Fedyan

MK Dons and push them into oblivion.

Wash your mouth, sir Colombia away brings back so many childhood memories, like. Defoe buying one, what with their matches against Poland and Senegal coming up with me gracing the occasion. Speaking of which, if you remember that awesome Italia-90 Cameroon side, their manager is still alive and kicking. Now, at a mere 75 years of age, Valery Nepomnyashy just got himself a pretty decent job at Baltika. New stadium and training ground in Kaliningrad, a decent budget and promotion to the top tier as a set target. The guy also had spells in South Korea, Japan and Turkey. Ever since I was a kid, it always fascinated me how some people just do what they love and manage to travel around so many completely different places. In a way, he was a huge inspiration. I was sane enough not to get into football, would end up being a Russian Holloway/Herrera type, but in certain aspects the cool dude with sunglasses during that World Cup influenced so many people, he probably wouldn't even know. I now also have a farm of Sliti stickers. Ferking Panini, pesky forrin capitalists

This one is just ok, not as catchy as Brazil's. The South Africa one will stay with me forever. The football in that World Cup was relatively poor, but I'll always remember sitting in my Auntie's house in Lagos every evening and hearing that song while I was cursing Yakubu and laughing at the crying Ghanians. Great memories. Russia will be the first World Cup I attend in person, and I am unreasonably excited, despite the mental cost of everything. I just hope the Super Eagles do not ruin my trip. They have a very decent chance of a good run, imo. Group D is tough, but I like the team that Rohr has put together, it will be a hard fought thing for all four teams, I don't believe Argentina will get out of it unblemished, either. Of the other African sides, my heart holds optimism for Senegal and Egypt, primarily because of their groups. Morocco are better than Egypt and probably equal to Senegal, imo, but they will need to steal at least a draw against one of the Iberians. They were the second best side to Naija in the qualifiers and did not concede a goal, so it is definitely possible. There is no hope for Tunisia, they are poor. Egypt England are fortunate because 2 of the 3 worst sides are in their group, imo (the other being Panama). Did Brian Idowu make the team?

Some interesting transfer activity in the leagues where nobody is mental enough to believe that Jack Grealish can really cost 40 mil or whatever. Inter have signed De Vrij (a better overall defender than Van Dijk in my opinion) and Kwadwoh Asamoah on Bosmans. Lautaro Martinez arrives from Racing after months of negotiations between former teammates Zanetti and Milito (now directors at their respective clubs). Will be given number 10 shirt and has a bigger buyout clause than Icardi himself. A hugely promising player. Roma signed Coric and Ivan Marcano from Porto. Milan landed Pepe Reina and Ivan Strinic on frees. Juventus welcome Spinazzola and Caldara after some terrific stuff they played at Atalanta. Atletico Madrid signed Rodri from Villarreal, their youth product. A future Gabi basically, sans the nasty streak. Real Madrid are going to decide what is the best option for that Vinicius Junior kid from Flamengo. Have not really followed Brazilian league for a while, but those who do actually say that he could very well turn out to be a fantastic player. We'll see. Athletic Bilbao signed Romanian international Ganea. He is Bilbao born, before anyone asks WTF? Valencia landed Wass from Celta, a hell of a Bosman capture. Betis are building a handy squad for Europa League - Inui, Canales and Pau Lopez, all on frees. Solid. Marius Wolf from Eintracht to Dortmund for 5 million Euros. One of about a zillion players in contention for Germany call up in the near future, in my opinion. They also signed Hitz from Augsburg and now have two Swiss keepers. Must be the whole Favre thing. Schalke signed Uth from Hoffenheim, Sane from Hannover, Serdar from Mainz (11 million, a good prospect) and a dude from Union Berlin whose last name I can't even spell. Absolutely mental that their manager is a year younger than the ageless wonder Naldo. Might be well worth paying attention to next season as they make a return to CL football. Leipzig got a very interesting prospect in a Mukiele from Montpellier for 16 million and Rangnik is going to manage them again next season. Leverkusen got themselves a new Coutinho (allegedly) in the shape of a 17 year old kid Paulinho from Vasco. Mitchell Weiser from Hertha is a canny addition, can play as a fullback or as a winger. Lyon signed Leo Dubois on a free from Nantes, a very decent fullback. Promising winger Terrier arrives after some impressive performances for Strasbourg. Benfica landed Argie centerback in Conte from Colon. And are one of about a dozen clubs from Portugal/Russia/Turkey who may sign everyone's favourite Chucky Ferreira

