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Posted by: @adeb

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Most impressed by - Morrocco, Saudi Arabia, Senegal (first half, lovely football), the referees

EDIT - And Iraq

Think France will win it, thought that when I saw their friendly just before the WC against Northern Ireland

Water breaks suck, especially when its a really exciting bit of the game and then the whistle goes and then all the momentum is gone, but then I never like the NLS version of this either, when Harrison sits down, which is just dishonest. I pray water breaks never become a regular thing in English or European club football (apart from when it is genuinely over 30 degrees, for 1 minute or so)

I am surprised the grounds are so full to be honest, the ticket prices are disgusting, and I genuinely don't know how people can afford it, especially when you add in the cost of flights, hotels and all the other overpriced add ons. I honestly thought the grounds would have huge patches of empty seats scattered in view, but I guess Americans are conditioned to paying hundreds to watch NFL games. I hope the American owners in English football don't get any ideas, as I almost never have to pay over £30 to watch Palace anywhere (semi's and Finals excepted)

I like to hear what English clubs the players are at or have been at, it gives me added interest in a few players for each team.

Be interesting to see the Ronaldo show at teatime today - the tv director will make it all about him, and to be honest Ronaldo himself will make it all about him. He is apparently the nicest guy off the pitch however it seems like on it he is obsessed with breaking records taking every (awful) free kick and pen, and generally wanting to do everything himself!

Biggest problem i feel is the late kickoffs, and amount of games a day. Half of the games kick off at 11pm or later. Was on holiday last week, but just watching the highlights on BBC I player.  For some reason, neither BBC or ITV doing a highlights the following day which would have made sense.

Expect one of the normal favorites to win, although there may be a few surprise results on the way with either an African or Asian team doing well. Good to see some smaller nations have made it for first time.

Agree FIFA and USA have spoiled tournament by expensive ticket/travel prices and stopping fans of some third world countries going. Hopefully prices will be more reasonable at the next World cup. 

The ticket prices at the next Euros (which we host) are much more fan friendly.

I can't be sure that FIFA won't want to keep going with the money grab for the 2030 World Cup, which is part hosted by Portugal and Spain - not rich countries by any means at all.

The games always kicking off 2 or so minutes late is a minor annoyance.

I would also have liked it if the group games (where there is no possibility of Extra time) were staggered 2.5 hours apart, like Prem games are on Sundays in the UK

Obv I loved the 5pm ko, it's a shame there weren't more of those, but then football fans in Australia/ New Zealand would be just as inconvenienced.

I did find it funny when I turned on BBC1 for Breakfast tv this morning at 6am and the Austria game was still going on! 

Let's hope the tv timings for the knockout rounds are kind - England certainly have better ko's than Scotland so far, I have a strong feeling Scotland will finally make the knockout rounds this year!

Only watched 3 full games so far , and highlights of the rest. Been enjoyable so far and good to see Cape Verde and Congo get those results. I’d expect one of France, Argentina or Spain to win it outright. 

Watched part of the opening game -  Mexico South Africa last week and then the majority of the England game last night. I dozed off and woke up during the celebrations for the 4th. As mentioned above the kick off times are not ideal, plus after a days work then coming home to two boys under the age of 3 I am knackered by the time the evening games are on and usually fall asleep on the sofa😅

@hemelwanderer Yes I did the same last night, was up at 4.30am so kept nodding off in the second half . I’m glad the next WC is back over in Europe(apart from the first few games)

I am sure that there is a potential midweek 1 am kick off depending on if we progress not a chance I would stay up for that. The WC is a nice infill while the domestic season is over but if anything it makes me want our season to start even more. I am planning on going to the Leatherhead game in July with the eldest for his first ever football match. Roll on August the 9th👍🏻

I believe if England win the group , the last 32 is a Wednesday 5pm, followed by a 1am in the next round should they progress- potentially Mexico if results go as predicted 

I bet the pubs would love a Friday night (at midnight) game, would be a bar takings bonanza!

@adeb Just seen a clipping of the Almiron red card for Paraguay, never knew that the covering of the mouth while they speak is now an automatic red card offence🤣

England poor so far. Lots of possession just can't  create enough chances.

@crawleysth Yea was an awful watch. 1/4 finals at best with this squad