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2010 World Cup Qualifying
Topic Started: Sep 9 2008, 05:12 AM (3,175 Views)
Nkono
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Thierry Henry is denying he confronted Domenech with what Le Parisien quotes him as saying in the link Merengue provided. But there is dissention within the group, now it is Florent Malouda saying he didnt know he was not starting or even on the game day roster until he arrived at the stadium on Saturday:

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news;_ylt=Alcl...v=afp&type=lgns

So not much communication between Domenech and his team. <akes me think those stories during the 2006 World Cup that it was basically veterans like Zidane, Thuram and Makelele effectively coaching the team may not be far off the mark. You watch France play now and the players do not have good direction from the sideline. That much is obvious. Would not surprise me if Henry really did say what he was quoted as saying, just that being the type of person he is, he does not want to add to the pre match controversy so he is publicly denying them.

And to add to France's woes, it is likely Ribery will miss the Serbia game with an injury. The only consolation in all this is exactly what Winslow and Merengue wrote, France does not have any real challengers for 2nd place so they should still make the playoff even with all of these troubles.
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Martin
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It is safe to say Domenech is not a players coach. I am just speculating here but I can see nkono's point that Henry is too much of a classy guy to air his dirty laundry in public so he denied confronting Domenech. But I would not be surprised if that feeling that the team do not know just exactly the coach wants out of them on the field is one held by many members of the squad.

But France's benefit is what others noted here, apart from leaders Serbia, there are no other strong teams likely to compete with Les Bleus for 2nd place. Romania are a strange team, their qualification to Euro 2008 seemed like it was a sign they were returning to be a competitive team after their slump following the retirement of the Hagi generation of players (Hagi, Popescu, Dumitrescu, Belodedici, etc.) but their play in these qualifiers has been anything but competitive. Thus Domenech and France in spite of all their own troubles may sputter in to the playoffs. Would the FFF then consider replacing Domenech even if they just barely qualify for the World Cup?
Club Sportivo Desamparados
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Manzanares
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Hopefully Simon will give us his group by group breakdown which he does so well but here is a wire service article outlining tomorrow's games throughout Europe,

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=ap-w...ov=ap&type=lgns

With the right bit of luck, England, Spain, Serbia, Denmark and Slovakia can all assure qualification tomorrow. Yes, Slovakia!

England and Serbia have the most straight forward paths to direct qualification, if they beat Croatia and France respectively (and both England and Serbia are playing at home) then they make the World Cup.

Spain qualifies if they defeat Estonia and 2nd place Bosnia does not defeat Turkey.

Slovakia makes it if they win at Northern Ireland and Slovenia and Poland draw.

Denmark has probably the least likely qualifying path tomorrow, they need to defeat Albania, have Portugal win in Hungary and in the least likely of scenarios have Sweden fail to win against Malta.
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calimocho
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To me more interesting than the teams who can qualify tomorrow night are the stories of the teams in desperate times trying to avoid elimination. None more so than Portugal who must beat Hungary in Budapest to stay alive as Sweden likely will defeat Malta. For all of their talent Portugal have never struck me as a team with a strong character but that is what they will need if they want to prevent elimination. New international Leidson helped keep them alive on Saturday, he might be their big hope in this game too as he is what Portugal have traditionally lacked, a center forward who can score.

France may not be facing elimination like Portugal but they are facing being forced into a playoff if they do not defeat Serbia in Belgrade. After reading all of the stories here about squabbles between players and the coach that is not a good attitude to be taking into a must win situation. The ability is there but will be the motivation?
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Mr. Pither
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Wesley Sneijder's ankle injury was not as serious as first thought and he's included in Netherlands squad to face Scotland. Surpring that he would be risked even if the injury was not that serious in what is just a match to finish the schedule for the already qualified Dutch. Wouldn't this be the time to try out another midfielder in place of Sneijder?

Germany's Robert Enke is injured and backup goalie Rene Adler who played well in the weekend friendly against South Africa will start against Azerbaijan. And the Azerbaijan coach is? None other than Berti Vogts! Personally I think the younger Adler is a better goalie than Enke in the first place.

