The fight for best third

Scotland is in a difficult group and yesterday they lost to Africa's second team (after the champions of Senegal) 0-1 on an early goal by the PSV striker Ismael Saibari. Scotland now have to face mighty Brazil, who will be pushing for a victory to take first place on goal difference, assuming that Morocco will defeat Haiti.

But in a tournament where the best 8 third placed teams go through, it would appear that Scotland has good chances of going through with three points (unless they get hammered by Brazil). Paraguay, who yesterday defeated Turkey, is also in a good position, and with a game left against Australia, they could even take second place. Other sides that are not so attractive even have a chance: Czechia, who tied the South Africans, could in theory pull through with a tie against Mexico, while Bosnia-Hercegovina would appear to have excellent chances by winning against the hapless Qataris in their last match.

I hope Scotland will pull through, even losing to Brazil. They will be fun to watch, not because they play good football, but because of their beer-drinking fans.

Scandinavian delight and dismay

With 48 teams in next year's World Cup it should be assumed that some Scandinavian team will qualify, and indeed, the first qualified team has been Norway, who will return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998. Norway has been awesome in a qualification group that included Italy, and have sealed their qualification with a 1-4 away victory to the Italians. Norway has built up a strong side with a lot of young players, and I already predict that they will be one of the teams to watch out for in the World Cup. 

Italy in the meantime is going to the play-offs and is in risk of losing its 3rd World Cup in a row. In this context Gennaro Gattuso's complaint sounds hollow: "It's not fair that six teams qualify in South America and the seventh plays a playoff, while here the groups are so tight", because they way Italy has played, getting beaten twice by Norway and struggling to defeat Israel, they would surely not have pulled a result in La Paz, 7th team in South America....

Good luck to the Italians in the play-offs, but it is only up to themselves to qualify.

For another Scandinavian side Denmark it was also up to themselves to qualify in all but theory by defeating Belarus at home. Denmark had already won 0-6 away, and it was perhaps arrogance or exaggerated optimism that meant that Brian Riemer decided to play without some of the best Danish players. 

But you do not qualify if you do not take every game seriously. Denmark was ahead 1-0 at halftime but went down 1-2 in the second half, and barely managed to get 2-2. The biggest concern for Denmark appears to be mental. Even though the Danes dominate and are favourites they are clearly shaken when the opposition appears to play against them, including Mr. Riemer, who seemed in dismay when Belarus scored the second goal. 

Now the Danes will face a nerve-wrecking final in Scotland. Scotland needs to win to qualify directly, but they will be at home with massive support, while the Danish team is better on paper, but lacks the mentality to fight.

The Danish manager of Sweden, Jon Dahl Tomasson, may be a candidate for Denmark manager if Riemer fails to qualify, despite his massive flop in Sweden. One would have expected Sweden to be competitive in a group with Switzerland, Kosovo and Slovenia, but after five matches Sweden are at the bottom with only one point. That said, strangely (and here Gattuso's criticism of South America rings even more hollow), Sweden could still qualify through their Nations League performance, that will give them a chance in the UEFA play-offs.

Sweden lost to Kosovo and Slovenia while Bolivia defeated Brazil. 

Who deserves a World Cup play-off?

Euro qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup

This weekend In have watched a couple of European World Cup qualifiers. Denmark and Scotland tied 0-0 in a match where Denmark had the ball all the time but there was as much passion and wish to score as in a funeral. Scotland defended, Denmark had the ball, and nothing happened... They are in a qualifying group with Greece and Belarus; one of these teams will qualify straight to the 2026 World Cup, and although I support Denmark, I have my doubts whether any of these sides are good enough to be in a World Cup; they will just defend and not try to win a match.

Alongside Argentina, Spain are surely the best team in the world right now, and they gave a class act in Turkey, winning 0-6 and hardly sweating. The Spaniards were impressive, with Pedri in particular directing the orchestra with two goals, but also Arsenal's Mikel Merino scoring three goals, one better than the other. Spain is in a group with Turkey, Georgia and Bulgaria, and after tonight's trashing they are surely on the way to a World Cup where they will be among the favourites. 

