FIFA World Cup 2014 Qualifying

[Platypus]

I think you'll find that the AFC is the superior confederation.At least since Australia joined it.

No but srly, the AFC looks like it'll be sending all three of the top 3 - Japan, Australia, Sth Korea. Even fourth and fifth look like they're not going to offer big shocks.

[Platypus]

(to be honest, only Japan looks comfortably qualified so far, with South Korea probable. Australia's not doing as well as we should be, but has no real cause for concern in at least making the top three in the group, and is, independently, clearly one of the five best sides in the AFC)

( Then again anything can happen in such a low-scoring sport)

[Platypus]

Looks like Mexico will be able to cruise back to the WC. We also have a weak group with Guyana, El Salvador and Costa Rica. I expect we make 1st place in the hexagonal. My only question is who will be qualifying 3rd with Mexico and the U.S. and if the 4th placer can beat New Zealand.

Italy couldn't

[Platypus]

Next up for us is a not-quite-must-win-but-certainly-best-not-to-lose game away against Iraq :/

[Platypus]

Next up for us is a not-quite-must-win-but-certainly-best-not-to-lose game away against Iraq :/

Better hope that your team players come home in 1 part ...

More likely to be killed here after losing to Jordan 2-1.

[Platypus]

fair point.

[Platypus]

We're up against Iraq away in a couple of days...

Draw is fine, loss is certainly not the end, but it'd be really nice to get a win.

[Platypus]

Australia come from behind to win 2-1 against Iraq. Nark Bosnich summed up a hopeless game quite well: ''Iraq were very bad and we weren't far off''.

[Platypus]

Final four of the WC14: Sweden, N. Ireland, Australia, and Austria.

[Platypus]

Oh England. Won't qualify for the World Cup in soccer, looking like a possible third-tier qualifier for the RWC, and destined for more irrelevancy in Netball.

At least you still have Cricket, right?

[Platypus]

Soccer is probably the most entertaining sport to see live. Certainly better than football or baseball.

Also this snow storm match is awesome.

Never been to AFL?

This.

[Platypus]

Australia escapes with a draw in Sydney vs Oman.

Quality

[Platypus]

Australia gets a lucky and unlucky draw in Japan.

[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.

[Platypus]

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

[Platypus]

Hi there American!

I'm here as a representative of the rest of the world. We make up about 6.8 billion people!

Anyhow, we're just letting you know that we don't all have the same opinions as the average person in the United States. Some of us do share your opinions, and some of us have the direct opposite view!

Now it really isn't so complex, so I'm sure you'll understand that the people of Brazil might have a different view on Iran to the USA.

In fact, their government have A very warm relationship with the people and government of Iran. Now it's true enough to say that the average Brazilian isn't in love with the Islamic Republic, but there's a long gap between that and being actively hostile to the sportspeople representing a country.

Looking forward to the next time you assume your life is everyone's and your news is all the news, your opinions are everyone's and your country is an accurate representation of global thinking!

Sincerely,

the Rest of the World.

[Platypus]

While everyone keeps trashing Australia, we do have a team's worth of players at the top level in European leagues, playing our sixth sport.

[Platypus]

Aussie Rules, Cricket, Rugby League, Rugby Union are all certainly bigger. After that cases can be made for Netball, Soccer, Swimming, and Tennis, and I'd probably put them in that order.

[Platypus]

Well, we're screwed.