Tag Archives: world cup 2018

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: Uruguay

Uruguay V Saudi Arabia World Cup 2018

Uruguay V Saudi Arabia

(Synopsis in red)

Pregame bets:

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: UruguayBoth teams were pish poor in the first games, and the fact that Uruguay know that a win will see them through should be enough for them to put on the foot on the gas until job is completed.

€10.00 Single
Uruguay v Saudi Arabia -Uruguay scores 2+ goals & 6+ Uruguay corners 3/4 

Full betting review here>https://www.thisdrinkinglife.com/top-bets-of-the-world-cup-2018/

Fuck Uruguay anyway, jesus its hard work looking at them play horrible puke football

 
Beers: Group A of Beer World Cup: 

https://www.thisdrinkinglife.com/world-cup-of-beer-group-a/

No beer is no fun from these two beer free nations. Least my liver will enjoy the temporary rest. 

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No beer, no fun, nothing but a dull nil all game! Nothing to report. 

PreGame:

Russia absolutely hammered Saudi Arabia in the first game, five goals and totally overrunning their defence. They took it to the Saudi’s from the get go, relentless attack after attack, harrying the Saudi’s time and again, hounding them, pressurizing them into making mistakes, and boy did they make some elementary mistakes, especially their back two. 

Saudi Arabia need to show signs of improvement today as they will be slaughtered by Uruguay if not. But I dont see how they can as there was no spark in the first game, just nothing there. I fear for another hammering today.

Uruguay, got out of jail against Egypt with an 89th winner from Gimenez. While Godín was a rock in defence and was pissed with his midfield and forwards that more often than not he actually had to get things motoring by going forward into the Egyptian half of the pitch. Cavani was ok, but hell Suarez needs to cop on today, enough off the fucking childishness. Its hard to say with Uruguay as they dont have a manager that can control the unruly pupils and at times they need to have a good kick up the ass to behave. Sure they probably will score a bagful today but that’s only a temporary solution to an underlying issue of indiscipline and bad play. 

A more detailed review on Uruguay here and on Saudi Arabia here

Bright start from the Saudis, who knew that anything less than a draw and they were out of the World Cup. They played some nice midfield play but just couldn’t get a good goal scoring opportunity. 

But all that early initial play was wasted when from a corner their goalkeeper, Al Owais, had a brain freeze and came for a ball he couldn’t catch, missing it completely resulting in Suarez tapping it into an empty net. If the Saudis thought they might have a chance, then this calamity just made it ten times tougher for them. 

Expecting Uruguay to push on from the goal and score more, the opposite happened, it was Saudi Arabia that began to play the better football, with Bahebri having two great chances at a goal, one a sweet long range effort well saved by Muslera, the other a simple tap in at the far post ballooned over the bar when he should have hit the target. Unlucky.

This all shows that Uruguay have no midfield. If you are getting played of the park by Saudi Arabia then you have serious problems as a team, and no World Cup trophy will be heading your way, for sure! Too much space and a lot of gaps appeared in the centre of the pitch, I began to wonder if Uruguay had any midfield at all.

Uruguay really are a piss poor team, that is two games now where they got out of jail, and should have been punished. They need to up their game against either Spain or Portugal in round two.  Puke football today, urgh!

Music to get you in the mood

Once tiros – Nos dijimos todo  (Uruguay) V Omar Basaad – Ride The Wave (Audio) ft. Xiyohn & A’Y (Saudi Arabia)

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Iran V Spain World Cup 2018

Iran V Spain

(Synopsis in red)

Pregame bets:

Spain should have no problems here and do enough to get a comfortable victory. If they really get motoring then it could be a trashing on the cards. 

€3.00 single
Iran v Spain -Over 4.5 Goals 5/1

I fancy Iniesta to score, to be honest the only real value I could get as most of the Spanish players are short odds for this game!

€3.00 Single
Iran v Spain – Anytime Goalscorer Andres Iniesta 9/2

Correct score, always worth a punt

€1.00 Single
Iran v Spain – Correct Score 1-4 20/1

Full betting review here>https://www.thisdrinkinglife.com/top-bets-of-the-world-cup-2018/

I put my hand up there, silly bets really as I should have known Iran would play for the draw, and rightly so that they should have. 

Beers: Group B of Beer World Cup: 

World Cup of Beer Group B

A dirty big Kebab versus an Estrella, that lost narrowly in the first game. Well its a beer world cup, not a fast food version (now there is an idea for a future world cup, for fatties!), so no contest. 

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Estrella with no competition, enjoyable enough cold on a hot summers day watching the football. 

PreGame:

Spain took part in one of the best games of the World Cup last week, against Portugal, it was a game that was wall to wall action and pure class.  Today they move down the gears a little to play Iran. An Iranian team that did just enough to pox a win against an equally rubbish Morocco.  I imagine they might even play some new players today, as I cant see them not totally dismantling the Iranian team, without breaking too much of a sweat. Diego Costa might even be worth a hat trick today,

Iran were quite hopeless against Morocco, once they did get good possession, constantly losing it in the vital third of the pitch and often trying to do too much when they had the ball, with a lot of over running and silly solo efforts on goal. Simples passes were at a premium, and at times it looked like an under ten team with all the amount of sloppy play on show. Basic stuff that really shows that perhaps there are too many duff teams in the Wcup already. God only knows what dross we will see when it expands to 48 fucking teams, jesus!!

