World Cup 2018 Draw - Today 3pm

FactualFrank · Post by **FactualFrank** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 10:16 am

For those who aren't aware or perhaps may have forgotten, the draw is on this afternoon from 3pm on BBC2 and Sky Sports (amongst other channels I imagine, too).

The papers seem to be going with...

Toughest possible draw?
Brazil, England, Sweden, Nigeria.

The best draw possible?
Russia, England, Iran, Panama.

Dazzler · Post by **Dazzler** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 11:36 am

Let's have them bloody boxheads first up.

Goobs · Post by **Goobs** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 2:56 pm

Would like Germany and two of the easier teams in the groups. That way we should be able to creep through in second and they wouldn't have the chance to knock us out of the tournament in the knockout stages (unless all the other teams fall ill and we get a bye through to the final)

FactualFrank · Post by **FactualFrank** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 3:01 pm

It's about to start on BBC2, but it's on from 3pm until 4.30pm. How long does it take to draw out 32 balls.

cricketfieldclarets · Post by **cricketfieldclarets** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 3:03 pm

Looking forward to this world cup. Some great new stadiums and some very interesting cities.

Foshiznik · Post by **Foshiznik** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 3:04 pm

FactualFrank wrote:For those who aren't aware or perhaps may have forgotten, the draw is on this afternoon from 3pm on BBC2 and Sky Sports (amongst other channels I imagine, too).

The papers seem to be going with...

Toughest possible draw?
Brazil, England, Sweden, Nigeria.

The best draw possible?
Russia, England, Iran, Panama.

I personally see Iran as the strongest Asian team. The world rankings might say otherwise, but I'm more impressed with their team spirit than the qualitys of South Korea.

FactualFrank · Post by **FactualFrank** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 3:12 pm

So do we want to draw a European side from Pot 1.

If we do that, it means we can't be drawn with Denmark, Iceland or Sweden from Pot 3 as only two European sides can be in the same group.

Paul Waine · Post by **Paul Waine** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 3:39 pm

FactualFrank wrote:So do we want to draw a European side from Pot 1.

If we do that, it means we can't be drawn with Denmark, Iceland or Sweden from Pot 3 as only two European sides can be in the same group.

Or the only none European teams are Argentina and Brazil.

Spain and Portugal looks tasty in Group 2.

Are we going to get Germany (watching live) - or Belgium or Poland?

And, we will take Belgium.

And, we finish with Belgium, Panama, Tunisia and England.

Is that easy enough, Gareth?

FactualFrank · Post by **FactualFrank** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 3:44 pm

Belgium
England
Tunisia

So far.

Paul Waine · Post by **Paul Waine** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 3:52 pm

Who would have thought Russia would be grouped with Saudia Arabia, Egypt and Uruguay? What were the odds on that?

CombatClaret · Post by **CombatClaret** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 3:53 pm

Russia v Saudi opener.

FIX!!!!

Portugal, Spain, Morocco.
Local derby group.

RingoMcCartney · Post by **RingoMcCartney** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 3:59 pm

No worries for us getting thru to the knock out stages at all!

First 2 games - Tunisia and Panama. No trouble there, we'll be thru.

I think after the 2nd game we'll already have a cigar on!

Imploding Turtle · Post by **Imploding Turtle** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 3:59 pm

What a great draw for Belgium, Tunisia and Panama.

KefkaClaret · Post by **KefkaClaret** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 4:00 pm

Southgate is seriously incompetent if he can't get us out of that group.

Claret-On-A-T-Rex · Post by **Claret-On-A-T-Rex** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 4:03 pm

Two crap performances against poor teams and then a must win game against Belgium, which we'll lose.

Steve1956 · Post by **Steve1956** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 4:04 pm

Tough group... I think we will struggle.

PhiladelphiaChris · Post by **PhiladelphiaChris** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 4:05 pm

confused as to why they moved Panama to our group?

Claret-On-A-T-Rex · Post by **Claret-On-A-T-Rex** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 4:09 pm

Paul Waine wrote:Who would have thought Russia would be grouped with Saudia Arabia, Egypt and Uruguay? What were the odds on that?

All three are ranked higher than Russia.

CombatClaret · Post by **CombatClaret** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 4:10 pm

PhiladelphiaChris wrote:confused as to why they moved Panama to our group?

Already an American teams in the others

Claret-On-A-T-Rex · Post by **Claret-On-A-T-Rex** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 4:12 pm

Rankings

Uruguay 21
Egypt 31
Saudi Arabia 63
Russia 65

I hope all three give Russia a beating but it being the corrupt World Cup I bet they make the semi-finals at least.

PhiladelphiaChris · Post by **PhiladelphiaChris** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 4:13 pm

CombatClaret wrote:Already an American teams in the others

Thanks, i thought they were allowed 2 teams but that was only for European teams.

Goobs · Post by **Goobs** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 4:16 pm

Claret-On-A-T-Rex wrote:Rankings

Uruguay 21
Egypt 31
Saudi Arabia 63
Russia 65

I hope all three give Russia a beating but it being the corrupt World Cup I bet they make the semi-finals at least.

