2014 FIFA World Cup

[Cymbols]

Yeah, Oz have got it really tough to be fair. Spain don't have it as easy as last time either which is interesting. Imagine if both Chile and the Netherlands beat Spain!

[METALMAN]

We can only hope.

[Starvinho]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ba4S-P_CQAArjoa.png:large

Opta's predictions for how nations will do at the World Cup, god knows how they work all this out. They make Brazi favourites with a 23.5% chance of winning it.

[Tits McGee]

Soccer is probably the only sport us americans really view us being a dark horse. I will honestly be happy if we walk away with a win over ghana.

[HailtotheYo]

ESPNFC's soccer power index percentages for the group stage: http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1641670/all-groups?cc=5901

[Starvinho]

England's opening match of the 2014 Fifa World Cup against Italy has been brought forward three hours.

Roy Hodgson's side were scheduled to face the four-time world champions on 15 June at 02:00 BST, but will now kick-off at 23:00 BST on the 14 June.

Broadcasters wanted the kick off time to be earlier, and Fifa had been in negotiations with English station ITV and their Italian counterparts Rai.

In total, seven matches have been adjusted following the draw.

England have had no influence in changing the kick-off time but Club England managing director Adrian Bevington suggested the original kick off time of 02:00 BST (21:00 local time) was better because of the cooler temperature.

The heat is a potential problem for both England and Italy, with temperatures reaching 30 degrees Celsius during the day, while humidity can be as high as 80%.

"Playing at 21:00 in Manaus is clearly helpful from our side and from a football point of view," said Bevington.

"We can't deny that it's better to play in Manaus later in the day."

These are the seven matches changed, all the times are local.

Saturday 14 June

Côte d'Ivoire-Japan, 22:00 (from 19:00) in Recife

England-Italy, 18:00 (from 21:00) in Manaus (similar conditions as at 21:00)

Wednesday 18 June

Cameroon-Croatia, 18:00 (from 15:00) in Manaus

Spain-Chile, 16:00 (from 19:00) in Rio de Janeiro

Sunday 22 June

USA-Portugal, 18:00 (from 15:00) in Manaus

Belgium-Russia, 13:00 (from 19:00) in Rio de Janeiro

Korea Republic-Algeria, 16:00 (from 13:00) in Porto Alegre

Edited December 7, 2013 by Starvinho

[stokeriño]

So when our players fall down and die from the heat, we can blame ITV?

[Lineker]

Ugh, ITV.

[Matt]

At least we'll be able to watch it in the pub now

[METALMAN]

Tbf it was an easy group. It's just that England aren't particularly great.

That was the intention of my posting that!

Also way to censor yourself metalman. I THOUGHT YOU WERE ON THE EDGE.

hahahaha, I just noticed this.

I am trying to avoid swearing!

[Tits McGee]

It has USA equal to Portugal very nice!

[Matt]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/10497297/World-Cup-2014-England-Squad-Selector-pick-your-23-then-compare-to-our-choices.html

Preliminary world cup squad selector. My choices are below. Surprised all the "experts" have taken Welbeck to be honest

[Lineker]

How else are we going to survive Manaus without work-rate?

[Matt]

How else are we going to survive Manaus without work-rate?

This is true. I wonder if we'll recall Alan Smith, he'd run his arse off all day.

[Colly]

He'd possibly score more than Welbeck too.

[Rafael]

Am I the only one who went with Berahino?

[METALMAN]

I don't know who half these people are.

[Noah]

It is really weird seeing the reactions to Australia's group.

Some are like "Group of death"

Others are like "Group of death!!!!"

[Colly]

Our wingers are shit aren't they. I'm almost at the point of calling up Downing.

Only two keepers in my squad! No fucking passengers!

[Lineker]

FIFA requires nations to take three goalkeepers.