Northern Ireland played very well in Poalnd and an own goal is what allowed Poland to draw that match. May become a costly own goal as it endangers NI's qualifying chances but now they play group leaders Slovakia in a fascinating match. Kyle Lafferty the Rangers forward who impressed against Poland will miss this next game due to injury.

Croatia's are another of those teams calimocho discussed who are up against the wall, well not as much as those he discussed but with Ukraine gaining on them, they cannot afford to lose away to England. But they'll have some notable absences-goalie Pletikosa, defender Corluka and playmaker Modric. At least Eduardo will be bale to play as despite his UEFA club suspension for diving he will be the spearhead along with Olic of Croatia's attack. Supposedly Capello is still debating whether to play the battering ram Heskey or the quick, and in form Defoe as Rooney's partner in attack.

Every European qualifying tournament, be it for the World Cup or Euros ther eis some surprise team from the former Soviet bloc, this year there are two, Slovakia and Bosnia. Interesting game between Bosnia and Turkey tomorrow. Hard to believe a team which was as impressive as the Turks were at Euro 2008 would be struggling as they are but Bosnia's home and away wins over Belgium are what have vaulted them ahead of Turkey in the group standings.
P-I-T-H-E-R ...as in Brotherhood, but with PI instead of the BRO and no HOOD
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Simon
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Actually the BBC have pretty well done the job for us this time around:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/i...les/default.stm

We can add some colour to that rundown though:
Group 1:
Albania v Denmark, Gp 1, 19:30
Hungary v Portugal, Gp 1, 19:45
Malta v Sweden, Gp 1, 17:30

The situation in Group 1 has been covered in some detail already, but essentially Denmark should be able to do their bit by beating Albania. That leaves the three-way scrap between Hungary, Portugal and Sweden. I watched Denmark-Portugal the other day and actually thought Portugal played really well, but once more it was their finishing that let them down. Hiring a Brazilian may seem a dubious way of trying to solve that problem, but I kind of expect Portugal to win tonight. Their problem is that Sweden are also likely to win in Malta.

Group 2:
Israel v Luxembourg, Gp 2, 19:00
Moldova v Greece, Gp 2, 19:30
Latvia v Switzerland, Gp 2, 19:30

I thought Greece might have been good for a decisive point at Switzerland the other day, but having conceded two late goals they are now playing catch up. Away at Latvia may be a banana skin for the Swiss though.

Group 3:
Czech Republic v San Marino, Gp 3, 16:20
Northern Ireland v Slovakia, Gp 3, 19:45
Slovenia v Poland, Gp 3, 19:45

Whatever the Czechs' problems, they will win comfortably at home to San Marino. I'd like to see Northern Ireland win but that could be a problem without Kyle Lafferty. Slovenia played well in their friendly with England the other day and it will be interesting to see how they do against Poland with whom they are level on points, 3 points behind Northern Ireland but both with a game in hand on the Irish.

Group 4:
Germany v Azerbaijan, Gp 4, 19:45
Liechtenstein v Finland, Gp 4, 18:30
Wales v Russia, Gp 4, 19:45

Germany will win against Azerbaijan, and Finland should win in Liechtenstein, but I don't think Russia are guaranteed to win in Wales. They needed a late goal to nab a win at home to the Welsh and this could be a tricky fixture for them. That said, if they win it they should be able to hold the Finns off for second place.

Group 5:
Armenia v Belgium, Gp 5, 17:00
Bosnia-Herzegovina v Turkey, Gp 5, 19:00
Spain v Estonia, Gp 5, 21:00

Our Spanish contingent on this board can join me in being concerned by the article I read at the weekend which pointed out that the only World Cup winners who had a virtually spotless qualifying record was Brazil 1970! World Cups are usually won by teams who stuttered through qualifying. Will Domenech have his hands on the trophy next summer? Bosnia-Turkey is one of the main matches tonight. Turkey's form has been somewhat ropey and I reckon Bosnia should be slightly favoured this time, but really anything could happen.

