Switzerland would be interesting opposition just as a real test of our improvement since they got the better of us under Kerr.
Sorry to be a pedantic ar$e but Cameroon went out in 82 undefeated 3 draws with Italy, Poland & Peru. They went out to eventual finalists Italy on goals scored.Originally Posted by Feech
Switzerland would be interesting opposition just as a real test of our improvement since they got the better of us under Kerr.
2 trips to basle is quite enough thanks.
ok, we have improved massively, but still.
lets hope luxembourg do greece and israel get into the play-offs, now they are sh1te, and are a team that we truly deserve revenge over.
Erm, didn't we go out of WC2002 undefeated?
Here they come! It’s the charge of the “Thanks” Brigade!
And Euro '92 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Eu...ifying_Group_7)
The record the Swiss set at WC 2006 was the first team to ever go out without conceding a goal.
I just had a look at the current world rankings - when did Israel get so high?! They're currently at 22nd.
I was going to suggest that, were Greece to fall by the wayside, Ukraine would have a decent chance of becoming the 4th seed, but now i'm not so sure.
Probably totally irrelevant though, virtually no chance of Luxembourg beating Greece. So maybe i should just stop rambling on now..
Pretty sure Scotland went out in 74 undefeated as well with 2 draws and a win. Missed out by a goal to Brazil on goal difference.
They beat Greece twice. I'd rather our improvement was tested at the WC next summer and we play Greece instead!
It's fantasy talk about Switzerland being in the play offs.
Still, it might be a good game if the Israelis get a goal
Personally I'd prefer a 1st leg at home. Get a 1 goal lead and hang on for dear life away. We are well accustomed to picking up 'credible' draws away to top teams - Holland, France, Italy
Sorry all - if this was posted already - i just didnt want to go through all the prev posts - comment from arshavin:
"It is a pity Greece is one of the seeded teams. Talking about our possible opponents I can say that I have enough of British football that is why I don’t want to meet Ireland."
it all depends. id prefer the 1st leg at home aswell only if we dont concede an away goal. even a 0-0 is ok and try and get the away goal yourself in the 2nd leg. if were at home 2nd and havent managed to get an away goal then it could be curtains.
I think ourselves (maybe along with Bosnia) will be the two unseeded teams that France, Russia, Greece/Swiss and Portugal want want to play. I'm sure they will be hoping for a match vs Slovenia/Slovakia.
Yes Slovenia Slovakia would be the draw the big boys would want.
I'm not sure they'd be crapping themselves at the prospect of facing us over two legs, but they'd prefer it less to the Slovenians I'm sure.
Here they come! It’s the charge of the “Thanks” Brigade!
Under the system Trap plays I think we would be best playing Greece or France. Portugal on their day can be very good and I dont think our system would work so well against them. I know they havent played well recently but over a two legged play off they just have way too many skillful individuals and our record isnt great against them either.
France have a strong team but I think we could frustrate them and their manager. I certainly would back Trap to win the tactical battle there.
Greece, for obvious reasons the poorest of the four, but somehow I think we perform better against teams that we are the obvious underdogs. I think the games against Greece would be dour but who cares if we get through.
Russia, the away trip would be tough, I would be fearful of Arshavin. They looked quite impressive at Euro 2008, although a bit porous at the back. If we could come away from Moscow undefeated then we would have a chance. Id def prefer to play the first leg away in this tie over any other of the potential ties.
I do not want Russia....MY PREDICTION IS WE GET RUSSIA
We won't get Greece, Ukraine will. Sepp won't won't to risk Ukraine coming up against France, Portugal or Russia.
Thank you. Good to see you respond so thoughfully and intelligently to the points raised.
(Apologies for getting the undefeated thing messed up, the corrected version sounds even better though!)
Work's Bogey
They didnt conceed a goal in the World Cup by playing the most negative football I've ever seen - and I've seen 2nd division matches in Armenia. It was a total misery to watch them stagnate every game they played in, a trait which they resumed at Euro 2008. I think Benaglio is a good keeper but apart from that I would fear no one in their squad. If Luxemburg can beat them 2-1 away we should relish the chance to dish out revenge should it arise. They are reeling out Hakan Yakin again at 32 and with dodgy knees, he can only last about 45 mins.
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