The Z Machine
Footballguy
NO comments on my Maradona link?
He's a ####### embarassment as a coachNot much more to sayNO comments on my Maradona link?
Fixed.I remember when I was in Bolivia a while back everyone was watching a Maradona press conference. He was completely wasted and pill-ed out. Couldn't complete a sentence. I can't believe Argentina is trusting him with their team. I can't wait to hear player's stories after he is gone.He's a ####### embarassment as a coach personNot much more to sayNO comments on my Maradona link?
anyone have a link to this? and anyone see an explanation on this? i don't think anything should have been done, but i have talked to some people who do think the goal shouldn't have counted.The Gator said:A balloon....SERIOUSLY?????????????????![]()
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-RTHH0wX2I...and here's a quote from Bruce.anyone have a link to this? and anyone see an explanation on this? i don't think anything should have been done, but i have talked to some people who do think the goal shouldn't have counted.The Gator said:A balloon....SERIOUSLY?????????????????![]()
yeah, just saw a report on sky sports now on fsc and they said basically the same thing. they said it shoulod have been a drop ball and that there is also a precedence that has been set where the game could be replayed.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-RTHH0wX2I...and here's a quote from Bruce.anyone have a link to this? and anyone see an explanation on this? i don't think anything should have been done, but i have talked to some people who do think the goal shouldn't have counted.The Gator said:A balloon....SERIOUSLY?????????????????![]()
"I thought [the goal] was a deflection off a player [when the ball hit the beach ball and diverted in]. I have to say when I have just seen it there, if anybody knew that rule - that it is supposed to be a drop ball - then you are a saddo. They have got it on telly with the guy who threw it on and it's got Liverpool crests all over it. What a shame."
Seems the goal shouldn't have counted
When do they play the games?European playoff draw.....France v IrelandPortugal v Bosnia-HerzegovinaGreece v UkraineRussia v Slovenia
I thought I read somewhere it was Nov. 14thWhen do they play the games?European playoff draw.....France v IrelandPortugal v Bosnia-HerzegovinaGreece v UkraineRussia v Slovenia
yeah, just saw a report on sky sports now on fsc and they said basically the same thing. they said it shoulod have been a drop ball and that there is also a precedence that has been set where the game could be replayed.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-RTHH0wX2I...and here's a quote from Bruce.anyone have a link to this? and anyone see an explanation on this? i don't think anything should have been done, but i have talked to some people who do think the goal shouldn't have counted.The Gator said:A balloon....SERIOUSLY?????????????????![]()
"I thought [the goal] was a deflection off a player [when the ball hit the beach ball and diverted in]. I have to say when I have just seen it there, if anybody knew that rule - that it is supposed to be a drop ball - then you are a saddo. They have got it on telly with the guy who threw it on and it's got Liverpool crests all over it. What a shame."
Seems the goal shouldn't have counted
I wonder if they would have to field the same team...even if Gerrard and Torres are healthycorrect.First game is the 14th followed by a game on the 18th.I thought I read somewhere it was Nov. 14thWhen do they play the games?European playoff draw.....France v IrelandPortugal v Bosnia-HerzegovinaGreece v UkraineRussia v Slovenia
I know...for all the whining Benitez does he has that team playin terribly. They're sitting at 8th place in the table for a reason.Such a shame to see Liverpool sitting at 8th in the table, just 9 points clear of being relegated.
Go Ireland and Bosnia.European playoff draw.....France v IrelandPortugal v Bosnia-HerzegovinaGreece v UkraineRussia v Slovenia
i just want to be able to enjoy watching the best players (until the US is good enough to be seeded, we arent winning anyway).So i'm rooting for France and Portugal. I love watching Ronaldo play and i dont want to see Henry miss out on his last cup.edit: also, i'm pretty sure the US would have to be a consensus top 5 in order to get seeded. If we're on the cut line, Fifa will just change the rules to get Mexico in there instead.Go Ireland and Bosnia.European playoff draw.....France v IrelandPortugal v Bosnia-HerzegovinaGreece v UkraineRussia v Slovenia
get out!!!ESPN signed Martin Tyler to announce the World Cup.
