Alright let's try and find some excitement across this week's international break...
Syria! Bloody Syria, they've only gone and put themselves in contention. Plenty of coverage of their plight this week from the BBC and journalist Richard Conway, who wrote this brilliant feature ahead of their game with Uzbekistan
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt ... _frontlinePlenty of drama from the Syrians as well, who won with an injury-time panenka penalty, which is some way of clinching maybe the biggest win in your country's history
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39368564It really has been astonishing both in football terms and of course situationally with the ongoing war. Ahead of the qualification process Syria were ranked 26th in Asia (151st in the world), behind international footballing forces such as Turkmenistan, Myanmar, Tajikistan and the Maldives. They took advantage of the new Asian qualification process and got through the initial group stage, and their performances in the final round have been remarkable. We keep saying after every round of fixtures they won't be able to finish in the Top 3, but with 4 games left they're still in there. A result against South Korea will certainly make it a real possibility, and that's not out of the question given they've only conceded two goals in five games so far. Amazing job from the manager, who was in tears in the press conference. Proper emotional stuff
Group B in Asia has also suddenly got a bit interesting, as Australia have now drawn four consecutive matches after a 1-1 result against Iraq in Iran yesterday. They're in danger of missing out, and face a huge game against UAE next week. Japan and the Saudis therefore look to have done enough to qualify automatically, whilst the Aussies will be ruing missed oppurtuinites, particularly drawing against the whipping-boys Thailand
Flying over to everyone's favourite continent, Oceania, and there was a big result yesterday as Tahiti scored two late goals to win away in Papau New Guinea. In a hugely competitive group of three in which only the winner progresses, that Tahitians have the advantage now despite a defeat to the other group member the Solomon Islands in the last round of fixtures. Tahiti will play their final game next week as they host PNG, with June and two games between the Papaus and the Solomons likely deciding who will get to lose to New Zealand in the final. I wouldn't usually mention New Zealand's fairly standard exploits, but there is Reading interest, as ahead of our massive game against Leeds their star man Chris Wood will be in Fiji playing a double header against the Pacific Islanders next week. He'll be back from Fiji by next Saturday, but who knows in what jetlagged state
South America doesn't usually interest despite all the megastars, but it was Messi who scored a significant goal in a 1-0 win over Chile, lifting Argentina over the Copa America champions back into the qualification places. There were a few other interesting events last night. Former Spurs midfielder Paulinho scored a hat-trick (yes, three goals) against Uruguay in a 1-4 away win, whilst Bolivia losing to Columbia meant they have now equalled Luxembourg's record of 53 competitive away matches without a win. Which is quite some run
Our OS have been proud to give details of all our international players young and old competing next week, but they did miss out covering one of our men. Forgotten yet still contracted man Paolo Hurtado returned to the Peru squad for the first time since joining the Royals thanks to his performances on loan in Portugal. He was an unused sub as they drew 2-2 away at Venuezela, which has left them 5 points away from the qualification places
No African fixtures this time round, but in my last round-up I commented that the South Africa vs Senegal game had one of the worst refeering decisions I'd ever seen in my life. The refeere has since been banned for life by FIFA
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39327805North America resumes with one round of fixtures all on Tuesday. The pick is Panama hosting USA, with the hosts seemingly looking stronger every qualification campaign and pushing closer than ever to a debut appearance. Given they lost to Mexico in the opening game before being stuffed 4-0 by Costa Rica, the Americans could do with a result, and fast. The Top 3 qualify with the 4th place facing off against Asia (yes maybe Syria), so plenty of interest there potentially this year. Costa Rica and Mexico look far stronger than the rest of the continent, and they also go head to head on Tuesday night
Finally, Europe. Just the one round of fixtures this time but nicely spread over three days this weekend and all covered on Sky Sports for those interested. Tonight sees the big one between injury-hit Ireland and a Wales side suddenly desperate for some points. Things will be clearer come kick-off as Serbia will have already played in Georgia, meaning they could go ahead of Ireland and five points clear of Wales. Remember only the group winners are guaranteed a place at the finals, whilst 2nd place doesn't even guarantee a play-off spot. Chris Gunter is fit to play for the Welsh, but opposition Paul McShane and Liam Kelly have both been ruled out
Also tonight sees the continuation of a genuinely interesting group in Europe, as Croatia, Ukraine, Iceland and Turkey all fight it out for the limited spots. Croatia host Ukraine tonight in a game between the top two, whilst Iceland have a tricky trip to Kosovo, who are starting to get desperate themselves for a first international win. Other excitement tonight sees giants Spain and Italy, both level on 10 points, continue the fight for that single spot. Although seemingly a procession for those two, Israel have clung on behind them and are just a point behind. The Israelites travel to Spain tonight in what should be a game too far, but pick up a surprise win and it would add another dimension to that group no one expected
Saturday's highlight is probably across Group A, with France looking an absolute force talent-wise they'll probably have first place wrapped up. But that leaves Netherlands, Sweden and Bulgaria fighting for the play-off spot, with the Dutch in danger of missing out on a second consecutive tournament. The Swedes should see off Belarus, but Holland must go to Bulgaria and really can't afford a defeat that would plunge them fourth in the group
Finally Sunday sees England (hooray) play Lithuania, with England two clear of Slovenia who go to Scotland, although it's quite difficult to get excited about any of that group. Northern Ireland are much more interesting, as they genuinely believe they can reach the World Cup for the first time in a generation, trailing Germany but sneaking into the play-offs as a best runner-up. They host Norway in what should be a massive evening at Windsor Park, where another win would put them in prime position ahead of the Czech Republic, who have already dropped a number of points, and Azerbaijan who keep doing the N.Irish a favour by taking points off all their rivals
So as always, plenty of interest when you look at the big picture, and could be a good weekend. Looking forward to the midweek games in North America and Asia particulalry, where hopefully some good stories will arise
Both matches were overturned to 0-3 defeats, so Peru and Chile are both still in contention
