Group B - England, Iran, USA, Wales

[social]

Get on with it

It’s past my bedtime already

 

[Lillian Thomson]

They’re expecting lower than normal “sick” absence during this World Cup. As a result of the pandemic many office based companies provided the facility to work from home and are utilising that. Plus all the major unions are attempting to bring the country to its knees with strikes, some of which will fall on match days.

 

[Lillian Thomson]

On the pitch the word is that Harry MaGuire is going to play.

 

[flibbertyjibber]

I presume he's only considering realistic options

I want USA to win today

 

[flibbertyjibber]

On the pitch the word is that Harry MaGuire is going to play.

Anyone who thought he wouldn't is an idiot

 

[Lillian Thomson]

Anyone who thought he wouldn't is an idiot

True. But anyone who thinks he should is a bit silly as well.

 

[social]

SBS crapping on Qatar from the outset

Bosnich hair

Off to a flying start

 

[GotSpin]

SBS crapping on Qatar from the outset

Bosnich hair

Off to a flying start

Haha yeah. How’s the preview series

 

[flibbertyjibber]

True. But anyone who thinks he should is a bit silly as well.

Not denying it but it the same as Pickford not being picked and Pope or Ramsdale coming in. Southgate is loyal.

 

[Lillian Thomson]

England XI: Pickford, Stones, Maguire, Trippier, Rice, Bellingham, Mount, Shaw, Saka, Kane, Sterling.

 

[flibbertyjibber]

Least we only gone with 2 centre halves.

 

[ashley bach]

Even so, I'm strangely unexcited about this -- it should be huge, today's the first time in my life (62 and counting ftr) that I've had my own team to cheer for at a WC, but somehow it's all a bit, meh really.

Once upon a time (2010 in fact) many Kiwis found themselves in your shoes, finally having a team to cheer for at the world cup.
Like many others I also felt very meh about the whole episode. As it transpires NZ were the only unbeaten team at the tournament.
One of the strangest outcomes in sport you'll ever get, not to mention a great trivia question down the line.
It was a strange time in sport, the same week Isner beat Mahut 70-68 in the 5th set.
Good luck to Wales, looks like they should be in with a fair chance against USA today.

 

[Red_Ink_Squid]

Least we only gone with 2 centre halves.

*1.5

 

[AndyZaltzHair]

Iran plays pretty well in group stages. Hopefully not gonna be one sided

 

[ashley bach]

Iran plays pretty well in group stages. Hopefully not gonna be one sided

Are they worth a play at 12/1?

 

[Red_Ink_Squid]

They’re expecting lower than normal “sick” absence during this World Cup.

I'm actually ill atm with something flu-like (possibly flu...). Dunno what my boss thinks of me calling in sick this morn. I'm hoping that England vs Iran in the group stage of a zero hype WC is low enough glamour that he doesn't think I'm that desperate to watch the footy.

 

[ashley bach]

I'm actually ill atm with something flu-like (possibly flu...). Dunno what my boss thinks of me calling in sick this morn. I'm hoping that England vs Iran in the group stage of a zero hype WC is low enough glamour that he doesn't think I'm that desperate to watch the footy.

You must be kidding yourself if you think your boss isn't going to suspect that you;re having a sneaky day off to watch the footy

 

[Lillian Thomson]

All the England fans are sober. Strange days.

 

[wpdavid]

So we can expect the usual spineless officiating at set plays in this tournament.

 

[GotSpin]

Nice head clash that