Just like back in 2002 when South Korea suddenly became the 4th best team on the planet for 2 weeks

Steve1956 · Post by **Steve1956** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 4:16 pm

Claret-On-A-T-Rex wrote:Rankings

Uruguay 21
Egypt 31
Saudi Arabia 63
Russia 65

I hope all three give Russia a beating but it being the corrupt World Cup I bet they make the semi-finals at least.

Russia must be really crap with those three rated better than them FIFA THE MOST CORRUPT ORGANIZATION ON THE PLANET!

Paul Waine · Post by **Paul Waine** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 4:17 pm

Claret-On-A-T-Rex wrote:Rankings

Uruguay 21
Egypt 31
Saudi Arabia 63
Russia 65

I hope all three give Russia a beating but it being the corrupt World Cup I bet they make the semi-finals at least.

Hi C-T-Rex, I haven't checked the rankings, but isn't the question who had the lowest rankings in the 3 pots?

FactualFrank · Post by **FactualFrank** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 4:21 pm

I think if we get enough luck we can reach the Quarter Finals. But I can't see us going any further than that. Last 16 knockout it also very realistic.

Roosterbooster · Post by **Roosterbooster** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 4:24 pm

JBG v Messi!!!

Woodleyclaret · Post by **Woodleyclaret** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 4:28 pm

Belgium are a good side and a good bet for the semis.

Belgianclaret · Post by **Belgianclaret** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 4:46 pm

Woodleyclaret wrote:Belgium are a good side and a good bet for the semis.

Belgium and England should progress from this group, but will face Brazil or Germany in the quarters.

Will be very difficult for either Belgium or England to make it to the semis.

I stick to my view that Belgium has a lot of talent, but lack a decent defense, team spirit and grit to make it to the top (unless they appoint the ginger mourinho of course)

TractorFace · Post by **TractorFace** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 4:49 pm

I'll probably support Belgium rather than boring England. I have a very good family reason for doing so. My great-grandma loved Belgium chocolate.

JohnMac · Post by **JohnMac** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 4:50 pm

How refreshing to watch a simple no frills gadget free (and crook free ) draw.

Gary Lineaker did a sterling job co-hosting and his dig at 'The Hand of God' Diego was sublime.

JohnMac · Post by **JohnMac** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 4:57 pm

Goobs wrote:Just like back in 2002 when South Korea suddenly became the 4th best team on the planet for 2 weeks

That might have something to do with them training together for 3 months or so under Guus Hiddink prior to the tournement.

It can't have been due to any dubious disallowed goals or a controversial sending off surely

RingoMcCartney · Post by **RingoMcCartney** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 5:03 pm

http://www.eurotopfoot.com/clubgb2.php3" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Talking about rankings. Here's the current one for club sides all across Europe.

Where's Blackburn!

Belgianclaret · Post by **Belgianclaret** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 5:43 pm

Be more than happy to get revenge for that flukey goal by Platt in 1990

Goobs · Post by **Goobs** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 5:48 pm

RingoMcCartney wrote:http://www.eurotopfoot.com/clubgb2.php3

Talking about rankings. Here's the current one for club sides all across Europe.

Where's Blackburn!

Not even top 100? DYCHE OUT!

Goobs · Post by **Goobs** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 5:50 pm

Belgianclaret wrote:Be more than happy to get revenge for that flukey goal by Platt in 1990

Was a great goal and one of my earliest England memories.

Remember Enzo Scifo being quality in that world cup too, whatever happened to him?

Claretpete · Post by **Claretpete** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 11:39 pm

Southgate is a loser, why is he afraid of Belgium, cos he ain’t got a f**kin clue

cricketfieldclarets · Post by **cricketfieldclarets** » Sat Dec 02, 2017 2:56 am

Claret-On-A-T-Rex wrote:Rankings

Uruguay 21
Egypt 31
Saudi Arabia 63
Russia 65

I hope all three give Russia a beating but it being the corrupt World Cup I bet they make the semi-finals at least.

Rankings aside russia are easily the second best side in the group. At least.

Paul Waine · Post by **Paul Waine** » Sat Dec 02, 2017 2:32 pm

Claret-On-A-T-Rex wrote:Rankings

Uruguay 21
Egypt 31
Saudi Arabia 63
Russia 65

I hope all three give Russia a beating but it being the corrupt World Cup I bet they make the semi-finals at least.

Today's Times has calculated the average rankings for each group. I've listed from highest to lowest average ranking.

Group A (Russia): 45
Group G (Belgium): 25.75
Group H (Poland): 24.50
Group F (Germany): 23.50
Group D (Argentina): 23.25
Group B (Portugal): 20.25
Group E (Brazil): 18.25
Group C (France): 17.75

Tribesmen · Post by **Tribesmen** » Sat Dec 02, 2017 2:39 pm

Still so upset and don't want to even think about the World Cup

Pstotto · Post by **Pstotto** » Sat Dec 02, 2017 7:28 pm

The ghost of Emanuel Kant is busy doing the transcendental numbers for the England v. Belgium match.

Korea Republic?????? It's a bit foreign isn't it?