A more detailed review on Iran here and on Spain here

Fair dues to Iran they defended stoutly, I should have guessed their wily old manager Carlos Queiroz would have the team well drilled for a show of defensive strength. Now normally this has all the hallmarks of a dull game, but in truth it was anything but. It was a fascinating duel between the classy Spain against the resolute defending of Iran. For a long time I really couldn’t see how the usually patient Spanish build up was going to break down such a solid defensive line. Where was the goal going to come from? 

Not only that but at times Iran broke out of their defensive lock to attack Spain as well. Ansarifard had what the whole watching public thought was a goal, close but unfortunately for Iran it was the side netting. Oh so close. Then there was that goal, but so unlucky to be stroked off due to a very close offside, bad luck that VAR is unflappable! 

Diego Costa got the lucky goal, scoring off a rebound that hit his knee, don’t think he even knew too much about it. Not much the goalkeeper could do about it. 

Was impressed with Silva and Isco, between the two of them they must have ran the equivalent of about two marathons, the amount of space they cover all game is amazing, all over the place, and very pacy, passing and moving. 

Iran would have one final chance, Amiri managed to nutmeg Pique, in what must be one of the early highlights of the world cup so far, and sent in a killer cross for Taremi who missed a header that he probably should have at least got on target.

So Spain passed a big test today, in how to break down a tough defensive team, and they passed it well. As usual they never panic in situations like this and they now move onto play Morocco, safe in the knowledge that they have one leg already in the last 16, while Iran get to play Portugal who at this moment I am sure are definitely not looking forward to meeting them. Ronaldo will have to wear some extra big shin pads when he plays against Iran in a few days time!  

Music to get you in the mood

Viguen – Chera Nemiraghsi | ویگن – چرا نمی رقصی (Iran) V BIENVENIDOS* – MIGUEL RIOS – 1982 (Spain)

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Portugal V Morocco World Cup 2018

Portugal V Morocco

(Synopsis in red)

Pregame bets:

Of course Portugal will win this game, of that there can be no doubt, and if Ronnie can score a hat trick against a team as good as Spain then logic says he should at least get one against Morocco.  

€10.00 Single
Portugal v Morocco – Anytime Goalscorer Cristiano Ronaldo 4/5

For some reason I also fancy Pepe to score here. Yes i know he rarely scores, but I have visions of hims scoring with a blasting header from a corner.

€2.00 Single
Portugal v Morocco – Pepe to score a header 20/1

Final score bet, worth a quid.

€1.00 Single
Portugal v Morocco – Correct Score 3-1 14/1

Full betting review here>https://www.thisdrinkinglife.com/top-bets-of-the-world-cup-2018/

I will settle for that, good old Ronnie, can always bank on him. As for Pepe, never had the chance, silly bet to be honest, anyway he is a right cunt to watch, always cheating. 

Beers: Group B of Beer World Cup: 

World Cup of Beer Group B

Gallas beer from Portugal was the big winner in the first day against Estrella Galicia, can it continue its good run against Morocco’s Casablanca?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Had a Gallas IPA, was ok, much better than the bland lager Casablanca that has proven to be a disappointment so far in the beer world cup, a bit like their football team to be honest!

PreGame:

Portugal: The Spain-Portugal game was a great game, with everything you want in a football match, goals, great passing, top technical skills on show, and the best players performing, brilliant to watch. It was pretty much the Ronnie show, what a great hat trick against some mean looking opposition, and to score from a free kick in the end to snatch the draw, nah Ronaldo is a footballing god, no doubt about it. 

Morocco, on the other hand, lost to a pretty useless Iran team, and their midfield got overrun in that game too, so I cant see how they will stop Ronaldo unless they put two men on him at all times. 

I am expecting another Portugal results here, a win, but to be honest not with the same intensity. It would be mad to expect another high temp performance after last week, but Portugal should do enough to get the three points at a canter. 

A more detailed review on Portugal here and on Morocco here

Jesus, Portugal score after about 5 minutes and that was about all they did in the game. Just about crossed over the line. Morocco had them on the ropes all game but didn’t have the knock out punch required to get a result in this game.

Shame really as they played well enough in the game, and in particular N Amrabat who had Guerreiro in his back pocket all day. Amrabat has played well in the two games, albeit he does tire badly, but he at least can hold his head up high with his performances so far. 

And what can we say about Ronnie, what a great header, throws off his defender so easy, and powers Portugal into the lead. It pretty much stunned Morocco and it took them a good while to recover from it. 

Morocco had a few chances where they could have scored an equaliser. Benatia was unlucky with a fine header, while Rui Patrício, the Portuguese GLK pulled off an amazing save to deny Belhanda, and then Benatia in the end with another free header that probably he should have did better with. They should have at least got one goal for all their effort, but that’s the marking of a good team, all chances no goal, Portugal one chance, one goal. That’s the difference!

