The FIFA rankings are yes flawed but our pool opponents are 8th, 20th & 34th.
We sit 86th.
All of Belgium, Iran and Egypt expect to beat us.
Our 1-0 win over Ivory Coast was our first notable win over anyone decent in years. Norway were nowhere near full strength for that 1-1 draw.
I'd call a draw from the 3 pool games, a pass for the AWs, if say the other two games were tight losses by 1-2 goals. That's being realistic.
But 100% we should be targeting getting out of the group. Otherwise yes why bother turning up. Wins over Iran and Egypt are possible, if we are full strength and have big elements of luck.
After that heartbreaking Costa Rica loss in 2022, we are due some fortune on a big stage. Wood also being injured for the Peru playoff matches in 2017.
The other 3 teams could all have off field issues. From big player egos/divisions to hardline US Immigration to managing huge pressure from their own fans. All stuff that could lead to on field implosions. Every World Cup there are some favoured teams that just blow up on and off the pitch. Under steady eddy Baze that stuff won't likely plague us.
However I still see us as being stronger in 2030 than 2026.
We sit 86th.
All of Belgium, Iran and Egypt expect to beat us.
Our 1-0 win over Ivory Coast was our first notable win over anyone decent in years. Norway were nowhere near full strength for that 1-1 draw.
I'd call a draw from the 3 pool games, a pass for the AWs, if say the other two games were tight losses by 1-2 goals. That's being realistic.
But 100% we should be targeting getting out of the group. Otherwise yes why bother turning up. Wins over Iran and Egypt are possible, if we are full strength and have big elements of luck.
After that heartbreaking Costa Rica loss in 2022, we are due some fortune on a big stage. Wood also being injured for the Peru playoff matches in 2017.
The other 3 teams could all have off field issues. From big player egos/divisions to hardline US Immigration to managing huge pressure from their own fans. All stuff that could lead to on field implosions. Every World Cup there are some favoured teams that just blow up on and off the pitch. Under steady eddy Baze that stuff won't likely plague us.
However I still see us as being stronger in 2030 than 2026.