World Cup 2014- who will qualify?

[Paris]

Its tight in the Republic of Ireland's group between Austria, Sweden and the Republic. Sweden are a one man team if ever i've seen one. Would like to see the Irish finish 2nd, though its a tall order. If they manage that they are sure to get a tricky play-off tie. Who knows.

 

[jameswestport]

Where's Ireland?

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

Where's Ireland?

To the left of England as you look at the map.

 

[Jesus Gul]

I think Qatar will make it to Brazil...evn though they are already out

 

[W.C.]

why all the doom & glume

no one expects us to win it,from what I've read quite a few think we won't even get there

just enjoy the ride like other nations do,the danes,swedes and dare I say it the dutch

This would be fantastic, in fact, it's how I tend to see it.

Unfortunately there are millions of complete turnip heads who think we've got some divine right to reach the semi-finals AT THE VERY LEAST of every tournament who spoil it.

 

[brakespear]

why all the doom & glume

no one expects us to win it,from what I've read quite a few think we won't even get there

just enjoy the ride like other nations do,the danes,swedes and dare I say it the dutch

This

 

[Kuipers Supporters Club]

Serious danger of finishing second or third , especially if we lose to Ukraine. Certain we would get Ireland in the play offs, that would be an utter utter nightmare.

 

[Durlston]

Sweden are a one man team if ever i've seen one.

Portugal are more reliant on Cristiano Ronaldo IMO.

 

[piersa]

I'm going to put it out there, and I fully expect to be slaughtered for it.

I don't think England will qualify.

There, I said it. Please don't be too nasty to me.

disagree. We will qualify, then humiliate ourselves. The usual story really.

 

[Durlston]

I wouldn't be too upset if England didn't qualify for the World Cup - the bookies and pubs would miss out on a lot of business and turnover though. I really enjoyed the Confederations Cup with the attacking football as a whole and skills of Neymar's Brazil.

Colombia would be the dark horses. They've got a very exciting young team.

 

[Ravids]

Scotland are one of three teams that have no chance of qualifying .

 

[strings]

A cut head? It's not as though his brain is going to fall out is it? This seems a long long way away from the days when players would play WC qualifiers covered in blood.

Here is Rooney's injury:

I'm not posting the picture, as it may offend those of a delicate disposition (because it has an un-airbrushed Wayne Rooney in it)

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BTUyJ53CEAAfbRe.jpg:large

 

[Paris]

Portugal are more reliant on Cristiano Ronaldo IMO.

I disagree. Ronaldo is a great player but if you took him out of the Portugal national team they would undoubtably still qualify for major tournaments. Sweden without Ibra on the other hand...

 

[turienzo's lovechild]

Scotland are one of three teams that have no chance of qualifying .

in the world?

 

[Soulman]

Rooney is out of the upcoming two qualifiers - a nasty gash in training from clashing heads with Phil Jones. Sturridge is undetaking light training away from the rest of the squad as they try to get him fit. I can see Walcott leading the line on Friday.

It's not the first time Rooney has had a nasty ole gash on his face.

 

[ATFC Seagull]

Are the play-offs still seeded do you know?

My nails could not stand the thought of a two legged play off

They've got previous for changing their mind depending on who the teams are.

 

[Ernest]

They've got previous for changing their mind depending on who the teams are.

If it is a case of England (money) not qualifying in a play off and Bosnia (skint) qualifying then it will be seeded

 

[Frutos]

I think Belgium will do well.

Courtois, Mignolet, Kompany, Lukaku, Alderweireld, Dembele, Defour, Fellaini, De Bruyne, Hazard, Vertonghen, Vermaelen, Mirallas, Witsel, Benteke....there will be far worse teams than them, I fancy.

 

[ATFC Seagull]

If it is a case of England (money) not qualifying in a play off and Bosnia (skint) qualifying then it will be seeded

Indeed, for 2010 WC they had Russia, France and Portugal all in the playoffs, and had previously stated there would be no seeding. Someone (Platini) panicked and realised 2 of those 3 could play each other so brought it in at the last moment. I'm still bitter.

 

[Mowgli37]

Exactly. There are 200 or so countries in the world and only eight have EVER won it. Next year, 31 will go home disappointed. I can't really get my head around why anyone would not care if England qualified or not on the basis that we won't win it. The World Cup is the premier sporting event on this planet, it is four weeks of utter football joy. Even if you told me that England were going to lose all three group games without scoring a goal I still want us there.

This with brass knobs on