So they can reach a semi final of the Euro ( which according to you is tougher) but are not capable of advancing beyond group stage at WC ? So either we can say that their semifinal was a fluke, or at least Côte d'Ivoire are certainly capable of advancing to the Euro since they never left the World Cup winless unlike Russia .
Right, but since Netherlands did not make it to the semifinals of Euros but did make it to the semifinals of WC... You see the weakness of your argument?
It was worse, far worse. Netherlands finished last, pointless at UEFA 2012. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2012_Group_B
If you see this argument as weak, why did you bring Russia lone semifinal appearance in the Euro years ago to justify their superiority over 50% of WC representatives ? It is pretty clear that it does not give them "bragging rights" over half of the WC participants, considering their record in this competition...
Because it shows Russia's recent ability to advance far in the finals of major competitions. Have Cameroon, Honduras, Japan, Australia, CIV, Japan, Korea, Iran shown recent ability to advance far?
Some of these teams have shown the ability to advance to the round of 16 in the WC, thing that Russia has yet to do...
You were talking about conmebol vs Uefa, now you're talking African teams? Make up your mind, because yes, Bosnia, Russia,Croatia were all so much more impressive by the African nations you described! By the way, Algeria eliminated Russia. I think Algeria, Ecuador, Japan, and Australia (all from different continents) would do better than Russia, Bosnia, Slovakia, Ukraine, Slovenia, etc in euros.
I have NEVER talked about CONMEBOL vs UEFA. Algeria never eliminated Russia. Belgium eliminated Russia. Algeria had done nothing to eliminate Russia. And whether or not you think Algeria, Ecuador, Japan, and Australia could do better than Russia at Euros, let me point out that Japan and Australia actually finished lower at this WC than Russia. In addition, it just so happens that Ecuador finished below France and Switzerland in their group at this WC, did they not? Switzerland did not even make it to Euro 2012.
You're right, Russia just got unlucky to be drawn to such a difficult group, I almost feel bad for Russia, but wait, I don't. Because they are just bad at football, bottom line.
You've got to agree with me that even that is very debatable. I would say Russia is at the same level of japan at best, and they are below Australia, but that's my opinion as I don't have facts to back me up, just their style of play. I just think Russia has no talent and no overall technique besides going for ties. Australia has a pretty good player (Cahill) and japan as well (honda). And both japan and Australia don't rely on draws when they play.
First off, no one relies on draws. Russians did not wake up and said, "we need a draw". Secondly, it is irrelevant whether a country has talent. You and I would agree Portugal has more talent than Russia. Russia finished above Portugal in the qualification group. Talent does not matter, results do. Thirdly, while you are speculating, I do use facts. Russia is above both Australia and Japan in the WC standings and, for what it's worth, above them in the FIFA rankings.
Russia is above Mexico and Costa Rica on FIFA rankings, do you think Russia is better than those teams? Also, Spain leads that same ranking, do you still want to base your arguments on the ranking? Or do you want to base it on an overall standings where the teams only play 3 out of 32 if they get eliminated? You think Russia is better than japan and Australia simply because they had 1 and 2 points more respectively when they played Belgium, Algeria and Korea? Really? That's your train of thought, and your so called "facts"? Moreover, Japan's one point was on a draw against Greece (European superpower, right?) and Australia had Netherlands, chile and Spain in their group.....again, Russia lost to Belgium (another European superpower, lol) and tied with Korea and Algeria. Haha, dude, really? Cmonnnnnnn man!!!!!!
I bet you that Spain is no longer leading in the rankings after the WC and Russia may, indeed, be below both Mexico and Costa Rica in those rankings. Secondly, whatever you may think of my facts, they are, nevertheless, facts. Russia being above both Australia and Japan in this WC - fact. Russia being ranked higher in FIFA rankings than both of these squads - fact. What did you come to the table with? A hunch? A feeling? A preference?
They belong by losing to Belgium, tying to Korea and Algeria? While japan doesn't belong because they lost to colombia and Ivory Coast, but tied Greece. Also, Australia doesn't belong because they lost to chile, Netherlands and Spain? Also Australia scored more goals in that group than Russia against the teams in their group lol
Yes, Russia had two points with a "-1" GD. Even that loss came on an 89 minute goal, which, while deserved, was very unfortunate. Australia go crunch in two of their three matches. Japan had 1 point.
Comparing apple to oranges is not truly relevant. Germany is a traditional footballing NT, the point is, although they are great at getting far in the cup, they traditionally choke when it comes down to the finals. Comparing them with other traditional nations such as Brazil and Italy, they do indeed prove to choke when it counts. Italy was crowned champions in 4 out of 6. Brazil in 5 out of 7. And Germany in 3 out of 7. Am I wrong?
It is irrelevant. Groups will never be equal. Do the third-place teams from tougher groups qualify instead of second place teams from weaker groups?