Guti, Santi Solari, maybe Conte or Sarri. Cannavaro's name also has been added. Rather unexpected decision by Zizou, so one would assume Perez will be keen to add someone familiar with the club's mystique and inner politics. Our hacks are stunned that they are yet to hear a negative comment from anyone in Italian football about Mancini's appointment as a national team coach. The guy finished fifth with the most expensive squad (and the league's biggest payroll) with a ton of former firsts earners deemed not fancy enough out on loan playing incredibly boring football and complaining about the need to spend even more money, yet people would much rather discuss how he fared in England and Italy. Probably, the same people as those who still think that Del Bosque is a crap manager because of his Besiktas spell What is it with that Silva? Hull relegated, Watford treated like a non-entity once Everton approached him last season, got fired for crap results. If they are so loaded, why not appoint someone like Blanc, Boas, Van Gaal or Prandelli? Far more pedigree, decent records and actual accomplishments in the biggest leagues. Weird. Smells like a boon or bust move. Shocked to see nobody approach Pardew yet, dark ages of anti football are upon us then, too few chairmen want to entertain the public with brave front foot football where skill is cherished and players of actual ability are put in the position to dazzle and amaze at the very top of their abilities. Disgusting.

I am sure a seasoned traveler had this sorted, but just in case - don't forget about the time difference if your arrangements include arriving/departing from city city on matchday. For convenience, there is a general Moscow time standard as a reference here, so Samara is -1 hour, Kaliningrad is +1 hour and Ekaterinburg is +2 hours. All the other cities are within the above-mentioned timezone. I once almost missed the train back home from a weekend on juice in Samara because I forgot about this, so just make sure you have this addressed in your arrangements. The wait is unbearable.

German embassy have put one of those weird Berlin bear things, World Cup themed, in front of it. Also, a huge poster on how they cannae wait and all. Good thing it's not in the center, the freaking monstrosity I bet they fancy their chances, those Germans. A whole bunch of trolleys and buses around the city have been WC themed as well, and the subway cars will be decorated as well. Hopefully, no fancy cocaine addicts (affectionally referred to as modern artists) will be allowed anywhere near. Also, as I was jogging this past morning saw a big Costa Rica flag in my neighborhood. Those forrins, no shame at all Watching us play Austria now, with Mourinho in attendance. What a spectacle. Not. Also, staring to develop a real irrational hatred for Vardy and Hart. I can literally start a freaking farm, such is the amount of Panini stickers with those mugshots.

Two dudes in Iceland won a Niva (our classic 4x4 vehicle) in some lottery and will use it to go to the tournament. Oh, the memories, first car I ever owned. Actually got Momo racing seats in it, oh those harmless sins of youth. Another dude, from Switzerland, plans to arrive on a tractor. Those wacky westerners Speaking of Serbian footballers, that Spajic lad from Anferlecht just completed his transfer to FC Krasnodar. His wife/girlfriend better install some hacky tacky app on his phone, will become very jealous and suspicious the minute they land The weather is fantastic in Moscow right now, tons of people wearing shorts and shirts already, although if it gets really hot (like over way 25 degrees Celcius) could become what we refer to as a rock oven. Volga region should be roasting hot after mid-June, and you would look like a fool bringing anything but sandals and beachwear if your matches are in Sochi or Rostov-on-Don. Kaliningrad and St Petersburg could be anything between nice late spring sunny to September-ish windy and rainy, especially at night, but so far the forecasts are good. Yekaterinburg should be fine as well, don't listen to those who only went there between September and April, when it could get really cold. Anyone with tickets and Fan ID will be able to enter Russia from Belarus. Useful info for those who might opt for train or a long car trip. Minsk is freaking lovely this time of the year, a great starting point for party travel types. Just got my train tickets from and to Moscow, will travel between cities by car. Uber is readily available here, by the way. Personally, I use other taxi apps, but I am pretty sure you can actually request an English-speaking driver using their settings. The host cities will be awash with volunteers anyway, and judging by the Sochi Olympics they were terrific help. Still plenty of empty spots in my Panini album, but my vacation is on in a week's time so maybe I'll finish it before the whole thing begins.

