PBP Thread: Match #1, Russia vs Saudi Arabia, 14 June 2018 [R]

I think Saudi Arabia can definitely cause some shock

 

I know Russia is weak right now, and their biggest star is their coach, but I just cannot see them lose at home... Who is refereeing this anyway?

I expect 2:1 Russia win.

 

In.

 

I don't think it will be boring, it's the first match of the World Cup!! Both teams will raise their level to the occasion.

 

Or at least will give us fun, sloppy football.

 

The referee is Nestor Pitana of Argentina for this game with Massimilano Irrati of Italy being the VAR ref, I have Russia winning 1-0 in a dull affair.

 

in Moscow now getting ready to attend the match... loads of Saudi supporters wandering around the city... actually wondering if they could outnumber the home supporters at the match lol... pretty much all Russians I talk to are really down about their teams chances... saying they will lose all of their matches, talking about how crap they are. The general consensus here is that Russia have no chance whatsoever. However, I still think they can progress considering this group. Anyway, good luck both teams today!

 

Somehow don`t know what to expect of this one. Russia was shockingly bad at the WC2014, they were even worse at the EC2016 and they are even worse now
From the other side, I think the Saudis are heavily underrated - IMO they are not that bad as everyone is talking about. Still one of the best teams in Asia and why shouldn`t they have a chance against the poorest Russia ever?
For the whole atmosphere of the WC and for the confidence of the Russian supporters I still hope that Russia will win somehow.
My prediction : a lucky 1:0 for Russia (somehow).
And then going to the airport and flying out to Samara this evening, excited!

 

I'm not happy with the leaked Saudi lineup. Having Sahlawi on is like playing with a handicap. Zhirkov would be pleased he doesn't have to chase Fahad around.
I hope it's a false rumour.

Mayouf
Buraik, Omar, Osama, Shahrani
Faraj, Otayf
Yahya, Taysir, Salem
Sahlawi

 

I think this will be a great game. Watch with an open mind.

 

This will likely be the least awaited World Cup opener in history.

 

saudi win 6-0 with 6 penalty rebounds it must be true

 

Isn`t Sahlawi the best scorer you have?

 

Hope that Russia will win their first game. This is the easiest opponent.

 

Nope. 8 of his goals were against the mighty East Timor. He was peripheral in the final round of qualifiers. The main attacking threat came from Fahad al-Muwallad, Yahya al-Shehri and Nawwaf al-Abed (who misses the tournament due to injury).

 

First Time I can remember I wont be watching the opening game. It kicks off at 1AM my time and I don't think its worth losing sleep over when I need to get up at 5:30AM to go to work. Good luck to both teams. Guess I'll have to watch a replay tomorrow night if it ends up worth watching.

 

Hmmm... I see
Russia 3 - Saudi Arabia 0
and a vodka fueled party in the stands

 

I read this post in this voice in my head:

 

It was a predictable move.

I think Pizzi wants to attack with Muwallad when the opposition is tired. Even Van Marwik used him as super sub. He's gonna be super dangerous with his energy with the russian players all tired up.

 

This should be a fairly open affair. There's no historical rivalry and animosity between the teams. Both sides will be looking for a win in order to ensure any chance of progressing given that Uruguay and Egypt are the group favorites. A draw would do either side little good. That said, a loss to either team would be devastating and would all but ensure an early exit. Good luck to both teams and may the best team win.

 

I know, and we're repeating our mistakes. Vs UAE it was 0-0 and not looking like scoring until he come on. Then it finished 3-0. Similar story vs Japan.
We can't afford to give the opposition 60 minutes of not playing.

 

I am just here to see the VAR meltdown.