Qaulifying Round action going on now!
The qualifying rounds are going on right now for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which is being held this year in South Africa, 10 years after they held a World Cup (albeit in a different sport). For the low and uninitiated, FIFA is soccer. Though there is a vicious group of nasties that say the only World Cup worth watching will be in New Zealand in 2011, but no one wants to hear from them.No need to waste payday loans to find the scores or to get more TV channels, I’. Today, November 18th, is the last day of qualification – so whoever wins today goes.
South Africa automatically qualifies
For the African nations, South Africa is automatically qualified as the host nation – which won’t exactly guarantee them much.Currently, they’re ranked 84th in the world.Though soccer is their most popular sport, their cricket team and rugby team, the Springboks, are usually the strongest representative teams. The Springboks are perennially one of the world’s best sides, and won World Cups in 1995 and 2007, being the only nation besides Australia to have won it twice.(That said, the Springboks aren’t doing themselves any favors lately, as they were beaten by two English club sides on tour.)
Egypt vs. Algeria
The last available spot for Africa was up for grabs, and it came down to Egypt and Algeria playing to break a tie, as they were even up.The venue, Al Merrikh Stadium in Omdurman, Sudan, was chosen November 11th via draw, and the two faced off in front of 50,000. Algeria’s Antar Yahia scored five minutes before half time, and neither side was able score again, leaving Algeria the victors, 1-0.
The Republic of Ireland vs. France
Ireland vs. France shaped up to be a doozy, and seeing the Emerald Isle take on the frogs at Croke Park would be something else. However, the Luck of the Irish ran out, and the French team ran away with the series, having aggregated 2 goals to the Irish 1, putting paid Irish hopes of World Cup glory.In addition, Slovenia downed Russia on away goals, and Bosnia and Herzegovina fell to the Portuguese side.(Meaning that the goals scored by the away team will count double in aggregate points).) European teams usually get far more coverage in the news at times, but then again…they kind of came up with the sport there. In other news, Bahrain, after defeating Saudi Arabia, had to face off against New Zealand in a play off, and were defeated by the Land of the Long White Cloud, and Costa Rica is currently battling Uruguay, for the 32nd spot on the roster. (Here is a list of those qualified to go to the 2010 World Cup.)
This ought to be good
The wait is going to stink, but that being said, the 2010 FIFA World Cup is going to kick off in June of 2010.It would be worth some payday loans to watch.