World Cup Qualify Draw: It’s All Good(ish) For Italy

By: Martha | November 25th, 2007

Down with Sepp As you may have heard, the wildly elaborate World Cup Qualifying draw was held today. Italy (yes, you have to qualify even if you have the damn Cup at home) were one of nine top-seeded teams, so they avoided all the top nations by default, but England, Romania, and the dreaded Scotland were all in Pot B and therefore possible opponents. Happily, those three were avoided, and Italy will instead face Bulgaria, the Republic of Ireland, Georgia, Cyprus and Montenegro, none of which should cause too many problems.

That said, the only sure way to qualify is to host the tournament or take first in your group, so any slip-ups can have major repercussions — at least the first three in Italy’s group could give any of the teams that were in that top-seed pot trouble on any given day. Depending on how the Euros go, we’ll either go into the first match next August sure no one will ever beat the Azzurri and Sir Donandoni again, or shaking in our boots about what’s going to happen against Cyprus.

The full, all-regions list is here (Warning: It’s a PDF); the European groups are after the jump.

Group 1: Portugal, Sweden, Denmark, Hungary, Albania, Malta
Group 2: Greece, Israel, Switzerland, Moldova, Latvia, Luxembourg
Group 3: Czech Republic, Poland, Northern Ireland, Slovakia, Slovenia, San Marino
Group 4: Germany, Russia, Finland, Wales, Azerbaijan, Liechtenstein
Group 5: Spain, Turkey, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Armenia, Estonia
Group 6: Croatia, England, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Andorra
Group 7: France, Romania, Serbia, Lithuania, Austria, Faroe Islands
Group 8: Italy, Bulgaria, Republic of Ireland, Cyprus, Georgia, Montenegro
Group 9: Holland, Scotland, Norway, FYR Macedonia, Iceland

Some Related Serie A Posts:

Category: Azzurri, Rumors & News, Serie A

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Vin

It used to be that way, Matthew. I think that the hosts are in it, but the defending champs now have to qualify with everyone else.

I am not happy about it... AT ALL.
matthew

Since when does the defending champion have to qualify? Always thought the hosts and defending champs received a bye into the tourney?
Vin

Yeah, I guess the negative press is pretty much a given, but the overconfidence is an even bigger detriment. Dangerous opposition vs. a relaxed Azzurri squad definitely qualifies as 'up the creek,' in my book.
Martha

You really think they're up a creek? I mean, no matter what the press or population think, they're supposed to qualify, and certainly have the ability to do so. That's why they're there, right? It's not as if they're Bulgaria in this situation, being told they're expected to win the group.

(Anyway, we all know the negative press happens no matter who gives them a hard time -- it's a curse of being on a team with a strong tradition, in a country obsessed with the sport.)
Vin

On paper, yes.

I caught the comment about Ireland and Bulgaria being able to beat anyone on any given day, but I also caught the comment about the teams not causing Italy [i]too[/i] many problems.

The way I see it, Italy is pretty much up the creek without a paddle either way:
Regardless of whether we think it's an easy group or a difficult group, the media has already painted a rosy picture of smooth sailing, which is basically setting our Azzurri up for 1) overconfidence, followed by 2) a negative press onslaught as soon as someone gives them a tough time.
Martha

Vin, I think there's a difference between saying it's a group Italy can handle on paper, and assuming the Azzurri will actually get THROUGH easily. As I said in the post, Bulgaria and Ireland can beat anyone on a given day, I'm quite sure Italy will make it hard on themselves, but they certainly ought to be top the group.
Calcio

Good analysis by Vin. Black horses like Bulgaria, Ireland, and Montenegro are always unpredictable. These teams may become the next Scotland for WC 2010 albeit with more technical competence, in particular Bulgaria.

In addition, the Azzurri played badly whenever they are regarded as favourite. Please remember WC 2002 and Euro 2004 !
Vin

I must be the only one who thinks this isn't an easy group.
http://www.serieamerica.com/bl...

Granted, we don't have a Scotland or an England or a Sweden in the mix... but Bulgaria can be quite nasty, as can Ireland. On top of that, if people (media and tifosi alike) keep saying how easy it is, our Azzurri will slip into overconfidence mode once again. I'd hate to say this, but the only one who seems to realize the difficulty we face is The Don. (I can't believe I just said that.)
mctalian

On paper Italy have an easy group. Bulgaria have Berbatov and can challenge and Ireland are no slouch when they show up to play, but these are both very beatable sides. If we can't handle Mirko and Co., along with Cyprus and Georgia, we don't deserve to be in South Africa. Overconfidence, injuries and/or internal turmoil should be the only things that can stop us. Stay focused, stay healthy and we'll be alright. Forza Italia!

England have the hardest group. Faced with Croatia and Ukraine, England will have a dog fight to qualify.
Martha

Just finished writing it up, Roberto, that was truly a pleasure to watch -- I'm just glad it wasn't against Inter!
roberto

hahah bring it on baby, we're ready for you.
mele419

Except you won't be laughing next week roberto... ; ]
roberto

Who's laughing now Martha!

Take your karma, and shove it!

5-Nil. Believe it.
sofia

ohh ok thanks martha:) italy should do well. well at least better than the euro qualifiers because their group doesnt seem to be the group of death...yet.
mele419

Wow. that's a really, really easy group. Most of the top nations have easy groups actually... There's really no contest for Italy, France or Greece. Germany's only real competition is Russia, who aren't much of competition for semi-finalists. Spain have Turkey in their group, thats about it really. 6 and 1 are the only interesting groups I think.
Martha

Sofia, I believe they start next August, after the Euros. As far as I know, the matches haven't yet been scheduled.
sofia

i think the groups are pretty good. the most ineresting groups are going to be 1, 6, and 7. italy should be able to beat all the teams in their group. When does the qualifiers start? Who does Italy play first?
Ian

I think its a good draw for Italy. Aside from Greece, it seems like they have the easiest run to a qualifying spot of any of the 1-seeds. Hopefully Ireland can overtake Bulgaria and take the other spot.
Fetyani

they're all pretty balanced. probably the first group is the toughest to some extent, Portugal, Sweden and Denmark. or group 6 Croatia, England, Ukraine. England will be demanding payback!