By Andrew Warshaw
December 6 – It’s being described as the European ‘floater; and it could have major ramifications at today’s eagerly awaited World Cup draw in Brazil. Under a new formula designed to ensure an even geographical spread, before the main draw even takes place one of the nine unseeded European teams from Pot Four will be drawn at random by organisers and switched to Pot Two alongside Ecuador, Chile and the five African contenders, with the likelihood of meeting not only one of the top World Cup seeds but also another strong European team.
Europe have never won the tournament on South American soil and in the build-up to the draw, there were some dubious conspiracy theories as to why France, as the lowest-ranked of the European sides and who qualified through the playoffs, were not chosen automatically as the European team moved to Pot Two rather than have a random selection.
The decision was apparently taken by the six Confederation presidents and some reports, mainly in England, pointed the finger at UEFA president Michel Platini for allegedly trying to manoeuvre an easier path for his country even though the European Pot 2 ‘floater’ could end up being either advantaged or disadvantaged by the main draw depending on who gets picked out of the other pots as opponents.
Everyone of course will be hoping to avoid the proverbial Group of Death especially given the fact that none of the established soccer powers, possibly with the exception of Sweden, bowed out in qualifying which comprised over 800 games across six continents.
“This will be the best World Cup ever,” declared former Brazilian superstar Ronaldo, the tournament’s top scorer in 2002 when he led his country to their fifth world title.
“European teams have done well recently at the World Cup, but you will have South American countries who will be difficult to beat on their own continent. The other confederations are improving now, too. We have never seen depth like this.”
Perhaps more significant than the makeup of groups themselves will be kickoff times and locations. Some countries will have to travel thousands of miles for their group games into vastly different regional temperatures, which is why adapting to the conditions may ultimately prove more problematic than who plays who.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1734836573labto1734836573ofdlr1734836573owedi1734836573sni@w1734836573ahsra1734836573w.wer1734836573dna1734836573