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!

Bit - thank you.

Holland having issues is putting it mildly, they really are bad at the moment and I am not convinced Koeman is the solution (I am Dutch ) The match against Spain 4 years ago seems light years away.

The 2026 World Cup will have 48 teams, there is hope.

I have France in the pub sweepstake and Senegal in the work one. If Senegal win I get £100.

It was a bit surreal watching Pootin yacking away with Salman of Saudi Arabia (?) and then pretending to be embarrassed at the score.

Not a bit excited at group of men playing ball, (or trying to) even DH has started watching Womens Football, says they play as an "actual" team, ar not pathetic about a little tap on any part of their body. Still not interested in watching it, and they way he will be shouting at the TV during the World Cup really gets on my nerbes!

I should point out that the real World Cups are next year- one starts at The Oval in May, the other is in Japan.

Italy not qualifying this year is making Scotland's situation a bit more palatable. We're in good company for once

The Welsh women's game against Russia this week was a really entertaining home win. Watched by an enthusiastic crowd.

I am going to watch it, not for the football, but for the 4K HDR broadcasting.

I drew Spain in our work sweepstake. I had to ask if they’re any good.

I only know it’s started as you’re all talking about it. Enjoy. I’ll be watching cricket, each to their own

The Meghan Markle lookalike singing with Robbie Williams was the Russian soprano Aida Garifullina.

Can’t wait for Saturday’s run of games, one every couple of hours 👌🏻 and Monday of course. Russia v Saudi was pretty much what I expected, although I predicted about 3-0...

Being a huge footy fan I absolutley love the World Cup. Especially as it means we have football during the months we never usually do.

Saturday will be amazing. Four matches!!

Egypt v Uruguay and Spain v Portugal will both be great tomorrow too.

I don’t watch football but do enjoy the World Cup, although not much interest in any other team than England. Wish we were a bit better!

Can’t wait for Portugal Spain, hopefully someone can wipe the smug look off ronaldos face. Literally hate him

Do you think Poland isn't talking about Poland? Germany about Germany? You're looking to be offended so just go away.

Poland is one coubtry, Germany is one country. The United Kingdom is 4 countries. Fair enough tanner on about England during England matches but if it’s Spain v Portugal or Iran v France please don’t! I remember Adrian Chiles during one would cup broadcast for unrelated countries yammering on about 1966 and England. Keep it relevant at least I don’t want to hear it when I want to watch Spein etc.

Exactly *Fluffyears”. Clearly the poster is ignorant of that fact.

Ronaldo is truly great. Shame England do not gah W a player of that stature.
Incidentally, how do you differentiate between literally hating him and metaphorically hating him?

• do not have

Am with you costa, why do they not give teams a sensible "basic" wage, bonus IF they win, there is no insentive, they get paid ridiculous ammounts win or loose. A few talents over the years, Georgie Best, Actors get paid to act, not while "resting". as for paying huge amount of tax, yeah, paying huge amount to tax avoidance schemes.(No, I wouldnt do the same, I have morals, have always declared secondary jobs, I could have avoided tax on, and paid my dues)

It's always people from anywhere but England that mention 1966 in my experience. As demonstrated so clearly on this thread. I think non-English people have far more of a hang up about it than the English do to be honest (apart from West Ham fans who always mention it! )

Also, it's hard to think how British commentators might talk more about Scotland, NI or wales during a World Cup when they haven't qualified. That's the long and the short of it. There was plenty of talk about Wales during the Euros 2 years ago.

Anyway I'm very much looking forward to the Portugal Spain match today

@IamaBluebird exciting times eh? Fixtures out yesterday and we have Man City st home third match!

Who’s everyone routing for today. Spain?

"Also, it's hard to think how British commentators might talk more about Scotland, NI or wales during a World Cup when they haven't qualified. That's the long and the short of it. There was plenty of talk about Wales during the Euros 2 years ago."