By Patrick Pierce
It’s finally here, and we couldn’t be anymore excited. The World Cup is ready for kick off, but for most of us working our daily nine to five, we’re going to miss the first game between Russia and Saudi Arabia, with the Opening Ceremony set to start at 3.30pm.
But the opener isn’t the only game that will see us stuck in the office. There are a number of fixtures that will kick off mid-afternoon, and some real crackers too.
Of course, there are ways around this: carefully scheduled lunch breaks, flex-time and simply booking time off are the most obvious choices. Another option is just having a tab hidden on your desktop, with ITV or BBC streaming live.
Unless you have a boss who puts blocks on anything fun, and in that case, you’ll need a VPN. This will allow you to get around any company blocks on the office wi-fi and then you will have full access to the web and the FIFA World Cup.
If you want to watch the World Cup, VPN services are generally inexpensive and incredibly easy to get hold of.
If you’re expecting to be in work during the mid-afternoon kickoffs this summer, here are the fixtures you may miss out on…
Group A
The World Cup opener kicks off at 4pm with four other fixtures potentially missed out on. That means only one fixture will take place outside of traditional office hours, Russia versus Egypt.
Group A Afternoon Fixtures:
June 14, 4pm: Russia v Saudi Arabia
June 15, 1pm: Egypt v Uruguay
June 20, 4pm: Uruguay v Saudi Arabia
June 25, 3pm: Saudi Arabia v Egypt
June 25, 3pm: Uruguay v Russia
Group B
Just two games will be potentially missed in Group B.
Group B Afternoon Fixtures:
June 15, 4pm: Morocco v Iran
June 20, 1pm: Portugal v Morocco
Group C
Some big fixtures are potentially missed in Group C thanks to the working week. Subtlety will be key!
Group C Afternoon Fixtures:
June 21, 1pm: Denmark v Australia
June 21, 4pm: France v Peru
June 26, 3pm: Australia v Peru
June 26, 3pm: Denmark v France
Group D
For any fans looking to enjoy Group D, you’re in luck as only one fixture is being played away from an evening or weekend.
Group D Afternoon Fixtures:
June 22, 4pm: Nigeria v Iceland
Group E
Only one game will be potentially have to be skipped in Group E, but boy it could be a good one!
Group E Afternoon Fixtures:
June 22, 1pm: Brazil v Costa Rica
Group F
Half of the fixtures in Group E will fall in office hours, although only one of the Germans’ fixtures fall into that.
Group F Afternoon Fixtures:
June 18, 1pm: Sweden v South Korea
June 27, 3pm: South Korea v Germany
June 27, 3pm: Mexico v Sweden
Group G
England fans have bagged a really good group in terms of both timing and opposition. A weekend tie and two 7pm kick offs is absolutely perfect for the Three Lions.
Group G Afternoon Fixtures:
June 18, 4pm: Belgium v Panama
Group H
Four of the six games in Group H may need some plucky browser hiding in the office, particularly as England will go on to face a member of Group H if they qualify.
Group H Afternoon Fixtures:
June 19, 1pm: Colombia v Japan
June 19, 4pm: Poland v Senegal
June 28, 3pm: Japan v Poland
June 28, 3pm Senegal v Colombia