International Saints Watch Part 2

Steven Davis captaining N Ireland against Norway. 0-0 after 60 mins but N Ireland are already in the playoffs so only seeding to play for.

 

Well Brunt of N. Ireland has scored but unfortunately it's in the wrong goal.

 

That's usually Wales' job!!

 

I thought Henderson was one of the ''better'' performers, at least he made some forward runs into the channels and beyond.

 

Why oh why do the teams that come second in the European zone for World Cup qualification need to play-off? If the likes of four time winners like Italy are not good enough to come top, then they are simply not good enough for the World Cup finals. IMO, only the group winners should qualify. This would open up the tournament to other nations around the globe with more representation from Asia, Africa and Central and South America. As it stands Europe has 14 places as against Asia's 4. I think we would all love a country like Bangladesh or India to be there. As it is we are likely to have a number of very ordinary European teams there, who while better, have no chance of progressing beyond the second phase in the tournament.

Given this imbalance, it is one reason why I won't be cheering for a European team at the World Cup. It would be great for countries like Mexico and Egypt to really make a statement in the tournament next summer.

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41546545
no details but:
"Republic of Ireland striker Shane Long has been ruled out of Monday night's World Cup qualifier against Wales because of injury."

 

Minor hip injury apparently. Could we about to experience what happened with Koeman in reverse, and stumble again upon a strangely effective solution because of an injury?

 

Nah, haven’t u heard? We’re getting ****ing relegated.

 

Wales v Ireland time, highly possible that Wales could be knocked out on yellow cards.

 

Tadic playing for Serbia. HT 0-0

They top the group with Wales and Ireland trying to topple them. Exciting.

 

Serbia winning 1-0. That should send Tadic to the World Cup.

 

He'll probably go the long way, not taking the direct flight but making 2 or 3 stops en route.

 

....and miss his destination ending up in Kazakhstan.

 

Dusan subbed off but Gabbi comes on for Italy.

 

Dusan playing for Italy? They could get disqualified for that.

 

The Republic win. Now they wait for their opponents. The North? I feel they would have no chance against a team as skilful as Croatia or as wly as the Italians in these play-off matches. We know Ireland can stuff the Italians on the rugby field but when it comes to football..... Will need to look at other possible permutations.

 

Think both Northern and Republic won't be seeded so can't meet?

Well done the Irish though, an average side so to make the play offs is a great achievement.


Wales

 

Amazingly enough I think Northern Ireland are going to be seeded, now Wales are out.

 

Bloody hell, that's mental really.

Would be umm 'interesting' if they drew each other.

 

Or not....