World Cup Qualifying Kicks off Today

Credit: FIFA

Okay, so it actually kicked off two years ago in Oceania and Asia.

But today is the day when some of the world’s most talented nations begin their quest for World Cup glory, as UEFA’s confederation’s turn their eyes to Brazil 2014.

Here are 6 story lines to look forward to:

• Can Spain defend their crown: Coming off three successive major tournament titles, including the Euro 2012 crown earlier this summer, Spain gets back to business. Can Xavi, Iniesta, David Silva, etal produce the magic that everyone expects? They should be able to. Their only true opposition in qualifying will be France, and even if Spain finish second, they should qualify for the World Cup via the playoffs. Once there, its game on for the rest of the world.
• Group A in UEFA qualifying is wide open: At least four, maybe five countries, have a legitimate shot at winning this group. Belgium must be the favorites, with Premier League stars Eden Hazard, Marouane Fellaini, Romelu Lukaku, Thomas Vermaelen in tow, but you can’t count out Serbia, who has made the last two World Cups. Also fighting for a spot is Real Madrid’s latest signing Luka Modric and Croatia, who always seems to grind out wins. Add to that Scotland and Wales, and you’ve got one of the most dynamic groups in the world. There will be plenty of terrific matches to see over the next 14 months.
• Can Japan and South Korea keep up the positive momentum: Japan and South Korea both made it to the semi-finals of the Olympics men’s football tournament just over a month ago, with South Korea winning the bronze medal in the third-place game. However it will be interesting to see how this carries over into World Cup qualifying. The Olympic tournament on the men’s side is under-23 players, so there is a good chance of them representing their full national team during the qualifying campaign. So far, so good. Japan and South Korea both lead their groups in round 4 of the Asian Football Confederation qualifying tournament.
• Nigeria’s fall from grace, with Zambia’s rise: There isn’t a much sadder story in world football than the demise of Nigeria. Since the Super Eagles’ poor showing at the World Cup in South Africa, in their home continent, they suspended from playing by FIFA for governmental interference (albiet just for a month), missed out on the 2012 African Cup of Nations, and suffered poor draws with Ethiopia, Botswana, Rwanda, and embarrassing losses to Guinea and Peru, of all teams. Meanwhile, in the southern part of the continent, the Chipolopolo (Copper Bullets) of Zambia are on the up and up. They overcame all obstacles to win the 2012 African Cup of Nations, and it will be interesting to see if they can continue the good play to make it to Brazil. Star striker Emmanuel Mayuka this summer earned a move from Young Boys in Switzerland to Southampton of the Premier League. Currently they are in third place, with Sudan, Ghana, and Lesotho, with just four games to go. It won’t be easy, but I think they can accomplish the feat, and knock Ghana out.
• Mexico’s international dominance at all levels: It’s been quite a couple of years for the Mexican football federation. In 2011, the U-17 national team won the U-17 World Cup at home, in front of over 100,000 screaming fans, The U-20 team finished third in the U-20 World Cup, and the full national team won the Gold Cup. This summer, the Men’s Olympic team, basically a U-23 team with 3 overage players, won the tournament, beating Brazil 2-1 in the final, shocking the world. Brazil looked unbeatable till that game. Mexico shouldn’t worry about making it to the World Cup. They’ve made it six times in a row.
• Can Klinsi’s magic continue: Just over a year ago, team USA was in a major rut. They were soundly defeated by Mexico at the Gold Cup, and a year after another somewhat disappointing World Cup showing (though they won their group), it was time for a coaching change. In comes Jurgen Klinsmann, and so far, so good. The former Germany and Bayern Munich boss has lead team USA to gritty wins over Italy and Mexico in the last 9 months, both games on foreign soil, as well as taking care of business at home in friendly matches. But tonight starts the real test. Can the German imports of Danny Williams, Fabian Johnson, Jermaine Jones and Terrance Boyd continue their success for the Nats? Will Landon Donovan, in what is likely his final World Cup cycle, cap an international career that borders amongst the all time greats around the world (side note: he is nursing a hamstring injury and was not called up for the home and home vs. Jamaica). Will Clint Dempsey’s move to Spurs pay dividends for the 29 year old midfielder? And, more importantly for me, how will young players like Brek Shea and  Joe Corona, currently called up, fit into the side, whether now, or surely in the future, when we hope they can be permanent fixtures in the side. Shea was instrumental in the lone goal scored vs. Mexico last month in Estadio Azteca leading to the historic win. I’m willing to bet he has another big impact again off the bench this World Cup qualifying campaign.