World Cup: National Team threads #2

[John Price]

Palestine takes a surprising 1-0 lead early on South Korea.

 

[cgf]

Fun tie between the French & German U21 teams. Beier had a chance to set Mouki up for the 3-1 shortly before they equalized, but France had the momentum and worked a very nice goal to make it 2-2.

 

[HajdukSplit]

Completion of Asian WC qualifying, 6 of 10 rounds are done

A: Iran very comfortable plus having 3 of their final 4 matches at home they should qualify probably with games to spare. 2nd spot looks likely between UAE and Uzbekistan, especially after Qatar were hammered by UAE (their goal difference took a massive hit). UAE on paper have the easier fixtures + play Uzbekistan at home

B: South Korea dropped points against Palestine so their lead is only 2 points above Iraq however like Iran they have 3 home games remaining so they should be fine. Iraq/Jordan fighting for that automatic spot

C: Most dramatic in terms of second place as Japan are running away with things, probably 4 points from their last 4 will be more than enough. However 2nd-6th place is separated by only one point with Saudi and Australia struggling big time. China and the surprising Indonesia are in the picture as well. All to play for hard to call

*Important to note because of the expanded WC field in 2026 there will be another round for the teams that finish 3rd/4th in these groups to fill the final spots.

 

[S E P H]

Did I read the news story right when I was half asleep today? Ghana is going to miss AFCON '25? That is nuts, but African football has always been a very strange tale of witchcraft and dark arts. Makes it super entertaining to watch.

Some crazy results from Asian, how the hell do you draw if your nation is named Australia and Korea?

 

[S E P H]

I am really stoked for some of these SA games later on today. Some tasty match ups

 

[Duchene2MacKinnon]

Back line for Argentina is depleted but they need to get going upfront.

Damn no finishing so far. But some good chances In this half

 

[Jussi]

The kids qualified for U-21 Euro tournament.

 

[robertmac43]

Indonesia win and Palestine hold on for a draw. Would love to see both make it through to the World Cup.

 

[S E P H]

Argentina not winning by multiple goals is more pathetic than Korea drawing against Palestine.

 

[HajdukSplit]

Saudi Arabia will play in next summer's Gold Cup as an invited team, however its possible they don't bring their strongest squad; they have crucial WC qualifiers in June + many of their players will be involved in the FIFA Club World Cup (if it even takes place)

 

[robertmac43]

Saudi Arabia will play in next summer's Gold Cup as an invited team, however its possible they don't bring their strongest squad; they have crucial WC qualifiers in June + many of their players will be involved in the FIFA Club World Cup (if it even takes place)

I don't understand this move for CONCACAF..... Instead of inviting Saudi Arabia, just expand the tournament to include another team from the Region.

 

[Duchene2MacKinnon]

I don't understand this move for CONCACAF..... Instead of inviting Saudi Arabia, just expand the tournament to include another team from the Region.

I have just found out about this but my guess is money. It’s always the money.

 

[robertmac43]

I have just found out about this but my guess is money. It’s always the money.

Oh for sure money....