I would love them to bin off all international football except for the tournaments, where every nation could be a part of it (as it is going that way anyway). 50 groups of 4 or something.
It’s a shame we’re not playing our EFL trophy game against Crawley next Saturday. STHs for a fiver and u16s free would’ve drawn a bigger crowd than a Tuesday in November.
@Shev I prefer the following, simplified yet all-inclusive format. 16 groups of 13 (bit like South American zone) Random draw, so there could be seriously tough groups, (or not) but hey...It's the World Cup! One game against each, home or away (like the Egg Chasing 6 Nation thingy). All matches spread over 6 'international weekend' windows, a weekend and a midweek game each time, from Sept to Sept. A full year of qualifying. Domestic competitions not affected on the 'you knew what you were getting yourself into when you signed that international player' basis. Only the top 4 go through. Plenty of jeopardy. No play-off crap. Then the "tournament" itself. This would be based on a straight knockout, FA Cup stylee, last 64 random draw. No group stage, no 'playing yourself into the tournament'. One bad game and you're on the plane home. The successful team would have played 12 qualifying games and 6 knockouts to win.
It’s worth mentioning that Charlton Athletic have chosen NOT to postpone their home game with Rotherham United this weekend despite having three players (Kaheim Dixon, Karoy Anderson and Daniel Kanu) called up for international duty.
So many players play abroad these days it almost feels like the mystique of exotic nations has gone a bit. You'd never see these players who seemed so incredible bar tournaments.
Now you have the likes of Tottenham fielding a Brazil striker!
Very true - stylistically, the WC was like a carnival of strange and wonderful approaches when I was a kid (80s). Watching Brazil was like watching aliens from Planet Football, who had turned the game into a gorgeous work of art.
Now, most top players play in Europe in some form of possession system that we have all seen a million times, and the only difference in styles is down to the few plucky underdogs (looking at you, Georgia) who play direct once they get the ball.
Sorry, I still haven’t a clue what it’s about. Even more frustrating now that @bookertease says he thought it was quite funny. My problem might be because, for some reason, the https://gasroom.org links don’t work on this iPhone.
Only other explanation is if maybe Pakistan have a training camp and McKenzie Abdullah has been called up, making him Mansfield's 4th call-up (if you include Waine). But even then he's technically an academy player.
Keanu Bacus didn’t make the starting 11 or the 11 substitutes for Australia’s match against Bahrain, he reports that he is currently injured, although he hopes to be in contention for this Tuesday’s match against Indonesia.
Suggest that if on a Sunday he has doubts about his availability, he would not have been available for club duty the day before.
At least Lucas Akins scored for Grenada after just five minutes. For some reason, it makes it seem like the called off game was not a complete waste, as someone actually benefited!
Comments
I would love them to bin off all international football except for the tournaments, where every nation could be a part of it (as it is going that way anyway). 50 groups of 4 or something.
It’s a shame we’re not playing our EFL trophy game against Crawley next Saturday. STHs for a fiver and u16s free would’ve drawn a bigger crowd than a Tuesday in November.
Great idea, sadly too sensible, I fear.
@Shev I prefer the following, simplified yet all-inclusive format. 16 groups of 13 (bit like South American zone) Random draw, so there could be seriously tough groups, (or not) but hey...It's the World Cup! One game against each, home or away (like the Egg Chasing 6 Nation thingy). All matches spread over 6 'international weekend' windows, a weekend and a midweek game each time, from Sept to Sept. A full year of qualifying. Domestic competitions not affected on the 'you knew what you were getting yourself into when you signed that international player' basis. Only the top 4 go through. Plenty of jeopardy. No play-off crap. Then the "tournament" itself. This would be based on a straight knockout, FA Cup stylee, last 64 random draw. No group stage, no 'playing yourself into the tournament'. One bad game and you're on the plane home. The successful team would have played 12 qualifying games and 6 knockouts to win.
It’s worth mentioning that Charlton Athletic have chosen NOT to postpone their home game with Rotherham United this weekend despite having three players (Kaheim Dixon, Karoy Anderson and Daniel Kanu) called up for international duty.
I'd go along with this.
So many players play abroad these days it almost feels like the mystique of exotic nations has gone a bit. You'd never see these players who seemed so incredible bar tournaments.
Now you have the likes of Tottenham fielding a Brazil striker!
What and deny Sky their paid for EFL trophy Tuesday night red button audience?
I've asked him, he says he isn't fussed but will watch a film if it helps their ratings along
Very true - stylistically, the WC was like a carnival of strange and wonderful approaches when I was a kid (80s). Watching Brazil was like watching aliens from Planet Football, who had turned the game into a gorgeous work of art.
Now, most top players play in Europe in some form of possession system that we have all seen a million times, and the only difference in styles is down to the few plucky underdogs (looking at you, Georgia) who play direct once they get the ball.
Sorry, @StrongestTeam - and maybe I’ve missed something relevant earlier in the thread - but who is the him in your comment ?
Late 80s of course.
The red button audience, I may have exaggerated a little.
Well I thought it was quite funny
Sorry, I still haven’t a clue what it’s about. Even more frustrating now that @bookertease says he thought it was quite funny. My problem might be because, for some reason, the https://gasroom.org links don’t work on this iPhone.
Hate to miss out on a larf.
If you have to explain it isn't funny is a good rule but just for your benefit I was suggesting that the audience totalled only one.
Thanks @bookertease , tough crowd
Only other explanation is if maybe Pakistan have a training camp and McKenzie Abdullah has been called up, making him Mansfield's 4th call-up (if you include Waine). But even then he's technically an academy player.
Crikey. Glad I didn’t miss out on something funny.
Keanu Bacus didn’t make the starting 11 or the 11 substitutes for Australia’s match against Bahrain, he reports that he is currently injured, although he hopes to be in contention for this Tuesday’s match against Indonesia.
Suggest that if on a Sunday he has doubts about his availability, he would not have been available for club duty the day before.
At least Lucas Akins scored for Grenada after just five minutes. For some reason, it makes it seem like the called off game was not a complete waste, as someone actually benefited!