FIFA World Cup 2014 Qualifying

[Keystone Phil]

Remember how Armenia was a threat in Euro qualifiers last time? Well, they just lost at home to Malta. This is the first competitive Maltese win in God only knows how long!

[Keystone Phil]

Czech Republic vs. Italy is on ESPN! A rare sight!

[Keystone Phil]

Already eliminated Scotland shock Croatia. I knew I should have called that one the other day. The blockbuster game: Portugal vs. Russia. Portugal ahead.

And Balotelli is off.

[Keystone Phil]

England got a lot of help as Ukraine demolished Montenegro 4-0 in Podgorica. Portugal got the 1-0 win against Russia but the latter have two games in hand. Meanwhile, Tender Branson Land won 2-1 against Sweden. Looks like it will be a fun battle for second in Group C (surprisingly) as even Ireland are in the mix.

Oh...we held on for a 0-0 draw with only ten men. Acceptable but obviously not ideal. Balotelli being an idiot on more than one occasion cost us the win. Luckily, three of our last four games are at home.

[Keystone Phil]

Armenia has been sucking lately but they came out guns blazing in Denmark. Goal in the first minute. Now up 2-0 before half. Maybe the death blow got Denmark's qualifying hopes.

In Friendly news, Italy went up 1-0 just twenty seconds in against Haiti!

[minionofmidas]

3-0 Armenia.

[Keystone Phil]

Barring goals in the final minute or so, Armenia pull off a 4-0 win in Copenhagen after losing to Malta at home.

[Lief 🗽]

What a bizarre result.

There's a very big South American qualifier tonight. If Uruguay loses to Venezuela then they're in very deep trouble.

[Keystone Phil]

Uruguay are already in deep trouble. If they lose, it's over and the rest of the campaign only gets harder.

Italy were up 2-0 with five minutes to go, concede a penalty and a 91st minute goal to Haiti.

[Keystone Phil]

Uruguay hang on in a very dramatic finish. Lone goal came from Cavani.

Mexico are still tied 0-0 in Mexico City. What a failure. 

[Platypus]

Australia won 4-0 in Melbourne against Jordan. Now we're at least third in the group.

We host Iraq in Sydney. If we win, we're second in the group and book a ticket to Brazil.

If we draw, and Oman win, we're third.

If we draw and Oman/Jordan draw, we're through in second.

If we draw and Jordan win,  we're through in second.


If we lose to Iraq in Sydney, and Oman win, we're third and play off against third in the other group, which is most likely Uzbekistan but could theoretically be Iran or South Korea.

If we lose and Jordan wins, we're tied for second with Jordan, but we currently have a 14 point adavantage on them in goal difference, so we're almost certainly second.

If we lose and Oman/Jordan draw, we're tied for second with Oman, and have a 6 point GD advantage.

At the very least, though, we can't be knocked out just yet which is a relief.

[Lief 🗽]

Uruguay hang on in a very dramatic finish. Lone goal came from Cavani.

Mexico are still tied 0-0 in Mexico City. What a failure. 

Mexico's been a disaster in qualifiers so far.

Meanwhile, USA just scored a legitimately pretty team goal.

[Lief 🗽]

USA moves to the top of the table!

Meanwhile some joke team gave up a two goal lead to Haiti today. It was pretty funny.

[Keystone Phil]

Meanwhile some joke team gave up a two goal lead to Haiti today. It was pretty funny.

Hey, can't wait to see your teams in the upcoming Confederations Cup! I forget though: are Germang and the U.S. in the same group or different?

[Lief 🗽]

The US will be playing in the much more important 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

[Keystone Phil]

The US will be playing in the much more important 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Ah, yes! Against dazzling teams like Antigua? Belize?

[Lief 🗽]

Don't forget Cuba!

[Gustaf]

I think Sweden is pretty fcked.

Also sad about Montenegro. I've been rooting for them for a while. Cool to see Belgium and Bosnia doing well though.

[Keystone Phil]

It's not that bad, Gustaf. You were obviously always battling for second. You'll get the three points against Kazakhstan, maybe lose to Germany at home (after clawing your way back from 0-4 away, I don't think a draw is out of the question though Germany will be out for revenge) and can obviously beat Austria and Ireland. Both of your competitors have to go to Germany still. At least you have them at home.

[Keystone Phil]

South Africa was eliminated from qualification as surprise side Ethiopia came back from 0-1 to win 2-1.

[Platypus]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kgq1g-2cQ54

[morgieb]

 yeah, we're in!

[Keystone Phil]

So that's Iran, South Korea and Australia that are also in. Uzbekistan get the first Fifth Round spot and await the winner of Jordan-Oman. Jordan need a win and are at home.

[Lief 🗽]

Really happy for Iran! South Korea is a fine team as well, so I'm happy they'll be in Brasil. Now let's hope Uzbekistan can navigate it's way through two playoffs.

[Lief 🗽]

Team USA surges to the top of the group with a third qualifying win in a row in the past week.