Scottish return

Scotland played a dreadful opening match against Germany losing 1-5. In the meantime Switzerland had played a great match defeating Hungary 3-1, so everything appeared to be set for Switzerland and a second victory.

But this time Scotland rose to the occassion with a great atmosphere by both team's fans.

It was a not a well-played match, and Swizterland made numerous errors, while many of Scotland's players simply lacked the technique to do what should be done. But both teams, specially the Scots, played with spirit and commitment. In a quick counterattack they were a bit lucky when Fabian Shar pushed Scott McTominay's shot across the goalline, but the lead was deserved. At the same time Anthony Ralston gave away a pass to Xerdan Shaquiri who scored (another) spectacular goal to make it 1-1.

Scotland went for the victory in the second half even though Switzerland had a goal ruled a tight off-side. The Swiss appeared more satisfied with the tie, as it almost secures them advancement to the nexto round, while Scotland will have to go for the victory against Hungary.

Hungary are a good side, but no matter what happens, the Scots have shown that they are still a competitive side that has spirit and energy.

Seen from Glasgow

 Yesterday I happened to be in Glasgow, Scotland, as the charming Scots and their Tartan army faced Germany at the opening match of the Euros in Munich. There was a good expecting atmosphere and pubs were full even though there were apparently 200000 Scots in Munich.

Germany has not been strong in the last tournaments and a hope for Scotland could be that Germany would succumb to pressure.

But no such luck for the hapless Scots.

Germany were far superior from the first minute of the match. Relentless pressure, quick passes and a splendid Toni Kroos in midfield, and the Scots had absolutely nothing to offer. Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz ran around the Scots, and by halftime each had scored splendid goals alongside Kai Havertz’ penalty goal that also cost Ryan Porters a red card.

Second half Germany went down a gear but were still far superior. Substitutes Niclas Fullkrug and Emerson Can scored, while Scotland’s undeserved goal was also scored by a German, Antonio Rudiger own goal.

There was still a good atmosphere in Glasgow as the match ended, but probably not as in Germany, who look to be going for the title.

England through

England entered the tournament as one of the favourites, and have proceeded to win their group D today after defeating the Czech Republic 1-0 on a first half header by Raheem Sterling. England thus go through with seven points and a score of 2-0. In their last-16 match England will face the runner-ups of Group F (France, Germany, Portugal, or even Hungary, who could defeat Germany, and with France beating Portugal, could become runner-ups, as unlikely as it may appear), and will thus face a quality team. England have not looked like a world-beating team in the first round, but that makes them, in my view, more likely to succeed: a winning team needs to pace itself to the knock-out matches, and that may be what England needs to do to make it all the way. No matter who they face, it will be an exciting match with England playing at home.

Croatia made it as runner-ups with a 3-1 victory over Scotland. While not looking as good as they did in Russia, Croatia is a team that, on a good day, can beat any team in the world. After a solid start the Czechs only took the third spot. In the match against England it was a bit disappointing that they did not try harder to go for a goal and become group winners, but they appear satisfied to just make it beyond the group stages. I doubt that the Czechs will make it any further, and their memory from the tournament is likely to be Patrick Schick's spectacular 2-0 goal against Scotland.

First in a long time

Yesterday I went out to watch football. Not at the stadium, but in a bar. This was the first time in almost 18 months that I did this, so it felt special; a small step towards the normality that we all eagerly await.

With limited TV channels offering the Euros in San Salvador, it was not easy to find a good sports bar, but I found Punto Marino Sport in the upmarket neighborhood of San Benito. Despite the name it is not really a sports bar, and I was the only person there watching football, while reggaeton music played in the background.

