Initially seen as another unwanted addition to an already cluttered fixture list, the Nations League has proved a welcome alternative to lukewarm friendly internationals and one-sided European qualifying ties. The last week saw England go from relegation to winning their group in eight minutes, a dramatic qualification for the Netherlands at the expense of world champions France and the astonishing humbling of Belgium by Switzerland. Trailing 2-0 after less than 20 minutes and needing to score four times to win their group, the Swiss pulled themselves together to beat the World Cup semi-finalists 5-2. Lower down the ladder, the competition has produced historic first competitive wins for Gibraltar and Kosovo, putting the latter within two matches of an improbable place at European Championship in 2020. It has been a far cry from the traditional World Cup and Euro qualifying tournaments where six-team groups feature mismatches such as Germany against San Marino and Spain against … [Read more...] about Ingenious format and even games equals Nations League success
2018 uefa world cup qualifying
Portugal qualify for Nations League semis with 0-0 draw in Italy
Portugal qualify for Nations League semis with 0-0 draw in ItalyThe Saigon Times Daily Portugal's Mario Rui in action with Italy's Alessandro Florenzi as Italy coach Roberto Mancini looks on at San Siro, Milan, Italy November 17, 2018 – PHOTO: REUTERS MILAN (REUTERS) - Portugal became the first team to qualify for the Nations League semi-finals when they held Italy 0-0 on Saturday, the second time in a year that the hosts have been knocked out of a competition following a goalless draw at the San Siro. Italy, with defender Giorgio Chiellini making his 100th appearance, suffocated Portugal in the first hour with their pressing and created numerous openings with their intricate passing moves. But they ran out of steam in the last half hour and the European champions held out fairly comfortably. Portugal have seven points from three games in the three-team group, two ahead of Italy who have finished their campaign. Poland, who visit Portugal for the group’s final … [Read more...] about Portugal qualify for Nations League semis with 0-0 draw in Italy
Adidas takes 12-10 lead over Nike in World Cup shirt deals
Adidas takes 12-10 lead over Nike in World Cup shirt deals BERLIN (REUTERS) - Adidas can declare itself the winner over arch rival Nike in the upcoming soccer World Cup even before the first match kicks off as it is kitting out the most teams. However, the German sportswear brand, which is also the official sponsor of the tournament, expects only a limited financial impact, partly because this year’s World Cup takes place in Russia, where the economy is in the doldrums. “The World Cup in Russia does carry lower financial opportunities than the similar event four years ago in Brazil,” Adidas Chief Executive Kasper Rorsted said earlier this month. “At the same time, we’re looking forward to it. It’s going to be a fantastic way of bringing our brand to life globally,” Rorsted added. Since the last tournament in 2014, Adidas has grown sales rapidly in areas other than soccer, capitalizing on booming demand for its retro basketball sneakers and … [Read more...] about Adidas takes 12-10 lead over Nike in World Cup shirt deals
Decision time for World Cup format
FIFA President Gianni Infantino wants to stretch the World Cup format to 48 teams and 80 matches, an increase from the current 32 teams and 64 matches. — AFP Photo Viet Nam News ZURICH — After much discussion, argument and counter-argument, FIFA will determine on Tuesday whether president Gianni Infantino can force through his vision of an enlarged World Cup. Infantino’s credibility will be on the line as the world body looks to revamp the four-yearly moneyspinner, potentially opening its door to 48 teams in 2026. That would stretch the action out to 80 matches as opposed to the 2014 format of 32 teams and 64 matches. Several options stand before the 30-strong FIFA council: maintain the status quo; extend to 40 teams featuring either eight groups of five or 10 groups of four; or got for 48 teams. That format would involve either a 32-team playoff allowing 16 winners to join 16 already qualified nations, or Infantino’s preferred option of 16 groups of … [Read more...] about Decision time for World Cup format
Miura fired as head of VN national football team
The Viet Nam Football Federation (VFF) decided to sack Japanese head coach Toshiya Miura from the national senior and U23 men's football teams at a meeting in HCM City yesterday. Head coach Toshiya Miura was sacked yesterday. — Photo binhluan.net The VFF will compensate Miura for terminating his two-year contract before it was officially due to end on April 30. The VFF expressed appreciation for Miura's contributions to national football during his reign. Under the guidance of the 52-year-old, Viet Nam made the AFF Cup 2014 semi-finals, while the U23s earned a bronze medal at the 28th Southeast Asian Games in Singapore and reached the last eight of the Asian Games in Incheon before entering the 2016 AFC U23 Championship finals for the first time. However, the VFF agreed that the style of play needed to change in order to adapt to the teams' strengths. At the meeting, the National Coach Council nominated Le … [Read more...] about Miura fired as head of VN national football team