11/23/24
June 08, 2005
Japan first in to 2006 World Cup.: Japan beat N. Korea 2-0 today to grab the first place in next year's World Cup (along with hosts Germany who get an automatic spot). Kim Jong-Il was not amused and cut off rations to another village. Meanwhile, the US can pretty much lock up a World Cup berth with a victory against Panama tonight (830p EST/530p PST). Who else will qualify today?
posted by worldcup2002 to soccer at 01:05 PM - 12 comments
That's hilarious. I wouldn't be surprised if he did that.
posted by YelirNoj at 01:12 PM on June 08, 2005
Looks like Iran also qualified along with Japan. The top two in each of the two groups in Asia automatically qualify. Then I think the third team in each group play each other home and away for the 5th spot. Or that 5th team might have to play Australia home and away and then that winner gets in. But anyway, Japan and Iran are the better teams in that group. Korea had a nice run last world cup but they aren't that good. They were exciting though, so hopefully they can get in, but it's a long shot for them now.
posted by djKianoosh at 01:54 PM on June 08, 2005
The Asia 5th plays the CONCACAF 4th for a spot.
posted by mbd1 at 02:04 PM on June 08, 2005
South Korea was in in 2002.N.Korea has never qualified.
posted by HOE.O.K. at 02:15 PM on June 08, 2005
830p EST/530p PSTESPN Has a tape delay at 1:00 am eastern or ESPN Deportis at 11:00 or 11:30 eastern.US vs Panama.US by 2.
posted by HOE.O.K. at 02:32 PM on June 08, 2005
Actually, N. Korea pulled probably the greatest upset in World Cup history in '66. Pak Doo-ik scored in the 41st minute and N. Korea held on to beat Italy 1 -0 and stun the world (outside the U.S.). An even bigger upset was brewing when they met Eusebio's Porugal in the quarter-finals. N. Korea scored in the first minute and were up 3-0 after 22 minutes before Eusebio took control. He scored 4 goals and Augusto scored the fifth to make it 5-3 Portugal, who I believe lost to England in the semi-finals before winning the whole thing. In CONCACAF tonight I'll pick Mexico over T & T by 2, U.S. over Panama by 1 and a draw between Costa Rica and Guatemala.
posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 03:39 PM on June 08, 2005
That '66 NK team was the subject of a recent documentary (one of many films with the same name) which was decent viewing. A lot of focus on how the players related to KJI's daddy and what their lives where like back in the day. I'll take US, Mexico and the home team between CR/G tonight, with the winner of that third match going on to advance to Germany.
posted by billsaysthis at 04:16 PM on June 08, 2005
I'm glad to watch the Cards-Red Sox game tonight, but I'd be thrilled to be able to see USA-Panama as well. I'll try to catch at least the first half on Telemundo, which is starting its delayed broadcast an hour and a half before espn2.
posted by mbd1 at 04:20 PM on June 08, 2005
Iran is also in after beating Bahrain. It would take a minor miracle after last night for the US and Mexico not to punch tickets to Germany.
posted by trox at 09:05 AM on June 09, 2005
As the final qualifying to Germany 2006 comes to a end.I was right in my picks to go in 70% of my choices.Still needs some improvement.Something I will work on for 2010. Bravo to the lads from the Risng Sun.My best pick in their group.Rounds all 'round to them.Lets hope our good next door neighbor and us will meet again in a crucial Cup match.
posted by clarencesmmns at 01:05 PM on June 09, 2005
Argentina and Brazil, the Celtics and Rangers of South America or what?
posted by billsaysthis at 11:52 PM on June 09, 2005
Hey, I was joking about Premier Kim, so don't be hatin', all you Kim Jong-Il fans. I know he would never let his people starve.