Reasons to support the Europeans

Those of us from small European football nations who have trouble qualifying for the World Cup should be encouraged by results to far.  Qualification places are allocated based on performance at previous tournaments, and so far, this has been a great tournament for Europe.

Five European teams have won and only one, reigning champions Germany, have lost.  Croatia got the better of Nigeria, one of Africa’s powerhouses, while Denmark and Serbia edged Peru and Costa Rica.

The draws involving European teams are probably more impressive.  Iceland matched Argentina while Switzerland drew level with Brazil last night.  Mikael Lustig’s Sweden take on South Korea this afternoon, before Dedryck Boyata’s Belgium face Panama.  Tunisia will be hoping to take something from England tonight to prevent a fourth consecutive defeat for African nations.