Copa Mundial 2006: Will Colombia be disqualified AGAIN?

ColombianoX says on Mar 26, 2005, 21:49:

Gomezman,

I didn't know you were a football fan! It might not come as a big surprise to you, but I'm also a huge 'Selección Colombia' fan. I got to see a Colombia vs. Argentina friendly match in Miami last year and we won, but I know this upcoming match will be much tougher. Let me tell you that I've seen Colombia play in Miami about seven times and not once have they lost when I've attended their matches! I also plan to watch the Argentina match on wednesday, but too bad it will have to be through pay-per-view.

Saludes,

CX

ColombianoX 'Defensor de la Colombianidad'

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Gomezman5 says on Mar 26, 2005, 23:29:

Hey Col X Here in Chicago, they have the Col Arg. for free at a few major Colombian bars. I have to believe they have it for free in Miami somewhere. The bars pay for it to get the people in so they can charge people a fortune for Aguardiente Crystal. Check it out!!

Honestly, I don't know if it will be worth paying for Arg and Col. Remember they will playing in Buenos Aires......this will be a tough one.

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Gomezman5 says on Mar 26, 2005, 23:31:

I found my other footbal posts OK

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santiBOG says on Mar 27, 2005, 05:11:

It's a shame... we still have a mathematical chance to qualify but it's not looking real good. Our tie with Venezuela last night is simply a shame. We did not fight for the game, it was painful to watch two mediocre teams just be content with the score.

How do we expect to beat Argentina on Wed with this team???? How do we expect to qualify if we can't even beat Venezuela??? If we're unable to win the much-needed 3 points against this team, then maybe we don't deserve to qualify. (Four years ago, there was an outrage because we tied Venezuela and Chiqui Garcia got fired. Should they apply the same logic to Rueda?).

I mean, if we're going to be eliminated in the first round like it happened in USA and France, then what's the point? I can't exactly put my finger on it, I don't know what our problem is, we do have some really great Colombian players acting locally and abroad (Vivero, Rey, Perea, Cordoba, etc.) but for some reason Rueda can't seem to get it right and we've lost some very valuable opportunities to go up in the eliminatorias ranking.

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Michael_B says on Mar 27, 2005, 08:05:

Aguardiente Cristal

I got mine

http://www.blanchardsliquor.com/sku5695.html

http://www.blanchardsliquor.com/sku15698.html

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Gomezman5 says on Mar 27, 2005, 08:19:

SantiBOG When Col., lost 3-0 to the US in a friendly game, I knew for sure it did not look good for Col. Tie last night with Ven does not make me feel any better. As for Argentina, all we can do is pray. This is looking like 2002 all over again, with Equador coming down the road and beating out for the 4th postion. You know something, when they got were eliminated in 2002 with Equador working it's magic, I thought it was just lazyness.
Remember, they won the Copa America only months Earlier in that game with Mexico. Remember, that was the time that Argentina refused to participate because they were concerned about the security situation in Col? Some people were teasing me saying that Col really did not win because Argentina did not participate. In any even, Col lokked like a completely different team in the Copa America.

As to them making it to the Cup and getting eliminated,,,,,well, we can cross that bridge when we get there. Remember, that is what makes the event so suprising. There are always upsets and suprises, where top teams get eliminated by average teams. We have seen that with teams like Romania (who lost to holland) and Croatia in Europe

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santiBOG says on Mar 27, 2005, 08:40:

Gomez "...we can cross that bridge when we get there". Totally agree, I hope we qualify.

Now, we're only a few point away from qualifying but still, the competition is fierce and, as you said, it's starting to remind everyone of 2002. Now, about the Copa America, it may be partially true that Argentina's absence may have helped us. Also I remember that Honduras beat Brazil, which may have also helped us. But regardless, the team looked a lot better back then. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't like Maturana (I REALLY don't like him), but it's about time that Rueda got it right.

Read today's column by Gabriel Meluk

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Antonio_4 says on Mar 27, 2005, 09:53:

Even if they lose to Argentina, Colombia still has a big chance to qualify if you look at the standings in the group. Its only 6 points difference between the number3 (Paraguay) and last (Bolivia). Argentina and Brazil are almost done. Specially after Brazil beats Peru tonight.
The matches Colombia has left (after Argentinta) are against the numbers 3,4 and 5. They will have to play them like finals. If they win 2 of them theyre in Germany i say.

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carter says on Mar 27, 2005, 12:21:

Col v Australia It seems there could be a good chance that Colombia may finish 5th and face Australia for the final qualification spot. Being a football fan at home and then moving here I have adopted the Colombian team as my own. But if they line up against Australia Im afraid I will be wearing my Aussie colors and cheering for Australia.

If we win I may be strung from the tree in the park if we lose I will hear about it for the rest of my life in Colombia. Im not sure which is worse.

Im hoping that they get there stuff together and take 4th spot.

If it came to Colombia v Australia I wouldn't like Colombias chances of winning.

