2018 World Football Cup - discussion

[brian f]

Did not have much of an appetite for that game michael, missed it though a good result for the Russians ..

Portugal v Spain -gets my juices going, tonight at 19.00 bbc 1

[Hughie]

Was thinking that too Brian, but Portugal v Spain is on at 4am here. Zzzzzzzzz.
Holding out for Australia V's France tomorrow (Saturday night 8pm here in Oz).
No idea how this will turn out.

[brian f]

Hughie , That's a massive game for you all down under, good luck.

[Meg]

Wasn't the greatest of games, but Jeezo, that was a resounding win for Russia, 5-0 against Saudi Arabia in the opening match, especially as the Russian's form had been absolutely abysmal beforehand. Suppose it just goes to show what the excitement of a World Cup opening match at home with your own fan's behind you can do for a team.

There might have been another factor though Michael - Ramadan fasting was still happening yesterday and didn’t finish until sunset last night so those poor guys wouldn’t have eaten or drank even water since 3am yesterday morning!

[michaelm]

There might have been another factor though Michael - Ramadan fasting was still happening yesterday and didn’t finish until sunset last night so those poor guys wouldn’t have eaten or drank even water since 3am yesterday morning!

For all I know you could well be correct there Meg, but personally speaking I'd be absolutely astonished if the sport's governing body don't already have certain rules in place to prevent that very scenario arising in the first place.

[brian f]

I would think religion comes before football in the Islamic teachings michael.

[bonzo]

David De Howler

[bonzo]

As much as I dislike Ronaldo what a game of football. I could watch Spain all night.

[michaelm]

I would think religion comes before football in the Islamic teachings michael.

I know that brian, but that's not the point I was making.

As much as I dislike Ronaldo what a game of football. I could watch Spain all night.

Yip, a great game to watch bonzo.
I'm curious as to why you dislike Ronaldo though?

[bonzo]

Never liked him Michael, always seen him as a self centred f***y maybe I'm a cynic but can't help the way I feel. I can't deny he's a goal machine though

[Meg]

I would think religion comes before football in the Islamic teachings michael.

... my friend (who’s Muslim) said there’s exceptions for children, diabetics, pregnant women and people seriously ill in hospital but not for sportsmen. He reckons though, that by the end of this Ramadan they would have been used to it. He also reckons FIFA would have no say on this matter.

[michaelm]

Brian and Meg, I was thinking more along the lines of any Matches having to be played in extremely hot and humid temps. I would have thought that for health and safety reasons alone FIFA would have the final say whether a country was allowed to compete in the tournament in such circumstances.