Music to get you in the mood

DREAM CIRCUS – Going Down (Portugal) V GET BACK – SAKADOYA (Morocco)

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ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: Egypt

Russia V Egypt World Cup 2018

Russia V Egypt

(Synopsis in red)

Pregame bets:

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: EgyptToday’s game will all depend on if Mo Salah is playing. If yes then we have a real game on our hands, if not then forget it Egypt will be out. If he is playing I think he will dramatically change Egypt’s fortunes, and is sure to give the Russian defenders something to think about.  Egypt, knowing they need a result, could easily beat a Russian team that were lucky that SA made them look so good, because they aren’t really. 

€20.00 Single
Russia v Egypt – Away Team Multi Corners Egypt Over (2.5) 10/11

€1.00 Single
Russia v Egypt – To Score a Hat-Trick Mohamed Salah 150/1 (for sport)

€5.00 Single
Russia v Egypt – Penalty Scored? Yes 10/3

€8.00 Single
Egypt 3/1

Full betting review here>https://www.thisdrinkinglife.com/top-bets-of-the-world-cup-2018/

Happy with those two bets, alas Mo didn’t really have much influence but anyhow…… I still won though!

Beers: Group A of Beer World Cup: 

 

World Cup of Beer Group A

Looking forward to trying another great Russian beer, as the first one was outstanding, albeit very strong! No match here again as Egypt is another kebab nation. 

Knightberg Microbrewery             

 

 

 

 

 

 

Had a nice American Pale Ale from Knightberg, lovely and tasty and like in the football, made it 2/2 in the beer world cup for Russia, and through to the last 16. 

PreGame:

Excellent win for Russia in their opener and a bit of a surprise that they played as well as anyone expected, even more so for their supporters. They took it to the Saudi’s from the get go, relentless attack after attack, harrying the Saudi’s time and again, hounding them, pressurizing them into making mistakes, and boy did they make some elementary mistakes, especially their back two. 

For the first game of the World Cup it was a decent enough opener, 5 good goals, a lot of action and some nice play. For me Y Zhirkov and R Zobnin down the left flank were a constant thorn all game to the Saudi’s and it was nice to see Zobnin round off an excellent performance with a goal of his own in the dying seconds of the game. Also to note, fuck me For egyptDzyuba is an animal, the size of him, lol!

Russia now look at today;s game against Egypt with utmost confidence knowing that another performance like the opener will see them through to round two. 

Egypt: Ok, not the best game at all in their opening game. A shame that they couldn’t have held out, their defence certainly played well enough to get a draw in the game. The team were very well set up, and I kind of understand the manager not wanting to play Salah, but perhaps he could have brought him on for the last ten minutes or so, if only to send some shivers down the Uruguayan defence.

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: EgyptWarda was fairly lively for Egypt, but should have been substituted much earlier in the second as he had gone off the boil big time, not even bothering to join the attack at times. While Kahraba was lively when he came on, and the goalkeeper had an excellent game, particularly the save near the end from Cavani.  Ahmed El-Shenawy looks like he might have done enough to get a move to Europe with that great display of goalkeeping (He plays with Zamalek in Egypt).

But for Egypt it all depends on that man, Mo. If he plays Egypt have a serious chance, if not then no hope today. I am sure he will play today, ok he still has that niggly injury but today its do or die for his country. A nation expects! 

A more detailed review on Russia here and on Egypt here

Salah was playing, great we all thought, but little did we know how muck the rest of the Egyptian team would be even with their talisman. I mean they didn’t really have a good system to use him, he was left stranded on his own for long periods, and the Egyptian midfield often took the balls backwards when in possession rather than look for through balls or at least launch the ball in Salah’s direction. That’s how it looked to me anyhow. 

Russia showed from the very beginning their intention to take this game by the scruff of the neck, Salah or no Salah they were intent on winning this game. Good early pressure had the Egyptian defence in all sorts of problems, they kept giving the ball away and were very sloppy at the back. Egypt also played very slowly, no real intensity in their play. Salah though, was lurking all the time in and around the box, and but for Zhirkov’s last ditch clearance he might have had a tap in. He also had a swinging effort go the wrong side of the post. He really needed more help from his team mates. 

Didn’t have to wait too long in the second half for a goal as it came after a very sloppy display of goal keeping by El-Shenawy who choose not to catch a simple ball and the resulting clearance made its way back into the box and off the defender Fathy for a pathetic own goal. Two more goals came, Cheryshev, scored a well deserved second from a great assist by Fernandes, and Dzyuba, the man mountain scored a typical centre forward effort bringing the ball brilliantly down on his chest and then rifling it home bottom corner, class stuff.  

Egypt got one back from a penalty (good call ref) from Salah, but by then the game was over, and with it their tournament. Egypt were simply not good enough, with or without Mo, and lucky for Russia to have two handy training games before their world cup starts proper against Uruguay. 

Music to get you in the mood

DJ Groove feat. Molodoj & Philipp Leto – Sunrise (Russia) V Aly & Fila feat. Jwaydan – We Control The Sunlight (Egypt)

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ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: Senegal

Poland V Senegal World Cup 2018

Poland V Senegal

(Synopsis in red)

Pregame bets:

€5.00 Single
Poland v Senegal – Red Card Markets Senegal to have a red card 7/1

Poland are a very cynical team and like to take a tumble or three, and in Robert Lewandowski they have a bit of a cunt up forward who goes down with the slightest touch, and I would figure that Senegal will be like most African teams, tough tackling and a bit all over the place defensively, so with all this in mind I feel Senegal might get a red card in the game.

