Are Russia going to qualify from their group?

[ecc]

Russia's form in recent friendlies has been poor to say the least.

Tonight's draw with Turkey brought an end to a dismal losing run.

H v Turkey 1-1
A v Austria 0-1
H v France 1-3
H v Brazil 0-3

Whilst losing to France and Brazil isn't shameful the overall picture isn't too good. Russia/Soviet Union have always been inconsistent but they're being consistent now but not in the way they'd prefer.

[Wexford_Claret]

I think they may find a way...

[JohnDearyMe]

Mysterious food poisoning outbreaks amongst their opponents perhaps?

[Dark Cloud]

I think we'll have (literally) seen the last of the manager if they don't!!

[DCWat]

Haven’t Austria been unbeaten since their new coach arrived?

[KRBFC]

Russia's form in recent friendlies has been poor to say the least.

Tonight's draw with Turkey brought an end to a dismal losing run.

H v Turkey 1-1
A v Austria 0-1
H v France 1-3
H v Brazil 0-3

Whilst losing to France and Brazil isn't shameful the overall picture isn't too good. Russia/Soviet Union have always been inconsistent but they're being consistent now but not in the way they'd prefer.

They lost to Spain, Argentina, Austria and France, not what i'd consider a ''dismal'' losing run, only 3 games lost in a row (a 3-3 draw with Spain inbetween 2 defeats). No shame in losing to France, Spain or Argentina.

[jrgbfc]

Uruguay should win that group comfortably. Then it comes down to Russia and Egypt for second place, home advantage and Salah's injury may just sway it in the Russians favour.

[South West Claret.]

When was the last time the host nation failed to qualify?

[Paul Waine]

Group A: Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Uruguay.

2 to go thru.

Russia v Uruguay last game - of course, at the same time as Saudia Arabia v Egypt.

Then first and second should face Spain and Portugal in the round of 16.

It's going to be a fascinating World Cup.

[IndigoLake]

They're not a good side but they will definitely qualify from their group. Make of that what you will!

[FactualFrank]

When was the last time the host nation failed to qualify?

South Africa in 2010.

[South West Claret.]

Thanks FF I just couldn’t remember

[timshorts]

South Africa in 2010.

England in the last rugby world cup.

[Falcon]

Russia are the lowest ranked team in the tournament so would normally be in the minnows pot 4. However I think Saudi's ranking is a bit false and they should be the whipping boys of the group.

Uruguay should win at a canter, with Russia and Egypt playing for 2nd place. Expect either some dodgy refereeing decisions or the Mo Salah show.

[Walton]

I've got Russia in the work sweepstake, so they won't win a single game.

[Falcon]

I've got Russia in the work sweepstake, so they won't win a single game.

Fingers crossed

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[charlyt]

One way or another Russia will be put in the knockout stage.