Group 6:
Andorra v Kazakhstan, Gp 6, 19:00
Belarus v Ukraine, Gp 6, 18:00
England v Croatia, Gp 6, 20:00

It was defeat in this corresponding fixture that eliminated England from Euro 2008, but the tables have since been turned by our 4-1 win away in Zagreb. The England players denied that revenge had been a motive (well, apart from the more candid Rooney!) but Croatia had done a lot of trash talking - "no English player would get in our squad", "we could field three different teams that would win at Wembley" - and it was nice to bide out time and then play them back for that. Surprisingly, Bilic has been doing precisely the same thing ahead of this game, to which Capello has said "There is no need to motivate my players after this fantastic assistance". If we can win while Ukraine beat Belarus, Croatia may end up in 3rd spot. I can't say I'd be that disappointed with that outcome.

Group 7:
Faroe Islands v Lithuania, Gp 7, 17:15
Romania v Austria, Gp 7, 18:45
Serbia v France, Gp 7, 20:00

Serbia-France is the big game, as we've already established that no-one else is really equipped to catch France in 2nd place. There's no doubt that France could win that one, but for some time now they've been playing as less than the sum of their parts. If Ribery does miss the game, that's one less individual capable of turning the game on his own. Romania and Austria were both among Europe's elite last summer, that must seem a long time ago now.

Group 8:
Italy v Bulgaria, Gp 8, 19:50
Montenegro v Cyprus, Gp 8, 19:15

If Italy slip up tonight, Ireland will fancy their chances of forcing the Italians into the play-offs. But I'm not sure the Bulgarians have enough to win in Italy. I see from the table that Bulgaria haven't actually lost yet, but 5 draws from 7 games is too many.

Group 9:
Norway v FYR Macedonia, Gp 9, 19:30
Scotland v Netherlands, Gp 9, 19:30

Massive game before a full house at Hampden later on. Norway's draw on Saturday is a big help to the Scots as I'm not sure they could beat Holland even though the Dutch have already qualified. In fact, I still suspect the Dutch will win, and either Norway or Macedonia will take second spot.
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Merengue
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Well done as always Simon on the preview. as for this statement by you,

Quote:
 
Our Spanish contingent on this board can join me in being concerned by the article I read at the weekend which pointed out that the only World Cup winners who had a virtually spotless qualifying record was Brazil 1970! World Cups are usually won by teams who stuttered through qualifying. Will Domenech have his hands on the trophy next summer? Bosnia-Turkey is one of the main matches tonight. Turkey's form has been somewhat ropey and I reckon Bosnia should be slightly favoured this time, but really anything could happen.


There is always a first time or I guess in this case a second time for everything. I am not going to be concerned by the fact Spain are playing well in qualifying. I'd still rather do that than barely squeak into the tournament! :)

In other words I much prefer Spain's situation than that of France, Portugal, the Czech Republic and Sweden.

I saw last night in discussing Portugal's problems that they are actually keeping up the tradition where at least one World Cup semifinalist fails to qualify for the following World Cup. 1982 was the last World Cup where both of the beaten semifinalists qualified for the next World Cup! Since then France (1986), England (1990), Sweden (1994), Holland (1998) and Turkey (2002) all failed to make it to the following World Cup. Portugal, semifinalists in 2006 appear to be keeping this tradition alive.
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Simon
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Wow, I had no idea about that. Maybe getting to the last 4 of the World Cup is a poisoned chalice!

Perhaps there's a hint of complacency that explains why teams who cruise through qualifying can then struggle in the finals. However for historic reasons I'm sure neither of our two countries will be complacent at a World Cup!

Fabio Capello has been recounting how great the Italy team was that he played in in qualifying for WC74. Apparently they'd won all their qualifiers, hadn't even conceded a goal in something like 2 years and went into the tournament on the back of their first ever win in England, plus a win over Brazil (Capello scored in both games). Once at the finals they promptly lost their clean sheets record to the mighty Haiti before tamely going out in the group phase. England are the top scorers in all WC qualifying right now, I suppose the equivalent would be us going to the WC and failing to score a goal!

