Road to Russia 2018

[Lillian Thomson]

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.

 

[the big bambino]

Actually I don't think its fair Oceania get an automatic spot. Even if they did I'd prefer Australia stay in Asia as the competition assists our improvement and our participation in Asia gives our team and fans constant quality competition and matches. Personally I've loved the move to Asia.

Rather than give Oceania an automatic spot the teams there should play off for the right to play in the Asian group and the additional spot go to Asia.

 

[Furball]

There's more than enough Asian teams without diluting the competition further.

 

[the big bambino]

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.

 

[Lillian Thomson]

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.

In 1966 Europe had 10 places out of 16, so the current 14 out of 32 is pretty small.

 

[Scaly piscine]

Indeed. First time I've seen anyone accuse Europe of having too many teams in the World Cup.

 

[BoyBrumby]

I think countires from outside of Yurp and South America have made the semis twice ever; the US in black and white in 1930 and South Korea, benefitting from some rather friendly refereeing decisions, when they hosted in 2002.

 

[the big bambino]

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.

 

[Spark]

Belgium aren't the worst shout in the world to win the whole thing if they get their **** together. Seriously good side on paper.

 

[Lillian Thomson]

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.

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.

 

[sledger]

Belgium aren't the worst shout in the world to win the whole thing if they get their **** together. Seriously good side on paper.

That's been true for years though, fwiw.

See also: England 2006.

 

[Lillian Thomson]

Sepp Blatter has received a personal invitation to the World Cup from Russia. Presumably they still owe him three suitcases full of money.

 

[BoyBrumby]

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.

 

[sledger]

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.

Probably because rather than being the "World" Cup it would likely end up the "European and a handful of South American Nations" Cup tbh.

 

[BoyBrumby]

Probably because rather than being the "World" Cup it would likely end up the "European and a handful of South American Nations" Cup tbh.

If the cap fits, etc...

 

[the big bambino]

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.

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.

 

[Spark]

That's been true for years though, fwiw.

See also: England 2006.

Yeah fair, but they're still pretty young as a team, aren't they?

 

[BoyBrumby]

Yeah fair, but they're still pretty young as a team, aren't they?

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.

Defence is actually arguably on the slide slightly. Vertonghen & Kompany both past 30 now and Alderwiereld is getting there.

 

[Uppercut]

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.

Bambino couldn't really have chosen a worse example. It's hard to overstate how good the Belgian squad is on paper. They would probably quite easily beat a combined Asia+Oceania+Africa+CONCACAF team.

 

[flibbertyjibber]

Belgium aren't the worst shout in the world to win the whole thing if they get their **** together. Seriously good side on paper.

Not a chance. Mini version of Holland in that they implode when it comes to the tournament despite having a great squad.