I nevertheless enjoyed it. First I watch England-Scotland in what was predictably a spirited fight by the Scotsmen, who largely deserved the victory, against an English side that hardly lived up to its enormous expectations. 0-0 was a fair result, and now England will play a thrilling match against the Czech Republic, who defeated Scotland 2-0, and who are looking strong. Scotland will face Croatia, and it is interesting that all teams in that group have something to play for.

I next watched the Copa America. Chile defeated Bolivia 1-0. I have been watching many Copa America matches, but I must admit that it lacks excitement and passion. The empty stadiums mean that the matches are like a party without music, and most games have been defensive and few goals. In its 0-0 tie with Colombia, Venezuela basically refused to attack, and Brazil's matches have been kind of one-sided.

The tournament should probably have been cancelled. It is nearly impossible to get excited about it (although a few beers help!).

 

The Greatest Euro Matches: Scotland-CIS (1992)

The USSR had made it to its fourth European championship final in 1988 when they lost to the Netherlands. It was thus the team that had played most Euro finals at the time, and was central to the entire history of the tournament. Four years later, the USSR had ceased to exist as historical events had changed the landscape in Europe. While the USSR had qualified in a group ahead of Italy, by the time the tournament started, the country had dissolved into 15 new countries. The solution would be either to let the second in the group in, or let USSR participate with the team that had qualified. UEFA opted for the latter option, and thus was born the “Community of Independent States” team, or CIS, a mixture of players from former USSR countries (dominated by Russia, but also players who came to play for Ukraine, Georgia and Belorussia). It was a side with excellent and experienced players, who had played in World Cups and European Championships, including the final four years before. After the opening of the USSR many of the players had gone to play in European clubs, so it was also a side with international experience. The captain of the team was Glasgow Ranger's Ukranian, Alexei Mikhailichenko. In defense his teammate in Glasgow, the veteran Oleh Kuznetsov, stood the two Spartak Moscow players Andrei Chernyshov and Kakhaber Tkhadadze. Sergei Aleinikov from Lecce and Igor Dobrovolski from Servette Geneve stood behind a powerful striking force with the young Manchester United star Andrei Kanchelskis, Benfica's Sergei Yuran, and the young Sergei Kiriakov from Dynamo Moscow.
The CIS had started the tournament with a 1-1 with Germany and 0-0 with the Netherlands, and thus stood as favourites to progress before their last match against unfancied Scotland, who had started by losing both their first matches to the Netherlands and Germany, and were thus effectively out of the tournament. Scotland had qualified ahead of Switzerland, Romania and Bulgaria. The team captain was Richard Gough from Glasgow Rangers, and the side included such players as Brian McClair from Manchester United, Gary MacAllister from Leeds, as well as the striker Ally McCoist from Glasgow Rangers.
But it were the Scottish, with only pride to play for, that were soon in the lead, when Paul MacStay, from Glasgow Celtic took a shot from outside. The flat but hard shot hit the post and bounced of goalkeeper Dmitri Kharin's head to make it a lucky 1-0 for Scotland. Barely ten minutes later Scotland got ahead 2-0 when Brian McClair shot from outside. His shot was deflected by Tkhadadze and cheated Kharin. Again somewhat lucky, but still 2-0.
The CIS were shaken by the motivated Scots, but started dominating the match as the Scots pulled back. Sergei Yuran came close and Igor Dorbovolski and Igor Korneev were incredibly unlucky not to score in a double chance. Instead, with six minutes to go Scotland was awarded a penalty in a situation where Paul Nevin was clumsily brought down in the penalty area amid already defeated CIS defenders. Gary MacAllister did not miss, and Scotland went home with their heads held high, and took the CIS with them.
With this, the CIS, or former USSR, ceased to exist as a footballing nation, as the players from this side went on to play for Russia, Belorussia, Ukraine and Georgia.
Football is a reflection of society and history. On the football pitch, this match was an expression of the demise of the formerly great team of the USSR.

