Personally, I feel like there is zero chance of Gauci being starting keeper at Villa no matter what Martinez does. If he goes, they'll sign another first choice. On that basis, I don't know what Gauci is doing there. Go and get yourself a starting gig!!

https://www.theportsmouthnews.com/2025/06/21/mousinho-buzzing-as-portsmouth-land-most-clinical-young-player-in-world-football/

Definitely agree that there's probably zero chance of Iran playing in World Cup.

Great article mate. I enjoyed the read, and as might have been picked up from my previous forum posts, I'm completely aligned with your thoughts around the team.

100% agree. Awarding to them in the first place tells me all I need to know about how AFC works.

https://www.nst.com.my/sports/football/2025/06/1230526/afc-under-fire-over-saudi-qatar-hosting-world-cup-qualifiers Iraq, UAE, Oman and Indonesia all unhappy with the selection of non-neutral host location. Sounds like decision may be reconsidered. FIFA and AFC are a bloody joke.

He also follows a couple of Trump groups on his social media account.

Always seemed a strange fit to me. I'm speculating a little, but not too sure how aligned progressive and left wing St Pauli and deeply religious Noah Botic (a Trump supporter if you believe Reddit) would be on social issues.

Yes, really couldn't imagine him there at all.

Just saw on Wikipedia that there are 3 pots. Saudi (#58) only just ahead of Iraq (#59) in pot 1.

That's exactly what it is. Outrageous that it not be in a neutral country and that Saudi and Qatar will have home games. Hope that both get smashed. So does this mean that Saudi and Qatar are in separate pots? Are there seedings in place?

And big Zeljko?

Don't know why he'd go to Hungary. Hungry Jacks would be a better career option for him.

I reckon this pretty well sums it up. Schwarzer definitely GOAT in my books, but I'd definitely have Ryan second for GKs.

I accept the point you're making, though I would say that FIFA rankings are a bit of a joke and often don't seem to reconcile with reality. Looking at who finished 3rd and 4th in each group as a measure of the average strength of the group and the ease at which it is possible to qualify in the...