Indeed, and for 1982, FIFA made the crazy decision to have 24 teams, with 6 first round groups producing 12 qualifiers. The second round was 4 groups of 3 teams, with the winner of each group progressing to the semi-final.

After that, the just as crazy idea of having ‘best third placed teams’ go through to the second round ie 36 first round matches led to just 8 teams being eliminated.

Palace since 19 August 1972. Palace 1 (Tony Taylor) Liverpool 1 (Emlyn Hughes)

i dont want to get excited but southgate & the team fill me with more hope i have had since euro 96.

forget the golden generation, we have a f***ed up generation, but you know ehat it could just see us flourish, not win it, but as a nation i see us a a solid quarter final team, its just unfortunate we would meet brazil / germany in the quarters if we get there.

‘Football isn’t instant coffee. You have to work at it. You must grow the bean, grind it.’ Ian Holloway

I have become a WC sceptic mainly due to the same old format.

However really enjoyed the opening atmosphere and game, a non-fussy opening ceremony.

The expert British commentators who have never won anything at the World Cup themselves, told us how crap the Russians were and they proceeded to win 5-0.

The teams look well matched I am quite hopeful we will do well, but it does involve muting the sound from Wrighty etc.

It's all happening Spain v Portugal tonight.

Should be a cracker...

Hopefully ... the start of a proper World Cup competition. Unless the Russians contrive an outcome to that too?

Denial is not just a river in Egypt

Remember Delaneys performance against DaCosta?

Well Da Costa is playing but for us the appearance of Da Silva our tormentor on many occasions wonder if Portugal can keep him out.

Great so far.....