Ben OZ
21 Dec 2002, 11:10 PM
SBS today released the likely qualification process for Oceania for 2006.
Out of the 12 teams (New Caledonia are likely to be granted full Oceania membership), the top 4 will be seeded and bye. While the remaining 8 playoff. Not too sure whether the playoff is a knock-out or round-robin format.
The top 2 from the playoff series join the top 4 series in the final round group of 6 in a round-robin home and away format of 10 rounds over a 12 month period.
Current FIFA Rankings:
New Zealand 49
Australia 50
Tahiti 113
Fiji 140
--------------------
Solomon Islands 142
Vanuatu 156
Samoa 161
Papua New Guinea 167
Tonga 175
Cook Islands 182
American Samoa 201
* New Caledonia are the 7th best side in Oceania according to ELO Ratings
Out of the 12 teams (New Caledonia are likely to be granted full Oceania membership), the top 4 will be seeded and bye. While the remaining 8 playoff. Not too sure whether the playoff is a knock-out or round-robin format.
The top 2 from the playoff series join the top 4 series in the final round group of 6 in a round-robin home and away format of 10 rounds over a 12 month period.
Current FIFA Rankings:
New Zealand 49
Australia 50
Tahiti 113
Fiji 140
--------------------
Solomon Islands 142
Vanuatu 156
Samoa 161
Papua New Guinea 167
Tonga 175
Cook Islands 182
American Samoa 201
* New Caledonia are the 7th best side in Oceania according to ELO Ratings