All Whites vs Russia, Confederations Cup | Sun 18 June | 3am | St Petersburg | SS3

At least its on Sunday so I won't have to hear all the wankers at work laughing about the "soccer"

I'm so lucky I don't have that at work any longer. We have a lot of rugby fans (including me), but not that kind, thankfully, and there are a few football fans knocking about.

I remember my last place of work... it was brutal... 

I got very tired of people whinging about diving and professional fouls in football, while on the weekends they're watching every league player in every tackle flop around on the ground trying to milk a penalty, basketballers flopping after shooting to get the +1, rugby players standing around rucks with their arms in the air screaming at the ref, and yet apparently those are very different things. 

I must admit I have been giggling away at some of the new things coming into those sports of late - in rugby the treatment of the ref has become an issue, they no longer seem to be able to maintain the respect of the ref that rugby managed so well for so many years. The flopping in the NBA has become a real problem over the past couple of seasons. And my new favourite thing in League has been how players will stay down and feign injury so that the ref checks the tackle with the video ref, which in reality is EXACTLY the same as a footballer who goes over too easilyy when touched. 

These are natural things that will happen in sport when so much (money) is at stake. Football got it all early because it's the biggest sport, and has had HUGE money in it for the longest time. Rugby and League are now starting to feel that pinch. Professional foul play is not an easy thing to police. 

Sorry that was a bit off-topic, but I find it interesting.  

I'm so lucky I don't have that at work any longer. We have a lot of rugby fans (including me), but not that kind, thankfully, and there are a few football fans knocking about.

I remember my last place of work... it was brutal... 

I got very tired of people whinging about diving and professional fouls in football, while on the weekends they're watching every league player in every tackle flop around on the ground trying to milk a penalty, basketballers flopping after shooting to get the +1, rugby players standing around rucks with their arms in the air screaming at the ref, and yet apparently those are very different things. 

I must admit I have been giggling away at some of the new things coming into those sports of late - in rugby the treatment of the ref has become an issue, they no longer seem to be able to maintain the respect of the ref that rugby managed so well for so many years. The flopping in the NBA has become a real problem over the past couple of seasons. And my new favourite thing in League has been how players will stay down and feign injury so that the ref checks the tackle with the video ref, which in reality is EXACTLY the same as a footballer who goes over too easilyy when touched. 

These are natural things that will happen in sport when so much (money) is at stake. Football got it all early because it's the biggest sport, and has had HUGE money in it for the longest time. Rugby and League are now starting to feel that pinch. Professional foul play is not an easy thing to police. 

Sorry that was a bit off-topic, but I find it interesting.  

I have noticed that when I publish predictions I do tend to get them wrong more often than not so hopefully I will be wrong this time!

I did a sort of preview, but more of a look back at the 2003 tournament in France

I think it will be quite similar, first game (Russia) we should have a chance but won't take it, second game (Mexico) we will play a lot better and score but still lose and third game (Portugal) we will get hammered 5-0 or something like that.

I have noticed that when I publish predictions I do tend to get them wrong more often than not so hopefully I will be wrong this time!

Who gives a rats bum on what happens at the confeds. Oh OK little NZ fans do nah not really when you can watch the Euro under 21s and the future stars of the game.

That does raise an interesting point Smithy.  If they get absolutely cleaned up how does the PR machine cover that?

Was considering sleeping in and missing the game tomorrow because of the likelihood of how shark we will play but this game is probably our best chance to get a win at a FIFA tourney. So torn..

Was considering sleeping in and missing the game tomorrow because of the likelihood of how shark we will play but this game is probably our best chance to get a win at a FIFA tourney. So torn..

Just noting the game is Sunday NZT, so not tomorrow anywhere in the world. Wouldn't want you getting up early for nothing.

Hudson trying desperately to get sacked before appointment to Championship side for the new season without contract break - Boxall ruins everything by getting a goal off a corner in 69th minute vs Russia - we win 1-0 as Russia go down to 10 men in last 7 minutes - riot breaks out, russians docked another point, out of the running for semi's

Hudson freaks as his plan looks foiled - calls up the worst team we have and only puts 3 at the back - Smeltz steals one 1-1 as Mexico hit the post 4 times, rumours of enormous bet made in the Asian underground but the result holds

Hudson takes a crowbar to Wood in a dark alley, career finished, lines central defender up against Ronaldo out of position - it works, 3-0 Portugal but NZ goes through to the semis as Mexicans choke vs Russia and Portugal.

Surprisingly NZ face Australia in semis - Clayton Lewis promises Devil Oracle can have the America's Cup if All Whites win (and Rory Fallon's soul - devil accepts), win as memorial to Chris Wood and his lost career standing in sympathy with the prince of darkness.. Hudson adjusts CV and wikipedia, prepares for coaching call-up to EPL

All Whites vs Germany in the final - I can't wait, Rojas slots home on penalties, Stuttgart reminded of what they lost. All Whites win Confederation's cup as ironic preparation for losing to the Solomon Islands in WC qualifying.

Can I have what your having Robmm...

Hudson trying desperately to get sacked before appointment to Championship side for the new season without contract break - Boxall ruins everything by getting a goal off a corner in 69th minute vs Russia - we win 1-0 as Russia go down to 10 men in last 7 minutes - riot breaks out, russians docked another point, out of the running for semi's

Hudson freaks as his plan looks foiled - calls up the worst team we have and only puts 3 at the back - Smeltz steals one 1-1 as Mexico hit the post 4 times, rumours of enormous bet made in the Asian underground but the result holds

Hudson takes a crowbar to Wood in a dark alley, career finished, lines central defender up against Ronaldo out of position - it works, 3-0 Portugal but NZ goes through to the semis as Mexicans choke vs Russia and Portugal.

Surprisingly NZ face Australia in semis - Clayton Lewis promises Devil Oracle can have the America's Cup if All Whites win (and Rory Fallon's soul - devil accepts), win as memorial to Chris Wood and his lost career standing in sympathy with the prince of darkness.. Hudson adjusts CV and wikipedia, prepares for coaching call-up to EPL

All Whites vs Germany in the final - I can't wait, Rojas slots home on penalties, Stuttgart reminded of what they lost. All Whites win Confederation's cup as ironic preparation for losing to the Solomon Islands in WC qualifying.