[Chetan_Rao]

This comment belongs to both football threads, but the immediate impact is on the national side so I guess this is the right place.

What an absolutely horrendous turn of events with the Spain coaching position. Manager announced to be moving to Real Madrid 3 days before the World Cup where Spain are among the favorites, then sacked as National Coach the very next day as apparently the Spanish football authorities were kept completely in the dark about the Madrid appointment until Real were ready to go public.

[naveenroy]

Guys, how about a small game we can play here? Predict the top 2 teams from the group stages (for now) post them up here maybe in this format

A 1 -
A 2 -
B 1 -
B 2 -
C 1 -
C 2 -
D 1 -
D 2 -
E 1 -
E 2 -
F 1 -
F 2 -
G 1 -
G 2 -
H 1 -
H 2 -

Once the group matches end, add 1 point for each correct nation that advances from group stage, and an extra point if you got both group advancees correct?

Perhaps a bonus bonus point if you got the order right too.

So, maximum of 16 + 8 extra + 8 bonus bonus.

[Yieldway17]

I hope France wins just because I don't want any of Brazil, Argentina, Germany and Spain win for various reasons. England will choke like always so hard to see them all the way through. France has a great team on paper and hope they can show that on the field. Their system is currently so full of talent that if you put together a B team from the players they left at home, that team would be an equal contender.

Regardless, I'm excited to follow and support Belgium. I supported them in the last WC and Euro where they were underwhelming relative to the expectations but hope they can break that this year. Go Belgie!!

[strawhat]

Originally Posted by Chetan_Rao

This comment belongs to both football threads, but the immediate impact is on the national side so I guess this is the right place.

What an absolutely horrendous turn of events with the Spain coaching position. Manager announced to be moving to Real Madrid 3 days before the World Cup where Spain are among the favorites, then sacked as National Coach the very next day as apparently the Spanish football authorities were kept completely in the dark about the Madrid appointment until Real were ready to go public.

This must irk the national football federation to the core. A single act of theirs has possibly derailed their country's WC campaign.

Not to sound like a cry baby but the reality is Madrid and Barca have rubbed lot of football clubs the wrong way. As a gooner, I vividly recall the way players like Iniesta, Pique, Alba regularly tapped up Cesc. Will Spanish FA take some decisive action or will this incident be forgotten and swept under the carpet like previously?

[pedrolourenco]

Originally Posted by Eddy

Who do you want to win ?

- Portugal
- Brasil
- Argentina
- Spain

In that order.

[Ithaca]

WC 2026 has been awarded to the NAFTA (USA, Canada & Mexico) countries - FIFA NAFTA 2026 i guess.
As one commentator asked on CNN this evening, Will FIFA allow all three hosting nations an automatic berth in the 2026 WC.

What do football fans on this thread feel.

2026 WC Hosts .

[b_naresh]

I wanted to vote for Netherlands but couldn't find it in the list. Then I realized they hadn't qualified!
Voted for France.

[sridhu]

The heart says Brazil butt the head says Germany.

Went with the heart!

[catchjyoti]

I voted for Brazil as I have been a supporter of them from my primary school days. I want them to win. If Brazil is out, then I would like Germany to win.

[thoma]

Originally Posted by naveenroy

Predict the top 2 teams from the group stages (for now) post them up here maybe in this format

A 1 - Uruguay
A 2 - Egypt / Russia

B 1 - Spain
B 2 - Portugal

C 1 - France
C 2 - Denmark / Australia

D 1 - Argentina
D 2 - Nigeria / Croatia

E 1 - Brazil
E 2 - Switzerland

F 1 - Germany
F 2 - Sweden

G 1 - Belgium
G 2 - England

H 1 - Columbia
H 2 - Poland / Senegal

[knightrider_7]

Sony Ten 2, Sony Ten 3 and Sony ESPN will be broadcasting the matches.

In Kerala, Sony ESPN commentary will be in Malayalam. Those who have watched ISL in Malayalam would know.

[thoma]

Originally Posted by knightrider_7

Sony Ten 2, Sony Ten 3 and Sony ESPN will be broadcasting the matches.

In Kerala, Sony ESPN commentary will be in Malayalam. Those who have watched ISL in Malayalam would know.

Who is commenting? Shaiju Damodaran?

[knightrider_7]

Originally Posted by thoma

Who is commenting? Shaiju Damodaran?

Yes.

Sony Ten 2: English
Sony Ten 3: Hindi
Sony ESPN: Bengali/ Malayalam

[johannskaria]

Originally Posted by thoma

Who is commenting? Shaiju Damodaran?

I really hope not.
Then I'll have to watch the UK broadcast using VPN!
ISL commentary itself was a torture.


Meanwhile in the Mecca of football

Mecca of football

[satishv1987]

I will be rooting for Brazil. Started following them in 1998.Been a fan ever since.

I think Belgium might surprise a lot of people. Perennial underachievers? Yes. This time they have an enterprising coach in Martinez ( his inability to organize a defence notwithstanding) & an absolutely stacked squad. This the last opportunity for the golden generation to win something and I feel they will go far.