June 10, 2005
World Cup Qualifying Heats-Up
The four Asian powerhouses of Iran, Japan, Saudi Arabia
and South Korea all clinched their place, leaving Bahrain
and Kuwait to decide between them who will eventually
face the fourth-placed team from CONCACAF.
In Africa, Togo have surprisingly pulled ahead of
Senegal in Group One, a huge match is scheduled between
the two on June 18th. Nigeria are in a surprising duel
with Angola atop Group Four, while Ivory Coast, South
Africa and Morocco are still on track to qualify with
three rounds remaining in all groups.
In South America, Argentina is through while Brazil
will surely follow them to Germany in second place.
Ecuador have ridden a phenomenal home record, including
a euphoric 2-0 victory over leaders Argentina last week,
to third place and what would be their second consecutive
trip to the big show if they can hold on. The rest of
the continent is scrambling for the two remaining spots,
one automatic and one leading to a playoff with Australia.
Europe remains a menagerie of sorts with Czech Republic,
the Netherlands, Ukraine, Portugal and Italy all looking
likely to qualify. England have slipped behind a resurgent
Poland but do have a game in hand, and even if they
did finish second England would most likely grab a best
runners-up automatic spot. Croatia and Sweden will duel
to the death for Group Eight, while Spain and Serbia
& Montenegro also look to do the same in Group Seven.
Group Four remains the biggest quagmire with the Republic
of Ireland, Israel, France and Switzerland all with
an equal shot at making the cut. Europe does not resume
play until September. .
Edward Knowles, International Editor, 90:00™
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