2010 World Cup Qualifiers results - 22.06.2008

Another home-win day for African zone yesterday, after ALL BUT ONE ended with a home win. The only exception was Zimbabwe's 0:0 draw with Kenya. In other zones, Uzbekistan suffered a heavy defeat in Saudi Arabia (0:4), but this match had no effect on the final outcome of the qualifiers, as both of the teams had already secured advancement to the next stage. Iraq played Qatar in Dubai and lost 0:1, which allowed Qatar to go through to the next round. UAE lost to Syria 1:3 at home but still go through, because of better goal difference. This goal scored yesterday saved them, because Syria needed to win by three goals or more. In CONCACAF all eyes were focused on Netherlands Antilles, who could eliminate Haiti and sensationally go through, but they were eventually stopped. Haiti won 1:0 and went through. Another surprise package - Bermuda - also failed to defend their first leg lead (2:1) and lost at home to Trinidad & Tobago 0:2 and as a result were eliminated.

Source: fifa.com

2010 World Cup Qualifiers results

Busy schedule in the World Cup qualifiers when the teams prepare for the struggle to get to the finals.

In Africa only one surprise: Sierra Leone managed to snatch a goalless draw in South Africa which is their huge success. On other areas, African speciality - home wins. Zambia won 1:0 with Swaziland and equaled with them on the top of Group 11. Nigeria continues their perfect record and clean sheet after another win - 2:0 with Equatorial Guinea. Cameroon had some problems with Tanzania but eventually won 2:1 and also remained leaders of their group. In group 9, Tunisia won 2:1 with Burundi and the leaders from Burkina Faso remained with a perfect record after trashing Seychelles 4:1. Other African giants - Morocco and Senegal - also recorded comfortable wins.

In CONCACAF, Saint Lucia couldn't stop Guatemala and finally lost 1:3. Mexico trashed Belize 7:0.

Source: fifa.com

2010 World Cup Qualifiers

As I wrote yesterday, New Caledonia had a chance to end Vanuatuan and Fijian hopes of World Cup qualification today when at 5:00 CET they were facing Vanuatu in Noumea. As predicted, New Caledonia won 3:0 and thus became the only team who can obstruct New Zealand's way to the final playoff with the fifth team from the AFC zone. Congratulations for Didier Chambaron's team for achieving that.

Meanwhile, other zones are also playing. Yesterday Canada defeated St. Vincent & The Grenadines 4:1 and Algeria won by single goal with Gambia. In the last African match Libya trashed Lesotho 4:0. Next matches are due to be played today and tomorrow. I will keep you informed.

Source: fifa.com/wikipedia.org

Is a 16-year-old Ethiopian gonna be the next Freddy Adu?

Football talent and an academic wonderkid, started high school at the tender age of 12 and at 15 was picked by FC Dallas in the MLS Superdraft with number 2. After spending a year in the reserves of the Texan team, Abdus Ibrahim, joined the Canadian based MLS team - Toronto FC, where he is going to develop further. TFC head coach John Carver said he would not hesitate to pick Ibrahim in the first squad when he sees him fit. Will the Abdus Ibrahim fulfill the hopes of Ethiopian and American fans, or will he be another teen prodigy who would never make it as big as he could. Time will tell.




Source: thestar.com/ethiosports.com