Do we really not have a thread for this ?

I realise it's somewhat incongruous for someone Scottish to satrt a thread about qualifying for the 2006 World Cup, but there we are.

Any views on the weekend's results ? I think the France - Israel - Ireland - Switzerland love-in is particularly interesting, where all four are more or less level, and appear pretty evenly matched in the snippets of the games I've seen (I watched the second half of the France - Suisse game, and , apart form one horrendous miss by Trezeguet, France really didn't look like scoring).

I was also fortunate enough to miss the first half of the England - N. Ireland game but catch the second half :) , and lucky enough to miss the Scotland - Italy game altogether :(

Any thought on who will qualify ?

Any thought on who will qualify ?

It's a bit early, but Italy seems a safe bet.

Australia will qualify once they beat Solonom Islands. Oh wait, they have to beat the fifth placed team in CONCACAF. We will still be there. :D :yeah:

England look in a good posistion at the moment

It's a bit early, but Italy seems a safe bet.

They never miss a WC, do they?

Australia will qualify once they beat Solonom Islands. Oh wait, they have to beat the fifth placed team in CONCACAF. We will still be there. :D :yeah:

If you had more competition than the Solomon Islands then Oceania would have a direct qualification place.

Italy were lucky they had a weak group, in truth Scotland deserved a draw but succumbed to two free kicks that never were.

As Johan Cruyff sais:
Italians can't beat you, but you can lose from them.

Australia will qualify once they beat Solonom Islands. Oh wait, they have to beat the fifth placed team in CONCACAF. We will still be there. :D :yeah:

Actually Australia has to beat the 5th place COMNEBOL (South America). The 5th Asian team plays the 4th CONCACAF team. And Australia hasn't done too hot qualifying in the past, but we will see.

More thoughts on other qualifying areas later.

Other thoughts on qualifying:

In Africa, things are shaping up fairly unsuprisingly, with some exceptions. Group 3 have Cote d'Ivoire running away with it ahead of Cameroon, which has traditionally been stong. Three surprises are Cape Verde, Zambia, and Angola, who are both second in their group, Cape Verde being two points behind South Africa in Group 2 (and ahead of Ghana, I might add), Zambia being tied on points at the top of Group 1 with Senegal, and Angola 2 points behind Nigeria in Group 4. It will be interesting to see how these play out, and it would be fun to see either Cape Verde or Angola to get to the WC. Otherwise, things are normal, with the other group being handled easily by Morocco.

In Asia I see no question that Saudi Arabia and South Korea will advance from Group A, though Group B is by far the more intersting. North Korea, which was touted as potentially being a big surprise, has flopped so far, but anything could happen in the next 4 games. I predict Iran and Japan to make it out of Group B with Bahrain coming in as the 5th placed Asian team playing the fourth-placed CONCACAF team for a spot.

In Europe I see the Holland and the Czech Republic out of Group 1, though I wouldn't count out Romania. Ukraine should have a lock on Group 2, though the second spot could be well contested with Greece, Denmark, and Turkey all in there. In Group 3 I see Portugal and Slovakia, but maybe Russia instead of Slovakia. Group 4 is where it gets interesting, though I personally see Ireland and France getting out. In Group 5, Italy definitely has a lock on the group, and I would put Norway as a safe bet for second, though Slovenia are starting to emerge and could grab that spot. In Group 6 it's hard to say anyone besides England and Poland, especially after Poland's 8-0 demolition of Azerbaijan. In Group 7 Lithuania seems to be doin well but hasn't clashed with Belgium or Serbia yet and have only played Spain once, and with Belgium not doing very well, I see Serbia and Spain advancing. Lastly, I see Sweden and Croatia advancing from Group 8, though I wouldn't put it past Bulgaria or Hungary to spring a surprise.

North America, I see the big three (Mexico, USA, Costa Rica) going, with Guatemala taking the fourth spot. I'd say if my Asian predictions turn out true, then Guatemala could beat Bahrain in a playoff.

