The Neverending International Break
It used to be that footballers lined up for their club sides on Saturday at 3pm, then for their international sides on a Wednesday night at 7:45pm and then they were back in action for their clubs at the following weekend. It used to be so simple, then. Today - we've got the neverending international break, today featuring the likes of Wales v. Cyprus and Iceland v. Netherlands. Join me if you're still awake.
89 Comments:
Iceland have struck Holland early and they're in real trouble now as they were against the Kazakhs over the weekend. Spurs' Siggy the goal.
And Wales are in front now. Cotterill's cross evading everyone including the Cypriot keeper.
Bosnia are currently holding Belgium 0-0 - that would really help Wales.
GOAL! Robson Kanu has put Wales 2-0 up after a sumptuous through ball from Bale.
Uruguay are 0-3 against Oman with a brace from Mr. Bitey - Luis Suarez!
And now Bosnia have taken the lead! Great news for the Welshmen.
Andorra have equalized against Israel - this really couldn't be a better evening for the Welsh.
GOAL! Cyprus have pulled a goal back with almost a mirror image goal to Wales' first. A real bollix up by Hennessy there.
Oh - Bale with a Ronaldo-style effort there over the wall and tipped onto the crossbar. Then cleared off the line!
Half-time in Cardiff - 2-1 Wales. Very entertaining half of footie.
Good afternoon, mate. Your title says it all. Isn't that the truth?
I have Iceland vs Holland and Wales vs Cyprus on. You can also watch Bosnia vs Belgium on the Deuce.
Who would have thought that Iceland would be running rings around a Dutch side that I have never seen looking so pathetic
Wales vs Cyprus has been entertaining , but that error let Cyprus back in.
Wales vs Cyprus has been entertaining , but that error let Cyprus back in.
The second half is underway from Cardiff.
Croatia must have scored two quick second half goals. They are now four up vs Azerbaijan
The Czechs , joint top with Iceland, won 2-4 in Kazakhstan earlier today
WOW!!! wales are down to ten men. Andy King gets a straight red for a foul from behind. That is harsh, IMHO. A yellow at worst. Wales will have to work hard to hold on to their lead.
Turkey are one up in Latvia.
Nainggolan has tied it up for Belgium in Bosnia.
Israel have retaken the lead in Andorra. Shame about that. They'll be a point behind Wales if things stay the same.
Latvia tie it up vs Turkey.
Hello Bob. A naughty last comment.
Afternoon, MUR - great to have you on board for the second half. How are things deep in the heart of Texas.
You've got the Dutch boys pegged, alright. They clearly don't give a monkey's about playing for their country.
Cor!!!! Croatia five up vs Azerbaijan.
Some discussion on the Guardian pod about whether this is the perfect time for the Republic to play a battered and bruised German side.
Ta, mate. It's been nice having the day off and even quieter since the girls are in school. How are you,mate?
It will be tough for the Irish. They will need to do their level best. They are definitely in the group of death.
I have to favor the home countries, even as I know you may have a leaning for Israel. I'd love to see Wales get into a major tournament after all these years.
Doing alright - no day off for Columbus today. Having a sneaky peek at the footer in the office.
Good point, Bob. I was teasing a little, in all honesty.Belgium are predictably the front runners. It may be Wales and Israel fighting it out for second and third spots. Who would have thought that?
You missed a real howler by Wayne Hennessy for the Cyprus goal.
I don't know - Italy and England aside, the usual suspects are struggling a bit. We could have quite a few darkhorses in the final 24 and some of the typical powers staying at home.
I did see Wayne's howler. It was awful. The Cyprus keeper made the same exact mistake for the first Wales goal.
CORatia now six up vs Azerbaijan
Did you see Andy King's red card for Wales?
I will try to be around tomorrow. I know Denmark vs Portugal is on ESPN2 and I think Germany vs Ireland on FS 2.
Guus Hidinck makes a change. Promes on and Guus will hope the youngster shows some.
