Tag Archives: world cup

211 To 1: Reflections On The Road To Qatar 2022 (XIV) – Groups Of Life, Groups Of Death

Posted on Nov 19, 2022 by NFB

To view more entries in this series, please click here to go to the index. This is it then. Starting tomorrow the 32 nations that have been able to rise above the rest of the 211 will begin the 2022 World … Continue reading →

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211 to 1: Reflections On The Road to Qatar 2022 – (II) The Road Broadens

Posted on Jul 8, 2020 by NFB

To view more entries in this series, please click here to go to the index. The earliest games of World Cup qualifying concerned Asia only; now additional confederations begin their qualification processes. But the earliest games in Africa concern more … Continue reading →

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World Cup 2018: Rankings (4-1)

Posted on Jul 16, 2018 by NFB

The tournament is done and dusted, and we have our final four. You can see my other rankings at these links – #32-17, 16-9, 8-5. 4. England (+22) Well, this was an improvement, huh? Even early on in the first … Continue reading →

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World Cup 2018: Final Predictions

Posted on Jul 12, 2018 by NFB

Final rankings will come after the 3rd/4th Place Play-Off and the Final, but for the moment, just quick predictions after I was one for two on the semis (38/62 or 61%). It’s the game no-one wants to play, but 3rd … Continue reading →

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World Cup 2014: Matchday One (Group A)

Posted on Jun 13, 2014 by NFB

Brazil 3 – 1 Croatia A disappointingly controversial beginning, after such high expectations. Croatia got little chance from anyone before this game – more than one person I follow a Twitter was discussing the game only in terms of how … Continue reading →

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Qatar 2022: Or How FIFA Learned To Stop Worrying And Love Bribery

Posted on Dec 4, 2010 by NFB

Yes, it does reek of dodgy dealing. When England and Australia get three votes between them, from a maximum of 44, you know that something isn’t right. FIFA being a corrupt organisation isn’t even slightly surprising. But, it’s so very, very … Continue reading →

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Sportsball (World Cup 2010): The Last Word

Posted on Jul 12, 2010 by NFB

So, the tournament is over and we have new World Cup Champions. Before I put my coverage of Sportsball 2010 to bed (and start on my coverage of English Sportsball 10/11) I’d like to give my last word on each team … Continue reading →

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Sportsball (World Cup 2010), Matchday Twenty-Five (The World Cup Final)

Posted on Jul 11, 2010 by NFB

Spain 1-0 Netherlands So, there you have it. New World Cup Champions. Spain started out far brighter. They were the ones pushing on, while the Dutch seemed unable to create anything upfront. Spain managed to work some opportunities, but the … Continue reading →

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Sportsball (World Cup 2010), Matchday Twenty-Four (3rd Place Play-Off)

Posted on Jul 10, 2010 by NFB

Uruguay 2-3 Germany I’m gratified to have been dead right about the 3rd Place Play-Off. A truly excellent contest, one of the best games of tournament. Back and forth attacking football from both sides, plenty of goals, both teams giving … Continue reading →

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Sportsball: In Defence Of The 3rd Place Play-Off

Posted on Jul 9, 2010 by NFB

The 3rd Place Play-Off gets a lot of criticism. People say its pointless. Neither nation is really playing for anything. Both are inevitably deflated following their semi-final defeats. It’s hard to fill the stadium. It’s just an extra game to … Continue reading →

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