Russia gears up for World Cup draw

This will definitely be one of the more interesting WC draws

Russia will need a favourable group to get to the last 16.

Don't be surprised if it's very favourable...

That poster is really cool:

"The poster takes its design cues from Russia's postconstructivist art movement, with works by the likes of Dziga Vertov and the Stenberg brothers providing particular points of inspiration.

It shows Yashin reaching up to block a ball, which appears to combine a globe with a vintage leather ball.

The goalkeeper is dressed in his traditional outfit of black shirt and shorts, as well as a knee brace and cap that he became known for wearing.

According to Gurovich, the rays of light shining from the ball are based on a motif commonly seen in constructivist artworks. They are intended to symbolise the "tournament's energy".

https://www.dezeen.com/2017/11/29/fifa-unveils-poster-fifa-world-cup-2018-russia-igor-gurovich/

Dziga Vertov, postconstructivism and football. What could be better!

Agree alfie, what a beautiful timeless poster!

Dziga Vertov, postconstructivism and football. What could be better!

Chocolate?

Dziga Vertov, postconstructivism and football. What could be better!

Chocolate?

No Italy in the tournament?

After watching a documentary on the serious ideological dedication and professionalism of Russian hooligans and their relish for battle at the up-coming world cup, I wonder if the authorites will have really done enough by then?

Group H: Poland, Senegal, Colombia, Japan

Looks like an interest group - a lot of decent second tier nations should make for some good games.

And the 2,500 kilometers between the westernmost stadium in Kaliningrad near Poland and easterly one in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg -- the same distance separating Paris and Moscow -- will test the fans' resolve.

The distance between NY and LA is about 4,000 km - and sports teams and fans travel between east coast and west coast all the time

It's just funny when distances like 2,500 km are considered troublesome when that's nothing for many sports