I try to answer as many questions as possible but I know that I have missed a number over the last few days. As much as I would like to sit and blog most of the day, time is a problem and I am afraid that it is just not possible to answer every query that is posted.
UEFA World Cup Qualifying Another off day at the European Championships and an opportunity to look ahead at World Cup qualifying in Europe that will get underway in less than eight weeks when Kazakhstan plays Andorra. The bulk of the game day one fixtures go on September 6.
There are eight groups of six countries and one of five. The group winners will qualify for the finals. The eight best runners-up will be qualify for a play-off round in which there will be four two-leg ties and the winners will qualify to play in South Africa in 2010.
In deciding the best runners up spots the eight groups of six will not have the results against the countries finishing bottom counted.
Group 1 Portugal, Sweden, Denmark, Hungary, Albania and Malta
Group 2 Switzerland, Greece, Israel, Moldova, Latvia and Luxembourg
Group 3 Czech Republic, Poland, Northern Ireland, Slovakia, Slovenia and San Marino
Group 4 Germany, Liechtenstein, Azerbaijan, Wales, Finland and Russia
Group 5 Turkey, Spain, Belgium, Bosnia Herzegovina, Armenia and Estonia
Group 6 Croatia, England, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Andorra
Group 7 France, Romania, Serbia, Austria, Lithuania and Faroe Islands
Group 8 Italy, Bulgaria, Republic of Ireland, Cyprus, Georgia and Montenegro
Group 9 Netherlands, Scotland, Norway, Macedonia FYR, and Iceland
Based on what you have seen over the last three weeks has your views changed on who might qualify from Europe?
Prediction Update We are down to only two possible winners. LHJS currently has 36 points and Geniusatwork has 34 points. With ten points available to the tournament winner it comes down to Germany (LHJS) or Spain (Geniusatwork).
Whoever gets it wrong will drop down the standings as there are a significant number of people sitting with figures in the low 30s and with either Spain or Germany to win.
The unofficial prediction rabbit Carlos has fallen to the folly of allowing his heart to rule is head. He picked Portugal to beat Spain in the final and so he has stalled out at 42 points.
Comment of the Day “WSC statisticians are also compiling a report on behalf of a secretive but influential global organisation that we are not at liberty to name. Findings include: Simone Perotta's birth in Ashton-under-Lyne has been mentioned a total of 15 times by the two TV channels and national radio; the local TV directors have missed live action while running a slow motion replay 23 times; the BBC panel have offered truisms disguised as analysis on 65 occasions; Alan Shearer has appended “for me” to his half-time comments on 19 occasions, conclusively establishing that the views expressed are his alone rather than those of the entire BBC production team in Vienna, or Geordies everywhere.” – When Saturday Comes on television coverage in the UK.
Stat Fact The highest scoring European Championship final was in 1976 when Czechoslovakia and West Germany drew 2-2. In the penalty shoot-out Uli Hoeness’ spot kick cleared the crossbar with room to spare and then Antonin Panenka chipped the winner down the middle as Sepp Maier anticipated a shot to the corner.
True or False Uli Hoeness was the last German player to miss a penalty in a shoot-out at a major international championship?
I have to say that with Austria having a young team that seems to have really gotten better because of this tournament, Group 7 with France, Romania, Serbia and Austria could be the closes we have to a Group of Death.
Apparently, Adebayor has confirmed he will be staying at Arsenal this season.
Also, I had a hat trick in my over-30 league game last night. Unfortunately, no video of the event is available, but let me tell you, it was good stuff.
Thanks Bobby, great job as usual.
Random thoughts:
Groups 1 & 6 seem to be toughest for Euro08 (and so-called "big") teams.
In G1 Portugal and Sweden could very well suffer at the hands of Denmark and a rejuvenated Hungary, though it might be too soon for the latter. As for Denmark, who knows what would have happened if "red mist" had not fallen on Poulsen.
In G6 what chance England "not traveling very well" to one or two of Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan? Still England will expect these other sides to take points from each other. Croatia may be overconfident.
G3 is pretty average and, therefore, wide-open, San Marino aside.
G5: Spain or Turkey? It's got to be Spain, but with wizard Fatih Terim staying now until 2010, who knows!
I thought the young Switzerland played good football and were a little unlucky: Frei's injury and Sionko's goal. They should travel to SA 2010. Germany have, again, a straightforward group as do Italy. France with a new boss will see off Romania but will need to crack Serbia's defense.
Every group is interesting with a possible chance for a few upsets to happen.
My pics :
G1 : Portugal and Sweden
G2 : Greece and Israel
G3 : Czech and Poland/Slovakia
G4 : Germany and Finland
G5 : Spain and Turkey/Bosnia
G6 : England and Ukraine
G7 : France and Romania
G8 : Italy and Bulgaria
G9 : Netherlands and Norway (Sorry Bobby!)
