Jordan have also qualified for the first time. The expanded format helping out the teams who keep getting edged out of Asian qualifying by Australia, Japan, Korea and Iran.
Can't believe that some teams have played 4 matches yet others have not even played one. I expect that was due to the stupid league of nations thingy.
Am I old fashioned to want to go back to the old way of qualifying. Countries playing mid week......all on the same day / evening. Ok, I can roll with matches being played at the weekend.......but only one, not one on a thursday & the other a Sunday or Sat/ tues.... esp if one is just a friendly to make up the numbers.
First Belgium penalty was harsh. Referree had made his mind up before VAR check. Wales lost their composure and conceeded a quick second. Belgium scored a good third. Wales got a bit of a lucky penalty that handed them a lifeline just before halftime. A loose Belgium defence helped Wales get back to 3-3. Welsh defence ball watching & completely not paying any attention to De Bruyne, who had an easy chance to score for the winner.
VAR took ridiculously long throughout the game and a bit of a shambles. Belgium great attack, and Doku really quick. Wales did well to get back from 3-0 but but could have easily been 4-0 before that. Welsh attack were good with Sorba Thomas and Harry Wilson with a bit of pace on the wings.
Entertaining game for the neutral. A set back in qualification for Wales, although not fatal. Definitely, can score some goals. Welsh defence needs to be tighter if they are to qualify.
Some result for Croatia...5-1 v Czech Rep....and Modric scored from a pen.
Should qualify with ease and can see one more major tournament in Modric and Perisic. The conveyor belt of talent in the region is still in full throttle - Baturina is becoming the new Modric, aged 22 and a player of the season for Zagreb - he will go to one of the big European sides in Italy, Germany, Spain or the Prem before too long.
Some result for Croatia...5-1 v Czech Rep....and Modric scored from a pen.
Should qualify with ease and can see one more major tournament in Modric and Perisic. The conveyor belt of talent in the region is still in full throttle - Baturina is becoming the new Modric, aged 22 and a player of the season for Zagreb - he will go to one of the big European sides in Italy, Germany, Spain or the Prem before too long.
Comments
Useless officiating and VAR a waste of time.
3-1 at half time.
The officiating is awful.
Crazy game.
From a corner that was defo a goal kick.
KDB left on his own at the far post.
Finished 4-3, entertaining despite the league onesque officiating.
Am I old fashioned to want to go back to the old way of qualifying. Countries playing mid week......all on the same day / evening. Ok, I can roll with matches being played at the weekend.......but only one, not one on a thursday & the other a Sunday or Sat/ tues.... esp if one is just a friendly to make up the numbers.
Did VAR have another camera angle?
(Bellamy has got the Welsh playing with a lot of heart .. I reckon a lot of restored pride is down to the 'Wrexham Effect')
Didn't think it was worth a separate thread...hope it's OK to put it here....always thought Australia was the worlds largest Island.
Bar one.