How about the message sent by the people of Sevilla during the Spain-England friendly. Thanks to Reuters for this great photo, the message says, “In Sevilla, we aren’t racists, we are artists.” So now Ladies & Gentlemen, the artistry continues with another World Cup Buzz Top 5 for you. After this past week of international friendlies and World Cup qualifiers you know we had to bring Edition #4 of the Top 5. Here they are the Top 5 Things Learned From This Last FIFA Date:
#1: Australia Is The New Power In Asia
The Socceroos have been flexing their muscle from Down Under since their move to the Asian Football Confederation in 2006. Adelaide United made the ’08 Asian Champions League final and now the national team is playing the best ball in Asia. They have taken 7 of a possible 9 points on the road so far in WCQ while going undefeated atop Group 1. Bad news for their opponents, 3 of their next 4 WCQ matches are in Australia. Most of their national team
players work in Europe with England’s Premier League employing the majority of them. The Socceroos are becoming the dominant nation in Asia.
#2: South America is BALLIN!
South American national teams stood out during this last FIFA Date. Only 1 CONMEBOL side lost, Peru. They lost to the best team in South America right now, Paraguay. Chile beat South Africa 2-0, Colombia beat Haiti 2-0, Venezuela took down Guatemala 2-1, and Uruguay beat Libya in a thriller 3-2. The big displays of strength came from The CONMEBOL Powers: Brazil & Argentina. Brazil breezed past Italy 2-0 on a neutral site and Argentina cruised
by France on the road 2-0. CONMEBOL sides played against nations from CONCACAF, Europe, and Africa and were undefeated. The only South American team to lose, lost to another South American side. Further affirmation that South America is the cradle of talent and the toughest region in World Cup Qualifying.
#3: The Soca Warriors Blew It
Trinidad & Tobago carries the banner of Caribbean football into the final stage of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying and they blew a huge opportunity to start the hexagonal stage on top of the standings. The Soca Warriors were up 2-0 on the road vs. El Salvador when they gave up 2 goals in the last 10 minutes to earn one point instead of the desired 3 points. Vista Hermosa midfielder Osael Romero was the hero for Los Cuscatlecos and snatched a point
from the jaws of defeat. The Soca Warriors blew a golden opportunity to take a 3 points on the road. 3 points on the road in World Cup Qualifying is massive, thankfully it was only the 1st match of the hexagonal.
#4: Maradona May Know What He’s Doing
It might be too early to tell but “El Pibe De Oro” is turning Argentina’s form around to the positive side. He’s been in charge for 2 friendlies and both have been wins: 1-0 versus Scotland and 2-0 versus France. The true test of his managerial ability will come next month during CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying but Los Albicelestes have played with more life and passion. The inclusion of Newcastle midfielder Jonas Gutierrez in the starting XI
has been important in their improved play. Its too early to say he is a great coach but so far its seems like he knows what he’s doing.
#5: Dunga Is Still On The Hot Seat
Let’s keep it real, the job security in being the coach of the Brazilian National Team is always fragile. Despite Brazil’s 2-0 victory over Italy, Dunga seat has gotten hotter. Why? Thanks to Chelsea. As it has been well publicized, Chelsea just fired Luiz Felipe Scolari after a disappointing few months at the London club. His free agent status puts more pressure on Dunga because the coach of Brazil’s last World Cup triumph is available.
For Dunga’s sake, Scolari finds a job real soon. If Brazil’s form dips during World Cup qualifying, Dunga’s seat is going to be boiling and the call for Scolari will be loud and the CBF (Confederação Brasileira de Futebol) might hear it and make the change.
Its another Top 5 for you here on World Cup Buzz. Don’t forget to check out our sister sites, to get the best opinions and insight on “The Beautiful Game.”