My favorite news sites when it comes to the beautiful game:
BBC Football
AS.COM
MARCA.COM
SPORT.ES
Sometimes GOAL, if I want a very brief review of all leagues and whatnot. Not a great source though...just a few days ago they said that Sinama-Pongolle was Brasilian. Ummm.
Rob Smyth of the Guardian chooses the best six international tournaments
here. I saw both Euro 2000 and Mexico 1986, which were both fantastic. This Euro will rank up there with that pair.
Here's a piece for atleti on her favourite club's transfer targets. Sinama is a useful little player. Coupet looks past it.
Finally, the editors at Soccernet have named their respective teams of the tournament ahead of the final. Read about it here.
Too many teams at the WC. Go back to 16 before WC'82 and have more matches in the second round. Look at the games at the WC'78 or even WC'82 when they had 24 teams. Now you have Turkey reaching the semifinals of WC 2002 beating China, Japan and Senegal and tying Costa Rica!!! Germany reaching the final in WC 2002 ,tying Ireland,beating Saudi Arabia, Cameroon, Paraguay, USA and South Korea. Italy beating Ukraine and Australia to get to the semifinalsin '06. With the weather in SA going to be 100 degrees and all these teams, 90 percent of games in 2010 will be a snorefest.
Group 1: Portugal (Denmark finishes second, is the odd team out)
Group 2: Greece and Switzerland
Group 3: Czech Republic and Poland
Group 4: Germany and Russia
Group 5: Spain and Turkey
Group 6: England and Croatia
Group 7: France and Romania
Group 8: Italy and Bulgaria
Group 9: Netherlands and Scotland
I know I'm going out on a really thin limb in saying that...
Bobby, I have nothing against either Scotland or Russia. I just like Norway's chances in group 9 and Finland's chances in group 4. Ireland is a potential contender, as well.
Uli Hoeness was a former German international and attacking midfielder for Bayern Munich in the 1970s. He now oversees the club's transfers.
Bobby, are the boldfaced teams the ones that you expect to go through? You have three bolded in Group 7 (France, Romania and Austria).
Based on past history, performance at the Euros are not a reliable gauge for WC qualifying.
Portugal, Germany, Spain, Russia, Croatia and the Netherlands seem to have solid core groups. France and Italy will need to replace some influential players but have more than enough talent to qualify. The Czechs and Swedes have a lot of older players and might miss out.
After much handwringing and jingoistic tabloid headlines, England will barely scrape through in a playoff. With hilarious consequences at the finals.
In any event, don't expect an European nation to win in 2010 -- they rarely travel well outside of their continent. Put money on Argentina or Brazil, although one of the west African powerhouses may spring a surprise.
Bobby, in the World Cup 2006 qualifiers Norway finished ahead of Scotland in second place with 18 points. With Norway beating Scotland 1-0 in Glasgow and losing 2-1 at home in Oslo. I think Scotland and Norway both have a good chance of qualifying since both came very close to qualify for Euro 2008.
Back then, Scotland and Norway were together in a group with Italy, Belarus and Moldova. Norway reached the play-offs but lost both legs against the Czech Republic. Scotland finished third with 13 points.
Take these to the bank....only if you bet AGAINST me. Because my track record is poor
Group 1: Denmark, Portugal
Group 2: Switzerland, Israel
Group 3: Czech Republic, Slovakia
Group 4: Russia, Germany
Group 5: Spain, Turkey
Group 6: England, Croatia
Group 7: Austria, Romania
Group 8: Italy, Bulgaria
Group 9: Netherlands, Iceland
I haven't looked this up, but I wonder how many caps Russia's Lev Yashin earned... They played far fewer international games in those days of course. I shall always remember reading in a Nottm. Forest gameday program many years ago that Yashin had recently saved his 100th penalty. That's still the most astounding football stat I've ever seen. Just think about it for a minute or two...
Ringo, I did say I couldn't (and still can't) see it on the web about Lamps, but I assumed they had some source I don't. If true, I think Lampard leaving is a big loss. On that topic I think the whole thing of have Drogba as the main target man has not played to Lampard's (or Joe Cole's) strengths. If he does go, I think he'd do well.
Belgium and Bosnia have big challenges if they hope to get into the top 2. Bosnia has been too inconsistent and Belgium just isn't producing enough good players anymore.
Thank you Bobby for responding to my email.
But i have to say, picking between Spain and Germany is not an easy task.
If i want to go with my brain i'll pick Germany,as you did.
But for some reason,i thing Spain will get the job done.
Bobby: What do you think the chances are of Spurs luring Gareth Barry or David Bentley to join them?
Both are devout, lifelong Spurs fans and are looking well unsettled according to major media gossip. Spurs apparently have more than enough money to cover their transfer costs. Their salary might be another matter.
And what do you make of the gossip linking Yossi Benayoun to Spurs? I know, a true Yid for the Yid Army sounds too tempting to resist. I don't buy all that ethnic stuff. I just rightly wonder whether he's really an upgrae on what they've already got.
And where do you see Adebayor going? He's clearly pissed off Ar5ena1 with his salary demands - improve my salary by 4x and I'll stay. Do you see him being made an example of and being shipped out?
