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[Football] *****Official World Cup 2018 Sweepstake & Draw Thread*****
- Thread starter Kuipers Supporters Club
- Start date
Gazwag
5 millionth post poster
Withdean11
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worthingseagull
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- Sep 28, 2011
- 1,612
yes please
lichfield seagulls
New member
Again if not to late. Cheers
Kuipers Supporters Club
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That is 65 posters by my counting, so one team will be a trio! Don't want anyone to have missed out above!!
If you post now - sorry you are too late, as I will now conduct the draw with the pairings done first, and then the teams.
If you post now - sorry you are too late, as I will now conduct the draw with the pairings done first, and then the teams.
Kuipers Supporters Club
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And here comes the draw...
Kuipers Supporters Club
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[MENTION=25615]Igzilla[/MENTION] & [MENTION=17456]The_Viper[/MENTION] are out first.
Iran
Pedigree: This is the fifth time Iran have qualified for a World Cup, but their only victory in the tournament remains a 2-1 win over the United States at France 98.
Carlos Queiroz
Carlos Queiroz has led Iran to back-to-back World Cups
Key player: Striker Sardar Azmoun is arguably Asia's best striker since his compatriot Ali Daei, who scored more international goals than any other male player. The 22-year-old Azmoun is strong with both feet, and in the air, and plays his club football for Russian side Rubin Kazan.
Premier League players: None
Who's the boss? Carlos Queiroz has a CV to rival any manager in international football. Via Sporting Lisbon, South Africa, Real Madrid, Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant at Manchester United and two stints in charge of Portugal, it is with Iran that Queiroz has spent the past six years.
"They fight for their lives, they fight for history, they fight for their reputations," said the Portuguese, having seen Iran become the highest-placed Asian side in Fifa's rankings at 24th.
Iran
Pedigree: This is the fifth time Iran have qualified for a World Cup, but their only victory in the tournament remains a 2-1 win over the United States at France 98.
Carlos Queiroz
Carlos Queiroz has led Iran to back-to-back World Cups
Key player: Striker Sardar Azmoun is arguably Asia's best striker since his compatriot Ali Daei, who scored more international goals than any other male player. The 22-year-old Azmoun is strong with both feet, and in the air, and plays his club football for Russian side Rubin Kazan.
Premier League players: None
Who's the boss? Carlos Queiroz has a CV to rival any manager in international football. Via Sporting Lisbon, South Africa, Real Madrid, Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant at Manchester United and two stints in charge of Portugal, it is with Iran that Queiroz has spent the past six years.
"They fight for their lives, they fight for history, they fight for their reputations," said the Portuguese, having seen Iran become the highest-placed Asian side in Fifa's rankings at 24th.
Kuipers Supporters Club
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[MENTION=260]sully[/MENTION] & [MENTION=33723]Bod[/MENTION]
The big guns are out early
Germany
Pedigree: The defending champions, four-time winners and number one team in the world.
Toni Kroos has scored 12 goals in 78 appearances for Germany
Toni Kroos has scored 12 goals in 78 appearances for Germany
Key player: Toni Kroos. Apart from Thomas Muller and Mesut Ozil, the Real Madrid midfielder is the most experienced player in the squad and keeps things ticking over. Since helping Germany win the 2014 World Cup, he has won two Champions League titles, one La Liga title and two Fifa Club World Cup titles.
Premier League players: Shkodran Mustafi (Arsenal), Antonio Rudiger (Chelsea), Emre Can (Liverpool), Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City), Mesut Ozil (Arsenal), Leroy Sane (Manchester City).
Who's the boss? Joachim Low. Worked as assistant manager to Jurgen Klinsmann from 2004 to 2006, before being given the top job. The 57-year-old guided Germany to victory in the 2014 World Cup final against Argentina, and also triumphed at the Confederations Cup last year.
The international clean sweep has eluded him, though, with Germany runners-up at Euro 2008 and third four years later.
