AC_Slater Posted June 24, 2014 Share Posted June 24, 2014 Seriously, is there any precidence for FIFA looking at these conferences and reversing the number of world cup spots each gets? I do realize if that spot would go anywhere it should go to Europe, but right now it's pretty evident that Asia is the poor cousin in terms of teams at the World Cup. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ted Posted June 24, 2014 Share Posted June 24, 2014 Yep, they change it up after almost every world cup it seems. We got an extra spot after South Africa I believe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grizzly Posted June 24, 2014 Share Posted June 24, 2014 Seriously, is there any precidence for FIFA looking at these conferences and reversing the number of world cup spots each gets? I do realize if that spot would go anywhere it should go to Europe, but right now it's pretty evident that Asia is the poor cousin in terms of teams at the World Cup. Why would it go to Europe? They have had a very poor tournament as well. Europe usually sends a few terrible teams that don't belong each World Cup. This time they will only advance 5 or 6 teams out of 13 spots and one of those is thanks to a horrible call that gifted the game to Greece. Europe already has several spots too many, not to mention that UEFA does not seem able to come up with a decent grouping system that doesn't allow really weak teams to advance from very weak qualifying groups. There should be more playoffs between conferences. If Europe is going to send 13 teams they need to show they deserve it by earning it. And yes the Asian and African teams have been poor but not poorer than the bottom 6 teams that Europe sent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheeta Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 Yeah, UEFA might not be the strongest argument up to this point. Could poke holes in just about every federation this tourney though. All that aside I do quite like the 1/2 slots and inter-federation playoffs though. Keeps hope alive for the "also-rans" within any federations WCQing scheme and is of course especially fun for the parties involved. So what's not to like? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TFC07 Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 I would be surprised if FIFA takes a slot or even .5 from AFC given size of Asia. I think FIFA should merge AFC and OFC while give OFC's .5 slot to CONCACAF. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
red card Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 Before everyone gets carried away in the moment, there is the home field advantage to consider. I don't think Costa Rica makes out if this was played in Europe. US has never played well in European WCs either. Mexico has always advanced out of the group in recent decades. We need to see them get past quarters before anyone needs to get as excited as the Mexican coach. Europe has never won the Cup in South America. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
narduch Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 I actually think 4.5 spots is the right amount for Asia. Remember this is the World Cup. Asia is a large continent with a lot of countries. I also agree that Europe has too many spots. UEFA consistently sends the most dreadful to watch, boring teams to the World Cup. They add very little to the tournament. At least with teams from CONCACAF, Asia and Africa you get that exotic feel from seeing a different type of soccer, usually played with much more passion. Most of the lower end European teams play conservative robotic soccer to make up for their lack of talent. I think CONCACAF has earned 4 full spots now. My guess is that will come from CONMEBOL because they won't have an automatic host spot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
narduch Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 Europe has never won the Cup in South America. This little factoid is nearly meaningless considering there hasn't been a South American hosted World Cup since 1978. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
narduch Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 Why would it go to Europe? They have had a very poor tournament as well. Europe usually sends a few terrible teams that don't belong each World Cup. This time they will only advance 5 or 6 teams out of 13 spots and one of those is thanks to a horrible call that gifted the game to Greece. Europe already has several spots too many, not to mention that UEFA does not seem able to come up with a decent grouping system that doesn't allow really weak teams to advance from very weak qualifying groups. There should be more playoffs between conferences. If Europe is going to send 13 teams they need to show they deserve it by earning it. And yes the Asian and African teams have been poor but not poorer than the bottom 6 teams that Europe sent. I agree with everything you say here. I believe the UEFA qualifying system hides teams flaws and makes them appear better than they are. It doesn't help when the idiot media simply looks at the qualifying standings and talks up teams like Belgium or Switzerland who actually aren't that great when you