World Cup draw

[backstothewall]

The Good

Czech Republic: They were there for the taking in this group. Wouldn't mind Germany either. I fancy us at home against anyone, and they won't drop any points at home, leaving us in a straight fight with the 2nd seed. Would prefer that to a side you can never be sure of, like England. It would be all we need for England to loose at home to the 4th seed.
Russia: Looked terrible against Israel. Plus, we owe them a hiding. Wouldn't mind Scotland. Ukraine could be OK with Shevhenkos powers waning
Slovakia: Looked a bad lot in this campaign.
Liechtenstein: Yes please, 6 points
Luxembourg: Even worse. Not to far into eastern Europe either.

The Bad

England or Holland: Never know if they will show up. Bet they would against us though
Poland: Ran away with their group.
Cyprus: Their home record is now looking strong
Iceland: The Gudjohnson factor. Nice away day though
Montenegro: False position. Surely only below Liechtenstein cos they are new.

The Ugly (A Balkan nightmare??)

Croatia - Awkward game in Split
Serbia - Awkward game in Belgrade
Macedonia or Bosnia
Azerbiajan/Belarus - Good luck finding a decent hotel
Montenegro - Unknown quantity. New country

Belgium would be better avoided. It might not survive 2 years as a country and points could be left flying everywhere after the event.

[ofjames]

I'd be delighted to avoid any trips to eastern europe. Though the chances of us ending our shocking away record against anybody of note are very remote, i figure we'd have no chance out east.

Thus I'll be hoping to avoid Romania, Serbia, Ukraine, Poland and Russia out of the second seeds.

Same goes for Macedonia, Georgia, Moldova and Albania in the fourth pot, and Armenia, Lithuania, Belarus, Azerbiajan, Kazakhstan of the rest.

Some christmas list eh??

[Maroon 7]

I'd be delighted to avoid any trips to eastern europe. Though the chances of us ending our shocking away record against anybody of note are very remote, i figure we'd have no chance out east.

Thus I'll be hoping to avoid Romania, Serbia, Ukraine, Poland and Russia out of the second seeds.

Not to mention Croatia amongst the top seeds. They look excellent.

Out of the top seeds I reckon we'd be better off getting the Czech Rep again or the Dutch who seem a bit inconsistent.

In fact England are probably the worst of the top seeds.

[Cymro]

Croatia looked class tonight, thoroughly outplayed England in tough conditions. I'd say they're ones to avoid.

The Czechs aren't to be underestimated either as they did win our group above Germany, who some are tipping to win the Euros.

I'd take England on the basis of tonight.

[ramondo]

Most if not all of the first seeds will get there.

So it's down to the other 44 to scrap for 4 places...

[Stuttgart88]

The Czechs aren't to be underestimated either as they did win our group above Germany, who some are tipping to win the Euros.
I watched a bit of Cyprus vs Czech Rep on eurosport. The Czechs were very poor.

[citizenerased]

did england drop to second second seeds after last night does anyone know, as romania won!?

[eekers]

yes citizen they did

latest rankings are

R Country Pts
--------------------------
1 Italy 1498
2 Spain 1349
3 Germany 1296
4 Czech Republic 1290
5 France 1243
6 Portugal 1241
7 Netherlands 1170
8 Croatia 1129
9 Greece 1114
--------------------------
10 England 1113
11 Romania 1088
12 Scotland 990
13 Turkey 914
14 Bulgaria 879
15 Sweden 864
16 Russia 861
17 Poland 855
18 Israel 849
--------------------------
19 Serbia 842
20 Norway 831
21 Ukraine 811
22 Denmark 786
23 Northern Ireland 784
24 Ireland 739
25 Finland 699
26 Switzerland 663
27 Belgium 595
--------------------------
28 Slovakia 592
29 Hungary 581
30 Bosnia-Herzegovina 578
31 Moldova 573
32 Macedonia 555
33 Wales 553
34 Belarus 552
35 Lithuania 542
36 Cyprus 502
--------------------------
37 Georgia 407
38 Albania 397
39 Slovenia 396
40 Latvia 392
41 Iceland 384
42 Armenia 370
43 Austria 354
44 Kazakhstan 294
45 Liechtenstein 261
--------------------------
46 Azerbaijan 248
47 Estonia 225
48 Malta 185
49 Luxembourg 127
50 Montenegro 65
51 Andorra 59
52 Faroe Islands 13
53 San Marino 6

to be confirmed offically tomorrow though

[zenokelly]

Belgium would be better avoided. It might not survive 2 years as a country and points could be left flying everywhere after the event.

