All i say is come on rep of ireland

I'd want England to do well, but i know we won't as we never do that well, apart from the odd year.

To win i just hope it won't be Germany or Spain.

Little to early for me to really discuss this and probably not wise after the performance that England put in yesterday. I'm certainly looking forward to it but will wait until the groups are sorted.

im looking forward to it...but as joey said its hard to say until the groups are sorted out and we know what we are up against. although im not holding much hope!

I've decided to take charge of this topic. I love international football so I do:

 

So the following countries have qualified for the World Cup

 

Brazil

Japan

South Korea

Iran

Australia

 

Qualifying is in its final stages so the picture will become clearer as teams stay in contention and are eliminated.

I'm chuffed to bits Australia have qualified.

Japan are often one of those sides which look capable and have some good talent, yet the media build them up to be a powerhouse and they tend to fail. They only really do well when they're classed as underdogs which they're to me. A good side but far off the mark when it comes to the top 10.

Iran will be an interesting one - I only know of one player, a very capable striker but I think he's retired and his name I'm failing to remember.

After Brazil beat Spain - I think they'll be favoured as possible winners but I think it's too early to say.

I think Holland always have a good chance - I'll keep saying this. haha

I don't think the Asian teams will do well this time around. Australia don't have the quality they had in previous years. A lot of their better players are pushing on a bit. South Korea are average IMO. Japan flatter to deceive, but would be the team that has the best chance of advancing to the last 16. Iran are only OK. They would do well to avoid finishing last in their group.

I hope France are in it as we will probably be in France on holiday it's a great atmosphere in the bars when there is a match being shown.

I hope France are in it as we will probably be in France on holiday it's a great atmosphere in the bars when there is a match being shown.

Seem to be away from home an awful lot Tony

I can't say I blame you, as I am sure you earned it by hard work and dedication. I'll be pushing daisies before I get to retire and that no joke, I see them pushing it by time I'm 40 or even taking it away. I think many things won't be around for the elderly when I am grey haired (think I am going grey now) LOL

Seem to be away from home an awful lot Tony

I can't say I blame you, as I am sure you earned it by hard work and dedication. I'll be pushing daisies before I get to retire and that no joke, I see them pushing it by time I'm 40 or even taking it away. I think many things won't be around for the elderly when I am grey haired (think I am going grey now) LOL

 

 

I do like my holidays, I believe in living life to the full, you never know what is round the corner in this life.

 Go and enjoy your holidays Tony,as long as you keep in touch while away.

Yes,Tony,enjoy your breaks with Mrs H but please don't forget us .It's always nice to read what you've been up to and I miss your banter if you don't post

I always get on if I can but it depends on the signal. If I can't get on here I have withdrawal symptoms. It's a drug I tell ya.

I'll start with my own country. Rep. Of Ireland were beaten 2-1 by Sweden at home. It all but ends our chances of qualifying for the World Cup.

 

England are still on track. The game against Ukraine away tomorrow night is crucial. Avoiding defeat is essential as it is a 4 way battle for 1st place. Of course there's a playoff if you finish 2nd but you don't want that if you can avoid it.

 

Mexico are in danger of missing out for the first time in my memory. They are 4th which would give them a playoff against New Zealand.

 

Uzbekistan took a giant step towards qualification after a 1-1 draw in Jordan. Winner of the tie goes to the World Cup.

 

A special mention for Cape Verde who went to Tunisia and won to book their place in the playoffs for a place in the World Cup.

 

No team qualified for the World Cup over the weekend.

Argentina, USA, Costa Rica, Netherlands and Italy booked their place in Brazil last night.

 

Jordan will play off against the 5th place team from South America for a place in Brazil. Jordan beat Uzbekistan in a marathon penalty shoot out.

 

Special mention goes to Luxembourg who beat Northern Ireland, it could be argued that this is not a shock, given how bad NI are.

Anybody watching England v Montenegro tonight? Should be a home win but you never know with England do you

I will be - decided to set time a-side for it.

In the process of writing a few things also, hope it gives us something to talk about.

Anybody watching England v Montenegro tonight? Should be a home win but you never know with England do you

Yes I'm looking forward to it, Mrs. H will probably watch it with me but if it gets a bit boring she'll probably vanish and find something else to do.

Germany (wouldn't be the same without them), Switzerland, Colombia and Belgium qualified for the World Cup last Friday.

Colombia are a side to watch out for. They could be the surprise package. Good team and practically at home.

Chile, Ecuador, Honduras, Russia, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Spain booked their place in Brazil last night.

Intercontinental Playoffs:

Jordan vs Uruguay

Only one winner here. Allah help Jordan.

Mexico vs New Zealand

Mexico scraped into the playoff. Panama were 7 minutes away from the playoff but the US scored twice in the 90th minute. This will be closer than people expect I reckon.

P.S. I almost forgot, England qualified as well........;-)

The draw for the final 4 UEFA places is:

Iceland vs Croatia

Croatia should win, but don't rule out Iceland. They have been playing well.

Ukraine vs France

Should be a cracker. France will squeeze through I reckon.

Portugal vs Sweden

Portugal should win, but they have a habit of fecking up.

Greece vs Romania

50/50 but I fancy Greece. They have the experience.

Here's my predictions...

Croatia
Ukraine
Portugal
Romania

The 2 intercontinental first leg ties were played yesterday.

 

Jordan 0-5 Uruguay

 

As expected Uruguay were much too strong for Jordan. The only surprise was Luis Suarez not being among the goalscorers. Cavani ran the show for Uruguay. He's one to watch out for in Brazil. Uruguay are a dark horse and could go far.

 

Mexico 5-1 New Zealand

 

Mexico had been poor up to now, but that all changed yesterday. Their coach is actually only in charge for the playoff. He took the surprising decision to use only Mexican based players for the playoff. So no Javier Hernandez for example. The risk paid off in spades but it raises another question. Do Mexico stick with the players who got them to Brazil or bring back players like Hernandez, Dos Santos etc? If they want to do well, they have to include their foreign based players IMO. They won't be meeting NZ in the WC, they will be meeting the likes of Brazil, Germany, Spain etc..

I can't say either result surprised me. When do the other ties take place?

I can't say either result surprised me. When do the other ties take place?

 

European playoffs are on Friday and Tuesday.

 

African 2nd legs are on Sunday and Tuesday.

 

That's it then. World Cup draw in December.