Asunto: National Team

At least it was at home...wouldn't fancy the away trip right now. :D

Second last round of qualifying this week and it’s getting real! From here in our destiny is in our hands... if we win the last two.... and if results go the logical way... we will qualify, which will be stupendous

Australia - as-Saʻūdiyya
Uruguay - Belarus
Polska - Slovenija

What we need to happen...
We must win against the last placed side to keep the dream alive

What we want to happen...
We thump the Saudis to build on our +9 goal difference
Poland thumps Slovenija to reduce their +21 goal difference

7+ goals margin in each of those matches would be amazing ...in theory if this GD swings enough, Belarus gets a result this week, and Poland beats Uruguay in the last round, we could still go through with a narrow last week loss





(editado)

Win/Draw at worst = job done. ;)

Game day... kickoff 5pm

Only one of our best eleven is unavailable. We need goals goals goals so it's three upfront and let's see if we can make it rain!

Australia 13-0 as-Saʻūdiyya

Job done, and a great goal difference boost. From 42 shots it would've been nice to get a couple more, but I can't complain. Messed up positioning at a couple of throw-ins which annoys me and a few too many offsides. But it's ok.

The negative was an injury to Preston Hammond, unsure if he will be available for the critical match next week. Callum van Blerk with a red card also will test our midfield depth if Hammond isn't available.

Awaiting other results tonight now!

Congratulations mate!!!!

Group E Table (team, points, goal diff)

1. Polska 27 (+52)
2. Uruguay 18 (+20)
3. Australia 16 (+22)
4. Slovenija 13 (+15)
5. Belarus 6 (-27)
6. as-Saʻūdiyya 0 (-84)

Final round:

Belarus - as-Saʻūdiyya
Slovenija - Australia
Polska - Uruguay

The equation:
Belarus didn’t help us out this week, although hoping that they would get a point against Uruguay was a long shot.
In the final round, all things going as expected Poland should beat Uruguay, which means a win against Slovenija sees us into second place. Strange things can happen though. Will Poland play their seconds? Doubt it, but it’s a possibility. We haven’t played Slovenija since round one which was a 2-2 draw, however we deserved the win on that day. They are a pretty even matchup for us so a bit of luck and a good tactic is required.

Would be amazing to take 2nd. Everything crossed for next week. :)

And we're really limping into the do or die match this saturday. Star striker Tim Alagich picks up an overnight injury in a friendly and is out. Our two best midfielders Butera and Hammond both have slight injuries, and back-up midfielder Callum Van Blerk is suspended. I'm hopeful Butera will recover in time, but I think Hammond is a long shot.

Alagich is the 3rd highest wage earner at his club...& he's being played in a friendly !!!

FFS....I'd be f***ing fuming mate.

...dont' need to say any more. :(

I know, guys, that the most important thing is game adult team tomorrow, but check today's result against Moldova u21 :)
(editado)

Good result against higher ranked team. :)

Final round:

Belarus 4-1 as-Saʻūdiyya
Slovenija 3-2 Australia
Polska 2-1 Uruguay


Group E Table (team, points, goal diff)

1. Polska 30 (+53)
2. Uruguay 18 (+19)
3. Australia 16 (+21)
4. Slovenija 16 (+16)
5. Belarus 9 (-24)
6. as-Saʻūdiyya 0 (-85)

Gutted. In a very even matchup, third seed Slovenija took the points. Just not our day. While we don’t qualify, third place is a good finish. In saying that, missing qualification by just two points is a big disappointment.

Some great learnings for me, and I’m pleased with my season. It was a big improvement on my first season in charge. So if you’ll have me I’d love to stay on as manager

Good effort mate. To even be in contention with 2nd was a huge effort.

GREAT effort. Can't help but feel with a full team, you'd have nailed 2nd spot. Still, third spot is punching above your weight.
Plenty to look forward to next season. :)

Great performance. I am sure next qualifying season would be much better.
Congrats agbell!