In Oceania its got to be Australia, though the Solomon Islands managed to get a draw with them in the last qualifying match they played in the previous stage. However, I see Oceania once again losing to the 5th-placed South American team.

South America is always a zone that puzzled me, as they get the same amount of direct entrants as Asia (4.5) and less than Africa (5), but are clearly stronger teams. I'm guessing it has to do with the number of countries though. Anyways, Argentina and Brazil are locks, and given Ecuador's recent run of form I'd put money on them too. However, 4th-last places are within 3 points of each other, so it's really anybody's game. I'd same one of the 'guays for sure though, if not both. Otherwise Colombia or Chile and perhaps Venezuela.

Anyways, thats it for thoughts. I like the prospect of the France-Israel match tomorrow, should get something settled about that European group. Serbia-Spain will also be a big match. Japan-Bahrain will help decide Group B in Asia, and North Korea-Iran will tell us if North Korea can keep afloat. The big three will most likely win in North America. All maches in South America could be interesting as alot could be said about who qualifies from the bottom part of the table.

As Johan Cruyff sais:
Italians can't beat you, but you can lose from them.

:worship:JC:worship:

With 8 runner-up play off matches in Europe to come, it's impossible to predict anything until we know the matchups. In some groups the first places are pretty much set, in other groups there are sometimes just two matches that still count. Which makes it kind of boring.

There are some countries that seem like they won't grab a spot, France being the main contender here. Romania lacks Hagi and Mutu.

Will there be seedings for the play-off matches?
I think for euro2004,they did, by putting the 4 best numbers 2 in one bowl, and the 4 others in another.
Makes some sense.

This way, you avoid that the number 2 of a poule with two strong top nations, (for instance Holland or Czech Republic) will play another strong number 2, as they will play the best of the rest of a poule with only one top team.

Two "best" second placed teams are placed directly. The other six "are drawn against each other". That's all the regulations say, but I'd say that means there is no weighing.

If the playoffs arent seeded, you can bet they are fixed so that no two powerful footballing nations are drawn against each other. This was the case during the Euro 2004 playoffs.

Many thanks, naervod, for enlightening the eurocentrics amongst of the goings on in the wacky world of non-European football.

As Johan Cruyff sais:
Italians can't beat you, but you can lose from them.

:p so sue us

If the playoffs arent seeded, you can bet they are fixed so that no two powerful footballing nations are drawn against each other. This was the case during the Euro 2004 playoffs.

My memory tells me there was a fair seeding in 2004. Whether that is good thing is another discussion.

Didn't you Scots manage to win the first leg of those play-offs ;) ?

How are the Netherlands doing this time? :p

They are top of their group :)

My memory tells me there was a fair seeding in 2004. Whether that is good thing is another discussion.

Didn't you Scots manage to win the first leg of those play-offs ;) ?

It 2004 there were three ties where a large or successful footballing nation was drawn against a **** one, and the other was effectively ensuring there would be balkan interest in the tournament. Yes Scotland did beat the Netherlands in the first leg, but the inevitable six-niller came four days later.

They are top of their group :)
Damn. I like those "Ohne Holland fahr'n wir zur WM" chants. :p

Damn. I like those "Ohne Holland fahr'n wir zur WM" chants. :p

You afraid we'll beat you in the semifinals of another big tournament on your home soil again??? ;)

j/k

The Dutch squad is rejuvinating big time, so there'll be some serious growing pains along the way. 2006 will probably be a bit early for massive succes, but Euro 2008 could be fun (for the Dutch...) :)

yes, the netherlands has a lot of young talented players..

I was also fortunate enough to miss the first half of the England - N. Ireland game but catch the second half :) , and lucky enough to miss the Scotland - Italy game altogether :(



you're Scottish? cool, someone else :)

the Italy game wasn't that bad. I mean, considering Scotland's position in the rankings and the fact that Italy are like the 3rd best team on the planet, it could very well have been a cricket score. We played well.... we just couldn't score :(

Have faith, we WILL qualify!!!

