Who will NZ play-off against to go to SA2010??
Permalink
Permalink
All Whites, Ferns, and other international teams
Who will NZ play-off against to go to SA2010??
86 replies
·
10,051 views
Hello my All Whites supporting friends,
Has anyone had a look at the 2nd round of Asian WC Qualifying?
As a really quick explanataion, there are two pools:
1- Australia / Japan / Bahrain / Uzbekistan / Qatar
2- South Korea / Iran / Saudi Arabia / Korea DPR / UAE
The first and second of each of these two pools get to go to South Africa, mission accomplished. The third of each play against each other. The victor of the playoffs then plays against the champion of Oceania. As we know, this will be NEW ZEALAND, that's a given - this play-off is all that really seperates NZ from their second World Cup campaign.
Thoughts?
Has anyone had a look at the 2nd round of Asian WC Qualifying?
As a really quick explanataion, there are two pools:
1- Australia / Japan / Bahrain / Uzbekistan / Qatar
2- South Korea / Iran / Saudi Arabia / Korea DPR / UAE
The first and second of each of these two pools get to go to South Africa, mission accomplished. The third of each play against each other. The victor of the playoffs then plays against the champion of Oceania. As we know, this will be NEW ZEALAND, that's a given - this play-off is all that really seperates NZ from their second World Cup campaign.
Thoughts?
Permalink
Permalink
My thoughts - posted elsewhere, but a direct answer to your question...
OK, so for argument's sake, here are the FIFA rankings for these teams...
GROUP 1
Australia 35
Japan 38
Uzbekistan 58
Bahrain 72
Qatar 83
GROUP 2
South Korea 45
Iran 48
Saudi Arabia 54
UAE 95
North Korea 118
So, based solely on rankings, it could be Uzbekistan or Saudi Arabia that stands between New Zealand and South Africa 2010.
New Zealand are ranked 88th by the way.
Permalink
Permalink
wouldnt want to draw aussies, japanese, south koreans or Iranians - but a gutsy performance away against any of the others and we're a chance
Permalink
Permalink
Uzbekistan are dangerous. I will be travelling there in September and will gather all the info about them I can. The likelihood of it being them is very high I would say. Japan and Australia would probably finish ahead but the UZbeks have played a very strong campaign only losing once and that was when they had already qualified and were saving their four best players.
My sister is marrying an Uzbek in Tashkent so thats why im heading there!! crazy sh*t.
Botafogo - Rio de Janeiro and Wellington Phoenix, my two teams til death do us part.
Permalink
Permalink
Holy sh*t, I just found out I will be in Uzbekistan when they play Australia in the WC Qualifiers!!!
Just had to share my excitement!
Botafogo - Rio de Janeiro and Wellington Phoenix, my two teams til death do us part.
Permalink
Permalink
I'm hoping we'll be playing North Korea (who shouldn't be underestimated mind you), but in reality I think it's far more likely to be Uzbekistan or Saudi Arabia.
If we have our best team and play some skilled but also extremely physical football then we can win it I think.
Do yellow and red cards received during qualifying go through to the World Cup finals themselves anyone know?
If we have our best team and play some skilled but also extremely physical football then we can win it I think.
Do yellow and red cards received during qualifying go through to the World Cup finals themselves anyone know?
Permalink
Permalink
Almost impossible to say. The predictably over-confident Australian press suggests Oz may as well book its passage to SA now, but I definitely don't agree. In Group1 I'd only really rule out Qatar. THe Uzbeks look strong on paper but were in a weak qualifying group. Japan and Bahrain exchanged wins in the earlier round. Without a big name European coach Japan are perhaps not quite the threat they were a few years ago, but they will still be hard to beat. Oz has been inconsistent - it will need to lift its game a lot and be much more positive to get a top 2 place.
In Group 2 you'd expect Sth Korea and Iran to show their pedigree over the two rounds but none of the others are pushovers. Nth Korea went through 6 qualifiers without conceding a goal.
Whoever they come up against NZ will be at a major disadvantage not having had the experience of a long, hard-fought campaign behind them. Personally I think that even taking into account the difficulty of an away game in the heat of the middle east an opponent like Saudi Arabia, Bahrain or UAE might give us the best chance of winning. These guys seem to be psychologically a bit more vulnerable if things don't go their way. Best scenario is to grab an away draw, then get stuck into them on a freezing night with a filthy southerly blowing in front of 30,000 bellowing kiwis packed into the RoF!
Permalink
Permalink
My sister is marrying an Uzbek in Tashkent so thats why im heading there!! crazy sh*t.
Who? Your sister or the guy she's marrying?
Nix, Leyton Orient and Alloa Athletic supporting schmuck.
