To be excited about the World Cup starting!

[user1471517900]

I know FIFA and Russia and whoever is involved is horrible in some way... But it's the actual World Cup. Mexico v South Korea suddenly becomes hugely important to my life! England have a likeable squad and manager. Ronaldo, Messi, Neymar. Spain sacking their manager yesterday.

It's so exciting isn't it!

I've nothing against Spain, but I'd quite like Russia to stay in the competition. It's good for atmosphere if the hosts remain, and it'll be another of the top teams knocked out.

Spain aren't at their best (a result of their managerial issues?), but they are still a fine team. I'm expecting a victorious Spain.

I suspect Ronaldo wanted him off the pitch to restart the game as quickly as possible.

I do hope Spain go out, would make an interesting world cup.

You do have to commend the Russians, there has been no violence towards fans or major incidents. Even though they've poor human rights records they've kept this running smoothly.

According to some of our media (hard to know if it's true), the Russian hooligans are well known and have been told in no uncertain terms 'do not embarrass us, or you WILL pay'. I can well believe it. They're on the world stage now, and I've absolutely no doubt that Russian authorities can be deeply persuasive when they need to be!

I disagree ilovesooty. Did you see him go up and hug Buffon after Buffon was sent off in his final CL game? I think Ronaldo gets a lot of frankly unfair and ridiculous character assassination levelled at him.

He's the pantomime villain and the media love to make out it's all about him. I suspect with most accomplished sportspeople, there IS a selfish and determined streak, but I don't think he's the egomaniac the media try to make out.

In truth, we just don't know what any of these people are really like, but from what I've seen on the pitch, Messi looks more petulant than Ronaldo.

AIBU to despise Spain's Sergio Ramos for very deliberately injuring my beloved Mo Salah in the Champions League final? ( Correct answer: no!)

Would be such a shame if someone accidentally gave Ramos a particularly hefty dose of his own medicine this afternoon. Nasty cheating horse -faced git.

Ramos bested at what he does? Unlikely.

I’d quite like to lose another big name. Definitely adding spice to the tournament.

LapsedHumanist

I disagree ilovesooty. Did you see him go up and hug Buffon after Buffon was sent off in his final CL game? I think Ronaldo gets a lot of frankly unfair and ridiculous character assassination levelled at him.

A completely agree.

I completely agree.

The Russian anthem is very moving.

Should be a good game. I think Russia might just edge them out.

According to some of our media (hard to know if it's true), the Russian hooligans are well known and have been told in no uncertain terms 'do not embarrass us, or you WILL pay'. I can well believe it. They're on the world stage now, and I've absolutely no doubt that Russian authorities can be deeply persuasive when they need to be!

This had crossed my mind, I think the Russian thugs like to do most of their thuggery abroad so as not to feel the wrath of the Russian justice system.

Woopsie!

Oh dear, oh dear. Own goal is never good.

His own fault.

Yep, stupid defending.

Spain are undoubtedly effective but my god they’re dull.

Come on Russia!

Oops.

Game on!

Stupid handball.... Idiot leaving his hand up there. Definite penalty

By the way (never thought this would be the case) if a second thread needs to be started then anyone is free to start it when we fill up here!

After both games yesterday, This is pale in comparison.