World Cup 2018

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stealthpapes
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Re: World Cup 2018

by stealthpapes » 12 Nov 2016 17:32

After 11 games each only 4 points separate 3rd and 8th. This was helped mainly by Bolivia, who despite beating Peru 2-0 and holding Chile to a 0-0 draw, decided to play defender Nelson Cabrera in both matches, who had already been capped by Paraguary :lol: Both matches were overturned to 0-3 defeats, so Peru and Chile are both still in contention


How in this day and age do you even do that?

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Royal Rother
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Re: World Cup 2018

by Royal Rother » 12 Nov 2016 17:36

Excellent round up.

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stealthpapes
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Re: World Cup 2018

by stealthpapes » 12 Nov 2016 17:39

yeah, big + 1 on that.

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Saaaaaaaammmmmm
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Re: World Cup 2018

by Saaaaaaaammmmmm » 13 Nov 2016 00:33

Ineligible players are pretty common in the lower reaches of the Asian or African qualifiers (already this campaign it's been done by India, Yemen and Burundi) - but for a South American team it's pretty shocking, especially with the big impact it could have

Big result for Ireland in Austria this evening, especially with Wales blowing it against Serbia

Not a particularly exciting day in Europe to add to what was written earlier. Spain and Italy both won 4-0, whilst Croatia won a tight game against Iceland. Kosovo lost again, still awaiting their first win

The big game today was Nigeria against Algeria, and Victor Moses scored twice to give the hosts a 3-1 win. With Cameroon being held at home to Zambia, Nigeria are now four points clear after only two games

Highlight though was probably Nabil Bentaleb's goal, never stopped rising
https://streamable.com/ih88

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stealthpapes
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Re: World Cup 2018

by stealthpapes » 14 Nov 2016 10:03

cheers.

Ineligible doesn't usually mean "played games for a neighbour" though, I thought it was stuff like Cape Verde or Togo playing a lad who was still suspended, that sort of thing.


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Re: World Cup 2018

by Winston Smith » 16 Nov 2016 08:34

America spanked 4-0 by Costa Rica and are bottom of the CONCACAF qualifying table

double d

Re: World Cup 2018

by double d » 16 Nov 2016 08:58

Winston Smith America spanked 4-0 by Costa Rica and are bottom of the CONCACAF qualifying table


Well that's relations with Cuba gone then from January onwards....

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Royal Rother
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Re: World Cup 2018

by Royal Rother » 17 Nov 2016 10:23


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sputnik
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Re: World Cup 2018

by sputnik » 17 Nov 2016 18:45

Winston Smith America spanked 4-0 by Costa Rica and are bottom of the CONCACAF qualifying table


Bit early to write off the team's chances of qualifying, but calls for JK's sacking are out there. Interested in Libber's views here.


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Sutekh
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Re: World Cup 2018

by Sutekh » 18 Nov 2016 10:49

sputnik
Winston Smith America spanked 4-0 by Costa Rica and are bottom of the CONCACAF qualifying table


Bit early to write off the team's chances of qualifying, but calls for JK's sacking are out there. Interested in Libber's views here.


Realistically though have any Americans actually noticed. It's not the women's team after all.

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Re: World Cup 2018

by stl_royal » 21 Nov 2016 21:39

Klinnsmann sacked as both manager and technical director by US Soccer. Former USA Manager Bruce Arena likely to replace him prior to the next qualifying matches in March.

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Re: World Cup 2018

by Sutekh » 22 Nov 2016 11:27

stl_royal Klinnsmann sacked as both manager and technical director by US Soccer. Former USA Manager Bruce Arena likely to replace him prior to the next qualifying matches in March.


Just in time for him to take the England job.....

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Re: World Cup 2018

by Winston Smith » 22 Nov 2016 12:05

Australia came from behind (lol) to draw with Thailand last week. Their 3rd draw in a row and they sit 3rd in their group, outside the automatic qualifying places.


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Re: World Cup 2018

by bcubed » 20 Feb 2017 13:16

Anyone see Russia's Hooligan Army on BBC 2 last week?

Pretty scary (although untrue according to Russian media reaction!)

