[Football] World Cup Draw

[Eeyore]

Is it just a coincidence that Qatar are in the easiest group?

Didn't think so.

You think that the African champions, Netherlands and a decent Ecuador is an easy group for a team whose chances are nil ?

I'd say it doesn't get much more difficult for a team who get a top ranking by virtue of hosting.

On paper, England got the easiest group.

 

[Solid at the back]

You think that the African champions, Netherlands and a decent Ecuador is an easy group for a team whose chances are nil ?

I'd say it doesn't get much more difficult for a team who get a top ranking by virtue of hosting.

On paper, England got the easiest group.

Yes. I think any other group would be tougher than the one they're in.

 

[drew]

Is it just a coincidence that Qatar are in the easiest group?

Didn't think so.

Out of interest, do you think Qatar or England have the harder group?

 

[Bry Nylon]

Statistically the toughest group, so we're in the group of death with the Yanks and Iran. Yikes.

In a break with tradition, the Iranian coach says his team won’t be taking any prisoners

 

[drew]

Statistically the toughest group, so we're in the group of death with the Yanks and Iran. Yikes.

You're right.

Been a bit bored tonight so had a look at the rankings. Using the average ranking for each group to establish which group, in theory, is the hardest. Then, I've looked at the spread of the rankings, ie the difference between to the highest ranked and lowest ranked teams to see which group, in theory, should be the most competitive!

Group A, average 31.75, Spread 41
Group B, average 17, Spread 23
Group C, average 22, Spread 45
Group D, average 28.5, Spread 63
Group E, average 26.75, Spread 59
Group F, average 20, Spread 36
Group G, average 19.25, Spread 36
Group H, average 27.5, Spread 52

Not very scientific but suggests England are in the hardest group and the most competitive!!

I'm sure despite Southgate we'll still get through.

 

[Pevenseagull]

On FIFA rankings England have the toughest group

Sent from my Pixel 4a using Tapatalk

According to FIFA Qatar is the perfect host nation.

 

[sydney]

How come Qatar are in pot 1? They are ranked 51st in the world and below every other country who have qualified.

teacher pets...!

 

[Dave Fishwick]

Is it just a coincidence that Qatar are in the easiest group?

Didn't think so.

idiot

 

[hart's shirt]

That has not only saved me reading a shed load of NSC pap...

Sorry Zef - corrected the QF permutations.

So if England (FIFA ranked 5) win the group and should the teams progress as FIFA ranked, the path might look something like this...

2nd Round - Senegal (20)
Quarter-Final - France (3)
Semi-Final - Belgium (2) or Portugal (8)

Finishing 2nd in the group could see this:

2nd Round - Netherlands (10)
Quarter-Final - Argentina (4)
Semi-Final - Brazil (1) or Spain (7)

Plenty of conjecture of course, but that's half the fun.

 

[Solid at the back]

idiot