The big guns are out early
Germany
Pedigree: The defending champions, four-time winners and number one team in the world.
Toni Kroos has scored 12 goals in 78 appearances for Germany
Toni Kroos has scored 12 goals in 78 appearances for Germany
Key player: Toni Kroos. Apart from Thomas Muller and Mesut Ozil, the Real Madrid midfielder is the most experienced player in the squad and keeps things ticking over. Since helping Germany win the 2014 World Cup, he has won two Champions League titles, one La Liga title and two Fifa Club World Cup titles.
Premier League players: Shkodran Mustafi (Arsenal), Antonio Rudiger (Chelsea), Emre Can (Liverpool), Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City), Mesut Ozil (Arsenal), Leroy Sane (Manchester City).
Who's the boss? Joachim Low. Worked as assistant manager to Jurgen Klinsmann from 2004 to 2006, before being given the top job. The 57-year-old guided Germany to victory in the 2014 World Cup final against Argentina, and also triumphed at the Confederations Cup last year.
The international clean sweep has eluded him, though, with Germany runners-up at Euro 2008 and third four years later.
Kuipers Supporters Club
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[MENTION=12089]charlie[/MENTION]Shinpad & [MENTION=17506]Seaber[/MENTION]
Switzerland
Pedigree: This is Switzerland's 11th World Cup, having reached the quarter-finals three times - including when they hosted the tournament in 1954. They lost to eventual finalists Argentina in extra time in the last 16 in 2014.
Switzerland
Switzerland beat Northern Ireland in a tense play-off to clinch their place in Russia
Key player: Xherdan Shaqiri. The talented Stoke City playmaker has scored 20 goals for his country, including a hat-trick against Honduras at the last World Cup.
Premier League players: Granit Xhaka (Arsenal), Xherdan Shaqiri (Stoke), Edimilson Fernandes (West Ham), Shani Tarashaj (Everton), Florent Hadergjonaj (Huddersfield, on loan from Ingolstadt)
Championship player: Timm Klose (Norwich)
Who's the boss? Vladimir Petkovic has been in charge of the Swiss since 2014 and led them to the last 16 at Euro 2016. The Sarajevo-born coach has a Swiss passport and won the 2013 Coppa Italia as Lazio manager.
Switzerland
Pedigree: This is Switzerland's 11th World Cup, having reached the quarter-finals three times - including when they hosted the tournament in 1954. They lost to eventual finalists Argentina in extra time in the last 16 in 2014.
Switzerland
Switzerland beat Northern Ireland in a tense play-off to clinch their place in Russia
Key player: Xherdan Shaqiri. The talented Stoke City playmaker has scored 20 goals for his country, including a hat-trick against Honduras at the last World Cup.
Premier League players: Granit Xhaka (Arsenal), Xherdan Shaqiri (Stoke), Edimilson Fernandes (West Ham), Shani Tarashaj (Everton), Florent Hadergjonaj (Huddersfield, on loan from Ingolstadt)
Championship player: Timm Klose (Norwich)
Who's the boss? Vladimir Petkovic has been in charge of the Swiss since 2014 and led them to the last 16 at Euro 2016. The Sarajevo-born coach has a Swiss passport and won the 2013 Coppa Italia as Lazio manager.
Kuipers Supporters Club
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[MENTION=13288]brakespear[/MENTION] & [MENTION=1958]Gazwag[/MENTION]
Spain
Pedigree: Currently ranked 11th in the world. They held the number one spot from 2008 until 2013. Spain were world champions in 2010, as well as European champions in 2008 and 2012.
Isco scored two goals in Spain's 3-0 win over Italy in February
Isco scored two goals in Spain's 3-0 win over Italy in February
Key player: Real Madrid attacking midfielder Isco has been in fine form during qualifying, with six goals and an assist in Spain's past seven matches. He has seven goals in 23 appearances in his international career.
