For those who have their heads in the sand, or blog members
who live in places where soccer is not followed with great relish (USA? Canada?
Australia? India?), we have a special announcement:
The World Cup has begun.
Hosts of this year's Association Football Fest, Russia,
opened the festivities in grand style with a 5-0 victory over Saudi
Arabia. This was the opening day's only
game, as group play in group A continues today, and throughout the
weekend.
In winning the game, Russia has completed two feats. First, in 22 World Cups, no host team has
ever lost the opening game. 6 of those
opening games ended in a draw, but nary
a loss. Also, Russia had three
total goals in their three game 2014 World Cup appearance, so they have already
almost doubled that total. 
In Group A, Russia will have to contend with Saudi Arabia,
already vanquished, and with Uruguay.
Their greatest challenge in group A play may be from Egypt, which has
been surging and features players with European experience.
Today's games feature Egypt vs. Uruguay, which is ongoing,
Morroco vs. Iran, and perhaps the most anticipated game, Spain vs. Portugal, a
night game in Russia, an afternoon game in the USA. Portugal, of course, features several key
players, such as Cristiano Ronaldo.
Spain, expected to be strong, changed head coaches last week, as the
former coach has been hired on as head coach of Real Madrid, to replace Zinedine Zidane, and the organizers felt he should be sacked. Helas...
Enjoy the action!
1 comment:
Italy didn't qualificate! What shame!
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