, we WILL qualify!!!Yeah, I reckon you have a chance. Taking 14 points from your last 6 games is quite possible (Draw Italy and Norway and win the rest). That'll leave Norway needing 7 points from 4 games. If they lose to Italy, that'll be 7 from 3.

Beat Norway and it gets even easier - Norway would be needing 10 from 4 games.

This is the traditional die-hard Scottish optimism which I love (and succumb to myself). Until it's absolutely arithmetically impossible for us to qualify, we always think that the teams we've lost to so far are there for the taking, and, hey, how good are Norway anyway ? Certainly the results on Wednesday night favoured Scotland - somewhat embarrassing, however, when the best night of your qualifying campaign is when you don't actually have a game yourself ;)

Have faith, we WILL qualify!!!

Wednesday's results just about keep Scotland in it.

This is the traditional die-hard Scottish optimism which I love (and succumb to myself).I've watched a few of the Scotland games with some Scots friends. It starts with a mood of huge optimism and singing, sinks into abject despair and swearing, but 10 minutes after the end, it's back to optimism and 'we'll turn Slovenia over easy in the next game'.

I love it, so much more fun than us England fans who are never happy. Good luck!

@Dell19. Some of the teams in the other regions, except South America have teams that really suck. It is not our fault that we are in the location that we are in. When we do make it will prove to FIFA that they suck.

@naervod. That is what I meant. I just got confused about the abreviation and CONCACAF was the only one I could remember. COMNEBOL was what I meant. Anyway, we should never have had the Automatic qualification spot removed.

Are you talking about Australia again?

On the other hand every other qualification group has more than 1 half decent side.

you're Scottish? cool, someone else :)

the Italy game wasn't that bad. I mean, considering Scotland's position in the rankings and the fact that Italy are like the 3rd best team on the planet, it could very well have been a cricket score. We played well.... we just couldn't score :(

Have faith, we WILL qualify!!!


last time i checked, according to FIFA, Italy was 10th ;)


I repeat..according to FIFA

last time i checked, according to FIFA, Italy was 10th ;)


I repeat..according to FIFA

Yeah they are. For a list of all the teams rankings go to www.fifa.com.

Don't tell me you take the rankings seriously. :d

Sometimes... :)

Edit:Like in my sig, I doubt Germany is actually the 18th.

the whole system is a bunch of bull if you ask me. I mean, Scotland are 88th, lower down than Burkina Faso!! the list makes no sense, it just doesn't take into account the geography. If Scotland played in the Oceananic leage they would be alot higher up the rankings (which I think Australlia are trying to do as well, by playing in Asia)

Don't look at graphs or rankings to see who is the best team. Look at spirit! and with that Scotland is top baby!! cause we try for every tournament, we try for every game. If we win, we party for a week at our sheer brillience. If we draw we party for a week at being able to hold out. If we loose, we party for a week about the possibility of winning or drawing the NEXT game, and so the neverending cycle continues....

Join the Tartan Army! you don't need to be Scottish, you just need to believe that win loose or draw... we're still better than everyone :D :lol:

Don't look at graphs or rankings to see who is the best team. Look at spirit! and with that Scotland is top baby!! cause we try for every tournament, we try for every game. If we win, we party for a week at our sheer brillience. If we draw we party for a week at being able to hold out. If we loose, we party for a week about the possibility of winning or drawing the NEXT game, and so the neverending cycle continues....

And if you beat England, you party for a year. :)

Join the Tartan Army! you don't need to be Scottish, you just need to believe that win loose or draw... we're still better than everyone :D :lol:

Seriously? It seems to me that we Scots are the most fickle football fans around. We're more than happy to declare ourselves the worst footballing nation on earth at times...but yes, on others, like post-mediocre Milan performance, we are ridiculously happy.

Germany is way worse than Scotland ;)
(But we can still beat England!)

Are you talking about Australia again?
Of course. Do you like my addition to my signature?

Germany is way worse than Scotland ;)
(But we can still beat England!)


Yes like the way Germany lost to England 5-1 in 2001 :D

Seriously? It seems to me that we Scots are the most fickle football fans around. We're more than happy to declare ourselves the worst footballing nation on earth at times...but yes, on others, like post-mediocre Milan performance, we are ridiculously happy.

