The OFC 2nd round also got underway, with New Caledonia and Fiji winning game 1 in group A and Vanuatu and New Zealand winning in group B.
That's a great result for the Australia; Japan had been in impressive form. The Aussies were quick to react to the signs of rot and switched managers before this break, which seems to have done the trick for them for now.
The race for second in that group's looking really tough though.
All in all, I've got to say that despite the increased number of berths, the competition in Asia looks pretty tough, much more so than a few years ago.
Countries like Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iran, Iraq, Japan, S Korea, N Korea, Australia*, UAE or Qatar don't look any more out of place than some of the lower ranked European nations that have featured at World Cups. Football's come along quite a bit in that part of the world.
As for CONMEBOL, I'd be curious to know what the mood's like in Uruguay regarding the NT. Bielsa isn't the best of communicators when the chips are down.
I do hope Venezuela make it. Haven't looked at the fixture lists, but hopefully theirs are a bit better than a couple of the sides above them.
Colombia have a load of recognisable names in their side. I also love how (going by 4 of their more recent call-ups) that they've decided it's definitely spelt 'Jhon'. A mention too for the magnificently named Roger Beyker Martínez.
Finally...a word on Messi...I know, MLS and all the other caveats, but how many goals and assists is the old man on how for the season/year?
I do hope Venezuela make it. Haven't looked at the fixture lists, but hopefully theirs are a bit better than a couple of the sides above them.
=======
Everyone bar Paraguay.
At home they have Brazil, Peru, Bolivia and Colombia.
Trips to Chile, Ecuador and then Uruguay and Argentina.
Hmm, might not be so bad to finish against Colombia and Argentina, as those two may well be home and dry by then.
Messi .
Anyone that hasn't recognised he is the greatest of all time by now just doesn't know football.
Messi might still at age 37 be the best in the world.
Watching some of his goals and assists for Miami this season and for Arg last night, I’d still pick him over anyone else for one game.
Page 1 of 1
First
Previous
1
Next
Latest
Sign in if you want to comment
WCQ - CONMEBOL and AFC
Page 1 of 1
posted on 16/10/24
The OFC 2nd round also got underway, with New Caledonia and Fiji winning game 1 in group A and Vanuatu and New Zealand winning in group B.
posted on 16/10/24
Chile & Peru in the mud
posted on 16/10/24
That's a great result for the Australia; Japan had been in impressive form. The Aussies were quick to react to the signs of rot and switched managers before this break, which seems to have done the trick for them for now.
The race for second in that group's looking really tough though.
All in all, I've got to say that despite the increased number of berths, the competition in Asia looks pretty tough, much more so than a few years ago.
Countries like Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iran, Iraq, Japan, S Korea, N Korea, Australia*, UAE or Qatar don't look any more out of place than some of the lower ranked European nations that have featured at World Cups. Football's come along quite a bit in that part of the world.
As for CONMEBOL, I'd be curious to know what the mood's like in Uruguay regarding the NT. Bielsa isn't the best of communicators when the chips are down.
I do hope Venezuela make it. Haven't looked at the fixture lists, but hopefully theirs are a bit better than a couple of the sides above them.
Colombia have a load of recognisable names in their side. I also love how (going by 4 of their more recent call-ups) that they've decided it's definitely spelt 'Jhon'. A mention too for the magnificently named Roger Beyker Martínez.
Finally...a word on Messi...I know, MLS and all the other caveats, but how many goals and assists is the old man on how for the season/year?
posted on 16/10/24
I do hope Venezuela make it. Haven't looked at the fixture lists, but hopefully theirs are a bit better than a couple of the sides above them.
=======
Everyone bar Paraguay.
At home they have Brazil, Peru, Bolivia and Colombia.
Trips to Chile, Ecuador and then Uruguay and Argentina.
posted on 16/10/24
Hmm, might not be so bad to finish against Colombia and Argentina, as those two may well be home and dry by then.
posted on 16/10/24
Messi .
Anyone that hasn't recognised he is the greatest of all time by now just doesn't know football.
posted on 16/10/24
Messi might still at age 37 be the best in the world.
Watching some of his goals and assists for Miami this season and for Arg last night, I’d still pick him over anyone else for one game.
Page 1 of 1