International Results
By: Inara | November 20th, 2007We’re over halfway done with international week, with the last set of games is due to take place on Wednesday, before returning to the doldrums of club football.
The big news is that Italy beat Scotland in Glasgow in a crucial Euro 2008 qualifier, which means that both Italy and France automatically qualified despite the fact that they both have one more game left to play. You can read about the ensuing fallout over Italy-Scotland from the perspective of French, Italian, and Scottish fans. Or you can read about the conspiracy theories.
But basically everyone is unhappy. Italians wish that Scotland had qualified instead of France, Scotland feels that Italy cheated, and France don’t give a fuck. So we’re all one big (un)happy family in Group B.
Kim Kallstrom came on as a second half sub in Sweden’s 3-0 loss to Spain. With 25 points, Spain are first side qualified for the finals in Group F, and though Sweden are only two points adrift in second place, Northern Ireland (at 20 points) could bypass them. Sweden must at least get a draw next Wednesday in their home game against Latvia to ensure qualification.
Milan Baros started Czech Republic’s win over Slovakia. Since the Czech Republic – along with Germany – are already qualified in Group D, their qualifier against Cyprus this Wednesday has no significance.
Kader Keita participated in the friendly between the Ivory Coast and Angola. The match, which was held in France, resulted in an Angola win.
All six Lyon players that have been called up by Raymond Domenech participated in France’s draw with Morocco in a friendly. Karim Benzema started as lone striker, Francois Clerc got the nod at right back, and Sidney Govou reclaimed the right wing. In the second half, Jeremy Toulalan, Hatem Ben Arfa, and Sebastien Squillaci were subbed in. Since France are now qualified from Group B, their match against Ukraine has lost its urgency. The only thing at stake is who the group winner will be. If both France and Italy win, Italy will win the group since they have 26 points and France only 25. But if France win and Italy draw or lose, then France takes top spot.
Loic Remy, who was called up to France’s U21 team for the first time, scored on his debut in a friendly against Armenia (which ended in a draw). Les Espoirs have a tough away match against Wales today in their U21 qualifying group. Right now, France top Group 10 with 11 points.
Fabio Grosso did not play in Italy’s victory over Scotland. Since Italy is already qualified from Group B, all that’s left to fight for is first place (see above).
Results:
France – Morocco (2-2)
Spain – Sweden (3-0)
Czech Republic – Slovakia (1-2)
Ivory Coast – Angola (1-2)
Scotland – Italy (1-2)
France U21 – Armenia U21 (1-1)
Upcoming matches:
Wales – France U21 – (11/20/07)
Ukraine – France (11/21/07)
Sweden – Latvia (11/21/07)
Cyprus – Czech Republic (11/21/07)
Qatar – Ivory Coast (friendly 11/21/07)
Italy – Faroe Islands (11/21/07)
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Comments
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I told ya Scots were chokers.
Posted from
United States
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Aw, someone cares about Grosso — Inara, you’re so kind to give him a flag and everything. (You’re doing it only out of a feeling of obligation, aren’t you?)
Posted from
United States -
I do care about Grosso! He isn’t the best of players, but I love how he’s made such a big effort at integrating into Lyon’s team. I’m sure he had a hard time at first, being Italy’s world cup hero in a club that provides half of France’s national team, but he’s always the first player to congratulate a goal scorer, and he’s always cheerful during practices. It’s a nice change from the previous doom and gloom atmosphere at the club.
Posted from
United States -
I love this rivalry France Italy. France needs to whoop Italy’s ass. Italy is so lame.
Posted from
United States -
Believe or not, I would LOVE it if Italy banned French players from playing in Serie A.
Posted from
United States -
I think we all secretly want the premiership to go back to 3 foreign players. I would love that. France would get back to being the strongest league in a heartbeat.
Posted from
France -
Yeah I screw all the other leagues. French Ligue 1 has the biggest potential.
Posted from
United States -
I assume that’s entirely so you can have Mexes and Frey back, Inara?
Posted from
United States -
Yes, and Trezeguet. But you can keep Giuly.
On a serious note, I’d love it if Spain, England, and Italy didn’t buy French players for a period of two or three years just to see what would happen. Wishful thinking I know.
Posted from
United States
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