€10.00 Single
Senegal 12/5

But even if they go a man down I still think they could manage a win, as they are a team that always plays attacking football, and with Sadio Mané in their lineup, they have a form player who is sure to terrorise the Polish defence. 

Full betting review here>https://www.thisdrinkinglife.com/top-bets-of-the-world-cup-2018/

Nice, continuing our great day of tipping. Senegal were kind of gifted two cheap goals by Poland, but heh we will take that all day. 

Beers: Group H of Beer World Cup: 

World Cup of Beer Group H

Tyskie Gronie of Poland will be on its own for this beer face off as I couldn’t get anything from Senegal. Will have the fried chicken ready though. 

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Had the Tyskie Gronie in the second half, quite enjoyable too, unlike their football team who were pretty flat. 

PreGame:

Of the eight top seeds in the World Cup, Poland in my mind are the ones that might not even make it out of the group stage. Ok it is a relativity easy group, with Senegal, Japan and Colombia making up the other teams, but any of those teams on their day could beat this Polish team. 

Poland, not good enoughFor sure Robert Lewandowski is the one to watch, but I have never been convinced about him.  Yes he bangs in the goals in the Bundesliga but in my mind he has never performed at the big stage, be that an international tourno or the latter stages of the CL. He was simply atrocious in the last Euros, bad form and an ever worse attitude. As captain that seeps into the rest of the team and what I see any time Poland plays is a cynical team and doesn’t offer much in the way of excitement or free flowing football. If a team can get Poland’s back up then they can definitely beat them, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Senegal, in the opening game, cause them all sorts of problems. 

Senegal are back, its been a while. 2002 in fact and those fond memories of beating France and El Hadji Diouf lightning up the early rounds, getting to the last eight in the process. Yeah it was fun and Senegal definitely impressed in their first World Cup experience. 

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: SenegalWhat are they like this time round? Well they have Sadio Mané who has had an excellent season with Liverpool, and Everton powerhouse Idrissa Gueye in defence. They are also quite lucky in that their group is one of the easiest. Poland, Japan and Colombia are all beatable on the day, and if they play as a cohesive team I’d expect them to come out of the group.

Their form so far this year in friendlies is shocking, not winning any games, and drawing with the not so mighty Luxembourg, Uzbekistan and Bosnia. But hell they have shocked us before so there is no reason why they could not do it again. Lets see!

I expect Senegal to just edge it today, their team spirit and pace will get them the victory over a Polish team that can crumble easily enough of you get at them. 

A more detailed review on Poland here and on Senegal here

Started off end to end but without any clear cut chances, fairly even, but after a while it was Senegal who were doing all the pressing. On the box the commentators were not impressed with both teams, but I thought Senegal played some good football. They passed it well, were pacey and lively, showed some great ball control and pressed high up the field. They also created some decent chances, Niang in particular missing an easy opportunity to get on the score sheet. 

The goal that did come was a bit of good fortune, getting a bad deflection off Cionek who diverted a shot into his own net. Was a lucky goal, but no more than Senegal deserved as Poland did nothing in the first half.

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: SenegalSenegal did drop the tempo a bit in the second half, but Poland didn’t react at all. And after Senegal poxed another goal from a comedy goal they kind of gave up. The goal was a mix up between midfielder Krychowiak who booted an aimless back pass towards his goalkeeper Szczesny, who wasn’t expecting it and came off his line to intercept, but he missed it and Niang got the bounce and scored into an empty net to make it two nil.

If Poland were dead before that then they were well buried after that goal. With 20 minutes to go they looked out for the count. Eventually they did get a goal back with a good header by Krychowiak, but with 4 minutes left it was too little too late. 

This result, and the Japanese one in the first game, sets up a mouth watering tie between Poland and Colombia where the loser exits the World Cup, possibly earlier than expected, while Senegal must know that a win against Japan and they are in the second round. 

Music to get you in the mood

Edyta Bartosiewicz – Jenny (Poland) V Positive Black Soul – JE NE SAIS PAS (Senegal)

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ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: Colombia

Colombia V Japan World Cup 2018

Colombia V Japan

(Synopsis in red)

Pregame bets:

James Rodriguez made his name in the last World Cup and this time I expect him to shine again. Why not, he is pure class when he gets going. And he has a lethal strike, so yeah he might do a Ronaldo and get a goal from a free kick, he has the ability to do so. Either way, I’d fancy him to at least score a goal. 

€2.00 Single
Colombia v Japan – To Score a Direct Free Kick J Rodriguez 12/1

€10.00 Single
Colombia v Japan – Anytime Goalscorer James Rodriguez 21/10

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: JapanJapan, on the other hand, are not a great team but what they lack in ability they make up in determination and heart and I am sure they will not stop for the 90 minutes. With this in mind I can see them scoring a goal. And if that is the case then it has to be K Honda, their start player to score (who else?). And I have a strong vision of a penalty too, as they did get a penalty in the last world cup (as far as I can remember!) 