see them play. That being said I don't think UEFA will ever change their qualifying system. The current system allows teams to be involved to the bitter end (even after they are mathematically out). People have been clamoring for years for a system that weeds out the Maltas and the Andorras but I don't think UEFA has any interest in that. (And to make matters worse tiny Gibraltar has joined in on the fun). In the 32 team World Cup era, Europe peaked with 15 teams. At this World Cup they have 13. I really hope FIFA drops them to 12 but I'm not expecting them too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madmonte Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 Yep, they change it up after almost every world cup it seems. We got an extra spot after South Africa I believe. No change after South Africa...we just one our confederation playoff this time. Our last change...2002 we had 3 places, they gave us an extra .5 for 2006. Since then we've had 3.5. But yeah they could reconsider. However, I think for them to REALLY reconsider the places each confederation gets, it might take a team from CONCACAF or CAF to get to the actual finals. For me, it's Europe that is starting to get overrated. I mean, look at how every expert and fan was predicting this World Cup. Most had only CONMEBOL and UEFA teams getting into the knockout rounds, with 1 or 2 from other confederations getting in, MAX. 2010, 6 European teams out of 13 got into the knockout rounds. Everyone seems to think that Europe is strong for all 13 spots. If they get less than 6 THIS year, it might show a touch of decline in European dominance? But Europe would make the case...wait until Russia, when we are playing in climates WE are more comfortable with. Still...I think I, personally, would make the case for Europe going to 12.5 before I make the case of AFC going to 4. Edit: (Just now read Narduch's post, agree fully) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ted Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 I would be surprised if FIFA takes a slot or even .5 from AFC given size of Asia. I think FIFA should merge AFC and OFC while give OFC's .5 slot to CONCACAF. This would be the right move. Oceania is a sideshow to Asia and might as well be part of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
narduch Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 I'm guessing that it would be too expensive for all those South Pacific island nations to qualify in Asia. That's what's holding Oceania back from joining Asia. That being said I don't know why New Zealand doesn't try to pull an Australia move themselves and force FIFA's hand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamboAl Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 I don't think Oceania will merge with the AFC as the distances are already huge. Imagine Iran going to Tahiti for a qualifier? Anyways, on topic…AFC won't lose any spots the same way CAF won't lose any spots because the population is so huge. I'm frankly surprised CONCACAF gets 3.5/4 spots as it stands. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
narduch Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 I don't think Oceania will merge with the AFC as the distances are already huge. Imagine Iran going to Tahiti for a qualifier? Anyways, on topic…AFC won't lose any spots the same way CAF won't lose any spots because the population is so huge. I'm frankly surprised CONCACAF gets 3.5/4 spots as it stands. I was actually thinking that you could actually even split Asia into two conferences if you wanted. One middle eastern/Arab conference and one south/east Asian conference (which could more easily absorb Oceania). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madmonte Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 This would be the right move. Oceania is a sideshow to Asia and might as well be part of it. I've thought of this as well. Or, since it is geographically undesirable at times, another option that had been discussed on these boards I was actually thinking that you could actually even split Asia into two conferences if you wanted. One middle eastern/Arab conference and one south/east Asian conference (which could more easily absorb Oceania). And that would be it. You could give 3 to to south/east and 1.5 to the middle east, if indeed they were to keep their 4.5. Although that's just semantics, some might argue 2.5 here, 1.5 there, and give .5 to CONCACAF, or what have you. Personally I think this Asia split is the best option. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ted Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 Or what if they left the confederations as they are but rather than a .5 the Oceania top-finsher then joined the last round of qualifying in AFC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Obinna Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 I like the idea of merging Oceania with Asia so FIFA can free up that 0.5 spot. Oceania (New Zealand) don't deserve a 2 legged chance at the world cup every cycle. However, instead of a complete merge, wouldn't a simple fix be to give the Oceania champion a ticket to Asia's final round of WCQ? The semi-final round, I believe, is the top 2 teams from 5 groups of 4. From the second place teams in this stage, they should take the team with the lowest point total and give them a 2 legged play-off with the Oceania champion! That would have been New Zealand vs Saudi Arabia match up. Certainly more fair and makes them earn qualification. