Soccer

» dantilles - Smaller nations

I think that I have to disagree with you about whether such ridiculously small nations should be allowed to compete in qualifying for major tournaments. I do understand your point about the big nations wanting bigger TV deals and a footballing aristocracy appearing, but I don't think that teams like Andorra and San Marino getting regularly beaten by 6 or 7 goals helps either them or their opposition. I don't think that the likes of Estonia or Macedonia should be denied the chance to qualify for the big tournaments, but surely there could be some kind of pre-qualification for the really really small teams. You're right that it wouldn't free up too many extra days off for the players but every little helps given the amount of matches being played these days (of course it is also up to FIFA, UEFA and national authorities to try to lessen the number of matches too if they wish - the world club championship should be cancelled for starters).

England's match against Andorra was just a glorified training session and I don't believe that giving the Andorran part-timers 90 minutes in the lime light at Old Trafford justifies holding the tie. The nation has only ever won one competitive match and surely it would be better for them to develop by playing teams on their own level, something which never happens under the current system.

-- posted by dantilles

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