World Cup Qualifying Heats Up

The past week has shown just how quickly a coach's fate can be turned upside down. German coach Jürgen Klinsmann sowed abuse after his team's dismal performance in Bratislava last Saturday. But with the reinstatement of young striker Lukas Podolski into the starting lineup against South Africa on Wednesday and the ensuing 4-2 victory, the calls for his head quieted. Fortunately for Klinsmann, Germany automatically qualifies for next year's World Cup as host.

Not so for England. Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson was well on his way to leading his side to direct qualification for the tournament just ten days ago. But a less than stellar performance against Wales that ended in a narrow 1-0 win against neighbor Wales was topped by a stunning 1-0 defeat at the hands of Northern Ireland.

A team England had not lost to since 1927. The reactions in the English press were quick and merciless. "Worst defeat in over 50 years" screamed the Daily Mirror. The tabloid The Sun was more direct -- fire Eriksson. And English fans who accompanied the team to Belfast sang "Sack the Swede."

Tactical mistakes

Not only the loss to minnows Northern Ireland left a bitter aftertaste, but also how it happened. The tactics of Eriksson have come under increasing criticism within the English Football Association.

"There's no form, no pattern to the team's play," one senior FA man told The Daily Telegraph. "Where's the pride? Sven's got to sort the bloody thing out."

Leaving striker Michael Owen alone to fend for himself with five supporting midfielders, including true forward Wayne Rooney, has left many a soccer fans and critics scratching their heads. Eriksson has refused to hang up his whistle pointing out that should England win their next two qualifiers in October, then England is qualified.

But that is easier said than done as England must beat Austria, third place in the group, and Poland, Group Six leaders.

Four African slots up for grabs

This weekend, the final four of the five African teams will be determined. Ghana is the only nation practically assured of qualifying for Germany 2006 after getting help from Burkina Faso who beat South Africa. Only an improbable chain of events would force them to alter their plans for next June.

In Group One, Togo and Senegal lie at the top on 20 and 18 points respectively. It won't be until Sunday that the group winner is clear. Senegal can seize the lead they beat Zambia on Friday. Togo must travel to Brazzaville to play Congo on Sunday.

Cameroon's Indomitable Lions made a spectacular comeback in Abidjan to beat nearest competitors Ivory Coast 3-2 last weekend. The Lions can assure themselves a spot on Sunday by winning against Egypt. Should the Ivory Coast lose to Sudan on Friday however, then Achille Webo, who scored a hat-trick against Ivory Coast will become an instant national hero.

Old standbys Nigeria hope to appear in their fourth World Cup in a row but need some help. They are even on points with Angola, but because the Angolans have a better head-to-head record, the Eagles will have be clear on points to qualify. This may be wishful thinking because Angola face last-place Rwanda on Sunday.

Finally, Confederations Cup participant Tunisia and Group Five leader hook up with second-place Morocco on Saturday in Tunis. A draw is all Roger Lemerre, who had led France to the EURO 2000 title, and his squad needs.