Here we are for the final time in 2016 getting set for a FIFA international window.
What that means is the club game takes a seat by the pool, with a drink in hand under the hot sun.
For those poor soccer souls deprived of a getaway, it is back to World Cup qualifying this weekend, and another chance for the international game to redeem itself following a generally pretty crappy 2016.
Harsh? Perhaps, but this year will be remembered for Euro 2016, which unless you are Portuguese, Icelandic or Welsh was a complete snooze-fest. Euro symbolized what international soccer has become: an overly tactical, defensively dominated game, where the ‘have-nots’ can on a regular basis stymie the ‘haves’ at the cost of entertaining soccer.
World Cup qualifiying on Sportsnet: Watch 26 matches from 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying and Spain vs. England in a high-profile friendly live on Sportsnet from November 11-13. Consult the broadcast schedule
There is some hope, though. Qualifying for the 2018 World Cup is about to get serious, especially given that only the group winners in Europe move on, and runners-up enter the playoffs. These matches do matter, and although that does result in negativity on the pitch, the drama levels are soon to be raised a notch or two.
Meanwhile, Germany is stuffing all that defensive nonsense up Otto Rehhagel’s backside, and is a looking ominously good once again.
There are also some top matches—USA vs. Mexico, Argentina vs. Brazil and England vs. Scotland are three contests boasting teams that have a genuine dislike for each other.
OLD RIVALS
Speaking of England vs. Scotland, much has been written about what this rivalry has become, and what it once was. It is still one I look forward to, and Scotland is a very good test for an England team trying to establish an identity.
England should smash Scotland; talent wise there is no comparison, but as we know England’s neighbours, be them to the north, or west, love to have a go at their rivals.
This result could have the fate of two managers hanging by a thread. A win, and England’s Gareth Southgate will in all likelihood get offered the job full time, while a loss could mean Scotland’s Gordon Strachan will likely be looking for a new job.
POOR TIMING FOR MLS
The timing of this international break hurts Major League Soccer, which has to stop its playoff mid-stream ahead of the Conference Finals next week.
Is there a solution? Yes, and it really needs to be considered. Midweek games and more of them—surely it is that easy? A December 10 MLS Cup Final is ludicrous; in fact it was bad enough in 2010 when BMO Field hosted the final on November 21!
Cram the schedule tighter. I understand the challenges given geography and weather, but surely the MLS brain trust can figure this thing out. Footballers can play more than one game a week on occasion.
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