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Gomezman5 says on Mar 27, 2005, 20:23:

Carter....you never know If Colombia finishes 5th, instead of playing Autralia, they might be playing the Solomon Islands. Don't they have to play 2 more games in September....That is kind of strange no? You would think they would have a best of three series. I am really not very familiar with how the Oceana conference works, except to know that the fifth place team in the SA conference plays the winner of the Oceana.

In any event, it reall is going to be tough for Colombia at this point. Argentina and Brazil, have locked up first and second respectiively. If Argentina beat Colombia on the 30th, they are matematicaly guranteed a position as of that date. Equador will probably get the third position. So, we shall see.

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carter says on Mar 28, 2005, 08:35:

aus qualification works like this two groups of about five teams. Australias number three team plays in these games against Tonga, Samoa, Fiji etc winning games 30 - 0. Last world cup campaign we beat American Samoa 36-0 a new Fifa record (I may be a bit off by a couple of goals but it was definatly in the 30's)

The two group winners then play off. This year Solomon Islands made a suprise upset knocking off the powerhouse NZ side so we will meet in a month to play a best of two. winner getting 5th placed sth America.

So pretty much we get two games of football to qualify for the cup while everyone gets to play in leagues and can afford to have one bad game.

The problem is that Australia never play as a full strength team until this knockout against sth America and so the players never really bond as a team. this campaign however we have made our home ground in London (yes thats right Australias home ground is in London) as a result we have been able to convince more European teams to play us and so have more match practise.

We also maybe excepted into the Asia group for 2010 which will be a lot fairer qualifying group and not as cut throat.

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carter says on Mar 28, 2005, 09:01:

wait... disregard last email what a load of crap I have just written. Thats not how our qualifying works at all.

2 groups of 5 play with the top 2 teams qualifying for the 2nd stage. Aus and NZ get automatic qualification to the 2nd stage. these 6 teams then play with the top 2 having a final home and away knockout match.

since the last world cup campaign Aus has only lost 3 games against Turkey twice and once against Ireland. We've picked up draws against France, Norway, Sth Africa and Venzuala and wins against England, Jamiaca and Iraq as well as other lowly ranked countries. Not saying that its really impressive but we aren't as bad as some might think.

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Gomezman5 says on Mar 28, 2005, 11:05:

Carter...I an still at a loss to understand.... When there are only two teams playing, how do you have a "best of two"? What happens if they split? Do they count goals?? Why not jus play the best of three?

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YEP says on Mar 28, 2005, 12:50:

G5 ...
Extra time either with golden/silver goal ..... don't know how they do it exactly ..... (2x15min if no goals .... then penalties)

Why not check at fiba.org. Usually you're not afraid of using that thing at the end of your neck ;-)


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Just another scandinavian getting ready to explore South America

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Gomezman5 says on Mar 28, 2005, 14:34:

I just think this aspect of the system stinks...period kicking goals against a goal keeper is no way to determine who is the better team. I don't like it when it's done in the World Cup, or in any other type of series. It's just rediculous. I think they should do like they do in almost any other sport. They should just have sudden death play until a team scores. By the way, it is also more exciting that way.

Now the idea of having two games for one team to advnce makes even less sense. Why not just make it the best of 3. wouldn't that make more sense? Instead of making changes like that, FIFA comes along and makes silly new rules like the new one that says that players can't take their jerseys off anymore after the game.

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Antonio_4 says on Mar 28, 2005, 14:52:

It doesnt look good after this draw, but i still see a chance for Colombia to pass. The 2 home matches in June will be deciding.

About the penalties, I agree... the penalty shoot-out is a lottery, sometimes with unfair ending. Still i prefer the system they have now, of playing 2x15 mins extra time.
FIFA introduced the sudden-death rule few years ago, but they changed it back to normal after too many complaints. And honestly im happy they did because im not a big fan of the sudden-death.

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HappyPapi says on Mar 28, 2005, 18:16:

Wasn't Colombia going to be the next Brasil a few years ago What happened? There are some great players in Colombia and Once Caldas (Manizales) beat Boca Juniors last year to win it all.
I think Colombia underachieves bigtime and doesn't play with confidence. They are mu adopted favorite team in South America but they always seem to disappoint.
Instead of playing all the big games in Barranquilla how about moving it around and play the games on a rotation basis in Cali and Bogota and Medellin etc

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YEP says on Mar 28, 2005, 23:42:

G5 .... and where should the last game be played then
To make things fair ;-)

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Just another scandinavian getting ready to explore South America

------------------------------------------------------------------- Just another scandinavian getting ready to explore South America

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Dolfi says on Mar 29, 2005, 02:07:

Two weeks ago there waqs a mat´ch Argentina - Germany, and they ended 1:1. I watched it and was surprised how weak the Argies really played. Our team was better most of the time. Keep going Colombia, we want to see you in Germany!

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Dolfi says on Mar 29, 2005, 02:07:

Two weeks ago there was a match Argentina - Germany, and they ended 1:1. I watched it and was surprised how weak the Argies really played. Our team was better most of the time. Keep going Colombia, we want to see you in Germany!