€10.00 Single
Colombia v Japan – Japan to score a penalty 14/1 (crazy bet but i have a strong feeling about this one)

€5.00 Single
Colombia v Japan – Anytime Goalscorer Keisuke Honda 4/1

Full betting review here>https://www.thisdrinkinglife.com/top-bets-of-the-world-cup-2018/

GET IN!!!!!!!!!!! FUCKING KNEW IT! 150 squid after about 3 minutes!!! easy, easy, easy

Beers: Group H of Beer World Cup: 

World Cup of Beer Group H

Club Colombia versus Asahi Super Dry, a battle that could go either way really, depends on the day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Both were fairly nondescript beers, nothing really to excite too much, but I will give the victory to Club Colombia as it had slightly more of a taste, that is it had a taste, as opposed to nothing from Asahi. 

PreGame:

A more detailed review on Colombia here and on Japan here

Colombia impressed in the last World Cup, or more importantly James Rodríguez did. He was a bit of a revelation four years ago and scored some very impressive goals ending up as the tournament’s top scorer. A big move to real Madrid materialized, but he couldn’t recreate the same magic with the Spanish club and so was loaned out to Bayern therein after, where he has rediscovered some of his old form. Perhaps playing on the centre stage again will revive his career and Colombia can once again shine at the World Cup. I certainly hope so as when he is playing well he is a delight to watch. 

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: ColombiaTo be fair its not only about Rodríguez, they also have a good squad too. David Ospina is decent enough in goals, Juan Cuadrado is a real work horse in midfield, and Radamel Falcao up front is the type of striker that defenders hate to play against, in your face, strong, and has the ability to smash them in from all angles, albeit he can be lazy enough in games too. But he missed the last World Cup through injury so I am sure he will want to get going this time round. 

Luckily for them, they got by far the most open group of them all. Paired with Poland, Japan and Senegal, the top two places are up for grabs and could conceivable go to any of the four teams. Playing Japan first is a great advantage for Colombia who can hit the ground running with three points before they play Poland next.

Back again for their 5th World Cup on the bounce, Japan disappointed greatly in the last World Cup, when in a relatively doable group with Ivory Coast, Greece and Colombia they came bottom scoring just two goals, one of which was a penalty. And with some pretty dire form in the recent friendlies, and losing to Saudi Arabia and UAE at home in the qualifiers, things dont look so great for this World Cup either.

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: JapanWith the bad form in mind the Japanese FA in their perceived wisdom decided to sack their manager Bosnian Vahid Halilhodzic, just two months before the games. Akira Nishino is the guy now in charge and I wish him luck but that’s a crazy decision by the Japanese football association. 

Keisuke Honda is the main man with the team, a World Class player that gets Japan motoring but I think its time that the other players stepped up a little and gave the 30 year old some help. He can’t do it all on his own. 

I think that Colombia will have far too much for Japan and would expect them to overrun the Asian country, particularly in the middle of the park. I can’t see how Japan will stop Rodríguez and co, and it might not be pretty today for them, but one thing is guaranteed what they lack in technical ability they make up in determination, Japan will fight to the end no doubt about it, just that it might not be enough in the end. 

Well that was a turnaround for the books. I knew Japan would score goals, but I never guessed they would come out as victors.  Excellent win, and fully deserved as they totally had Colombia in their pockets all through the second half. Well done Japan.

Was surprised to see Honda not starting then I see Rodríguez is also not playing. What kind of crazy shenanigans is this from the managers! 

A fast break at the start rattled Colombia and ended up with C Sánchez touching the ball in the box with his hands. That’s a big no no and so he was sent off and gave away the penalty, a peno that Kagawa dispatched with no bother. Great start from Japan. 

It took Colombia along time to get back into the game after that shock to the system. And they did. It resulted in an open ended game with both teams running at each other, hell for leather. A great contest to see. The Japanese defence holding up very well though. 

Cuadrado was surprisingly taking off by José Pékerman after half an hour, which was kind of strange but I did say in my preview he he a donut of a manager, so what gives. They could have done with him in the second half as Colombia had no pace by then. 

Colombia did come back from a free kick. It was never a free kick but well done to Quintero for fooling everyone and kicking it under the wall. Very clever goal. Also funny to see the Japanese goalkeeper protest, was the sun in his eyes or what?!

In the second half Japan came out all guns ablazing and pretty much that’s what the whole second half was all about. Relentless attack after attack from Japan, intricate shot passing to get behind the Colombian defence there pressure played dividends when in 73rd minute, Osako, who had a fine game, scored with a power header, from a lovely out swinging cross by Honda (who eventually came on!).

Japan held on to record a famous win, and totally unexpected result, and another shock in this years World Cup. Japan now know probably one more point might be enough to get them through, while Colombia know that a loss to Poland and they are out early. Also must be noted that Falcao went missing in action for the second half, what a terrible performance from a so called big game player!

 

Music to get you in the mood

DIVA GASH – Starmaster (Colombia) V きゃりーぱみゅぱみゅ – PONPONPON , Kyary Pamyu Pamyu – PONPONPON (Japan)

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World Cup of Beer Group H

Group H

Group H Results and Final Placings

Asahi Super Dry (Japan): V Tyskie Gronie (Poland): 0-1
? (Senegal): V Club Colombia (Colombia): 0-1
Asahi Super Dry (Japan): V : ? (Senegal): 1-0
Tyskie Gronie (Poland): V Club Colombia (Colombia): 1-1
Tyskie Gronie (Poland): V : ? (Senegal): 1-0
Club Colombia (Colombia): V : Asahi Super Dry (Japan): 1-0

POLAND: 7  Qualify

COLOMBIA: 7 Qualify

……………………………………………………………………….