Fookin ell, the Salah injury is big news among our football media darlings. Yes, here we are in 2018 literally praying that Egypt's best footballer is injured because youth development is too dangerous and less costly than stadium building. I know this is sad, but I am old enough to remember when Juventus were buying our footballers to replace Platini FFS

Unless I am completely wrong, this is the first time since the 93-94 season when the two teams from the same city managed to win European honours during the same season (Milan winning the CL and Inter winning the UEFA Cup back then). A cracking Supercup matchup awaits in Tallinn. Might actually be tempted to go, me. And yes, what a clusterfook by Karius. I thought Real Madrid were to win anyway, but he made it so much easier. Poor guy, genuinely feel for him.

Racist Know a few people who have been in attendance, they actually say the view is fantastic, but it does look very unusual from aside. And when there is no game on They will rebuild it after the tournament since local side is unlikely to draw 40+ thousand anyway and there is just a ton of other things to do on weekends in Yekaterinburg aside from watching mediocre football. Besides, they like hockey far more there. Should have built a top notch arena for that long time ago, but then again maybe it's just me. you know what i mean man, i've been to russia, it's a great example of the russian propensity for ingenuity in engineering stuff, otherwise known as botching shit up to fuck because it's easier/cheaper We are better at space exploration, I give you that Can think of quite a few examples of fantastic engineering ingenuity with cheaper/easier solutionsin the West (I lived in States for two years back in the day), but somehow never assumed that those examples were the rule Anyone letting FIFA and their uber-civilized construction partners in will end up with at least a couple of monstrosities. That's the way I see it.

Racist Know a few people who have been in attendance, they actually say the view is fantastic, but it does look very unusual from aside. And when there is no game on They will rebuild it after the tournament since local side is unlikely to draw 40+ thousand anyway and there is just a ton of other things to do on weekends in Yekaterinburg aside from watching mediocre football. Besides, they like hockey far more there. Should have built a top notch arena for that long time ago, but then again maybe it's just me.

If they wanted a reggae and rap song as an anthem those FIFA clowns could have just done a bit of research. Something from late Bob Marley with gangsta G lyrics from 50 Cent would be a huge hit here. Will Smith is viewed as a once semi-funny actor and a bizarre Scientology fan in our parts

Work commitments took me away from home for a fair few days and I didn't really have enough time to surf the web football-wise, but here is what's been up the last few weeks. Every stadium that was scheduled for opening this spring was tested several times (new attendance records for a second tier match in Samara and a third tier match in Saransk). Some media "experts" whined about slower than usual wifi in Samara and obviously a ton of jokes about Saransk being among the most boring cities ever to host a major event, but other than that everything seems to be ready. Mayor of Volgograd specifically underlined very professional approach from local law enforcement and their British counterparts in anticipation of large numbers of England fans in the city, in order to avoid any blacklist types finding ways into the city (this also includes our very own thugs, just in case). Ronaldinho visited Krasnodar which is in the same region as Sochi and will be Spain's base during the tournament. Kind of like Malaga, just without the sea. He visited the local academy, was mobbed by adoring kids, and (judging by his attire) proceeded to feast at one of many, many nightlife hotspots that the city has to offer. Personally, I've gone there four times to support my club away, and managed to actually get to the stadium only twice, because it's just that much fun being down there. Not sure some of the younger members of Spanish team will be able to avoid all the temptations, to be honest. The 109 year old Ignashevich was called up for the tournament despite announcing his retirement from football after this season and not playing for our glorious national side for years. Yes, our centrebacks aren't exactly the new Baresi/Bergomi types. Expectations range from hysterically optimistic to gloomy suicidal. Quite a few hotel and airline owners have been fornicated with a fish fork (metaphorically speaking) for price hikes, especially in less touristy cities. Obviously a ton of complaints from honest and hardworking disciples of free trade and terminal capitalism on the evils of government regulations. I mean, how dare the state demand that no hotel jams the prices up 200%. Oh, the brutal unfairness of the world, so many tight people around. Yes, that is sarcasm. Some German dude wrote another article about alleged doping use by some of our footballers. Don't believe a single word, as I have witnessed pretty much all of their matches the last few years and if that was some of them doped than I doubt the author understands the point of doping in pro sports. Probably believes that every Norwegian biathlon athlete has asthma as well. St Petersburg bar and pub owners expects record crowds, and that's some statement, like. Not something they can reasonably complain about on an ordinary day, let alone during a major event in the summer. One of the newer bars on Nevsky Prospect is actually applying for a world record status for having the largest bar counter in the world (literally covers an entire street block). Anyone visiting - don't complain about the weather. But, probably more of a warning to those from Southern Europe. Anyone going - feel free to ask about specific watering holes, I've been a fair few times, even remember some of the addresses. I will be away in the Kazan-Samara-Nizhny Novgorod Volga triangle for most of the tournament, so if anyone plans to be in Moscow and has any questions about anything - will be more than happy to help out as a proud born and bred Muscovite. Just three weeks left, basically. Still plenty of time to get my Panini album completed then.

