World Cup draw complete!

[Jdvn1]

Yeah them.....but see also Trinidad & Tobago, Costa Rica, Angola, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Togo and Tunisia. None of them will pass the first round. Disagree? Put your money where your mouth is. BTW - I'll be pulling for Iran of that bunch since that's my wife's home-country.

No, I agree. But calling the US an underdog? Um, no. That's what my point was.

 

[Jdvn1]

I think Australia is a tricky team to rate, because they have played so few competitive matches with other WC teams. There've been some friendlies, notably the famous 3-1 victory at England a couple of years ago, but it's hard to judge their significance. Apparently Australia were one of the teams Errickson wanted to avoid.

I didn't know about that game, but Australia has historically had a pretty weak team. Whenever they did attempt to qualifiy for the WC, they were often beaten by the 5th South American team.

 

[MonsterMash]

England hasn´t beaten Sweden since 1968 . My money is on 1-1, the usual result - a draw.
Sweden and England should advance without much trouble.

Asmo

Only trouble is as its the last game in the group a draw particularly if the game is not too agressive might get accusations levelled of being a fixed result.

 

[johnsemlak]

Only trouble is as its the last game in the group a draw particularly if the game is not too agressive might get accusations levelled of being a fixed result.

Thing is, draws happen in matches like those because it's sort of self-fulfilling. If a draw suits both teams, then both teams will strive for no less (and not necessarily any more) than a draw. Particularly in WC matches where there's a lot on the line and teams play ultra-conservative.

 

[amethal]

England play Paraguay, Sweden and Trinidad & Tobago. Apart from Sweden, should not be to bad.

I am under the impression that Paraguay are not a bad side - that could turn out to be a tougher game than people are expecting.

Trinidad & Tobago is the interesting one. I think some of their players play for English clubs, and if England don't beat them there could be some interesting conversations in the dressing rooms next season.

However, the draw could have been a lot worse, and I'm confident England will make it through to the next round. I'll probably find myself reluctantly supporting them, as usual.

Its not easy being a Welsh football fan, especially at World Cup time .

 

[loki44]

I am under the impression that Paraguay are not a bad side - that could turn out to be a tougher game than people are expecting.

Paraguay will not be a pushover. It should be a good match and England had some monumental collapses in recent international matches.

 

[Jdvn1]

Paraguay will not be a pushover. It should be a good match and England had some monumental collapses in recent international matches.

Well, none of the teams suck, I think.