DISQUS

England Fan · 1 year ago

I see Trevor Brooking is playing down the chances of England making the World Cup semi final in 2010. All part of the reality check for the fans and players I'm sure.

Phil McThomas · 1 year ago

Now you've put a knot in my stomach about not qualifying.

How many teams go through? Is it one automatic and one play-off? Or is it worse than that?

Croatia are obviously going to be a challenge. I wonder if Ukraine might be too.

Kartik · 1 year ago

One and one. England will win the group with ease and Ukriane may just edge out Croatia for the second spot. It would be a shame for the Croats. Since their wars ended they have qualified for every world cup (98,02,06) but being drawn in with the most talented side on the planet when you are supposedly seeded is simply not fair.

Does FIFA rig these draws? We have a problem here in CONCACAF where four of the top six ranked teams in FIFA's own rankings have been grouped together, while the two other seeded teams, the US and Costa Rica are playing teams ranked far far below them. Mexico in other words got screwed the same way Croatia did. So Sven has to hit the job running or his tenure will be very short indeed.

James · 1 year ago

This is completely and utterly UNFAIR. How is it that perhaps only one of these three teams will qualify for the world cup: England, Croatia or Ukraine? England and Ukraine are world cup quarter finalists, and yet they will be forced to fight for second place below Croatia.

TT · 1 year ago

Ingerlund are sixth favourites with some bookies back home to WIN the World Cup, let alone make it through qualification - worse than laughable. Please, no more mention ever of Andorra on this site.