WC 2014 qualifiers
- Thread starter Partizan
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Syn_13
Fly On, Little Wing
- Jul 17, 2008
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Actually, I think you're right there. I think Totti was a harsh comparison. Totti has been a massive dickhead at times and done some stupid things for club and country but he has been nothing but loyal to his club. Won a World Cup but could've won much more had he left Roma, but credit due to staying.
I think a better comparison is Cassano. He was immense in his younger days but just went off the boil due to attitude problems (and injuries). Balotelli needs to stop being reckless and big-headed, as he's a great player on his day.
It's still there for England. Beat Moldova at Wembley, point in Ukraine, then beat Montenegro and Poland at Wembley. Guarantees top spot.
Blackcanary
Dame sans merci
- Jul 15, 2012
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Anybody not currently watching Argentina v Colombia is missing out. Ridiculously entertaining end to end stuff.
ETA: 2 sent off, one for each side. We're only 27 minutes in!
ETA: 2 sent off, one for each side. We're only 27 minutes in!
matthew.absurdum
Well-Known Member
- Aug 31, 2012
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tototoner
Staying Alert
- Mar 21, 2004
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They have only won 3 out of 6 group games so far and 2 of those were against San Marino, plus they look terrible under Woy - just don't see them having enough to qualify and no England in a World Cup in Brazil would be a massive loss to the tournament from a fan and sponsor point of view
AmericanSpur
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- Aug 31, 2010
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Some Mexico fans sicken me. They alwasy throw objects on the field and one just hit Bryan Ruiz in the head while he lined up a corner during the Costa Rica match. Now Chicarito and GDS are giving him crap for refusing the take the corner.
Danners9
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- Mar 30, 2004
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Australia smashed Jordan (just like everyone else has....!) yesterday, 4-0. Lucas Neill scored his first international goal, 17 year career and Jordan are so crap that he finally got to score.
Japan beat Iraq 1-0. As expected, Iraq are also rubbish. I saw them lose to Oman 1-0 last week.
The group is:
1 Japan
2 Australia
3 Oman
Final games are on the 18th when Oman play away in Jordan (ha, another pun op) and Australia are home to Iraq. Top 2 qualify. It's close at the moment, Japan are well ahead and qualified but there is 1 point between Australia and Oman. Iraq are bottom of the group so it's hard to imagine them doing anything against Australia.
I live in Oman, that's why I'm telling you all this!
The 2 third placed teams then play a 2-game playoff, winner then plays 4th (?) placed South American team. Right now it would be Oman vs Uzbekistan, then vs Chile.
Japan beat Iraq 1-0. As expected, Iraq are also rubbish. I saw them lose to Oman 1-0 last week.
The group is:
1 Japan
2 Australia
3 Oman
Final games are on the 18th when Oman play away in Jordan (ha, another pun op) and Australia are home to Iraq. Top 2 qualify. It's close at the moment, Japan are well ahead and qualified but there is 1 point between Australia and Oman. Iraq are bottom of the group so it's hard to imagine them doing anything against Australia.
I live in Oman, that's why I'm telling you all this!
The 2 third placed teams then play a 2-game playoff, winner then plays 4th (?) placed South American team. Right now it would be Oman vs Uzbekistan, then vs Chile.
garyhopkins
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- Jun 22, 2008
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They'd play the fifth placed SA team, and that currently looks like being Uruguay. Very difficult for Oman if it pans out that way. Uzbekistan won't be easy, either.
Danners9
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Oman aren't good. It's a shame really because the kids ARE good, very skillful and creative. Something happens during the coaching, the training is approached as if it is police or army training. Huge emphasis on cardio, loads of running - not surprising when the home games take place at 5pm and it's around 40 degrees most of the year - but it means they panic in front of goal. Against Iraq there were 3 or 4 great chances in the second half (when most visiting teams are visibly drained and not concentrating) that if Defoe or Adebayor had missed we'd all be shouting for them to be sold.
The manager is Paul Le Guen. The football association has money, this is a rich country, but the tactics are not as good as a decent British U16 side. Reminds me of when we first saw African sides in the World Cup.
garyhopkins
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- Jun 22, 2008
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Looking at international stats it seems that a lack of goal scorers definitely lets Oman down. Uzbekistan have much the same problem, so that would be a tight affair if they do end up playing each other.
Don't think either would have much chance against Uruguay, even though they have been poor in qualifying - queue sudden surge in their performances and sneaking the fourth South American spot at the death!
Jumping ahead here, Oman and Uzbekistan have a small chance of qualifying next week too!!!!
Danners9
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Australia just beat Iraq 1-0, 83rd min goal. Iraq played well, much better than when I saw them.
Means the Aussies qualify and Oman can beat Jordan to finish 3rd and get a playoff spot. That game is later. Not sure what time zone I'm looking at, I thought it was at 8pm my time (3pm UK) but maybe not.
Means the Aussies qualify and Oman can beat Jordan to finish 3rd and get a playoff spot. That game is later. Not sure what time zone I'm looking at, I thought it was at 8pm my time (3pm UK) but maybe not.
garyhopkins
Well-Known Member
- Jun 22, 2008
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The Aussies left it late. Kinda feel happy for Schwarzer and Cahill having one last fling. Now will Jordan scupper Oman's play-off hopes?
Still some big games tonight. Iran to upset Korea? Unlikely, but they have a chance!
Still some big games tonight. Iran to upset Korea? Unlikely, but they have a chance!