Premier League players: Juan Mata (Manchester United), Nacho Monreal (Arsenal), Alvaro Morata (Chelsea), David de Gea (Manchester United), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Ander Herrera (Manchester United), Pedro (Chelsea), David Silva (Manchester City).
Who's the boss? Julen Lopetegui was appointed in July 2016 and remains unbeaten in 13 matches in charge. He has won the European Championships with Spain's U21s and U19s, although he has never coached a side at a senior major tournament.
Spain
Pedigree: Currently ranked 11th in the world. They held the number one spot from 2008 until 2013. Spain were world champions in 2010, as well as European champions in 2008 and 2012.
Isco scored two goals in Spain's 3-0 win over Italy in February
Isco scored two goals in Spain's 3-0 win over Italy in February
Key player: Real Madrid attacking midfielder Isco has been in fine form during qualifying, with six goals and an assist in Spain's past seven matches. He has seven goals in 23 appearances in his international career.
Premier League players: Juan Mata (Manchester United), Nacho Monreal (Arsenal), Alvaro Morata (Chelsea), David de Gea (Manchester United), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Ander Herrera (Manchester United), Pedro (Chelsea), David Silva (Manchester City).
Who's the boss? Julen Lopetegui was appointed in July 2016 and remains unbeaten in 13 matches in charge. He has won the European Championships with Spain's U21s and U19s, although he has never coached a side at a senior major tournament.
Kuipers Supporters Club
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[MENTION=13229]WhingForPresident[/MENTION] & [MENTION=2150]james[/MENTION]bondsbodydouble
Denmark
Pedigree: This is the fifth time Denmark have qualified for the tournament and the first since 2010, when they went out in the group stages. Their best performance was in 1998, when they reached the quarter-finals before being knocked out by Brazil.
Key player: All of Denmark's best play goes through Tottenham midfielder Christian Eriksen. Not only does he set up strikes for his team-mates, the former Ajax player has chipped in with 18 goals from 74 caps.
Christian Eriksen
Eriksen joined Tottenham from Ajax for £11m in August 2013
Premier League players: Kasper Schmeichel (Leicester), Jonas Lossl (Huddersfield), Andreas Christensen (Chelsea), Mathias Jorgensen (Huddersfield), Christian Eriksen (Tottenham), Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Southampton).
Championship players: Jonas Knudsen (Ipswich), Henrik Dalsgaard, Andreas Bjelland, Lasse Vibe (all Brentford), Martin Braithwaite (Middlesbrough).
Who's the boss? Age Hareide, 64, replaced Morten Olsen after Denmark failed to reach Euro 2016. A former Manchester City and Norwich defender, he has won the Swedish league twice and the Danish and Norwegian leagues once each in his managerial career.
Denmark
Pedigree: This is the fifth time Denmark have qualified for the tournament and the first since 2010, when they went out in the group stages. Their best performance was in 1998, when they reached the quarter-finals before being knocked out by Brazil.
Key player: All of Denmark's best play goes through Tottenham midfielder Christian Eriksen. Not only does he set up strikes for his team-mates, the former Ajax player has chipped in with 18 goals from 74 caps.
Christian Eriksen
Eriksen joined Tottenham from Ajax for £11m in August 2013
Premier League players: Kasper Schmeichel (Leicester), Jonas Lossl (Huddersfield), Andreas Christensen (Chelsea), Mathias Jorgensen (Huddersfield), Christian Eriksen (Tottenham), Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Southampton).
Championship players: Jonas Knudsen (Ipswich), Henrik Dalsgaard, Andreas Bjelland, Lasse Vibe (all Brentford), Martin Braithwaite (Middlesbrough).
Who's the boss? Age Hareide, 64, replaced Morten Olsen after Denmark failed to reach Euro 2016. A former Manchester City and Norwich defender, he has won the Swedish league twice and the Danish and Norwegian leagues once each in his managerial career.
