A draw between Wales and the Republic of Ireland would be the worse result for both teams - it would leave Wales relying on others and the Irish certainly out. I think Wales will win anyway, even without Bale.
We could see a hilarious 10 minutes at the end if they are drawing and if the score elsewhere isn't helping Wales. Both teams will have to throw the kitchen sink forward!
Update: England's win last night guarantees that they will be in pot 2 for the World Cup draw - no higher, no lower. We'll avoid some good teams too, as it's looking a bit like... Chile, Wales, Switzerland, France, Spain, England, Mexico, Italy. Yes, Switzerland look set to drop out of the world's top 7 before the draw (though a win in Portugal might still change that). Italy could still end up in pot 3 (if they get through the playoffs, of course), depending on their result tonight and scores elsewhere. Pot 1 in the draw could look very odd... Russia, Brazil, Germany, Portugal, Belgium, Poland, Peru, Argentina. If Argentina or Peru miss out, then Wales (if they win tonight and then get through the playoffs) might find themselves in pot 1. =---------------------- Back in the European playoffs, N Ireland's loss last night guarantees that they won't be seeded in the playoff draw. The seeds will be Portugal/Switzerland, Wales (if they make it), Italy (barring odd results tonight), and one of Sweden, Croatia or Slovakia.
Scotland didn't qualify because of genetics says Gordan Stracen Their dimunative size second only to Spain, more meant they were too easily muscled of the ball and lost out in the 50/50's
I'm hoping for the following scenario tonight: Wales draw 1-1 Croatia draw 2-2 They get the same number of yellow cards, but Croatia also get a straight red card. (Or there are no reds but Croatia get four more yellows than Wales.) The outcome: drawing of lots to decide a playoff place!
As far as the USA goes, it looks like Bruce Arena has righted the ship after the Juergen Klinsmann experiment was ended. Still, playing away to the side residing at the bottom of the hexagonal brings trepidation. T&T's small stadium has a notoriously bad pitch, and it has been flooded the past few days. T&T also nearly drew Mexico away last Friday, until an 88th minute goal from Chicharito. It is not out of the realm of real possibilities for Honduras to knock off visiting Mexico and for Panama to knock off visiting Costa Rica. Then a slip up in the Caribbean and we're like Scotsman in 2018.
Well that goal came out of the blue. Although it was a well worked goal, the Irish are such an agricultural team. I can't help feeling the World Cup would be better with the Welsh in it.