JAPAN: 3

SENEGAL: 0

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Group H

Asahi Super Dry (Japan): V Tyskie Gronie (Poland): 0-1

Close game but I will have to give the victory to Tyskie, as its a stronger beer and has more of a taste to it. 

 

                                              ? (Senegal): V Club Colombia (Colombia): 0-1

Club Colombia head for the last 16 of my Beer World Cup, with no competition from Senegal

 

Asahi Super Dry (Japan): V : ? (Senegal): 1-0

Asahi Super Dry of Japan on its own today, no beer sourced from Senegal, pity. 

 

Tyskie Gronie (Poland):Club Colombia (Colombia): 1-1

Was hard to separate Club Colombia and Tyskie. Both came cold from the fridge, and both were enjoyable in the hot breezy summers evening, while the football was on. Since I quite liked the two beers, I decided a draw would be the fairest result. 

                 V

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tyskie Gronie (Poland): V : ? (Senegal): 1-0

Had the Tyskie Gronie in the second half, quite enjoyable too, unlike their football team who were pretty flat. 

 

Club Colombia (Colombia): V : Asahi Super Dry (Japan): 1-0

Both were fairly nondescript beers, nothing really to excite too much, but I will give the victory to Club Colombia as it had slightly more of a taste, that is it had a taste, as opposed to nothing from Asahi.

                                     ……………………………………………………………………………………

So to our last group in the World Cup, one would imagine Poland and Tyskie will come of this group, and second place is a fight between Japan and its Asahi beer or Club Colombia. Couldn’t source a beer from Senegal. 

Tyskie Gronie

Asahi Super Dry

Club Colombia 

Couldn’t source any beer from far away Senegal so I guess some good old friend chicken is in order, eh?

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ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: South Korea

Sweden V South Korea World Cup 2018

Sweden V South Korea

(Synopsis in red)

Pregame bets:

€1.00 Single
Sweden v South Korea – Correct Score 3-1 20/1

€20.00 Single
Sweden 1/1

Full betting review here>https://www.thisdrinkinglife.com/top-bets-of-the-world-cup-2018/

Get in! For fucks sake Sweden should have had this game well wrapped up with half an hour to go. Korea offered nothing at all, and Sweden had chance after chance, and all the general play. Heart was in my mouth when Korea nearly scored with a header late on, but it was luckily well wide. 

Beers: Group F of Beer World Cup: 

World Cup of Beer Group F

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Didn’t get any beers from Korea this time which is a damn shame, so will be only drinking the one beer, Crocodile Lager, which to be honest doesn’t look very appealing, but heh…..its better than naught! 

Crocodile lager was pretty shite, no taste or flavour detected at all. Glorified water. Still it was better than the noodles from Korea that were so hot that I could only eat half or less of them. Crocodile just about. 

 

 

PreGame:

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: SwedenThis time Sweden will be at a major tournament without Zlatan Ibrahimovic, their iconic centre forward. Will it harm their chances? I don’t think so, if anything it might give them more of a chance to progress. They were far too reliant on him, playing virtually everything through him, and that hindered the development of the rest of them and stopped the team from playing with a natural style. Truth be told it never really worked for them as with the big Zlatan, and his even bigger ego, they never played particularly well and did nothing at the international level with him, not even qualifying for the last two World Cups. It could be a blessing in disguise. They were good enough without him too knock out an Italian team that just expected to walk into the World Cup.

That game in Italy was really a defining moment for the team. They defended stoically for 90 minutes in the San Siro, onslaught after onslaught from the desperate Italians, but in the end they did it. What a result that sent shock waves around the World. The Azzuri wont be going to a World Cup, the first time since 1958. Wow, just wow!

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: SwedenAt the moment their squad dont have any star players that stand out, and they are struggling badly for form.  But they weren’t expected to get out of their qualifying group ahead of the Dutch, they definitely weren’t expected to knock Italy out, and they are not expected to get up to much this time round either. Team spirit can get you far in world football. The Swedes, I wonder would it be wise to disregard them again!!

2002 is but a distant memory. Fourth in the World Cup, an amazing achievement for South Korea and one that probably will never be got at again, either by them or indeed any Asian team. This time they got a bit unlucky with their group, drawing the world champions, Germany, and Mexico and Sweden is tough. 

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: South KoreaThey won just four games out of ten in the qualifiers, and their form in the friendlies is intermittent. But its not all bad, they do have one player of outstanding quality, Son Heung-min of Spurs, is really the type of player that could drag the team to a victory in a tight game. He always gives 100% and his passion might rub off on the team. It certainly needs to otherwise I see the The Taeguk Warriors returning home early. 

For today’s game, it be tight, and for long periods I can see both teams cancelling each other out, but I would imagine that Sweden’s aerial ability should see them through for the victory, and they probably will be all over Korea from set piece play. Sweden knocked out Italy for fucks sake, so I would be very disappointed if they couldn’t handle Korea, even if the Red Devils have Son Heung-min up front.