Kuipers Supporters Club
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[MENTION=19792]bomber130[/MENTION] & [MENTION=4790]cjd[/MENTION] - another big one
Argentina
Pedigree: Argentina have won the World Cup twice - in 1978 and 1986 - and been runners-up on three occasions, in 1930, 1990 and in Brazil in 2014, when they lost 1-0 to Germany in the final.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi helped Argentina win Olympic gold in Beijing in 2008
Key player: Lionel Messi. Messi, who has been voted the best player in the world on five occasions, scored the hat-trick in the last round of South American Qualifying against Ecuador to take Argentina to the finals.
Premier League players: Sergio Aguero and Nicolas Otamendi (both Manchester City), Sergio Romero (Manchester United), Manuel Lanzini (West Ham).
Who's the boss: Former Chile boss Jorge Sampaoli, who guided Chile to the Copa America in 2015, became Argentina boss in May 2017. He succeeded in his first task - to ensure Argentina qualified for the World Cup.
Argentina
Pedigree: Argentina have won the World Cup twice - in 1978 and 1986 - and been runners-up on three occasions, in 1930, 1990 and in Brazil in 2014, when they lost 1-0 to Germany in the final.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi helped Argentina win Olympic gold in Beijing in 2008
Key player: Lionel Messi. Messi, who has been voted the best player in the world on five occasions, scored the hat-trick in the last round of South American Qualifying against Ecuador to take Argentina to the finals.
Premier League players: Sergio Aguero and Nicolas Otamendi (both Manchester City), Sergio Romero (Manchester United), Manuel Lanzini (West Ham).
Who's the boss: Former Chile boss Jorge Sampaoli, who guided Chile to the Copa America in 2015, became Argentina boss in May 2017. He succeeded in his first task - to ensure Argentina qualified for the World Cup.
Kuipers Supporters Club
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[MENTION=14365]Thunder Bolt[/MENTION] & [MENTION=1413]Mackenzie[/MENTION]
Nigeria
Pedigree: This will be Nigeria's sixth appearance at a World Cup - and their third in a row. They have reached the last 16 three times - 1994, 1998 and 2014 - but have never advanced beyond that stage.
Key player: Captain John Mikel Obi, the most experienced member of the squad with 80 caps, will be a key figure for the Super Eagles in Russia. This will be the former Chelsea midfielder's second World Cup - the 30-year-old helped the team reach the knockout stages in 2014 for the first time since 1998. He now plays in China with Tianjin Teda.
John Mikel Obi
John Mikel Obi helped Nigeria win the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations
Premier League players: Alex Iwobi (Arsenal), Victor Moses (Chelsea), Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City), Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City), Ahmed Musa (Leicester City) and Ola Aina (on loan at Hull City from Chelsea).
Who is the boss? Gernot Rohr has managed all over the world. From Nice to Gabon, Burkina Faso to Nigeria, the 64-year-old German has extensive knowledge. Rohr played at Bayern Munich and Bordeaux. He then coached Bordeaux when they lost to Bayern in the 1996 Uefa Cup final. Previous managerial jobs also include French club Nantes, Young Boys Berne in Switzerland, Tunisian side Etoile du Sahel and the Niger national team.
Nigeria
Pedigree: This will be Nigeria's sixth appearance at a World Cup - and their third in a row. They have reached the last 16 three times - 1994, 1998 and 2014 - but have never advanced beyond that stage.
Key player: Captain John Mikel Obi, the most experienced member of the squad with 80 caps, will be a key figure for the Super Eagles in Russia. This will be the former Chelsea midfielder's second World Cup - the 30-year-old helped the team reach the knockout stages in 2014 for the first time since 1998. He now plays in China with Tianjin Teda.
John Mikel Obi
John Mikel Obi helped Nigeria win the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations
Premier League players: Alex Iwobi (Arsenal), Victor Moses (Chelsea), Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City), Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City), Ahmed Musa (Leicester City) and Ola Aina (on loan at Hull City from Chelsea).