I went to Marseilles and as a result I have no intention of travelling to Russia, but if I had I would think twice after watching that

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Sutekh
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Re: World Cup 2018

by Sutekh » 21 Feb 2017 22:39

Just unbelievable that this goes on. A complete disgrace that the finals went to Russia with their hooliganism record. But then no surprise given FIFA's involvement.

Incidentally I note that the FBI and Swiss criminal investigations into the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 world cups seem to have quietly faded away....

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Re: World Cup 2018

by savage 4 england » 23 Feb 2017 15:56

After being in central Marseille, I have no intention of travelling to Russia.

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Re: World Cup 2018

by George_ » 16 Mar 2017 14:06

Squad for the next 2 games announced:

Squad: Fraser Forster (Southampton), Joe Hart (Torino, on loan from Manchester City), Tom Heaton (Burnley), Ryan Bertrand (Southampton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Michael Keane (Burnley), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur), Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur), Michail Antonio (West Ham United), Ross Barkley (Everton), Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur), Adam Lallana (Liverpool), Jesse Lingard (Manchester United), Jake Livermore (West Bromwich Albion), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Nathan Redmond (Southampton), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), James Ward-Prowse (Southampton), Jermain Defoe (Sunderland), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Jamie Vardy (Leicester City)


Jake Livermore :shock:

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Re: World Cup 2018

by double d » 16 Mar 2017 14:08

George_ Squad for the next 2 games announced:

Squad: Fraser Forster (Southampton), Joe Hart (Torino, on loan from Manchester City), Tom Heaton (Burnley), Ryan Bertrand (Southampton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Michael Keane (Burnley), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur), Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur), Michail Antonio (West Ham United), Ross Barkley (Everton), Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur), Adam Lallana (Liverpool), Jesse Lingard (Manchester United), Jake Livermore (West Bromwich Albion), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Nathan Redmond (Southampton), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), James Ward-Prowse (Southampton), Jermain Defoe (Sunderland), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Jamie Vardy (Leicester City)


Jake Livermore :shock:


God that is a weak team. Saying that D Alli is probably the best player in that while squad is saying something.

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Re: World Cup 2018

by El Diablo » 21 Mar 2017 13:49

Not seen it mentioned elsewhere, but ex Reading academy Jonny Hayes has been selected by the RoI, for their upcoming WC2018 Fixtures...

Another Feather in the cap of the late Mr Dolan...

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Re: World Cup 2018

by Saaaaaaaammmmmm » 24 Mar 2017 10:34

Alright let's try and find some excitement across this week's international break...

Syria! Bloody Syria, they've only gone and put themselves in contention. Plenty of coverage of their plight this week from the BBC and journalist Richard Conway, who wrote this brilliant feature ahead of their game with Uzbekistan http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt ... _frontline

Plenty of drama from the Syrians as well, who won with an injury-time panenka penalty, which is some way of clinching maybe the biggest win in your country's history http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39368564

It really has been astonishing both in football terms and of course situationally with the ongoing war. Ahead of the qualification process Syria were ranked 26th in Asia (151st in the world), behind international footballing forces such as Turkmenistan, Myanmar, Tajikistan and the Maldives. They took advantage of the new Asian qualification process and got through the initial group stage, and their performances in the final round have been remarkable. We keep saying after every round of fixtures they won't be able to finish in the Top 3, but with 4 games left they're still in there. A result against South Korea will certainly make it a real possibility, and that's not out of the question given they've only conceded two goals in five games so far. Amazing job from the manager, who was in tears in the press conference. Proper emotional stuff

Group B in Asia has also suddenly got a bit interesting, as Australia have now drawn four consecutive matches after a 1-1 result against Iraq in Iran yesterday. They're in danger of missing out, and face a huge game against UAE next week. Japan and the Saudis therefore look to have done enough to qualify automatically, whilst the Aussies will be ruing missed oppurtuinites, particularly drawing against the whipping-boys Thailand

