ASPINA GIVES SANCHEZ A HEADACHE

Teams less able than Holland, Hungary, Wales and even Slovakia will have snuck their way into the Russian 2018 World Cup finals. Blame it on the Europeans knocking each other out, as I mentioned last time. It is jolly good that some of the smaller nations have a chance to compete on the big stage, isn't it?
Clearly yesterday's blog title didn't attract as many readers as previous titles but there you are, those unbelievers have missed some little gems...that's what I think anyway.

So who has got through from the rest of the World. Not the USA! Why should they but on the other hand since SOCCER is growing fast in the States, shored up by the many Trump refugees from Mexico and a few British old lags, perhaps they should be there, flying the flag? Did the USA soccer players take the knee during the anthem?
The USA went out after their 1-2 defeat by Trinidad and Tobago, one of the great soccer nations. It is the first time that the USA have not made the finals since 1986. TandT did not.
Honduras go on to a play off with Australia. The Socceroos (also sometimes known as the Tim Cahill XI) have just beaten Syria to get there. The Syrian progress is remarkable considering all their issues.

Argentina were hauled back into the competition by Messi's hat trick after his team were 0-1 down to Ecuador up in the mountains, in a rarified atmosphere.

Panama and Iceland, "Worlds" apart, are appearing for their first time. Watch that Finals draw for Iceland or Panama v England? tragic.

David Ospina, Arsenal and Colombia's goalkeeper, is rated as the safest Premier League goalkeeper. His club's goals have been rated by "minutes between conceded goals"-150 mins apparently with 47% clean sheets. Just to confirm his ability, Ospina had a part to play in the South American qualifications as Peru beat Colombia last night, following his attempt to save an indirect free kick, shot directly at his goal. Instinct STUNK.
Note that his club team mate Alexis Sanchez is suffering from this error as his team, Chile, lost to Brazil 0-3 and are out on goal difference. Looking forward to the next session under Arsene?

Have a read of this;
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2017/10/11/david-ospina-costs-alexis-sanchez-world-cup-chance-bizarre-fashion/
It is also worth noting the goalkeeper who let a throw in directly into his goal, doh!

More teams flooding to Russia, include Brazil, Uruguay and Colombia.
Egypt, Nigeria, with several African ties yet concluded.
Iran, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea
Costa Rica, Mexico
AND NOW to calm your nerves-
Here are some natty skills for you to practise when you get a moment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSy0UgUy-zo