The Idonesian FA have cancelled the draw for the U-20 World Cup which was due to take place on Friday. The reason being, they don't want Israel competing at the tournament & they have even said they could cancel/postpone the tournament because of this. https://www.pssi.org/news/drawing-dibatalkan
Between England, France, and Brazil - the 3 favourites - it seems like their squad will be by far the least depleted. Utterly bizarre. Israel qualified for the tournament last July, how are they only making a fuss of it now?
I reckon they're trying to pull a Qatar. Waiting til the last minute to announce they're changing the rules of engagement because at that stage it's hard for FIFA to change host country. Indonesia don't have the clout of Qatar though and this is way worse than Qatar saying no booze.
Israel had never qualified for the U20 World Cup before so when Indonesia originally bid they probably assumed it would not be an issue. Some suggestions Iraq doesn't want their participation either. Obviously a real shame if this squad were denied the chance of competing in such a big youth tournament, particularly as England were supposed to compete back in 2021 also. It might be a while until England next qualify, 2005 squad don't seem that talented. They'll also have compromised U19 qualifiers to prepare several 2004 players for a tournament that never happens. Apparently they've already received (not from England) alternative offers. I don't know either but they were unable to select players from their third tier due to club commitments.
Leading 1-0 thanks to a Bashir Humphreys volley from a set piece. Should be 2-0, Scott (I think) hitting the post with a header from close range. Playing very well so far, very confident on the ball in what resembles what I assume is effectively going to be our starting 11 come the world cup should it go ahead.
1-1. Almost complete dominance from England before being caught by a counter-attack just before half time.
Finished 1-1. Complete reversal in the second half with France pegging us back and unlucky not to win.
FIFA on the U20 WC - "Fifa has decided, due to the current circumstances, to remove Indonesia as the host of the Fifa U20 World Cup 2023," a Fifa statement said. "A new host will be announced as soon as possible, with the dates of the tournament currently remaining unchanged. Potential sanctions against the PSSI may also be decided at a later stage." Half an hour before Fifa's announcement, PSSI executive committee member Arya Sinulingga said he was "very pessimistic" about Indonesia keeping the hosting rights. "If we make political requirements in sports, it'll always be like this. We will be exiled from the football ecosystem. "It's very tough for all of us. We're headed into a calamity in sports. We have to separate football or sports and politics." https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65113802
Assuming they find some alternative hosts (which I assume shouldn't be difficult given the relatively small scale of the tournament) it could actually turn out be beneficial for us if the tournament gets pushed slightly and lets us take our full squad.
Apparently it's likely to be Argentina, they're certainly quite keen anyway. It would probably have to be someone who hasn't qualified (which Argentina haven't) as I assume Indonesia won't be allowed to compete.
Crazy story, and inevitable that FIFA have to do this - guess biggest question is now where does it go? Plus who gets the qualifiers spot as 'hosts'?
Argentina are widely reported as interesting and apparently meeting with FIFA this week so I imagine it will probably go there and they will take the slot as hosts.
Could be quite a hostile atmosphere in our games if that's the case. Will be a good experience for our lads
Going by the social media posts of the squad that played this week it seems most of them are really hoping to play at the World Cup.
Patino has come on at half time. It’s very puzzling why he was absent. Just not in favour? or does he has attitude/discipline issues or is he rejecting call ups to rest or because he wants to play for Spain.
Impossible to know but if he's come off the bench then it opens the possibility that he had a slight knock.
Mentioned earlier on another thread, Miles Leaburn of Charlton has scored in 4 consecutive games and now has 10 league goals this season. Born Nov 2003, 6ft 5 striker.
Miles Leaburn (2003) on the scoresheet once again, this time vs Shrewsbury Town - The athletic striker has now scored in 4 consecutive games for Charlton. pic.twitter.com/GrJiCBwpre— The Next Wave (@_TheNextWave_) April 1, 2023
I notice Alex Scott is suffering from a ‘Minor knee ligament Injury’ (Clubs words) he suffered during the last match of the international meet up. No timeframe on his recovery.
Chukwuemeka not even making the bench at the CL despite being eligible. Don’t think he is injured. With Chelsea set to sell so many homegrown players this summer (The only ones safe are Chilwell, James and anyone brought since last summer) he might not be able to go on loan either.