current ranking is only part of the formula. How you perform in previous tournaments also has a huge factor (along with your already acknowledged FIFA fudged factor).I think the US would need back to back 2nd round appearances along with a top 10 ranking to have a shot.Although they will likely be seeded the next time we host which may be sooner than earning the seeding ourselves.\edit: also, i'm pretty sure the US would have to be a consensus top 5 in order to get seeded. If we're on the cut line, Fifa will just change the rules to get Mexico in there instead.
Ireland at least has some pretty good talent in Given, Keane, Dunne, O'Shea and guys like Duff and Kilbane who have played really well in previous cups getting one last shot. That isn't Henry or Ronaldo, but certainly better than a lot of teams that will go. They have also advanced to the 2nd round in all 3 world cup finals they have participated in (90, 94, 02). And given they are a country of only 4mil people, they are officially the little guy (is any nation that is going smaller?). Hard for me not to root for them.i just want to be able to enjoy watching the best players (until the US is good enough to be seeded, we arent winning anyway).So i'm rooting for France and Portugal. I love watching Ronaldo play and i dont want to see Henry miss out on his last cup.
Someone outlined this earlier but we may actually have a shot at a seed if Costa Rica can advance. It would make the buckets uneven mixing CONCACAF/AFC/OFC which would then be 9. If nothing else, maybe they would separate us out into the CONMEBOL/CAF bucket (since there would only be 7) and we would guarantee drawing an AFC or OFC squad and avoid a group of SEED-UEFA-CONMEBOL/CAF like every other time. Instead we would draw SEED-UEFA-AFC/OFC. I'm totally speculating but someone would have to move buckets.current ranking is only part of the formula. How you perform in previous tournaments also has a huge factor (along with your already acknowledged FIFA fudged factor).I think the US would need back to back 2nd round appearances along with a top 10 ranking to have a shot.Although they will likely be seeded the next time we host which may be sooner than earning the seeding ourselves.\edit: also, i'm pretty sure the US would have to be a consensus top 5 in order to get seeded. If we're on the cut line, Fifa will just change the rules to get Mexico in there instead.
Yah, if CR wins, the FIFA tap dance should be interestingSomeone outlined this earlier but we may actually have a shot at a seed if Costa Rica can advance. It would make the buckets uneven mixing CONCACAF/AFC/OFC which would then be 9. If nothing else, maybe they would separate us out into the CONMEBOL/AFC bucket (since there would only be 7) and we would guarantee drawing an AFC or OFC squad and avoid a group of SEED-UEFA-CONMEBOL/AFC like every other time. Instead we would draw SEED-UEFA-AFC/OFC. I'm totally speculating but someone would have to move buckets.current ranking is only part of the formula. How you perform in previous tournaments also has a huge factor (along with your already acknowledged FIFA fudged factor).I think the US would need back to back 2nd round appearances along with a top 10 ranking to have a shot.Although they will likely be seeded the next time we host which may be sooner than earning the seeding ourselves.\edit: also, i'm pretty sure the US would have to be a consensus top 5 in order to get seeded. If we're on the cut line, Fifa will just change the rules to get Mexico in there instead.
