[theasfl]

Originally Posted by redmarkYankees

Just checked back, it was indeed bababui who first said Europe underperformed.

I wasn't particularly arguing against CONCACAF at all, I started speculating off the top of my head about whether CONCACAF or Asia were underperforming most in recent years. The discussion about Europe grew from there; Europe provides half the teams because it has at least half the talent, historically. It's record in getting teams to the semis I believes justifies that on a crude level. We could calculate a WIN% by federation games played, but I can't be bothered. I'd guess SA would come top, then Europe. After that, I have no idea.

Mexico are always mentioned as a danger, but have never really in my lifetime justified it - yes, Spain is a very apt comparison. I think Spain might actually do well this time, but they could still have one bad game in the QFs and go out to an inferior side.

I could argue that if more World Cups were played in the Americas, we'd do better than we have in the past...or if there were less in Europe, theyd do worse than they have...but I see no point in this.

I have no problem with the way teams get in now, but as Ive said before Id like to see some more expansion to give the smaller federations a chance to prove themselves. I suppose a little play-in type mini qualifying tournament with say 8-12 teams for 4 places (2 or 3 groups of 4) or something along those lines could theoretically act as a finals expansion to a degree. If its broadcast here, then it may be a good idea...so long as its teams are equally drawn from each federation.