Many football supporters, obviously including me, around the world waited for this moment. The draw for the qualifying stages of the next FIFA World Cup 2010, took place in Durban, in the host country, South Africa.
I will approach this from a European point of view.
Probably the most interesting games, for any British team, during the qualifiers will take place in Group6. Surely, England v Croatia, due to the latest developments.
England will be eager to show they can actually beat Croatia and pay them back by throwing them out of the next qualifiers.
So what about the remaining groups…?
Group 1:
Scandinavian derby anyone??Well, I think the favourites are defenitely Portugal, Sweden and Denmark, but Denmark did not really show any spirit and determination in the EURO qualifiers. Let’s see how they develop unitl then.
The rest of the group well…might as well book your summer holidays in advance, again.
Group 2:
Group is average in difficulty. The
EURO2008 co-hosts, the present EURO Cup holders and Switzerland. Switzerland will certainly play a major role in this group. All nations defenitely showed their spirit and ability during the latest EURO qualifiers.
The rest of the group, well…all the best and a lot of luck!
Group 3:
Very interesting group, Czech Republic, Poland. Surely the real deal in this group. Both powerful and strong footballing nations, with great achievements in the past. The latest qualifiers, both WC2006 and EURO2008, back it up.
Slovakia and Slovenia only small chances,maybe one or two upsets but not dangerous to the big two in this group.
The rest of the group, well…how about a coffee, doughnut and a chrash course in football theory.
Group 4:
Take a chill pill mate, this group is something special. The chilling relations between Finland and Russia, and their chilly temperatures will not be able to cool down the heat on the pitch. Very tasty games indeed. Finland, unfortunately to miss out on the EURO2008 and Russia very very very lucky to be in it.
Germany,the same old team. Boring but good, always qualify, this time will be no different.
The rest of the group, well…do not miss out on the Finland v Russia matches!!!
Group 5:
Spain, Turkey and Belgium. Well, hard to decide on the second team to qualify. Probably Turkey. Spain probably will win the group. Belgium, do not play good enough. Why is Bard Goor still in the team?! But Belgium might just make it.
The rest of the group, well…try to convince FIFA of a combined national team, then you will be as good as England.
Group 6:
Well talking of England, probably want to give back what they received. England will not miss this chance. They will have enough time to practice during the summer of 2008. Croatia and Ukraine to be fighting over the second place.
The rest of the group, well… Aleksandr Hleb, you sure you have no French blood in you? Arsene Wenger would love to see you play for France, you are too good for Belarus.
Group 7:
France, already group winner. Romania, Serbia and Austria will have to fight it out between each other. Austria, just not good enough really, hence the supporters’ petition for them to pull out of the EURO2008. Just because they are not worth to be hosts, and their inability to win against small nations.
The rest of the group, well…a tip to Lithunia, stick to Basketball, you are amazing in that discipline.
Group 8:
Italy, world champions again, hot favourites as always. Bulgaria and Rep. of Ireland will fight for second. Do not see any other team in second place really.
The rest of the group, well…take up your second jobs again, and enjoy the summer.
Group 9:
Holland will qualify, but it will not be easy.
Scotland who played amazing football during their EURO2008 qualifiers will go for second, if not for the group win. The famous Tartan Army will always support them on their journey through Europe!
Norway will be a strong contender for the second place, who knows maybe even first, caused by some freak coincidences.
The rest of the group, well…go for a pint together and complain about FIFA and their system of drawing.
All in all, it will be a football fest of great magnitude and experience. Let us just hope that South Africa will be able and competent enough to host this upcoming World Cup. We believe they will do a great job.
Let us also hope that Sepp Blatter will step down as FIFA President as soon as possible.