Flying over to everyone's favourite continent, Oceania, and there was a big result yesterday as Tahiti scored two late goals to win away in Papau New Guinea. In a hugely competitive group of three in which only the winner progresses, that Tahitians have the advantage now despite a defeat to the other group member the Solomon Islands in the last round of fixtures. Tahiti will play their final game next week as they host PNG, with June and two games between the Papaus and the Solomons likely deciding who will get to lose to New Zealand in the final. I wouldn't usually mention New Zealand's fairly standard exploits, but there is Reading interest, as ahead of our massive game against Leeds their star man Chris Wood will be in Fiji playing a double header against the Pacific Islanders next week. He'll be back from Fiji by next Saturday, but who knows in what jetlagged state

South America doesn't usually interest despite all the megastars, but it was Messi who scored a significant goal in a 1-0 win over Chile, lifting Argentina over the Copa America champions back into the qualification places. There were a few other interesting events last night. Former Spurs midfielder Paulinho scored a hat-trick (yes, three goals) against Uruguay in a 1-4 away win, whilst Bolivia losing to Columbia meant they have now equalled Luxembourg's record of 53 competitive away matches without a win. Which is quite some run

Our OS have been proud to give details of all our international players young and old competing next week, but they did miss out covering one of our men. Forgotten yet still contracted man Paolo Hurtado returned to the Peru squad for the first time since joining the Royals thanks to his performances on loan in Portugal. He was an unused sub as they drew 2-2 away at Venuezela, which has left them 5 points away from the qualification places

No African fixtures this time round, but in my last round-up I commented that the South Africa vs Senegal game had one of the worst refeering decisions I'd ever seen in my life. The refeere has since been banned for life by FIFA http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39327805

North America resumes with one round of fixtures all on Tuesday. The pick is Panama hosting USA, with the hosts seemingly looking stronger every qualification campaign and pushing closer than ever to a debut appearance. Given they lost to Mexico in the opening game before being stuffed 4-0 by Costa Rica, the Americans could do with a result, and fast. The Top 3 qualify with the 4th place facing off against Asia (yes maybe Syria), so plenty of interest there potentially this year. Costa Rica and Mexico look far stronger than the rest of the continent, and they also go head to head on Tuesday night

Finally, Europe. Just the one round of fixtures this time but nicely spread over three days this weekend and all covered on Sky Sports for those interested. Tonight sees the big one between injury-hit Ireland and a Wales side suddenly desperate for some points. Things will be clearer come kick-off as Serbia will have already played in Georgia, meaning they could go ahead of Ireland and five points clear of Wales. Remember only the group winners are guaranteed a place at the finals, whilst 2nd place doesn't even guarantee a play-off spot. Chris Gunter is fit to play for the Welsh, but opposition Paul McShane and Liam Kelly have both been ruled out

Also tonight sees the continuation of a genuinely interesting group in Europe, as Croatia, Ukraine, Iceland and Turkey all fight it out for the limited spots. Croatia host Ukraine tonight in a game between the top two, whilst Iceland have a tricky trip to Kosovo, who are starting to get desperate themselves for a first international win. Other excitement tonight sees giants Spain and Italy, both level on 10 points, continue the fight for that single spot. Although seemingly a procession for those two, Israel have clung on behind them and are just a point behind. The Israelites travel to Spain tonight in what should be a game too far, but pick up a surprise win and it would add another dimension to that group no one expected

Saturday's highlight is probably across Group A, with France looking an absolute force talent-wise they'll probably have first place wrapped up. But that leaves Netherlands, Sweden and Bulgaria fighting for the play-off spot, with the Dutch in danger of missing out on a second consecutive tournament. The Swedes should see off Belarus, but Holland must go to Bulgaria and really can't afford a defeat that would plunge them fourth in the group

Finally Sunday sees England (hooray) play Lithuania, with England two clear of Slovenia who go to Scotland, although it's quite difficult to get excited about any of that group. Northern Ireland are much more interesting, as they genuinely believe they can reach the World Cup for the first time in a generation, trailing Germany but sneaking into the play-offs as a best runner-up. They host Norway in what should be a massive evening at Windsor Park, where another win would put them in prime position ahead of the Czech Republic, who have already dropped a number of points, and Azerbaijan who keep doing the N.Irish a favour by taking points off all their rivals

So as always, plenty of interest when you look at the big picture, and could be a good weekend. Looking forward to the midweek games in North America and Asia particulalry, where hopefully some good stories will arise

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