Sorry if I missed something, but BELGIUM, what?

[LeixlipRed]

Sorry if I missed something, but BELGIUM, what?

Have a peek here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Belgian_government_formation)

[Irish_Praha]

If I have been following this properly England could be either a 1st or 2nd seed, depending on the rankings set to be released on the 23rd?
I think it would be good if we got them as 1st seeds. Due to the majority of out squad playing in England, it could be just the thing to make the players put in that extra bit of effort for all the games and not just the ones against the big teams. They will really get the feeling that every point counts to pull away from or to keep up with England in the table. It shouldn't be necessary but might be just the thing to put some extra pride back into wearing the green shirt, which has been lacking for some players over the last 5 years or so.

[billybunter]

If I have been following this properly England could be either a 1st or 2nd seed, depending on the rankings set to be released on the 23rd?
I think it would be good if we got them as 1st seeds. Due to the majority of out squad playing in England, it could be just the thing to make the players put in that extra bit of effort for all the games and not just the ones against the big teams. They will really get the feeling that every point counts to pull away from or to keep up with England in the table. It shouldn't be necessary but might be just the thing to put some extra pride back into wearing the green shirt, which has been lacking for some players over the last 5 years or so.

i agree with that. i would fancy taking at leat 3 points off England, and there are not to many other top seeds I can say that sentiment applies to.

[carloz]

Breakig News on BBC that Romania have over taken England in the rankings and are therefore in pot one ahead of England. Kind of changes the group of death for us though, now it is

Italy
England
Us
Bosnia
Belarus
Montenegro

[an_ceannaire]

Is it Sunday the draw is on? RTE? I would LOVE to get England and Norn Iron. Love it :)

[Danny]

from fifa.com

On Sunday at 16:00 CET (15:00 GMT, 17:00 local time), the eyes of the footballing world will turn to Durban for the Preliminary Draw for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.

FIFA General Secretary Jerome Valcke is the Master of Ceremonies for the event, which begins with the Stage Three draw for the Asian Zone. The North, Central America and Caribbean Zone is the next confederation to come under the spotlight, with the first three stages of their preliminary campaign decided upon in Durban.

Approximately an hour into proceedings, Europe will be buzzing with anticipation when its 53 teams are divided into nine qualifying groups.
before the evening rounds off with the draw for the African Zone, where 48 teams will be placed into 12 groups of four teams

[Danny]

Is it Sunday the draw is on? RTE? I would LOVE to get England and Norn Iron. Love it :)

Draw is on ITV/UTV and Sky Sports News

[Green Tribe]

Is it Sunday the draw is on? RTE? I would LOVE to get England and Norn Iron. Love it :)

We can't draw N. Ireland so you unfortunately will not see those fans who apparently hate you so much ;):D

19 Serbia 842
20 Norway 831
21 Ukraine 811
22 Denmark 786
23 Northern Ireland 784
24 Ireland 739
25 Finland 699
26 Switzerland 663
27 Belgium 595

[an_ceannaire]

AH FCUK!! damn them and their recent improvements!!! :D
would have loved it! But hopefull the 5 Nations tourny will fix that for me :)
might not be a bad idea to try and get the Aussies involved. They play so many "home" games in England anyways! I would think they would relish the chance.

Anyone remember the time they beat, I think beat, England in England a few years back. Viduka scored, A Milwall Cahill was playing that day. Franny Jeffers was up front for England that day!!! :D

[Green Tribe]

AH FCUK!! damn them and their recent improvements!!!
would have loved it! But hopefull the 5 Nations tourny will fix that for me
might not be a bad idea to try and get the Aussies involved. They play so many "home" games in England anyways! I would think they would relish the chance.

Anyone remember the time they beat, I think beat, England in England a few years back. Viduka scored, A Milwall Cahill was playing that day. Franny Jeffers was up front for England that day!!! :D

We could draw Israel again though :rolleyes::mad:

[eirebhoy]

Seedings Officially announced.

