match.
I like the idea of the 'best match'. I guess the counter argument to that is they know everyone will be watching it anyway so it doesn't necessarily need to be the best match to kick off the tournament.
 

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Tipping Egypt to go through, likely with Uruguay for company but not locked in. Could see them cocking it up
 
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