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slat1
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The 2006 World Cup qualification process reached its climax in November with five two-legged playoff encounters around the globe to find the last teams for the finals line-up. Whilst Australia battles Uruguay and Bahrain takes on Trinidad and Tobago, most of the interest will be on the three ties set to determine the last European qualifiers. Many experts had chosen the Czech Republic as a possible dark horse for the 2006 World Cup title after its impressive showing at the Euro 2004 tournament in Portugal, but the Czechs came up short in their qualifying group against a rejuvenated Holland side and now face a tough looking tie against Norway. The Scandinavians may not have the individual quality of the Czech stars, but often more than make up for that with a physical, team-orientated game and could yet provide a surprise.
Ever under-achieving Spain looks a comfortable favorite to get past Slovakia, but the eastern European side has improved vastly in recent years pushing Spain’s neighbor all the way in qualifying and eventually finishing second in the group ahead of Russia. The most difficult tie to pick would appear to be the Switzerland – Turkey matchup. The Turks pipped European champion Greece and Denmark to second place in its group behind the surprisingly strong Ukrainians, and the pressure is now very much on the 2002 World Cup semifinalist to take the final step. Switzerland may not have a fearsome soccer reputation, but coach Kobi Kuhn’s men didn’t lose a single match in Group 4 and were extremely unlucky not to take top spot ahead of a resurgent French team. With both countries sure of massive fan backing in Germany next June, the winner of this tie could be in for an impressive tournament...
Ever under-achieving Spain looks a comfortable favorite to get past Slovakia, but the eastern European side has improved vastly in recent years pushing Spain’s neighbor all the way in qualifying and eventually finishing second in the group ahead of Russia. The most difficult tie to pick would appear to be the Switzerland – Turkey matchup. The Turks pipped European champion Greece and Denmark to second place in its group behind the surprisingly strong Ukrainians, and the pressure is now very much on the 2002 World Cup semifinalist to take the final step. Switzerland may not have a fearsome soccer reputation, but coach Kobi Kuhn’s men didn’t lose a single match in Group 4 and were extremely unlucky not to take top spot ahead of a resurgent French team. With both countries sure of massive fan backing in Germany next June, the winner of this tie could be in for an impressive tournament...
