FIFA World Cup 2018 Qualifying Thread

[Blake Griffin]

this gerson rodrigues for luxembourg looks surprisingly handy.

 

[Bus-Conductor]

Just watching the Belgian game, hadn't seen the super Jan celebration for ages! Belter.

 

[Marty]

Just watching the Belgian game, hadn't seen the super Jan celebration for ages! Belter.

I wish Jan would start scoring more again for no other reason than to see the celebration.

 

[paulcumpstone]

Think Jan should get forward and score more.think hes got a good shot on him.

 

[spurs mental]

Going to the Ireland game tomorrow. Need to put on a performance akin to that of the one v Italy in 2016. Have to win tomorrow, although a draw is not disastrous it probably sees our hopes of topping the group fade. Dont really want to face the torture of another playoff.

 

[Syn_13]

Just watched first half of the Spain v Italy game. That was a cracking half of football, have to say a feel a bit for the Italians, although Spain had a lot of ball, the second goal flattered them I thought and Italy actually had some very good moments where they got into good positions in that first half and if they'd had the rub, going in 1-1 wouldn't have been a travesty.

Despite lacking any real uber players (love Veratti though) Italy are still so much better to watch than England, even in game like this.

We've got a very promising young team and I think it will only get better. I missed the game but saw the highlights. To be honest, when I saw the line up before the match I immediately felt sorry for De Rossi and Verratti. The two of them were never going to be able to win that central midfield battle. Way to play to Spain's strengths!

Ventura isn't the right coach for this young team. We need someone with a more modern approach or a proven record youngsters. Di Francesco, Di Biagio, Simone Inzaghi and Montella are good shouts. Ventura is a bit of a dinosaur.

 

[gilzeantheking]

Spoiler: England Team for Tonight

 

[Marty]

Spoiler: England Team for Tonight

Not totally averse to that side. But the glaring lack of a player of Eriksen's ilk who is both calm and creative in possession in the final third is sorely missed. A player like that would do wonders for this side.

That and some decent central defenders.

And Butland instead of Hart.











Alright, there's a fair bit wrong.

 

[mark87]

You know you're in trouble and have shit central defenders when Phil fucking Jones keeps getting picked.

 

[Gbspurs]

Interesting point on Alli from Wright there, its clear to all that England lack that bit of something in midfield. Is it any wonder Kane and Alli excel with Dembele and Eriksen in support but struggle with Livermore and Henderson?

 

[Hoddle&Waddle]

You know you're in trouble and have shit central defenders when Phil fucking Jones keeps getting picked.

What I dont get is the inconsistency of Southgate's selections. He doesnt seem to know who he rates himself.

At least with somebody like 'Arry he will pick who he rates and stick to his convictions.

 

[WorcesterTHFC]

Going to the Ireland game tomorrow. Need to put on a performance akin to that of the one v Italy in 2016. Have to win tomorrow, although a draw is not disastrous it probably sees our hopes of topping the group fade. Dont really want to face the torture of another playoff.

Don't worry. If you get us in the playoffs, you're probably as good as qualified.

 

[Bus-Conductor]

We've got a very promising young team and I think it will only get better. I missed the game but saw the highlights. To be honest, when I saw the line up before the match I immediately felt sorry for De Rossi and Verratti. The two of them were never going to be able to win that central midfield battle. Way to play to Spain's strengths!

Ventura isn't the right coach for this young team. We need someone with a more modern approach or a proven record youngsters. Di Francesco, Di Biagio, Simone Inzaghi and Montella are good shouts. Ventura is a bit of a dinosaur.

Yeah the choice of tactics (ironically usually an Italian strength), were bizarre, the 442 handicapping Italy against their CM3 and I reckon if he'd not fucked that up this could have been a very different game, as it was I thought Italy still looked strong in phases (Belotti just had a bad night in the moments where it mattered) and 3-0 flattered Spain IMO.

 

[tototoner]

Northern Ireland 1-0, Johnny Evans

 

[tototoner]

Norn Iron 2-0, quality Brunt freekick

 

[spurs mental]

Eriksen bagged a beautiful free kick tonight by the way.

Oh nice goal by Rashford.

 

[Danners9]

Australia drawing 0-0 with Thailand in Melbourne. 65 mins gone and Thailand should have had a clear penalty just inside the second half. Australia hit the post earlier, Aaron Mooy.. was going away from goal though. I can't believe they can't beat Thailand.

At one point there was a free kick to Aus on the edge of the box and Thailand, black shirts and black shorts, lined up on the 6 yard box. Commentator said it looks like facing the All Blacks (they've lost to NZ twice recently). The Aus player then ballooned the ball over the bar. At least you'd get some points for that in rugby.

Rogic (Celtic) just hit the post again.

69 mins. 1-0. Finally. Tomi Juric. I am claiming credit for that.

81. Blimey. 1-1. In off the bar.

85. 2-1, Leckie for Aus. They were panicking.

 

[Marty]

Germany thrashed Norway 6-0 without even trying. Hertha goalie Rune Jarstein couldn't do much about any of the goals and Hertha's Twitter decided to poke a bit of fun after the third (open link to see the gif)
https://twitter.com/HerthaBSC/status/904783258784854019

Translation

So far an absolutely catastrophic evening for #Jarstein and @NFF_info. After about 20 minutes the @DFB_Team leads with 3: 0. #GERNOR #hahohe

Josh King tried hard and Jarstein prevented it from being double figures but the rest of the Norway team were disgraceful.

 

[Cheltenham Spur]

If anyone fancies a look at Aurier in action BT Sport are showing the Ivory Coast v Gabon game later. 1830 kick off.

 

[Marty]

South Korea qualify after a 0-0 at Uzbekistan - and Syria make the play-off. What a story it would be if they made it.