2018 World Cup running thread

Costa Rica had a fun ride last time.

 

As a Burnley supporter who lost his mind this season over a seventh-place finish, I understand.

 

I don't think there's anything wrong with this approach at all. There are like five teams with a real chance to win, so pick one of the other 27 for the fun of it unless you have some national allegiance to one of the powerhouses, like my daughter does from living in France.

 

Belgium are a fun side for neutrals.

 

Les Bleus, you Philistine.

 

Uh, no.

 

Genealogically I could claim allegiance to Germany, geographically I could back Japan (lived there until December), but all I really want is a group stage full of goals before the knockout matches turn cagey out of necessity. I will happily back any upstart or dark horse that advances -- even if it's someone, like Croatia or Peru, from an established power region -- if and/or when they emerge.

 

#CONCACAFThunder was fun while it lasted, especially in a newsroom that was lousy with Englishmen.

 

Well, well, well. Looks like someone's going to be sending me some Bitcoin.

 

Frog bar?