Dunno if I can agree with that. We take it far too seriously, and magnify the importance of every game. When the team is bad (e.g. under the great reign of Berti) then we ae despondent. When the team is good (Willie Ormond, take a bow!) then we are deliriously happy. As a nation, the game means far too much to us, and we have what would be considered (pre-Greece 2004) ridiculously high expectations.

Fickle, to me, implies that we might not care from time to time, and I don't think that's ever true.

Look at Hampden at home games, and then tell me people rally to the cause.

That's the very point i was making. In times of success everyone pledges their undying love for that nation - point in case, after beating the Dutch at Hampden a poll on Sportscene showed 90% thought we would qualify for Euro 2004. But after a result like Moldova, fans are berating the team and claiming they'll never go to another Scotland game etc...

Of course. Do you like my addition to my signature?

Pretty much neutral to it...

I guess I could add 5th placed South American for the World Cup in 2006! to my sig :mischief:

hm do england vs poland match in october will be play on new wembley? somebody knows something about it? :mischief: this team, who will win this match, will be winner of group 6 :rolleyes:

Yes like the way Germany lost to England 5-1 in 2001 :D

Yeah, but they beat you in the world cup 1-0, where it really mattered! :) I'm American, German team is my favorite though, then America for second :) .

:thanx: S!n!st3r :goodjob:

You've restored my faith into the people of the U.S.!

:lol:

hm do england vs poland match in october will be play on new wembley? somebody knows something about it? :mischief: this team, who will win this match, will be winner of group 6 :rolleyes:

I think its at Old Trafford. Not sure about that though.

edit: Yes. 12-Oct-2005 MANCHESTER (England) England - Poland

Of course England will win this one like the one in Poland :p

:thanx: S!n!st3r :goodjob:

You've restored my faith into the people of the U.S.!

:lol:

USA!!! USA!!! USA!!! USA!!! :lol:

Germany is way worse than Scotland ;)

Yeah, I'm looking forward to the street riots after our defeat in the group phase. :goodjob:

Yeah, I'm looking forward to the street riots after our defeat in the group phase. :goodjob:

That'll be nothing if you compare it to the street riots which will occur when England loses (against us, so that they won't survive the group phase either!)

:lol:

Yeah, but they beat you in the world cup 1-0, where it really mattered! :) I'm American, German team is my favorite though, then America for second :) .

But England Beat Germany in the 66 world cup final when it really mattered 4-2

That'll be nothing if you compare it to the street riots which will occur when England loses (against us, so that they won't survive the group phase either!)

:lol:

Urgh

Thats not going to be something to look forward to. Potential riots every England game... Hopefully it will work the same as the last WC and Portugal where the trouble makers are generally stopped from going.

How many World Cups has England won?

Edit:nvm

How many World Cups has England won?


England have won One World cup

k, just wondering.

But England Beat Germany in the 66 world cup final when it really mattered 4-2

Let it go. It was an era when footballs where spheres cut from stone and the English national team did not wander from stadia to stadia like Gypsies.

Does that mean I'll never hear a Scot talking about 1967 again then? ;)

You might never hear an end to Celtic fans talking about their European Cup win in 1967, where they knocked out such footballing lumaneries as Dukla Prague....but i don't think Scots go on about the Wembley victory in the same way as England do about 66.

Well, they do if you start talking about how England won the World Cup in 1966... and fair enough too.

Let's face it, all sports wallow in nostalgia. If you can't relive past glories, you only have a distinctly unexciting present to think about - and that goes for England and Celtic fans too.

Dynasty's gonna win...wait...this is soccer? What about a paintball thread???

I always preferred Dallas.

Does that mean I'll never hear a Scot talking about 1967 again then? ;)

till the day I die I will always talk about that game ;)

Of course England will win this one like the one in Poland :p

U were lucky that our defender, Glowacki shots an own-goal :D

Ultimately in that game we will probably only need a point to top the group. It would need Poland to really play very well to get a win.