WORLD CUP 2018: BRAZIL STILL IN THE RACE

After recent performances at the FIFA world Cup 2018 qualification matches, many have questioned the hopes of seeing the star studded Brazilian team in the Cup Finals in Russia come 2018. The team’s head coach Dunga said the team’s qualification is far from conclusion.

The South American giants fought back from two goals down to draw level with Paraguay in a crucial match. Brazil men national team has won only two games of six. The team has played a draw in three matches and lost one.

Coach Dunga even admitted that the qualification is complicated. The results from the match with Paraguay leaves out the option of automatic qualification for the five-time world champions.

In the match against Paraguay, amazing strikes from Dario Lezcano and Edgar Benitez gave Paraguay the lead. However, a lapse in concentration in the final ten minutes turned the game around for The Little Canary as they scored two goals. Ricardo Oliveira struck in the 80th minutes followed by an impressive effort by Barcelona star, Dani Alves in injury time.

Brazil would face group leader, Ecuador next. Dunga still insists that it isn’t over but “complicated.” In his post-match interview, Dunga said: “The beauty of football is that the next match of ours is against the leader.” (more…)

Following the resignation of Sepp Blatter, England are now the favorites of hosting the 2018 World Cup

On June 2, Sepp Blatter decided to resign from his presidential role at FIFA and this is due to the corruption scandals and pressure which has been building in the past few weeks. It was already announced that over 5 FIFA executives were arrested and it’s believed that Sepp Blatter is now being investigated due to corruption and bribery involving the international soccer organization and especially some decisions which has been made involving the 2018 and 2022 World Cup.

Sepp Blatter was the main supporter of having the 2018 World Cup in Russia as they were chosen as the hosts ahead of England and joint bids from Spain/Portugal and a few other countries.

However, now that Sepp Blatter has resigned a string of reports have been emerging which are claiming that England has turned into the favorites of hosting the 2018 World Cup.

Speculation is starting to rise suggesting that Russia might be stripped from the rights of hosting the next World Cup and it could be changed to another country. (more…)

Croatia will take on Norway tomorrow

Croatia will take on Norway tomorrow in what’s believed to be a top-of-the-table clash.

Croatia is sitting at the first position in Group H Euro qualifying right now, but, if they lose to Norway, they might even go down to no. 3.

Norway, on the other hand, will be leading the table if they end on the better side in Zagreb.

However, on the basis of what history suggests, Norway’s win is unlikely.

Out of the last 28 Euro qualifiers that Croatia has played on the home turf, they have not lost any and not only have they been unbeaten, if you see the no. of goals that have been scored against them, it’s not that many.

It would definitely not come as a shock for anyone if the hosts end up stretching that unbeaten run to 29.

Also, Norway has not been as good a team away from home as they have been at it and that does not encourage people enough either to put money on them.

Although if you take only these qualifiers into account, you would not agree to that as in this qualifying tournament, the Norwegians already have a couple of away victories under their belt.

But, if you see their overall record when they visit other places, you would use the word ‘ordinary’. (more…)

FIFA trying to ensure no issues in 2018 WC

After being hit hard by the World Cup 2014, FIFA is ensuring that the upcoming World Cup 2018 does not face any issues with regard to stadium construction and other preparation work.

\Just as with Brazil, Russia will be undergoing massive development in order to accommodate the millions of tourists for expected to descend upon the country for the one month long festival of football. FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke has once again been involved in overseeing the work for the 2018 World Cup. He says that FIFA have been left extremely satisfied with the progress made by Russia.

The qualifying campaign for the World Cup is just about to start in several corners of the world. Even though it is yet to reach the mainstream regions like Europe and South America, FIFA is ensuring that there is no delay in the scheduled work for the 2018 World Cup. Russia recently admitted that they needed to tackle the racism issue in the country before hosting the World Cup. Stringent measures are expected to take place, through policing, in order to reduce the prevalence of racism in the country. Russia’s Sport Minister, Vitaly Mutko, says that the nation fully recognises the importance of this event and that they are ensuring organised work. (more…)