We shall see...
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Manzanares
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That is a pretty amazing statistic, is it complacency or just a team reaching it's peak by making the semifinals? And then there is surprise European champions Denmark in 1992 and Greece in 2004 failing to make the next World Cup too.

I am trying to avoid doing work so was watching some of a stream of Malta-Sweden, Sweden looked awful but won 1-0 on an 80th minute own goal. A long throw bounced in the box and went to the far post where a Swede crossed low into the box and it bounced of a Malta defender into the net. Other than that Malta's goalie from what I saw had little to do while Mr. Ibrahimovic was a non factor and Johan Elamnder kicked every shot wide. But it is a Swedish win and now they put pressure on Portugal to do the same in Hungary.
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valenciano
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Quote:
 
Our Spanish contingent on this board can join me in being concerned by the article I read at the weekend which pointed out that the only World Cup winners who had a virtually spotless qualifying record was Brazil 1970! World Cups are usually won by teams who stuttered through qualifying. Will Domenech have his hands on the trophy next summer? Bosnia-Turkey is one of the main matches tonight. Turkey's form has been somewhat ropey and I reckon Bosnia should be slightly favoured this time, but really anything could happen.


So by this measure Spain, England and Netherlands won't win the World Cup as all 3 have perfect records. Tonight Spain and England join Netherlands in the finals after comfortable wins, Spain 3-0 over Estonia and England with a crushing 5-1 triumph over Ccroatia. Very impressive by England, who have taken their frustrations on Croatia eliminating them from Euro 2008 by scoring 9 goals against the Croatians in two World Cup qualifiers. Ukraine's 0-0 tie at Belarus still keeps Croatia in good position to finish second but I am going to guess that Croatia won't want to see much more of England anytime soon!

As Manzanares wrote Sweden barely beat Malta 1-0 and Portugal did the same versus Hungary, winning by the same score. The only difference was Portugal scored early via a Pepe header. Sweden and Portugal are still alive even for first place as Denmark drew 1-1 with Albania.

Serbia and France also drew 1-1 where France played 3/4 of the game down a man after goalie Hugo Lloris was sent off for "bringing Nikola Zigic down" inside the penalty area. Serbia converted the penalty for the lead but Zigic took a dive which the normally good referee Rosetti bought. France tied it up when Anelka's shot was dropped by Serbia's goalie Stojakovic and Henry kncoked it in. Down a man France dominated the game but could not score against Serbia's well drilled defense. With Romania and Austria also drawing it is almost certain France will take 2nd while Serbia can clinch a World Cup trip in their next game at home vs Romania.
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Nkono
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Quote:
 
Serbia and France also drew 1-1 where France played 3/4 of the game down a man after goalie Hugo Lloris was sent off for "bringing Nikola Zigic down" inside the penalty area. Serbia converted the penalty for the lead but Zigic took a dive which the normally good referee Rosetti bought. France tied it up when Anelka's shot was dropped by Serbia's goalie Stojakovic and Henry kncoked it in. Down a man France dominated the game but could not score against Serbia's well drilled defense. With Romania and Austria also drawing it is almost certain France will take 2nd while Serbia can clinch a World Cup trip in their next game at home vs Romania.


Horrible call sending Lloris off. Zigic loosened his leg and fell as he ran past Lloris who pulled his hands away to avoid contact. But as written above France even down a man outplayed Serbia as they recovered from the shock of the sending off quite well. This was probably France's best game in the qualifying group and pulling out a draw in Serbia under these circumstances is pretty good. When Lloris was sent off, 2nd goalie Mandanda came in for forward Gignac. Good move there as it kept the defense and midfield intact and enabled Anelka and Henry to use their speed against Serbia's defenders. Well the tie does as discussed probably assure 2nd and if France can play like this in the playoffs, preferably with 11 men, then they should make it to South Africa.

