Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie

2013 World Cup expanding to 14 teams.

Options
  • 23-02-2010 3:18pm
    #1
    Dozen Wicked Words
    Closed Accounts Posts: 10,325 ✭✭✭✭


    After the successful previous World Cup down under, which had 10 teams, the RFL has successfully lobbied for an increase in the number of teams to 14.

    Link Here

    Or Link Here


    Over 20 nations will have the chance to qualify, looks like 1 qualifier from northern and 1 qualifier from southern hemisphere will join 12 teams who go straight through to the finals.

    Any guesses on the 12?

    Australia, New Zealand, England, France, PNG (hopefully they wont be stiffed by the format in 2013), any other certainties, Ireland???? Or will it just be, as the BBC link suggests, the 10 from the last World Cup plus Wales and Lebanon?


Comments

  • Options
    #2
    WakeyTyke
    Registered Users Posts: 526 ✭✭✭WakeyTyke


    The increase in teams should, in theory, increase exposure for the game and hopefully help to promote and develop the game in these additional countries.

    However, if thoughtful seeding isn't in place, the embarrasment of Australia or New Zealand annihilating one these countries will do nothing for the credibility of the game.


  • Options
    #3
    amacachi
    Closed Accounts Posts: 23,316 ✭✭✭✭amacachi


    Something like the last WC seedings would be fine with me. Maybe have one team in with Aus/NZ/England and have two of them straight through to the semis, the others to play winners or whatever of other groups. Though it was unfair that PNG were put straight out, though having a team lose all their matches then advance further than a team who hasn't lost.


  • Options
    #4
    toomevara
    Registered Users Posts: 5,772 ✭✭✭toomevara


    dooferoaks wrote: »
    Or will it just be, as the BBC link suggests, the 10 from the last World Cup plus Wales and Lebanon?

    Reckon so, maybe a case for Serbia?


Advertisement