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

[Mr_Bojangles]

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

 

[TubbsFarquhar]

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.

 

[Bomberboyokay]

That could be the least watched opening match in some years.

 

[Cruyff14]

This is actually a shocking group. So terribly weak. Surely Uruguay top it.

 

[Jatz]

I'll definitely be tuning in for that first game.

Uruguay to top it - unsure on 2nd. Could make a case for the three others really.

 

[Established1870]

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.

 

[RossFC]

Uruguay and Egypt to go through I reckon.

 

[corbies]

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.

Does it snow in Russia in June?

 

[Macpotata]

Does it snow in Russia in June?

Not really. But in June in Russia it snows.

 

[ioppolo]

This is actually a shocking group. So terribly weak. Surely Uruguay top it.

Russia was always going to have the weakest group, was never going to be any different

 

[Gavin Excell]

This is actually a shocking group. So terribly weak. Surely Uruguay top it.

Yep super soft

 

[MasterSamurai]

Not overly exciting but watching Salah is going to be awesome.
Uruguay and Russia

 

[Procrastinator35]

I'll definitely be tuning in for that first game.

Uruguay to top it - unsure on 2nd. Could make a case for the three others really.

Stick by the home team I reckon....Can't see the Saudi's or the Egyptians coping with Russian conditions.

 

[Jatz]

Stick by the home team I reckon....Can't see the Saudi's or the Egyptians coping with Russian conditions.

Yeah I'd say you're right. I never know quite what to think of the countries who don't have to qualify to get in.

 

[go you pups]

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.

Not really. But in June in Russia it snows.

Stick by the home team I reckon....Can't see the Saudi's or the Egyptians coping with Russian conditions.

Doubt it...

 

[Procrastinator35]

View attachment 501566

Doubt it...

My money's still on the Ruskies going through.....Home conditions still rule....Not to mention the crowd & the effect on the refs.

 

[Macpotata]

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

 

[Saintly Viewed]

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.

 

[Saintly Viewed]

Uruguay to top the Group
Russia to make it through.

 

[Jatz]

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.

 

[Mr_Bojangles]

Does it snow in Russia in June?

No it doesn't but like anywhere very much inland it gets ******* hot.

A majority of opening games have always been underwhelming. We've been spoilt since 2002.

 

[HolyRioli]

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

 

[Jatz]

With Salah potentially out, that really opens the door for Russia.

 

[TubbsFarquhar]

Heartbreaking. Salah gets Egypt a rare WC appearance and watching him was one of the only drawing points of this group. Him likely missing makes Uruguay and Russia progressing a near sure-thing.

 

[ioppolo]

Feel for Salah