Who is the boss? Gernot Rohr has managed all over the world. From Nice to Gabon, Burkina Faso to Nigeria, the 64-year-old German has extensive knowledge. Rohr played at Bayern Munich and Bordeaux. He then coached Bordeaux when they lost to Bayern in the 1996 Uefa Cup final. Previous managerial jobs also include French club Nantes, Young Boys Berne in Switzerland, Tunisian side Etoile du Sahel and the Niger national team.
Kuipers Supporters Club
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[MENTION=12452]doogie004[/MENTION] & [MENTION=12847]jessiejames[/MENTION] - I take my hat off to you guys
Panama
Pedigree: None. Panama reached their first World Cup finals with a victory over Costa Rica that took advantage of the United States' defeat by Trinidad & Tobago. They were runners-up at Concacaf's Gold Cup in 2013.
Key player: Roman Torres, 31, is a central defender who plays for Seattle Sounders and whose composure and leadership will be vital if Panama are to have any chance of making an impression in Russia. His name has already been etched indelibly into Panama's history after scoring the winning goal against Costa Rica that clinched their qualification.
Hernand Dario Gomez
Hernan Dario Gomez has done a remarkable job by steering Panama to the finals
Premier League players: None. Only three of the current squad play in Europe.
Who's the boss? Colombian Hernan Dario Gomez has had a varied international coaching career, including managing his homeland twice. This will be his third World Cup after taking Colombia to the 1998 finals, where they lost to England, and Ecuador to the 2002 tournament.
Panama
Pedigree: None. Panama reached their first World Cup finals with a victory over Costa Rica that took advantage of the United States' defeat by Trinidad & Tobago. They were runners-up at Concacaf's Gold Cup in 2013.
Key player: Roman Torres, 31, is a central defender who plays for Seattle Sounders and whose composure and leadership will be vital if Panama are to have any chance of making an impression in Russia. His name has already been etched indelibly into Panama's history after scoring the winning goal against Costa Rica that clinched their qualification.
Hernand Dario Gomez
Hernan Dario Gomez has done a remarkable job by steering Panama to the finals
Premier League players: None. Only three of the current squad play in Europe.
Who's the boss? Colombian Hernan Dario Gomez has had a varied international coaching career, including managing his homeland twice. This will be his third World Cup after taking Colombia to the 1998 finals, where they lost to England, and Ecuador to the 2002 tournament.
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[MENTION=587]Pevenseagull[/MENTION] & [MENTION=435]Stat Brother[/MENTION]
Serbia
Pedigree: Russia will be Serbia's 12th appearance at the World Cup - they did not get beyond the group stage in 2006 and 2010.
Branislav Ivanovic currently has 95 caps for Serbia
Branislav Ivanovic currently has 95 caps for Serbia
Key player: Branislav Ivanovic is closing in on his 100th cap and remains a key player for Serbia. He is their captain and leader. "We look forward to playing for you in Russia", he said in an address to the fans on the pitch after they secured qualification.
Premier League players: Nemanja Matic (Manchester United), Aleksandar Mitrovic (Newcastle), Lazar Markovic (Liverpool), Dusan Tadic (Southampton).
Who's the boss? Slavoljub Muslin, who was appointed in May 2016, is a widely travelled coach. He is in his first role at national level and has never been to a major tournament but he had domestic title success in Bulgaria.
Serbia
Pedigree: Russia will be Serbia's 12th appearance at the World Cup - they did not get beyond the group stage in 2006 and 2010.
Branislav Ivanovic currently has 95 caps for Serbia
Branislav Ivanovic currently has 95 caps for Serbia
Key player: Branislav Ivanovic is closing in on his 100th cap and remains a key player for Serbia. He is their captain and leader. "We look forward to playing for you in Russia", he said in an address to the fans on the pitch after they secured qualification.
Premier League players: Nemanja Matic (Manchester United), Aleksandar Mitrovic (Newcastle), Lazar Markovic (Liverpool), Dusan Tadic (Southampton).