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Gomezman5 says on Mar 29, 2005, 05:36:

Dolfi, you have a point except remember, That game was a friendly game, and I never give much credence to these types of games because they never really play with the same level of intensity as they do when they are playing a game that really counts. Afterall why should they? So they can risk injury?

But you are correct in pointing out that Argentina is vulnerable. Argentina may currently be at the head of the pack with 24 points, but they even though they have 7 wins, they also have have 4 ties and 1 loss. At this point, I will be happy if we (Colombia) can come out with a tie. If they loose Weds. and Uruguay, Equador, and Paraguay win, that is going to make it very difficult for Colombia to gain the 4th spot. They will have to do exceptionally well in the remaining 5 games.

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Antonio_4 says on Mar 29, 2005, 07:12:

50.000+ fans going nuts in Barranquilo will push Colombia in the right direction.

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Gomezman5 says on Mar 29, 2005, 09:49:

Only one problem... Wednesday's Game against Argentina is not in Barranquilla, it is in Buenos Aires.....Also almost all, if not all of the games that are played in Colombia are not played in Barranquilla, they are played at "Estadio Nemesio Camacho El Campin" in Bogota.

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Gomezman5 says on Mar 29, 2005, 10:03:

Argentina's coach says: "El seleccionador argentino de fútbol, José Pekerman, dijo el lunes que Colombia "es un rival peligrosísimo", al comentar el partido ante los ‘cafeteros’."...........y ademas dijo el:

"no hay que dejarse sorprender porque los jugadores colombianos tienen un gran potencial y lo más importante en el fútbol, que es la capacidad técnica y el talento de los jugadores."

Well, I am happy to see that Argentina's coach realizes that Colombia has the ability to be a sleeping dog if it chooses to rise to the ocassion and pull of an upset by defeating Argentina. Is he serious? Or is he just saying that so that his own players don't get too cocky and let this game slip away? We will know soon enough!

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Antonio_4 says on Mar 29, 2005, 13:02:

Yeah Gomezman5, i meant the home matches that Colombia has left (vs Uruguay, Peru and Ecuador i think). I thought they played in Barranquilla. I got it from the Colombian Federation site some time ago.

And Pekerman, well.. All the coaches in Football always say the exact same thing. No matter how strong or crappy the opponent is. Most of the time these press conferences add nothing at all. All they do is show respect to the opponent. Though in this case he knows very well that Colombia can play football.

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carter says on Mar 29, 2005, 13:31:

G5 Oceania Its the same as in the champions league in europe after the group stage 2 teams play a home and away match if it is a tie the team who scored the most goals at the other teams ground wins. In Champions league though the final game is played on neutral ground and is one match only.

ie Aus v Iran for the world cup 98
IRAN 1: AUS 1 (in Iran)
Aus 2: IRAN 2 (in Aus)

Iran won and Australia missed out on qualifying for the world cup even though it never lost a game in qualifying and drew twice. Then again if you choke against IRAN you don't deserve to go. The following world cup campaign we won every game except one and missed out. (no draws)

A best of three would be fairer but where do you play the extra game?? Whats neutral ground for Aus v Col. It couldn't be played in Sth America, Oceania and with all Australians playing in Europe it would also be unfair. It would have to be Asia, Nth America or Africa. Just easier in two games I guess.

Im pretty sure all national games are played in Barranquilla. With many Colombians playing internationally or on the coast they aren't acclimatised to playing in Bogota and have no advantage playing thier they probably even have a disadvantage if they play their against Bolivia.

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gregshav says on Apr 1, 2005, 21:25:

Antonio 4 , You're right


RIO DE JANEIRO, March 31 (Reuters) - Colombia's new approach to football was summed up perfectly by an incident during Wednesday's World Cup qualifier in Argentina.
Midway through the second half, the Colombians won a rare corner. Yet nobody came forward to take it and only one forward ventured into the Argentina area.


'It was as if they preferred Argentina to take a goal kick,' wrote one Colombian writer following the home side's 1-0 win in Buenos Aires.

Twelve years ago, a talented Colombian team including Carlos Valderrama, Freddy Rincon and Faustino Asprilla visited the same River Plate stadium and thumped Argentina 5-0, also in a World Cup qualifier.

Francisco Maturana, the Colombia coach at the time, had romantic visions of his team lighting up the following year's World Cup with their flowing, attacking football. The Colombians proudly billed themselves as the new Brazil.

Instead, the were knocked out in the first round after shock defeats against Romania and the U.S. Since then, Colombia appear to have gone to the opposite extreme.

Even at home, Colombia nowadays often play with just one striker. In away games, they rarely venture into the opposition's half.

Colombia's approach drew bitter criticism from frustrated Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira after they held the world champions to 0-0 draw away from home in last November's qualifier.

'For anyone who has seen some of the fine moments of Colombian football, it's sad to see a Colombian team without any intention of attacking,' he said.

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