[barroldinho]

When it was announced that the UEFA playoffs would be seeded, a debate arose about whether this was fair or appropriate.

I was part of a lengthy exchange with one Viola Star in which I opposed seeding at the playoff stage while he supported it.

He then proposed a wager where if 4 seeds qualified, I'd tip my hat to him, if 2 non-seeds made it, vice versa and if it was 3-1, we'd both tip hats.

So here's to a mutual hat tipping. I'm not sure if the playoffs truly settled the argument: four tight ties, no trouncing, one non-seed qualifying and another eliminated in controversial fashion.

But what's done is done and here's to a good WC and a early French elimination!

[BocaFan]

Yeah, I think France nicely illustrated the problem with over-seeding a competition. They're simply not that good anymore. Yup its possible for a NT to go from being really good to mediocre.

Anyway I guess France will be seeded for the world cup draw too, yeah? Still being awarded for accomplishments made in the Zidane-era even though he's long gone. Everyone would love to draw France in their group.

[Viola Star]

Originally Posted by NapoliSupporter

Yeah, I think France nicely illustrated the problem with over-seeding a competition.

I think Bosnia nicely illustrated the problem with not
seeding! Portugal could have won 10-2 and
completely outclassed them without Cronaldo.
Their best result throughout qualifying was
one draw with Turkey.

The Ruskies let me down. Totally shocking result.

Oh well, as barroldinho said, what's done is done
and we call it a draw.

[BocaFan]

If Bosnia were that terrible (I don't agree BTW) then they would've certainly lost to Ireland or Slovenia too. So again, there's no harm in not seeding.

[Viola Star]

But if France were so terrible then how can Ireland not
beat them over two-legs? And forget about the handball
as France had two great penalty claims turned down
and, like Portugal, were missing their star player.

[BocaFan]

Originally Posted by Viola Star

But if France were so terrible then how can Ireland not
beat them over two-legs?

I didn't say they were "so terrible". They're roughly at the same level as Ireland, IMO. But the advocates of double-seeding built their argument around the "horror" of a France-Portugal playoff matchup that a non-seeded playoff draw might produce. In hindsight that wouldn't have been such a terrible injustice since clearly France aren't anything special ATM. It would've been rough luck on France, but not anything they don't deserve.

[Lusankya]

My opinion is that France still has more "potential", but the players don't trust Domenech, no one but mybe the bosses of FFF trust him. I guess with a better coach France would be a better team. I think it is clear they have the players.

In my opinion seeding just can't be that bad. Either teams are very close, then it doesn't really matter or teams aren't close then it is justified.

It just needs to be announced by FIFA before the qualification begins. That shouldn't be too hard. I don't know why they think they shouldn't do this?
Their "favorite" teams always should have sufficient ranking when they at least reach the second place.

I hope UEFA do better than FIFA during the EURO 2012 qualifying.

[ViscaBarca]

Originally Posted by Lusankya

It just needs to be announced by FIFA before the qualification begins.

was that a FIFA decision? I would have thought UEFA are in charge of the European qualification process...

[Viola Star]

Originally Posted by NapoliSupporter

I didn't say they were "so terrible". They're roughly at the same level as Ireland, IMO.

I would strongly disagree.

Originally Posted by Lusankya

My opinion is that France still has more "potential", but the players don't trust Domenech, no one but mybe the bosses of FFF trust him. I guess with a better coach France would be a better team. I think it is clear they have the players.

France have the players to improve and win the
World Cup.

But the advocates of double-seeding built their argument around the "horror" of a France-Portugal playoff matchup that a non-seeded playoff draw might produce.

Well, I'm not sure the arguments were built around
that exactly, more around the belief that
you should have to prove yourself good enough
to beat an established football force. The real
'horror' in my opinion would have been
Bosnia v Ukraine/Ireland and...well I
want to say Slovenia but I'll have to
congratulate them instead.

[barroldinho]

Originally Posted by Viola Star

I would strongly disagree.

Based on what? In this qualification Ireland have played both of the previous World Cup finalists and came close to beating them.

Whatever potential France might have, it's the here-and-now that counts and at this point, Ireland have shown themselves as able to match the best on their day.