Permalink
Permalink
It would be nice if it were the Saudi's, there'd be a certain symmetry to the '82 campaign having to go there and get something. Doubt we'd put 5 past them in their backyard again though...
Nix, Leyton Orient and Alloa Athletic supporting schmuck.
Permalink
Permalink
Realistically, we'd have a chance against Qatar, Bahrain, North Korea and UAE. Anyone else, and we're massive underdogs.
I see group 1 being decided between Japan, Australia and Uzbekistan, and don't think that Oz are a shoe-in for a top 2 spot. The Uzbekis are a very good side on the up, and I rate as a very good chance to get to the World Cup.
Group 2 seems a bit more open to me, don't think that there's as much of a gap between the top 3 teams in that group and the other 2.
Overall, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if we're up against Australia...
I see group 1 being decided between Japan, Australia and Uzbekistan, and don't think that Oz are a shoe-in for a top 2 spot. The Uzbekis are a very good side on the up, and I rate as a very good chance to get to the World Cup.
Group 2 seems a bit more open to me, don't think that there's as much of a gap between the top 3 teams in that group and the other 2.
Overall, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if we're up against Australia...
Permalink
Permalink
I think the real question is how do asia have 4.5 qualifying spots?
Correct me if I'm wrong but the world cup has 32 teams, yes? and they have 4 automatic qualifying spots when there best four are 35, 38, 45, 48 none in the top 32 let alone four
This is simalar to Africa which (excluding south africa) get five spaces yet only four teams. in the top 32.
Europe on the other hand have 21 teams in the top 32 yet only 13 qualifying spots.
I know they have an obligation to global representation but is it fair???
Permalink
Permalink
Realistically, we'd have a chance against Qatar, Bahrain, North Korea and UAE. Anyone else, and we're massive underdogs.[/QUOTE]I certainly hope one of those countries can get through - but the chances of one of Saudi Arabia and the Uzbeks missing out on third AND the other losing the playoff against one of those teams seems pretty slim.
EDIT:
[QUOTE]I think the real question is how do asia have 4.5 qualifying spots?
Correct me if I'm wrong but the world cup has 32 teams, yes? and they have 4 automatic qualifying spots when there best four are 35, 38, 45, 48 none in the top 32 let alone four
This is simalar to Africa which (excluding south africa) get five spaces yet only four teams. in the top 32.
Europe on the other hand have 21 teams in the top 32 yet only 13 qualifying spots.
I know they have an obligation to global representation but is it fair???
No offense, but do you support the All Whites? If you do, its a bit rich for you to be complaining about any other countries or confederations route to the world cup. In reality, all the All Whites have to do is win a 2 game play-off. That's it. 2 games for a very low ranked team to get a spot in the finals.
Overall, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if we're up against Australia...
Perhaps. New Zealand should be cheering Australia on to 2nd above the Uzbeks. Even though its impossible for me to approach it subjectively, and I really want to see NZ succeed. A full strength Australia would absolutely tear NZ apart.
EDIT:
[QUOTE]I think the real question is how do asia have 4.5 qualifying spots?
Correct me if I'm wrong but the world cup has 32 teams, yes? and they have 4 automatic qualifying spots when there best four are 35, 38, 45, 48 none in the top 32 let alone four
This is simalar to Africa which (excluding south africa) get five spaces yet only four teams. in the top 32.
Europe on the other hand have 21 teams in the top 32 yet only 13 qualifying spots.
I know they have an obligation to global representation but is it fair???
Not saying that this way is fair or anything - but Oceania's route is a much bigger issue than Asia having 4.5 spots IMO. At least Asia is on the way up.aussienixfan2008-06-29 13:44:44
Permalink
Permalink
I think the real question is how do asia have 4.5 qualifying spots?
Correct me if I'm wrong but the world cup has 32 teams, yes? and they have 4 automatic qualifying spots when there best four are 35, 38, 45, 48 none in the top 32 let alone four
This is simalar to Africa which (excluding south africa) get five spaces yet only four teams. in the top 32.
�
Europe on the other hand have 21 teams in the top 32 yet only 13 qualifying spots.
�
I know they have an obligation to global representation but is it fair???
Do you think the points system that determines the rankings is fair? It basically favours European and South American teams, which is why they occupy so many of the top 30 spots.
Does the World Cup benefit by having the likes of Poland, Greece, Switzerland over the likes of Iran, Saudi Arabia, or Tunisia?
Permalink
Permalink
Realistically, we'd have a chance against Qatar, Bahrain, North Korea and UAE. Anyone else, and we're massive underdogs.[/QUOTE]I certainly hope one of those countries can get through - but the chances of one of Saudi Arabia and the Uzbeks missing out on third AND the other losing the playoff against one of those teams seems pretty slim.