Norrkobing, 18th June 1992 Idrottsparken 
Attendance: 14600 
Referee: Kurt Rothlisberger (Switzerland) 

Scotland-CIS 3-0 

Scotland: Andy Goram; Richard Gough (c), Tom Boyd, Dave McPherson, Stewart McKimmie, Paul McStay, Gary McAllister, Stuart McCall, Brian McClair (Jim McInally, 65), Ally McCoist, Kevin Gallacher (Pat Nevin, 79). Coach: Andy Roxburgh
CIS: Dmitri Kharin; Andrey Chernyshov, Kakhaber Tskhadadze, Oleh Kuznetsov, Alexei Mikhailichenko (c), Sergei Aleinikov (Dmitri Kuznetsov, 46), Viktor Onopko, Andrei Kanchelskis, Igor Dobrovolski, Sergei Yuran, Sergei Kiriakov (Igor Korneev, 46). Coach: Anatoliy Byshovets 

Goals:
1-0 Paul McStay (7) 
2-0 Brian McClair (16) 
3-0 Gary McAllister (pen) (84)

Euro 2012 qualifiers

With the World Cup barely over and the European leagues starting up, a new football tournament to look forward to started up this week, namely the Euro 2012, that will take place in Poland and Ukraine.
I was sitting in my office, quietly listening to the radio while working, and following all matches on the internet. Time difference is a bummer....
Listening to Denmark's match against Iceland, I was getting increasingly nervous, but fortunately Thomas Kahlenberg scored for Denmark in the last seconds of the match, giving Denmark an important start in Group H. Denmark's group is for now led by Norway, who defeated Portugal 1-0. The Portuguese favourites, again falling into the trap of their own arrogance and cheasy haircuts have started very badly with a 4-4 match against Cyprus and today's defeat to Norway.
England is looking to renew its team after the World Cup mishap, and a 3-1 away victory to the strong defensive Swiss is an important step. Perhaps the best was that Wayne Rooney scored; he has been the victim of the media slander of his personal life over the last week, but with his goal today he proved to people like myself, who really only care about his football, that he remains a great footballer.
Another nation looking to rise again is France, who started badly with a 0-1 defeat to Bielorrussia. However, today they won 2-0 against Bosnia-Herzegovina on goals by Karim Benzema and Florent Malouda, and should remain favourites to win Grouo D.
Germany have started strongly with two victories in group A, which will have some exciting matches including Austria, Turkey and Belgium. The last two played a very exciting match in Istambul, which the Turks won 3-2,
In group Scotland has taken the lead with 4 points in two matches, after defeating Liechtenstein 2-1 on a last-minute goal. Not overly impressed, and it remains likely that Spain, with 3 points for one match, will cruise through to win this group.

The Norwegian miracle and other world cup qualifiers

Besides the many friendly matches between countries yesterday, there were also a few World Cup qualifiers. One of these was in the most uninteresting group in the world, namely the European group 9, where Netherlands with seven victories in a row, already qualified ages ago. In the meantime, the rest of the teams are fighting for the crumbs of a play-off match and basically all four of the remaining teams have an option.
Until last night, Norway was last of the group with a mere three points and two (!) goals after five matches. For most teams this would be catastrophic, but turns out that because the other teams (Macedonia, Scotland and Iceland) have been so lousy, Norway could still have hopes of qualifying by winning against Scotland in Oslo last night.
And the miracle happened: Norway doubled their points and tripled their score by winning 4-0. Considering Norwegian attacking power this is indeed a miracle!
Nevertheless, I must say that I believe that whoever draws the second of this group for the play-off will be going to South Africa.

The CONCACAF qualifers were more interesting: Honduras took a big step to South Africa by defeating the leading Costa Ricans by 4-0 (Costa Rica nevertheless remains on first spot) while Mexico, with a 2-1 victory over the archrivals from the USA, took a step to recover from their bad start in the qualification, and are now in line for a play-off match and threatening both the USA and Honduras in the CONCACAF qualifying group!