Wednesday 11/19 International Date
Was bored a few days ago and decided to cap the games for Wednesday.
Definitely more stable than domestic leagues.
Bold = Winner
Team in Parenthesis = playing at home
CONCACAF
1. Honduras vs Mexico (Honduras)
This looks like a draw all the way. Honduras and Mexico both need a point to qualify, and this looks like a safety-first encounter. Jamaica are on Honduras's heels but Honduras needs to at least draw to pass through. If Jamaica wins they will have 10 points but they have an inferior goal difference, so all Honduras needs to do is draw here. Mexico also -looks- in peril but they have superior goal differences as well. It may be a point of pride to finish first in their group since they haven't struggled in qualifying for a very very long time.
It may depend on Mexico's line-up and whether they want to go for the first spot or are content to qualify on goal difference. This looks like a draw.
2. Jamaica vs Canada (Canada)
This is a must win for Jamaica, and Canada have nothing to play for. Jamaica are the superior team, are at home, and will be pushing. They need Honduras to lose so they want to keep their end of the bargain.
3. Trinidad vs Cuba (Trinidad)
Trinidad is three points up on Cuba for the second spot. They want to qualify without doubt and will jumping on Cuba, who is already eliminated, early. A draw can get them in but USA will be fielding their second team and a Guatemala win is not out of the equation - same situation as the last USA vs Trinidad match.
UEFA
1. Czech Republic vs San Marino (San Marino)
Czech Republic need to keep up in their group and have been struggling, they must be glad to have this easy game against the group's whipping boys. Good opportunity to gain points and goal difference, since it is a very very tight group.
Asia
1. Qatar vs Japan (Qatar)
Japan has been in shambles lately, under pressure due to sub-par performances, and they still haven't lost! They have some key players out with injuries for this one though. And this is potentially one of Qatar's most important games in history, as they realistically have no shot at beating Australia - but a struggling Japan at home? This looks like a draw all the way, with both teams fighting to the finish. Wouldn't be surprised if Qatar pulled it off either.
2. Australia vs Bahrain (Bahrain)
Bahrain has slumped in their first two games, and it doesn't get any harder against Australia, who is rolling along like always. Australia should take this one somewhat comfortably.
3. Iran vs United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE have lost both of their encounters at home, and got thumped against the Saudis at home who Iran drew with earlier at S.A. Important game for the UAE but it looks like the end of the road as they simply don't have the quality to defeat Iran.
4. Saudi Arabia vs South Korea (Saudi Arabia)
I would rank the top three of the group as follows: South Korea, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. Korea and Iran are a cut above, and would have a chance of drawing or winning away to any of the other teams. This is one of those instances. The Saudis are a solid team and have home field advantage going, but Korea are a better team and won't be taking chances as the want at least a point first. So this ends in a draw or possibly a Korea victory.
Definitely more stable than domestic leagues.
Bold = Winner
Team in Parenthesis = playing at home
CONCACAF
1. Honduras vs Mexico (Honduras)
This looks like a draw all the way. Honduras and Mexico both need a point to qualify, and this looks like a safety-first encounter. Jamaica are on Honduras's heels but Honduras needs to at least draw to pass through. If Jamaica wins they will have 10 points but they have an inferior goal difference, so all Honduras needs to do is draw here. Mexico also -looks- in peril but they have superior goal differences as well. It may be a point of pride to finish first in their group since they haven't struggled in qualifying for a very very long time.
It may depend on Mexico's line-up and whether they want to go for the first spot or are content to qualify on goal difference. This looks like a draw.
2. Jamaica vs Canada (Canada)
This is a must win for Jamaica, and Canada have nothing to play for. Jamaica are the superior team, are at home, and will be pushing. They need Honduras to lose so they want to keep their end of the bargain.
3. Trinidad vs Cuba (Trinidad)
Trinidad is three points up on Cuba for the second spot. They want to qualify without doubt and will jumping on Cuba, who is already eliminated, early. A draw can get them in but USA will be fielding their second team and a Guatemala win is not out of the equation - same situation as the last USA vs Trinidad match.
UEFA
1. Czech Republic vs San Marino (San Marino)
Czech Republic need to keep up in their group and have been struggling, they must be glad to have this easy game against the group's whipping boys. Good opportunity to gain points and goal difference, since it is a very very tight group.
Asia
1. Qatar vs Japan (Qatar)
Japan has been in shambles lately, under pressure due to sub-par performances, and they still haven't lost! They have some key players out with injuries for this one though. And this is potentially one of Qatar's most important games in history, as they realistically have no shot at beating Australia - but a struggling Japan at home? This looks like a draw all the way, with both teams fighting to the finish. Wouldn't be surprised if Qatar pulled it off either.
2. Australia vs Bahrain (Bahrain)
Bahrain has slumped in their first two games, and it doesn't get any harder against Australia, who is rolling along like always. Australia should take this one somewhat comfortably.
3. Iran vs United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE have lost both of their encounters at home, and got thumped against the Saudis at home who Iran drew with earlier at S.A. Important game for the UAE but it looks like the end of the road as they simply don't have the quality to defeat Iran.
4. Saudi Arabia vs South Korea (Saudi Arabia)
I would rank the top three of the group as follows: South Korea, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. Korea and Iran are a cut above, and would have a chance of drawing or winning away to any of the other teams. This is one of those instances. The Saudis are a solid team and have home field advantage going, but Korea are a better team and won't be taking chances as the want at least a point first. So this ends in a draw or possibly a Korea victory.