FRANCE CLOSING IN ON WORLD CUP SPOT

World champions France will have the chance to defend their title at next year’s FIFA World Cup tournament in Qatar as they are close to securing a spot from Group D of the European qualifiers. France became the world champions by beating Croatia 4-2 in the final with the likes of Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe on the scoresheet for the victors.

France need just four points from their remaining two qualifiers to guarantetheir place at the World Cup 2022 tournament in Qatar.  The world champions would have made sure of their place at next year’s World Cup tournament as Group D winners from the European section if they were not participating in the UEFA Nations League finals during the international break for this month. France emerged as the UEFA Nations League winners after coming from behind to beat Spain in the final. Continue reading “FRANCE CLOSING IN ON WORLD CUP SPOT”

Wayne Rooney on England farewell

Former England international Wayne Rooney said that he did not make any demands for his farewell game and that it was the FA that chose to give him the last cap for his country. He made the statement after many former England players have criticized the England team for giving out caps like this.

Rooney admitted that this is the first time that the FA has done this and he hopes that this will not be the last time. He believes that this might be a normal thing in the future with players such as Harry Kane given a last cap for their country. Continue reading “Wayne Rooney on England farewell”

What Did the International Break Tell Us?

It is fair to say that you should not read too much into the results of international friendlies. This is especially true when they are matches scheduled just after the qualification process for the 2018 World Cup has ended.

All the qualified nations were in action at the start of November and most won’t now play again until the spring. Many of the countries had depleted or understrength sides on display – and although winning a match eight months ahead of a major tournament against weaker opposition doesn’t mean that side will win the World Cup, there is still some insight that can be taken. Continue reading “What Did the International Break Tell Us?”

Can Any of the UEFA Play-Off Nations Win the World Cup?

After a long and gruelling group stage there are eight European nations still dreaming of booking a place at next year’s World Cup in Russia. Italy, Sweden, Croatia, Greece, Northern Ireland, Switzerland, Denmark and the Republic of Ireland are all only two games away from qualifying. But can any of them go on to win the whole thing next summer?

As half of these sides won’t even make it to the finals it may seem a little early to predict glory for any of them. But once the play offs are decided the victors will be eagerly awaiting their first game in Russia and dreaming of winning the ultimate prize… Continue reading “Can Any of the UEFA Play-Off Nations Win the World Cup?”

Will Spain overpower Italy?

Spain take on Italy in a crucial World Cup qualification game on Wednesday night, and this match could potentially decide the winner of the group.

Both teams come into the game level on points after having taken 16 from the six matches so far. The only factor that has kept Spain at the top of the table is the slightly better goal difference. Italy, though, will be aware that any negative result at the Santiago Bernabeu will end hopes of reaching the World Cup 2018 through the automatic qualification places. Only the team that finishes top of the group will be able to reach the finals, while the second placed team will have to reach the competition by winning a play-off. Continue reading “Will Spain overpower Italy?”