I am too lazy to look it up right now but I wonder if France would be up for a #1 seed and if they don't qualify if that would affect the buckets as well...I sort of doubt it. My guess in no particular order1. Brazil2. Argentina3. Italy4. Spain5. England6. Netherlands7. Germany8. RSA (auto-host)Yah, if CR wins, the FIFA tap dance should be interestingSomeone outlined this earlier but we may actually have a shot at a seed if Costa Rica can advance. It would make the buckets uneven mixing CONCACAF/AFC/OFC which would then be 9. If nothing else, maybe they would separate us out into the CONMEBOL/AFC bucket (since there would only be 7) and we would guarantee drawing an AFC or OFC squad and avoid a group of SEED-UEFA-CONMEBOL/AFC like every other time. Instead we would draw SEED-UEFA-AFC/OFC. I'm totally speculating but someone would have to move buckets.current ranking is only part of the formula. How you perform in previous tournaments also has a huge factor (along with your already acknowledged FIFA fudged factor).I think the US would need back to back 2nd round appearances along with a top 10 ranking to have a shot.Although they will likely be seeded the next time we host which may be sooner than earning the seeding ourselves.\edit: also, i'm pretty sure the US would have to be a consensus top 5 in order to get seeded. If we're on the cut line, Fifa will just change the rules to get Mexico in there instead.I am too lazy to look it up right now but I wonder if France would be up for a #1 seed and if they don't qualify if that would affect the buckets as well...
That's awesome. They still have Andy Gray under contract?(please let him call one US match - I know, won't happen...)get out!!!ESPN signed Martin Tyler to announce the World Cup.
If France qualifies, I think they absolutely get seeded, since 1/2 of FIFA's seeding process(currently) is performance in the last 3 World Cups, and France has a win in '98 and a runner-up finish in 2006. Meanwhile Netherlands failed to qualify in 2002. No way Netherlands gets a seed over France under current FIFA rules.I sort of doubt it. My guess in no particular order1. Brazil2. Argentina3. Italy4. Spain5. England6. Netherlands7. Germany8. RSA (auto-host)Yah, if CR wins, the FIFA tap dance should be interestingSomeone outlined this earlier but we may actually have a shot at a seed if Costa Rica can advance. It would make the buckets uneven mixing CONCACAF/AFC/OFC which would then be 9. If nothing else, maybe they would separate us out into the CONMEBOL/AFC bucket (since there would only be 7) and we would guarantee drawing an AFC or OFC squad and avoid a group of SEED-UEFA-CONMEBOL/AFC like every other time. Instead we would draw SEED-UEFA-AFC/OFC. I'm totally speculating but someone would have to move buckets.current ranking is only part of the formula. How you perform in previous tournaments also has a huge factor (along with your already acknowledged FIFA fudged factor).I think the US would need back to back 2nd round appearances along with a top 10 ranking to have a shot.Although they will likely be seeded the next time we host which may be sooner than earning the seeding ourselves.\edit: also, i'm pretty sure the US would have to be a consensus top 5 in order to get seeded. If we're on the cut line, Fifa will just change the rules to get Mexico in there instead.I am too lazy to look it up right now but I wonder if France would be up for a #1 seed and if they don't qualify if that would affect the buckets as well...
95% chance it's this. Keep in mind that this WC will be played on African soil, so FIFA wants African teams to go far as possible. To that end, they'd rather place them in groups with "weaker" CONCACAF teams than with "stronger" South American teams.Moe. said:If Uruguay advance is there any chance that the three CONCACAF teams will be in a pot with the 5 African teams or will it definitely be CONCACAF + Asia (or NZ) in a pot?
Makes sense, but I'm not so sure that Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay are that much better than the US, Mexico, and Honduras. I wouldn't be surprised to see Honduras do well next summer.95% chance it's this. Keep in mind that this WC will be played on African soil, so FIFA wants African teams to go far as possible. To that end, they'd rather place them in groups with "weaker" CONCACAF teams than with "stronger" South American teams.Moe. said:If Uruguay advance is there any chance that the three CONCACAF teams will be in a pot with the 5 African teams or will it definitely be CONCACAF + Asia (or NZ) in a pot?
I completely agree with you. On a neutral field, I'd take US/MEX/HON over Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay. I'm just not sure that the politics of the FIFA machine will see it that way, especially given the weak showing by CONCACAF in '98 (US dead last, Jamaica 3 and out) and '06 (US and CR 3 and out, a seeded Mexico out in round 2).Makes sense, but I'm not so sure that Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay are that much better than the US, Mexico, and Honduras. I wouldn't be surprised to see Honduras do well next summer.95% chance it's this. Keep in mind that this WC will be played on African soil, so FIFA wants African teams to go far as possible. To that end, they'd rather place them in groups with "weaker" CONCACAF teams than with "stronger" South American teams.Moe. said:If Uruguay advance is there any chance that the three CONCACAF teams will be in a pot with the 5 African teams or will it definitely be CONCACAF + Asia (or NZ) in a pot?