Pot A
Italy
Spain
Germany
Czech Republic
France
Portugal
Netherlands
Croatia
Greece

Pot B
England
Romania
Scotland
Turkey
Bulgaria
Russia
Poland
Sweden
Israel

Pot C
Norway
Ukraine
Serbia
Denmark
Northern Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Finland
Switzerland
Belgium

Pot D
Slovakia
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Hungary
Moldova
Wales
FYR Macedonia
Belarus
Lithuania
Cyprus

Pot E
Georgia
Albania
Slovenia
Latvia
Iceland
Armenia
Austria
Kazakhstan
Azerbaijan

Pot F
Liechtenstein
Estonia
Malta
Luxembourg
Montenegro
Andorra
Faroe Islands
San Marino

[eekers]

Happy if we got the czechs or the greeks, or maybe just avoiding england

[mypost]

No Scandinavian countries, bar Sweden, no Switzerland either. :)

And no, Liechtenstein didn't move up a pot.

[passinginterest]

How about Greece, Scotland, Wales, Austria, Andorra? Should have a great chance in that group, no dodgy trips either.

[Bungle]

Seedings Officially announced.

Pot A
Italy
Spain
Germany
Czech Republic
France
Portugal
Netherlands
Croatia
Greece

Pot B
England
Romania
Scotland
Turkey
Bulgaria
Russia
Poland
Sweden
Israel

Pot C
Norway
Ukraine
Serbia
Denmark
Northern Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Finland
Switzerland
Belgium

Pot D
Slovakia
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Hungary
Moldova
Wales
FYR Macedonia
Belarus
Lithuania
Cyprus

Pot E
Georgia
Albania
Slovenia
Latvia
Iceland
Armenia
Austria
Kazakhstan
Azerbaijan

Pot F
Liechtenstein
Estonia
Malta
Luxembourg
Montenegro
Andorra
Faroe Islands
San Marino

what we'll get:

Italy (haven't played them in years)
Sweden (haven't played them in years)
Ireland
Cyprus (a blast from the past)
Latvia
Luxembourg

what i want

Greece
Scotland
Ireland
Moldova
Iceland
Malta

[mypost]

The Jackpot:

Germany
Bulgaria,
Bosnia,
Slovenia,
Malta/SM

:)

[eekers]

cant get better than

Czechs
Israel
Ireland
Macedonia
Iceland
Andorra

[Superhoops]

what we'll get:

Italy (haven't played them in years)August 2005 lost 1-2 at home
Sweden (haven't played them in years)March 2006 Staunton's first game in charge won 3-0 home
Ireland
Cyprus (a blast from the past)
Latvia
Luxembourg

what i want

Greece
Scotland
Ireland
Moldova
Iceland
Malta

Unless you mean away games!!

[percy]

I WANT ENGLAND 1st AND FOREMOST..... and I will personally orchestrate the booing of their anthem. Their lack of respect for other nations is a disgrace. I know people are going to say we shouldnt sink to their level but i'll be fcked if theyre gonna get one over us

[Stuttgart88]

we shouldn't sink to their level.

[eekers]

i'll have england if shearer is their manager :)

[DeNiro]

I'd take the Czechs again. Greece as well. I've a feeling we'll get England. Scotland would be a good draw.

[Red&White Rover]

Greece
Scotland
Republic of Ireland
Moldova
Austria
Andorra

would be the ideal one IMO.

[Fergie's Son]

Anyone know if the draw will be online or not? Not being shown here in the US on live TV.

[zenokelly]

http://www.rte.ie/sport/
you will see the link to the draw page. I don't know if the same is in the US

[Fergie's Son]

http://www.rte.ie/sport/
you will see the link to the draw page. I don't know if the same is in the US

ROI only. Perhaps FIFA might have it.

[eekers]

yep fifa have it

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminarydraw/news/newsid=643663.html#follow%20preliminary%20draw%20w ith%20fifa

european draw will be about an hour into it as the other regions are being drawn first

the draw format:

Top seeds - Pot A; Bottom seeds - Pot F
The teams in Pot F are placed in position 6 (of Groups 1 to 8);
the teams in Pod E in position 5;
etc
the teams in Pot A in position 1.

