What to do with the minnows

[Dassa]

The only way to encourage footballers to come through the ranks is to allow their country no-matter what size the chance to mix it with the big countries. Some of the worlds best players could be from these smaller countries. You just have to look at george Best

[pineapple stu]

Exactly.

The thread, though, seems to be heading off on the related tangent of what exactly is a country?

[trevy]

No-one is saying they shouldn't be allowed compete but why not make them pre qualify by playing off against each other?Whats the point in games like Germany 13 San Marino 0?Countries with tiny populations are never going to improve much anyway due to lack of players.It is something that UEFA and FIFA need to look at seriously before future qualifying tournaments.

[pineapple stu]

Countries with tiny populations are never going to improve much anyway due to lack of players.

Really?

Andorra picked up 5 points in their last campaign. Liechtenstein got 8. They were holding Sweden 1-1 in Sweden for a long time; the game was only decided in the last minute really. The 13-0 was a fluke result, as evidenced by the fact that it is a record. San Marino are utter rubbish, but if Liechtenstein and Andorra can improve, there's no reason San Marino can't. They'd need the money from the big games to do it though.

[cavan_fan]

Thought it might be worth reviving this as UEFA have now confirmed Montenegro's membership and given provisional membership to Gibraltar.

The danger here is of precedent setting; if Gibraltar have a team why not Majorca, Ibiza, Crete, Isle of Man etc etc etc. And as it is now a guarantee of getting games against big teams why wouldnt they apply. (By the way I have no issue with Montenegro's membership but as per previous discussions would want them to start in a Division 2 and get promoted.)

[OwlsFan]

The only way to encourage footballers to come through the ranks is to allow their country no-matter what size the chance to mix it with the big countries. Some of the worlds best players could be from these smaller countries. You just have to look at george Best

George Best didn't come through the ranks via international football. If a player is good enough he'll get a club contract no matter what country he's from.

I agree there should be pre-qualification for countries outside of a certain ranking.