Jon
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Post by Jon on Dec 6, 2013 0:04:27 GMT
Interesting article on how the FIFA rankings which decide seedings are calculated. www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-25134584As an average is used, some countries have shot themselves in the foot by playing friendlies against very weak nations - meaning that even a win drops your average considerably. Holland, Italy and England all threw away chances of a seeding by arranging unhelpful friendlies with no-hopers Indonesia, San Marino and Scotland. |
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JamesB
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Post by JamesB on Dec 6, 2013 0:39:39 GMT
In fairness, England don't deserve the seeded place anyway - they've been nowhere near good enough. I'm not surprised to see indignation from English fans and media about Switzerland but they are actually a very good side with some promising young players and momentum - a genuine dark horse, unlike Belgium who have been quoted as a dark horse so often they are surely just leading contenders now
I'm looking forward to this. One of the most interesting World Cup draws for decades which should automatically set this tournament up to be a classic. Four years ago I thought the World Cup was on its last legs, but this is one final shot - if it can't succeed with a competitive tournament, more positive football in fashion, plenty of individual genius on display, and taking place in one of the great footballing nations of the world, it'll be fair to assume the magic's gone for good
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JamesB
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Post by JamesB on Dec 6, 2013 20:09:46 GMT
I've seen Uruguay and Italy play recently. Theoretically they shouldn't have a chance of making it through even before the final group game. However, this is the World Cup, and I've got a feeling they'll somehow scrape through in 2nd, and then get a straight-forward tie in Round Two, boosting morale in time for the inevitable quarter-final defeat to Brazil
Was a good draw all round. Looking forward to this
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Post by frankfurt gull on Dec 7, 2013 12:12:36 GMT
I´m afraid I can´t share yout optimism James, I see no goals, no points and last place in the group stages as quite likey.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 7, 2013 14:14:56 GMT
I´m afraid I can´t share yout optimism James, I see no goals, no points and last place in the group stages as quite likey. Ditto...basically we're shite! |
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JamesB
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Posts: 1,526
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Post by JamesB on Dec 7, 2013 19:10:24 GMT
I´m afraid I can´t share yout optimism James, I see no goals, no points and last place in the group stages as quite likey. Optimism? I'm Welsh. This is pessimism |
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