[QUOTE]Overall, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if we're up against Australia...
Perhaps. New Zealand should be cheering Australia on to 2nd above the Uzbeks. Even though its impossible for me to approach it subjectively, and I really want to see NZ succeed. A full strength Australia would absolutely tear NZ apart.
[QUOTE]Overall, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if we're up against Australia...
Pretty much agree with all that. Although I have to say it's not inconceivable that Oz and Uz get the to 2 spots, and we end up playing against Japan. Overall I get the impression that we'll be playing the third placed team from this group, and whoever it is (Oz, Uz, Jap) will probably spank us senseless.
Permalink
Permalink
at least qualification is easier than it was before aus were in asia
You know we belong together...
Permalink
Permalink
I think the real question is how do asia have 4.5 qualifying spots?
Correct me if I'm wrong but the world cup has 32 teams, yes? and they have 4 automatic qualifying spots when there best four are 35, 38, 45, 48 none in the top 32 let alone four
This is simalar to Africa which (excluding south africa) get five spaces yet only four teams. in the top 32.
Europe on the other hand have 21 teams in the top 32 yet only 13 qualifying spots.
I know they have an obligation to global representation but is it fair???
the world cup is an entertainment just as much as a sporting compettion, I think it's great that we see new teams coming through evey four years and adding to the festival-like nature of the tournament, teams like jamaica in '98 and senegal in 2002 add so much drama and passion
You know we belong together...
Permalink
Permalink
I think the real question is how do asia have 4.5 qualifying spots?
Correct me if I'm wrong but the world cup has 32 teams, yes? and they have 4 automatic qualifying spots when there best four are 35, 38, 45, 48 none in the top 32 let alone four
This is simalar to Africa which (excluding south africa) get five spaces yet only four teams. in the top 32.
Europe on the other hand have 21 teams in the top 32 yet only 13 qualifying spots.
I know they have an obligation to global representation but is it fair???
the world cup is an entertainment just as much as a sporting compettion, I think it's great that we see new teams coming through evey four years and adding to the festival-like nature of the tournament, teams like jamaica in '98 and senegal in 2002 add so much drama and passion
And New Zealand in 2010
Permalink
Permalink
My sister is marrying an Uzbek in Tashkent so thats why im heading there!! crazy sh*t.
Who? Your sister or the guy she's marrying?
My sister's fiance is an Uzbek so we will be there at the stadium to cheer on the Uzbeks against the Aussies!!!
Botafogo - Rio de Janeiro and Wellington Phoenix, my two teams til death do us part.
Permalink
Permalink
It would be nice if it were the Saudi's, there'd be a certain symmetry to the '82 campaign having to go there and get something. Doubt we'd put 5 past them in their backyard again though...
I did it on FM08...
Permalink
Permalink
Who ever it is will be far better prepared than the AWs. It a long shot, a very long shot. Hopefully we don't get 
Permalink
Permalink
Whoever it is, I hope come November next year the home leg is played at the RoF to a capacity crowd.
Permalink
Permalink
Some changes to the look of these groups in the latest FIFA rankings...most notably Japan are now ranked above Australia and Iran and Saudi Arabia are both above South Korea.....also a big jump for North Korea...24 places.
New Zealand are 113th, so are now behind all ten of these teams, and based solely on rankings, would face the winner of Uzbekistan v South Korea.
The rankings (with previous rankings in brackets) are...
GROUP 1
Japan 34 (38)
Australia 40 (35)
Uzbekistan 55 (58)
Bahrain 72 (72)
Qatar 80 (83)
GROUP 2
Iran 37 (48)
Saudi Arabia 49 (54)
South Korea 53 (45)
North Korea 94 (118)
UAE 106 (95)
Permalink
Permalink
if we could get a run against a side oputisde the top 50 that would be brilliant
there's some serious money even in those nations though
Permalink
Permalink
who are the AWs playing in the leadup games??????
J.C. if the AWs don't get some competition before hand it will be a massacre
Permalink
Permalink
Just saw something about Uzbekistan on Reuters that mentions Eto'o possibly joining a club there. Looks like they have a fair wadge of cash in that league:
Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o is travelling to Uzbekistan to talk to the country's leading club, with Kuruvchi reportedly ready to put together a $40m deal. "I'm planning to return to Barcelona and starting from Saturday, I will consider all my options, including the one from Kuruvchi," said Eto'o.
Permalink
Permalink
FIFA rankings updated on September 3...
GROUP 1
Japan 35
Australia 39
Uzbekistan 59
Bahrain 66
Qatar 81
GROUP 2
Iran 46
Saudi Arabia 48
South Korea 51
UAE 109
North Korea 116
New Zealand is 111th at the moment, and could be looking at someone like South Korea, who are 51st (and World Cup semi-finalists in 2002).