Impressive win by England. Capello really has England focused and he seems to have given them discipline on the field while also being the only coach who has found a way to get Lampard and Gerrard playing together well.
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shelsoccer
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The minnows roared tonight. Or woofed or burbed or whatever minnows do.

Albania, Moldova, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Armenia, Belarus and the Faroe Islands all took points, creating some havoc in their respective groups. Heck, minnow-itis even spread to Asia where Bahrain eliminated Saudi Arabia on away goals and will now face New Zealand for a spot in the S. Africa and to CONCACAF where El Salvador continued Costa Rica's slide.

Anyone think that Croatia has learned their lessen about bad-mouthing England? As for my "home boys," Sweden got a second fortunate late goal and now find themselves second in Group One. A tie in Copenhagen next month -- not a given by any means -- should see Sweden through to the playoffs.
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Winslow
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Holland finishes a perfect run in qualifying by beating Scotland 1-0 on a late goal; Norway beat Macedonia 2-1 to pip the Scots for second. Bummer.

Actually it was a horrid night for all non-English Brits, as Slovakia dumped Northern Ireland 2-0 in Belfast and Russia had no trouble with Wales in Cardiff, winning 3-1 in front of about seven people at the very large Millennium Stadium.
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raconteur
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Quote:
 
Russia had no trouble with Wales in Cardiff, winning 3-1 in front of about seven people at the very large Millennium Stadium.


That was the truth, I think the only fans there were some Russians who made the trip from London. The only Welsh in the crowd were the stadium stewards!

Group 1 has been attracting our attention and this is how it looks with two games remaining:

Denmark 18
Sweden 15
Portugal 13

And their remaining games:
Denmark: Sweden [h], Hungary[h]
Sweden: Denmark [a], Albania [h]
Portugal: Hungary [h], Malta[h]

That Denmark-Sweden game does look key to deciding so much in the group. I think you can assume Portugal will get it done and win both of their home games giving them 19 points, so shelsoccer is right Sweden is going to need to get a result, preferably a win in Denmark in order to advance, a draw there and a Swedish win over Albania means Sweden and Portugal are even on points and in the tiebreaker of goal differential, Sweden currently holds a narrow lead of +6 to +5 but that would disappear if Sweden draw with Denmark. Meanwhile the Danes if they defeat Hungary they should win the group unless they lose at home to Denmark. An exciting finish.

So what of Slovakia on the verge of qualifying for the first time? They lead Group 3 with 19 points and can qualify if they win their next game at home to 2nd place Slovenia. If not then they'll have to wait to play at Poland on the final day. 5th place Poland who just fired their manager Leo Beenhakker. And the Czech Republic? They can finish 2nd if they win their two games each at home against Poland and Northern Ireland.

Ah but let's also not forget that there are 9 groups and only 8 second place teams make the playoffs. Because one group has one team fewer than the others, matches against the sixth-placed team in each group are not included in this ranking. As a result, eight matches played by each team will count for the purposes of the second-placed table.

Ranking Of Second Place Teams

These rankings can change in the final two match days and some 2nd place teams could change, in addition in several groups the 6th place team could change which would effect these standings but if qualifying ended now, Sweden would be the worst placed second place finisher and would not make the playoffs. Russia, France, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Greece, Norway and Ireland would make the playoffs.
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Yogi
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Quote:
 
Ah but let's also not forget that there are 9 groups and only 8 second place teams make the playoffs. Because one group has one team fewer than the others, matches against the sixth-placed team in each group are not included in this ranking. As a result, eight matches played by each team will count for the purposes of the second-placed table.

Ranking Of Second Place Teams

These rankings can change in the final two match days and some 2nd place teams could change, in addition in several groups the 6th place team could change which would effect these standings but if qualifying ended now, Sweden would be the worst placed second place finisher and would not make the playoffs. Russia, France, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Greece, Norway and Ireland would make the playoffs.


I forgot about the fact one second place team will miss out on the playoffs. The game against Albania should help Sweden climb up the table of 2nd place teams but Portugal do, as raconteur showed, still have a legiitmate chance at finishing second particularly if Sweden doe snot get any points out of their trip to Denmark.
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