A more detailed review on Sweden here and on Korea here

Was a pretty ok game, but Sweden should have stamped their authority much quicker and should have got a second goal to ease off any pressure as Korea were really poor and offered little at all in the game. But they could have nicked it in the end but for Hwang missing a simple enough header. 

The Korean goalkeeper, Cho Hyun-Woo, has to be commended for keeping his team in it, as he made about 3 or 4 top class saves, one a point blank save from Berg. Conversely Berg had about 3 seriously good chances to put the ball in the net and fluffed them all, poor stuff from him.

Good call from VAR, as it was a penalty, unlucky for the Korean but he should not be diving like that in his own box. Granqvist coolly slotted it home, not bad for a defender. 

Sweden are a bit limited in what they can do. they defend well and are compact and hard to break down, but they will need to improve if they hope to nick a point off either Mexico, or a wounded Germany. While Korea look like they will be doing well to score a goal in this years tournament never mind grab a point. 

Music to get you in the mood

Peter Bjorn And John – Young Folks (Sweden) V PSY – GANGNAM STYLE(강남스타일) M/V (South korea)

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ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: Panama

Belgium V Panama World Cup 2018

Belgium V Panama

(Synopsis in red)

Pregame bets:

€5.00 Single
Belgium v Panama – Anytime Goalscorer Kevin De Bruyne 3/1

€1.00 Single
Belgium v Panama – Correct Score 5-0 20/1:

Full betting review here>https://www.thisdrinkinglife.com/top-bets-of-the-world-cup-2018/

Ah wasn’t going to happen with no goals in the first half and De Bruyne playing so deep, anyway onwards and upwards.

Beers: Group G of Beer World Cup: 

World Cup of Beer Group G

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since I could not get a beer from Panama, it will be a solo effort today from Belgium, so I will be trying a beer from the eco-friendly brewery, Jessenhofke of Limburg in Flanders.

Had a Jessenhofke RSRV, a strong Trappist and abbey ale, and it was pure Belgian gold, very tasty and I pretty much enjoyed it and sipped it right through from half time to the 90th minute, like a long enjoyable meal. As there was no competition it was a a simple victory but boy did I enjoy that slow second half with my little Belgian ale. 

PreGame:

Belgium, everyone’s favourite dark horses for years now, might be actually in a position to win the damn thing this time round. Spain and Portugal finally got to throw off the tag of nearly men, can Belgium do it this time? I think they have a real chance of doing so. 

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: BelgiumRoberto Martínez is a manager who has done well with small teams, especially in cup competitions, so I am sure he has the team well grounded. The midfield maestro of Manchester City, Kevin De Bruyne, started the season on fire, and it looked to me at least that he quietened down a little after it looked that City would win the EPL. Was he trying to preserve himself for the World Cup? If so, then Belgium are a serious threat as De Bruyne when he is on form is easily the best player in the world. Belgium really need him to click, as they have the big oaf Romelu Lukaku up front who needs the ball to be put on a plate before he can score a goal. 

Panama: What do I know about the present team? Not a lot, most of their team play in the MLS in the US, and that this time the standard in the Concacaf region was pretty tame. It was nearly harder not to qualify (well done USA!). They are also ranked 56th in the Fifa rankings, which isn’t great, and were recently hammered 6-0 by Switzerland in a friendly. 

One face that does look familiar is the manager Hernán Darío Gómez, the wily Colombia has previous in the World Cup, having taking Colombia and Ecuador to the world stage on two separate occasions. One would hope that Gómez has a learnt a few tricks up his sleeve if he wants Panama to progress, but well done on getting them there in the first place.

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: PanamaWith the relativity inexperience of the Panamanian team, up against some serious heavy hitters in a strong Belgian team, a team used to playing on the big occasion, I feel that we might actually get a goal fest today. We could do with some goals, as the last few days have only seen games with a goal or two. So come on Belgium please put on a show for us.

A more detailed review on Belgium here and on Panama here

In the end it was so easy for Belgium as Panama ran out of legs and energy. It was 3-0 but could have been more.

In the first half they didn’t do a whole lot, for sure they had good tempo and made some incisive forward play but there was no real bite to their attack. But it took a moment of magic from Mertens just after half time, with a cracking volley, to wake the team up. He had a good game too wee Mertens. 

After the first goal went in Belgium started to play a bit more freely and with more confidence, as the heads dipped a bit for Panama. 

But against the run of play Panama had a great chance to equalise when Michael Murillo was one v one with the goalkeeper but Courtois spreadeagled prevented a goal. Courtois had a good solid game throughout, what a great goalkeeper to have who inspires confidence in his back line.

Not long after Hazard someone manages to pass a ball (was difficult for him today) and sets up Lukaku with a chance to score, which he does with a lovely deft little chip over the goalie. A well worked goal.

Lukaku got another goal when De Bruyne with a lovely flick with the outside of his foot set him up for a free header to power home for the third goal of the game. About the only thing De Bruyne did really, a sub below par game for him today. Was another great counterattack goal from the Belgians, their trademark.

Three nil is all good and well for Belgium but I saw a lot of flaws in this game today that would make me very concerned if I was a Belgian fan. One thing that can’t be excused was that Eden Hazard couldn’t give a simple pass all game, well apart from setting up the one goal, he must have lost the ball a million times in the game.  He can afford to do that against Panama but will be severely punished if he does that shit v Spain or Portugal for example. And you wonder on why the manager didn’t take him off. I would begin to wonder about Martinez there. 

