I like Bosnia a lot too Geoff. They've got the sort of talented yet not well-known players you want to see tested on a world stage, and have done really well so far. I hope they make it to South Africa, but against Russia or Portugal I'd fear for them.

I would also be tempted to have a little flutter on Bosnia springing an upset. They've got some quality players who are more than capable of turning it on against the big boys (Dzeko, Misimovic, Ibisevic, Salihovic).

If Ireland do end up meeting Germany/France or Portugal in the playoffs, what do you think of their chances? Hopeless? Or is there a glimmer of hope that they could qualify over two legs?

There has not been one comment from the bigger nation such as Germany / Russia nor France & Portugal who stand to benifit from this seeding as it has been done to give then a better chance of making the finals.

If the world ranking refelect these teams such as Germany France Italy Protugal etc as been comfortable the top ten teams in the World, how come they are struggling to make topping there respective groups in the first place ? this to me shows that FIFA and Seep Blatter need to seriously sit down and revaluate not because of size or football History a particular country has ! but rank it fairly regarding Win's losses and Draws and certainly not because Christian Ronaldo fifa's player might miss his chance to paly in the World cup Finals.

What stricks me is that FAI's very own John Delaney has not come out on the attack puplicaly but rather has had a few plesant conversation with FIFA officials regarding the situation because Delaney knows he along with FAI they will get some Finincial agreement for not creating a fuss and strengthen the chances of hosting the European or Champions league final at the new Landstown road over the next few years.

What looked like Ireland heading off to the World Cup in South Africa next year looks almost over, at least this time its not because of a few poor reults or droping stupid points to poor teams.

FIFA held an event at their HQ in Switzerland in the last few weeks at which several major sponsors unveiled their marketing campaigns for 2010 etc. I can't imagine there was no nudging FIFA to urge them to do all they can to make sure the World Cup is not without Ribery, Messi, Ronaldo and co.

For lesser nations like Latvia and Bosnia it can't be taken as anything other than a massive slap in the face to hear these arrangements now, so close to making the playoffs.

I'd probably suggest its 60% incompetence 40% a deliberate ploy.

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