TOPIC:

Not being a great follower of the round ball game. The 2018 World Cup has kicked off tonight. Really looking forward to the France v's Australia match to be played on Saturday evening 16th June with a kick off time of 1800. (Western Australia time)
The Aussie squad has been named as
Goalkeeper
1. Mathew RYAN
12. Brad JONES
18. Danny VUKOVIC

Defender
2. Milos DEGENEK
3. James MEREDITH
5. Mark MILLIGAN
6. Matthew JURMAN
16.Aziz BEHICH
19. Joshua RISDON
20. Trent SAINSBURY

Midfielder
8. Massimo LUONGO
13. Aaron MOOY
15. Mile JEDINAK
22. Jackson IRVINE
23. Tom ROGIC

Forward
4. Tim CAHILL
7. Mathew LECKIE
9. Tomi JURIC
10. Robbie KRUSE
11. Andrew NABBOUT
14. Jamie MacLAREN
17. Daniel ARZANI
21. Dimitrios PETRATOS

Coach
VAN MARWIJK Bert

Is a bit tough been drawn against France in the first game. I'm sure the guys will give a good account of themselves. It seems to be a fairly good squad. Apparently the Kazan weather forecast for Saturday is said to be mostly cloudy, a temperature of 20º with N/W winds.

westaussieguy -- great post. The great slavs, the Russians will be happy tonight. I have got 20 dollars on England making the quarter-finals. The French are unpredictable at these tournaments so you just never know with the Aussies in Kazahstan. I will cross my fingers.

ArkRoyal wrote: westaussieguy -- great post. The great slavs, the Russians will be happy tonight. I have got 20 dollars on England making the quarter-finals. The French are unpredictable at these tournaments so you just never know with the Aussies in Kazahstan. I will cross my fingers.

Well the road to Russia was a tough one for England. But they brushed Malta, Lithuania, Slovenia, Slovakia & Scotland aside with ruthless efficiency. Tunisia, Panama and a final group match against Belgium will be a stern test of their world renowned footballing prowess. AR, out of curiosity, if the stars align what return will you get on that $20?

The host nation kicked things off last night with the first match against the Saudis. From what I saw the Saudis had their fair share of the ball but just seemed to be chipping the ball around with short passes. When I turned off, the Russians were 2 goals up. Always thought the Russians would win the opening game but surprised at the their winning margin of 5 - 0/
Going to be interesting to keep tabs on England. They've had some good pre World Cup matches for sure

Ark, thought Eng squad is one of the worst in a long time they have sent to a WC?....most likely that means they will do well then.....no doubt the usual suspects in Brazil, Argentina, Germany and Spain will progress deep......

Freezin wrote: Ark, thought Eng squad is one of the worst in a long time they have sent to a WC?....most likely that means they will do well then.....no doubt the usual suspects in Brazil, Argentina, Germany and Spain will progress deep......

Worst, maybe but unlike other years this one is at least young and trying to play a more expansive game rather than the more english game. I reckon that they will do well perhaps not win the big dance but they could put the frighteners into some teams. Kane could go close to the golden boot if they make it to the quarters or semi's. Oh personally i hope the lose 5 nil each game but that's cos of my anglopohobia!

Yep, looking forward to it, not so much the Socceroos as I don't think they will progress past the group stage.

S Arabia qualified higher than them and got smashed by a lowly Russia out fit.

Anyway opening ceremony was pretty low key and nice and short, Ribbie bird was a bit odd.

Interested to see how England go, rated quite high but they always bomb.For mine this part of the comp is the best, all the teams and fans are there with all the colour and anticipation.

Teams starting with P to do well. Portugal, Peru and my side other side Polska. I expect Robert "The Machine" Lewandowski to explode and Harry Kane to flop massively.

t-m: it was a bet with a mate -- no odds

just to try an answer you question more fully 'William Hill' has them at $19.00 to win it seventh favouritie

Brazil 4.60
Germany 6.00
Spain 7.00
France 7.50

Struggling to put names to faces with the Socceroos. France with the likes of Mbappe, Kante, Griezmann, Pogba, Benzema and Dembele should face little difficulty against them.