In the end Panama tried hard to get a goal and it would have been nice if they had managed it but alas it was not to be.  Panama play England next and it wont get any better for them, while Belgium can relax now with three points on the board and up against Tunisia, should get the win to put them through to the last 16. 

 

Music to get you in the mood

Dead Man Ray – Landslide (Belgium) V Te Vas a Caer – Roba Morena (Panama)

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ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: England

Tunisia V England World Cup 2018

Tunisia V England

(Synopsis in red)

Pregame bets:

€10.00 Single
Tunisia v England – England scores 2+ goals & 6+ England corners 17/10

€2.00 Single
Tunisia v England – Correct Score 0-3 17/2

Full betting review here>https://www.thisdrinkinglife.com/top-bets-of-the-world-cup-2018/

Get in you beauty, I will take that!!! Phew left it late though, but should have had it up way before the end, England always make it hard for themselves!!! Good man Kane. 

 

Beers: Group G of Beer World Cup: 

World Cup of Beer Group G

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As Tunisia is another Muslim nation where beer is hard to come by, I will be only drinking the one beer for the game. But what a beer that is, London Pride is a fantastic beer, and got to the final in my last World Cup, so will enjoy drinking it again today. 

London Pride, excellent beer, really top class and so smooth and silky. Love this beer. One nil to the England!

PreGame:

Things appear to be a little different this time with England. Under Gareth Southgate their seems to be far less pressure and expectations on this team from the media and the general public. A team that qualified with relative ease, 8 points to spare and unbeaten, Southgate has done well since he took over the hot seat from Sam Allardyce. 

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: EnglandThere is a quiet confidence with this England team and the manager has also done very well to blood the team with a lot of new young players and letting some big names retire early. This is an England team without the big stars and big egos of English teams past. Wayne Rooney is finally gone, thank Christ, and there are no Beckham, Gerrard, Lampard, Owens type players to raise expectations. Ok Harry Kane could arguably fill that bracket, but he is still relatively unproven at international level, and with him we have Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford, Danny Rose and Dele Alli, a bunch of players who have had good seasons with their clubs the last few years,

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: IranTunisia: Their squad doesn’t show much to excite. A few players from the local Tunisian league and quite a few that play in France, but no stand put player. Added to this fact is that they will also be losing their main striker to injury, Youssef Msakni, the top scorer in the qualifying campaign, and that further dents any chances they might have had. In a group with Belgium and England I am sorry to say I dont expect a whole lot from Tunisia. Even in the Panama game, where they might be already out at that stage, they might struggle. I fear for them, I really do, sorry Tunisia!

Against Tunisia today I feel that England should have too much for them, I think they will have them for pace, especially down the flanks and with Kane, and perhaps Vardy, up front, they have two well established goalscorers who should be able to get on the score sheet against a relatively weak Tunisian defence. 

A more detailed review on Tunisia here and on England here

Wow, England left it very late, always making it hard for their fans, but they got there in the end and deservedly got the three points. Would have been a complete travesty if they had not as I feel the penalty was a terrible decision and the ref never gave them much throughout the whole game. Tunisia were playing puke football all match and were lucky to even get one goal never mind a draw. 

Started very brightly, Deli Alli was sprightly and on fire early on, while Sterling missed a complete sitter. England were strong in attack and caused Tunisia all sorts of problems that they couldn’t cope with. Sure enough England scored early, with a Stone header not saved well and Kane with the rebound. A real poachers goal. 

Sterling wasn’t the only player with no shooting boots on, Lingard could have done better with his simple chances too. But just when you were thinking who is going to score the second goal for England, a penalty is giving to Tunisia for a rather innocuous challenge by Walker on Ben Youssef who fell to the ground like a sack of spuds. And the clowns in VAR still got it wrong. Never a penalty. If that is a penalty then the EPl would have about ten a game. Terrible decision by all involved. Tunisia’s Ferjani Sassi stepped up to equalize from the penalty spot. It was all the more galling that the ref kept missing how Kane was wrestled to the ground for virtually every corner (expect the last one funnily enough!)

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: EnglandThat penalty kind of rattled England a bit and they started to fanny around the pitch as they sometimes like to do, aimless balls and passing back and forth with no decisiveness. Always so frustrating to watch at times, these millionaire footballers so inept at playing what should be a simple game. Alli faded badly in the second, and Sterling was his usual crap self for England, and just when you were losing all hope to live, England get a corner, and to be honest you kind of felt they might jam in a goal from it. And they did. Kane again, good goal, great to get the space and England survive for another day.

To be fair to England they did well up against a very cynical and dirty Tunisian team and against a ref who gave them nothing in the game. They played well in patches, Stones in particular had a good second half, and when the chips were down they did step up and grind out that victory. I think that was a decent enough performance all things considering. They should steamroll Panama now, while Tunisia might be lucky to get a draw with a similar performance against Belgium, perhaps. 

 

Music to get you in the mood

Hedi Habbouba & Olfa ben Romdan : Folklore Tunisien (Tunisia) V New Order – True Faith (England)

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