Groups are filled starting with Group 1 and ending with Group 9

[tetsujin1979]

Praise Jesus:
Czech Republic
Bulgaria
Republic of Ireland
Moldova
Kazakhstan/Azerbaijan
Faroe Islands

Why do you mock me, O Lord?
Italy
Turkey/Sweden
Republic of Ireland
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Georgia
Estonia

[eekers]

a lot of people fancy the bulgarians
they only lost one game in qualifying for euro2008 (away to holland) and got 25 points
their record is scary http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulgaria_national_football_team

[dodgycanadian]

ya bulgaria seems to be a team on a rise, definately wouldnt fancy them...

[HolylandsMan]

Pot A
Italy
Spain
Germany
Czech Republic
France
Portugal
Netherlands
Croatia
Greece

Pot B
England
Romania
Scotland
Turkey
Bulgaria
Russia
Poland
Sweden
Israel

Pot C
Norway
Ukraine
Serbia
Denmark
Northern Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Finland
Switzerland
Belgium

Pot D
Slovakia
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Hungary
Moldova
Wales
FYR Macedonia
Belarus
Lithuania
Cyprus

Pot E
Georgia
Albania
Slovenia
Latvia
Iceland
Armenia
Austria
Kazakhstan
Azerbaijan

Pot F
Liechtenstein
Estonia
Malta
Luxembourg
Montenegro
Andorra
Faroe Islands
San Marino

Football wise

Greece
Scotland
Cyprus
Azerbijan
Andorra

Trip wise

Spain
Andorra (for the double header week away)
England
Wales (for another double header week away)
Riga (cos we need one Eastern European outpost with cheap booze!)


Nightmare

Italy
England
Bosnia
Albania
Montenegro

[Bungle]

Unless you mean away games!!

I meant to say in competitive games!

[SUB of the day]

Draw not in any TV listings for Sunday, tried all SKY BBC ITV RTE EUROSPORT........nothin....whats the story?

[eirebhoy]

Draw not in any TV listings for Sunday
It's on ITV, BBC (Red Button) and of course SSN.

[backstothewall]

Want

Greece
Israel
Ireland
Hungary
Azerbaijan
Luxembourg

Don't Want

Germany
England
Ireland
Bosnia
Albania
Montenegro

I don't like the look of Pot E at all. theres a lot of difficult trips and horrible hotels in there. Austra or Iceland wouldn't be a bad draw, there are no great draws and no easy games in there

[SuperDave]

Draw not in any TV listings for Sunday, tried all SKY BBC ITV RTE EUROSPORT........nothin....whats the story?

live streaming on fifa.com

[mypost]

Want

Greece

Can't understand why people want Greece. :confused: These are the current Euro champs, who have once again finished top of their qualifying group. As hard as Croatia, and Portugal imo.

Alternatively, if people want "emergency sun"....

[Stuttgart88]

Can't understand why people want Greece. :confused: These are the current Euro champs, who have once again finished top of their qualifying group. As hard as Croatia, and Portugal imo.

Alternatively, if people want "emergency sun".... greece got 31 points too. Why do people want Bulgaria too? The fewer Eastern Yurp teams the better.

[eekers]

Czechs and the Israelis (difficult trip but 3 points at home)

[Noelys Guitar]

No matter who we end up with it will be dubbed the Group of Death by the press. I want the best team of the first seeds. Don't care who we get of the 2nd seeds. And the toughest of 4/5/6/7. I want a scrap for the 2 spots. No underestimating of teams.

[SuperDave]

No matter who we end up with it will be dubbed the Group of Death by the press. I want the best team of the first seeds. Don't care who we get of the 2nd seeds. And the toughest of 4/5/6/7. I want a scrap for the 2 spots. No underestimating of teams.

yeah, a strong fourth seed who have a great home record is good for the group, in that they might take some points off the top two seeds as well as us (cos no matter who they are, for us to get three points away from home to them would be an achievement).

but don't forget in 2002 everyone outside the top three seeds lost to the top three seeds home and away. and in the 2006 campaign the same was true of the 5th and 6th seeds. so we'd want hardass fourth seeds, but fifth (and sixth) seeds we will beat home and away.