What have we learnt from the latest World Cup qualifiers?
With most of the World Cup qualifying groups now decided, the list of the 32 participants at next summer’s tournament is almost complete. The matches at the weekend and last night provided a fitting climax to what has been an intriguing qualifying campaign. The Football Blog takes a look at what we’ve learnt over the past few days.
England are not invincible
The last two qualifiers will have been a wake up call for those who thought that Fabio Capello’s men would stroll to the final in South Africa. A poor performance against Ukraine and an unconvincing ‘Plan B’ againt Belarus prove there is still work to do. Whilst some players have promoted their cause (Peter Crouch, James Milner), others will fear their selection prospects have taken a step backwards (Michael Carrick, Emile Heskey).
Write off the Germans at your peril
Many had Russia has favourites to progress as Group 4 winners ahead of Saturday’s game against Germany. However, Joachim Löw’s side proved they have the ability to carve out results when required with a slender 1-0 victory over Guus Hiddink’s men. They remain far from convincing, but they are in the finals and there won’t be too many teams who will want to be drawn against them.
There will be some big names missing from the finals
For many the World Cup dream is over and they can start to plan their summer holidays, presumably somewhere with no television where they can’t be reminded what they’re missing out on. Those who will be scratching their heads the most at this prospect will be Sweden, Czech Republic, Croatia and Turkey, all of whom have been a regular fixture in recent tournaments. Spare a thought too for the other home nations sides …
The European play-offs will be fascinating
There could be more early casualties to come. The eight teams fighting it out for the four remaining European qualifying spots include heavyweights France, Russia and Portugal, all of who will probably feel they should have qualified already. They are all likely to be seeded when the draw is made next week, although this doesn’t guarantee much given the qualifying campaigns they have had. The Republic of Ireland will be hoping for the luck of the Irish when the teams are drawn.
Argentina know how to ride their luck
If Argentina thought they had used up all their luck in their late, late victory over Peru on Saturday, they would have been mistaken. Mario Bolatti’s 84th minute goal against Uruguay last night, secured the automatic spot which at times had appeared to be slipping away. Huge relief for Diego Maradona and a chance to have a swipe at his critics. Will he still be in charge at the finals though?
Other things are sometimes more important
US fans paid tribute to striker Charlie Davies during their side’s 2-2 draw with Costa Rica, following his horrific car crash earlier in the week. Thousands held up cards with the number 9 on – Davies’s shirt number – as well as several large banners of support during the ninth minute of the game. Davies is almost certain to miss the World Cup, although he will be thankful to be alive just to watch it. Get well soon Charlie.
So qualification is almost complete, with just the African groups still to be decided, as well as the various play-off games. The speculation and build-up can then begin in earnest for what promises to be a brilliant tournament. Roll on next summer.