Mancini doing everything possible to get a huge payoff from Gazprom and leave for Italy job, by the looks of it and some rumors in Italy and Russia. What an epic fail this turned out to be, and I actually rate him a bit as a manager. Almost literally - spent more on players than the entire division, then whined that he needs even more players, sent an entire squad out on loan and will likely finish outside the top three (CL spots). Was he like that in England?

Any colorful metaphors on how does it feel to see these way down?

Saransk had an opening match in a new stadium with a very Sunlunesque atmosphere (their local club is treading water in our third tier), bet the players felt very awkward The ground is fine, but the question why add a city like that to the host list still remains. The definition of an ordinary provincial town, could name a dozen far more interesting locales. But, then again, even Middlesbrough hosted some Euro96 matches iirc, so who am I to say? Yekaterinburg's second home game at the new ground was more fiery, a sellout with pigs bringing thousands and all, and ended up being a potential title-decider. Volgograd's will open with a Cup Final on 9th of May, no less. The fact that the participants are basically the equivalents of an MK Dons (sans the hatred) and a Bradford City is irrelevant. Tosno (the club wasn't even in existence ten years ago) representing Leningrad Region (basically - huge territories around St Petersburg, they host their matches at Zenit's old ground and fight against relegation in their first ever season in the top flight) and Avangard Kursk are surely going to keep the FFP nazis from UEFA busy this summer Samara will open its new stadium this coming week with promotion to the top division very close. Spent hours waiting online, but managed to get another ticket to a last 16 match in Kazan. Exstatic at the thought and sad at the costs again. But we only live once, so who cares. Will end up boring a few bartenders with fascinating stories of doing an away trip from Moscow to Novosibirsk on my birthday, no doubt about that

New stadiums opened in Kaliningrad, Rostov-on-Don and Nizhny Novgorod over the last few days. The first two hosted rather meh-ish league matches, but the reviews are good. Kaliningrad was a big party, but Baltika are risking on missing out on promotion, so the mood is a bit mixed in the city. Rostov was an even bigger party (Deep South, fun people and all that), but some dicks among the local ultras decided to try their best to remove the anti-vandal seats in Rostov, a few succeeded and posted their accomplishments on social media. No doubt, a few surprise visits from da polis await. Other than that, the Icelanders playing for Rostov were visibly impressed. Nizhny had the epitome of a boring, run of the mill second tier match as a curtain raiser, and despite a paltry crowd (crap teams, hockey town, far more people willing to spend their time and money on watching Argentina and all), epic traffic jams ensued. Plenty of whining and complaining locals flooded the social media and talkradio, but the local police chief assured that this was a one-off and they now have a good idea on how to avoid such congestion in the future. Truth to be told, like any major Russian city, traffic can get a bit crappy from time to time, but the new subway stations will no doubt ease the logistics. Will be in place before the tournament. In other news, just for the fun of it: - a fan of Luch Vladivostok travelled to an away second-tier match against Fakel Voronezh (brilliant name for an English-speaker, I know, literally translates as a Torch) which is a mere 9000 kilometers trip, and threw a toy cockerel in the direction of his side's manager. Oh, the horrors of modern football - a third-tier match between two no-mark clubs was opened with a circus bear dancing a bit and giving the ball to the official. Judging by the attendance, the ecstatic public left right after the furry one, and who could blame them. The bear in question will participate in a few opening ceremonies during the World Cup iirc, so celebrity status awaits - a group of Moscow hipsters and amphetamine enthusiasts (I base this assumption on their many previous "works of art") proudly presented the new Russian Premier League logo. An avalanche of jokes about brain damage caused by severe drug abuse followed. Never trust anyone who thinks that trainers mix with sweaters, neck tattoo and granny glasses any football-related project

