The pro WC thread

World Cup 2018

I never stop living the world cups in soccer. The minute one cup is over- I’m counting towards the next one. Sport is the thing I love the most and earn the most from. So, what you are going to read here may not always be a music to your ears – nevertheless, that is true account of what I believe I know about the game.

I will present this to you in a most convenient way I could think of:

So, what we had so far?

In Group A the Russians beat the Saudis 5-0 and Uruguay beat the Egyptians 1-0. In both games we had goals scored in added time. The Russians scored two and the Uruguayans scored a winner.

What was odd about those games? So far nothing besides the referees making sure the warnings are verbal and the card stays in the pocket.

Before second round:

Russia vs Egypt will be a thriller. Russia actually needs a draw and another draw against Uruguay to secure the place in the Round 16. Egypt can’t afford a draw as a lone win against Saudi Arabia will give her 4 points and assuming Uruguay can already have 6 by this second game day and guarantee the next stage – as I said, the draw will be enough to make sure the Russians and Uruguay both qualify. The only question will be what will happen in Group B? Who will take the first place there and who will take the second?

Round Date Position Position

R16 30-Jun 1C vs 2D

R16 30-Jun 1A vs 2B

R16 1-Jul 1B vs 2A

R16 1-Jul 1D vs 2C

R16 2-Jul 1E vs 2F

R16 2-Jul 1G vs 2H

R16 3-Jul 1F vs 2E

R16 3-Jul 1H vs 2G

# Team GP Win Draw Loss GD Points Russia Uruguay Egypt S.Arabia

1 Russia 1 1 0 0 +5 3 5 : 0

2Uruguay1100+131 : 0

3Egypt1001-100 : 1

4Saudi Arabia1001-500 : 5

Sorry this table got messed up. But we all know the situation

1. Russia     3 points 5:0 

2. Uruguay  3 points 1:0

3. Egypt      0 points 0:1

4. S.Arabia  0 points 0:5

Group B plays were different in all their aspect. First we got Iran vs Morocco in a game both teams knew was the only chance they could walk away a win since the next two games both have to play are against Ronaldo’s Portugal and Iniesta’s Spain.

Then we got the “gem” which in my understanding was perfectly engineered to end as a draw. What made me sure? Pique’s fouling Ronaldo at the exact spot he scores from usually. Why Pique from Barcelona and not Ramos from Real? Ronaldo’s teammate? Precisely. The answer is in the question. We also have to be prepared for Ronaldo’s early exit from the competition due to his “injury”.

Interestingly enough -doesn't matter who will take here the first place or the second - the Group A teams are doomed. It is like Hump or Death from History of the world part one.

Portugal and Spain will qualify for sure as nor Morocco or Iran will be able to know any of those out.

So, running ahead a bit - I can tell you that for the Quarterfinals we will have Spain and Portugal both in.

I will tell you later who they will be playing against and in what order.

Group C also supplied us dramatic games. First, it was France and Umtiti who “wanted” to finish the game with the Socceroo’s in a draw. 4 minutes (remember those 4 minutes) parted between the two penalty kicks. One Griezmann scored for France and the other Umtiti “created” for Australia to make sure 1-1 draw will be the result of the game. The proof of France playing for a draw was in Didier Deschamps decision not to field Antoine Griezmann and Oliver Giroud together while they have been so productive so far for France, and, off course an accidental goal Pogba scored after which he first seemed rather apologetic than celebrating since his kick would safely wind up with the goalie while the defenseman’s interference send the ball into a crossbar and over the goal line.

But, the Group D supplied the "drama" that was not real. What do I mean? Well, most popular bet (locals stopped taking it and some books as well) was Messi scorer anytime. The odds that opened on Messi to score at -192 (that is a coded odd for the books usually means the bet is taken care of by...) and dropped to -175. That means - "please bet Messi, price is great" and at the same time - "Messi is not going to score no matter what!".

Well, we saw what happened and how he played. But, that is pretty good for the second game the Argentine's will play against Croatia as here Messi wil;l have to play and may be even score.

Just to complete Group C story:

Then came a game between Peru and Denmark – the teams clearly playing for a scoreless draw in the first up to the point where the penalty kick was “missed” in a way that there was not even a chance for a goal kicked over the goal into the skies by the same player on whom the penalty foul was committed.

And, right before that game we had a Group D game where Argentina and Iceland got together. Four minutes after Aguero’s goal, the Icelanders were able to tie the game and when the Argentines got the opportunity to go ahead on a penalty kick, who if not Messi missed the kick by kicking a weak ball straight to the goalie. Regardless of the opportunities Messi got – he did not score – from free kicks and other opportunities – making sure Messi scorer anytime bet – the most popular for this game – would stay a loser. (I am repeating it as this was the original write up I just found)

Then we came to one clean game between Croatia and Nigeria to end the night.

Then we had Germany vs Mexico and Serbia vs Costa Rica while the evening was concluded by a classic Brazil vs Switzerland.

We all saw what happened. Once Germany lost the chance to finish First in the group - Brazil also made sure to leave itself enough space to maneuver so they won't get stuck in R16 against Germany.