Prediction update: Good luck Geniusatwork. Win or lose I won't be making any comments before, during or after the game as I have bin invited to a game day breakfast with my teammates, which could last awhile! But I would like to thank you all in advance as this has bin fun and especially you Bobby. Your comments have bin great, insightful and entertaining.
2010 Group stage picks
1.Portugal, Hungary(my dark horse)
2.Israel, Switzerland/Greece Tied!
3.Poland, Czech Republic
4.Russia, Germany
5.Spain, Turkey
6.England, Croatia (Heart over brain)
7.Romania, France
8.Italy, Bulgaria
9.Netherlands, Scotland
Germany (or Russia), Croatia (orEngland) France and Turkey will get threw in the end.
You answered the Germany penalty question before I could state that Germans don't miss! JOKE
I like Slovakia's chances in Group 3 and Israel's chances in Group 2. I just love uspets in football and I'm sure there is gonna be a few surprising teams in the world cup 2010.
From all accounts, Bentley will be at Spurs next season. Although, he actually wasn't a supporter as a youth the way Barry was. He has told Ince he wants to leave, and likes Ramos and the additions we have made so far. This is coming from the most reliable "in the know" people, who called Johnny Two Saints and Gomes days in advance. But as with all ITK, it should be taken with a grain of salt, so it's likely but not definite. There is still interest/competition from other clubs, but Liverpool, who would trump us, can't afford him at the moment. And I think they want Barry first.
As for Barry, there is no interest by the club in him. Not sure why? Perhaps they don't rate him as the DM that can get the ball for Modric, as NRC does that at Villa. Who knows? And even though he was a Spurs lad, I doubt he would pass up a chance at Liverpool to be honest. So at this point I imagine next year is Villa or Liverpool for him.
As for a proper DM, there is no information on who the club is tracking at the moment. I know they wanted Palombo back in May from Samp, but I don't think he wanted to move.
Any links with Crouchey and his Nachos or Benayoun seem to be made up at the moment. Probably club/agent talk to drive up valuation.
Hope that helps, although if Bobby comes in with better info, trust him over me. My stuff is given in good faith, but one never knows when getting info from club supporters if it is wishful thinking or knowledge.
Cheers
Last edited by DoublePivot on June 27th at 6:15 PM.
In 1976 at the Euro in former Jugoslavia,the Czechoslovak Team contained more Slovak players then Czech...just out of curiosity.
It was the best game of all times,with the penalty shoot out.
Panenka is still our National hero.
I saw him in my town playing beach soccer in his 50's few years ago,unbelivable...My kids couldn't believe their eyes...Ronaldinho's moves etc...
The 1976 Team also had a duo of 2 great Coaches,Jezek and Venglos....
It was great Team.
Uli Hoeness received death threats in Germany,retired from soccer ,following the missed penalty and just lately{last 10-15 years} re-emerged on the staff of Bayern Munich.
That's very nice of you Double Pivot. I'll see that Bobby sends you an autographed packet of kippers for doing his job for him.
And now for something completely original, some of the greatest quotes from BBC's John Motson, who calls his last-ever international game on Sunday after a stellar 40-plus-years career at the mike.
"That tackle was so hard, it hurt his whole family.”
“For those of you watching in black and white, Spurs are in the all-yellow strip.”
“The World Cup is a truly international event”.
“And what a time to score! Twenty-two minutes gone.”
“I think this could be our best victory over Germany since the war.”
“And Seaman, just like a falling oak, manages to change direction.”
“The goals made such a difference to the way this game went.”
“It looks like a one-man show here, although there are two men involved.”
“It’s Arsenal 0, Everton 1, and the longer it stays like that the more you’ve got to fancy Everton.”
“It’s a football stadium in the truest sense of the word.”
“This is the biggest thing that’s happened in Athens since Homer put down his pen.”
My personal favorite: After a particularly snazzy bit of dribbling, Motson described the footwork of Chelsea star Gianfranco Zola thusly:
"OHHHhhhh, ZOHHHLaaah! The toes were twinkling."
That made me a fan of both men. One of a kind, Motty, and he'll be missed.
WC predictions:
Group 1: Portugal, Albania
Group 2: Swiss, Greece
Group 3: Czech, Poland
Group 4: Germany, Russia
Group 5: Spain, Turkey
Group 6: Croatia, Ukraine (another tournement without England, euro 2008 has been great)
Group 7: France, Serbia
Group 8: Italy, Ireland
Group 9: Holland, Scotland
False to your question
Stielike missed in 1982 shoot-out vs France
Last edited by VanDerVaart23 on June 28th at 10:14 PM.
I am the soccer analyst for the Fox Soccer Report and appear twice a week - every Monday and Friday at 10:00 EST. I have also been a regular contributor to the Fox Soccer Channel website since the summer of 2004. Over the last twenty years I have contributed to various radio and television programs throughout North America as well writing about the game for newspapers, magazines and websites.
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