As things stand the Dutch will be six points behind the top two and may be resigned to the playoffs.
No - I missed it but it sounds like it was harsh. On the other hand, David Cotterill went in studs up in the first half and could easily have gotten a straight red.
Nielsen gives Norway a 2-1 lead vs Bulgaria.
I think so - the margin for error will be slim for these big sides. There are too many teams that have one or two stars that they be able to ride through to the tournament stage.
That is true . Perhaps a make up call.
Wales still attacking despite being a man down. Just wide from Bale from a narrow angle.
Bruno Martin-Indy heads inches over from a free kick . The best chance for the Dutch other than that missed sitter from Robben in the first half.
Wales are a classic example. They're a group of Premiership and Championship journeymen and then one superstar. Might be enough.
Bosnia with Dzeko up front is another case in point. Siggy and Iceland another.
If the Dutch are trying to rely on headed goals from center backs, something truly is wrong with the Clockwork Oranje these days.
I agree with both statements. Wales are a classic example and Bale is something they haven't had in years. It might be just enough to get them through. Same with Siggy and Iceland. Not sure about this edition of Bosnia.
A cynical foul by the Cypriot skipper on Bale and nothing given!
Now sarcastic applause as Wales win a free kick and the look on the German ref's face indicates that he heard the sarcastic applause. He looked deservedly uncomfortable.
I expected better from Italy than 0-1 up in Malta off a scrappy goal from a corner.
Cyprus really giving it a go now and Wales just about hanging on.
Cyprus like the Dutch, pumping in long balls and the Welsh defenders will take that all night. I don't think those are Cyprus's normal tactics.
The Italians never exert an ounce more energy than they need to.
Wayne catches the cross this time out.
Israel go 1-3 up in Andorra.
A late Maltese goal would ruin the Azzuri's plans in what is a local derby of sorts.
More desperate crosses from the Dutch. Pathetic!
A woeful cross by Kiriakos gives Wales some breathing space.
The Dutch have exactly what they deserve from this match. NOTHING!
PHEW! Just over by Cyprus as Wales are desperately holding on.
Hal Robson-Kanu going off to a deserved standing ovation.. James Taylor on for a debut for his Reading teammate.
Bale fouled inches outside the box and the Cypriot is booked. An opportunity to take time off the clock.
Bale fouled inches outside the box and the Cypriot is booked. An opportunity to take time off the clock.
Oh - Bale nearly earns Wales a pen there. Right on the edge of the area.
Cotterill tries another whipped in effort. Nodded over.
A free kick from Cotterill is out for a corner that he will take short. David Edwards heads wide from a cross by the debut boy.
Two minutes of stoppage time in Reykajvik.
The Dutch have been truly humiliated.
Wales win a free kick near the corner flag. High and wide by Robben.
It's over and Iceland deservedly thrash the Dutch 2-0.
Wales trying to play keep away now.
Four minutes of stoppage time in Cardiff.
Desperate times for the Netherlands. They were nearly upset by Borat and co at the weekend.
The Cypriot keeper rushes out of his box to clear from the on rushing Bale. Dave Edwards booked for a foul.
Will Guus last the entire qualifiers?
Bale has a shot deflected for a corner and the Red Dragons can run more time off the clock.
Taken short and Bale wins another.
Latvia vs Turkey finishes 1-1 as does Bosnia vs Belgium
Italy win 0-1 on the short trip to Malta. Norway defeat Bulgaria 2-1.
Bosnia have nicked a point off Belgium - great result for Wales. The Belgiums will be on four points from two matches.
Merkis booked for the thuggish Cypriots.
Israel score late on and win 1-4 in Andorra.
Wales show great character to hold on for a 2-1 win.
Final score - Wales have won it 2-1. Seven points from three matches. If they can continue this form, they'll easily make the 24 for France.
They have a decent shot as do Iceland, Ireland , and the Jocks. It should be interesting.
I"m off to grab some books from the library, mate. Cheerio!
Cheers mate. It was great chatting with you. Have a great rest of the day.
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