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World Cup: 100 things I can’t wait to see!

By Orri Benatar

MOSCOW, RUSSIA - DECEMBER 01: A general view during the Final Draw for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia at the State Kremlin Palace on December 1, 2017 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - DECEMBER 01: A general view during the Final Draw for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia at the State Kremlin Palace on December 1, 2017 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – JUNE 12: Artists perform during the Opening Ceremony of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil prior to the Group A match between Brazil and Croatia at Arena de Sao Paulo on June 12, 2014, in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – JUNE 12: Artists perform during the Opening Ceremony of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil prior to the Group A match between Brazil and Croatia at Arena de Sao Paulo on June 12, 2014, in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

1. Opening Ceremony

Cause who doesn’t want to see people dressed as soccer balls and foliage. The costumes are so riveting and look super uncomfortable to wear. These ceremonies beat the Olympics in a heartbeat.

2. The instant Alexi Lalas hate on Twitter

It’s sad to see but this will happen the second the pre-game show turns on for the opening match. People just don’t seem to like Alexi Lalas. Good thing he is a good sport about it.

3. The several times FOX will mention the USA didn’t qualify

Well, they have to. The United States fully deserves this criticism from not qualifying for the World Cup. Landon Donovan won’t want to hear it but we will hear it. A lot.

4. Vladimir Putin’s entrance into Luznikhi Stadium for the opening game

I don’t expect anything too dramatic but it will be interesting to see how many games he attends, considering how bad Russia will be. Putin’s juggling act in the countdown video might be good enough to put him on the field for the opening game.

5. The surprising entertainment of the Russia-Saudi Arabia game

The two lowest ranked teams are opening this tournament. My first thought was how bad this game is gonna be. I think we could be in for a 5-4 thriller. These games always turn out to be the opposite of what we expect.

6. Mo Salah vs. Luis Suarez

The past of Liverpool against the present and future of Liverpool. Reds fans will either cry or sing to the heavens at the Egypt vs. Uruguay match on June 15th.

7. Sepp Blatter saying how wonderful of a job Russia is doing as host

He is already saying Morocco should host in 2026. Also, how does he still have 2.5 million Twitter followers? Sepp, learn how to @ an account.

8. The World Cup is fixed argument starting again

The V.A.R. or the refs will make a stupid call and people will start to bring this up. The argument that the World Cup is fixed has been going around for a while. It’s ridiculous but not completely insane every tournament (See 2002 World Cup).

9. The Morocco-Iran game

0-0 draws are the best! The return of Morocco to the World Cup is something I am excited about. The Strait of Gibraltar Derby will take place on June 15th as the third game of the tournament.

10. The National Geographic pieces about Russia

FOX has teamed up with National Geographic to bring some time-filler pieces exploring Russia into the coverage of the tournament. They will explore the nation’s history, culture, cuisine, and more. Expect a lot of Nat Geo pieces with no USA team in Russia.

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