Permalink
Permalink
South Korea would be daunting - even without the Guus effect
Permalink
Permalink
We'll get our first impressions of them all over the next few days...
07/09/08 06:30
07/09/08 07:00
07/09/08 07:15
07/09/08 06:15
11/09/08 00:00
11/09/08 03:30
11/09/08 07:00
11/09/08 06:15
Permalink
Permalink
Super exciting even if we are certainly going to be the underdogs. Still we do have some quality, especially in Ryan Nelsen who could prove the difference, he's probably as good a defender as anybody in those Asian teams. If we are going to get through it will involve (like HN says) stealing a draw away and then getting a result at home. I assume we can go through on GD with say a 1 - 1 away and a 0 - 0 at home? It will be bloody hard, but what a dream if we get through. Imagine the atmosphere at the RoF if Smeltzy fired home in the 90th to snare a 2 -1 last minute winner against the Saudi's.
KTBW2008-09-06 20:54:59
Permalink
Permalink
Wherever that home game is (and let's hope it's Wellington) the ground simply MUST sell out. liverpoolfan12008-09-06 21:00:00
Permalink
Permalink
technically north harbour stadium is the "official home" of the all-whites. but surely some letters can be sent to avoid this happening. I want it in the RoF and I live in Auckland...
Permalink
Permalink
Anyone! It's playoff. Get lucky and get the away leg first. Play eleven (or more) behind the ball. Then at home...finish ONE chance.
Get a BIG home crowd fully* behind the side and anything can happen (...and it probaby will...)
BRING IT ON!!!
* - misery mongers take note!
dairyflat2008-09-07 08:51:01
Get a BIG home crowd fully* behind the side and anything can happen (...and it probaby will...)
BRING IT ON!!!
* - misery mongers take note!
dairyflat2008-09-07 08:51:01
Profile pic. Should you be interested. Lakhsen, on the right, lost touch with him.
Mohammed, on the left, I'm still in touch with. He's now living in Agadez, Niger. More focused on his animals now as tourism has dried up. Is active with a co-op promoting local goods, leather work and bijouterie, into Europe.
20/5/20
Mohammed, on the left, I'm still in touch with. He's now living in Agadez, Niger. More focused on his animals now as tourism has dried up. Is active with a co-op promoting local goods, leather work and bijouterie, into Europe.
20/5/20
Permalink
Permalink
technically north harbour stadium is the "official home" of the all-whites. but surely some letters can be sent to avoid this happening. I want it in the RoF and I live in Auckland...
Football Manager says it's 'Wellington Trusts Stadium'... I say we point that out 
Permalink
Permalink
Anyone! It's playoff. Get lucky and get the away leg first. Play eleven (or more) behind the ball. Then at home...finish ONE chance.
Get a BIG home crowd fully* behind the side and anything can happen (...and it probaby will...)
BRING IT ON!!!
* - misery mongers take note!
Get a BIG home crowd fully* behind the side and anything can happen (...and it probaby will...)
BRING IT ON!!!
* - misery mongers take note!
Is it certain that we have the away leg first? I tend to agree though...anything can happen in a one-off game, and we've shown we can do well against nations ranked ahead off us in a one-off scenario before (Wales, Scotland, Estonia I believe...)
Permalink
Permalink
agree with the idea that we a fans don't bow down and die before we take the park,
even over two legs a football encounter is a series of events which are impossible to predict/guarantee in advance
(otherwise, why would the fans of the bookies less favoured team ever bother to turn up?)
Permalink
Permalink
always a chance. DF is right. battle, scrap, get lucky, get a point away and then come home and sneak the fixture. magnificent.
huge games - the home fixture is compulsory attendance, wgtn or akl. but how would the road trip be! White Noise in Uzbekistan?
Permalink
Permalink
agree with the idea that we a fans don't bow down and die before we take the park,
even over two legs a football encounter is a series of events which are impossible to predict/guarantee in advance
(otherwise, why would the fans of the bookies less favoured team ever bother to turn up?)
Exactly. Rankings should be ignored too, we all know the FIFA Rankings system is bollocks i mean New Caledonia are ahead of us ffs. So regardless of whether we're playing a team 10 or 50 places above us they'll all be as tough as each other.
I still believe.
Three for me, and two for them.
Permalink
Permalink
always a chance. DF is right. battle, scrap, get lucky, get a point away and then come home and sneak the fixture. magnificent.
huge games - the home fixture is compulsory attendance, wgtn or akl. but how would the road trip be! White Noise in Uzbekistan?
I'd like to see white noise take over Iran or Saudi Arabia, personally.
Permalink
Permalink
Loving the song White Noise by The Living End at the moment. Quality anthem for us.
Permalink
Permalink