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Obinna Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 Of course, that extra 0.5 should go to CONCACAF! Never mind that Mexico, Costa Rica and the USA had massive amounts of support in the stands this time around It would be cool if at least one European team had to play an intercontinental play off. Don't know how that would work though.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Footix Posted June 26, 2014 Share Posted June 26, 2014 Of course, that extra 0.5 should go to CONCACAF! Never mind that Mexico, Costa Rica and the USA had massive amounts of support in the stands this time around It would be cool if at least one European team had to play an intercontinental play off. Don't know how that would work though.... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002_FIFA_World_Cup_qualification_%28UEFA%29 Basically one of the second place teams went into the intercontinental playoffs instead of the UEFA playoffs, although that year UEFA got 14.5 spots (13.5 + France as holders) vs. 13 now. Maybe randomly determine one of the playoff pairings and have its winner go to the intercontinental playoffs instead of directly to the World Cup? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CanadianSoccerFan Posted June 26, 2014 Share Posted June 26, 2014 It's all a moot point if Platini gets the FIFA presidency. He's already said he wants to expand the world cup to 40 teams. Same guy who expanded the euros to 24 so I doubt he's bluffing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
One American Posted June 26, 2014 Share Posted June 26, 2014 Until Canada starts pulling its weight, I don't see CONCACAF getting a new one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackdude Posted June 26, 2014 Share Posted June 26, 2014 Until Canada starts pulling its weight, I don't see CONCACAF getting a new one. Don't get that reasoning. It's like saying until China or INdia pulls its weight, AFC shouldn't get more spots. I don't see why one particular team would help or hinder a confederation, it has to be about the confederation as a whole not one team. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon Posted June 27, 2014 Share Posted June 27, 2014 Don't get that reasoning. It's like saying until China or INdia pulls its weight, AFC shouldn't get more spots. I don't see why one particular team would help or hinder a confederation, it has to be about the confederation as a whole not one team. But it is true, until at least one of China, India and maybe Indonesia start pulling their weight, I don't see AFC getting another spot. Bottom line is this, when the decision about the extra spot is only about where the team that goes 0 for 3 comes from there is no compelling reason to give CONCACAF or AFC another spot. Now if Canada (or India China or maybe Indonesia) were gaining 4-6 points regularly as a country of our size and wealth should (ie pulling our weight) and CONCACAF's 4th place team was occasionally racking up 3-4 points then the argument for 5 is made. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackdude Posted June 27, 2014 Share Posted June 27, 2014 But it is true, until at least one of China, India and maybe Indonesia start pulling their weight, I don't see AFC getting another spot. Bottom line is this, when the decision about the extra spot is only about where the team that goes 0 for 3 comes from there is no compelling reason to give CONCACAF or AFC another spot. Now if Canada (or India China or maybe Indonesia) were gaining 4-6 points regularly as a country of our size and wealth should (ie pulling our weight) and CONCACAF's 4th place team was occasionally racking up 3-4 points then the argument for 5 is made. I get the Asia part, because Asia is a poor conference that doesn't deserve more spots for now. We all know that they won't get more than 4.5 spots in 2018 They can't gain spots with their performance. But CONCACAF is a different animal, because they've gotten nice results. Sure if Canada, one of the rare CONCACAF countries that plays often against members of the other conferences did well in those games, it could only help CONCACAF, but I don't think that it's all about us. It's about the confederation, not one member in particular. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
One American Posted June 27, 2014 Share Posted June 27, 2014 Don't get that reasoning. It's like saying until China or INdia pulls its weight, AFC shouldn't get more spots. I don't see why one particular team would help or hinder a confederation, it has to be about the confederation as a whole not one team. I don't mean it badly. I just mean that Canada has the population base to sustain a good program, whereas I'm not sure the countries in Central America have that same base. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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