Qaulifying Rounds are beng played!

The qualifying rounds are going on right now for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which is being held this year in South Africa, 10 years after they held a World Cup (albeit in a different sport). For the low and uninitiated, FIFA is soccer. Some of the more vicious and nasty pundits are saying that the only World Cup worth watching will be in 2011 hosted by New Zealand, but no one wants to hear it. No need to waste any payday loans on more TV channels just to get the latest scores, I’ll help you out on this one. Today, November 18th, is the last day of qualification – so whoever wins today goes.

South Africa automatically qualifies

For the African nations, South Africa is automatically qualified as the host nation – which won’t exactly guarantee them much.  They’re currently ranked 84th in the world.Though soccer is their most popular sport, their cricket team and rugby team, the Springboks, are usually the strongest representative teams.The Springboks are one of the best sides in the world, having won two World Cups, in 1995 and 2007, and only Australia has won two besides South Africa.(Granted, the Sprinboks were recently beaten twice by English club sides, so they aren’t doing themselves any favors.)

Egypt vs. Algeria

The last available spot for Africa was up for grabs, and it came down to Egypt and Algeria playing to break a tie, as they were even up.The venue, Al Merrikh Stadium in Omdurman, Sudan, was chosen November 11th via draw, and the two faced off in front of 50,000.  Algeria’s Antar Yahia scored five minutes before half time, and neither side was able score again, leaving Algeria the victors, 1-0.

Republic of Ireland against. France

Ireland vs. France looked to be a heck of a test match, and seeing the Irish take on the French at Croke Park would be something else.Sadly, it wasn’t to be for the Irish, as the French out pointed them on aggregate 2-1, though there was great controversy over a hand ball. On the same day, Portugal defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Slovenia defeated Russia by virtue of the away goals rule.(Meaning that the goals scored by the away team will count double in aggregate points).) European teams usually get far more coverage in the news at times, but then again…they kind of came up with the sport there.In other news, Bahrain faced off against New Zealand, wherein the Land of the Long White Cloud triumphed, and Costa Rica lost to Uruguay. (Here is a list of those qualified to go to the 2010 World Cup.)

This ought to be good

The wait is going to stink, but that being said, the 2010 FIFA World Cup is going to kick off in June of 2010.  It would be worth some payday loans to go there to watch.