So, Group E finished as predicted with the Brazilians avoiding any close shaves and the Swiss doing enough to cement a spot in the last 16.

Group F produced the biggest shock of the tournament so far with the Germans unable to beat South Korea and thus going home as disgraced holders. Sweden comfortably beat the Mexicans who were grateful for Germany’s collapse.

The last two groups complete today……

Group G features a straight shoot out between England and Belgium for top spot, though which possible opponents from Group H would be preferred, is anyone’s guess.

To progress from Group H, Japan need to avoid losing to a Polish side merely playing for pride. Senegal v Columbia could turn into fixture of the day, with Columbia needing to win to ensure their fate is in their own hands.

So Group C fizzled out rather than reaching any climax and the qualifiers from Group D proved to be the two with the most quality in the final reckoning.

Argentina will have to up their playing level to progress much further; though round of 16 opponents, France, look bang average at present, too.

On to today’s fare……..

Group E looks fairly straightforward unless Serbia can pull off a shock. Neymar will use any means to annoy us with his theatrics. Leave it at home, mate; you’re a great footballer – that should be enough.

Granit and Shaqiri escaped bans for their soaring eagles celebrations, so if the Swiss qualify, Arsenal should have at least two representatives playing in the Round of 16.

Group F could see a three-way tie on 6 points if the Swedes can beat Mexico and the Jarmans overcome pointless South Korea.  Though Mexico should be too strong to let things slip.

So, VAR makes a mockery of Group B and consequently the Round of 16 first games decided look like this…….

On to today………..

If France beat the Danes, Australia have a sniff at qualification from Group C.

Assuming Croatia beat Iceland, the Nigeria v Argentina game becomes a one game shoot out (though Nigeria will qualify if it ends as a draw).

Superb win for Croatia. What’s on today?

Well I thought the ref got the France pen decision correct the first time. Bloody VAR defeating the Aussies.

What’s in store today? Looks dull to me, so it should be blinding.

Costa Rica v Serbia  1pm

Germany v Mexico  4pm

Brazil v Switzerland  7pm

The 2018 World Cup in Russia is now upon us with the first game between Russia and Saudi Arabia kicking off at 6:00am on Thursday June 18^th. With so many games to watch I created my own WC timetable for the group games.

Here is a copy.

My personal level of excitement is very low but I love watching football and given that in Canada and the -5 hour time difference with the UK it will make it a little easier to watch.

The group games are usually the dullest with so many having next to zero chance of advancing to the knock out games.

England should advance with little trouble but as yet I have not bothered to see who in the final 16 teams they will potentially face.

Written by GunnerN5