After the enthralling climax to the first set of PL fixtures, it is now the rather humdrum international break. European Qualifying is at the halfway stage, so not a lot of definitive action across the continent.
Scotland have had a stunning start to the campagn. 4 wins, including against Spain, mean they sit atop group A with 12 points from 12. They could qualify this week, although with just one game themselves it would be dependent on other results falling nicely.
The Scots go to Cyprus on Friday, while Spain face 2nd placed Georgia and bottom Cyprus. Norway play Georgia in the other tie - if that is a draw, Scotland win and Spain beat Georgia then I think that is the Scots through!!
For the Republic of Ireland things are less cheerful. 3 points from 3 and facing France and Netherlands this week, hopes could be all but done by this time next week. The Dutch also play Greece in what is likely to be a decisive game, with the Greeks currently second. If results fall their way, France could qualify this week even though they play just the Irish game.
England are another hundred percenter, and face second placed Ukraine on Friday. A win isn't likely to guarantee qualification, but it will be very close. Italy also face Ukraine, in what will go a long way to deciding who will be challenging England.
Wales, like the Irish, are in a bit of shiiit. 4 points from 4 games leaves them fourth. Croatia have the same points but only played twice, so this week will be a chance for them to gain control of the group. Croatia play Latvia and Armenia, while Wales go to Latvia. Current top 2 Turkey and Armenia meet on Friday.
It looks a lost cause for Northern Ireland, 5th and 6 points adrift the qualifying places. They are away to 4th placed Slovenia tomorrow before travelling to Kazakhstan (2nd) for Sundays game. They will probably need to win both.
Of the other groups, Sweden find themselves in a perilous position. Defeat against group leaders Austria will all but end their chances if Belgium beat Estonia and Azerbaijan. It is all pretty close in the other groups.
Elsewhere in the world, fans of clubs with Cameroonian and Ghanaian players will be hoping for a bit of help from Burundi and Central African Republic, as the African Cup of Nations qualifiers conclude. Most groups are done, but these two giants still have work to do.
World Cup qualifying starts in South America. A 2 year competition to get 6 qualifiers from the 10 nations, with a 7th entering the inter-continental play-offs. Seems a long and arduous process - although Asias qualifying process looks worse! Brazil play Bolivia and Peru, while Argentina have Ecuador and Bolivia.
In the CONCACAF regions it is Nations League groups, although the big hitters of Mexico and USA plus Canada and Costa Rica are not involved at this stage.
Asian and Oceanic nations only have friendlies.
Oh, and there is also the 150th Anniversary Heritage Match between Scotland and England on Tuesday night...
Englands games are on Channel 4, Wales on S4C and ViaPlay and the rest of the European games are also on ViaPlay.
Although, saying all that, it is meant to be good weather this weekend so you may prefer to be outside, drinking and having fun.
International Break...
posted on 6/9/23
comment by Insufferable-Piffle (U4388)
posted 51 minutes ago
As a Scot I've loved the start we have made, Clarke has got us playing effective football and we're winning games and has the players on the same page, might not continue but fingers crossed we can qualify before any drop in form
England will stroll to qualification but the other home nations have a job of work but good luck to them
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He's been very impressive, seems a perfect fit. Got a system that suits the players and is working very well. Be interesting to see how you get on in the euros (even Scotland can't mess it up from here )
posted on 6/9/23
comment by Pun (U21588)
posted 34 seconds ago
comment by Insufferable-Piffle (U4388)
posted 51 minutes ago
As a Scot I've loved the start we have made, Clarke has got us playing effective football and we're winning games and has the players on the same page, might not continue but fingers crossed we can qualify before any drop in form
England will stroll to qualification but the other home nations have a job of work but good luck to them
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He's been very impressive, seems a perfect fit. Got a system that suits the players and is working very well. Be interesting to see how you get on in the euros (even Scotland can't mess it up from here)
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Got a hugely lucky win in Norway that has basically put them on the brink here.
Even Scotland would cannae fool aet oop from here
posted on 6/9/23
comment by Pun (U21588)
posted 5 hours, 31 minutes ago
comment by D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)
posted 48 minutes ago
Similar, split in 3 divisions which are split into groups.
Their top division is the "Swiss model" thingy, so 6 teams in each group but they only play 4 games.
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only if it adds more games so they can make more money. Thats all they care about
posted on 7/9/23
comment by Pun (U21588)
posted 15 hours, 7 minutes ago
comment by Insufferable-Piffle (U4388)
posted 51 minutes ago
As a Scot I've loved the start we have made, Clarke has got us playing effective football and we're winning games and has the players on the same page, might not continue but fingers crossed we can qualify before any drop in form
England will stroll to qualification but the other home nations have a job of work but good luck to them
----------------------------------------------------------------------
He's been very impressive, seems a perfect fit. Got a system that suits the players and is working very well. Be interesting to see how you get on in the euros (even Scotland can't mess it up from here)
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Oh yes we can
posted on 7/9/23
comment by Insufferable-Piffle (U4388)
posted 53 minutes ago
comment by Pun (U21588)
posted 15 hours, 7 minutes ago
comment by Insufferable-Piffle (U4388)
posted 51 minutes ago
As a Scot I've loved the start we have made, Clarke has got us playing effective football and we're winning games and has the players on the same page, might not continue but fingers crossed we can qualify before any drop in form
England will stroll to qualification but the other home nations have a job of work but good luck to them
----------------------------------------------------------------------
He's been very impressive, seems a perfect fit. Got a system that suits the players and is working very well. Be interesting to see how you get on in the euros (even Scotland can't mess it up from here)
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Oh yes we can
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boogie?
posted on 7/9/23
comment by D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)
posted 22 hours, 57 minutes ago
Wouldn't surprise me if the Euro qualifiers take on the "Swiss model" sooner rather than later and then it will merge with Nations League in the end.
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what is the Swiss model DJ ?
posted on 7/9/23
A league where you don't play everyone in it. The CL next year system
posted on 7/9/23
Antman won it for Finland in the battle of the top 2 in Norden Irelands group.
posted on 7/9/23
comment by D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)
posted 2 hours, 41 minutes ago
A league where you don't play everyone in it. The CL next year system
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oh yes i know what you mean
posted on 7/9/23
Bad night for the Irish