Russia 2018 Predictions Game - Welcome!

It's that time again, gentlemen! With only two weeks to go before the festivities start in Russia, it's time to start thinking about our semi-annual big tournament predictions game. On offer is the vaunted Lancer Cup, which you'll see our current champion Red Dragon (aka Thomas Nocito) holding in the attached image. 

All you need to do in order to participate is to make your selections in the following categories and email them back to me. Please do that anonymously (i.e., instead of "replying all") so that you don't tip your hand to other competitors. Here's the set-up for this year's game: 

* The top two in each of the groups (you'll receive two points for each correct team plus an extra point if you get them in the correct order)

* The winners of each of the eight Round of Sixteen matches (3 points per team)

* The winners of each of the four Quarterfinal matches (4 points per team)

* The winners of each of the two Semifinals (6 points per team)

* Champions! (8 points)

* The scorer of first goal scored in the tournament (2 points)

* The first player sent off (either straight red or two yellows) (2 points)

* The first match to go to a penalty shoot-out (2 points)

* The player who scores the winning goal in the Final (if there is one) (2 points)

* The first manager to be sacked (2 points)

* The Golden Boot winner (top scorer) (8 points)

* FIFA Tournament MVP (8 points) 

In order to help you out, I'll be posting previews of the eight groups on the Lakenheath Old Boys blog (https://lakenheatholdboys.blogspot.com) over the next fortnight. In order to qualify, please get your predictions in to me by Wednesday evening, June 13. 

Can't wait for it all to get started!