Are you talking about 2002? Wouldn't SK have been the seed, not Portugal?We didn't do so well last time when it was SEED-UEFA-AFC-USA. We got smoked by everyone except the seeded team.
he's talking '98SEED = GermanyUEFA = YugoslaviaAFC = IranAre you talking about 2002? Wouldn't SK have been the seed, not Portugal?We didn't do so well last time when it was SEED-UEFA-AFC-USA. We got smoked by everyone except the seeded team.
I will.They play pretty well on home turf. They won't be playing on Honduran soil or in front of a bunch Honduran emigrants. They don't have a lot of big international experience, and although their very good players are upper tier players, the rest of the squad is decidedly mediocre. I'd be shocked if they got any more than 2 points in the Group Stage. They aren't Mexico.Makes sense, but I'm not so sure that Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay are that much better than the US, Mexico, and Honduras. I wouldn't be surprised to see Honduras do well next summer.95% chance it's this. Keep in mind that this WC will be played on African soil, so FIFA wants African teams to go far as possible. To that end, they'd rather place them in groups with "weaker" CONCACAF teams than with "stronger" South American teams.Moe. said:If Uruguay advance is there any chance that the three CONCACAF teams will be in a pot with the 5 African teams or will it definitely be CONCACAF + Asia (or NZ) in a pot?
What about 2006?Italy = seed, Czech Rep. = UEFA, Ghana = AFCAre you talking about 2002? Wouldn't SK have been the seed, not Portugal?We didn't do so well last time when it was SEED-UEFA-AFC-USA. We got smoked by everyone except the seeded team.
AFC = Asia, not Africa (CAF)What about 2006?Italy = seed, Czech Rep. = UEFA, Ghana = AFCAre you talking about 2002? Wouldn't SK have been the seed, not Portugal?We didn't do so well last time when it was SEED-UEFA-AFC-USA. We got smoked by everyone except the seeded team.
2006 was Italy, Czech, and GhanaFWIW if FIFA uses the same pots as last time, we (and Mexico) have pretty large percentage chances of being groups of death. I really think that FIFA has to think about just ranking based pots otherwise the chances are really high they end up with 2 groups of death (both us and Mexico would have something like a 5/8 chance of ending up with a seed/European side/(South Am/Ivory coast/Cameroon)).Having said that/knowing the probability involved here, I don't see FIFA/UEFA guys pissing off Warner right now in the lead up to deciding who gets WC 2018 which lead me to believe they'll come up with some system to shield the top two CONCACAF teams,Are you talking about 2002? Wouldn't SK have been the seed, not Portugal?We didn't do so well last time when it was SEED-UEFA-AFC-USA. We got smoked by everyone except the seeded team.
Ah. My mistake.AFC = Asia, not Africa (CAF)What about 2006?Italy = seed, Czech Rep. = UEFA, Ghana = AFCAre you talking about 2002? Wouldn't SK have been the seed, not Portugal?We didn't do so well last time when it was SEED-UEFA-AFC-USA. We got smoked by everyone except the seeded team.
