[Guardian]

The 2018 World Cup kicks off in Russian on 14 June. 

Anyone watching? Who are you pulling for? Have any predictions?

The nations participating this year are below:

Australia
Iran
Japan
Saudi Arabia
South Korea
Egypt
Morocco
Nigeria
Senegal
Tunisia
Costa Rica
Mexico
Panama
Argentina
Brazil
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
England
France
Germany
Iceland
Poland
Portugal
Russia (hosts)
Serbia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland

[Martin]

Quite fancy Brazil to win it this year. I feel England can do better than normal but we have no chance of winning it.

[Guardian]

I'm rooting for Iceland, then England.

Watching England's friendly with Costa Rica right now, ENG up 1-0.

[Harry K.]

I'm rooting for Iceland, then England.

What sort of dreamland are you living on? My eyes are on Germany again this year.

[Guardian]

I'm rooting for Iceland, then England.

What sort of dreamland are you living on? My eyes are on Germany again this year.

Well, if we're talking dreamland, I hope Panama or Costa Rica take it all. 

[brian51]

I also think Brazil is going to make a big come back this year !

[Guardian]

Russia wallops Saudi Arabia 5-0 to kick off the World Cup!

I also think Brazil is going to make a big come back this year !

They do seem to be one of the primary favorites this year.

[Guardian]

Christiano Ronaldo scored a hat trick to help Portugal draw Spain 3-3.

Morocco loses to Iran 1-0 off an own goal in stoppage time.

Uruguay downs Egypt 1-0 with a last-minute goal.

Today has been a great day for football!

[brian51]

i didnt go with a favorite in the spain vs portugal game
but it sure turned out to be a great game

[Guardian]

i didnt go with a favorite in the spain vs portugal game
but it sure turned out to be a great game

It was a great game! I thought Spain had it, then they made a stupid foul that let Ronaldo secure the draw.

[Harry K.]

i didnt go with a favorite in the spain vs portugal game
but it sure turned out to be a great game

It was a great game! I thought Spain had it, then they made a stupid foul that let Ronaldo secure the draw.

Typical Spannish.

[Guardian]

Iceland draws Argentina 1-1!!!! Super excited about that one. I can't believe it...

France beat Australia 2-1.

Peru and Denmark are 0-0 in the 57th minute.

Croatia and Nigeria play in 2 hours.

I love the World Cup.

*UPDATE:* Denmark just scored in the 59th minute to go up 1-0.

[Guardian]

Mexico defeats Germany 1-0! Very surprising result.

Serbia handles Costa Rica 1-0. Not a surprise.

Switzerland battles Brazil to a 1-1 draw. Another surprise.

Tomorrow's games:
Sweden vs. South Korea
Belgium vs. Panama
Tunisia vs. Engaland

[Harry K.]

Mexico defeats Germany 1-0! Very surprising result.

Very! I was completely gobsmacked, and I genuinely think England are gonna screw it tomorrow.

[Martin]

Mexico defeats Germany 1-0! Very surprising result.

Very! I was completely gobsmacked, and I genuinely think England are gonna screw it tomorrow.

Quietly confident about England this time, they seem to have a happier than usual camp and the squad seems to actually have some tactics this time around.

[brian51]

yes there has already been some big surprises in the world cup as Guardian has posted and pointed out , wow !

But I also fancy England's chances this time around. They are not as highly ranked as in some years and I think expectations are lower
this time around and pressure off a bit..

[Guardian]

Sweden, Belgium, and England all win their matches today as expected. England on a stoppage time goal from Harry Kane.

[brian51]

Although England won, i wasnt all that happy with the referring in this game..
They showed at least 2 time where Harry Kane was mugged, in the box and failed to make any call there..
On the other hand it was a nice win there for england near the end of the game there
The should be able to beat Panama in there next game , which would take the pressure off against a strong
belgium side in there final first round match up..