Easy 10
Brain dead MUG SHEEP
I disagree - I think one of the beauties of the qualifiers is that everyone has to beat these sides, and these sides get the opportunity to play the big countries.
I would implement a 'bonus point' system similar (althought not the same) to what they use in rugby - i.e. do away with goal difference altogether, and instead have a separate column where you notch up extra points for beating sides by, say, 4 (maybe even 3?) goals - these points only count if 2 sides are on the same actual points, obviously. As a tie-breaker use head to head, before eventually resorting to goal difference.
Means that you still recognise there is something to be had by thrashing the minnows, but doesn't mean the balance of the group is f***ed by someone winning 13-0.
Was an idea I came up with at the weekend whilst drunk, so interested to hear what people think...
I don't see the point of that. Whether it be GD or bonus points you get for STUFFING the whipping boys, the match itself is still an inconvenient, uncompetative non-event for the public. The result is never in question, its just "by how many". Its hardly worth watching.
You don't get Man Utd playing against Fishersgate Flyers straight away in the FA Cup, because the minnows have to pre-qualify aganist other teams of their standing. Teams that battle through to the 3rd Round proper have EARNED that right to face a big team, and I have absolutely no problem with that. What I have a problem with is these perennial hopeless LOSERS like Andorra being pitched into qualifying groups every bloody 2 years regardless, and basically stinking the place out.
Waste. Of. Time.