FIFA rankings to reveal World Cup top seeds
18 Oct 2013 5:28 AM IST
Brazil vs Italy. Twice a World Cup final, it could be the World Cup opening match in Sao Paulo on June 12. And the second match could be a 2010 final repeat: Spain vs the Netherlands.
Thank the FIFA rankings that decide which teams are seeded if the World Cup receives such a blockbuster kickoff. The often-criticized rankings will surely be attacked on Thursday when they decide the eight top seeds in the World Cup groups being drawn on Dec. 6. The traditionally powerful Dutch and Italians should miss out.
Belgium and Colombia are likely in, with Brazil, Spain, Germany, Argentina plus Uruguay, if it beats Jordan in a playoff. Still, Switzerland’s expected presence in the elite will spark questions about how FIFA grades national teams over a four-year results cycle. There will be sticky nerves.
Thank the FIFA rankings that decide which teams are seeded if the World Cup receives such a blockbuster kickoff. The often-criticized rankings will surely be attacked on Thursday when they decide the eight top seeds in the World Cup groups being drawn on Dec. 6. The traditionally powerful Dutch and Italians should miss out.
Belgium and Colombia are likely in, with Brazil, Spain, Germany, Argentina plus Uruguay, if it beats Jordan in a playoff. Still, Switzerland’s expected presence in the elite will spark questions about how FIFA grades national teams over a four-year results cycle. There will be sticky nerves.
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