by cmonurz »
14 Nov 2009 18:13
Gus the teenage cow bahain v new zealand in a play-off and Ireland go unbeaten in a group with the world champions and get France in a play-off, what an absolute effing joke fifa have made of the qualification process
The joke is the seeding of teams in the European playoffs. But it is a world cup, and Ireland are unfortunate (if you see it that way) that a fair chunk of the world's best sides come from Europe.
I think FIFA have got the continental split about right - I'd sooner have teams from across the globe in the competition than some of the lesser European nations. And it's not like Oceania even have a guaranteed spot.
The questionable decision really was letting Australia play in the Asia qualifying tournament, although I'd argue that doesn't really change the quality of teams qualifying from the East.
Edit: All of this leaves aside the noticeable improvement in football in the middle-east, notably Bahrain and Iraq, and New Zealand should be congratulated for their win, over two legs.