Qualifying rounds going on now!
It’s the qualifying stage for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, being held South Africa, on the 10th anniversary of their hosting the Rugby World Cup. For the low and uninitiated, FIFA is soccer. Granted, pundits and hooligans are saying that “the only World Cup worth watching is in 2011 in New Zealand” but then again, no one wants to hear from that malicious cadre of malcontents. No need to waste any payday loans on more TV channels just to get the latest scores, I’ll help you out on this one.November 18th, is the last day of qualification matches, and today’s winners are the ones going to the World Cup.
South Africa automatically qualifies
For the African nations, South Africa is automatically qualified as the host nation – which won’t exactly guarantee them much.Currently, they’re ranked 84th in the world.Though soccer is their most popular sport, their cricket team and rugby team, the Springboks, are usually the strongest representative teams.South Africa’s rugby team is routinely one of the world’s best, having won the World Cup in 1995 and 2007, and Australia is the only other nation to win twice. (Though they recently were beaten by two English club sides, so they aren’t doing themselves any favors.)
Egypt vs. Algeria
The last available spot for Africa was up for grabs, and it came down to Egypt and Algeria playing to break a tie, as they were even up.50,000 fans watched the two square off at Almerreikh Stadium in Omdurman, Sudan, the venue chosen via draw on November 11th. Algeria’s Antar Yahia scored five minutes before half time, and neither side was able score again, leaving Algeria the victors, 1-0.
Republic of Ireland against. France
Ireland vs. France shaped up to be a doozy, and seeing the Emerald Isle take on the frogs at Croke Park would be something else. However, the Luck of the Irish ran out, and the French team ran away with the series, having aggregated 2 goals to the Irish 1, putting paid Irish hopes of World Cup glory.In other action, Protugal defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Russia fell to Slovenia on away goals.(Meaning that the goals scored by the away team will count double in aggregate points).) European teams get a bit more international coverage, but they did invent the sport there.Also, Costa Rica faced off and lost to Uruguay, and Bahrain took on New Zealand, which saw the Land of the Long White Cloud victorious. (Here is a list of those qualified to go to the 2010 World Cup.)
This ought to be good
The wait is going to stink, but that being said, the 2010 FIFA World Cup is going to kick off in June of 2010.It would be worth some payday loans to watch.