Who's the boss? Slavoljub Muslin, who was appointed in May 2016, is a widely travelled coach. He is in his first role at national level and has never been to a major tournament but he had domestic title success in Bulgaria.
Kuipers Supporters Club
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[MENTION=16842]Hillian[/MENTION] 1 & [MENTION=24894]greyseagull[/MENTION]
Russia (hosts)
Pedigree: Stanislav Cherchesov's side will be the fourth Russia team to play at a World Cup - they first appeared at USA 94 - although the Soviet Union finished fourth in 1966.
Spotlight on the hosts
All of Russia's 2017 Confederations Cup squad played their club football in their homeland
Key player: Veteran goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev has won more than 100 caps and his experience could be vital. The 31-year-old, who has spent his entire career at CSKA Moscow, is likely to captain the hosts.
Premier League players: None.
Who's the boss? Cherchesov rallied behind his side after the Confederations Cup, saying his players would "mature" because of the experience. A former Soviet Union and Russia goalkeeper, he has been given the target of reaching the semi-finals next summer.
Russia (hosts)
Pedigree: Stanislav Cherchesov's side will be the fourth Russia team to play at a World Cup - they first appeared at USA 94 - although the Soviet Union finished fourth in 1966.
Spotlight on the hosts
All of Russia's 2017 Confederations Cup squad played their club football in their homeland
Key player: Veteran goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev has won more than 100 caps and his experience could be vital. The 31-year-old, who has spent his entire career at CSKA Moscow, is likely to captain the hosts.
Premier League players: None.
Who's the boss? Cherchesov rallied behind his side after the Confederations Cup, saying his players would "mature" because of the experience. A former Soviet Union and Russia goalkeeper, he has been given the target of reaching the semi-finals next summer.
Kuipers Supporters Club
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[MENTION=3711]Driver8[/MENTION] & [MENTION=617]Jim D[/MENTION]
Sweden
Sweden celebrate after qualifying for the World Cup
Sweden drew 2-2 with England in the group stage at their last World Cup, in 2006
Pedigree: Russia 2018 will be Sweden's 12th World Cup finals appearance, but their first since 2006. They reached the final in 1958, losing to Brazil, and finished third in 1994.
Key player: Replacing Zlatan Ibrahimovic was never going to be an easy task, but Al Ain striker Marcus Berg scored eight times in 10 qualifying matches as Sweden finished runners-up to France before beating Italy in the play-offs.
Premier League players: Kristoffer Nordfeldt (Swansea City), Victor Lindelof (Manchester United), Martin Olsson (Swansea City),
Championship players: Pontus Jansson (Leeds United), Seb Larsson (Hull City)
Scottish Premiership player: Mikael Lustig (Celtic)
Who's the boss? Janne Andersson, 55, took over in 2016 after five years with IFK Norrkoping. He has guided his side to the World Cup in his first qualifying campaign.
Sweden
Sweden celebrate after qualifying for the World Cup
Sweden drew 2-2 with England in the group stage at their last World Cup, in 2006
Pedigree: Russia 2018 will be Sweden's 12th World Cup finals appearance, but their first since 2006. They reached the final in 1958, losing to Brazil, and finished third in 1994.
Key player: Replacing Zlatan Ibrahimovic was never going to be an easy task, but Al Ain striker Marcus Berg scored eight times in 10 qualifying matches as Sweden finished runners-up to France before beating Italy in the play-offs.
Premier League players: Kristoffer Nordfeldt (Swansea City), Victor Lindelof (Manchester United), Martin Olsson (Swansea City),
Championship players: Pontus Jansson (Leeds United), Seb Larsson (Hull City)
Scottish Premiership player: Mikael Lustig (Celtic)
Who's the boss? Janne Andersson, 55, took over in 2016 after five years with IFK Norrkoping. He has guided his side to the World Cup in his first qualifying campaign.
