I hope Italy makes it through Play Offs. I like having them there. Their football culture, their fans, the drama; belongs in the WC 
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True. They have a storied WC history too, and are one of those nations that feel as though they 'belong at a major tournament.
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Fuck 'em. Italy sucks
Not holding any bitterness from 2006. Nope none at all 
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Just realized that Mbappe not only has 55 goals in 94 games for France, but bloody 40 assists as well.
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Currently watching Luxembourg vs Germany. 0:0 at half time and Germany havenāt looked great. The guy on the radio this morning predicted 4:0. I mean, it could be, but Iām not sure who to.
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At 0-0 well into the game I was about to post that Germany just donāt look likeā¦well Germany. Withheld the post as the big fella clinically finished 2 nice goals.
Changed to the Dutch game to check on our guys.
But it begs the question. Are the Germans a bit worried that they may not be real contenders at the WC?
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I think thatās been the feeling for quite a while. They have to get a result against Slovakia even to qualify, although Northern Ireland have been holding them this evening.
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Slovakia won with a late goal. They are now level with Germany on points but behind on goal difference, so I think Germany need a draw to qualify. Norn Ireland are out unless there is a get out of jail free card that I wasnāt aware of.
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Weāre guaranteed a play off place thanks to other results and winning our nations league group. Weāll be in pot 4 though, so away to one of the top seeds.
Germany and Slovakia match on Monday will determine automatic qualification. Loser goes into play offs
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Wirtz MOTM, playing in the left half-space. Albeit against Luxembourg.
Poor lad, how do they also dare playing him way out of position?!
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Saw an internet piece with an Italian fan complaining about their difficult road versus CONMEBOL, specifically Brazil (8-4-6) versus their 6-0-1 record, and suggesting that was ridiculous. Sort of pathetic in that Italy is losing a group to Norway (29) and otherwise consists of Israel (78), Estonia(130), and Moldova(156). The last place CONMEBOL team is Chile at #56, the lowest ranked is Bolivia at #76.
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There are many easier groups though.
Etc.
I think itās quite safe to say that Norway is quite better than 29 in the world at the moment too.
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Jesus, that makes me feel 
Heās really living up to the initial potential he had, isnāt he? An exceptional player. And like other similar ones (ie. Messi, Ronaldo), highly unpalatable.
But let the French enjoy their genius, because he definitely is one.
In terms of qualifying groups for major tournaments, we also got on paper probably the easiest group I can remember. Czech Republic, Montenegro, Faroe Islands and Gibraltar. We drew 1 game and conceded 2 goals, qualified for the WC last night with a spare game away in Montenegro to go. Faroe Islands have been a decent surprise, getting 4 wins.
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They are not. At best outsiders. But generally, that status suits them. Let the English take that burdenā¦ 
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Absolutely, there are loads of cakewalk groups - heck, Italy was supposed to waltz through Norway. They are in trouble because they made a mess of their only moderately difficult matches. Brazil, by contrast, has has to play 8 matches versus Top 25 teams - two of those losses are against #2 Argentina.
A UEFA power complaining about the ease of CONMEBOL qualification is just absurd. A tough UEFA group basically has two teams.
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Watching Brazil vs Senegal really entertaining game, Mane since his move t o Saudi has slowed down quite a bit. Brazil players are 3/4 from PL.
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Scots look rattled. Ref giving soft calls to the Greek lads is getting to them. Doak vs Costas could have been tasty but the ref bailed Tsimi out
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