Lillian Thomson
Hall of Fame Member
The Ireland’s avoided Italy and Croatia in the draw. NI v Switzerland and Denmark v Republic. Still wouldn’t put much money on either. I assume Italy will get past Sweden by hook or by crook.
In 1966 Europe had 10 places out of 16, so the current 14 out of 32 is pretty small.Better still take a few spots from Europe. Seems like every Duchy, principality and autonomous region gets a gig courtesy of the high historical tariffs protecting that coddled conference.
I wouldn't have a problem with combining the Asia/Oceania qualifying and giving them two spaces. My only gripe was Oceania having to play-off with South America. It's a lower standard of football and more often than not the South American side is going to win. That's why Australia dipped out of Oceania in the first place.Don't fret. All I suggested was an extra half quota go to Asia from Oceania. Not unreasonable and beneficial for Oceania if they could compete with Asian sides regularly.
Then followed a sniffy remark about diluting standards. Hence my response. And when Belgium, Iceland and Serbia qualify and the two Irelands and some other balkanised Yugoslavian republic still have a good show then I think it can be made with at least a little justification. Besides is not the Eurocentric cup and another guaranteed spot for the most populous continent is justifiable.
The point about a non Euro team advancing due to friendly reefereeing certainly is audacious.
EDIT: I see by 2026 the situation is more favourable for Asia and Africa.
That's been true for years though, fwiw.Belgium aren't the worst shout in the world to win the whole thing if they get their **** together. Seriously good side on paper.
Probably because rather than being the "World" Cup it would likely end up the "European and a handful of South American Nations" Cup tbh.Does seem a bit stiff NZ get a South American team when the potential fifth Asian qualifier get one from CONCACAF.
Would probably make more sense, at least geographically, if Oceania played Asia 5 & the two Americas played off but saying FIFA is bent is very much ursine mammals defecating in wooded areas level of the bleedin' obvious.
Global sport though, so why not global qualifying? Reckon (say) the Netherlands or Chile would have more of a shake than (say) Panama or Saudi Arabia.
If the cap fits, etc...Probably because rather than being the "World" Cup it would likely end up the "European and a handful of South American Nations" Cup tbh.
Playing the 5th best South American team after a lead up of Pacific island nations isn't the best preparation, whether it was Aus or NZ who won the Oceania zone. Getting into Asia was more than that just a better chance of getting to the WC though. It was a great achievement from our board back then. Something I didn't think they were capable of achieving. It means more matches and competitions against a consistently better standard and the greater revenue too. One of the unexpected and enjoyable outcomes has been the Australia - Japan rivalry which is starting to develop a history and a tradition.I wouldn't have a problem with combining the Asia/Oceania qualifying and giving them two spaces. My only gripe was Oceania having to play-off with South America. It's a lower standard of football and more often than not the South American side is going to win. That's why Australia dipped out of Oceania in the first place.
Yeah fair, but they're still pretty young as a team, aren't they?That's been true for years though, fwiw.
See also: England 2006.
Ish, although De Bruyne & Hazard, E will both be 27 by the tournament so this is arguably the World Cup we're most likely to see them closest to their peaks.Yeah fair, but they're still pretty young as a team, aren't they?
A lot of them will still be around in 2022 but 2018 looks like their best shot.Yeah fair, but they're still pretty young as a team, aren't they?
Not a chance. Mini version of Holland in that they implode when it comes to the tournament despite having a great squad.Belgium aren't the worst shout in the world to win the whole thing if they get their **** together. Seriously good side on paper.