Bumped into a report in our media, saying that Golovin from CSKA is liked by Rafa, but Arsenal like him as well. A very interesting prospect, reminds a bit of a young Mostovoi, but without the moronic narcissist personality. Scored a decent goal against the gooners, and prior to that - a very decent one against Lyon. Personally, think he should move to Spain or Italy, but we'll see. CSKA are likely to demand at least 20mil euros for him, so Rafa will have a hell of a job convincing Ashley, if the report is true.

Mathematically speaking, when are they done?

My dad is actually from there, told me quite a few stories from his youth about closed sites where military were deactivating mines and bombs and his impressive bullet shell collection. Never been, but the city now has a reputation for boasting a whole bunch of street food vendors and brewers (aka hipster beer snobs). Also, Immanuel Kant's gravestone is there and one can buy really cool things made of amber.

Make sure to visit the local cult bar Na Dne (literally meaning At The Bottom). A genuine all-time classic for anyone visiting Samara for football matters. Some people just go there, buy a barrel of beer, a bucket of crayfish and spend the day at the beach. Freshly-brewed lager, anything that swims in Volga is being smoked or salted on the spot and by all means (time permitting) take a river taxi to Zhiguli mountains. Quite a sight during the summer, although (depending on your age and party animal skill level, can cause severe memory loss, if you catch my drift). The riverside is fabulous when it's warm in May (the last time I went there), but the locals tell me it's just awesome when it's really hot (June/July). Many people fall in love there. Also, the traffic can be a bit mad in the evening (the thing with Samara and Volgograd is that they are basically hugging Volga and are thus kind of like Chile geographically), so use trams. Cheap, fast, cool way to take a look around the city and no cursing while stuck in a traffic jam. Feel free to ask regarding museums/restaraunts/nightlife.

No reason to follow WBA anymore. Sad

The new stadium in Yekaterinburg was opened this past weekend, nice reviews and all, but considering that the locals have a ton of other things to do during (still) cold weekend, it wasn't a sellout. The fact that the curtain-raiser was a match between two meh-ish teams did not help, but a decent turnout for a hockey city. In one of those charming, globally recognized "we need more building sites for a sports team cos big league status" stories this ground was already completely revamped several years ago, but then they closed it down and rebuilt it from scratch again I am sure, no brown envelopes changed hands and nobody is roasting his arse somewhere in Nice, toasting for the World Cup. The fact that the weird stands behind goals are copied from familiar stadiums in Brazil and South Korea is monumental - doing this in the coldest of the host cities must have taken some genius. Or, perhaps, a financial guru Samara's mayor was desperate to open their stadium with today's cup semifinal fixture against those pesky pigs, but since his testicles and a new term are both on the line, they moved the opening to 25th of April in order to clear up the remaining details and avoid any logistical hiccups. Quite a lot of excitement in the city, a genuine football town. With Krilya Sovetov still potentially capable of both winning our Champo and the Cup (first ever trophy for the club, should they prevail), plenty of buzz all around. Volgograd is ready, and immediately there are reports that a few of the reagion's wealthiest citizens will be politely asked to fund a promotion push next season (they are crap in our equivalent of the Champo this year) since there is little desire to see a brand new stadium become a white elephant of sorts. Cue great stories about some Selyuk type getting a fortune for some unknown African lads, doing a Leeds, etc. But then again, much-loved Rotor FC can boast eliminating ManU from Europe back in the day (iirc Schmeichel actually scored a goal in the return leg of the UEFA Cup fixture, but it wasn't enough). Damn, time flies. Anyhow, just weeks away. Cannae wait

That are getting Torreira from Samp, supposedly. A fantastic prospect. I can see Jorginho really working out well in Klopp's system. But those prices, man. Pure insanity.