very doubtful, IMO. CONCACAF is a total afterthough to the global soccer community. I dont think they could care less if the US and Mexico dont like their draw.Having said that/knowing the probability involved here, I don't see FIFA/UEFA guys pissing off Warner right now in the lead up to deciding who gets WC 2018 which lead me to believe they'll come up with some system to shield the top two CONCACAF teams,
Call me crazy, but Warner doesn't come out criticising England's WC bid without wanting something.very doubtful, IMO. CONCACAF is a total afterthough to the global soccer community. I dont think they could care less if the US and Mexico dont like their draw.Having said that/knowing the probability involved here, I don't see FIFA/UEFA guys pissing off Warner right now in the lead up to deciding who gets WC 2018 which lead me to believe they'll come up with some system to shield the top two CONCACAF teams,
Holland? I thought they didn't even qualify back in 2002. If the math formula is anything like it has been for the last few world cups, that one item alone pretty much assures that they won't get seeded. Which means any group that Holland gets placed in will be a great start to a group of death unless it is with RSA.I sort of doubt it. My guess in no particular order1. Brazil2. Argentina3. Italy4. Spain5. England6. Netherlands7. Germany8. RSA (auto-host)Yah, if CR wins, the FIFA tap dance should be interestingSomeone outlined this earlier but we may actually have a shot at a seed if Costa Rica can advance. It would make the buckets uneven mixing CONCACAF/AFC/OFC which would then be 9. If nothing else, maybe they would separate us out into the CONMEBOL/AFC bucket (since there would only be 7) and we would guarantee drawing an AFC or OFC squad and avoid a group of SEED-UEFA-CONMEBOL/AFC like every other time. Instead we would draw SEED-UEFA-AFC/OFC. I'm totally speculating but someone would have to move buckets.current ranking is only part of the formula. How you perform in previous tournaments also has a huge factor (along with your already acknowledged FIFA fudged factor).I think the US would need back to back 2nd round appearances along with a top 10 ranking to have a shot.Although they will likely be seeded the next time we host which may be sooner than earning the seeding ourselves.\edit: also, i'm pretty sure the US would have to be a consensus top 5 in order to get seeded. If we're on the cut line, Fifa will just change the rules to get Mexico in there instead.I am too lazy to look it up right now but I wonder if France would be up for a #1 seed and if they don't qualify if that would affect the buckets as well...
If France doesn't qualify, who gets the 8th seed? Holland's the only team that makes sense.Holland? I thought they didn't even qualify back in 2002. If the math formula is anything like it has been for the last few world cups, that one item alone pretty much assures that they won't get seeded. Which means any group that Holland gets placed in will be a great start to a group of death unless it is with RSA.I sort of doubt it. My guess in no particular order1. Brazil2. Argentina3. Italy4. Spain5. England6. Netherlands7. Germany8. RSA (auto-host)Yah, if CR wins, the FIFA tap dance should be interestingSomeone outlined this earlier but we may actually have a shot at a seed if Costa Rica can advance. It would make the buckets uneven mixing CONCACAF/AFC/OFC which would then be 9. If nothing else, maybe they would separate us out into the CONMEBOL/AFC bucket (since there would only be 7) and we would guarantee drawing an AFC or OFC squad and avoid a group of SEED-UEFA-CONMEBOL/AFC like every other time. Instead we would draw SEED-UEFA-AFC/OFC. I'm totally speculating but someone would have to move buckets.current ranking is only part of the formula. How you perform in previous tournaments also has a huge factor (along with your already acknowledged FIFA fudged factor).I think the US would need back to back 2nd round appearances along with a top 10 ranking to have a shot.Although they will likely be seeded the next time we host which may be sooner than earning the seeding ourselves.I am too lazy to look it up right now but I wonder if France would be up for a #1 seed and if they don't qualify if that would affect the buckets as well...
they'll give it to Mexico.If France doesn't qualify, who gets the 8th seed? Holland's the only team that makes sense.
Possibly - I'd really hate that. Definitely more of a chance of that happening if CR beats Uruguay to get 4 CONCACAF teams in. Woud solve a lot of pot problems.I think Portugal has an outside chance at a seed if they qualify, if they apply a weighted average favoring the performance of the last WC more than '98 and 2002. Plus you have the Cristiano Ronaldo marquee player factor.they'll give it to Mexico.If France doesn't qualify, who gets the 8th seed? Holland's the only team that makes sense.
Then I finally know where/when to book my tickets to SA. Oh and hotel room stays and all that too.IIRC World Cup draw is Dec. 4th